The Past Week in Pictures (and a few words)

So much to tell you!

Last week brought frequent snowfalls and slippery sidewalks. The Tuesday children's group that I help with was eager to talk about the fresh snow, so we learned winter-related words. We've been working on the phrases, "I like.../I don't like...". So we drew our favorite things about winter. There were a lot of snowman pictures. 

As I mentioned in my previous posting, I had the opportunity to go to Olomouc for a concert with my friends, Lenka and Aneta. It was at a jam-packed pub, and we had amazing seats at a table near the front. I wasn't familiar with the artist, James Harries, prior the night, but it was a great time. Lenka and I visited an amazing literary themed coffee shop just before the concert. The name of the shop translates to, "Second Home." It's filled with books from top to bottom, the artwork on the walls is captivating, and the drinks are phenomenal. I had a cinnamon peach drink that tasted like liquid pie. I could have drowned in my cup and been the happiest person on the planet. If ever you visit Olomouc, check out this place!!!

packed pub for concert!

book club

The other highlight from this past week was of course, Thanksgiving. Everyone invited friends and family, and we had a packed house at Kostel! The food was incredible - a 35 lb turkey, potatoes, green bean casserole, fruit salad, stuffing, pumpkin soup, strudel, and a variety of cakes, cookies, and muffins. The Thanksgiving video turned out great; I'm still hoping to get some English subtitles added to share with you. Everyone clapped at the end, and I think it was a simple and beautiful way to get people thinking about the things they also are thankful for. Vašek preached an abbreviated Thanksgiving-themed sermon, the band led us in a few songs, and we had the opportunity to respond through sharing the things we're thankful for. 3 of us girls had made "thankfulness trees" for people to write on some hanging tags; at the end of the night, we had 3 Kostel members read some of the things people had written and we took the time to pray over these items, dedicating them back to God and ultimately thanking Him as the Giver of all good things. It was a really special time. 

that turkey!!!!

thankfulness trees

band practice beforehand

carving the turkey: Daniel & Petr

Lenka welcoming everyone

Vašek teaching

Petr praying over some of the things we're thankful for

Zuzka reading and praying over some the things we're thankful for

Martina & I cheesin'

Things You Can Be Praying For:

- I have a number of English Conversation meetings happening this week; a few new people that I've never even met before!

- English Conversation this past week was full of disruptions; pray that this was not so distracting to the point of discouraging for guests, that we'll have returned people, and perhaps a few new additions.

- Weekly Tuesday morning meetings with Vašek: you can pray for these meetings to be beneficial, insightful, productive and learning and growing experiences for us all.

- Daniel's work: so far, so good. Pray for continued grace, well-doing, and attentiveness to his job with General Mills, despite the distance.

- a friend here, Jane's grandma is in the hospital; pray for health and a quick recovery. 

A few other random pictures & happenings -

I wrote the Thanksgiving menu; that was challenging without knowing Czech!

Graffiti in Olomouc

Graffiti in Olomouc

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK graffiti in Olomouc!

We spotted Pavla out for a walk the other day! She and her husband, Ivo, just welcomed their son into this world just a couple weeks ago!

Little Baby Oliver! <3

My Pikola breakfast the other day: a beet quiche and a red espresso latte

Libor & Daniel

Mirek and me at our open house

This is what Daniel and I had for lunch today; blueberry dumplings!!!  

A beautiful day today in Šumperk

Our town square tree is getting decorated!

The tree getting decorated and the hot wine booths getting set up; this weekend is St. Nicolas Day and the lighting of the tree

Hope

Cities are stringing their Christmas lights, hot punč is served on every corner, and the familiar tunes of Christmas carols can be heard in the shops. [For those back home crying, "It's too soon!" remember there's no Thanksgiving here]. 

I visited Olomouc last night to attend a concert with my friends, Lenka and Aneta. It was a lovely trip filled with many incredible experiences to share with you [another time], but what keeps running through my mind is a story from the city center.

Every year, Olomouc fills its square with little wooden shed-like shops - hand painted ornaments, knitted mittens and hats, carved instruments and all the latest trinkets are set out for sale. Fried potato cakes and roasted chestnuts waft through the air. The town and astronomical clocks are lit and strung with lights. This beautiful, traditional European Christmas Market is a spectacular sight that would fill even the Grinch with Christmas-fever.

But what stands out juxtapose beside the shops, the food and drinks, the ornate city hall or astronomical clock, are two figures - the Holy Trinity Column and a giant Christmas tree.

The Holy Trinity Column is one of several Marian columns throughout Europe - religious sculptures built in memorial of and gratitude for the end of the Plague that swept throughout the countries. The columns all include depictions of Mary and various saints to which the town had prayed. The Holy Trinity Column has 18 saints and 14 reliefs exactly. It's unique compared to other Marian columns, because the sculptors were all Olomouc citizens; the talented craftsmanship is a source of great pride to the people and the column is considered sacred. During the Prussian Wars, bombs damaged the column, and after Olomouc citizens pleaded and begged the Prussian armies not to do any further harm to the relic, there was a decree sent out to protect the column. Damages were repaired shortly after. Following wars also honored the agreement to protect the column while the rest of the city's homes and ornate buildings were bombed and torn to pieces.

It's a thing of beauty but also a place of remembrance of the lives that were lost in years past. The column is a shadowy corner of the mind that whispers the brevity of life, and a visual of the places we've sought salvation on our own. It's not until you walk inside the chapel at the base of the Holy Trinity Column where you can see a relief of the sacrifices of Abel, Noah's altar after the Flood, Abraham offering Isaac and a lamb, and finally, Jesus hanging on a cross.

Then, there's the Christmas tree. It's covered from top to bottom in gold and silver and white lights; at the top, is a shining bright star. Did you ever hear The Story of the Three Trees? (It's short; read it). I'm a lover of nature, a lover of stories, a lover of creativity and imagination, and a lover of Jesus (those weren't listed in any particular order). So I'm automatically hurled into a deep, whimsical, introspective place to consider this city of Olomouc in the Czech Republic. This nation is widely atheistic, and chances are that 99% of the people I pass in the streets each day have never heard the Gospel. They don't know the Sacrifice of Jesus; they don't understand how my heart aches to know that the most transformational story of His death for me is kept hidden in the base of the column, rather than shining at the pinnacle, of the sacred memorial.

But despite this little cloud of sadness that threatens to linger, I actually find myself smiling and filled with joy. There's a tradition in Olomouc to give the Christmas trees a name. Last year, I heard it was called "Snowflake," which seems seasonally and festively appropriate, I think. But, this year, it's different. A new name had to be chosen, and I suppose they ran out of "Snowflake, Snowball, Holly, Jolly," or other wintery names. This year, townspeople and tourists will stroll between the vendors' booths, humming the familiar melodies of "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World." They'll lean against the walls of the Holy Trinity Column, sipping on apple punč or snacking on potato cakes or roasted chestnuts. They'll warm their hands in the glow of the electricity that highlights the intricately carved saints and virgin Mary. And there, towering high above them, lit and decorated for all to see, will be the Christmas tree, named "Hope."

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. 1 Peter 1:3, 4a

"Hope" - the Christmas Tree

Lenka & I at the Holy Trinity Column, this year, November 2015

Rachel Cherico & I at the Holy Trinity Column, last year, November 2014

Thanksgiving Plans

It's Šumperk's first snowfall of the season today!!! My backyard view of green and yellow treed hills is covered in frost and slushy snow. Time to pull out my North Face jacket! 

You guys, we had a GREAT night of English Conversation last week. For those that are a part of our Facebook Group, "Daniel & Jennifer Go to the Czech Republic," you read that we had the younger group talk about seasons, and the adults' group talked about travel. We had great interaction and participation and many laughs. This coming Thursday, we're going to discuss holidays and traditions. Yes, we're having English Conversation still meet on Thursday; and in honor of the American Thanksgiving, I asked everyone to be prepared to share something they are thankful for to kick off the night. 

Don't worry; we still have plans to celebrate Thanksgiving! In fact, the entirety of Kostel Jinak is going to be celebrating it! This Saturday, November 28, we've invited friends and family to join us for a giant feast. All the girls are preparing 2 food items while boys are contributing drinks.

As something a little extra special, a few of the girls and I are making a video to show during the meal. It's just a short video of people sharing what they're thankful for really, but we went to the streets of Šumperk to interview the town's people for this. Once the video is complete, I'm going to see about getting English subtitles added so I can share it with you. I think you'll be surprised, entertained, moved, and filled to hear what people have to say. Many were not willing to be on camera, and most said they were in a hurry or shy or simply hadn't ever asked themselves what they're thankful for. It took a lot of suggestion of "family, food, friends, home, nature..." to prompt the people to come up with answers. But there were some very sweet, deep, almost poetic moments of the experience as well. One man we encountered wanted to know immediately what sect we were from, and upon being asked what he was thankful for, he replied with a quick, "What are you thankful for?" He wasn't brash or rude; he was pensive and thoughtful. He was among those that hadn't ever questioned their thankfulness before. As we parted ways, he turned to us, saying, "You've given me something to think about...". Admittedly, I was shocked and saddened at how foreign a concept of "thankfulness" was to so many; however, I also smiled to think that gratitude hasn't been reduced to a hashtag here. 

This weekend marked 1 month of Daniel and I living here and 1 year since I first ever visited the Czech Republic. It really is awe-some to look back at the past month or year to see how much God has moved and worked. I still don't know much Czech at all, Daniel and I just recently figured out our new schedules and routine for time alone together, and we're always exhausted at the end of each day. But this is the best adventure ever! 

How You Can Be Praying:

- pray for quality and clarity of preparation for English Conversation for Thursday; this week is a bit busy for me

- pray for our hearts to be focused and prepared for Thanksgiving - not just for our Saturday celebration, but leading up to it

- pray for friends and family to show up to our Thanksgiving event on Saturday

- pray for good one-on-on meetings with individuals to happen; for good conversation and for God's truth and love to be proclaimed

Lenka and I celebrating my "Czechversary" - 1 year since first arriving in the Czech Republic; 1 year since meeting her

Monday lunch with Daniel! We both had traditional Czech meals today: pork & cabbage and fried cheese & potatoes 

Kostel ladies

"How deep is your love/love is like a nikotin" - graffiti around town

National Holiday & Other Little Things

Yesterday was a national holiday here - [literal English translation] - "Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day." It marked the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, a peaceful, student-led demonstration that resulted in the freedom of Czechoslovakia from Communist rule. The story of the Velvet Revolution, alone, should give you an admiration for the Czech nation's strength and resilience; but there is so much more to be read in their history that simply leaves one in awe.

Privately funded memorials for Jewish Olomouc residents can be found in the streets outside their former homes; in a park adjacent from this street, there stands a Red Star reminder of Communism

Most people had the day off of work with the holiday and most businesses were closed. I went with my friend, Lenka, to visit her family in a larger city, Olomouc, about 45 minutes away by train. (Daniel still had to work during the day since it wasn't a holiday for the States). :) Lenka's mom made an incredible, traditional Czech meal of dumplings, pork, and cabbage. Of course, the meal started with a bowl of soup, then the main course, followed by drinks and cookies and desserts galore! The hospitality and a home cooked meal was so comforting; and, my animal-loving heart was satisfied in the presence of the family dog, Frida.

After filling our stomachs beyond comprehension, Lenka and I put on our cat-ears and made our way to a cat coffee house. I nearly cried as we opened the coffee house door and I realized I was about to be surrounded by sleeping cats and served coffee all at once (actually we had homemade lavender lemonade). For the sake of the non-cat-lovers, I'll spare you the details of our cat coffee house excursion and  fast forward now to the evening, when Lenka and I attended a Bible study with Metro Church members. Metro is a part of the same Majak ("lighthouse") Network as Kostel Jinak. These Czech churches collaborate frequently between leadership and offer resources and workshops for those that attend the network's churches. Recently, Kostel Jinak celebrated their 100th service; when I asked Vašek what "100 services" means to him, he expressed such gratitude for the relationships and network that has been built between the churches. The Majak Network is an incredible example of unity and encouragement from one church to another. I look forward to further understanding, learning and perhaps experiencing more of the relationship of the network.

This morning, I met for a second one-on-one meeting for English Conversation. This lady that I met overheard me speaking English in Pikola a two weeks ago, asked Lida if it was possible to speak/meet with me, and that's how our time together began. I love my time with her; it's easy to talk about the deeper things of life. Within 3 minutes of meeting this morning, we were discussing who God is, what Love is, and gratitude for life's journey. We were supposed to have a horse-riding lesson together this afternoon, but we had coffee and conversation instead because of the rain today. I'm thankful for this weather.

I stopped by Petr's office to see Daniel on my way home from coffee. In case you've been wondering what Daniel's work area is like, here are a few pics:

outside Petr's business, Woodmint

Entrance is on the left; I have to buzz in

At the top of the entrance stairs, there are 3 identical doors. I never know which one is the correct door to enter. :)

Lukaš & Daniel were the only ones in this office area today. Daniel has a nice set up of double monitors, a comfy chair and a large desk; plus a nice view of the streets outside!

Now I've just returned from visiting my neighbor, Pavla. I had barely taken off my shoes this morning when she came running across the hall and insisted that I come quickly to see something - a rainbow (duha in Czech). For the past couple hours, I've been sitting in Pavla's kitchen, eating cookies, drinking tea, pointing at a waxing and waning rainbow, admiring family photos, attempting and failing at carrying a conversation. I'm so thankful for the lightness and laughter that the brilliant rainbow kept bringing.

Viewing the rainbow from Pavla's kitchen

Pavla and I have started exchanging small gifts from time to time. We usually leave them on each other's doormat. Recently, I've received a vase of pine & berries, cookies, and a "care package" of ingredients to make a wellness tea (to fight my cold)

It's the simple things here - cake, autumn leaves, dogs, cats and rainbows that keep forging relationships between me and strangers. But ultimately, I know it's God's sovereign hand over all, and I'm thankful for this journey.

Quick Random Note:

I've recently started tearing down the wallpaper in my living room. I quickly discovered that it wasn't just 1 layer of wallpaper... there are FOUR layers!!!! And they're all pasted directly onto concrete walls. I think we've decided to have a professional come in and take care of this for us; it will be a small way to spruce this place up for whoever lives here next anyway.

How You Can Be Praying:

- health; this nasty cold is making its rounds with Kostel members

- continued conversations with those we've connected with

- removal of any spiritual forces that are hindering the Gospel from being proclaimed

- understanding and learning of the Czech language

- English Conversation for kids & adults this Thursday