 The theme of the January edition of Purpose magazine
is very fitting for New Years: Beginnings. Whether it's a new diet, a new work routine, or a new walk with God, we all have a chance for a new beginning in 2019. My article in the latest issue of Purpose is titled "How I Ended up Near Siberia," and it covers the be- inning of our seven years in Romania. Finding out we were being sent to Eastern Europe - right next to Siberia, in my mind - was a bit of a blow, but it turned out to be the beginning of an amazing life experience. Speaking of beginnings (or rather, not beginnings) my New Year's resolution for 2019 is simple: finish more, start less. I have no trouble with starting. It's the finishing that's a problem, so there are countless half-done projects - both tangible and intangible - floating around my life. I happened upon this article about taking action in the new year. Hopefully, 2019 is a year of action. The year of the finish. The year of tying things up with bows. The beginning of happy endings, I guess you could say. Fellow procrastinators and perfectionists, let's finish what we've started in 2019! And to the rest of you, go out and start something new. My short memoir piece will be published in the June issue of Purpose magazine by Mennomedia. This issue's theme is Being Content, which immediately made me think of our adopted grandparents in Romania. Grandpa Dumitru and Grandma Aurica have less than most of us, but paradoxically are more content than most of us, too. "The Lord Giveth" tells the story of how we met them in dire circumstances, but with their contentment shining through.   My short story "Gabriela's List" will appear in the January publication of Purpose magazine. "Gabriela's List" is a creative non-fiction piece about one of my Romanian friends, a Christian girl with high (maybe too high!) ideals about marriage and a life's partner. Purpose magazine, published by Mennomedia, is a monthly periodical that contains inspirational short stories, essays, and poetry. I recently ordered a year's subscription as a Christmas gift for my grandma. It's available via phone or email at mennomedia.org. My nonfiction story "Talking Hearts" will be published in the August 2017 issue of Purpose magazine. The August issue follows the theme of Staying Connected, which reminded me of all the times I've longed to communicate but couldn't. "Talking Hearts" tells about a visit to Ukraine and an afternoon with a friend. She speaks Ukrainian and Russian; I speak English and Romanian. How can we communicate? Purpose is a monthly periodical put out by MennoMedia. My nonfiction piece "Gabriela's List" will appear in the January 2018 issue.  |