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.