I am loving autumn in
Katowice! Being a native Texan, I’ve
never lived any place where this season brings such color changes. So far, the weather has been beautiful, but I’m
still nervous about the coming winter! I
took this picture yesterday at a park near me where we go some Sunday
afternoons.
I am often asked the same
question by people here, especially when they find out I came to live in Poland
for a year. “What do you like most about
Poland?” Even though my mind goes through
the whole list of things I love; the beauty, the food, the way of life, the
food . . . I always end up with the same answer: the people.
By far, my favorite thing about Poland is its people. If you judge the people by strangers on the
street, you’ll be fooled. This is not
the American South. People don’t smile
and acknowledge everyone they see. This
is a country with a painful and complicated history and they are sometimes
guarded and cautious. But the minute you
engage someone in conversation, or are introduced in some way, you discover the
real heart of the people here. They are as
warm-hearted and giving as anyone you will ever meet.
When I first came here, I quickly
found out that as soon as someone in a store realized I didn’t speak much
Polish, they were more than eager to help me.
(Ok, there was one girl who wasn’t real happy about my lack of language
skills, but there was a big line behind me.)
Having made real friends here has led me to a deeper understanding of Polish
people. They love me unconditionally. They are immeasurably patient with me, and
they won’t hesitate to help me if I have a need.
I would like to start introducing
you to some of my friends. Each blog
update, I will try to choose someone new for you to get to know.
This is Krzysztof Sokołowski. Krzysztof is one of my (best) English
students, and now a good friend. He and
his wife, Bogda have taken me to see some beautiful sights around Katowice. By the way, Bogda is an amazing cook! Krzysztof was born in Siemianowice Śląskie,
which is just outside Katowice. He was a
police officer and a detective/supervisor for 20 years. He is retired now, but does some work in security. He and Bogda have one daughter; Agnieszka, and
two granddaughters; Zofia – 4, and Alicja – 2 months. They also have a beautiful German Shepherd
named Sonia.
Krzysztof likes coffee and beer J He enjoys travelling, reading, and picking
wild mushrooms – which is very popular here in Poland. He has a great sense of humor, and keeps me
laughing in class. Krzysztof is one of
my favorite people here!
Prayer Requests:
Continue to pray for my student
Teresa and her health problems.
For Dawid, a new student in one
of my classes, who is not a believer.
For continuing progress for me to
teach a women’s Bible study at the jail.
I’ve been told how to go about getting permission, and we’re working
toward that now.
Most of all, please pray that
nothing that happens at home distracts me from my purpose in being here. I know God is ultimately in control, and I’m
exactly where I’m supposed to be.
