The Whirlwind

Since arriving back in Prague in the middle of September, life has felt like a whirlwind.

As I mentioned in the last post, I have been teaching English at the Family Center twice a week. On Wednesdays, I have my conversational class with the moms, and on Thursdays, I have my English class with the kiddos. It's been fun to be back at the Center, connecting with people (both new and returning students)!

I spent 10 days doing Regional Representative travel in October. It's always a good time connecting with our workers in other parts of the world, as well as getting to know new connections. This trip, I was blessed to meet Gordana. She is an English teacher in Bosnia, as well as a member of the local Evangelical Church. She graciously hosted Brittany and I during our stay in Bosnia (at the last minute!). Not only was she an awesome hostess, we were able to connect on a heart-level about being single women doing ministry, as well as simply sharing our stories. It was an incredible blessing to all of us and I look forward to continuing to relate to her!

Stacy, Gordana, Brittany

This past week was the annual EMM Europe retreat. As usual, it was a really good time of connecting with other workers within Europe, hearing stories of what God is doing in the various locations, as well as simply relaxing. Our speaker for the week gave us the following challenge, "What are you doing that requires God? Are you doing what's doable or what's impossible? Because if it's doable, it doesn't require God. Where God is required, he shows up." What a good challenge for me as I look at what I'm doing here. 

To be honest, it's a crazy season right now, between my work here in Prague, my Regional Representative work, learning Czech, and studying (both Czech and Grad School). It definitely feels impossible. But, it has definitely made me more aware of my need for God to show up. I cannot do this alone! 

What about you? What are you doing that requires God? 

Jumping back in with both feet

Today I'm writing to you from my flat in Prague. I arrived back home almost a week ago already. And, let's just say that I'm jumping in with both feet already!

• I was asked to teach the kids' English lesson at the Family Center already last Thursday (this was the second week it was open)...which I wasn't planning to do until the first week of October. But, it was good to be back and see some familiar faces! 
• I've already been to the Foreign Police...twice. The first time was for my long-term visa (fingerprints and photos). The second one was this morning, for a Bridge Visa (since I'm traveling outside of the CZ before I receive my visa card). 
• I've had a successful visit to the Post Office to buy the stamps I need for my visa. For those who don't know...this can be quite a feat! :) 
• I've opened a new bank account. Oh yeah, and I did it all in Czech. Boy, did that feel good! 
• I went to church yesterday. It was so good to be there and reconnect with these dear people! 
• And, I've registered for my first two Grad School classes. That's going to keep me busy, but I'm looking forward to the subject matter. 

While I was still in the US, I was worried that I'd lose my Czech. Thankfully, it is still in there. It doesn't always come out sounding very nice, but it didn't always sound nice before either. Ha! My ears are feeling more attuned to it though. Hopefully that will continue to happen!

The next few weeks will be filled with settling back into a bit of routine (teaching, Grad School, etc.) before I do some Regional Representative travel. In the midst of that, I'm going to do my best to find times of Sabbath rest too, because I've realized how important that is to my well-being. You can join me in praying that I'll know when (and how) to find times for work and times for rest. Thanks! 

Life in these parts

In some ways, I feel like I'm in a bit of a time warp. This summer I've been in the US doing things that I would've done years ago. Things that would have felt normal then. But now, it feels a bit like I've gone back in time.

Don't get me wrong. I love the fact that I have been able to spend time with my family. Or that I can connect with friends I haven't seen in a while. And that I can eat certain foods I can't get (or don't want to pay an arm and a leg for) in Prague.

But, at the same time, being back in the US is a bit...weird. I don't really know where I fit in anymore.

I think a bit differently...

and dress a bit differently...(apparently, not everyone wears scarves during the summer?)

and according to my brother, I eat a bit differently...(because not everyone eats with both a fork and a knife at every meal. What?!) :)

I know these are mostly surface-y things, but they show a glimpse of how much I've changed. Yes, I'm still American, but I'm no longer 100% American...just like, though I live in the Czech, I am not Czech. I will never be fully Czech, but I'm no longer fully American.

So, I learn to adjust. I constantly try and figure out the balance of what's important and what's not...or figure out if I care that people look at me differently because I ask for water without ice or give a funny look when the cashier starts to make small talk.

And, while I do miss life in the Czech, I am grateful that I am here this summer. I am enjoying the times of playing in the sandbox with my nephew. Or the conversations with my grandparents. Or helping my mom and dad do corn. Having former neighbors over for dinner. Little things that are such a blessing.

In less than a month, I'm planning to return to Prague. That makes me excited because Prague is home. But, while I am excited to go back, there will definitely be a part of my heart that stays here. I think that's probably pretty normal.

Catching up on the last three years

 August 2011 (6 weeks)

Today is a special day. It's my nephew's 3rd birthday. How is it possible that 3 years ago I was sitting in WMI, anxiously awaiting news of his arrival, and now, he's not only here, but growing into a smart, active and talkative 3 year old? Where has the time gone??

24 June 2014 (age 3)

It's been really fun to watch him grow through our regular Skype conversations. But, NOTHING compares to be being with him in person and being able to interact with him! He is at such a fun stage of life right now. It's great watching him learn about the world around him...from serious things like  learning how to cross the street properly to silly things like hearing him tell me about planting rocks in his garden or talking to our pet turtle ("are you hungry, Pablo? Nana, Pablo says he's hungry. I'm gonna feed him."). Hilarious. At least to me. :)

The best part of all this...he KNOWS me! Yes, he sometimes gets me confused with my youngest sister, Laurie, but then again, so do a lot of people. :) We have lots of fun together...playing hide and seek, "weeding" the garden, and simply talking. He is such a fun kid and I'm loving every minute with him!

Happy birthday, Caden! I love you, Buddy!

Letter to those on the other side of the Ocean

Dear Family and Friends,

In just a few days (actually for some, it's hours - what?!), I will be back on your side of the Ocean. This makes me pretty excited. I'm super excited to reconnect with all of you, to hear what's been happening in your lives these past few years. And, I'm hoping that at least some of our meetings can include some of my favorite things like good coffee, ice cream, and maybe even a steak or two (hey, one can dream, right?!).

While I am looking forward to seeing all of you, I also want you to know that I am leaving part of my heart in Prague. These past (almost) 3 years have really cemented my love for Prague and the Czech Republic in my heart. You may find that we are meeting and my mind wanders a bit to what's happening over the pond. Or maybe I'll talk a lot about what my life is like here. Maybe I'll even insert a Czech word or phrase without even realizing it (it's been known to happen...). Whatever it may be, I would just like to say thanks in advance for extending grace. Because I'm going to need it.

Yes, I'm still the same Stacy. And yet I'm not...

I've definitely grown in the past few years. Become more confident. Seen God work in my life and in lives around me. Tried new things. Experienced different parts of culture. Expanded my worldview. Increased my vocabulary.

I also know that you aren't the same person today that you were when I left in 2011. I'm looking forward to hearing about the ways you've grown too. Let's plan to get together and talk about these changes in our lives! :)

And, if you're interested, my general itinerary is:

June 20 - fly into Detroit (and spend the week in Northwest Ohio with family)
June 28 to August 3 - Lancaster, PA
August 4 to September 15 - Northwest Ohio

If you'd like more information or to know about my speaking engagements, let me know. Thanks.

See you soon!
Stacy

Visitors!

I’ve started this post multiple times in my head. But when I go to write it, I always blank on what to say. Maybe it’s writer’s block. Maybe it’s because nothing seems to be new and noteworthy. Maybe it’s simply laziness. Whatever it is, it’s time to break through and get another update out to you!

On the island of Torcello

The biggest news of the past few months is that my parents were here for two weeks in March! This was their first time, both in Prague and in Europe. We had to take advantage of that and do a little bit of travel! Ha.

We spent about 4.5 days in Venice, Italy. What a beautiful city! Before I went, I had heard that people either loved Venice or hated Venice. I guess I’m one of those that loved it. I thoroughly enjoyed walking the narrow streets and alleyways, winding our way over canals and around tourists. There’s such an interesting mix of ancient and modern, immaculate and run-down. I loved all of the textures, sights, and sounds. And the gelato, oh the gelato! I was in ice cream heaven for a few days. :)

in Venice

Once we returned to Prague, it was life as normal. My parents did a good job of following me to various things without complaining. They met a number of my students and friends. They saw what I do and how I spend my days. They experienced the city and the beautiful weather. They tried Czech food (and enjoyed it). Dad even got to a museum; though his favorite part was riding the public transport (we don’t have that on the farm in Ohio!). It was fun to see these things from their eyes and perspective.

After class

On their last night in Prague, we celebrated my birthday by eating some steak. Yum! But, it was also a time of reflection. I wanted to hear their thoughts about Prague and the things they learned. I was struck again by how similar lives are, whether we live in the US, the CZ or somewhere completely differently. We’ve all had our share of joys and struggles, happiness and pain. But, instead of allowing those things to put up barriers around us and our hearts, I realized again how I want that to give me greater empathy and love for those I meet. Hearing my parents’ reflections reminded me of how much I’ve come to love this place and her people. It’s become a part of me. And I will never be the same again.

Thanks, Dad and Mom for coming. Thanks for being a part of my world for a few weeks. I hope you never forget it, just like I hope I don’t forget the lessons I learned from our time together.

Perfect Imperfection

"Perfect imperfection"

The other day I saw a Facebook status that used these words. They were talking about a piece of wood, but they resonated within my spirit. As I reflected on this phrase, I felt like God was speaking to my heart, using these words to describe me.

Now, before you start jumping to conclusions, NO, I'm not saying I'm perfect. :) But, let me explain...

I felt like God was saying that, as a human on this Earth, I will always be imperfect. I have, and will, mess up often. Only Jesus could attain perfection while walking the Earth because He is the Son of God and fully man at the same time. But, what I felt God saying was to be as perfect in my imperfection as I can be. I need to be diligent at keeping in step with Him...at seeking His face, so that I reflect Him more...at continuing to look at others through His eyes...at loving those around me, even if I really don't like them...at opening myself up to His leading and correction in my life...and to be attentive to His Spirit.

That may sound a lot like striving to you, but not to me. I know that I can't even come close to being perfect (even in my imperfection) without the power and strength of the Holy Spirit working in me. I need to rely on Him. Otherwise, it will be hollow...shallow...self-serving...and a whole lot of other negative things.

I'm not saying it's a piece of cake. And I'm not even saying I will always enjoy it. But what I am saying is that it is worth it. It is worth losing my pride and self-righteousness to become more like Him. What a goal to live for!

Reflections

Being the 6^th of January already, it’s probably time to write up some of my reflections from 2013…

What kinds of things did I learn or experience in 2013 you ask? What were the highlights of the past year? How did I grow in my relationship with God and others? Good questions! Let me enlighten you.

Things learned…well, this is a tough question. I have seen growth in my life, but I’m not sure I can say that I’ve completely learned anything…there’s always room for more growth and learning, right? :)

Maybe the better question is how have I grown? Looking back over this year, one of the things that I can see growth in is in my confidence…I am more confident in my ability to teach English (thanks, in part, to further training, and also due to more experience). I am more confident in my role as Regional Representative. I am (a bit) more confident in speaking Czech. I am more confident in knowing what my role looks like here.

There are probably other ways I’ve grown too, but those are the ones that come to mind right away.

Highlights of 2013 include:

• Not 1, but 2 trips back to the US. The first one was work-related (with vacation tacked on to it), but the second one was simply holiday. I was blessed this year to be able to spend Christmas with my family. Instead of buying my parents a Christmas present this year, my siblings bought a plane ticket for me to join them and the festivities. Mom and Dad were completely unaware and completely surprised! It was great!! You can check out the video on Facebook (here) if you haven’t seen it yet. I am so grateful to my siblings for this gift
• Receiving a teammate! It had been a while since I’d had a teammate here with me, but as of August 2013, I have one again! It’s been great to have Jan here and to explore this fine country with her.
• Multiple friends visiting and being able to show them around Prague and my work here. What a fun thing for me to do! So, if any of you have the desire to come to Prague… ;)
• Finishing my first year at the Family Center (June) and starting a new year (September). I learned a lot through this experience and have really enjoyed my time there.
• Relationships…both meeting new people and deepening prior relationships. I am so grateful to have so many great people in my life – both here in the CZ and around the world!

Ways I’ve grown in my relationship with God and others? Beyond the confidence piece, I hope that I’ve become more sensitive to others and to their needs. I hope that I’m becoming more aware of the world around me, and not simply focusing on myself and my wants/desires/needs. I hope that I am becoming more like Christ each day.

As I look to 2014, I foresee a number of changes or transitions…mostly exciting, but maybe a bit scary too (signing up for a second term and starting Grad School to name two). My hope and prayer is that I can believe God for the things He’s promised and completely trust Him to bring things about in His way and in His timing. Here’s to living in complete trust in Him in 2014 (or at least trying to)! :)