it's worth celebrating!

It's been how long?

Well I can’t believe it but yesterday I celebrated my eighth anniversary of ministering in Poland. We had a college / career meeting last night and I decided to bring a cake with candles to mark the day. I’ve never done anything like that any of the other years but it seemed necessary this time. This past year has had its tough times so I needed to celebrate with others even though none of these people knew the actual day I (we) arrived here.

This year I learned more from others about what I did and do wrong than anything I might have done right. I realize that this is generally the cultural way here. But being an American I’m used to having a few encouraging words along with some suggestions about what can be done better! I can struggle with my own thoughts when there isn’t much encouragement.

For example, this week I had some great time with people. I had a good conversation with Sabina – poolside!  (It’s a new outdoor pool in Zakopane.) The topic wasn’t necessarily easy nor did I have all the answers but it was open and honest. On Wednesday almost the entire group that went to the U-Turn camp did a rather relaxed hike in the mountains. Well, I must say, it was relaxed for them but taxing for me! Anyway we had a wonderful time worshipping, praying and just having fun, along with many pictures being taken. Yet still my disappointing answers to people’s questions weighed heavily on me. At least the answers were disappointing to me.

Maybe because it was the “anniversary week” discouragement crept in too easily. But my thoughts were not holding on to the positive but rather focusing on my inadequacies. So I chose to start the meeting Friday night with the cake and candles. Then the meeting and what was shared was so encouraging for me. The people were just talking about their past week and how God was working. God is so great and it’s just amazing he uses any of us! I’m looking forward to what he has this year. After all, diamonds aren’t made overnight!

Thanks for any prayers you send up on my behalf.

Lookin' Good?

This particular post may not be long or personal, but I’ve spent a bit of time getting this “blog” to look right after “they” put in a search bar at the top. I don’t really know html so I’m quite proud of myself that I’ve got it to look this good and mostly how I want it. So is there grace for me even though I don’t have a deep and profound post?

Charles on the left in his Kaftan!

A Visitor Straight from Africa!

My cousin, Charles, is about to leave after having been here a total of 10 days. He’s on his way back to the States after serving 2 years with the Peace Corps in The Gambia, West Africa. I can’t really imagine what he has experienced in the past couple of years, including a cobra in his shower! And I can only begin to grasp the various emotions, sights seen and the impact on his perspective of life because I too have lived in a culture other than my own. But Poland is much closer to my culture than Africa is!

It’s been great getting reacquainted with Charles after all these years, to hear some of his stories and to share about our lives a bit. He shared with our Wednesday night group about his time in Africa complete with pictures. The most popular question and with the biggest reaction revolved around the issue of toilet paper or the lack of it!

When I think of Charles’ reentry into life in the States, I can’t imagine what all is ahead of him. He does have some desires and ideas of what he’d like to do. I just wouldn’t have a clue if I were in his position. But that’s probably because I’m feeling a little at a loss these days. I think I need some refocusing time for passion and drive to return. I find myself in a strange state. I’m quite comfortable doing whatever in terms of ministry which is rather unusual because I typically can be hesitant about some things. But the passion or heart behind it seems to be lacking. What is God up to? Time will tell.

Don't we look great!

We're Off!

Let's Dance?