Stare i Nowe (The Old and the New)

I have always loved old things.  Old books, antiques, old cities and churches.  Poland is full of old things and lately I have had the opportunity to experience some of them.  My friend Louella and I spent the day in Bytom at an antique/flea market.  It was just like Heaven to me!  I found some wonderful treasures.  One of my favorites is a little wooden piggy bank:

I also got to visit Krakow, the old capitol of Poland.  It may be the most beautiful city in Poland.  It has a wonderful castle called Wawel.  The Vistula River runs beside the castle and there is a legend of a dragon who lived beneath the castle.  Along the top of the castle are gargoyles called 'rzygacz', which is also Polish for 'vomit'  :-)

As you can see, they are designed to disperse rain water.  Hence the name rzygacz.

As for new things, we are praying and planning for new English classes in the Fall.  We are planning to pass out flyers in the city, hoping to interest unchurched people to come and learn English and, in turn, learn about God's love.

Last week was Missions Week for the Youth here at Betania.  They had missions projects all week.  On Thursday, they visited the city jail, and I got to go.  We had an hour with a group of men and an hour with women.  The youth did dramas, gave testimonies and asked me to speak as well.  It was a great time with both groups and at the end of each time, we gave out bibles and talked one on one with the men and women.  I met a sweet young woman named Aleksandra who spoke almost perfect English.  I promised to pray for her.  She reminded me that not everyone in prison is a hardened criminal.  Some people just make really bad choices and face the consequences.

Thanks for your prayers and support.  I'm having an amazing time!