A University of Alberta Student (KT) is serving this summer in Asia, serving with local missionaries. Because of security concerns this student cannot be identified and the following letter from this student has been edited to keep the ministry safe. Pray for KT, from the University of Alberta BSM & "The Bridge. Summer 2005
I have arrived safely in Asia, and I can honestly say it is good to be back. I am over my jet lag now, which is a blessing (it took me a little while). My ride over was long and boring, but relatively uneventful. I had the opportunity to get to know some US soldiers, and fly here with them, so that was once again as a learning experience.
I am living with Dr. ****** , who is awesome. Dr. ***** runs a number of music programs in the country, including the conservatory, and truly has done an amazing job here being there are no band instruments, no equipment, and little support for her work. Dr. **** is leaving this summer, so I will be watching the Doctor's place and dog.
I am already getting my bearings. In a city where addresses are non-existent, directing a taxi can be hard, but with landmarks like Burger King, it is a bit easier. I do not think I have made to many horrible cultural mistakes yet, just little things, so I am waiting to see what my first big mess-up will be.
I have also learned I am not the only Canadian – some of you know G*** and T***, I have heard. It was rather entertaining talking to them…and they didn’t have accents! There is also another team of eight Canadian University students whom I have not yet met, and another individual that works across the border. I was kind of worried that I might end up with a southern accent while here, but it may be alright.
The work here is truly varied. I spent some time on the weekend with a Band from (). They were entertaining, and I got to know C*** a bit, who proved to be an amazing musician, and awesome working with the people. The weekend also brought an excursion to (a biblical) site, and a beautiful view overlooking the Promised Land (take a guess where) – I have seen them before, but it is still cool to see again.
This week is beginning my work. I went to Asia to teach English. In an area where girls marry at 10 years old and all veil, it takes some getting used to. There are two classes, one in the morning for women, and one in the afternoon for girls in grades 6 through 11. I can honestly say, this will be one of the best experiences while here. I will be going there Mondays and Wednesdays for much of my stay here. An interesting aspect of work in this village is that they have started a program of micro-financing and no-interest loans in order to equip people to begin businesses.
I start private Arabic tutorial this week, and am currently teaching myself to read and write Arabic. It is a challenge, but manageable with a little discipline and a lot of time.
Even being here less than a week, I can say with complete confidence that we are desperate for workers in this area of the world.
Well that is all for now. It has just begun, and already I have too many stories to recount, so I will not try.
KT, May 2005
