Day 30: You!

I wasn't quite sure how to convey this one through picture, so I just have a picture of one of my mirrors. Your instructions...go look in the mirror. The person that you see reflected back is the person I'm thankful for! :)

I have no words to describe how much I am thankful for each of you...family, friends, supporters, and even people I barely know. If I posted a picture of one person that I'm thankful for each day, I'd have a few year's worth!!

Thank you. For the ways you have supported me throughout the years. For the ways that you have encouraged me and walked with me. For the ways that you have challenged me. For impacting my life. For simply being there. I am forever grateful!

Even though the 30 days have ended, I still want to continue to intentionally look for something each day that I'm thankful for (though I doubt I'll continue posting all of them!). I hope that you've enjoyed a brief glimpse into my life and the things that make me thankful. Blessings upon each one of you!

Day 29: Advent

I love this time of year! The atmosphere, the lights and colors - it's magical. But, it's so much more than that. Advent is a time of waiting in expectation, or anticipation of Christ's coming. Today, I'm thankful for his return...the hope that this brings. It's a sure thing.

Day 28: Coffee

If I was basing these according to how much I enjoy something, I probably should have put this one in the number one spot. Just kidding! I am very thankful for coffee though...on a cold day, it helps to warm me up. And, the caffeine is nice too. :) But, I really do enjoy the taste of it. It's just a nice way to start my day. My most recent brew has been the Christmas Blend from Marks and Spencer's. Yum!

Day 27: Thanksgiving in the Czech!

Last night, a friend and I were able to enjoy an American-style Thanksgiving meal too. It was a little different than I was used to, but very good! It was nice to have a little taste of home (and especially because I didn't have to prepare it or clean it up!). And, thankful for this time to connect with Sunny. I am blessed!

So, while it looks like a mess, it was actually just a lot of food and quite good! 

Day 26: Lenka and Mirka

I have the privilege to work with Lenka and Mirka at the Family Center at church. They are incredibly patient with me and my Czech abilities! They also inspire me with the ways they connect with each family that comes to the Center. They care deeply for these families, as well as for me. I am so encouraged by them and blessed to work with them!

One of the kids decided to jump into the picture too! :)
(L-R: Mirka, Stacy, Lenka)

Day 25: My English Students

I'm thankful for the different English students I've taught over the years. Each year brings a different group (both at the Family Center and private lessons), and every year, I'm blessed to get to know them! I've learned a lot from them; about life in the Czech Republic, about their lives and personal experiences, and a host of other things. I'm thankful for each one!

Today's class of women

Day 24: Mail

I don't receive real, "snail mail" very often, but when I do it's exciting! For a long time, I'd receive a letter from my Grandma Short each week. They were always filled with tidbits from life back in Ohio. I always looked forward to hearing about the normal happenings in their lives. But sometimes, it's the unexpected card that comes, like in yesterday's mail. This one, from my sister, Kim, included not only a letter but pictures of my two favorite boys, my nephews Caden and Grahm. In a world where (almost) everything is digital, it's nice to have some actual photographs of them! :)

Thanks, Kim for the letter! I did truly enjoy it, and not just for the pictures! :)

Day 23: Patient Czech speakers

Czech isn't an easy language to learn (at least for me!) and yet I still believe it's important to try. I am so thankful for people who not only put up with my attempts at speaking the language, but who will correct me and help me to learn. A big thank you to each one (especially my Czech teacher!).

Just a glimpse at what Czech looks like

Day 22: Times of Sabbath Rest

Yesterday, I finally took a day of Sabbath rest. These are days that I intentionally don't work on lesson planning, school work or other ministry-type work. But, with my schedule, finding a full day for Sabbath isn't always the easiest thing. I spent the day Skyping with a dear friend, watching some television (in English), coloring, baking cookies and playing my piano. I also met up with a friend for coffee in the afternoon. It was a wonderfully refreshing day!!

Day 21: My Piano

As some of you may know, one of the ways that I relieve stress in my life is by playing piano. When I came to Prague, I knew that I would need to buy one for my own well-being. Unfortunately, I don't sit and play every day (though I should really make it a goal to do so!), but when I do, I always feel better afterward. It's amazing how much different my perspective on life is after I sit and play for a while!

Day 20: Prague!

Even after living here for over four years, I still sometimes stop myself and think, "wow, I really live here." Prague is a beautiful city, full of old architecture, cobblestones, the hustle and bustle of life in a capital city. It's a place filled with hole-in-the wall restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and stores. There are green spaces within the city. Beyond the people (which is the real reason I love Prague!), it's just a great place to live! (Or visit...hint, hint!).

Old Town Square on a rainy night

Day 19: Visitors!!!

It's official, my sister is coming to visit me in January! She bought her ticket yesterday. This makes my heart happy. One of the hardest parts about living in the Czech Republic is being so far away from family and missing out on normal life things. So looking forward to her visit! But, I will miss the others who aren't coming...

With the proof - her ticket confirmation!

Day 18: Sunsets

I love the beauty found in the setting of the sun. Each day's sunset is different. Some are more colorful. Some have more cloud cover. But all are beautiful.

Day 17: Dinner & Prayer evenings

A few months ago, some friends from church started "Dinner & Prayer" evenings. About twice a month, we meet for dinner, and after putting the kids to bed, spend time in prayer - for our neighborhood, our church, the country, whatever needs prayer. I really enjoy these times! Currently, there's only a few of us, but we're hoping the numbers increase.

Day 16: Grahm is one!

Today is all about my youngest nephew, Grahm. He turns one-year old (already!) today. Though I wasn't there last year for his birth, nor was I there to celebrate his first birthday, I was able to meet him in person this past summer. And, we (or at least I) enjoy our regular Skype times! He is an adorable, smiley little boy who already loves being outside and on the farm with 'the boys'.

Happy birthday, Grahmmy! I love you, buddy and can't wait to see you again! And, hopefully, I'll be there for next year's birthday party!

Summer 2015

Day 15: The Body of Christ

(Sorry this is coming to you so late in the day. I was traveling back to Prague and just now got online...)

Today, I had the chance to visit an Evangelical Church in Tirana, Albania before heading back to Prague. One thing I truly enjoy about the Body of Christ is that no matter where we are, no matter what language the service is in, we worship the same God. And, we are truly brothers and sisters. It's such a neat thing!

Day 14: Co-Workers and Friends

And now for the truly real reason I like to come to Albania. These people. They are great and I am blessed to work with them. As a Regional Representative, part of my job is to connect with the workers in my region, of which Albania is included. Over the past couple of years, I have seen this group grow in many ways. And it is my privilege to work with them!

(By the way, they really do make some amazing dairy products!)

And, a big shout out to Jan, my friend and teammate in Prague who has a birthday on November 14! We've had quite a number of fun adventures over the years and I am blessed to be able to call her friend! Wishing you God's richest blessings today, my friend! 

Day 13: Macchiato & Chocolate Milk

The REAL reason I like coming to Albania for meetings! :)  JUST KIDDING!

Though I do very much enjoy these things when I come. The chocolate milk is one of the products that our team in Korce (Southern Albania) produces at their dairy processing plant. It is some of the best chocolate milk I've ever had (seriously!).

Day 12: Public Transportation

Today's post may seem a little strange, but I'm thankful to live in a city with a (relatively) good transportation system. Though I do enjoy driving, I don't need to. It's one less thing I need to worry about here in Prague. And, because I live so close to the metro (about a 5 minute walk), it's quite convenient...especially when I need to go to the airport like I did this morning!

The metro - sorry it's not a very clear picture! 

Day 11: My Flat

Today's photo is of my flat. I'm thankful to live in a place that has a lot of natural light and that is walking distance to church. It's on the outskirts of the city, so I can even see fields from my place! Warms a farm girl's heart! :) And, it's only a couple minute walk to Starbucks or Ikea...

Day 10: My Small Group

Monday evenings, I participate in a small group Bible study with some women from church. This group of women has become very dear to me. Not only do we study the Bible together, but we share the joys and struggles of life with each other. I am thankful for each of them!

Day 9: B.Day

Today, November 9, is a dear friend's birthday. I've known Becki for a number of years, and each year I am blessed more and more by her friendship. We have laughed together, prayed together, explored together, encouraged each other and more. She is one of the 'constants' in my life, no matter where we both live. Here's to many more adventures together! Love you, friend!

Greece, 2015

Day 8: Trinactka

Today, I am thankful for my Czech church, Trinactka (13ka). They have welcomed me and made me feel like a part of them. They have truly become my family here in Prague! And, I'm so grateful to work and worship with them!

Day 7: The Changing of Seasons

Today, I'm thankful for the changing of seasons, both in the physical world and in our spiritual lives. I like experiencing each season, from the newness of spring, to the abundance of life in summer, to the bold colors of fall and into the barrenness of winter. I'm glad that we don't stay permanently stuck in one season, but we move through them at the right time. In my spiritual life, I see these seasons too. I don't always appreciate the fall and winter seasons spiritually as much as the physical seasons, but I do recognize that those times are important too. 

On a walk near my house

Day 6: Fuller

I am so grateful for the opportunity to study at Fuller Theological Seminary. I'm doing their distance learning (online) program and will have a Master's of Arts in Intercultural Studies when I finish. I just started my second year (of three) in September. I have learned so much in my short time here and have met some great people. This past summer (2015), I was able to spend a week on campus, meeting my classmates. I loved it!

The essentials to online studying - computer, notes and coffee

One of the buildings on the Pasadena campus

My Vocation Formation group - what a great group!!

Day 5: Rybicky

On Thursdays, I have the opportunity to teach English to the kids who come to the Family Center (Rybicky). This time is filled with a skit, songs, action and lots of fun. Each month, there is a different theme; this month's theme is "Animals." This is definitely a highlight of my week!

Day 4: Family

I am so incredibly thankful for my family. We have laughed together, fought with each other, relied on each other, encouraged each other and genuinely loved each other. I am a better person for knowing them! One of the hardest things about living overseas is that I don't get to spend nearly enough quality time with them. But, I am so thankful for each one and who they are to me. They are great!

The family (summer 2013), minus the newest member, Grahm...

Grahm (summer 2015)

Day 3: Time with God

On Tuesday mornings, I usually have a bit more time, where I can spend a longer time reflecting on God and reading his word, and sometimes journaling (though that is less common). This is a time for me to refocus my priorities and to give me wisdom and strength for the day ahead. These times almost always include coffee.

Some people wonder why I collect Starbucks mugs. They serve two purposes. One, it's my souvenir from the places I visit. And, two, they are often connected with a time or a person and I then use that mug as a reminder to pray for that person. I use certain mugs when God lays that person on my heart and I want to intentionally pray for them. Today's choice of my Brussels mug was to remind me of the dear people I was with at our Europe Retreat last week. But maybe that's a post for another day. :)

Day 2: Sun and blue skies

For those of you who haven't been to Prague in the fall, seeing the sun and blue skies is quite rare. Most fall days are overcast and gray. So, today, I am thankful for a beautiful (crisp!) day with bright sun and blue skies!

30 Days of Thankfulness - Day 1

For the month of November this year, I'm hoping to post a daily picture to show 30 different things I'm thankful for. This way, you'll not only see what I'm thankful for, you'll get to see a bit of my life in picture too! :) 

Day 1: I'm thankful for Darrel and Sherill and the many ways they've cared for, encouraged and supported me these last number of years. So blessed to have had the chance to host them in Prague on their last international trip for EMM!

At Vyšehrad with the Prague Castle in the background