Alright!
The time has come for me to once again spread my wings and see some more of God's green (or white :()earth. And this time, with it's with three long lost friends!! :) Jamie, Rachel and Meagan - good friends from church back home - are flying over to see me and experience a bit of Europe for a few weeks. I am meeting Rachel and Jamie in Munich, Germany, tomorrow. We are renting a car and driving around the German and Austrian country side, visiting Salzburg and a few other cities. Meagan is meeting up with us later in the week, and then we are all heading back to Praha. As mom said, I'll take on my role as teacher by day and tour-guider by night and we'll finish off the week with a weekend trip south to Vienna, Austria. Needless to say, I am very excited!!! :) :) Also needless to say, the posts here will be few, but I promise to update and fill you in when I get the chance! You can be praying for fun, safety, and nice weather! :)
Have a wonderful next few weeks and I will talk to you later! Love and miss you all!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Life
So, the past couple of weeks have been pretty turbulent. Kind of in every area of life. I can't go into too much detail here, but lets just say I've been learning that when life seems smooth, or even boring, I have to just be aware that it probably wont stay that way for very long. You can be praying for the smoothness to show itself again, but I'll also accept prayers for peace, strength and a sense of God's presence in the midst of it all. You can be praying that for some of my friends here, who I've become close with, as well. One thing I was reminded of recently is that the world around me, and even (especially??) the emotions inside of me, are always going to be fluctuating. The thing that I need to do is hold on to what I know is true, in the midst of all of that...
On a brighter note, the weather here has been amazing the past few days, and it's definitely wet my appetite for spring!! The snow is all melted, except for the few stubborn piles here and there, and the skies have been looking glorious. On Saturday I was able to get out and enjoy it, delighting in the fact that I could get away with wearing my light jacket and sunglasses. :) I also got to spend some wonderful time having lunch with my good friend Jess, and playing some cards (Canasta! :) with Michelle over pizza in the evening- all of which made the day that much better. I looked for a nice spring picture to put up here, but I was so busy loving the weather that I forgot to take a picture of it. There will be more chances for that later, I guess.
Anyways, that's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your week! I love you guys!
On a brighter note, the weather here has been amazing the past few days, and it's definitely wet my appetite for spring!! The snow is all melted, except for the few stubborn piles here and there, and the skies have been looking glorious. On Saturday I was able to get out and enjoy it, delighting in the fact that I could get away with wearing my light jacket and sunglasses. :) I also got to spend some wonderful time having lunch with my good friend Jess, and playing some cards (Canasta! :) with Michelle over pizza in the evening- all of which made the day that much better. I looked for a nice spring picture to put up here, but I was so busy loving the weather that I forgot to take a picture of it. There will be more chances for that later, I guess.
Anyways, that's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your week! I love you guys!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Community
This year we started up a new community group at our church for women which meets at mine and Talitha's flat on Wednesday nights. There are about six or seven women, ranging from my age to young moms who come each week. God has really blessed me with the women in this group. They are all very encouraging, have a good head on their shoulders, and just want to know God better like me. I've been so excited about how these relationships have formed over the past few months and am so thankful that God has provided them for me.
We decided to work our way through the book of Colossians and it's been great really digging in and seeing what God had to say to his people two thousand years ago, and what he's still saying to us today. I've been challenged to really think about what the premise was behind Paul's writing of the book, what his message meant to those receiving it, and how I can apply it in my own life. Being reminded of the Gospel truths and learning how to speak those into the lives of those around me has been wonderful.
Anyways, short and sweet. Just some of what I've been thinking about lately! :)
Have a wonderful weekend!
We decided to work our way through the book of Colossians and it's been great really digging in and seeing what God had to say to his people two thousand years ago, and what he's still saying to us today. I've been challenged to really think about what the premise was behind Paul's writing of the book, what his message meant to those receiving it, and how I can apply it in my own life. Being reminded of the Gospel truths and learning how to speak those into the lives of those around me has been wonderful.
Anyways, short and sweet. Just some of what I've been thinking about lately! :)
Have a wonderful weekend!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Heart of the Matter
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it."
Isaiah 30:15
Repentance and rest, quietness and trust. It is there that our salvation and strength can be found. God is always offering it, longing to give it to us. How often do we refuse it?
While the past few weeks have been pretty busy and filled with lots of good things, they've had some rough patches as far as emotions go. Funny how easy it is to lose sight of what's really important. Funny how we let ourselves lose sight of the One Thing that can and is holding it all together. I really am feeling more at home here, and enjoying the fact that life feels pretty "normal," especially with hanging out with friends and just living life. There are still moments and days, however, where it doesn't seem as fun or carefree or normal. It's usually then that I realize my focus hasn't been where it needs to be. It's usually then that I notice the fact that I'm not resting and trusting, repenting and being quiet. If only I could remember that all the time, in the midst of my days...
But yes. God is teaching and taking care of me still, here in Prague. The halfway point was this week too, I think. :) I'm still excited for the things yet to come here, and thrilled at the thought of seeing you all soon!
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it."
Isaiah 30:15
Repentance and rest, quietness and trust. It is there that our salvation and strength can be found. God is always offering it, longing to give it to us. How often do we refuse it?
While the past few weeks have been pretty busy and filled with lots of good things, they've had some rough patches as far as emotions go. Funny how easy it is to lose sight of what's really important. Funny how we let ourselves lose sight of the One Thing that can and is holding it all together. I really am feeling more at home here, and enjoying the fact that life feels pretty "normal," especially with hanging out with friends and just living life. There are still moments and days, however, where it doesn't seem as fun or carefree or normal. It's usually then that I realize my focus hasn't been where it needs to be. It's usually then that I notice the fact that I'm not resting and trusting, repenting and being quiet. If only I could remember that all the time, in the midst of my days...
But yes. God is teaching and taking care of me still, here in Prague. The halfway point was this week too, I think. :) I'm still excited for the things yet to come here, and thrilled at the thought of seeing you all soon!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Stats
Surprise! Here's a post! :)
Thanks to all of you who faithful check my blog, just because you love me and are interested in what's going on in my life. I'm sorry I do such a poor job at delivering the news. I do love you though, and it means so much to me!
I figured I'd do this round of posts in two segments - this one with things that have been going on, and the next one (following soon after) with the thoughts that have been accompanying them in the past couple of weeks.
Well, to start with - I did not end up going skiing Sunday like I had said I was planning on. We had to cancel and reschedule for the following week, only to cancel yet again. At that point I didn't plan on it happening any time soon, however my friend Jessica called me the next week (this past Saturday) and we did it! So Jessica and I, along with 4 other people she works with, piled into a van and drove 2 hrs. north to Spindleruv Mlyn and the mountains on the border with Poland. Needless to say, it was amazingly beautiful and just a little different from the skiing I've done in Cincinnati. :) Here are a few pics from the day, and the link to see the rest of them:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2012831&id=142700074&l=9ae6cddab5
I also got the chance to see the music group Swell Season in concert last week! The group consists of one guy and one girl, playing piano and guitar, and singing some of the most beautiful harmonies. You might know them from the film Once. The concert was great, and lots of fun! It was in a beautiful underground ballroom in the heart of the city (you would never guess that it was buried under the big grey building!). It was especially fun to feel how excited and warm the crowd was towards the group. The girl is Czech herself, and it was obvious that the people there had a special place for her in their hearts. The music was lovely and the performance entertaining, especially with the four encores that they did at the end. :)
This past Sunday I visited the church group that Sasha Fleck is a part of here in Prague. Many of you know him and the work that he's done translating the Bible into Czech for the past 15 years. Our church (VCNW) has partnered with him in that and I have been looking forward to connecting with him since I've come over. I had seen him a couple of times, but hadn't made it to the group meeting on Sunday nights. I went with Michelle this week and it was really neat! Most of it was in Czech, but it was great to still feel like a part of the community and part of what God is doing here in Prague.
School has had some stressful moments over the past couple of weeks, although my individual classes are still going really well. The other teachers and myself are kind of feeling the pressure of it being the middle of the year and having parents and principals especially interested in what's going on, tangible results, student behavior, etc. It's good, but a bit stressful. I have been enjoying my 2nd graders especially, though - this week we learned about "it is/they are" and "there is/there are." It's really fun giving them the tools they need to form basic thoughts, and to have them listen and respond to different things! As long as they remember it a month from now, we'll be good to go... :)
And finally, the weeks have also been filled with more dinner and coffee dates with friends, along with a few relaxing evenings at home, making dinner and watching Chuck or the Office with Talitha. :) People ask what I do for fun here in the city, and quite honestly, those evenings at our flat are some of the best. :)
Ok, that's all for the moment, but more to come soon! Love love!
Thanks to all of you who faithful check my blog, just because you love me and are interested in what's going on in my life. I'm sorry I do such a poor job at delivering the news. I do love you though, and it means so much to me!
I figured I'd do this round of posts in two segments - this one with things that have been going on, and the next one (following soon after) with the thoughts that have been accompanying them in the past couple of weeks.
Well, to start with - I did not end up going skiing Sunday like I had said I was planning on. We had to cancel and reschedule for the following week, only to cancel yet again. At that point I didn't plan on it happening any time soon, however my friend Jessica called me the next week (this past Saturday) and we did it! So Jessica and I, along with 4 other people she works with, piled into a van and drove 2 hrs. north to Spindleruv Mlyn and the mountains on the border with Poland. Needless to say, it was amazingly beautiful and just a little different from the skiing I've done in Cincinnati. :) Here are a few pics from the day, and the link to see the rest of them:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2012831&id=142700074&l=9ae6cddab5
I also got the chance to see the music group Swell Season in concert last week! The group consists of one guy and one girl, playing piano and guitar, and singing some of the most beautiful harmonies. You might know them from the film Once. The concert was great, and lots of fun! It was in a beautiful underground ballroom in the heart of the city (you would never guess that it was buried under the big grey building!). It was especially fun to feel how excited and warm the crowd was towards the group. The girl is Czech herself, and it was obvious that the people there had a special place for her in their hearts. The music was lovely and the performance entertaining, especially with the four encores that they did at the end. :)
This past Sunday I visited the church group that Sasha Fleck is a part of here in Prague. Many of you know him and the work that he's done translating the Bible into Czech for the past 15 years. Our church (VCNW) has partnered with him in that and I have been looking forward to connecting with him since I've come over. I had seen him a couple of times, but hadn't made it to the group meeting on Sunday nights. I went with Michelle this week and it was really neat! Most of it was in Czech, but it was great to still feel like a part of the community and part of what God is doing here in Prague.
School has had some stressful moments over the past couple of weeks, although my individual classes are still going really well. The other teachers and myself are kind of feeling the pressure of it being the middle of the year and having parents and principals especially interested in what's going on, tangible results, student behavior, etc. It's good, but a bit stressful. I have been enjoying my 2nd graders especially, though - this week we learned about "it is/they are" and "there is/there are." It's really fun giving them the tools they need to form basic thoughts, and to have them listen and respond to different things! As long as they remember it a month from now, we'll be good to go... :)
And finally, the weeks have also been filled with more dinner and coffee dates with friends, along with a few relaxing evenings at home, making dinner and watching Chuck or the Office with Talitha. :) People ask what I do for fun here in the city, and quite honestly, those evenings at our flat are some of the best. :)
Ok, that's all for the moment, but more to come soon! Love love!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Hey Everyone. :) Just wanted to post a little note, to let you know I'm still alive and well.
The past few weeks have been pretty busy, but all with good things. I'm feeling much more connected to life here, this side of Christmas, and I've been spending a lot of time with friends in my community. I've been out to coffee, visiting museums, having people over for dinner, and lots of other little things in between. It's been nice. :)
Classes and tutoring are still going well - I'm really enjoying the private lessons with the family I do twice a week. I was also a bit worried that adding that to my schedule would feel a bit overwhelming, but it really hasn't at all. I've been praying for God to give me the strength I need, and he's answered that prayer abundantly.
This Sunday I'm going skiing, which I'm super excited about! :) Hopefully I'll still remember how to do it... :)
Anyways, that's all for now. Love you all and miss you lots!
Steph
The past few weeks have been pretty busy, but all with good things. I'm feeling much more connected to life here, this side of Christmas, and I've been spending a lot of time with friends in my community. I've been out to coffee, visiting museums, having people over for dinner, and lots of other little things in between. It's been nice. :)
Classes and tutoring are still going well - I'm really enjoying the private lessons with the family I do twice a week. I was also a bit worried that adding that to my schedule would feel a bit overwhelming, but it really hasn't at all. I've been praying for God to give me the strength I need, and he's answered that prayer abundantly.
This Sunday I'm going skiing, which I'm super excited about! :) Hopefully I'll still remember how to do it... :)
Anyways, that's all for now. Love you all and miss you lots!
Steph
Saturday, January 16, 2010
4 Months!
Well hello and Happy Four Months Day! It is officially my 4 month anniversary of living overseas here in Prague. When I say that out loud, however, it really doesn't sound as long as it feels... not that that's a bad thing. Just interesting. It really does feel like I've been here for a while, and that summer is just around the corner. I still have lots of time to explore and try new things though, that's for sure, and I'm ok with that.
People have been asking about me staying for another year, if I'm thinking about it, etc. That still really isn't a possibility in my mind, however. I don't have any regrets about coming here, whatsoever. The city is absolutely beautiful, and the ways in which God has provided for me and blessed me here are astounding. I still feel, however, that the time I've planned on spending here from the beginning is enough. I'm excited to continue my work here and finish strong, and then to come back home and see what God has in store for me next.
One thing you can be praying for, is for God to provide more teachers who are willing to come and work with the English program that I have been a part of here in Prague. (It would make my leaving at the end of the year as planned, much easier I think. :) It is an amazing program to work for and with, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great teaching opportunity.
This past week was a busy one, with lots of interactions with parents and events in the evenings. On Tuesday the father of one of my first grade students came to observe our class. He was concerned about the progress his son was making (or lack their of, in his opinion). We've always said that parents are more than welcome to come at any time - they are paying extra money for their child to attend and it is important to us that they have a good understanding of how our program works. To make a long story short, he sat in my class for a while, and then went to observe the other class as well. He came back in during the second half to speak with me and what he said was not what my assistant and I were expecting, to say the least. He wanted to apologize, he said. Our program and our classes were absolutely perfect in his opinion. He said he could tell the students loved us and responded to us extremely well. They were speaking English and understanding what was going on, even without my assistant translating very much. He was blown away by what he saw and his opinion was completely changed for the better. He said thank you so much for what you are doing here, and he absolutely loves it.
Anyway, that was a very intense but positive day to say the least. :) I also started a new tutoring job this week (2 hours on Mondays and 2 hours on Thursdays) and it is going very well, although the travel time to and from is a bit tiring. I think I have a faster way of getting there now, so that should help some. It is with an entire family, actually - a boy in the first grade and his younger sister, as well as their mom and dad. :) They are so sweet though, and they are very excited to work with me too. It's lots of fun! I'm excited to build this new relationship with them and see what God does with it!
Well, that is all for now. I'm headed to Starbucks down town to work on lesson plans with my friend Jessica. :) Have a wonderful rest of your days!
People have been asking about me staying for another year, if I'm thinking about it, etc. That still really isn't a possibility in my mind, however. I don't have any regrets about coming here, whatsoever. The city is absolutely beautiful, and the ways in which God has provided for me and blessed me here are astounding. I still feel, however, that the time I've planned on spending here from the beginning is enough. I'm excited to continue my work here and finish strong, and then to come back home and see what God has in store for me next.
One thing you can be praying for, is for God to provide more teachers who are willing to come and work with the English program that I have been a part of here in Prague. (It would make my leaving at the end of the year as planned, much easier I think. :) It is an amazing program to work for and with, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great teaching opportunity.
This past week was a busy one, with lots of interactions with parents and events in the evenings. On Tuesday the father of one of my first grade students came to observe our class. He was concerned about the progress his son was making (or lack their of, in his opinion). We've always said that parents are more than welcome to come at any time - they are paying extra money for their child to attend and it is important to us that they have a good understanding of how our program works. To make a long story short, he sat in my class for a while, and then went to observe the other class as well. He came back in during the second half to speak with me and what he said was not what my assistant and I were expecting, to say the least. He wanted to apologize, he said. Our program and our classes were absolutely perfect in his opinion. He said he could tell the students loved us and responded to us extremely well. They were speaking English and understanding what was going on, even without my assistant translating very much. He was blown away by what he saw and his opinion was completely changed for the better. He said thank you so much for what you are doing here, and he absolutely loves it.
Anyway, that was a very intense but positive day to say the least. :) I also started a new tutoring job this week (2 hours on Mondays and 2 hours on Thursdays) and it is going very well, although the travel time to and from is a bit tiring. I think I have a faster way of getting there now, so that should help some. It is with an entire family, actually - a boy in the first grade and his younger sister, as well as their mom and dad. :) They are so sweet though, and they are very excited to work with me too. It's lots of fun! I'm excited to build this new relationship with them and see what God does with it!
Well, that is all for now. I'm headed to Starbucks down town to work on lesson plans with my friend Jessica. :) Have a wonderful rest of your days!
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