Mardi Gras!

Last night, Jamie and I introduced Mardi Gras to Policka. We had beads, paint, shiny things, a pinata ( I know it's not Mardi Gras), carnival twister and costumes. We really had no idea how many people would show up, as Czechs are more of the reserved kind, so Mardi Gras exuberance doesn't fit into their living praxis. yet, we still had hope.

I must admit that it was a bit strange getting ready for carnival and freezing at the same time. Usually, the holiday is celebrated in warmer climates where there isn't 10 inches of snow, but hey, it was Policka style. Jamie and I were fitted in home-made costumes: I was dressed in red, yellow and black with shiny, gold accessories, and Jamie was sporting blue, white and orange. It was quite a new experience for me making a Marid Gras outfit, in that I had no real theme like at Halloween; the more colorful, the better.

When six o'clock struck, Jamie and I had only three people at the party. However, those that did arrive early, came dressed up! Micha was sporting the cowboy look, which looked very "carnivalesque" after we added some beads to his attire; Magda came as a red cheerleader, and Pavla was wearing shades of blue and pink. We all had a great time listening to Dixieland Jazz and playing some twister.

Jamie and I were very disappointed with the low turn out; we had worked on this party for months and had advertised it very well. It just seems that people were saying they would go and then no one actually really committed. But, we were determined to have a good time anyway. After our first game of twister, I walked over to the big circular window that looks down upon the road and noticed a few shadowy figures ascending the steps: people! It seems that some students and parents braved the weather to come. One by one, they began knocking on the door and coming in masks (many came in Halloween masks, thinking that it was a "scary" holiday. Well, I guess it can be frightening to some...); we had three of Jamie's students, then an adult student and her little girl, and lastly, a whole family. A sense of relief was palpable...

The rest of night consisted of candy, beads, pinata; more candy, beads and games; then, popcorn, cookies, beads and "crab soccer." It really was a blur of shine, sweet and sound.

Enjoy the pictures!

Also, the student of mine who came with her daughter, writes for the newspaper in the town of Svitavy. She said that she wanted to prepare a small story on our Mardi Gras party; which is great news for us, as now people not only in Policka, but in the surrounding towns, will be able to hear about the fun we are having!

Oh yeah, Madla came as a Bird. It was fantastic!

Frustration.

One of the hardest aspects of living in another country is never being able to fully express ourselves. What happens often, is that people will not take the time to listen and really engage with us, because we do struggle to speak and when we speak, it is so mind-numbingly slow. I see this sometimes when I am teaching class; I can be very impatient with my students. Consequently, people begin to just throw their opinions on us. Sometimes, it is just sheer ignorance that leads to it, but in other instances, it is for expedience: the conversation will be quicker and easier if Jamie and I aren’t REALLY consulted.

Returning back from Krumlov, Jamie and I were struck when we found that we were the scheduled apartment for cleaning the stairs and the walk-way; we had thought that the following week was our time. Sadly for us, Policka got pounded with a lot of snow, so the main pathway to the entrance of the apartment building was never shoveled. Many of the people who were living above us where getting angry at the negligence of the “Americans” living down on the first floor: Why were “they” not upholding their share of the deal? Honestly, I felt bad. My first order of business when I got to the apartment was to shovel the entrance. I didn’t even take my bag upstairs.

The next morning, I received a phone call from the family that owns our apartment asking Jamie and I to make sure we clean our share of the building, because some of the other residents were picking up the slack and were not very happy about it. I was a little bit frustrated with the whole situation.

In an attempt to show our sincerest apology to our building manager, I went over and gave him a gift of chocolate and told him that we were sorry for our mistake and negligence. Ivan completely understood and was more interested in asking me about our trip, not about our lack of responsibility. However, when we were parting, Ivan said that the people upstairs are frustrated. They were making comments like, “Don’t Americans clean!?” What do they all day!?” and a few other phrases that had the word “Americans” in it.

Jamie and I are very thankful for the Czech friends that we have, because we are beginning to find out just what great people they are. We know that it takes a lot of work and preparation to have us over for lunch and it can be intimidating inviting over two “foreigners” who might not speak the language that well. Yet, for a vast majority of the days here, it can be very lonely, because so few people make an attempt. The statements from upstairs really shouldn’t mean anything to us, because they were said by people who don’t care about us and who don’t know us. But, it still hurts.

Jamie and I have lived in this apartment building for seven months and the only person who has introduced himself to us has been Ivan. Every day I see the families from upstairs walking up and down, past our door, and they never say hi. I know that it is probably a “cultural difference,” but at some point, I have to begin to wonder. They know that we aren’t Czech and that we will be here for only two years, so they might not think it is “worth” their time. I don’t know, but part of me is sick of it. When Ivan informed me that our neighbors were making these statements, I felt attacked. Yes, I know that it is probably my own mind taking it this way, but that doesn’t make the feeling any less real.

I wanted to tell the people that we were sorry, but we have only missed cleaning once, and it was because we really couldn’t read the schedule, as it was our first week in the building; that the second time we cleaned and people complained, was because we didn’t mark our date off on the schedule (because we still couldn’t read it); and this last time was a mistake on our part, but we have been shoveling and sweeping since we have returned. I would like to tell them that they CAN talk to us.

In reality, one of them could have come to our door and introduced themselves and showed us what our responsibilities are; one could have asked us if we needed help reading the schedule; one could have complained to us about our mistake, not talk to all the other residents making ignorant and hurtful remarks about our “Americanism.” The fact that I can’t answer them is the worst feeling. They refer to us as the “Americans” and that is as far as we will go.

I hope that in this next year and half our neighbors will talk to us; however, the first seven months are a sobering reality check.

I don’t want to make this post sound like a bunch of complaining, but I am writing because the blog is here for the good and the bad. Also, these types of situations reiterate just how important our new Czech friends are. Without them, I do think that living here would be a very lonely existence.

Český Krumlov

This week all the schools in our part of the Czech Republic were on a spring break, which means that Jeremy and I also got a break too :) We where thinking about going to Germany to visit some friends or maybe go to Poland, because we haven't been there yet, but we don't know German or Polish.... Also, this is a beautiful country and sadly we haven't seen too much of it yet. Anyway, we have been told since we have gotten here that Český Krumlov is the most beautiful town in the the country. So we decided to go there, and it definatly was great. It took us 8.5 hours to get there (which is crazy considering we only went 360 km or 223 miles) and we stayed in this great little place called Krumlov House. It snowed everyday, so the town looked like a fair tale land or a cute snow globe city that was constantly being shooken up.


Cesky Krumlov is built on the land that is produced when a river meanders in a valley or through the flats of a delta. I am racking my brain for the geological term that is used to classify such a land formation, but it eludes me. Pretty much, it looks like a horseshoe. Often times, these are depicted when one speaks about the Mississippi: it is so slow moving that when it gets into the plains, it wiggles back and forth like a snake, and at each wiggle, there is a little circular piece of land that takes shape. Imagine a puzzle piece; the jutting peg (the male end) represents the earth formation.

Due to the lack of space, the center of the city is built in a circle. However, when they laid towns in the middle-ages, they took no account for order and rationality; the church sits on the highest hill, while the houses and businesses surround and sprawl from there. It leads to some beautiful alleyways and very picturesque look-outs.

Above the lazily flowing Vltava River is the castle. The ramparts of the building are built right into the hill side, as Krumlov is located in a valley that is surrounded by undulating hills. It is worth the short hike up to the castle, because from there you can get fantastic sight lines (Mt.Washington in Pittsburgh, anyone!?), which explains the birds-eye view of Krumlov in one of our pictures on this post.

The city sat behind the Iron Curtain for many years, but once the Velvet Revolution occurred in 1989, this little treasure was opened up to the world at large. Since then, Krumlov has garnered the reputation as being the Czech Republic’s most beautiful city, even more enchanting than Prague. You can see the effects of the tourist industry upon arriving: there are about 1,000,000 pensions, which are often times owned and operated by Czech families, and about 10 hostels, which are run by Americans, Canadians and Australians. In a cheap, touristy way, the city has painted all of its buildings to look like they are brick or stone, which struck me as being really quite tacky, but it didn’t take too much away from the authentic charm of the place.

Jamie and I stayed at a hostel called the “Krumlov House,” which is managed by an Australian couple, Emma and Cameron. We had a wonderful week speaking English, sharing stories, cooking some curry and learning about each others’ countries.

chlebičky with grandma Véra

For the last month Jeremy has been talking to one of our older friends in the church, whom we call grandma Vera (since she is a grandma...) about learning how to make the delightful little sandwiches she brought to church one day. She told him that sometime in February would be nice and that she would give him a hat and apren to wear. So we went over in the afternoon and learned how to make chlebičky. And man, did we make chlebičky! Tons of them. The entire time I couldn't help but think who was going to eat all these tiny little snacks, because there were hundards of them. It was a really enjoyable afternoon, because we learned how to make a typical czech snack and also got to hangout with a wonderful family.


When we first came to Policka during the English camp in the summer we met grandma Vera and her daughter Vera and family and her daughter in law named Vera also. Our dinner with them (and Paula and Kelsey) in the summer was definatly one of the best times we have had over here, so of course the chlebičky party was super fun.

80's Fittness Dance Party!

Today was the long awaited 80's Fittness Dance Party. When Jeremy told me the idea, I instantly knew that it was going to by TONS of fun. So today we dressed up in our best 80's workout outfit, put on some dance music, got some hula hoops, and brought out Richard Simmons to lead the party.

The party was a huge success! I had a feeling that people would enjoy it, but I didn't know how our Czech friends would handle Richard Simmons or if they would want to dress up goofy. I was happy to see that everyone came to have fun, no matter how goofy it got. All the costumes were wonderful! Strait out of the 80's! Parties like this were a big hit when Jeremy and I were in college, and it was great that we could now enjoy it with our Czech friends. Thanks to everyone who came :)

A challenge.

This past weekend I had a wonderful conversation with friends from back home. Besides the fact that the phone call reiterated for me the strength of some old friendships, it also was a wake up call to reflection.

I must admit that living here makes it very difficult for me to fully digest what exactly is happening to me emotionally, spiritually and culturally. Often times I feel lonely in regards to who I can really share my feelings/frustrations with. If I am lacking a conversation partner (Jamie doesn't count, because we are both here in the Czech Republic) then what am I garnering from living here? The journal is a lonely companion and the blog can only do so much, as both of these mediums don't talk back to me. They don't tell me when I'm being short-sighted or when I am being cynical. They just take, take, and take. No, I need someone who is completely separated from my life, here, but who is still rooted in the culture from whence I came. I can see through them and their opinions how I have grown, matured and progressed in my thinking since being here. And, this is what the conversation was best for. To Dave, Dave and Tyler, I thank you!

Maybe that sounded a little selfish?!

One thing that has smacked me across the face with vindictive resolution has been the smallness of America's "culture wars" and even American Christian culture itself. It is so ridiculous to me that the idea of Christian faith is justified or predicated, often times, on political or "hot-button" issues: things like, whether you support "God" in the Pledge of allegiance, the Commandments in the court room, the increasingly ridiculous argument about whether the United States is a Christian nation, the use of the POLITICAL word "liberal" to describe certain theologies that you don't agree with, whether the music you listen to has swear words in it or not, whether you consume alcohol, where you stand in support of the nation of Israel, your belief about patriotism, and the list goes on and on.

The fact that some of you might be reading this right now and getting upset is exactly what I am talking about. I am not writing from a liberal or conservative point of view. I am writing from a point of view of a Christian who is finally beginning to grasp the international power of our faith. Not the faith that has been co-opted by dehumanizing, polarizing conversation. So, please separate the preconceived notions about what American "culture" you would put me in. I am not living in the United States right now; therefore, my eyes have been adjusted, even if it is for only 2 years. I am not liberal, nor am I conservative.

American Christians, we have sold ourselves short in so many ways. Why do we continue to define ourselves by fleeting, laughable "things?"

Two weeks ago, Jan was speaking with a woman from California. She began asking him about his theology and whether he would be able to communicate with people who have different political, theological and cultural opinions. Jan answered her by saying that in the Czech Republic, there is no space for the arguments, because a Christian is a Christian. Here, there are so few of them, that if they spent all of their time arguing about their differences, the community would be fractured and the already nominal Christians would become completely fringe. He proceeded to tell her that if he was preaching and he knew that other denominations where in the service, he would AVOID bringing up theological perspectives that are controversial, as it is completely inappropriate; it is a time for worship and the core of the believers is that Jesus is Lord.

Now, he is not saying that arguments and debate should be done away with. To the contrary, he is saying that you need to have the debate in the appropriate context.

To wrap up his point, he explained to her that Christians in the Czech Republic lived under 40 years of oppression. Aside from the already powerful social stigma that being a Christian meant you were strange and just plain dumb, many were officially not able to meet, they were bared from Universities, their salaries were controlled by the state, they were put in jail and they were forced to do hard labor. Upon saying this, the women retorted that she herself was going through "oppression" as well. Explaining that with the election of Obama and the "liberals," she and other "conservative" Christians were being attacked by a secular American that was attempting to uproot the God-fearing foundations of the nation. At this point, Jan was struck speechless.

The statement was a complete insult to the TRUE oppression that Jan went through. So, why would she say it?

She said it, because she was blinded. It isn't her fault. I am not blaming her. I am sure that she is a wonderful person with passions and love for her children and her Church, but she is also a woman who can't view Christianity creatively. I remember reading a book in College, where the author used the alliteration of "Empire" to describe the forces of the world that redirect Christian community from a focus on Christ, to a focus on a Gospel co-opted by a worldly standards. I don't really want to get into a huge debate here, because it is not the place, but I would say that there is some truth to this.

In America, Christianity is powerful for many reasons. One being the genuine faith of the people, which is something that needs to be commended; however, the other half is an ignorance in being able to bifurcate our history our politics and our culture, from that of the Bible itself. The woman was unable to understand Jan's point of view, because she has been blinded by the "Empire" of America.

Maybe she was feeling oppressed. However, maybe it is a self-constructed feeling of oppression that comes about when a group, which has generally held the power to dictate what is the acceptable lifestyle of a nation, loses its foundation to rule; I do believe this is the case with some "conservative" Christians. However, I don't believe that this is true injustice. I mean, there is no one coming to her house telling her she can't meet in the church. There is no one coming to her home and taking her job away. There is no one blocking her from entering the best universities. There is no one calling her stupid and laughing at her, because of her faith. There is no one taking her father to jail, because he is a "Christian dissident." For the most part, this woman is not being physically oppressed at all. What I think is happening, is that she is being forced to live as a Christian, without the assurance that the "American" nation will uphold her idea of what the true, Christian lifestyle is like.

Since when did a nation's political, economic and cultural policy ever define the life of believers?

In the end, maybe it is a good thing, because it will make her more resilient when REAL attacks on her faith are at hand, because I do not believe that the election of a more "liberal" government is a true attack (even though it might seem so to her). Also, maybe this time will force the woman to reorient herself into connecting with other Christians from around the world. Maybe she can see how they live, how they struggle and what ideals they uphold as most important. I guarantee you that no international Christians will talk about the pledge of allegiance or whether American was founded "under God" or not; instead, they might talk about the acceptance of all Christians into God's promised Kingdom (even Palestinian and Iraqi Christians). Maybe it will challenge her faith, so she can attain a deeper understanding of the Bible and God's word.

I'm not sure that I have made any sense at all. And, to tell you the truth, I don't know if that was my point. I am using this blog as an avenue to get some of my thoughts and feelings out. I don't want this to be exhaustive. I am writing as I am thinking. This blog is supposed to capture my thoughts and challenges of living here. These types of posts, where I am battling myself and my own culture are part of the journey. They might not have any pictures, they don't have an exciting adventure or story and they might not be understood; but, they are just as important for me. And, if you hope to understand my experience here, they are probably the MOST important for you.

Yesterday, I was fishing through an English text book that all the elementary students’ use. Throughout the book, there are these little side boxes that are called "strange but true" that tell the kids interesting facts about English and American culture. I was shocked when I saw one that said exactly this, “In the United States, school children put their right hand over their heart and say a pledge to their flag and nation. Strange? Yes. But, true."

So, in a small way, this sums up what has been happening to me: what I have accepted as normal, as a truth that is as steady as the sun rises and the rain falling, has been cut from my knees. The pledge. The pledge!? I used to think that the kids who didn't stand up for the pledge where a bit strange. Now, I see that WE, the ones who stand up, are strange to the whole world.

In parallel fashion, I am beginning to realize that distinct forms of American Christianity, ones attached to patriotism, the military, a "conservative" political agenda, dispensationalist and the rapture are believed to be very distorted/strange to Christians here. Now, does this mean that everything they do is more Biblical? No, that is not what I am saying. However, they are forcing me to dig deeper and to find what a Christian life is: Is it American? Is it Czech? Is it African? Is it Asian? Or, maybe it is none of these?

My hope is that someday I can get passed the American debates and arguments that seem to define Christianity and faith for many people back home. Dr. Francie Robb (a wonderful Historian /friend) recently returned from Uganda and told me, "that the most shocking thing about traveling was realizing the International potential of Christianity." I really can't say it better than that.

Life is better with a paintbrush in hand

I was looking back at our posts before Jeremy and I arrived in Policka and there was one in particular that caught my attention. It was a post a month before we left, and I admitted to my excitement and worries of coming here. After being here for 6 months, I am still a nervous person, I still get completely overwhelmed at time, I still shy when speaking in Czech, but it's good here.


In the last month, mentally things have started to change for me. I have finally started to get back into a "normal life" which includes painting, listening to music, and smiling at people I don't know when I pass them on the street or see them in the grocery store. These things make me happy. The next step will be saying "dobry den" (good day) and not caring that they look at my funny or don't even look at me at all. It is a cultural thing, Czechs do not talk to people they don't know. During our first months here I would say hello to people when I passed them, but started feeling silly for doing so because of the cold response and stopped. Every week we see the same people when walking to work or around Policka, so why not say hello? Sure we don't know them, but we see them every week.


Starting to paint again has definitely helped me a lot. Since being here I have painted 11 pictures. 5 of those have been in January. In the earlier months Jeremy used to questions why I wasn't painting, and many times he brought to my attention that I would tell people I liked to paint, but very rarely painted anything. This was a good question, but whenever it came up I would make excuses like, "I'm too tired" or "I don't know what to paint" or "I don't have time". But why wasn't I painting? It is something I do really enjoy. There are things that Jeremy needs to do to: read, know what is going on in the world and exercise. I am re-learning that I need to paint.