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