Oh, blessed relationships!

People often ask me what I am doing here in Prague. Sometimes (or maybe most times?), it seems inadequate to respond with, "building relationships," but in essence, that's what I'm doing.

I am building relationships with the parents and children at the Family Center (where I teach conversational English).

I am building relationships with church members through Sunday services and my Monday Night Women's Bible Study.

I am building relationships with the youth group at church.

I am building relationships with others that I've met through various ways.

A few weeks ago, I was asked why I chose to come to the Czech Republic. I've never really had a good, concise answer to that question...until that particular day. I felt like God gave me the exact words to describe why I'm here. I told the women that I am here because I love Jesus and I love people. I feel like God wanted me to come to the Czech Republic to love them. I continued by saying that everyone is lonely at times, everyone wants to have friends. I came to help people see that they are loved and to be their friend.

It sounds simple. And maybe it is. But, it's what I feel like God has asked me to do.

So, these relationships that I'm building...Well, they're my way of getting to know people and become their friend, with the hope of showing them Christ's love. It's going to coffee with them. Or inviting them over to my house to practice their English and my Czech. Or praying with them about the struggles of life.

I think it's pretty important stuff. And, I'm so glad that I am here to do it! 

New Accommodation

For those of you who have been asking for pictures of my new place...here you go! I still have a few things to buy or hang on the walls, but it's starting to feel like home! I love it!

Oh, and if you want my address, send me an email and I'll get it to you. :)

My flat is on the left...2nd floor (the bottom balcony with a red outline)

The view from the other side of the bedroom

Bedroom, with the picture wall

Hallway 

Living Room

View of the balcony from the Dining Room

View of the Kitchen/Dining Room
from the Living Room area

Kitchen

View from my Kitchen and Balcony

Still alive and kickin'

For all of you who wondered...yes, I'm still alive and kickin' here in Prague. I have just been very busy the past month. With what you ask? Well, I was on a prayer team in the Balkans region. I had some meetings in Albania. I moved. I took a quick trip to Paris. And I began teaching English a few times a week. I guess that pretty much sums it up. :)

Soon, I hope to put up some pictures of the new place (for those of you who have been asking). But, not tonight. :) I may even give you a glimpse into some of the things rolling around in my head...scary thought, isn't it?!

Stay tuned...

One year

As of yesterday, I have been living in Prague for one year.

What?! How did that happen? I know, I have a hard time believing it myself...

The time has both flown by and gone slowly, depending on the day...or sometimes the hour.

As I reflect on this last year, I am amazed at how far I've come. I went from absolutely zero Czech to being able to understand and hold at least simple conversations (though I still have a REALLY long way to go). I have taught at an English camp and am gearing up to do some more English teaching. I have met and developed many relationships. I have lived in 3 different places (with my next, and hopefully last for a long time, move scheduled to take place at the beginning of October). I have expanded my repertoire of meals I can prepare (which is a pretty impressive thing if you remember that I don't enjoy cooking).

Beyond the surface level stuff, I feel like I have grown a lot spiritually this past year too. I have come to a deeper understanding of what grace is, especially for myself. I have come to appreciate the Bible even more than before. I've learned to lean more on God as my anchor, especially after Emily left in March, leaving me without a teammate.

I'm sure I could add a lot more things I've learned and ways I've grown over these past 12 months, but I won't.

Thanks to each one of you who have supported me throughout this year...for your emails, Facebook messages, Skype calls, letters, packages, prayers and many other things. I am so grateful to have the support of so many dear people.

Oh, and in case you're curious...I did celebrate my one year anniversary by eating ice cream at my favorite ice cream shop with my friend Jessica. :) Yum! 

Whirlwind Summer

It's been a whirlwind summer...

I've taught at my first English Camp.

I hosted 5 visitors in the span of 4 weeks.

I traveled to/through 6 countries.

I swam in the Adriatic Sea.

I saw Auschwitz.

I have lost count of the number of times I walked across the Charles Bridge in the past month.

And now? Now, I'm gearing up for a week long church retreat and youth worship conference (two different events, but I go from one to the other). Oh, did I mention that it will all be in Czech? :)

Yes, it was a busy, whirlwind summer. But, what a blessed summer!! I was so grateful to have family and friends here, experiencing a bit of my world. What a gift! Thanks to each of you who came. I will always treasure our time together.

Here are a few pictures from the summer...enjoy!

My class and I at English Camp

In action. :) 

With my siblings on the Charles Bridge

Enjoying Trdelnik 

Bethany, Becki and I in Croatia

Enjoying one of my favorite coffee shops in Prague!

In front of the National Museum

Stacy's Wish List

Recently, I was encouraged to post a list of things that I enjoy and that would make good gifts if people wanted to send me a care package. Since I want to make sure to oblige all of you, here is my wish list. J 

*Please note that these are things that I like or things that I can't necessarily find here (at least for a decent price). They are also the things that come to mind, but I am grateful for whatever I receive. J Oh, and they are mostly food...what does that say about me?! 

In no particular order...

·                     Swedish Fish

·                     Mint Oreos

·                     Reese's Pieces (or Peanut Butter Cups)

·                     JIF Peanut Butter (creamy)

·                     Mountain Dew (come on, who's surprised at this one?!) J

·                     Twizzlers (Strawberry)

·                     Sour Patch Kids

·                     Land-O-Lakes Mint Hot Chocolate packets

·                     Nature Valley (or Giant brand) Peanut Butter granola bars (the regular, crunchy ones)

·                     Lonely Monk Coffee J

·                     Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate

·                     Trident gum (Spearmint flavored)

·                     Marshmallows

·                     Earrings

·                     Scarves

·                     Amazon or Itunes gift cards

·                     Blank notecards

Hopefully that will at least give you some ideas. J 

Living a life of Thankfulness

A number of months ago, I was challenged during a retreat to be more intentional at recognizing God’s blessings in my life and to be thankful for them. At the time, I felt strongly that I should start writing down five things that I’m thankful for at the end of each day. They can be big things or small things; answers to prayer; ways I saw God at work; the sky was/is the limit. It’s been fun to consciously look at my days and see the things that God has done.

As a way to publicly proclaim my gratitude and to give you a glimpse of some of the things I’ve written, here is a list of things I wrote down (in no particular order). Enjoy!

• Reflecting on “my” accomplishments in language and relationships, but realizing it’s not me at all, but God and His strength/power working through me. (Wed. 5/16/12)
• Time to do fun reading! (Sat. 6/16/12)
• A good Czech tutor, who is always so helpful and encouraging (Tues. 5/15/12)
• Strolling along a new city, having no idea what’s being said around you. (Mon. 6/25/12
•  Today, I bought screwdrivers (no easy task either!) in Czech. Oh happy day! (Sat. 6/23/12)
• For my sister, Kim, as today is her birthday. (Sun. 7/8/12)
• I needed to buy train tickets to Poland today. On my way out the door, I asked God to allow it to go easier than I anticipated…and it did! And, all but one sentence was in Czech. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayers, even if they’re silly or simple! (Mon. 7/9/12)
• Walking around Prague at night (Fri. 6/29/12)
• For my Daddy – Happy Father’s Day! (Sun. 6/17/12)
• Coffee with our language class after today’s ceremony (Wed. 6/13/12)
• New perspective on life after failing my oral exam (Tues. 6/12/12)
• A letter from Grandpa and Grandma Nofziger, where they both wrote. It blessed my heart so much! (Mon. 6/4/12)
• For our Bible Study group – such encouraging and prayer-filled women! (Mon. 5/28/12)
• Being able to communicate (at least a little bit) in Czech. I never thought I’d find such joy in being able to buy stamps in Czech. J (Fri. 5/18/12)
• God’s word…our Bible Study group looked at Psalm 73 tonight. I love verse 26, “My health may fail, and my Spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” (Mon. 5/14/12)

What about you? I encourage you to take a moment to think of your own life. What are the things that God has done (or is doing) that you are thankful for?

Sprechen sie Englisch? Bitte?

Too bad my brain doesn't have a "Google Translate" feature for every language! It would have come in handy this week.

For the past week, I was taking some (in my opinion) much-earned vacation time...a little R & R after 9 months of intensive language study. A friend and I headed over to Berlin (Germany) for 5 fun-filled days. Too bad the sun decided not to come along with us! :(

Spending a week in Berlin gave me a chance to be a tourist...a time to learn...a time to connect with friends, both old and new...and a time to enjoy STEAK (hey, it was vacation - I splurged!). :)

One of the remaining sections of the Wall

I have been to numerous places within Germany, but never Berlin. What a fascinating city! There is so much history there...and in many ways, it gave me greater insight into what life was like under Communism...and how that had an impact on Czech culture. I wish I had more time to simply take it all in. 


It was great to get away for a few days, but I have to be honest, pulling back into the main train station in Prague, my first thought was, "it's so good to be home!" (This was followed closely by "I'll be able to read the menus again!") :) 


Jeanette, thanks again for coming to visit me in Prague and traveling with me to Germany. It was great to be able to show you around my city and to introduce you to people at church and to simply enjoy your company. Thanks for putting up with my crazy ideas and for walking a bit out of our way at times just because we didn't know where we were going. It's all about the adventure, right?! :)  

The only picture of the two of us on my camera...at the Prague Castle. :)

The twists and turns of life

Sometimes things happen in life that you didn’t expect. Or, maybe I should say many times in life, things happen that you don’t expect. At least in my life.

I had another one of those twists this week.

For the past nine months, I have been attending intensive Czech language courses…as in Monday through Friday for 5 hours a day…of Czech. And, yes, that’s mostly grammar, with a little bit of listening, writing and speaking exercises mixed in.

While I have a LONG, LONG way to go before becoming fluent, I have definitely made progress. I am beginning to understand more when people speak to me and I’m able to get my point across (at least to some degree). I was feeling pretty good about myself…until this week.

Last week, I took the written part of my final exam. It consisted of reading, listening, grammar and writing. Each section was worth 20 points (the final 20 points was the oral part that I would take this week). The written part went well. I ended up getting a 65/80.

Going into the oral exam, I was pretty confident that it would go okay as well because I have been told by numerous Czechs that I would be fine…that I am able to get my point across and be understood.

Maybe I shouldn’t have been so confident.  

I found out after the exam that I only scored a 9 out of 20. Ouch. I’ll admit; I was quite frustrated. And the emotions took over for a while…I began to wonder why I was here…if I’d ever be able to learn this language…why I even attempted it…and if I was simply fooling myself into believing I could communicate. Were people just being gracious with me and I really wasn’t making sense when I talked? 

I’m glad to say that the emotions died down and I was able to see the truth once again. This test does not define me. And, it doesn’t determine if I’m able to speak the language. It doesn’t change the fact that I am called to this country and that I want to learn to speak Czech.

What the enemy intended for evil, the Lord has used for good. Instead of doubting myself and my calling, I am believing in God’s goodness and seeing how His hand is orchestrating events. Because of this turn of events, I am now getting together with more Czech friends to practice with. Isn’t God good?!

Oh, and the amusing thing in all this…I think my teacher is taking it harder than I am (she wasn’t the one who gave me the oral test). She kept saying how ridiculous it is that I didn’t pass because she knows I can speak Czech. At least I can walk forward knowing at least one person at the school believes in me! J

And now that school is done…I’ll have LOTS of time to practice my Czech! J

A little lesson on grace...

Grace.

I’ve heard this word all of my life. I’ve received it from others. I’ve granted it to others. But, why is it I struggle with extending it to myself?

This isn’t something new for me. Ask any of my former co-workers, my friends or my family. They’ll probably be able to recount numerous times when this came up…or when they’ve had to challenge me to step away from the situation and to give myself grace…or remind me that I didn’t fail them because they didn’t expect perfection from me.

Apparently, I have such ridiculously high expectations of myself that when I don’t meet those standards…I feel like I’ve failed.

I’ve let myself down.

I’ve let other people down (at least in my mind).

And most of all, I’ve let God down (again, in my mind).

Let me just say that I have had to deal with this problem head-on since coming to Prague. Why you ask? Because I’ve been sitting in a classroom for the past 8+ months trying to learn a very complex language…and nearly pulling my hair out doing it.

School always came pretty easily to me. Yes, I studied for tests and things, but not nearly as much as I should have…and yet, I always managed to do well.

But, learning Czech hasn’t been as easy. I’ve struggled to understand concepts. I’ve struggled to remember vocabulary. I’ve struggled with sentence structure. I’ve struggled with…[fill in the blank]…

Somehow, I’ve managed to do fairly well on the tests up to this point. At least until the last one. That test, I got the worst grade I’ve EVER received on a test. I couldn’t believe it. After all these months, all this practice, all the studying, all the trying…I actually got a worse grade than on any other test…in my life?!

Yes, I was frustrated. And annoyed at myself. And I definitely felt like a failure. Grace was the last thing on my mind.

Until I was able to realize that one test score does not define who I am.

It will not change who I have been created to be.

It doesn’t change the fact that I am called to be in this place.

When I look at it through God’s eyes, I realize I don’t have to be perfect. Not in my class. Not in speaking the language without error. Not in building a zillion relationships. There’s no such thing as a perfect Christian, a perfect missionary or a perfect Stacy.

I am called to be obedient. End of story.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to learn this grace lesson…but I think it may be a life-long journey.

Contemplating life's decisions...

The other day, I was pondering what my life would be like if I had said "no" to God...not in the overall sense, but in the "no" to serving Him overseas sense...(as written in my journal).

Would I be married and have children?

Would I enjoy my job?

What would I be doing?

What would my ideas of church be?

Would I be happy?

Would I know another language? Or have a desire to meet people from other nations?

What would my vacations look like?

Would I be content?

Would I live close to my family?

Would I realize how precious life is, and how short, and spend time with my grandparents?

Would I ever consider taking public transport instead of needing my own car?

Would I know how to live simply?

Even though it's not always easy, and some days I just long for home, I can't imagine my life any other way. I was created for this...like an actor was created to act or a teacher created to teach or an artist created to create.

No, I'm not saying I wouldn't or couldn't be happy living life in the States. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it...except that it's not where I was called to live. As much as I miss it and as much as I long for it, I wouldn't trade this life.

Yes, it can be lonely.

Yes, I am missing out on major life events.

Yes, I miss the intimate relationships I had.

Yes, I miss my family and friends.

Yes, I miss English and American products (what American living overseas doesn't miss peanut butter?!).

But, if I lived there, I'd miss out on so many things here. I'd miss the chance to rely on God and allow Him to uphold me and provide for me and cry with me when I'm lonely. I wouldn't realize the importance of being intentional with my grandparents. I wouldn't talk as often or as deeply with my family. I wouldn't be pushed outside my comfort zone and forced to grow. I wouldn't know another language, culture or people. I wouldn't know what it means to live simply.

I am richer for this experience. It has changed me and I'll never be the same again. Thank you, Lord, that even when it's hard and I want to give up, I still know where I'm supposed to be...and I know you haven't left me. 

Life in these parts

Greetings from Prague!

The past day and a half, I've been laid up in bed with a nasty head cold. While this isn't fun, I thought maybe I could still be productive and finally get to that blog entry I've been meaning to write...so here goes. If something doesn't make sense, I blame the cold meds! :)

I have seen God work in a number of ways in the past month. Let me share a few ways.

My birthday was at the beginning of March (on a Sunday). Something really cool happened on Monday in class. Three of my classmates gave me gifts. The gifts themselves were very thought-through and fit me pretty well, but the most amazing part is who they are from. The three classmates were all girls that I've felt led to either have one-on-one conversations with or I've felt like God wanted me to try to get to know more. I was humbled and encouraged. It was definitely a reminder that God is the one bringing these conversations and relationships into being. He is the one who is doing this, not me!! 

On Tuesdays, I have my English-speaking Bible Study (with other ex-pat women). This same week, we were studying Isaiah 37. When I read verse 30, I felt like the Lord was saying, "this is your verse." It says...Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Here is the proof that what I say is true: “This year you will eat only what grows up by itself, and next year you will eat what springs up from that. But in the third year you will plant crops and harvest them; you will tend vineyards and eat their fruit." As you all know, I'm here on a 3 year term...well, as I read this, I felt God saying that in year 1 I may not see much happening...year 2 I may see a bit more...but in year 3, I will be able to see many ways that He has worked. It was another encouragement that God is here and He is working! 

At the beginning of this week, my one and only teammate, Emily, returned to the States. While I am very excited for her and all that God has in store for her, it a lot harder for me than I realized it would be. Yes, I have relationships and connections here, but it’s not quite the same as having a teammate with you…someone who knows the organization and the people…someone who knows what a Mennonite is (and what they believe)…someone who understands your background and belief system. The first day was especially hard for me, but I was able to do some processing (both with God and with others) and feel like I’m at a better place now. Yes, those thoughts and ideas about not having a teammate still exist, but knowing that I am where I am right now for a reason…it’s comforting. Besides, what better way for God to show himself present to me!  

Dear blog...and blog readers,

I promise I haven't forgotten you. Life has just been a little bit busy this past month. I hope to spend some time with you this weekend, but we'll see how that goes. :)

In the meantime, please enjoy some pictures from Prague.

Sincerely,
Stacy

The Charles Bridge

View from the Astronomical Clock Tower

Cultural stress..who, me?!

I learned something the other week. Cultural stress is real...and I have been struggling with it. Yes, it's true. Think, "Hello, my name is Stacy Nofziger and I have been struggling with cultural stress." Confession is good for the soul, you know! :)

No, I didn't think I'd find myself immune to the transition of moving from the US to the Czech Republic. Not really, anyway. I knew that life would be different in some ways and similar in other ways to my life in the US. But, I guess I never really thought much about how I would be affected by it. 

You see, a few weeks after Christmas, I started feeling kind-of blah...not having a whole lot of motivation to do much...not feeling like I was making progress in language or relationships...just feeling indifferent. I didn't understand why. In fact, I probably just assumed I was having an "off" day...or week. 

Until I received a very helpful email from the Human Resources Director at EMM. 

The email included a document to help me process my experience thus far into my assignment. It also talked about this ambiguous thing called cultural stress. According to the document, "All workers go through cultural stress, whether they admit it or not. No one can avoid it. This cultural stress is the result of encountering ways of doing, organizing, perceiving or valuing things which are different from yours and threaten your basic, unconscious belief that your enculturated customs, assumptions, values and behaviors are right. This kind of stress is often not identifiable, but is accumulated over time by small events or experiences."

It lists the five characteristics of cultural stress as: 

1. Change in social roles

2. Loss in being able to communicate well through spoken language

3. Changes in routine

4. Involvement with a new community

5. Understanding of your role

Without realizing it, and without being able to even put my feelings into words, I had hit EVERY ONE of these points. No wonder I was feeling blah and unmotivated! 

No, things didn't change automatically, but it is amazing how simply knowing that everyone struggles with these things at some point in their transition helped to normalize my experience. I didn't feel like I was the only person to feel this way. What a relief! 

Yes, I still struggle with some of the factors of cultural stress. But, now, I feel like I have tools to walk forward, instead of stalling out and growing more frustrated. 

Food for thought...

I am working through a Beth Moore Bible Study on the life of Paul (it's called "To Live is Christ"). Thanks to my women's Bible Study group in Lancaster for sending it! It has been opening my eyes in many ways. One of the things that first caught my attention was a poem that Beth read during the Introductory session. I'm still pondering it...and wanted to share it with you so you can ponder it too. Enjoy! 

***********************************************************************************

Lord, make me a student; not of higher learning, but of your higher ways.

Not to expand my mind, but so my heart will change.

Give me the courage to withhold nothing from you, worthy of a lesson.

Your word as my text, each circumstance your pen, my heart as your page.

Take my needs and teach me dependency.

Take my failures and teach me grace.

Take my pain and teach me compassion.

Take my fears and teach me faith.

Take my waits and teach me patience.

Take my storms and teach me trust.

Take my tongue and teach me reverence.

Take my deserts and teach me thirst.

Lord, make me a student. Never let me stop growing. For as long as I can see my reflection in the mirror, I am not yet complete.

Lord, make me a student and take me not home until you look in my face and see the reflection of your own.