how long does transition last

Before heading over here to Moscow I was sent on a 2 week training course called Transition training. We learnt a lot of theory about transitioning into a new culture - some of it practical, some if it seemingly irrelevant. Having been here now for 24 weeks and 3 days I am still wondering does transition end - or is this just another stage. I begin to think I am adjusting and managing my work and living in a comfortable way and then wham - suddenly I face an experience and I wonder what on earth am I doing here - why am I not back in Australia - comfortable in an appointment and near my rapdily growing grandchildren and where I can support and love my kids through their their life journey.

So in this note I want to reflect a little on what it has meant to come and live and work here in Moscow.

Our flight and arrival here came without a hitch - well almost - we did get lost in Dubai on a very hot day without hats and in Rammadan ( no shops open) - but we survived and learnt some quick lessons about being prepared. A friend had warned us about rammadan - but we had not checked the dates - so lesson one - be prepared , do your research.

We settled quicky into the way of life and work here. Our first apartment was very small and so for Ron & I coming from aus - from a lifestyle of a large 4 bedroom house , 2 cars, separate jobs into a tiny living space, sharing our office and sharing the same job and public transport our world was turned upside down and back to front. We found we were doing everything together. We travelled everywhere, Ron even went shopping with me. Ron took over managing finances - no sense 2 people worrying about keeping the wallet secure from pick pockets, and after losing my bag once and having to replace all cards - I was not carrying a hand bag around. (Well I rarely did in aus either - so maybe that was the problem) Learning to work together again in this new role came with adjustments and years of experience in trying to understand each other. After 3 months we were able to move to a larger apartment which gives us more space. Lesson number 2 - we still love each other and can work together.

Understanding the language is important but you manage surprisingly well even though there is not a lot of English speaking people in Russia. You begin to pick up the words that help to survive - like how much is that, where is, excuse me, thank you and the daily greetings. When shopping you can read the cash register and so manage the currency. The numers look the same as ours even if the alphabet is is so different. It took a bit to get used to the high numbers when spending roubles - a takeaway meal costing hundreds? Coffee & cake at Gloria Jeans 550 roubles? But you do your math and roughly work it out - even with dollar value going up and down so much - in the end you have a set amount of rouble to live on for the month and we have not been without so far. In the work environment there were enough English speaking people and the Russians are happy to practice English. So it would be possible to work out our time and not learn the language. Lesson 3 - it takes practice and comittment to learn a language.

We have travelled into several countries as part of our role here. After 3 months we left Russia to renew our visa in Moldova. In the new year we went into Georgia and then Ron visited Romania for 1 week in February. Each of these countries whilst all part of the former Soviet Union and therefore have cultural similarities and issues from that period - each is also very unique. From the rural village life to the historically significant and beautiful countryside we have been amazed at the opportunity we have to observe and work in this part of the world. The challenges are great and many of the issues are not fixed just by putting dollars together in a project. For each of these places that the army now work have many challenges as we endevour to make a difference in communities and spread the gospel.. Being Jesus and a light in a culture that has been influenced through religious orthodox and political regimes is not easy. Finacial constraints in a environment that is difficult to gain local support and an increasing awareness of donor fatigue toward Europe means that the corps live on an annual budget that would equal a one month budget in aus. I have come from a western culture and financial Territory having worked in areas where there was freedom to work in a generous budget. Here there are corps that measure how much water is used to flush a toilet so they can afford the water rates. ( That is if the corps has a flushing toilet?) Lesson number 4 - leave behind my western thinking and learn what it is that shapes and makes these people who they are. What is right for me in aus may not be here. What is important for me in aus may not be here.

I like to fix things that I think are broken - I am a practical person. I like to role up my sleeves and get involved. My job here primarily has me at a desk with excel spreadsheets and filing and I connect with workers by internet and ocassioanlly by skype phone. There has been some meetings with key workers as we travelled - but these months have mostly been spent in an office at a desk. I sit on a number of committees and hopefully contribute in some way through this. This has at times been very frustrating. But I am reassured that the work we do is important, and bringing some order and experience to projects here in the Territory. Lesson number 5 - I am here to support them in their journey, I am not here to fix it!

So I am sure the lessons will continue as we work through the varied transitions and immerse ourselves into this culture. We came with a willinglness to serve God in whatever capcity He has for us. May He continue to give us the strength and wisdom to be the peopleHe wants us to be.
Lyn