A Great Adventure

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”    Jeremiah 29:11

Sometimes we’re afraid to trust God with our lives because we think we can do a better job of making decisions for ourselves.  The truth is that when we get to a place of throwing up our hands in complete surrender and let Him take control, that’s when we actually live the best life possible.  Our way always ends up in frustration; when we let God do it His way, He gives us more than what we ask for.  I knew before I came to Poland that I didn’t know all God had planned for me.  That was an understatement!

My friend Nancy Leatherland, from Houston, just left after a 10 day visit.  It was wonderful having her here!  We had SO much fun.  We had some great - and some not so great – adventures; but adventures nonetheless.  The day after she arrived, we took a train to Prague, Czech Republic.  Prague is one of my very favorite cities in Europe.  It’s medieval, yet very international.  It sits on the Vltava River.  We spent two days there (not enough!) and walked for MILES.  We visited the Prague Castle, dating back to the 9^th century, walked along the Charles Bridge, and shopped in Old Town.  Here is a view of Prague Castle as we walked down a beautiful street toward it.



We then took a train from Prague to Dresden, Germany and spent two days.  Dresden is beautiful.  It’s very old and sits on the Elbe River.  It’s full of history.  We toured the Zwinger Museum and saw unbelievable treasures from past centuries including jewels belonging to kings and queens.  We stood inches from works of Rubens, Raphael, and Rembrandt.  The most famous painting in their gallery is Raphael’s ‘Sistine Madonna’.  You would recognize it by the two little cherubs at the bottom that have been copied many times.  This is the entrance to the area where the Zwinger Museum is.  Love the two guys guarding the entrance!



Finally, we took a 7 hour train ride back to Katowice and you can’t believe how happy I was to hear Polish again!  I’m so grateful to Nancy for paying for a large part of our trip, because I wouldn’t have been able to see so many beautiful things without her!

Autumn has arrived and everyone is getting back into the regular routine.  School started this week for the children.  Several new ‘adventures’ have presented themselves for the coming months.  My friend teaches English at a university here on Saturdays.  He told me there are some days he can’t make the class and asked if I could fill in as a substitute for him sometimes.  I will get paid for this :-)  Never thought I’d teach at a college!

One of my private students’ fathers asked me to edit a couple of papers for him.  It turned out to be something I really love doing.  I’ve always been good at spelling and grammar, so it isn’t hard for me.  It’s really good money for an hour or two of work.  He has two more papers for me.  Hopefully, I can find some more editing to do!

I live on the edge of a low-income neighborhood with a lot of problems – alcoholism, drugs, gangs, parental neglect, etc...  On Tuesday nights, the youth here at Betania Church invite young people from the neighborhood to come to the church for games and Bible Study.  They’re kind of a rough group, but they come!  Their leader Gosia asked me if I’d like to give them a 30 minute English lesson every Tuesday.  So, next Tuesday will be my first one.  I met the kids this past Tuesday.  They were pretty excited and funny about finding out I was from Texas.  They were also amazed that I knew some Polish.  This will definitely be an adventure . . .

Less than four months in, and I'm totally amazed at my life here and what I've experienced so far.  I have wonderful friends, a built-in family, and a loving church.  I have a busy life and new experiences all the time.  I've already done things I never imagined myself doing - especially at 53!  I've been able to travel some and see beautiful and historic places.  I'm so thankful for this time and I'm looking forward to the adventures to come!

 

A few prayer requests:

For the neighborhood kids that I’ll start teaching English to next week.  That we can meet some of the needs their families aren't able to.  That they will see the love of Jesus in us.  That I’ll handle them with the right balance of love and firmness - and that they’ll have fun!

For good response from the flyers we’re getting ready to pass out advertising English classes for people outside the church.

For my Polish!  I have a tutor, but it’s harder than I expected.  I am motivated to learn, but this week, 8 year old Rachel literally begged me to learn more so we could play games together.  That’s even more motivation!

I’m being told I should get a bicycle for the coming months – it will be easier for me than walking.  Pray that I’ll have the funds for a bicycle and a good strong lock.  (Theft is an issue around here)

And finally, some more things I’ve learned about Poland/Europe:

Sunday dinner is an event.  Relax and enjoy it.

It’s customary to offer food or drinks to your guests at least three times until they tell you whether they really want something or not J

Not everyone in the world gets the importance of ice.

You should always allow more than 6 minutes when having to change trains - trust me on this one.

Germans make the best Apple Strudel.  Period.