Waiting and more waiting

We arrived in Russia safely, after several hours of waiting. Waiting to board our next flight, waiting for our plane to land, waiting for our translator to pick us up, waiting until we arrived at the hotel, etc. When waiting for something to happen or someone to show up, we are left with a choice to make. We can either become upset and unapproachable, or, we can make the best of our time, to stop and think, to give our time to God. Several times while waiting for our plane, or during a layover, I would find myself becoming impatient. Before I left home, I got on my knees to be in God’s presence, but I found that I didn’t know what to pray for. I felt bad praying that he keep me safe, knowing that that is not God’s goal for me, but I didn’t want to ask him to put me in danger either. So I told him that no matter what, whether it took a plane crash or mile long lines to wait in, that my heart’s desire was for him to reveal himself to me and bring me closer to him. He reminded me of this several times when I was forced to wait in a line. Yesterday we went to the Passport Office to apply for Kristina’s passport. We waited in a line for 3 hours, with no one to talk to, nothing to do, but just stand there. There have been several instances where we have been faced with no choice but to wait. I took this time to pray and ask God to bring me closer to him so that when Kristina gets here, she will know that she belongs to a family who loves Jesus and wants the same for her. After all, that is God’s purpose for her coming to us, is it not? Yes, she does need a family, but she needs Christ more. If we are not bringing Christ to her, we are doing her no good.

Another instance when I was given the opportunity to wait was today on the trolley. We had to wait for the trolley to get there, and we also had to wait on the trolley to get to our next stop. On the trolley I began to feel hot, unnaturally hot. My insides felt as if they were on fire. My throat was closing up and I was struggling for breath. I couldn’t talk due to my lack of breath, so I tried to breath harder to get Hanlee’s attention. She looked at me with a smile saying “Really Maci? Really? Chill out” If you know me, you know that I am quite dramatic about pain. I was trying my hardest to not cause a scene. Hanlee was laughing at me so I turned my attention towards mom and Oksana to get their attention. By this point, I was losing my ability to see. Mom noticed and asked “Are you okay?” “No”, I said, “I can’t see”. After that I do not remember anything. From what they told me happened, I fainted on Mom’s shoulder for a few minutes, and an older lady gave up her seat so I could sit down. I woke up with someone massaging my back. I looked up at mom, and I could tell she was frazzled. They all had looks on there faces asking “Are you okay?” We got of the trolley at the next stop and went to a park bench to sit down.. After I was calmed down, we continued on our tour of Nevsky Street, which consisted of going to an open air market, eating at subway, and going to The Church of the Spilt Blood. All in all, it was a long and hectic day, but I was thankful for the opportunity to experience what Kristina has lived in her whole life.

by: Maci McCart



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