The streets of Šumperk are covered in a thin layer of snow and temperatures have dropped; it really feels like winter now. Students have returned to school; everyone else has returned to their offices for work.
Kostel Jinak hosted a fantastically fun New Years party last week; we had delicious food prepared by Chef Petr, karaoke, lots of decorations, and awesome fireworks. Our neighbor was supposed to join us for the event, but she wasn't feeling well; so she handed us a couple plates of treats to bring to Kostel and she stayed home for the night.
Daniel and I took Friday and Saturday to head to Prague together. This was the first time we'd had just us time (36 hours straight) this entire trip! It was relaxing to roam the Prague streets, being familiar with the sights already, enjoying the Christmas markets, taking in all the ornate surroundings, doing whatever we felt like doing. Prague's big New Year's celebration is actually on New Year's Day instead of Eve, so we watched fireworks from the view of the St. Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. One tourist activity that we enjoyed was going to the top of the Astronomical Clock Tower for the birds eye view of Prague. It's only $5 USD; there's quite a wait in line, depending on time of day, but it is worth it! We were pleased to discover that the experience isn't just "go up, look around, come down." There are historical pictures and contextual stories to read as you make your way up the ramp inside the clock tower. At the top, it's a 360 view, and you can take as long as you want to look around. We stayed at the Fusion Hotel (yes, I did choose the hotel because of the name); it was located in between the train station, the city center and the all the shops. It was an incredible location, and we were on the 5th floor so we had a good view. It was one of the lower priced hotels, but it had one of the best continental breakfasts I've ever experienced, was clean, trendy, friendly and helpful staff, and like I mentioned, great location. When in Prague - stay at the Fusion Hotel and go up to the Astronomical Clock Tower, k?
Big news in Kostel: we're meeting on Sunday MORNINGS! We were previously meeting on Saturday evenings, but we're giving this new schedule a whirl to see how it works for everyone. So far, it's a success. We had a PACKED house this week!
This Friday I'm hosting a Bible Art Journaling workshop - I'm hoping people will find it helpful as they're learning how to study their Bibles and deepen their relationship with Christ. I helped with a Bible Art Journaling workshop back in MN through the NHC Arts, and people loved it. I had a woman stop in my office a couple weeks later and say that this new method of processing and studying has transformed the way she listens to teaching in the classroom, on Sundays at church, and how she soaks in God's Word. Hopefully, this can be an effective tool in the Czech context as well.
Soooo...we have just 3 weeks left here, guys! Daniel and I are trying to dig in even further and make the most of our connections.
Ways You Can Be Praying:
- Pray for students as they are finishing their semesters and facing exams over the next couple weeks (the first semester doesn't end until mid-late January here)
- Pray for Sunday mornings to be anticipated vs a dreaded alarm cock
- Pray for Daniel and I to be even more intentional with our time
- Pray for English Conversation this week as we get back into our regular Thursday schedule after a couple weeks off
- Pray for the Bible Art Journaling workshop to be an effective resource
VIDEOS & PICTURES:
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| Karaoke: Lucka & Petr singing, "I Wanna Be A Billionaire" |
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| Karaoke: Daniel & I singing "My Eyes" from Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog |
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| New Years Fireworks! Fireworks Video 1 Fireworks Video 2 Fireworks Video 3 Unedited "Happy New Year!" Kostel Jinak Video |
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| Prague |
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| Inside the Clock Tower |
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| John Lennon wall!!! |
Wow, lot's of news...and such an interesting account of the varous things you are involved in and seeing. I'd love to check out the Fusion Hotel and clock tower tour.
ReplyDelete3 weeks? How can it be!