Journal
Long Distance
11 April 2006 › 27 comments
I have been putting off writing this post, mainly because it is so emotionally draining that I do not yet want to think about it. However, it will save me having to spend the time explaining it to everyone via email or instant messenger. My wife left today for her home country of Estonia, for roughly two years. I am remaining in Boise, Idaho. That’s the short of it. I’ll explain the rest, but want say that we are not having any maritial difficulties, aside from having to be apart from each other.
She will be living with her parents and will be working as a translator / teacher for a Bible college, which is being started by a group of churches in the United States. She will be taking all of their English curriculum, and converting it into Russian, which can then be translated into Estonian. I am really proud of her, and think that she will benefit countless people through her service. I am actually crying a bit as I write this, partially because of missing her already, but also out of admiration, that I am married to such an amazing woman.
Okay, surely you are wondering – “Why the heck does she have to go for two years?” Well, basically she got free college and grad school. Tuition, books, room and board were paid for by the generous contributions of various congregations around the US. Had it not been for this, she probably would not have had this opportunity. She grew up under Soviet rule, and as a pastor her dad doesn’t make enough to afford expensive American universities.
The condition of the scholarship is to spend two years back in her home country. Basically, churches were tired of financially supporting foreign ministry students who never went back and served their own people. So, she owes time but not money. When the opportunity to work with this Bible college came up, we both felt that it would be the best way for her to make the most of the duration. In other words, rather than just go over there and sit around for two years at some later date, here is a present and fairly urgent need for a competent and theologically trained Russian translator.
Ideally, I would be right there with her, but the unemployment rate is so high that even native people have a tough time finding work. Meanwhile, I am still finishing seminary via online classes, having taken a reduced courseload since getting the Boise job as a Web User Interface Designer (man, long title). She graduated before me, because her program for counseling was 60 credits, and mine is 96. We are paying out of pocket for my schooling, which simply wouldn’t be possible with a job in Estonia.
Anyway, the point in writing this wasn’t to drum up money or pity, simply to let everyone know what’s up. If you’re the praying type, I’d appreciate the spiritual support. It’s not all bad though, I will be flying over occasionally to visit her. For our anniversary in July, we’re planning a tour of London and the surrounding area. If you live there, let me know so maybe we can hang out.
Discussion + Dissension
Comments closed after 2 weeks.
#1 matthew
Nathan. Heavy. As I said. We’ll be praying. If you think about keeping people like us posted with your needs, we can be more specific in our prayers. That’s some woman you have on your hands there. Praise Jesus!
If you’re serious about London stuff, I’ll be there July 10-18, and August 11-19 for work. Its a fun city.
Blessings bro.
#2 Dennis
You are a stronger man then me. But, trails are what make life living. My prayers are with you and Godspeed.
#3 Chris Harrison
Nathan, you both will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can’t imagine being in the same situation as you. I know it can’t be easy.
Trust in God to help you both make it through this… I hope the experience helps bring you both even closer to Him.
#4 Larry Tomlinson
Nathan, I’ll be praying for both you and your wife, as well as those in Estonia she will be working with. I’m sure God will do some amazing things while she is there, both in her life and in yours. Just please know that we’re here for you, and we love you!
#5 Yannick
I can only imagine that it would be tough with you being in Boise and your wife all the way in Estonia. My prayers are with you both. The Lord will help you both through this time and at least it’s good that you will be able to visit occasionally.
Peace and God Bless.
#6 Robert
Man, that is tough. You will be in our prayers Nathan.
#7 Justin Perkins
Wow that is rough, you’re a brave couple. I wish you both the best.
I’m a little suprised that telecommuting of some sort couldn’t work for a man of your skillz, but I guess you already looked into that.
#8 Elliot Swan
That’s pretty amazing. My prayers go out to you guys.
#9 justin waite
i was floored when i heard this, but i have been thinking about you guys a bit lately. I pray/hope that you’re doing well and that you both find strength to make it through. i really can’t imagine what it’d be like, but i can at least pray.
#10 Stuart
From the sound of it I’m sure you’ll both get through this and come out the other end as stronger people.
Do let me know when you are over in London I’d be up for meeting up.
#11 Jared Christensen
Wow. That’s an amazing sacrifice. I’m sure you’ll be blessed for it!
#12 Dennis Bullock
Nathan – you are in my prayers. I can not really relate to how you feel but I am sure it is a tough time for you. Just remember to lean on the Lord and the time will fly.
#13 Josh Byers
Nathan,
I can’t imagine what this must feel like, but I got emotional just thinking about it. Your rss is in my feed reader so it will be a good reminder to pray for you when I check your feed.
Psalm 5:3,12 “My voice You shall hear in the morning O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You and I will look up…For You O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.”
#14 James Mitchell
Prayers, You got it Nathan. If you need anything at all I’ll be here.
#15 Benjamin Jackson
Nathan, I’m amazed at your sacrifice. God will surely bless and keep you both through this time. I’ll be praying for you.
I live pretty close to London and would love to hang out with you, although I feel like the time would be better spent with your wife ;)
Give me a shout when you are in the UK.
#16 c. wess daniels
Nathan, your wife sounds trully brave and so do you. May the Spirit of Christ give you guidance and wisdom to make it through the difficult times ahead. And of course may God bless you and your wife as you carry out your vocations on opposite sides of the globe.
#17 Andrew Logsdon
We’re praying for both of you, buddy. You know you’re always welcome at our house anytime.
#18 Nathan Logan
Nathan, I’m here for you, too. If you need to hang out, talk, or just have someone next to you while you’re working on your laptop, let me know – I’ll bring mine.
And my prayers are already with you, brother. Press on, brother.
#19 kartooner
Likewise, if you need someone to talk to—night or day—feel free to email, IM or call (you’ve got my number).
Stay strong man, my prayers are with you and your wife.
#20 Ryan Heneise
Well dude, I think you’ll be alright. I don’t envy you, but your priorities and principles will guide you down a path that will bless you. We’ll certainly keep you in our prayers.
#21 Nathan Smith
Wow, everyone, thanks for all the overwhelming support! I talked to Olga on Skype tonight. She arrived there safely after more than a full day of traveling. Thank goodness for instant messenger. I don’t think I would survive otherwise, but this way we can chat everyday, so it doesn’t seem like she is so far away. Tomorrow she will be surprising all her friends and relatives that don’t yet know she’s in the country.
As for a London meet-up, that would be pretty cool. I’m not sure the dates when I’ll be over there yet, but will shoot y’all an email when i figure out more specifics about the trip.
#22 Mike Montgomery
I’m sorry that such a long absence is necessary.
Marriage is precious, and we will definitely pray for yours.
Let me know if you (or you two) want to visit Florida.
#23 chris
Wow – you’re a very courageous man and woman to undertake such an ordeal. I don’t envy you at all (except for maybe going over to Europe). This just shows the maturity of you two, seeing the need and filling it now instead of waiting so it’ll be easier on you. I believe this is the epitomy of “living sacrifices.” You’ll be in my prayers.
#24 Nathan Smith
Thanks Mike and Chris. I don’t know that we’re to be admired or anything, since we’re just doing what is required. This isn’t something I would’ve chosen by any means, but hopefully God will smile upon our efforts.
#25 Brent O'Connor
I think that’s truly wonderful for you wife to be able to go over there and do that kind of translation work! What a blessing! God is faithful and good and will help you both through this time in your life and I’m sure you will be blessed for it. I will try to remember to pray for you and your wife.
#26 ’Mas
Nathan –
Marriage is a model of sacrifice in day-to-day life, or at least it should be for us all, which is what Christ modelled in His life & death as a scrifice for His bride, the church. You and Olga are now, in turn, modelling that for us, and your dedication to service for the Kingdom will surely inspire many. I pray, in those moments when you each ache for the simplest of touches from the other, something that even their voice on the phone cannot replace, that God will flood you both with His sweet presense and dull the pain until your memories are replaced by the reality of that first hug when you’re once again re-united. Those moments will be a foretaste of what lies before us in eternity.
Thats my 2¢. :^{>
#27 Jonathan Sampson
Wow man, you’ve surely got my prayers. God bless you for being awesome enough to let her go and serve the LORD in this amazing work. That takes some serious spiritual maturity to make a decision like that! Let me know if you need to have a slumber party, marsh-mellows and shadow puppets all night, you know the program. Just playing, for all of those who are looking at this post with an odd tilt in their eyebrows.