Happy Canadian Thanksgiving from Czech

Happy (late) Thanksgiving! We enjoyed a Czech-style Canadian Thanksgiving this past Monday with our friend and fellow missionary, Steve Belzner. It was a great time of food, fellowship and more food!

Hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as ours was!

The Success of the Cross

The success of the Cross

Close your eyes and picture the cross. Now picture Jesus on the cross, nailed to it bleeding and beaten, hanging for all to see. Picture the crowds mocking and scoffing, hear Jesus as He says “it is finished” and gives up His spirit. See the Roman solder pierce His side with a spear, watch as they take Him down from the cross and what few friends He had left wrap His broken body and lay Him in a borrowed tomb. Imagine what those who followed Jesus while He was alive must have thought seeing all this. Jesus the promised Messiah, the one who would rule with Justice and be the King of Israel is dead, killed like a common thief. Where was the power people claimed He had, this man claimed to be God’s son and now it’s over with out even a fight. If that was the end of the story then what a tragedy the cross would have been, but we know that’s not the end and the cross is the greatest victory the world has ever known. A wise man once said “never let a fool see a job half done” and that’s it. So many times we judge success by worldly standards and we fail to see God’s plan and His perfect timing, we fail to see that many times when we seem to lose its then that God’s greatest work is done. When we come to the end of ourselves and pour out all we have that’s when God has room to do His work, work that only He can take credit for and work that only He can do. Jesus wasn’t defeated not for one second. He was, is and always will be God almighty the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the cross was His great moment of triumph, triumph over death hell and the grave and He won this victory by His obedience to the will of the Father
Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." I can’t begin to explain the mystery of all that Jesus did on the cross, but I know it was all anyone could ever need to be forgiven and I know that the cross despite it’s horror is beautiful and wonderful and victorious and it is the single most amazing picture of true love the world has ever known or ever will know. (John 3:16) And through faith I see the success of the cross.

Bouquet of Virtue

I have always loved a good story. But to me, a European story is the best story. Somehow, everything always seems more beautiful. The heroine is always more beautiful, her hero is always more handsome, the food always looks tastier, the sun always looks warmer, and there is always violin music playing in the background. Even the difficulties of the main characters always seem less, well... difficult.

I don't think that before moving here I expected my life to turn into a European movie. But somewhere along the line maybe I wondered if things really were better in Europe. Having lived here for a bit now, I can tell you a few things: the food really is tastier! You know in the movies when friends or family get together for a meal and the table is heavy with all sorts of delicious looking cuisine? That really happens here...and the food really is presented with such care as to make it look even better! One of my personal favourites (and a Czech national dish) is Knedlo vepřo zelo (dumplings, pork and sauerkraut). "REALLY!?" you say. Now, before you toss my credibility out the window, you will need to try it sometime. It truly is amazing. In fact, I almost can't write about it anymore because my mouth is watering too much.

Another thing I can tell you is that while the sun (at least where we live) is not warmer...the sunrises are more beautiful. I cannot even begin to be able to compare the beauty of watching the sun rise over the tops of these rolling hills with any North American sunrise I have seen. Understandably though, a sunrise is an intensely personal affair and I would not disallow you the right to contradict me on this one.

As for the heroine and the hero... What do they really look like in Europe? They still wake up with bad breath (well, maybe just our hero does). In order so they don't get fat, (due to all the good food, of course) they need to exercise more. They don't hear soft music playing while they stroll through the fruit market. They are late. They are impatient. They disappoint people. They fight with each other, and they are sometimes too hard on their kids.

The truth is, we love our life here. We love this town, we love the people, and we love our God who sent us here. But it doesn't come without stress. If you were to pick a different flower for each of the lessons and virtues that God is teaching us, you would have a stunning bouquet. And the plot line would unfold something like this:

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self control, perseverance and in your perseverance godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8 (New American Standard)

If you are wondering what life is like here, or what God is doing personally in our lives, this Scripture sums it up. In the midst of all the hidden stress we struggle through, the joys we celebrate, the faith we cling to and the daily failures we succumb to...you have the story of two servants (not a hero or heroine) who are seeking for God to add to our faith...

Moral Excellence

Knowledge

Self Control

Perseverance

Godliness

Brotherly Kindness

and Love

Please pray for us that we would apply all diligence to this work.

School Days, Happy Days

*Deep breath* It's September! On Tuesday our daughters started kindergarten in a Czech school... Wow, I just have to take a moment because that still amazes me! From 6:30 in the morning, our girls were wide awake and eager to get off to school. You would have thought that it was Christmas with all the anticipation and excitement (Jody remarked that he hopes their exuberance for school doesn't wane over the years!). So after a quick breakfast, some braids and pig-tails, we were headed to the school drop off. Because the girls are in different classes, we dropped Gracie off first. In Czech, the children come to school in their 'day' clothes. Then when they arrive to school, the go directly to a type of cloak room where they change into their 'comfortable' clothes. In the cloak room, there is a spot for each child to hang their belongings in a special bag. Throughout the day, they will change into play clothes, sleeping clothes and then back into their comfortable clothes. Finally, at the end of the day, they will change back into their 'day clothes' for their parents to take them home in. On a side note, I can't imagine how exhausted their teacher must be from helping 12 children change their clothes five times in one day! After situating Grace's belongings in her special spot, we took her to her class. We were amazed at the grace with which she walked into the room and was instantly comfortable. In fact, after a few minutes she actually asked us when we were leaving because she wanted to be at school alone! Next, it was time to get Hannah to her class. There was the same process of changing clothes, etc...and then it was time to say goodbye to her. She also did amazing! Her teacher introduced herself and Hannah walked away like such a big kid off to class.

Now, having never taken my own children to school, I had no idea what to expect. Would they scream and cry? Would they not let go of my ankles and kick up a terrible fuss? What a surprise and relief to see them so bravely walk into a room of complete strangers who don't speak their language, and jump right into things. It was a blessing to know they were happy, safe and enjoying themselves. All day, I kept picturing them in their classrooms, playing and making friends. Around 10:00 am their classes go outside for playtime. I knew they would be outside and I couldn't stand it...I had to know how they were doing. So, (yes I am ashamed to admit it) we slowly drove by the school to see if we could spot them playing outside. I can't tell you the joy it gave me to see my kids playing happily at school with other children! It was like a gift!

Another benefit of sending your kids to school is time. After taking the kids to school, Jody and I decided to 'celebrate' by going out for coffee together. We had been sitting together for a little while talking when an elderly couple sat down at a table beside us. It struck me right away how different our stages of life were. From first glance, I saw that they enjoy the freedom of eating dessert for breakfast, something that guilt still does not let me do. However, I hope one day when I am also wearing orthopaedics, that dessert for breakfast will be a nice bonus. Aside from the age appropriate shoes and their cuisine choice, I thought about how this couple didn't take their children to school today. In fact, it probably has been about 35 years since they took their first child to school. The fact that it was the first day of school in Hlinsko probably had no impact on their life. For them, it was just life as usual: wake up together, head to the grocery store together, do some errands together, have breakfast together, etc... As Jody and I were enjoying our chlebiček, coffee and friendship it struck me that time together builds friendship. It's not that I never realized this before, because I have. It's simply that in the busyness of life, it's easy to forget, and I am thankful for the reminder!

In thirty years, on the first day of school, I hope we are having dessert for breakfast together!

Looking back on the week, the girls ended up doing really well. I think there will continue to be adjustments for awhile yet, but that is to be expected. There did end up being tears on a couple of occasions, but they were short lived. And it was even amazing to hear them come home speaking more Czech even after the first week!

Pray for Hannah and Grace, that they would know above all, they are not alone at school. Pray that they would know the ever-present, presence of Jesus, and His peace.

The End

We are heading into our last week helping out at the YFC Conference Centre. It is hard to imagine that summer has flown by as quickly as it has! The weather this past week was truly beautiful...in fact it felt like summer had finally arrived! This morning, however, it really has that "fall" feel in the air. I was hanging out clothes to dry and it felt like I should be bundled up in a sweater and jeans. It's funny how the changing of each season brings a different feeling. The change from summer to fall brings a nostalgic feeling for me. I know it is still only the end of August, but when the air is crisp and cool and when I start seeing some leaves changing colours and falling to the ground, I just have the desire to visit a pumpkin farm and drink a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks...or whatever seasonal drink they are serving! It's also the best season for long walks in the colourful forest or the golden cornfields! Alas, it is still August and the weather forecast promises to be back up to summer temperatures this week. So I will put my nostalgic fall musings aside and enjoy what is left of the summer. In the meantime, I may have to put some effort into making my own pumpkin spice latte in time for fall!

September 1st will be my (Rachael) return to the classroom. I have yet to open my books and begin lesson plans, but I must! Right now, I am feeling a bit worn out from the summer and honestly, the thought of teaching makes me a little tired! Please pray for a refreshing next week so that I will be able to welcome my students back to class with joy and energy!

Hannah and Grace will also begin školka (kindergarten) next week. They will be in seperate classes because we want them to be able to learn Czech more quickly. Also, Hannah will go to real school next year and we felt it was better to keep them in different classes from the beginning instead of having to seperate them next year. They are really looking forward to going to school! Please pray for them that their adjustment will go smoothly and that their little minds and tongues will learn the language quickly. Pray also that they will be able to make some good friends at school!

Jody is back on the ice! Today his team has their first game (I believe it is an exhibition game, not a regular season game). He is enjoying being back with the guys from his team and also being back on the ice. You can pray for increased opportunities for Jody to introduce his teammates to Jesus.

This Thursday (the 27th) we will head back to Hlinsko and have a few days to rest until the fall semester begins. We are really looking forward to being back home and having some time to rest. As always, pray that we will experience spiritual growth and that we will continually be growing closer to Jesus. Feel free to drop us an e-mail or to chat with us on skype anytime!

Blessings!

Another Goodbye

Today Bethany, Jody's cousin, headed back to Canada. She had spent the last two months working at the YFC Centre and helping out with our kids too. She has been such a blessing to not only our family, but to everyone that she came in contact with. If there is one person who I have met who simply exudes joy, it's Bethany! No matter if she was serving food, mopping floors, washing endless dishes or being attacked (lovingly, of course) by my children she always had joy. I know personally how much I will miss her here.

Thanks Bethany, for all your hard work and for always doing it with a smile! Thanks also for loving our kids like you did...if the aren't talking about you, they will be talking like you! You were a great example for them, and I know that because of you they know Jesus better too. Love ya Bety!

It's 7:17 and I'm slipping on my running shoes about to head out and burn some calories:) I like to run because it keeps me in shape, but ultimately, it's the time alone to talk with God that I so look forward to. This morning, I feel desperate. I have a need to talk with Him in a way that I haven't felt in a long time. Almost like holding your breath under water for too long and your lungs burning to have air released from them, and then filled with crisp, fresh air again. So, while my family sleeps peacefully in the next room...I'm going to tiptoe out the door and get some fresh air in these lungs...