Hi Everyone!
First and foremost, I need to apologize. I am so sorry that I was not faithful to add more updates toward the end of my time in Slovakia. Things were so busy and so crazy that it was hard to find a spare moment to breathe. So because of my negligence - let me give you a quick run-down of what the last few weeks in Slovakia looked like:
-Packing and moving: The last few weeks consisted primarily of this: packing, moving, organizing, and cleaning. Why? The Hill family (the missionaries that I lived with this summer and the family that runs BERC) is moving to the states, today, actually. Their two youngest children will be starting college next year and Roberta Hill would love to get her masters in education while they are there for two years. Roberta and Jim Hill will be working as the missionaries in residence at Houghton College in upstate New York. Also, BERC needed to be moved to the flat next door because the land lord of the building that BERC was in is moving his family back in. Then, the family that was in the flat where BERC needed to move to, had to move upstairs to the flat where the Hills were living. As you can tell, there was a lot of logistics that had to take place and at times it was really stressful! But everyone of us can attest to the fact that God was our strength and our song the whole time - even when it was tough. And praise God, because it is done!!!
- Going to the Tatras: What are the "Tatras?" you may be asking...because I would have been asking that too :) Well let me tell you - YOU NEED TO GO!!!! Although you may not hear of the Tatra mountains as one of Europe's hot spots - that is the beauty of it! It is not that touristy, but these mountains are so amazing - it is seriously one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to before. The Tatras are a small mountain range in central Slovakia - so the interns, the Hill family, and I took a four hour train ride from Bratislava inland - passing by sunflower fields, castle ruins, and people harvesting grain with cycles, until we reached our little mountain town where our accomidations were. We spent three relaxing days there, hiking, hanging out in the local coffee shop, and shopping. It was heavenly and the perfect break after weeks of hard work and little sleep.
- The debriefing retreat: The last week we were in Slovakia was awesome because all the Bryan interns from around the globe came to Slovakia for a week of summer debriefing in Slovensky Raj (which translated means "Slovak Paradise" :) We rented a lodge there and spent about five days reflecting on our summers, going on walks with each other to hear stories about what God has done, meeting in small groups to discuss readings, and worshiping together. It was a joyous, emotional time for everyone. God has done so much in all our lives this summer, that I think this time was essential to help us start the processing that needs to happen. If you go to Bryan, I encourage you to pull aside some of the missions interns and ask to hear some stories from their summer. God really did do so much that we all just want to share and bless others with telling of his goodness in our lives. Anyway, it was a very peaceful, serene, and necessary time of fellowship with brothers and sisters who have done similar things with their summer.
- Saying goodbye: The hardest part about leaving Slovakia was all the goodbyes we had to say. I left behind some of the most dear people in the world there - people who are sacrificing their all for God's kingdom. I wish all of you could meet the Hills, the Holloways, the Eades, the Meyerdirks, and Heather Eccles. But since probably you never will, suffice it to say that you have some amazing brothers and sisters serving over seas in Slovakia - and God is using them. If you think of them, pray for them. The work there is hard and at times, really discouraging. But because of prayers from saints around the world, the work there is continuing and these misssionaries are staying encouraged to do the work. I hope to see them all again soon.
But...now I'm home. Which is awesome. It really is :) I missed my family so much this summer and I also needed some rest, because like everyone else working at BERC this summer, we pushed pretty hard. But all I can say is that this summer changed me - and in ways I'm not really sure how to express yet. I hope to continue this blog and report on ways that God used this summer to inspire me to live a more missions oriented lifestyle. I hope that you were blessed and encouraged by hearing about my summer through this blog. Thank you, Saints of the Most High God for your prayers and support - they were appreciated more than you know.
Blessings,
Becky
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
What I'm Learning
I can't believe I haven't updated in two weeks! It has been so crazy around BERC the past few weeks, it has sometimes been hard to find time to just sit for a minute and think. But I must say that I've probably learned the most about myself and about God in the past two weeks of my time here than the whole time combined. The past blog posts I've done haven't been very reflective, but I feel the need to just share some of the things that God has been showing me, even among my constant business.
Here's a little excerpt from my diary:
"There is so much going on in my heart and mind right now that I feel like I will explode if I don't write it down. I feel like I've been confronted with so many weaknesses in my personality since I've been here: my fears, my tendency to withdraw when conflict arises, my shortness when I'm tired, my impatience, and my lack of discipline. I'm starting to think that a huge part of mission work is finding your greatest weaknesses and then pressing those weaknesses until you think you will explode with frustration or do something about it."
Talk to any missionary here, and they will tell you that any weakness you have back at home (wherever that may be) will be compounded when you are on the mission field. You cannot run away from your problems by serving in another country - they will follow you and be worse. Part of this is our flesh, and a large part of this is our very real enemy. Something that Jim Hill (who serves as a missionary here with Trans World Radio) says often is that we are in a spiritual battle here - and it is so true . I have felt it the whole time I've been here. And I don't say that flippantly. I have never had all my "weaknesses" tried so much at any other time in my life. I have had to ask for forgiveness more times here than I ever have before, and I've had to come face to face with the side of me that I hate the most - the flesh. Never have I resounded more with Paul:
But I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Romans 7:23-25
Here's a little excerpt from my diary:
"There is so much going on in my heart and mind right now that I feel like I will explode if I don't write it down. I feel like I've been confronted with so many weaknesses in my personality since I've been here: my fears, my tendency to withdraw when conflict arises, my shortness when I'm tired, my impatience, and my lack of discipline. I'm starting to think that a huge part of mission work is finding your greatest weaknesses and then pressing those weaknesses until you think you will explode with frustration or do something about it."
Talk to any missionary here, and they will tell you that any weakness you have back at home (wherever that may be) will be compounded when you are on the mission field. You cannot run away from your problems by serving in another country - they will follow you and be worse. Part of this is our flesh, and a large part of this is our very real enemy. Something that Jim Hill (who serves as a missionary here with Trans World Radio) says often is that we are in a spiritual battle here - and it is so true . I have felt it the whole time I've been here. And I don't say that flippantly. I have never had all my "weaknesses" tried so much at any other time in my life. I have had to ask for forgiveness more times here than I ever have before, and I've had to come face to face with the side of me that I hate the most - the flesh. Never have I resounded more with Paul:
But I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Romans 7:23-25
So the conclusion that I have come to is that missions is not just about showing the people that you are ministering their need for a Savior, but also God showing you your need for a Savior. I have never been so appreciative for Christ's work on the cross until now - because I've seen the sin that is in my heart - how ugly it is, and then I look at the beauty of Christ and I praise him that his blood covers and washes clean my sinful heart. This verse from "Before the Throne" exemplifies this truth:
When Satan tempts my to despair
Reminds me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
Reminds me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
So being on the mission field for the past month and a half has not only shown me our world's desperate need for a Savior, but my own need for a Savior as well! As tight quarters, awkward moments, conflict, and differing opinions force me to come face to face with my own weaknesses and sin, it also forces me to come face to face with a Savior who has already paid the price for that sin and to whom I can still carry all my concerns and problems to.
What have I been doing for the past two weeks? Last week, all of us interns had intense ESL (English as a Second Language) training here at BERC for seven hours a day. Ben Norquist's lovely wife, Ariel, taught us and did a magnificent job. We were learning ESL techniques because this past week and next week we have English c amps for the community here at BERC. This past week, we had Sports and English from 8:30-12, and Art and English from 1-4:30. We actually had only one eleven year old boy, Matthew, in the morning, and his 9 year old brother, Daniel in the afternoon. We were not disappointed by the small numbers though - it has been nice to form relationships with these two young boys. Their mother even invited us over to their house for a cook-out, to which we went to last night. It was so exciting to see that the community appreciates what we are doing here and welcomes BERC. The mother said that the whole neighborhood knows BERC as a place "where only English is spoken" and they appreciate that.
Prayer Requests:
What have I been doing for the past two weeks? Last week, all of us interns had intense ESL (English as a Second Language) training here at BERC for seven hours a day. Ben Norquist's lovely wife, Ariel, taught us and did a magnificent job. We were learning ESL techniques because this past week and next week we have English c amps for the community here at BERC. This past week, we had Sports and English from 8:30-12, and Art and English from 1-4:30. We actually had only one eleven year old boy, Matthew, in the morning, and his 9 year old brother, Daniel in the afternoon. We were not disappointed by the small numbers though - it has been nice to form relationships with these two young boys. Their mother even invited us over to their house for a cook-out, to which we went to last night. It was so exciting to see that the community appreciates what we are doing here and welcomes BERC. The mother said that the whole neighborhood knows BERC as a place "where only English is spoken" and they appreciate that.
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for health. I have not been feeling very good for the past two weeks - I think just not getting enough sleep, and who knows what else. I have been struggling with some back pain and headaches. Please pray that I am able to feel better - and just for self-discipline to know when enough is enough.
- Pray for emotions. All of us interns are starting to reach that "point" in our stay here where we are starting to miss family and friends back home and some of our comforts, like driving, and even silly things like Starbucks. Pray that we are able to stay focused on our goals, and that we are not distracted from what God has for us here.
- Pray for Matthew and Daniel (the brothers that came for the English camps this past week). We are not sure if they are saved or not, although we know that they go to a Catholic church. Pray for salvation for them and their family.
- Pray for the Hill family as they are packing their house up to come to the states for two years. Pray that God would comfort them as they leave this place they call home and just for a smooth transition.
- Pray for the English camp next week - pray that whoever God wants to come would come and that we would be a light to them.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
A Blur of Encouragement
Whew! All I can say is that this past week was a blur. But...and encouraging blur. I have so much I could write about that it will be a challenge to keep this short, sweet, and to the point!
So, I think to help myself and my list-oriented mind, and to keep things paired down, I will report on my week by going through different encouraging moments (because God knew I needed encouragement this week - the honeymoon phase is starting to wear off!).
Encouragement 1: Dinner at the Holloways
Something that Roberta has been setting up for all of us interns are dinners at missionary families' homes. On Tuesday night, all of us interns and the Hill family went over to the Holloway family's home for some dinner, dessert, and conversation about what they do as missionaries here in Bratislava. Let me just say that since I've been here, the Holloway family has been a wonderful part of my experience. They have been incredibly welcoming to all of us interns, have invited us to the park to play soccer, and have come and played basketball with us numerous times. I have been so blessed by their enthusiasm and love towards us. All of us were very much looking forward to this dinner, and we were not disappointed. We had a great time eating some angel hair casserole and cookie pie and drinking some yummy hazelnut coffee from the U.S. (boy do I miss that stuff!) while absorbing all of the Holloway's vast knowledge of what it means to be a missionary here. They were very honest with us that missions here is hard. People come all gung-ho, but end up leaving the field a few short months afterward. It's hard because as Mr. Holloway put it, the harvest time has not come in Slovakia, it is the sowing time. So honestly, there aren't many "results" (a.k.a. three people got saved last week!) to write home about. And that can be discouraging. But they know their calling is sure, and that is what keeps them here. I was so massively encouraged by what they said about "being called". They made it clear that when they first came to Slovakia on a short two week missions trip and then returned, God made sure that they were not comfortable being back in the states until they returned to Slovakia. It just was so good to be reminded that God will make it clear if I am "called" somewhere. Another thing is that people around them were confirming their choice, saying "we knew it would be only a matter of time until ya'll left for the mission field." The body of Christ confirms...yes!!! Also, the Holloways are from southern Virginia, so it's so nice to hear that sweet drawl. I miss it! All of us left feeling challenged, but very encouraged. What an amazing way to start the week.
Encouragement 2: Guitar Lessons
So I started teaching guitar this week, Monday-Thursday, and praise God that it is going so great! I have taught guitar for a total of six years, starting back in 8th grade. And I've had a lot of students, ranging from extremely excited, to extremely...not. I can safely say I have the most amazing guitar students here. They are so enthusiastic and are quickly diving in to whatever I teach them. One of my guitar students, Ben, has already learned and can play God of Wonders. It does my heart so good. I have six students total, so it is a good number that keeps me on my tows. Pray for continued enthusiasm and that those calluses grow! :)
Encouragement 3: The Norquist Clan and Matt Benson!!!
On Tuesday, Ben and Ariel Norquist (Ben was the co-leader of our missions class) came to Bratislava! Ariel will be teaching ESL training classes to all of us interns and some of the missionaries here next week, and Ben will be heading down to Rwanda to visit more Bryan interns this week. It was great to see more familiar faces and to see that Ariel is doing well with her pregnancy. Matt Benson (the other co-leader and the Dean of Spiritual Formation at Bryan) came on Wednesday. Last night we had dinner and coffee with him and the Norquists and it was very encouraging and refreshing just to sit and talk with them again. They have so much wisdom and are just plain fun to be around. Good times :)
Encouragement 4: Talking Teens
I know to some, talking teens may seem like an oxymoron, but alas! I have found some! At our teens Bible study on Thursday night, we are systematically going through Malachi. We were in chapter two, which is all about God admonishing the priests for attempting to make sacrifices, but not living holy lives. We were hoping to talk about these imperfect priests, and then point to Jesus as our perfect high priest, but we never got there - here's why. About two verses of the chapter talks about divorce and how God hates it, because the priests were divorcing their wives. I asked the loaded questions, "So why do ya'll think God hates divorce so much?" And we were off. For the next half an hour, these teens talked, debated, created scenarios, and wrestled with the idea of divorce. I was so thrilled. While we strayed completely off topic, just to hear these teens talk about an issue that they had obviously put a lot of thought into was so neat. They have so much stored inside of them, and I'm happy to give them an opportunity to share.
Encouragement 5: BERC did NOT float like Noah's ark
Let me explain: there have been quite a number of hefty storms here in Slovakia in the past week, the strength of which I have never seen. Crazy winds, driving rain, thunder and lighting, the whole shabang! Well, after the teen Bible study on Thursday night, it started storming...big time. Of course, the kids were itching to play outside in it...and before we could stop them, they were out on the sidewalk drenched. And before I knew it, Evan was dragging me outside, whilst I was getting squirted with a water gun by Ben Holloway, then plopped on the porch where I proceeded to slip and fall into the mud. But that is beside the point :) After playing for a while with the kids in the rain, I came back inside to change and noticed that water was pouring out of the laundry room. I called Melanie Hill downstairs, and she snapped into action, because this same thing happened last summer. Basically, the drain in the laundry room that is supposed to let excess water out to the street pipes, was overflowing with water from the storm coming up through the pipes. At first it seemed like we (me and Melanie) had it under control. We were mopping up the water with towels and wringing them out into buckets. But before we knew it, the water was coming faster than we could handle. We ended up calling in Evan and Eric and all the kids to come help us. At this point Jim, Roberta, Ben, and Ariel were on their way back from Vienna. To make a long story short, the water came faster and faster until pretty much the entire downstairs was flooded, including the garage, with about 3-4 inches of water. We were wet vaccing, bailing water out with tupperware, towels, whatever we could find. Half of the people helping were kids from the Bible study, the other half were Jim, Roberta, Ben, Ariel, and all us interns. It was a huge team effort and finally, the water started draining away, and the rain stopped. It was really scary, but PRAISE GOD there was minimal damage. It was quite an adventure. But get this: as I was in the midst of task-oriented stress mode, these missionary kids were singing, yes singing. "I'm bailing in the rain, just bailing in the rain..." They are no strangers to hardship, and they take it the most in-stride of anyone I've ever met. After the whole flood had subsided, we dragged our wet bodies up the stairs to the library, where we sat around and warmed up with some vanilla steamers that Melanie made. What a night!
Encouragement 6: The Lake and the Opera
At the end of this long, tiring, but AWESOME week, it was nice to be able to relax today. Heather (another intern here from California), Melanie, Brittany, and I went to a lake here in Bratislava and swam. It was SO relaxing and just fun to be in a very culturally different place than the states. It is definitely a local hang out! After swimming and sunning with the girls for the afternoon, we came back and got ready to go to an opera! The name of the opera was Turinot (which probably means more to some of you out there than it did to me when I first heard the title!) and it was fantastic. I big group of us went from BERC, and I now I feel very cultured. It was a great way to end a long, amazing, but hard week.
I could write so much more about this week (like Heather, the intern from California returning from her support raising trip to California with her support raised for the next two years!). But my eyes are getting droopy and I don't want to subject you to my late night ramblings. Suffice it to say, this week was great and deliriously encouraging blur. I thank God for the prayer support that is being lifted up for us from what seems like so far away. But it is not far away to our God. I hope you have been encouraged this past week, friends. I love you and I will see many of you in about a month and a half!
So, I think to help myself and my list-oriented mind, and to keep things paired down, I will report on my week by going through different encouraging moments (because God knew I needed encouragement this week - the honeymoon phase is starting to wear off!).
Encouragement 1: Dinner at the Holloways
Something that Roberta has been setting up for all of us interns are dinners at missionary families' homes. On Tuesday night, all of us interns and the Hill family went over to the Holloway family's home for some dinner, dessert, and conversation about what they do as missionaries here in Bratislava. Let me just say that since I've been here, the Holloway family has been a wonderful part of my experience. They have been incredibly welcoming to all of us interns, have invited us to the park to play soccer, and have come and played basketball with us numerous times. I have been so blessed by their enthusiasm and love towards us. All of us were very much looking forward to this dinner, and we were not disappointed. We had a great time eating some angel hair casserole and cookie pie and drinking some yummy hazelnut coffee from the U.S. (boy do I miss that stuff!) while absorbing all of the Holloway's vast knowledge of what it means to be a missionary here. They were very honest with us that missions here is hard. People come all gung-ho, but end up leaving the field a few short months afterward. It's hard because as Mr. Holloway put it, the harvest time has not come in Slovakia, it is the sowing time. So honestly, there aren't many "results" (a.k.a. three people got saved last week!) to write home about. And that can be discouraging. But they know their calling is sure, and that is what keeps them here. I was so massively encouraged by what they said about "being called". They made it clear that when they first came to Slovakia on a short two week missions trip and then returned, God made sure that they were not comfortable being back in the states until they returned to Slovakia. It just was so good to be reminded that God will make it clear if I am "called" somewhere. Another thing is that people around them were confirming their choice, saying "we knew it would be only a matter of time until ya'll left for the mission field." The body of Christ confirms...yes!!! Also, the Holloways are from southern Virginia, so it's so nice to hear that sweet drawl. I miss it! All of us left feeling challenged, but very encouraged. What an amazing way to start the week.
Encouragement 2: Guitar Lessons
So I started teaching guitar this week, Monday-Thursday, and praise God that it is going so great! I have taught guitar for a total of six years, starting back in 8th grade. And I've had a lot of students, ranging from extremely excited, to extremely...not. I can safely say I have the most amazing guitar students here. They are so enthusiastic and are quickly diving in to whatever I teach them. One of my guitar students, Ben, has already learned and can play God of Wonders. It does my heart so good. I have six students total, so it is a good number that keeps me on my tows. Pray for continued enthusiasm and that those calluses grow! :)
Encouragement 3: The Norquist Clan and Matt Benson!!!
On Tuesday, Ben and Ariel Norquist (Ben was the co-leader of our missions class) came to Bratislava! Ariel will be teaching ESL training classes to all of us interns and some of the missionaries here next week, and Ben will be heading down to Rwanda to visit more Bryan interns this week. It was great to see more familiar faces and to see that Ariel is doing well with her pregnancy. Matt Benson (the other co-leader and the Dean of Spiritual Formation at Bryan) came on Wednesday. Last night we had dinner and coffee with him and the Norquists and it was very encouraging and refreshing just to sit and talk with them again. They have so much wisdom and are just plain fun to be around. Good times :)
Encouragement 4: Talking Teens
I know to some, talking teens may seem like an oxymoron, but alas! I have found some! At our teens Bible study on Thursday night, we are systematically going through Malachi. We were in chapter two, which is all about God admonishing the priests for attempting to make sacrifices, but not living holy lives. We were hoping to talk about these imperfect priests, and then point to Jesus as our perfect high priest, but we never got there - here's why. About two verses of the chapter talks about divorce and how God hates it, because the priests were divorcing their wives. I asked the loaded questions, "So why do ya'll think God hates divorce so much?" And we were off. For the next half an hour, these teens talked, debated, created scenarios, and wrestled with the idea of divorce. I was so thrilled. While we strayed completely off topic, just to hear these teens talk about an issue that they had obviously put a lot of thought into was so neat. They have so much stored inside of them, and I'm happy to give them an opportunity to share.
Encouragement 5: BERC did NOT float like Noah's ark
Let me explain: there have been quite a number of hefty storms here in Slovakia in the past week, the strength of which I have never seen. Crazy winds, driving rain, thunder and lighting, the whole shabang! Well, after the teen Bible study on Thursday night, it started storming...big time. Of course, the kids were itching to play outside in it...and before we could stop them, they were out on the sidewalk drenched. And before I knew it, Evan was dragging me outside, whilst I was getting squirted with a water gun by Ben Holloway, then plopped on the porch where I proceeded to slip and fall into the mud. But that is beside the point :) After playing for a while with the kids in the rain, I came back inside to change and noticed that water was pouring out of the laundry room. I called Melanie Hill downstairs, and she snapped into action, because this same thing happened last summer. Basically, the drain in the laundry room that is supposed to let excess water out to the street pipes, was overflowing with water from the storm coming up through the pipes. At first it seemed like we (me and Melanie) had it under control. We were mopping up the water with towels and wringing them out into buckets. But before we knew it, the water was coming faster than we could handle. We ended up calling in Evan and Eric and all the kids to come help us. At this point Jim, Roberta, Ben, and Ariel were on their way back from Vienna. To make a long story short, the water came faster and faster until pretty much the entire downstairs was flooded, including the garage, with about 3-4 inches of water. We were wet vaccing, bailing water out with tupperware, towels, whatever we could find. Half of the people helping were kids from the Bible study, the other half were Jim, Roberta, Ben, Ariel, and all us interns. It was a huge team effort and finally, the water started draining away, and the rain stopped. It was really scary, but PRAISE GOD there was minimal damage. It was quite an adventure. But get this: as I was in the midst of task-oriented stress mode, these missionary kids were singing, yes singing. "I'm bailing in the rain, just bailing in the rain..." They are no strangers to hardship, and they take it the most in-stride of anyone I've ever met. After the whole flood had subsided, we dragged our wet bodies up the stairs to the library, where we sat around and warmed up with some vanilla steamers that Melanie made. What a night!
Encouragement 6: The Lake and the Opera
At the end of this long, tiring, but AWESOME week, it was nice to be able to relax today. Heather (another intern here from California), Melanie, Brittany, and I went to a lake here in Bratislava and swam. It was SO relaxing and just fun to be in a very culturally different place than the states. It is definitely a local hang out! After swimming and sunning with the girls for the afternoon, we came back and got ready to go to an opera! The name of the opera was Turinot (which probably means more to some of you out there than it did to me when I first heard the title!) and it was fantastic. I big group of us went from BERC, and I now I feel very cultured. It was a great way to end a long, amazing, but hard week.
I could write so much more about this week (like Heather, the intern from California returning from her support raising trip to California with her support raised for the next two years!). But my eyes are getting droopy and I don't want to subject you to my late night ramblings. Suffice it to say, this week was great and deliriously encouraging blur. I thank God for the prayer support that is being lifted up for us from what seems like so far away. But it is not far away to our God. I hope you have been encouraged this past week, friends. I love you and I will see many of you in about a month and a half!
Friday, June 20, 2008
A Quiet Moment in the Library...
Hey Everyone!
Right now, I'm sitting in the quiet library at BERC while everyone is about their morning activities. Evan Wiley is teaching Matthew, a special needs seven year old who has sensory integration disorder. Evan has really taken Matthew on as a personal challenge, but mostly a labor of love. It's really cool to watch them bond even in the moments when Matthew is giving Evan the hardest time. God is definitley using Evan's influence to make a difference in Matthew's life.
Eric McEachron is in the process of preparing for his sermon on Sunday. The international church we attend here in Bratislava is VERY small, and is right now without a pastor. The gentleman who is sort of overseeing the church in the in-between-time has asked each of the three Bryan guys if they would rotate doing a sermon every Sunday while they are here. He also asked me to lead worship every Sunday as long as I'm here :) So...the church is pretty much in the hands of college students...I guess all we can do is hope that God uses our inadequacies in this situation. I feel so unworthy - but I'm also thankful for all the opportunities God has given us while we are here. When else would these guys be able to give sermons, unless they planned on becoming pastors (which none of them are)? It's a great experience.
Brittany Rodriguez is in the process of measuring desks, tables, book cases, and refrigerators so that she can give the measurements to Roberta Hill and then Roberta can give those numbers to the movers who are hired to move the Hill family from Slovakia to New York at the end of the summer. But most of the time, B-Rod (as I like to call her) is busy tutoring Slovak students who are trying to learn English. She has a passion for language and patience that I do not possess! One of her favorite things to do is just go downtown and hear people talk to one another and try to figure out what they are saying from her limited knowledge of Slovak. Props to ya, B-Rod! I am astounded at how God uses our unique passions for the mission field.
As for me, I just finished doing dishes, so my hands are all gross and pruney right now. Dishes seem to be my never-ending chore here at BERC, but the cool thing is, I don't mind it so much anymore. I used to hate doing dishes at home, but now it kind of affords me a little time to just stand there and think about life. Good times :) In the afternoon, I've been teaching the summer art class, in which I have gotten to return to my love of watercolor. I've been showing the kids how to do watercolor washes, and they are doing SO well! Proud teacher moment... :) Last night, I helped teach the teens Bible study again, and it went great. I am continually amazed at the depth of these teens and how much they have to offer. I have so much to learn from them.
Another opportunity has come my way that I wanted to tell ya'll about. I decided to offer free guitar lessons this summer to the missionary teens, and the response has been amazing! I now have about eight students, and I couldn't be happier. I taught guitar for six years, and it's nice to be able to do it again. I am also glad that I get to give these kids an opportunity they might not otherwise have.
As far as prayer goes, here's a few things you can lift up:
- We (as in, all of us interns, and the Hill family) are starting to get a little tired :) We are normally up really late, and up really early, and while this is normal for college students, it starts to bleed over into how we interact with each other. Just pray for rest and that we would run to God as our ultimate source of strength.
- Pray that God continually reveals to us how to interact affectively with these missionary kids. They really are a culture in and of themselves because they are not American, but they are not Slovak either. A lot of them also have bad memories of Americans not being very sincere in their interactions with them. Pray that God grants us utter and total sincerity in our actions toward them.
-As for me personally, pray for direction! I am starting to wonder if this sort of missions is something that God has in my future. Please pray for discernment, patience, and a willing heart to listen to God's leading wherever it may lead. All I will say is that I love it here, and I start to get really sad about leaving these kids :( Pray that I will be able to focus on the daily tasks and making the most of my time here, without thinking about how I have to leave in a month.
Thank you prayer warriors and Saints of the Most High God!
Right now, I'm sitting in the quiet library at BERC while everyone is about their morning activities. Evan Wiley is teaching Matthew, a special needs seven year old who has sensory integration disorder. Evan has really taken Matthew on as a personal challenge, but mostly a labor of love. It's really cool to watch them bond even in the moments when Matthew is giving Evan the hardest time. God is definitley using Evan's influence to make a difference in Matthew's life.
Eric McEachron is in the process of preparing for his sermon on Sunday. The international church we attend here in Bratislava is VERY small, and is right now without a pastor. The gentleman who is sort of overseeing the church in the in-between-time has asked each of the three Bryan guys if they would rotate doing a sermon every Sunday while they are here. He also asked me to lead worship every Sunday as long as I'm here :) So...the church is pretty much in the hands of college students...I guess all we can do is hope that God uses our inadequacies in this situation. I feel so unworthy - but I'm also thankful for all the opportunities God has given us while we are here. When else would these guys be able to give sermons, unless they planned on becoming pastors (which none of them are)? It's a great experience.
Brittany Rodriguez is in the process of measuring desks, tables, book cases, and refrigerators so that she can give the measurements to Roberta Hill and then Roberta can give those numbers to the movers who are hired to move the Hill family from Slovakia to New York at the end of the summer. But most of the time, B-Rod (as I like to call her) is busy tutoring Slovak students who are trying to learn English. She has a passion for language and patience that I do not possess! One of her favorite things to do is just go downtown and hear people talk to one another and try to figure out what they are saying from her limited knowledge of Slovak. Props to ya, B-Rod! I am astounded at how God uses our unique passions for the mission field.
As for me, I just finished doing dishes, so my hands are all gross and pruney right now. Dishes seem to be my never-ending chore here at BERC, but the cool thing is, I don't mind it so much anymore. I used to hate doing dishes at home, but now it kind of affords me a little time to just stand there and think about life. Good times :) In the afternoon, I've been teaching the summer art class, in which I have gotten to return to my love of watercolor. I've been showing the kids how to do watercolor washes, and they are doing SO well! Proud teacher moment... :) Last night, I helped teach the teens Bible study again, and it went great. I am continually amazed at the depth of these teens and how much they have to offer. I have so much to learn from them.
Another opportunity has come my way that I wanted to tell ya'll about. I decided to offer free guitar lessons this summer to the missionary teens, and the response has been amazing! I now have about eight students, and I couldn't be happier. I taught guitar for six years, and it's nice to be able to do it again. I am also glad that I get to give these kids an opportunity they might not otherwise have.
As far as prayer goes, here's a few things you can lift up:
- We (as in, all of us interns, and the Hill family) are starting to get a little tired :) We are normally up really late, and up really early, and while this is normal for college students, it starts to bleed over into how we interact with each other. Just pray for rest and that we would run to God as our ultimate source of strength.
- Pray that God continually reveals to us how to interact affectively with these missionary kids. They really are a culture in and of themselves because they are not American, but they are not Slovak either. A lot of them also have bad memories of Americans not being very sincere in their interactions with them. Pray that God grants us utter and total sincerity in our actions toward them.
-As for me personally, pray for direction! I am starting to wonder if this sort of missions is something that God has in my future. Please pray for discernment, patience, and a willing heart to listen to God's leading wherever it may lead. All I will say is that I love it here, and I start to get really sad about leaving these kids :( Pray that I will be able to focus on the daily tasks and making the most of my time here, without thinking about how I have to leave in a month.
Thank you prayer warriors and Saints of the Most High God!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Basketball, Bible Study, and Burning Outlets (like my sweet alliteration? :)
Hey Ya'll!!!
Well, I must say, I am very pumped to report on this past week. It's seriously been a huge turning point for my time here in Slovakia...so much so that I have to keep asking God, "What are you doing in my heart?" It's so crazy and amazing that I feel like everyday I am standing in awe literally watching God change my heart day by day. Let me explain...
Last Friday was the end of the school year for BERC, so in celebration, BERC hosted an end-of-the-year picnic at a park on a hill in Bratislava. To put it simply, it was amazing. All the BERC families, or families associated with BERC or the Hill family (who run BERC) came, and it was such a blessing to meet more families, and get to know better those I already had met. The park was on this beautiful hill that overlooked a green valley, full of villages and church steeples. There was these amazing walking trails through the forest, and a huge open meadow with tall grass. I felt like I was Maria in Sound of Music. The icing on the cake was when they asked me to play my guitar, and I had the kids gathered around me, and I played Do a Deer and we all sang. Priceless.
But even better than playing Do a Deer in a meadow of waving grass, was the fact that for the first time since I've been here, I felt like I belonged with these kids and these families. The families accepted all of us interns with open arms, and the kids were playing with us all like they'd know us their whole lives. It was incredible. I told Roberta Hill that the picnic kind of sealed the deal for me. It was huge confirmation just to see myself loving to hang out and play with these kids, and them loving it too. What a huge blessing and answer to prayer!
Another cool thing that I've been up to is playing basketball a ton with the BERC kids, even though school had ended. And I'm excited to say my meager skills are improving somewhat! Watch out...Bryan inter murals...here I come :) I love the interaction I have with the kids as we play. I think the moments of just hanging out with them are the most influential, because that is when they see how one can strive to be honoring to God in all they do. It is also a huge responsibility.
This week was also an exciting week because I started (along with Eric McEachron) teaching a Bible study for the BERC teens, and any missionary teens in the area that want to take part. We will meet every Thursday night here at BERC for about two hours. We have started going through the book of Malachi...yes, Malachi! It was Eric's idea, but I am so glad we are! I didn't learn the HUGE importance of the Old Testament until this year in Dr. Turner's Pentateuch class, and if these kids can learn it's importance earlier, great. They all seemed so excited to be there, and I at least had a blast...I hope they did too! We were able to get into some pretty hefty topics, and they seemed to be grasping them well. I love it because I love working with teens, and I love helping people love God's Word more. It was a perfect combo. :)
Ok...something that happened this week may have not been so positive, but humorous at least. When I got here to Slovakia, I was lamenting the fact that I didn't have my iPod dock speakers to play music in my apartment. So on Skype, I asked my mom if she could mail it to me. It took like three weeks to get here, and it obviously wasn't the cheapest package to mail. So when I finally got it, in my excitement, I ran down stairs to my room, and using my limited knowledge on electricity, surmised the best combination of transformers/converters, and plugged it in. All of a sudden I smelled a funny smell, like plastic burning. Looking at the outlet, I see that smoke is rising from it!!! AAHHHHHHH!! I darted towards it, then darted back, then darted towards it again, before finally pulling the cord out. I felt like collapsing in relief that I didn't die of electric shock, or burn the house and school down. I was so relieved, in fact, that I failed to realize that the electricity in the whole building was down. When I finally did, I bashfully creeped upstairs, and apologized to the Hills and the interns for what I had done. We all ended up laughing so hard about it we cried - and the interns decided that it is "somewhat amusing when bad things happen to me" (in the words of Eric McEachron - and you can only fully appreciate that statement if you know Eric). Anyway, I am sad to report I burned the iPod dock cord, so there probably might not be tune-age in my room this summer. But rejoice with me that nothing terribly disastrous happened. hehehe...aww man.
Anyway, God is changing my heart in many ways. I don't know if I can express it fully in words right now, but I know he is, and it's big. When I finally figure out how to say what is going on, I'll let ya'll know :) For now, keep praying that we as a team stay unified in our approach of ministry and that God continues to give us strength to be examples. It is a big responsibility and one that is at times overwhelming. I'm just glad that because of the Holy Spirit, it's not me just trying on my own strength to be "good". It's Christ's righteousness living in me.
Thank you for the prayers, encouraging emails, wall posts, and messages. I am so blessed. If you have any questions on what else is going on here, please feel free to email me at rclaflin0195@bryan.edu. I would always love to share more! But for now, Ciao!
Well, I must say, I am very pumped to report on this past week. It's seriously been a huge turning point for my time here in Slovakia...so much so that I have to keep asking God, "What are you doing in my heart?" It's so crazy and amazing that I feel like everyday I am standing in awe literally watching God change my heart day by day. Let me explain...
Last Friday was the end of the school year for BERC, so in celebration, BERC hosted an end-of-the-year picnic at a park on a hill in Bratislava. To put it simply, it was amazing. All the BERC families, or families associated with BERC or the Hill family (who run BERC) came, and it was such a blessing to meet more families, and get to know better those I already had met. The park was on this beautiful hill that overlooked a green valley, full of villages and church steeples. There was these amazing walking trails through the forest, and a huge open meadow with tall grass. I felt like I was Maria in Sound of Music. The icing on the cake was when they asked me to play my guitar, and I had the kids gathered around me, and I played Do a Deer and we all sang. Priceless.
But even better than playing Do a Deer in a meadow of waving grass, was the fact that for the first time since I've been here, I felt like I belonged with these kids and these families. The families accepted all of us interns with open arms, and the kids were playing with us all like they'd know us their whole lives. It was incredible. I told Roberta Hill that the picnic kind of sealed the deal for me. It was huge confirmation just to see myself loving to hang out and play with these kids, and them loving it too. What a huge blessing and answer to prayer!
Another cool thing that I've been up to is playing basketball a ton with the BERC kids, even though school had ended. And I'm excited to say my meager skills are improving somewhat! Watch out...Bryan inter murals...here I come :) I love the interaction I have with the kids as we play. I think the moments of just hanging out with them are the most influential, because that is when they see how one can strive to be honoring to God in all they do. It is also a huge responsibility.
This week was also an exciting week because I started (along with Eric McEachron) teaching a Bible study for the BERC teens, and any missionary teens in the area that want to take part. We will meet every Thursday night here at BERC for about two hours. We have started going through the book of Malachi...yes, Malachi! It was Eric's idea, but I am so glad we are! I didn't learn the HUGE importance of the Old Testament until this year in Dr. Turner's Pentateuch class, and if these kids can learn it's importance earlier, great. They all seemed so excited to be there, and I at least had a blast...I hope they did too! We were able to get into some pretty hefty topics, and they seemed to be grasping them well. I love it because I love working with teens, and I love helping people love God's Word more. It was a perfect combo. :)
Ok...something that happened this week may have not been so positive, but humorous at least. When I got here to Slovakia, I was lamenting the fact that I didn't have my iPod dock speakers to play music in my apartment. So on Skype, I asked my mom if she could mail it to me. It took like three weeks to get here, and it obviously wasn't the cheapest package to mail. So when I finally got it, in my excitement, I ran down stairs to my room, and using my limited knowledge on electricity, surmised the best combination of transformers/converters, and plugged it in. All of a sudden I smelled a funny smell, like plastic burning. Looking at the outlet, I see that smoke is rising from it!!! AAHHHHHHH!! I darted towards it, then darted back, then darted towards it again, before finally pulling the cord out. I felt like collapsing in relief that I didn't die of electric shock, or burn the house and school down. I was so relieved, in fact, that I failed to realize that the electricity in the whole building was down. When I finally did, I bashfully creeped upstairs, and apologized to the Hills and the interns for what I had done. We all ended up laughing so hard about it we cried - and the interns decided that it is "somewhat amusing when bad things happen to me" (in the words of Eric McEachron - and you can only fully appreciate that statement if you know Eric). Anyway, I am sad to report I burned the iPod dock cord, so there probably might not be tune-age in my room this summer. But rejoice with me that nothing terribly disastrous happened. hehehe...aww man.
Anyway, God is changing my heart in many ways. I don't know if I can express it fully in words right now, but I know he is, and it's big. When I finally figure out how to say what is going on, I'll let ya'll know :) For now, keep praying that we as a team stay unified in our approach of ministry and that God continues to give us strength to be examples. It is a big responsibility and one that is at times overwhelming. I'm just glad that because of the Holy Spirit, it's not me just trying on my own strength to be "good". It's Christ's righteousness living in me.
Thank you for the prayers, encouraging emails, wall posts, and messages. I am so blessed. If you have any questions on what else is going on here, please feel free to email me at rclaflin0195@bryan.edu. I would always love to share more! But for now, Ciao!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Macko Puf
Dobry den (hello - in Slovak)! Ok - so pretty much this is the extent of my Slovak - buuuuttt, I'm workin' on it! I found out that Slovak is one of the hardest languages in the world to learn, and Slovak is also only spoken in Slovakia, so that hasn't been encouraging me much to try hard and learn it, but don't worry! I am ignoring the voice inside that says "when will you ever need Slovak again?" and delving into Slovak language lessons, trying to read signs, and attempting to order in Slovak at cafes. Brittany has also been a huge encouragment because she is so enthusiastic about learning the language and is attacking Slovak full force. Way to go Britt-Britt! :)
I was in the middle of blow-drying my hair the other day (which is a common "pondering" time for me - can any girls relate?) when I began to think about how God has blessed me with a huge sense of peace since I've been here. I tend to be one of the biggest worry-worts you'll ever meet, but since I've been here, I have had a very level sense of calm and an ability to focus on the here and now that I have not had in a long time. Then it hit me right between the eyes! It's the prayer! I have rarely been able to say that I "feel" prayer working - but I have no other way to describe it. I sometimes feel like when anxious thoughts start to crowd in, that God litterally whispers his peace to me and calms all my fears. I know it is all the prayers because this goes against all my natural tendencies! So all that to say - "THANK YOU!" saints of the Most High God. I want you to know that your faithful prayers for me are being heard and affecting your sister over here in a profound way. You have served me by helping me focus on my tasks here and by increasing my faith in prayer. What a huge blessing you have been to me.
As I write this, one of the BERC students is laying on the couch beside me with a Physics text covering her face, fast asleep. I think this picture exemplifies what is going on here: the students and teachers are tired! There is one more day left of school, and I have seen the bags under the student's eyes continually grow as the days go by. But I have been SO impressed by their diligence. This morning I watched History project presentations by the High School students, and I was SO impressed. These kids are getting a GREAT education and working so hard. I am so proud to be able to pour myself into these young lives.
On Sunday, Roberta Hill (the principle at BERC) held a meeting for all of us interns at the Trans World Radio office (where Mr. Hill works). It was so great! We talked about the upcoming summer, and our specific duties as we move out of the school year into the summer. It is SO exciting! I found out that Eric McEachron and I will co-teach a Bible study together for the English-speaking pre-teens and teens in the area (mostly missionary kids). We will also be taught how to teach English as a second language in mid June and then teach several English camps. And BIG PRAISE! We will be helping to move BERC next door (God provided a new place! Thanks for your prayers!) for next year, since the land lord of this building wants to move back in. The land lord next door also lowered the rent cost $350 dollars, which is also a huge praise. It is incredable to see God line things up so clearly for next year. He is definitley working in this ministry. I have also been helping leading worship in the morning for the kids in the Bible class, and at the international church we attend on Sundays. This has been a huge blessing, since I wasn't sure if my guitar would be needed. Praise God it is! I love it!
As always, I could write SO much more, but for the sake of your time (and mine!) I will close! But I want to leave you with this scripture:
I was in the middle of blow-drying my hair the other day (which is a common "pondering" time for me - can any girls relate?) when I began to think about how God has blessed me with a huge sense of peace since I've been here. I tend to be one of the biggest worry-worts you'll ever meet, but since I've been here, I have had a very level sense of calm and an ability to focus on the here and now that I have not had in a long time. Then it hit me right between the eyes! It's the prayer! I have rarely been able to say that I "feel" prayer working - but I have no other way to describe it. I sometimes feel like when anxious thoughts start to crowd in, that God litterally whispers his peace to me and calms all my fears. I know it is all the prayers because this goes against all my natural tendencies! So all that to say - "THANK YOU!" saints of the Most High God. I want you to know that your faithful prayers for me are being heard and affecting your sister over here in a profound way. You have served me by helping me focus on my tasks here and by increasing my faith in prayer. What a huge blessing you have been to me.
As I write this, one of the BERC students is laying on the couch beside me with a Physics text covering her face, fast asleep. I think this picture exemplifies what is going on here: the students and teachers are tired! There is one more day left of school, and I have seen the bags under the student's eyes continually grow as the days go by. But I have been SO impressed by their diligence. This morning I watched History project presentations by the High School students, and I was SO impressed. These kids are getting a GREAT education and working so hard. I am so proud to be able to pour myself into these young lives.
On Sunday, Roberta Hill (the principle at BERC) held a meeting for all of us interns at the Trans World Radio office (where Mr. Hill works). It was so great! We talked about the upcoming summer, and our specific duties as we move out of the school year into the summer. It is SO exciting! I found out that Eric McEachron and I will co-teach a Bible study together for the English-speaking pre-teens and teens in the area (mostly missionary kids). We will also be taught how to teach English as a second language in mid June and then teach several English camps. And BIG PRAISE! We will be helping to move BERC next door (God provided a new place! Thanks for your prayers!) for next year, since the land lord of this building wants to move back in. The land lord next door also lowered the rent cost $350 dollars, which is also a huge praise. It is incredable to see God line things up so clearly for next year. He is definitley working in this ministry. I have also been helping leading worship in the morning for the kids in the Bible class, and at the international church we attend on Sundays. This has been a huge blessing, since I wasn't sure if my guitar would be needed. Praise God it is! I love it!
As always, I could write SO much more, but for the sake of your time (and mine!) I will close! But I want to leave you with this scripture:
"Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascemd to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dewll in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there your hand shall lead me,
And your right hand shall hold me."
Psalm 139:7-10
I praise God that even though I am across an ocean and half a continent from "home", His hand still guides me and will not let me go. Thank you for your continued prayers for protection, guidance, and peace as I seek what God would show me from this time here. I am so grateful!
ps - a word about the title! Macko (pronounced Mott-chko) and Puf (pronounced Poof) is the Slovak name for Winne the Pooh, which I just thought was hilarious, since Macko does not sound like Winne at all. Just a little taste of how crazy Slovak is for ya'll! :)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
My Title at BERC
Hey lovely friends and family!
Thank you so much for all the encouraging emails and comments. It is so nice to know that I am surrounded by the love and support of those I care about. It means more than you know :)
Anyway, as I was mowing the lawn here at the school yesterday (yes...mowing, for the first time!) I was thinking about what I should write in my blog about my first week here - and I thought I should give ya'll an official "title" of my position here - so here it goes:
Thank you so much for all the encouraging emails and comments. It is so nice to know that I am surrounded by the love and support of those I care about. It means more than you know :)
Anyway, as I was mowing the lawn here at the school yesterday (yes...mowing, for the first time!) I was thinking about what I should write in my blog about my first week here - and I thought I should give ya'll an official "title" of my position here - so here it goes:
History and math teacher/mentor/dishwasher/encourager/lawn mower and rose trimmer
There you have it! My job here is really a mish mash of things right now - but I absolutley LOVE IT! The school year is coming to a close - they only have a week and a half left, so Roberta Hill, the principle of BERC, is fitting Britt and I in wherever she can. I have been able to teach history (a subject I LOVE) to three teenagers, who are so enthusiastic. I have also taught math to a special needs boy, named Matthew. His parents are with Campus Crusade for Christ working here in Slovakia with college students. Unfortunatley, they have to leave and go back to the states to care for Matthew's growing needs. He only has ADHD, but it is really hard to get meds here for it and suitable education. I have come to realize that BERC's role here in Bratislava is SO crucial. If missionary families come to a new city, but there are no education options for their children, they are forced to either pack up and leave, or send their children off to boarding school - a tough choice for parents. Because of the sparse and expensive education options here in Bratislava for foriegn students, many missionaries have had to leave. After finding this out - I am so passionate about the need for missionary teachers! Without them, missionary families are forced off the mission field so that their kids are educated properly.
Once the school year ends, the team and I will dive right into working on starting an English camp for the summer, and possibly a sports camp for neighborhood kids. We will also be helping the Hill family (the founders of BERC) pack up as they are heading to the states for a couple of years to get their twins settled in college before coming back to Slovakia. Many other things will take place this summer, but that is the main gist.
Alright - I should stop writing now! :) I have so much I could share, but for time sake (and the fact I have to go prepare a history lesson!) I will close here. But thank you all for diligently praying and encouraging!
Here are some prayer requests:
-The boys (Evan, Tyler, and Eric) from Bryan arrived today! YAY! Pray that they are able to get GOOD sleep tonight and adjust the time difference quickly.
-Pray for BERC. The Hills are in the process of trying to get teachers lined up for the fall, and also gind and it is proving to be difficult - pray that God provides for all the schools needs.
-Pray that our ministry continues to be effective as we transition from the school year to the summer - I am so excited!
Alrighty - gotta go! Duty calls :) You are in my prayers!
Ciao!
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