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
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| Lenka and I celebrating my "Czechversary" - 1 year since first arriving in the Czech Republic; 1 year since meeting her |
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| Monday lunch with Daniel! We both had traditional Czech meals today: pork & cabbage and fried cheese & potatoes |
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| Kostel ladies |
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| "How deep is your love/love is like a nikotin" - graffiti around town |
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