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365 Czech Republic

Portraits in Poland

To Poland We Go (4/11/15)

As planned we packed the van up today with toys and tricycles and headed into Poland to take photos of and for missionaries there. Above is a photo of the back of the van after Titus and I loaded it all. Titus wanted to make sure there was a skateboard, baseball, baseball bat, glove, and frisbee. I was actually impressed that he was able to lift my longboard skateboard in to the back but he got it in there all by himself. When I got the car started he squealed and rubbed his hands together with excitement about us going to Poland. He told me, “Dad, when you’re taking photos in Poland you have to take one of me giving thumbs up.” It was literally one of the first photos I took when we got there (below).

Thumbs Up For Poland (4/11/15)

I haven’t had time to edit through the photos today, but I took a quick at look at the shots I got of the different families and teams and am excited to share them at some point. Below is one of the group shots I got of the Poland team. Great people!

Team Poland (4/11/15)

We were invited to stay for lunch with the team, but apparently Polish lunch starts at 3pm and that’s pretty much right around nap time for our kids. So we packed the van back up and headed out for a quick lunch on our way home. Since the weather so amazing today we decided to get dessert and sit outside where the kids enjoyed their first ice cream cones of 2015. It was actually as we were sitting outside enjoying the sun that we realized I left my camera gear back at the training center! We ended up going back and getting my gear which was thankfully still there where I left it. Whew.

To Poland We Go (4/11/15)

This afternoon we washed and vacuumed the car which was much needed. I was excited to try out my European extension cord which I specifically had purchased on sale a few months back so I could vacuum my own car (it’s the little things in life). Yes, it worked and the car is looking good! Since we were already outside, Titus and I ended up playing a little baseball in the driveway. Avery was our umpire, but I think we need to install an instant-replay system because it seemed that no matter what happened–if I caught the ball or tagged the runner (Titus)–that he was called “safe!” C’mon blue!

Titus and I went to youth group tonight, but we didn’t know that the start time had been moved from 5pm to 6pm. Thankfully there were a few students there on the music team so we weren’t alone. Instead of going home and coming back we just decided to stay there and enjoy hanging with the students. Youth group is still a challenge because of the language barrier. It never feels normal or right, especially when you’re sitting through all the announcements and teaching with not a clue as to what’s going on. Even Titus turned to me tonight and whispered, “Daddy…they are talking funny.” Nope. We are talking funny; they are talking normal. They are speaking Czech. We…well, we’re not.

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365 Czech Republic

A Good Work

In Philippians 1:3-6, Paul writes these words after his initial greeting to the church in Philippi,

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Those words rang loud in my heart tonight as I writing a few different emails to some of our supporting churches in the States. I sat here tonight praising the Lord for the many different people God has used to send us to a place like Czech to bring the gospel of Jesus. There is a “partnership in the gospel” that amazes and humbles me. And then there’s a promise that a “good work” is going on in our lives and the lives of our supporters that God promises to complete! This too is amazing and humbling. I praise God tonight for the work He is doing around the globe to not only call others to Himself, but to work in the ones He calls to make them more like Jesus every single day.

Poland, Czech, Poland (2/12/15)

We had the joy today of going to another doctor visit as a family where we got to hear the baby’s heartbeat. Titus thought we would see an ultrasound, but that wasn’t on the docket today. The doctor gave us a good report that everything looks normal thus far. Praise the Lord for his continued grace with our third child.

Poland, Czech, Poland (2/12/15)

Poland, Czech, Poland (2/12/15)

I took a short trip with my team and another missionary to Poland today to, believe it or not, look at some t-shirts at a printer. Next month we’ll be ordering around 4,000 shirts that will be worn by as many young people around Central and Eastern Europe and our team was asked to meet the printer in Poland and pick out a nice shirt. These are for this summer’s camps where thousands of young people will hear the gospel for the first time. It was a fun little trip and even though picking a shirt sound trite, I know that they represent an opportunity for some young man or woman to come to Christ. That is my prayer and I will ask you to join us in praying for the hearts of these young people to be open and ready to bow the knee to Jesus.

Poland, Czech, Poland (2/12/15)

This afternoon we had our third day in a row of language practice with our friends Jenny and Landen (you can see them in the photo above). Today was a very encouraging day because by the end of it we could hear a simple sentence and know what’s being communicated. For instance, Jenny could say “I went to the post office by car” in Czech, and Landen, Bethany, and I could understand. Then, we were able to build different sentences ourselves and say them back in Czech. It’s a little to explain the process of how we could come to that point so quickly, but we were even surprising ourselves that we could do it! It’s weird how just speaking the simple sentences over and over you start to hear the nuances of the language and can kind of just, for lack of a better word, feel the right words come out. Like I said, it was really encouraging and I’m excited about our progress in such a short amount of time.

Our language lesson went a little late tonight so we decided to actually go back over to Poland tonight with Jenny and Landen for a quick dinner. They had never been to this fast food place that has cheeseburgers and chicken, so we decided to all go together. It was a great finish to a full day and I’m just happy tonight as we get ready for bed. God is so good and so faithful. It’s such a joy to serve the King.

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365 Czech Republic

Driving Home

Today was mostly spent in a car. Bethany and I left Krakow early this morning around after checking out of our little rented apartment, we headed back to Katowice where our kids were staying. We had a great time together but it was a lot of fun to see the kids after two nights away.

When we got to the Millers house, I saw Avery come around the corner of one of the room and I would’ve sworn she had grown. Both Bethany and I genuinely think they have grown a little since Sunday. Maybe this happens to a lot of parents, but it’s kind of bizarre to experience. Maybe we should change the phrase, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” to “Absence makes the kids grow taller?” Or maybe there’s something in the water in Poland? I don’t know, but they look bigger.

With a few days out of town, the rest of the week is shaping up to be a little busy. We have a visa application thing tomorrow for our 2-year visas, a Christmas party, haircuts tomorrow, Bethany has another doctor appointment to check on the growing baby, and Titus apparently has something going on at his school. I don’t know what’s got to give at this point, but as we get ready to depart for the States next week I fear something will have to. Well, I guess I’ll see you on the flip side.

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365 Czech Republic

Day Two in Krakow

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

Our second and final day in Krakow has been a lot of fun. We had our first uninterrupted night of sleep in…well, since Titus was born? I can’t really remember, but it was amazing. The apartment where we’re staying has an incredible shower where it has the shower head on the ceiling and the water falls on top of you. It’s amazing what a nice shower (or shower head) will do to kick off your day!

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

We skipped breakfast (aka: slept in) and grabbed lunch in the town square. Afterwards we went around for another stroll through the Christmas market. We saw a lot of it last night, but felt a little rushed, so it was nice to take more time today and find some things for our kids and just take it all in at a slower pace. I had my camera this time and the the daylight, so here’s a few photos of our time today (as always, captions are below each).

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

Don’t tell Titus but we ended up buying him a knight’s shield and a sword for Christmas. They are all made of wood by the neato blacksmith guys that we saw last night. I may just have to buy one for me so we can battle!

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

We bought these amazing cinnamon and sugar things to snack on while we were walking around. The little shop had Italian flags out front and the people that worked there were really friendly. The little roll things were yummy!

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

Here’s Bethany going for a bite of some cinnamon and sugar goodness!

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

The square wasn’t as busy during the day, but even on Monday there was a good amount of foot traffic.

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

As we were browsing, we could watch the horse and carriages make their way around. So…

A photo posted by Shay Thomason (@shaycam) on

We went for a 30 minute carriage ride! Above is a shot we took on the carriage. It had nice, comfy seats and they gave us a lap blanket to keep us warm. But you and I both know it was really our love that kept us warm….awwwwwwwww.

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

Here’s a photo of our carriage that I took while we were walking away. It was really fun and we almost wish we could’ve brought our kids with us…almost.

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

Old Town Kraków (12/15/14)

We took a little break this afternoon and went back out this evening for a walk and some coffee. The town square comes alive at night with lights and shows. Actually, they had a bunch of Polish dancing and doing something on stage that we didn’t understand, but it was still fun to see.

Christmas Market Foods (12/15/14)

Christmas Market Foods (12/15/14)

Above is the dinner we created from the street vendors. The chunks of meat you see were basically the most tender pieces of ham I have ever eaten. Bethany and I split those and added mushroom, veggies, and potatoes as sides. We brought it all back to our apartment and enjoyed a little meal inside. For dessert we got waffles at a little shop topped with powdered sugar and raspberries. We didn’t finish it all, but it was fun!

Tomorrow we’ll head back to pick our kids from the Millers house, but we have had a great time the past 24 hours. Right now we’re watching a favorite TV show and just hanging out together. Even though we’re in a great city in Poland, it’s just nice to rest and enjoy time together.

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365 Czech Republic

Day One in Krakow

Day 1 in Kraków (12/14/14)

Thanks to kind friends, Bethany and I are spending today and tomorrow in Krakow, Poland. Our 9th wedding anniversary is this coming Wednesday and we were hoping to do something fun and get away for a little rest. Yes, I guess “rest” is the theme of the 9th wedding anniversary when you have two young kids and another baby on the way. Our friends, the Millers, are watching Titus and Avery for the next two days so we’re staying in a little apartment here in the old town square of Krakow.

Day 1 in Kraków (12/14/14)

Day 1 in Kraków (12/14/14)

We arrived here around 5:30pm and after figuring out the apartment rental situation (which, by the way, is the only way to travel!), we started walking around the town square. The whole square is lively with Christmas things and a big market. Oh, and as you can see in the photo above, apparently a huge semi-truck with a Coca-Cola logo and a picture of Santa (ironically, not pictured here) with a huge Christmas tree behind it really says, “Merry Christmas from Poland!”

We enjoyed a great meal at a place in the square that a friend recommended to us. Both of us tried traditional European dishes that we really liked. Afterwards, we roamed around the Christmas market just enjoying all the different things the little shops. Below are some photos of what we saw (captions below each).

Day 1 in Kraków (12/14/14)

I liked these blacksmith guys. That is all.

Day 1 in Kraków (12/14/14)

Handmade Polish ornaments were readily available.

Day 1 in Kraków (12/14/14)

This wood shop was amazing. But hey, nobody light a match!

Day 1 in Kraków (12/14/14)

We spent way too much time in the Polish pottery shop. They had some incredible stuff, especially these little Christmas trees which we really liked.

Day 1 in Kraków (12/14/14)

Notice just how they pack in the Polish pottery at the shop. You have to really dig through stuff, carefully of course, to find what you want but it can actually be fun. Bethany stressed me out just a little with her gloves and picking up pottery. She was kind enough to take them off after about the third or fourth time of me saying, “…be careful.” Oh, marriage…

On our way back to our apartment we considered taking a horse and carriage for a spin, but our cold hands had other plans. We’re staying up a little late tonight enjoying one of our favorite TV shows and we’ll see how tomorrow goes!

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365 Czech Republic

Saturday With the Carlsons

We had a wonderful Saturday today spending time with another missionary family in Poland. I believe the Carlsons have been in Poland for about 18 years now and have enjoyed their ministry there immensely. Back in July we visited them, but it was fun to reconnect again at their home and just talk about what’s going in each of our lives and share a Saturday together.

My biggest takeaway from today was just how important it is to have older families in your life. God has graciously allowed older families in to my family’s life over the years and I have learned much from them. Invaluable tools have been handed down to me in regards to parenting, my and Bethany’s relationship, ministry, leadership, etc. from older men and women. That’s part of discipleship and I really don’t care how old you are, there’s always something to learn and there’s always someone who has gone before you and would be able to speak in to your life. I tell myself all the time, “Never stop learning.” Maybe I’ve even written it on this blog, but when you stop learning, you stop growing. Growth is part of being a human, and it’s definitely part of being a Christian. We are constantly desiring to grow in Christ-likeness and to look more and more like Him every day. But if I sit still and don’t work at it, there won’t be any growth. It takes work.

All that to say, we were blessed just to chat with the Carlson family and learn from their time on the field and to hear their insights in to what helped them along the way. Topics like parenting, language, and friendship. The key now is to work through the things we discussed and make a game plan for how to implement change and grow in those areas. By God’s grace, we will do just that and even look more like Christ in the end.

Avery with a Balloon (12/6/14)
This was Avery playing with a balloon at the Carlson’s house today. I know she just turned 3 a few weeks ago, but she really looks older to me here.

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365 Czech Republic

Ice Skating in Poland on Avery’s Birthday

Never in my life would I have imagined spending Avery’s birthday ice skating in Poland, but that’s exactly what happened today. Our friends, the Millers, have a daughter with the same birthday (she’s a few years older) and they planned a big ice skating trip with a few other missionary families today. They invited us while we were at the JV Thanksgiving event and we were pumped to join them. The ice rink they chose is about a stone’s throw from our apartment, but it’s across the river in Poland. I think it actually takes longer to drive there than walk, but since it was in the 20’s outside we decided to take the car.

There were five families, including us, and we had a really fun time on our first ice skating adventure. The rink was very nice and really reasonably priced for skate rentals and time on the ice. I have done a lot of rollerblading, but I don’t believe I have ever actually been ice skating before. Bethany has gone, but it has been a really long time. Titus was excited, but Avery just wasn’t having it today and didn’t even want us to put skates on her. Later she warmed up to the idea (ha! “warmed up”…to ice) and let me carry her around the rink for a lap or two. Titus wanted to try a few times so I would hold his arms while his little legs and feet scrambled for stability beneath him.

Here’s a few photos with captions beneath each one to give more of the story.

Ice Skating in Poland (11/29/14)

We arrived a few minutes earlier than the other families so Titus and I were walking around the building just checking it out and found a big pile of snow. This is not snow that had fallen from the sky, but I guess they made it for some event or practice they were doing. Behind this pile was a large ramp thing where I assume they were skiing or snowboarding. But that didn’t matter to Titus; he was just excited about all this crazy white stuff.

Avery's Birthday (11/29/14)

Here’s Bethany and Avery as we were waiting to buy tickets and get our skates on. Avery had just gotten up from a nap so she wasn’t quite camera ready.

Ice Skating in Poland (11/29/14)

Here was the scene inside the locker room where everyone was getting their skates on. I was really impressed that the same electric key that got you into the room also unlocked your personal locker. Not bad for $11 which got all four of us an hour of rink time, a locker, and skate rentals.

Ice Skating in Poland (11/29/14)

I know ice skating rinks are cold, but I’m pretty sure it was colder inside than outside (and it as cold outside!). For a while we skated clockwise and then an announcer came on in Polish to tell us to turn around and go the other direction. Since we don’t speak Polish you just kind of follow the crowd. You’ll also notice the big sign that reads “Welcome to Cieszyn.” Cieszyn is the Polish name for the same town in Czech which is Český Těšín (where we live).

This a little video I took going around the rink one time.

Ice Skating in Poland (11/29/14)

Ice Skating in Poland (11/29/14)

I held Titus and Avery while skating around the rink a few times. I only fell one time and sadly I had Titus in my arms. Both our kids were well padded today, but when you’re dad is 6’4″ it’s a long way down. I saved Titus’ head from hitting the ice, but his bum hit hard and he cried. He settled down after a few minutes and we went around again. I tried hard to make sure he wasn’t completely freaked out about the ice after that considering that it was his first time. When we got home he said, “Ice skating was fun!” so I don’t think I did too much emotional damage.

After ice skating, the other families had plans to go back to where they were staying and invited us to have sundaes with them. It was just a little too far for us to go tonight and would’ve been another hour of driving, so we left and went to a local hamburger place in the Polish square.

Ice Skating in Poland (11/29/14)

While at dinner we were waiting for our food (at the table above) and Titus was drinking his apple juice we had gotten him. I was sitting across from him asking him to sit down when he reached for his juice and it slipped and began spilling on the his seat (the bench seat). In a moment, I got up from chair, hit my head on a hanging light and all I heard was a big crash and glass breaking. It hurt and I was a little confused in the moment about what exactly had happened.

You’ll notice in the photo above that the glass lamp shade is sitting on the bench. Basically, my head knocked the huge lamp cover off the wire it was hanging from, it broke the light bulb, and everything fell on to our table. Amazingly, the lamp cover didn’t break, but we had broken glass from the light bulb, juice, and drinks all over the table and floor. Here’s a few more photos after we cleaned it all up with the help of the employees at the burger joint.

Ice Skating in Poland (11/29/14)

Ice Skating in Poland (11/29/14)

Finally, we did have time this morning to give Avery a little something from us which she opened in our living room. Here’s a few more photos of Avery opening that. It was a really fun day and we’re glad we got to spend it with friends and enjoying another new adventure here.

Avery's Birthday (11/29/14)

Avery's Birthday (11/29/14)

Avery's Birthday (11/29/14)

Avery's Birthday (11/29/14)

Avery's Birthday (11/29/14)

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365 Czech Republic

Avery’s 3rd Birthday Party

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

We enjoyed a wonderful celebration today of Avery’s little life and were blessed by many friends joining in the fun. As I wrote yesterday, Avery’s birthday is actually next Saturday but with Thanksgiving and traveling many people weren’t going to make a party the weekend after the holiday. So instead of trying to make that work we decided to move it up a week and enjoy a little party today. Bethany did a great job getting things ready and this morning we put the final touches on our apartment to get it ready (mostly just cleaning) and everyone came over around 3pm.

Before I begin with all the photos and stories, it’s fair to note that today actually started very early when Papa and Nana video chatted with Avery and she opened their gift which was mailed from the States. I was actually asleep while Bethany and the kids did this, but Avery loves her new Elsa Frozen doll. Thanks Papa and Nana!

Here are the photos and story from the party with captions below each.

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Here the kids are gathered around Avery while she’s opening gifts. The “Czech way” (as we’re told) is to open the present right as you receive it which is basically what we did as people arrived (as opposed to having a large gift opening time during the party). The kids of course were really excited about each present and I think when I captured this photo there was a line of people waiting for theirs to be opened.

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Here is Avery opening some new gloves she got from Josiah Venture’s resident grandma, “Grandma Linda,” as everyone calls her. She’s actually Kristin Yorman’s mom and she moved to Czech to help the Yorman’s with their autistic sons. Thanks for the gloves and tights!

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Avery was smiling and excited about all the new toys and gifts. She was very blessed and everyone was so generous.

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

The three photos above are from the cupcake decorating time we did with the kids. The table almost wasn’t big enough to get all the hands and plates in there, but we made it work. The kids enjoyed adding their own frosting and putting gummy flowers and dinosaurs on top to their liking. Thanks to our friend Greg, you get the rare shot of me standing on the right. He told me, “Now your kids will have at least one photo of you.” It’s the classic tale that dad isn’t in any photos because he’s always behind the camera. Thanks Greg for keeping my memory alive!

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Here’s Avery with her completed cupcake creation. I realize she doesn’t look that excited but honestly she was!

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Bethany actually had scheduled a little craft for the kids to create some pinwheels. It proved to be a little more difficult for the younger kids so the parents were helping out a lot (like Brian in the first photo). But they all turned out pretty good!

Avery's 3rd Birthday Party (11/22/14)

Here’s us with Avery as she was blowing out her three little candles. It took her a few tries, but she finally got them all blown out. I don’t want to dwell too long on this thought, but I’m starting to think that the reason we blow candles out is because that’s how fast it feels like the years go by. Bethany and I actually feel like Avery’s little years have gone at a good pace. We’ve had a busy year this year, but God has been gracious to make the time feel slow and we’ve been able to watch Avery grow. We’re thankful to the Lord for our daughter!

The party actually ended around 5pm and we were supposed to join our church’s youth group for their “American Thanksgiving” party. As we were walking out the door we realized our friends who had driven in from Poland forgot a baby bag, but they had already left. I called and told them we would meet them on the road so they would have it and we drove into Poland and met them at a gas station. I actually thought we would be able to turn around easily but this was not the case. The gas station was just off the highway, and there was no place to turn around and go back towards Czech. This meant we ended up driving (and I’m not joking) another 20 minutes into Poland until we could turn around.

McDonald's in Poland (11/22/14)

We figured we had missed dinner with the youth group and so we decided to eat at the McDonald’s in Poland and made a poor decision on driving through. Imagine an American family, that now lives in Czech, driving through McDonald’s trying to order in Polish (which we can’t speak a lick of). It took forever for us to order and I ended up having to walk inside to order the things that didn’t get communicated. Finally we got all of our food and headed back to Czech (another 25-30 minute drive). And yes, I got a photo of the McDonald’s.

About 6:45pm we made it to the youth group hangout which was a lot of fun. The kids were full of energy and were running around the room while all the students were talking and hanging out. We enjoyed talking with a couple of the students and staff and just being there.

At the end of the day, I’m thankful for how the Lord works out the details. Some things went as we had planned and some things didn’t (e.g. dinner in Poland), but it all went as God had planned. Awesome.

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365 Czech Republic

Even Sundays Are in Jesus’ Hands

As much as I love Sunday, they have quickly become one of the hardest days of the week for our family. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it just seems like everything about the morning routine on Sunday here in Czech is really difficult. I believe I actually said to Bethany this morning, “Sunday is my least favorite day of the week here.” Mostly that was said in frustration with just trying get out of the house, but I also think it’s just a lot of change and adjustment to living here and doing church here.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

That’s probably why I was so encouraged by a blog post that I read today that wasn’t even meant for me. Oh, for sure the Lord knew I needed this reminder, but the author of the article actually wrote it for missionary wives. The title of the post is “He’s Got Missionary Wives in His Hands” and I initially read it thinking I would pass it along to Bethany, but the more I read the more helpful I realized it was for my own soul. The entire article is bathed in Scripture, but her list of “…God’s particular, far-reaching, steadfast love, which he shows to us…” is so helpful, especially on Sundays. Here’s the list in it’s entirety:

    You and your family are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your decision to move is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your ministry training is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your ministry fundraising is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your culture shock is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your children’s schooling is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your personal finances are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your healthcare options are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your family’s health is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your living situation is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your language learning is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your travel and transportation are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your food options are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your homesickness is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your family back home is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your friendships back home are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your new friendships are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your opportunities to serve using your gifts are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your husband’s ministry is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your personal ministry is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your ministry successes are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your ministry failures are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your marriage is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your children are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your growth in Christ-likeness is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your teammates and coworkers are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your suffering is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your visits home are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your safety is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your future is in Jesus’ hands.

Isn’t that helpful? Every item she mentions is something Bethany and I have discussed and tried to work through during this process, especially as we have moved and been here for a few months. I’m so thankful that it’s all in Jesus’ hands. Even Sundays are in Jesus’ hands.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

That simple reminder became a really big one tonight as my teammate Daniel called me on the phone. Unbelievably, he was robbed a second time in less than a week (photo above of the car with the window smashed in). The only difference is instead of taking cash like they did on Tuesday, tonight they stole about $5,000 in camera equipment which Daniel uses on our team. In fact, the camera still contained all of the footage Daniel took on Friday night when we were at the EXIT tour event. Daniel and his roommate have been working with the police again tonight to see what they can do, and Lord willing, the stuff will be returned. Either way, it’s another reminder that it’s all in Jesus’ hands.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

This evening we went to a friend’s house to celebrate Rachael’s birthday. We had the joy of giving her the “gift of words” where we share about her and the things that we appreciate about her. It’s something the Josiah Venture team regularly and I always find it special. Rachael has been a joy to get to know and our family is thankful for her ministry here! Happy birthday, Rachael.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

On our way home from the party tonight I literally got us lost. We live like one mile from where our friend’s house is, but it was really foggy tonight. After turning left on a road I couldn’t see, we ended up crossing the river into Poland. It’s the first time in my life I’ve taken a wrong turn that made me end up in another country–all of which happened with two minutes of leaving the party. This tells you two things: 1) I’m still learning where we live 2) We live literally next to Poland…it’s crazy! Well, it’s a good thing getting lost is in Jesus’ hands because found our way back and finally made it home safely.

Titus gives his thumb of approval on the day.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

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365 Czech Republic

Sunday School Isn’t Just For Kids

One of my favorite sayings is “Never stop learning.” I actually have a print of it next to my desk that Bethany got me. It’s one of those life philosophies that I adhere to and kind of drives me to read, study, and continue to grow in all areas of my life. I realized this morning while sitting in Titus and Avery’s school school class that each and every Sunday here we’re learning. I know we have things like “Sunday School,” but for a foreigner like me it’s more like “Sunday University.” At least, that’s what today felt like and the funny part is we never even made it in to the sanctuary. Here’s four lessons we learned today:

Learning on Sunday (10/19/14)

1) Being in the right classroom is a good place to start learning – We got to church this morning and found our way to the kids classrooms. Avery was downstairs and Titus’ was upstairs. Bethany stayed with Avery because she was a little sad and I took Titus to his class. When we got there the kids were sitting at the table during what seemed to be a teaching time (photo above). I put a chair at the end for Titus and the teach asked in Czech what his name was (which I understood!) and also if we spoke Czech (which I also understood!). I did my best to keep Titus focused and listening but after about 10 minutes Titus says to me, “Daddy, this isn’t my class.” Uh oh. I waited a little longer. “Daddy, where’s Beni and Caleb?” Titus asked because they are normally in his class too. Oh no. We better go.

Learning on Sunday (10/19/14)

Learning on Sunday (10/19/14)

2) Employ family to help in the learning process – Titus and I kindly left the class and went back downstairs to Avery and Bethany. I told Bethany that wasn’t the right class and we decided to switch so I could stay with Avery and she could go with Titus to try and find the right one. As I sat with Avery, they kids were painting little leaves (shown above). As I sat just observing I was picking up Czech phrases like “pro maminku” (“for mommy”) as the kids were finishing their artwork. I figured out was “mám rád” (which I’ve heard a lot) means “I like.” Listening to the teachers speak SIMPLE Czech was so helpful for me to just try and pick up what they are saying. Then I got a text from Bethany: “I found it. Beni’s here.” She means she found the right class and Titus’ friend was there. Whew. That’s like 2 lessons: a) language lesson b) church building geography lesson. Sweet! This must be a 4-credit class. Oh, and those little leaves the kids were painting were put on a piece of paper that read: “The Lord creates colorful leaves.” Yes, He does.

Learning on Sunday (10/19/14)

Learning on Sunday (10/19/14)

3) You’re never too old for the tiny chairs. – When it comes to learning, you sit in whatever chair is available and in both Titus and Avery’s rooms this morning we were hanging out in tiny chairs. You’ll even see the teacher in the photo above in the small chair. Learning is more important than comfort, I guess. Also, and this is really a bonus, you can be pretty funny from the tiny chairs. Today I had the kids cracking up by making silly faces. Here’s a photo I got of them laughing at me (side note: I also dig the kid in the background feeding another kid a cracker).

Learning on Sunday (10/19/14)

4) Have fun after class.- This evening I had plans to take photos for our good friends Zach and Kara. At the castle yesterday I was thinking I’ve gotta go back and do photos there so Zach and Kara were my models today. We had a lot of fun and I was excited that Bethany could come too and see it all for the first time. The weather was incredible today and perfect for enjoying some family time and photos of friends. Here’s a couple photos (captions below each):

Hanging in Poland Again (10/19/14)

Zach and Kara having fun watching Titus try to make them laugh. It worked!

Hanging in Poland Again (10/19/14)

This is Bethany and Avery overlooking our city from the Poland side. It was a little windy, but what a great view today.

Hanging in Poland Again (10/19/14)

Avery’s legs because she’s still so little and cute.

Hanging in Poland Again (10/19/14)

Titus in his natural state…”hanging” out.

Hanging in Poland Again (10/19/14)

A quick shot of the streets of Poland, just inside the border.

That’s all, folks!