NEWS...NEWS...NEWS

There has been some recent news in regards to our monetary support: for the past few months, Jamie and I have told you to send your donations to the Czech Republic directly, but this has changed. Due to rising processing fees in the Czech Republic, banks are taking up to 20 dollars out of each check processed. Consequently, we are working on a way for monitary donations to be made without paying an arm and a leg in bank fees (Note: if you have read this before it said checks could be sent to Waynesburg First Presbyterian Church, however this option has fallen through, unfortunately).

ALSO: Jamie and I need childrens books or easy-to-understand stories, baseballs, softballs, frisbees, bats, soccer balls, footballs, basketballs, bocce balls, baseball/softball gloves, old hockey sticks...pretty much any sports equipment. If you have old ones or know anyone with old equipment laying around, please ship them to us in the Czech Republic. These donations will go a long way in helping our ministry.

Address for Czech donations:
Nábřeží svodody 561
572 01 Polička
Czech Republic

Welcome to Polička!

Ten days have past since Jamie and I first stepped onto Czech soil. Our time has been chaotic, fun, stressful, lonely, beautiful, frustrating, awkward, humbling, insightful and the list goes on and on. We have not had internet access for most of the time we have been in Policka, so it has been disappointing that we have not been able to communicate. Thus, I will give you a very short synopsis as to what we have been up to and what our first impressions have been.

The room that I am writing this post in, is empty. It is the first time I have seen this specific room empty in quite a while. Katie, the woman who was here before, is saying bye to many families and has since moved her belongings out; so, the room is now our office. For the past ten days 20 Americans from Oklahoma have used this office as a launching point for the day's activities during the English Camp. The camp was a success, as we had about 100 students participate and we had 20 Czech volunteers. Initial reactions, on my part, were skeptical, because Jamie and I did not know anyone. What were our roles? Would the kids accept us? Would the Czech volunteers like us? They were pretty elementary questions, but because we have made such a drastic change, even the most basic assurances are rewarding and fulfilling.
Looking back on the camp I have realized that Jamie and I will be very different from the way Katie ran the program. This is good, because our vast array of differing interests enable us, as a congregation and as teachers to reach out to disparaging people and interests.

So much happened during these past 10 days, that I really am struggling to focus as a write. Please read Katie's blog about the camp, because she was very fastidious in keeping her blog updated during the camp. As for me, I will say a few things.

1. Jamie and I have been showered with grace and love since we have arrived in the Czech Republic. Czechs have a calm and methodical demeanor that to many Americans, including myself, seems cold and distant. Yet, the Czech heart is strong and I feel very luck, because many of the people we have met have been warm and welcoming: they bake dinner for us, they converse with us, they do not get frustrated when they can't understand my broken Czech, they wash our underwear, they give you tons of beer and then more beer, because you are their guest of honor; they lend bicycles and they encourage. Yesterday, we went to Moravian Highlands to visit a cave. The trip was beautiful as we passed through rolling hills, villages and then headed into deciduous forests. Jamie and I decided to hike up to the cave and then later decided to hike the rest of the way up the mountain. As we were climbing, I began to think about the Czechs who were with me and how I thoroughly enjoyed their company. Excitedly, they pointed with pride at a sheer 184 meter drop, where the mouth of a cave emerged from the blackness and a stream lazily flowed past. It was a scene full of granduer and power.
After our hike up the mountain, we stopped for lunch and then headed back to the bus. I decided to sit on the curb and eat my sandwich while I waited for the other members of our team to board. I was in my comfortable position for about 5 minutes when a man named Jirka came up to me and urgently called me over. Jirka does not speak much English, but I feel as though I understand him: he is kind and loving, which transcends our language barrier. Anyways, Jirka was waving his arms, because he wanted me to look at a 1960 skoda. Skoda, is the Czech automobile that was made popular during the Communist era and is still made today; many Czechs drive them. He was very proud to show me this old car, because he said it was rare and was a great example of a beautiful Czech car. It was small and red and it had a hint of rust. The car got me thinking.

Jirka was proud of that car, and, in a way, I think it represents the Czech people. We Americans would have found the car comical, because it was puny and was not very extravigant; and much like the car, Czech pride seems to be smaller, yet just as powerful as our American swagger.The car came from the Communist era, an era of repression and hopelessness. the car seemed to scream out in its own way: "look at me! I may be small and I may not be respected, but I am here. I can be seen and some day I will be upheld with pride." And that, is the Czech character: maybe not well known and a little bit shy, but it is still breaking through.

This sounds sentimental, and I didn't want to get cheesy, but the care of people involved with this church has been overwhelming. Jamie and I are lucky.


Also: we are leaving for our trip around Europe. We will try to be in contact and will hopefully post on this blog as often as possible.

Pictures will be coming!!

Last Day in PA

One aspect of my character that I wish I was able to change, is my laziness when it comes to reflection. I know it is important and that I should take time to slow down my hustle-bustle world, but I find it very difficult. Often times when I make a conscious effort to attempt this art of thinking, I end up falling asleep, or my train of thought meanders into obscurity leaving me either frustrated or just plain tired: nothing has been accomplished; I am befuddled.

Our last day here in the United States has arrived, which struck me suddenly with vindictive resoluteness as I was taking a shower. Tonight, some friends are going to take me and Jamie out to a local restaurant, "The Hot Dog Shoppe." No, it is not a high-brow institution; rather, it is quite the opposite: a dingy eatery where the same cast of characters conglomerate, usually consisting of old men discussing politics wearing union jackets and brim-stained steelers' caps. I am fond of ordering the "chili-cheese" fries, which is the apex of a cholesterol-pounding cuisine that has made America famous. The "cheese-paste", as it is affectionately referred to, is a congealed mass of yellow and salt, but oh-so delicious on a pile of fries. Does it sound appetizing? Probably not, but that is OK, because for "out-of-towners" it never is. The Hot Dog Shoppe's endearment to me as a local is what makes it special: late-night conversations, lunches on Sunday after church, eating my fries with a fork and, of course ,the "wiener cups." This will be my last time to indulge and it is sobering. I won't be seeing many of my friends for a while, let alone eating my favorite chili-cheese fries; I won't be able to run down the street and know exactly what is expected of me in a social setting; I won't be able to play wiffle-ball with a long-time friend, I won't be able to talk to my brothers daily about their new adventures. No, it is going to be different.

I know that I have said before that change is good and it is. I know that the Czechs have their own local traditions and "hang-outs" where people congregate and tell stories. I just hope that one day, I will be able to partake. But, for now, I am left to wonder of what might be. I guess that is natural. For now, however, Jamie and I will go out one last time with our friends and have one-last hurray in hopes for a safe travels and a smooth transition into our new lives.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! We have 12 days until we leave for the Czech Republic. I can hardly believe it is getting so close. There is still some things we need to take care of, but after seeing Jan and his family I know me and Jeremy are less nervous and mentally more prepared. We hope everyone is having a nice holiday, and please keep checking in to see what we are up to, because our journey is only about to begin!