Summer update

While many schools in the US have started back to school already, it's still summer here. School doesn't start until the first week of September. Many families are taking advantage of that and getting in last minute vacations, time away from Prague at their cottage or simply finding ways to beat the summer heat.

Like most summers here, it was a busy time for me as well. I was able to manage to squeeze in some vacation time with dear friends of mine this summer though, which provided a welcome and much-needed break. (Fun fact about me: as a single person, I actually struggle to use all of my vacation time because I don't like to go on vacation alone).

So, between English Camps, I headed off to Scandinavia, where I met up with my friends, Becki and Bethany. We traveled throughout Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Each day was filled with the beauty of creation, life-giving conversation and good food. During a number of our Airbnb stays, we were able to meet our hosts and learn more about the culture and life in those parts. It was great! If you ever get the chance, you should definitely visit!

After having returned from vacation, I headed off to English Camp. It was a great week of conversations and getting to know the students, many of whom live in Prague and who I'll (hopefully!) be able to maintain contact with. We laughed hard, played hard and enjoyed our time together (all the while, trying to stay cool). One afternoon we had a shaving cream/flour/color war - by far my favorite afternoon activity! But a little messy to clean up... :) Sorry, no photos from that. I was really bad at taking photos that week. It was a blast though!

In a few weeks, Rybicky and "normal life" start back up. It's hard to believe that the time is almost here. I am looking forward to getting back into a little more of a routine though.

I'll leave you with a few photos from Scandinavia. Enjoy! :)

Oslo Harbor

Fjords of Norway

Copenhagen

In case you've been wondering...

Sometimes I sit here, pondering what to write; wondering what will be considered 'interesting' to all of you. I think about the routine, potentially 'boring' topics, like my normal schedule of English lessons and Czech lessons, combined with Skype calls and administrative tasks. I consider writing about the more interesting aspects of life, like spending Easter in Honduras with my family. Both good topics, but neither something that I feel like expanding on here in this space. So, what to write about? What would you want to hear about? (If you have ideas, feel free to shoot me an email or message...) 

In recent months, I have shared with some of you my experience with the Battle for Your Heart Bible Study. But, I've never really explained it beyond that. Maybe this would be something you'd find interesting? Fair warning: if that doesn't sound interesting, you can stop reading now. :) 

Put simply, Battle for Your Heart is a Bible Study that combines personal study with a regular time with an accountability group. It looks at topics like who we are in Christ and what it looks like to fully live from all areas of our hearts. I am blessed to go through this process with three other friends. Each week, we have a daily portion, where we are reading Scripture and reflecting on it, as well as applying it to our own lives and situations. At the end of the week, we meet together as a group and talk about the things that God spoke to us throughout the week's study. 

There have been numerous things that God has spoken to me through these times (both the personal times and in the group settings). Sometimes it's a simply nugget of truth like the fact that we were created in the image of God and carry His essence within us. That was a powerful thought for me. What does it mean to carry His essence? Do I live in that way? If not, what needs to change so that I do? 

At other times, it's more of a challenge; like when I read about Hannah and the fact that she persevered in prayer for 7 years, asking the Lord repeatedly for her heart's desire. Do I have enough faith to persevere in prayer for that long, amidst the doubts and maybe even taunts from others? 

I've also learned how much we need community. Without these friends to walk with me through this study, I know that I wouldn't have learned as much as I have. I need the community around me, to walk with and encourage me; to believe and hope for change when I can't, and to stand with me when I feel weak. I am so thankful for each of them! 

As I continue to go through this study, I am excited to see what God will teach me. I don't expect it to always be easy, but I know that it will be transformative. 

Birthday travels and English lessons

Hluboka Castle

Most people probably don’t visit a castle for their birthday…especially if one is in the US, considering there aren’t that many castles in the US. But, that’s exactly what I did! This past Saturday, Jan and I headed to the southern part of the Czech via train to visit a more modern-day castle called Hluboka (you can check it out here).  It’s a pretty large place, and is situated in the midst of a beautiful park. Being winter, we were only shown highlights of the castle, but the intricate wooden scrollwork on the walls, ceiling and furniture more than made up for our limited viewing.

I loved the woodwork!

Jan & I in front of the castle

Hluboka Castle

Traveling by train has its benefits too. You are surrounded by beautiful countryside as you wind through field and forest. It’s a relaxing way to travel – especially when you get the whole compartment to yourselves! What a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend my birthday!

Fashion show

On another note…you never know what will happen in one of our English classes. J This week we taught the kids the names of different types of clothing…and then had a fashion show! They absolutely loved it! They even dressed Jan and I. J Not sure how much English they learned from the lesson, but they did have a lot of fun; and so did we!