John 10:10- I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.Colors...that is how I see my life this past month.
Harvest Hues- While it seems ages ago, I attended several Thanksgiving retreats this November. One for TeachOverseas, where we hang out with the other teachers in the Central Europe region and have devotional time and TEFL. This year we took the time to notice the "pennies" that we have in our lives and how we can be grateful to God for them all. And another for Fishnet, my school, when our students come and we talk about American Thanksgiving and its purpose. We spend some time building relationships and learning about our students. Both of these weekends were really great this year!
Putrid Green- That's what color I was two weeks ago when I had my first food poisoning experience in the CZ. Let's just say I prefer having my own car in this situation.
Miraculous White- As many of you know, Grandpa Ron gave us all a scare a few weeks ago. And even though he is still in pain, we are all so thankful that he is home and healing. The Lord works miracles everyday, even the ones we don't take notice of. This one, however, is a big one that I am particularly grateful for.
Robin's Egg Blue is a pretty accurate description of what color I painted our kitchen last weekend. Czech paint is different than US paint. Their primer or "penetration" is just a clear coat and paint must be mixed with water before application. Paint is almost always flat and, in most cases, even after it's dry, you have a tendency to walk away wearing it if you lean against a wall. But I am proud to say that after several conversations both with my boss and with a student of mine, I was somewhat able to anticipate and navigate the Czech version of Home Depot alone. Also, I guess I must say thanks to my weekend warrior parents, because of you, I can single-handedly redecorate a room in a foreign country in two days without batting an eye. So thanks for all that previously dreaded practice.Christmas Crimson- Can you believe it is that time of year again? I have been buying some gifts (I must confess, a little delayed this year) and have been preparing for the most exciting gift, my vistors that are coming in less than two weeks (More about that in my next post)!! But I thought I would share some Christmas tidbits about living in Czech that I notice everyday. There are both similarities and differences to the US.
Similarities-They too start putting out holiday products by the end of October. They beautifully light up the streets with Christmas lights (mostly done by the city) and a large tree in the square. They have Christmas trees and celebrate advent and open gifts.
Differences- No Santa! Instead, what translates as Baby Jesus, is the person who brings the gifts and he delivers them on Christmas Eve while the family eats dinner in the other room (Impressive, right, moms and dads?) Neither turkey nor ham is eaten, but rather carp is the traditional meal. And my favorite is the Christmas markets, especially the hot punch that you can buy there! They are so fun!!Well, I pray that you are doing well, that you are taking the time to reflect this Advent season. I will post again soon! Very sorry that it was so long since I last posted!
xoxo Chels
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