Avoidance

During the last few months, I have been struggling. As most of you probably know by now this is my final year in the CZ. Since I made this decision, I have had moments of joy, fear, frustration, sadness, peace, hope, excitement, and almost every other emotion on the scale. The part that has been the most difficult has been trying to understand why the Lord called me to a place and a people I have come to love as my own for such a short time, only to bring me back to the US with no defined vision for what He wants me to do next. I have been asking a lot of WHYs? Because of this, I have dived into a quarter-life mini crisis feeling untethered and a little lost at times for a good portion of this year instead of diving into Him. But through it all, I have learned several things and am continuing to learn some world view shaking principles.

1) He never hides, even if you do.
2) Just because you aren't succeeding, doesn't mean you are failing.
3) Leaving doesn't mean saying goodbye, it means work harder.
4) Sometimes "wide-open" is stinking intimidating.
5) Taking a step back, while painful, can truly help you see the bigger picture.

While to you most of these short quips may seem somewhat trite, but to me, they have been grounding. They have helped me to see more clearly the cliche phrases that Christians often pass around about the Lord being there in our times of need and their truth.

I have recently learned that its ok to take your hurt and struggle with it, but truly when you let Him take control, impossible things seem to happen. Personally, I am turning over a new leaf and diving deeply into His love, remembering that I can have as much of the Lord as I want and I am excited to see exactly what that means right now.

My time in Czech has been precious and life-changing, hopefully not just to me, but also to those that I have built relationships with. I continue to pray for Ostrava and the missionaries that are staying behind here. I know that the Lord will continue to do incredible things in this place and I can't wait to come back to see what happens!

I am looking forward to finding my new place in life and spending some time with you all. I thank you for your continued prayers and support. I would also appreciate continued prayers for the people of the Czech Republic and that their lives would be radically altered.

Love you all and talk to you soon!

Christmas Surprise!

Belated Merry Christmas to you all! (Click here to see: Christmas in O-town) I am sorry I did not send out anything this year but I I was a little busy...I went home surprised all you Knox people and had a blast doing it! Let me say that if you ever get the chance to do this to your friends and family, do it! It is the best surprise they will and ever get and it is a ton of fun for you too! Just ensure that you won't give anyone a heart attack when you do it! Well, for your enjoyment, I have made a video compilation of my many surprises caught on film...beware there is a fair amount of screaming and crying from all involved!

I hope to talk to you all again soon! I hope you enjoy it!

Click here: Christmas Surprise

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17

Let the Little Ones Come

     I am doing something I really thought I would never do...teaching at an elementary school. As much as I, Chelsea, love children, I have never felt the call to teach young kids. As a teacher in the States, I always thought high school was great because not only could you teach them things but you could relate to them on a personal level.
    When I got back to Czech this school year, the Lord said, "haha. That's what you thought then. Now I'm going to give you some little tiny kids that literally can't understand you, because they don't speak English and see how you do with their behaviour issues then!" I am a big enough person to admit to you that I was terrified! I have to say that first day when I walked in and my contact (and former student) met me, I knew then and there that the Lord answers prayers, because the first words she said were, "we don't really know what we are doing, but we are excited to have you here! We want you to be happy, the Czech teachers to be happy, and the students to be happy. It will be great!"
   Since then I have felt so welcomed at this school by everyone. I even went away to the mountains for a weekend with teachers. One of the other English teachers and I have discovered a common love of super heroes and have begun watching some films and shows together and metting for dinner.
    And those holy terrors we call kids, they have been so great! Don't get me wrong, they are just as mischievous as American children, but they always ask such cute, simple, English questions and always desire to try to say something to the foreigner (aka me), such as "you have good shirt, Miss Chelsea." 
   I have also realized how much vocabulary of the extremely basic math I have forgotten. While I may remember how to do it, I do not remember all of the exact technical terms for it, especially not on the fly as I am expected to. Thank God for Google!
    While some days are still trying and I don't know that elementary school is my long-term calling, I do know that I am called there for now, for today and I will work at it with all my heart as working for Him. And I must say getting a sweet compliment from an eight year old in broken English doesn't make the day go to badly either. ;-)

Filmy Vikend: Part III

View from our cabin

     Wow! Whenever I think back to three years ago this weekend--my very first Czech weekend away. The fear and trepidation that preceded that weekend, the awkwardness of the whole experience of travelling someplace with people you don't know being compounded with an utter lack of understanding anything and I mean anything--the language, culture, what or how to pack, where we were going, how were would get there, what we would do, what my role was, and remember again it was all in a different language. And I compare it to the past weekend. It amazes me what can happen in three years and how the Lord can work miracles and answer prayers. I am happy to say I actually understood the leaders' prep emails sent in Czech, I knew the kids that were going, I actually feel like a part of the ministry team working with the youth, and I now consider this to be one of the best weekends of the year. (Trust me, my language skills are far from perfect and just about everyday I have some sort of culture issue, but it is incredible how the Lord can use our inadequacies). 

Leaders after a crazy frisbee golf game in which we were the holes

    Just so you know, Film Weekend is, quite obviously, a weekend where youth are invited to the mountains to watch films in English from a Christian perspective. This year we watched Forrest Gump, The Hunger Games, Robin Hood, and The Incredibles. After each film, the kids get in discussion groups to answer some questions. Then, a leader gives a short talk about how they viewed the film. For example, this year after The Hunger Games the leader talked about how the main character, Katniss, chose to sacrifice herself for her sister out of love just as Jesus sacrificed himself for each of us because he loved us. This weekend is a great wekkend that is low-key and non-threatening for kids that aren't Christians to talk about Jesus. I am so glad for the courage the Lord gave both the kids and me that first year because film weekend is really an incredible experience!

The kids watching the pre-movie skit

Quick Update

Hey everyone!

     Just  a quick update, I asked for prayer the other day, because we (my teammates and I) were having some trouble with our new work permits and with our visa renewals. Well, answer to prayer, we received an extension in our passports to return later in September, which is great news since we already had non-refundable tickets! We still will have a lot of finagling to do when we return in the fall but for now things are on the right track.

   Also, we officially began the moving process this week. This is going to be a two month deal because while our stuff has moved out and into its new home, the previous owners will still be living there for an indefinite period of time. The hope is they will be moving out about the same time that I return from America in September so my teammates and I can move into our new home. It has been a bit of a stressful week, but God has really been good and both processes have gone smoother than anticipated and have been a blessing.

    This week has been a crazy week though! We have moved, my school has had one of its biggest events of the year all week long that has involved Czech news and radio and 800 children, we have visited the foreign police, and tomorrow, I am going to Junior English Camp for a week. There is nothing quite like finishing the year with a bang! It has been a year of joy and ups and downs. Too much to ever put into a few blog posts, but I look forward to visiting with many of you when I come home in just over a week!

Přeji vám pokoj jež můžete nalézt pouze u Něj! (I wish you a peace that can only be found in Him!) 

Silly and a little sad

   My teammates will tell you that in the flat I am obsessed with a few things when I see them outside our windows. One I have already blogged about and that is our flame (I still shout, "Flame on!" as though I am Johnny Storm every time I see it). And the second is hot air balloons. 

I think they are just so beautiful! At some point I will probably write a separate blog about what I find to be the significance of those magical zeppelins floating in the sky, but for now, 

 

I thought I should just document what was probably the last time I would see not just one but TWO out my fantastic windows at the Korunni flat before we move.(FYI, my roommates, I think, hate whenever I see a hot air balloon, because I holler and shout for them to come look and I don't think they really care. Oh well! 

Don't worry you beings of advertisement, your wonder is not yet  lost on me). So here are my photos from that morning.

AND my roommates (Ashley- left, Shelly- right) giving in to my impulsiveness and taking some crazy photos of our last meal in the Korunni flat. We had breakfast casserole, and boy, was it yummy! Even if I do say so myself! 

You can also see some of the packing insanity that is going on and how I officially permitted each person to have only one of each kitchen utensil and packed the rest away. I have been a bit OCD with getting ready to move, but we will be ready come Wednesday! Never fear!

 


So long Korunni flat! You have been great and we have had a lot of fun living here! You will be missed! But we are looking forward to our new home! Look out here we come!

Moving

     Moving, such a simple verb, but by definition an action which actually alters our physical state of being. And moving house, or as we Americans shorten it to--moving, a word that by definition usually alters one's life so completely that there is no going back. Think about it, nothing is ever the same. So not only is this verb the biggest hassle in the world, but it will turn your world on its side (maybe not in a bad way, but it will definitely be different). 

     Have you ever moved? If you have, you know what I'm talking about. First the painful search for somewhere new to live, next comes the always excruciating chore of packing and unpacking-the endless juggling of items, redding out those items you never really use any way, finding boxes, and bubble wrap with which you precariously store precious items now and have hours of delightfulness with later popping. Then, the sentimental or hurried good-bye as you leave your old home. Next, you settle in to your new place selecting just the right spot for each keepsake trying to maximizing on the storage in your new home, attempting to bring order to chaos. Finally, the hardest part of all comes the new normal. Your new life, wherever you moved, is something that you must learn to thrive in.

     This month in Czech we are, yep, you guessed it, moving! However, unlike my move to the CZ I do not think this move will be quite so life-altering. But I am keeping an open-mind--the Lord can do some pretty incredible things. To quantify this move for you guys though, my teammates and I have to be out of our flat by the end of the month, but we can't quite move into our home for the fall yet because the owners are still living there. We will be nomads for a few days until we leave for the summer. Then when we return in the fall we will pull it out of closets and rooms that we have stashed it in and complete the moving process. The flat we are moving to has a huge kitchen/dining area, an even larger living room, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, entryway, computer room, and a terrace. It is about 15 minutes away from my current place and is in the center of the city, next to my favorite cafe! (One downside, the place has a four floor walk-up! Yay, nice calves!)

    The other major difference with this move will be a change in our team. We are moving forward in time. Two of our team members will be going home in just a few weeks and they won't be returning to Ostrava next year. I will miss them very much, but I know for them that this is the correct choice. Jessica is going to Atlanta and will be participating in a missions organization called Mission Year. Ashley will be heading home to spend some time with her family and begin job hunting. Erica, Shelly and I are excited to meet our new teammate, but I'll tell you about her in another blog after I meet her.

     In so many ways we move in life both physically and metaphorically, that it can be daunting, energizing, terrifying, awe-inspiring, and so many other feelings that make you want to add an emoticon in extra large print to your life. No matter what though, when we live a life with Christ we have a hope that does not disappoint us because we have been given the Holy Spirit and his love which he has poured out in us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). And during all these experiences and regardless of what life brings us, we can continue on in his strength.

For our light and momentary troubles [although they may not seem so light and easy in this life] are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

2 Corinth. 4:17 (comments added by me)

Stay or Go?

     Spring!! Every year during this time, I feel an awakening. I am more excited about almost everything and the promise of new things in this world. And for the first time in months, it isn't so terrible to have to wake up extremely early. Mostly because here in the Czech Republic, the sun rises just before 5 in the morning and doesn't set until almost 10. The flowers are out and the warm weather, after a particularly arctic winter, has returned. It is a fantastic time of the year! A great time to learn about rebirth and grace, to go out and enjoy God's creation and stretch our bodies following a long hibernation.
     While I thoroughly relish this time each year, for those in my organization, it can be a trying time. The decision of whether to stay where we are in-country or choose something else to do for the following year has been looming over all of us since we first arrived in the autumn. Now, at the beginning of spring, decision time is no longer in the distance, but here. For some, the decision seems logical, they seem to know where they are headed at this point--home or here and to what end. For most of us, the decision is agonizing. We feel the pressure to do the right thing, to make the correct choice, but sometimes it just doesn't seem clear or maybe it feels too open.
      This year, my decision has been a struggle to make. Both the US and Czech have so many opportunities and hold so many hopes for me. This year, more than any other, I felt as though the decision I made would change my life drastically. In the States, I would be closer to family and friends, I could return to school if I wanted, and I could be more settled in a permanent job with a home of my own, I could find what purpose God would have for me in some school in America or in some other situation. In Czech, I would be able to continue growing the relationships that I have built with my students and the friends that I have made here. I would be able to continue working at a school in which I really believe and its ministry. I could continue the work that I know the Lord brought me here to do. 
      I spent a lot of time searching and asking God where He wants me to be next year. During this time I have felt as though I have grown so much closer to the Lord. I realized that in this decision, He was saying, "Chelsea, you have followed me here to the Czech Republic and done what I have asked here for the past two years. This next year, you can choose, stay or go, and I will be with you." I truly believe that neither decision I would make was wrong, and in the end, I felt as though here in the CZ is where I belong next year. 
      I believe that the Lord is working here in CZ and in my relationships with my students and the YoungLife kids that I am getting to know. I am only just beginning to see the fruit of my labor here with some relationships finally taking off and conversations occurring about life-altering topics. 
      One area that I see the Lord working most is in a few of relationships with some of my students. With some of them, I have become friends and we are able to meet regularly outside of class. We have a relationship that started just in the classroom, being able to discuss so many different topics and learn about each other; and now, these relationships translate into coffee dates and days with their family. It has been an incredible situation and so different than any experience I would have with students in America.
      Another place that I have seen growth and can see God working is in some of my friendships with the ex-patriates in the city. The discussions that we have have not only challenged them, but I know that they have strengthened my relationship with Christ as I have grow in my knowledge of His Word and the characteristics of God. Studying and talking about who He is compared with their perceptions and past experiences. 
      I can also see Christ in the time that I spend with other Christians here. I hope and pray that as I spend time with them I am able to show them love and care for them, as the Christian community isn't very large and it can be easy to feel alone. 
      I sense a peace about my decision to stay here for another, and I have so many hopes and dreams for the next year. I am praying for the changes that I know are going to occur in my school and with my team, because several of my teammates have decided to move on with other ventures next year. I am praying for the relationships that I have with students and at YoungLife and with those kids that attend my English Klub. I hope that I can become bolder and more courageous in my faith. I pray that I can continue to have relationships with everyone back at home. I also pray that I will grow in the Lord and that my passion for Him would continue to change me in drastic ways. 
      I ask that as I continue into this coming year that you would keep me in your prayers and those here in the Czech Republic. It is a country that has experienced so much in the last century and is continuing to change everyday, I hope that these changes will help to bring the Czech people to the Lord.
     Thank you for your prayers and support these past two years and know that I am keeping you in my prayers daily! I'll talk to you all soon! Thanks again! 

Funny picture that I recently saw posted on Facebook. We teachers go WILD!

If only...

Outside is a wondrously white and chilly land in Ostrava. Finally, the trees have some company and don't look so bare since they are now heavily laden with snow. Many of you may have seen on the news that it has been a frosty winter here in Central Europe recently, but it has been lacking snow. Now the blizzards and flurries have begun in full force! We are no longer having -5 degree temperatures, but instead the piles of snow that make me glad I don't have a car here to clean off! However, if I were at home, maybe I would have a snow day like these girls in this poem. Hope you are thriving during this winter!

Snow Day 

by Billy Collins

Today we woke up to a revolution of snow,
its white flag waving over everything,
the landscape vanished,
not a single mouse to punctuate the blankness,
and beyond these windows

the government buildings smothered,
schools and libraries buried, the post office lost
under the noiseless drift,
the paths of trains softly blocked,
the world fallen under this falling.

In a while I will put on some boots
and step out like someone walking in water,
and the dog will porpoise through the drifts,
and I will shake a laden branch,
sending a cold shower down on us both.

But for now I am a willing prisoner in this house,
a sympathizer with the anarchic cause of snow.
I will make a pot of tea
and listen to the plastic radio on the counter,
as glad as anyone to hear the news

that the Kiddie Corner School is closed,
the Ding-Dong School, closed,
the All Aboard Children's School, closed,
the Hi-Ho Nursery School, closed,
along with -- some will be delighted to hear --

the Toadstool School, the Little School,
Little Sparrows Nursery School,
Little Stars Pre-School, Peas-and-Carrots Day School,
the Tom Thumb Child Center, all closed,
and -- clap your hands -- the Peanuts Play School.

So this is where the children hide all day,
These are the nests where they letter and draw,
where they put on their bright miniature jackets,
all darting and climbing and sliding,
all but the few girls whispering by the fence.

And now I am listening hard
in the grandiose silence of the snow,
trying to hear what those three girls are plotting,
what riot is afoot,
which small queen is about to be brought down.

Holiday during the Holiday

Happy 20-12! Hope this year is finding you well! Here in Ostrava, we have had an extreme cold front. Or as some of my students call it "froze." It took all the way to January 15th to get any snow to stick, but I fear it is here to stay for a while now. This has been the weirdest winter ever in terms of weather. I just hope the snow doesn't stay now until June!


I have been busy as ever in the last month. Part of that time was because during the holiday season, I had some guests come to visit! My mom, Adam, Alexa (or Sisin as I have deemed her), and Karen all came over a few days after Christmas to hang out for 10 days. We had a blast!

Quick synopsis (Realistically it probably won't be that short): 

Me, Adam, and Alexa at the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna

First, we met in Vienna and spent 2 1/2 days there touring around. We saw Sleeping Beauty the ballet, which was stunningly beautiful! We toured the Schönbrunn Palace, where the Hapsburgs used to live, with its gorgeous gardens even in winter time. We visited the Christmas markets and started our week long shopping spree. :-) I walked into a road sign one day which was entertaining for everyone else, including the random passer-bys walking behind us. 

Adam on The Ecstasy

We also went to a European amusement park. They are much smaller in size than US ones, but at this particular one they have the tallest ferris wheel in the world and the highest swings as well. Karen and Alexa had a good time on the 180 m high swings. (The McHenrys opted out on this one. My thoughts on swing rides, I do not trust a little chain to keep me up there. Personal issues on that one. However, you may see flaws with my logic in a few minutes). Next, we made our way toward the ferris wheel. On the way, my normally brilliant brother decided that we should ride a ride called "Ecstasy." I said, "Sure! Looks fun!" Alexa said, "No way! Well, ok, if you both are." The best way I can describe this ride is to say that it spun you in every possible way, including sideways and upside down. Needless to say, it did not produce feelings of euphoria. I think we all made it about 30 seconds before deciding that we absolutely hated that ride. However, I was the only one that was actually ill following the ride. And what might you ask were Mom and Karen doing at this time? They were laughing hysterically and pointing us toward the nearest trash cans, saying we told you not to! I have to say not our most intelligent moment in life. The ferris wheel ride following wasn't much fun either.

Karen buying Marionette toys in Prague

Following these exciting days in beautiful Austria, we headed by train to Prague. For me, going there was much more comfortable. I know the language and the city and didn't feel half as lost as I did in Vienna; however, I think it only got worse for everyone else as German sometimes at least looks like English, but Czech doesn't at all. We walked all around the city and saw Old Town, the Castle, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square (yes, as in the Good King Wenceslas from the Christmas carol), and went shopping in the little shops and markets.  

Adam, Alexa, and I from one of the most beautiful views of Prague

The most thrilling part of our time in Prague was visiting Charles Bridge (the Bridge that crosses the Vltava River in the older part of the city and is famous for all of the statues that are on it) at midnight on New Year's Eve. The ridiculous crush of people, the cold, and the crazy people with their own personal fireworks (that is how they celebrate New Year's here) made it nearly impossible to enjoy the beautiful firework display taking place over the river. But we managed to make it out with only minor incident, and now we know never to repeat this experience again. Sometimes tv is better!

Mom and I looking at the tower in Stramberk

The last part of our trip was spent in my new city, Ostrava. While we were here, we took a short day trip to a place that looks like it belongs in the Sound of Music. The hills and mountains surrounding it are beautiful! There is a cave that you can walk through and a tower that you have to hike up the hill to get to. I must say, they were all troopers, I sure did make them hike around a lot. We walked quite the distance while they were here!

Us at my Czech "family's" home, Kveta and Pavel Klamka

Ostrava was great, because we spent much of the time hanging out. They were able to see the office where I work, meet my teammates, see where I live, eat in some of my favorite restaurants, ride the same public transportation that I take everyday, meet some of my friends and colleagues, and really just get to know a little of the city that I have truly come to love. I really enjoyed getting to introduce them to "real-life" Czech. The other great part of them being here was getting to just hang out at my flat for some of the time. We were able to play the wonderful game introduced to us by the Osberg family, Elevens, and just be together as we have precious little time to do.


Needless to say, I had a wonderful time while they were here! I am so grateful for the time that we had together and it really made my holiday time so much more special (even though it was hard to get back into work mode after they left, hence the lack of a blog for a month).


Well, I will be writing another update really soon! I would love to hear some things about all of you! Hope you are doing well! And if anyone else wants to come visit, I'm basically a professional tour guide now. ;-)

ROY G BIV

The last month has been a blur! I swear I have passed myself coming and going. But through it all my life has been full of examples of God's mercy and has been abundant.

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

Dekuji, Dekuji

I have heard it said many times since I have been here that all Czechs are musicians. After the last year of being here and absorbing the sounds of all the beautiful music around me I believe that this just might be true. "Czech's Got Talent!" 

One of the places that I most frequently experience Czech music and lyrics is in the church setting. I have the privilege each week of singing along to hymns and choruses sung in a beautiful language that I can pronunce, but of which I understand about every third word. As they would say, "it's all a Spanish village to me!" Sometimes the songs are those translated from English therefore I can remember what the lyrics say. Other times, I ask someone what the lyrics say or I sometimes memorize the first line and translate it later at home. Usually though, I have almost no clue what the songs are saying other than the fact that they are praising God.


I don't know about you, but being committed to going to church every week can sometimes be a struggle for me and it has gotten even harder since I have come to a place that I don't have long-standing deep roots or complete understanding of the entire service. Yeah, it is a great place to see people, fellowship with others, be fed spiritually. But how easy is it for that sneaking thought to creep in of, "it's my only day to sleep in," or "I don't feel welcome there," or "I don't feel like I get anything out of it," or some other such excuse. And if you haven't ever felt like this, I am totally impressed! 


In the last year, I have had to learn many times over that it is really not about me. God has taught me many things about glorifying and thanking Him with all my being regardless of how I feel or what I am capable of understanding.


There are so many examples in the Bible where it says things about glorifying or exalting God just because He is: no stipulation, not because He gave me something, or because I am comforted by the believers around me, etc., etc., but just because He is who He is and He is Holy, worthy of praise. 

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

And in Revelation, the four living creatures never cease in saying their praise, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come" (Revelation 4:8). I mean, for all eternity, day and night, they will state the holiness of God. 


And while some might argue that this could just as easily be done in private, I see so many instances in the Bible where corporate worship is encouraged and talked about that I can't let myself believe that I would be right in thinking that I could ignore it, even for a time. In fact, in the book of Hebrews, it says "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another" (Heb. 10:25a).


So while it may seem as if I have gone off on a random tangent, I did have a purpose behind this little soapbox of mine. This month, like many other people in my organization, I have been trying to focus on the things that I am grateful/thankful for in this life. And I have at times struggled with holding myself in check and accountable to the fact that I need to remember that life isn't really about me, especially church. It is great if I enjoy the fellowship with other believers and am able to minister to those around me, but on those days when staying in bed seems like the easier option because I don't want to listen to yet another translated sermon, or sing songs I don't know, or I just feel grouchy, I need to remember some of these facts. Thus, here I am saying that I'm so entirely thankful for the welcoming church family that I have come to know and love here in the CZ. I am thankful for the translations that occur each week so I don't have to sit in utter ignorance of what is going on around me. I am thankful that I was able to find a church that preaches the truth of God's Word each week. But most of all, I am thankful to be praising an infinite, all-powerful God that is bigger than my singular voice and is more worthy of praise than I can begin to comprehend and that includes when I don't understand at all! 


Here is the copy of the convicting song that we sang last week that started me thinking about all this in the first place. Hope you are having a great week!


Díky za Tvůj kříž, jenž nás vykoupil, 
když ses nám vydal cele do rukou. 
Ó, Pane náš, ó, Pane náš. 
Naše skutky zlé, tys' nám odpustil, 
přikryl krví svou, na vše zapoměl. 
Děkuji, děkuji. 

®: Pane, mám Tě rád, vážne mám Tě rád, 
stále poznávám, že Ty miluješ nás, 
hlubokou radostí, 
těšíš srdce mé, ale největší je to, 
že mohu znát Tvou radost z nás. 

Pro mé nemoci trpěls Pane náš, 
abys vzal náš strach, lásku vyléváš. Ó, Pane náš, ó, Pane náš. 
Skončil úkol tvůj, tvé je vítězství, těď nám dáváš růst,
 z vody živé pít. Děkuji, děkuji.  

Thanks for your cross, which redeemed us,

when you gave us entirely into your hands.

Oh, our Lord, O our Lord.

Our evil deeds, you forgive us,

covered by his blood, you forget everything.

Thank you, thank you. 

®: Lord, I love you, seriously, I love you,

still I recognize that You love us,

profound joy,

my heart is pleased, but the biggest joy is that

I know that Your joy from us. 

For my illness, suffering Our Lord!

you took our fear, pouring out love. Oh, our Lord, O our Lord.

He finished the task of yours, victory is yours, now you give us growth,

living water to drink. Thank you, thank you.

American Invasion!!

Hey all!
  I just wanted to share my excitement from the last few hours! This was the first weekend in months that I have had free and I have had an incredibly lazy time! I have caught up on some tv shows, reading, and sleep. I was able to take some time to rest with Him, as well. It was wonderful! I truly needed this weekend. 


Some of you might be like, "But Chels, the weekend has only begun!" While that is true for you back in America, the good, old CZ had a holiday yesterday so I have had a lovely 3 day weekend. To answer your question, Mom, yes, I do finally know what this particular day was celebrating. October 28th, 1918 is the day that the first Czechoslovakian free state was formed following the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of WWI, aka Independence Day--the Czech original. They have another in January that celebrates the peaceful separation from Slovakia in 1993. Regardless, it was a beautiful, fall day here and I enjoyed the time off.

Now for the really exciting part, it is often hard to find things from the States here in CZ. While part of Western culture, it is still a nation with its own heritage and special products. For instance, their own personal version of cola, called Kofola, that they developed in the 1950s because they were not allowed to import Pepsi or Coca-Cola. Our culture and the things we find amazing, just aren't as important on a global scale as we sometimes think they might be. That means, no Mountain Dew, no PopTarts, no Reeses, no Swiffer, no brown sugar, and many other things that you have to search high and low to find a substitute. 


For the most part though, they do a pretty good job. For example, a Milka bar can beat almost any American chocolate easy and they get just as excited about their version of football as we do. Sometimes though, you just miss a little bit of the comfort foods and things. Well, today was a milestone moment. When browsing through Albert's (a grocery store) for my dinner tonight, I found a treat that I have missed dearly.

That's right, OREOS have hit the Czech Republic!! I stopped short when I saw that blue and white box. Strange, I know, a box, not a plastic package. (See cheesy picture on the left). I promptly scarfed up two reasonably priced boxes for being in Europe and getting an American product. I paid 64 kc ($3.63) for 8 packs of 4.  Bought a liter of milk and went to share with some American friends my excitement. Hopefully, they will be there the next time I am craving a little bit of home!

My other big news of the day is that I found out one of my friends (that has a tv) has ESPN USA on her network plan. What may you ask is the importance of this? The significance is that tomorrow night I will get to watch my first real time Steelers game vs. the Patriots! Wohoo! I am so excited! Don't worry, I have a Terrible Towel here and ready to go. ;-) 


Anyway, I know these things might seem trivial to you, but I thought I would share some of the small overseas joys that I sometimes have. I feel truly blessed to be living in a place like this that has so many opportunities different than home, but also to get a glimpse of some of the sillier things I sometimes miss. I have appreciated my recent time of rest and am ready to get back to work on Monday. I hope you have had a great weekend! Talk to you soon!

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience."                        ~Hebrews 4:9-11 

Is There a Light at the End of the Tunnel?

    I wish that I had more skills. Not the types of skills that Napoleon Dynamite speaks of, but still most of the time the things I wish I could do are learnable. For example, learning Czech, becoming a "better" photographer, or learning HTML coding, or rock climbing, or baking are just a few things of which I would like to improve my knowledge. 
    Unfortunately, I find I usually cannot be bothered to have the time or put forth the effort it would take to become adept at any of these skills. And let's be honest, in this world today, we cannot accept being a novice for long. Sure, we can accept mediocrity and we--willingly do, often daily, from ourselves and each other. But when a task is new and becomes cumbersome and requires any sort of perseverance, 80% of the time, our culture says to give up. It's ok to quit. In sports, we talk a different game, but how many kids still walk away because it's too hard? And we let them.
    I fall into this category more often than I would like (and not just with learning new skills, with the simple things). I have the best of intentions, but as the saying goes "the road to hell..." and what not. And this all comes down to my lack of perseverance. Well, I have recently been taking note of that word in the Bible--perseverance. God promises so many different blessings and rewards that come to those who persevere in the faith. Well, what is perseverance you may ask? HARD STINKING WORK, that's what. :-) According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, it is, "steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty in achieving success." Steadfast--to be firm and unwavering, no matter what the cost, no matter what troubles, sorrows, or worries come your way. That is an intense definition, if you ask me.
    While I daily fall short and struggle with self-control, an area frequently mentioned with perseverance, the verses that I am focusing on this month are, 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."    James 1:2-4

   My personal example of struggle with perseverance right now is having the drive to pursue God more consistently. I stated in my last blog that I want to strive for intimacy with Him, that requires more than just getting fed on Sunday mornings and the occasional devotional. It requires devotion and it is something that I am learning even more about. It is setting aside things that I have thought to be important in the past and just being with Him. Sometimes, these things are watching tv, or hanging out with friends, or accomplishing more work, and for me, I often want to give in and just do the easy thing. However, I am really trying this month to strive toward perseverance, because God promises we will not lack anything then (even the fun in life).
 I would ask that you would pray for perseverance in your own lives, but also for me to persevere with the relationships I am trying to build here in the CZ. It can get hard to continue in this when you are far from home or you don't speak a lot of the language still, and you are still somewhat unsure of cultural aspects, and so many other things. Thanks so much for your continued support!

View of the Castle in Cesky Krumlov with the perfect
 example of perseverance in front of it.