Reflecting on Easter, it must have been hard for the disciples to transition from the whole Crucifixion and Resurrection. I mean look at how there were locked up in the room and Jesus revealed himself to them.(John 20) But I don’t think the Disciples quite got it until Jesus met them on the beach and again invited them to ministry. (John 21) I think what gives me hope is that during times of transition that Jesus comes and re-invites us to Kingdom work, that new call, (yet familiar if you look at him calling the disciples from their jobs as fishermen. Luke 5) the call from the Resurrected Jesus is one that is eternal a call for a new life.

Read the stories in the bible. What do you think?

My trip to Romania came and went in 48 hours.I went with from friends Rachel and Eric. The trip there was ok until we went to rent the car. We had problems. Basically the car failed to work and we had to pay for a new clutch. BOO!!! Basically all our plans were shot and it was Easter, which meant that our options were limited for alternatives so, we decided to head back home. We walked a lot. We didn’t have the time to take pictures because we trying to make arrangements to get back to Tisovec.

So I Present to you Travel Poetry Challenge. One of the few things good that came out of the trip. We had lots of time to kill on the train. Each poem is based on a challenge and written during our long travels on the train.

A Haiku By Eric

This haiku sucks balls
Big, huge hairy sweaty balls
It’s quite natural

Baseball Limerick By Mark

Mark McQwire
Went for a driver
He was home run king
But Bonds got a sting
With the drugs he did acquire

Acrostic by Rachel

We are the best, the
Happiest, the most
Inspired, the
Tisovec superlatives – and we
Never would have
Even known it without
You

Haikus about Goats and Sheep
-Goats By Rachel

They have square pupils
Little tufty, beards and horns
Devils in disguise

-Sheep By Mark

Bah they always say
Wool and cheese and stupid too
Wandering on hills

Thoughts on Red Headed people in General by Eric

Gingers have red hair and so no soul
Thus they want to eat your brains

A rhyming poem about “The Highlander” By Mark

He is Duncan McCloud of the clan McCloud
He likes to scream aloud
When he’s going to chop off a head
Just before bed
Immortal is he
So he can’t flee
From the death that is abounding

4 lines
2 lines about someone you like and 2 about someone you don’t like By Rachel

What’s not to like about you?
You’re so smug, supercilious , I can’t stand it
You turned down the chance to prove me right
I hope you never get the chance to prove me wrong

An ode to favorite food at the school Bufet By Mark

Oh Hot Dog s horcicou how I love thee
My mouth water when you are with me.

3 lines 3 moments in History by Eric

A friends betrayal, a bloody knife, the beginning of strife leading to a fall.
Two bombs are dropped, a war is stopped, but he world changes forever
A fall day, two towers sway, American Cry and many ask why

Poem about Muppets by Mark

Animal, Boober, Camilla*, Deeter, Ernie, Fozzie, Gonzo, Harold*, Inchworm, Junior, Kermit, Lenny, Miss Piggy, Nigel, Oscar, Pops*, Quongo*, Rolf, Snuffleufagus, Tarantula*, Uncle Deadly*, Whaddaya Say Bird* , The Letter X*, Yorick*, Zeke
*Internet help after the fact

Quote from Kids TV show by Rachel

“It’s so simple, even Ed can do it”
“cause I’m Simple” -Ed, Edd and Eddy

Poem with starting line from a song by Eric

Sheep go Heaven, Goats go to Hell
Scotland is neat because of sheep
Central Europe where they pile their trash in heaps
Budapest Sucks, Tisovec is swell.

Thoughts on Public Transit by Eric

Public Transportation slow and often stinky
But without it I quess we couldn’t travel so far and wide-sky

Random Anecdote from the last few hours by Rachel

Smugglers always keep their shoes on
Our sock-clad feet prove us guileless

So Happy New year. I’m excited about 2010. Ok �Resolution #1 update my Blog more often. I’m horrible about it. This post is gonna be a little short but I wanted to have something up.

so I’m super sorry for not posting anything in Like forever. Hopefully within the next week or so I’ll post a whole lot to at least get everyone up to date on what I’ve been doing. It has been quite a lot. I might post my Resolutions and other things.

For now I’ll post the links to some of my most recent pic uploads enjoy.

Taize 2009-2010 – I traveled to the City of Poznan, Poland for the Taize European Gathering over New Years. I stayed with a host family and took part in 5 days of international fellowship, prayer and reflection.

Poznan Sightseeing – I got a personalized tour of Poznan from my host brother after all the Taize activities had finished.

Zabijacka – so earlier this winter I took part in a pig killing and got to kill and cut �a pig and then make pork sausage. Awesome!!!

Ahoj and Greetings from Slovakia,

Thank you everyone for your prayer and other support.
I can only be doing this because of you.

My time here as been very full and very fast. A lot of exciting things have happened. I feel like I am just starting to get to know the students. Each student has a unique personality and brings something special to the classroom. In many of the classes I teach the level of English they know is varied. I have to be constantly aware so that I can make sure I am addressing all of the students’ needs and prepare them for the years ahead.
I have also learned a lot about my faith, church here in Bratislava and the Slovak Church.

Near the end of the year, the 5th year students take exams called Maturita. These exams are subject specific and cover everything they have learned over their 5 years of study. These comprehensive exams consist of a written part and an oral part. I teach a few 5th year students and they definitely get nervous around this time of year. Taking these Exams is a huge deal. They weeks studying and on test day they where suits, ties and dresses. There is quite the pomp and circumstance. Many of these tests will determine if they will attend university or not. We try to study and prep them as much as possible, but it is up them. It has made me more aware of the challenges and skills I need to teach to my younger students. It is definitely something I will take with for next year.

The written portion is standardized by the Slovak Ministry of Education. The Oral part is conducted by their teachers and a representative from another school. I participated in the grading process for the oral examination of English Language. They are supposed to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to communicate based on a topic that is selected on the day of examination and they are given 20 minutes to prepare notes. The students I taught did very well.

Another thing I have been enjoying is the summer weather has it gets close to summer. It is nice to see be able to sit and chill in an outdoor café. I have enjoyed going to see some of the other American teachers play baseball in a Slovak recreational league. They aren’t pro-player by any means but, I have seen some nice double plays. Since it is the end of the year the students have been hosting several events to celebrate the end of the and the 5th students who get to leave school 3 weeks earlier because they have completed their exams. The only downside to all this nice weather is the students don’t want to be wasting their time in class. I try my best to make my lessons exciting but, there is only so much I can do.

I only have several more weeks of school. I feel like I just got here and now I’m leaving. I feel like I just have gotten to know my students and started to enjoy teaching. I am looking forward to a new experience next year as I move to a smaller town called Tisovec to teach.

Next year will be quite different for everyone because Pastor David Schick and his wife Karla, will be leaving after 6 faithful years serving the Bratislava community. I haven’t been in Bratislava long but, they are definitely a light of Christ that will be missed. They have done a lot to reach out to the English speaking community to give them a place to worship and experience faith. They have made connections with the Slovak church, learning, teaching, sharing how different cultures experience God. They have truly been a blessing and we hope dearly that God will bring a new pastor just as amazing.

One of the things I struggle with here is how faith is viewed by some in the Slovak Lutheran Church. They tend to emphasis Doctrine quite a lot. They tend not to be very Evangelical despite being known as Evanjelicky in name. They have a hard time expressing their faith in the world. But, don’t we as well? When taking a deeper look, this is a universal church thing. We all struggle trying to live a life of faith. The Slovak church had to deal with the repression of religion under communism and is reluctant to be more active in sharing its faith because of this. My job here is not to just to teach English but it is to live and show a life that expresses my faith daily. To my students, to other teachers and to the Slovaks. This should be the goal of all Christians. I struggle sometimes just as the church struggles. But that doesn’t stop me from trying. Part is engaging in dialogue. The English speaking congregation gets many visitors from students at the Slovak Seminary. It is exciting to talk to discuss things of faith and how we can learn from each other to express it. The next generation of Pastors are excited about their faith and enjoy seeing what others are doing to express our faith. I am excited to see how they will lead the Slovak Church in the future.

One of the other things I have been participating in is a Bible study based on “The Reason for God” by Timothy Keller. We have had a lot of insight into what faith is, where it comes from, What atheist think about God. We always get a variety of perspective as we have people from Africa, Asia, Europe. Everyone has brought something unique to the table. These discussion have really strengthened my faith.
I recommend taking a gander at this book, it will definitely challenge how to look at God.

As the school year starts to end I must begin thinking about my summer plans and next year. Starting in July I will be working at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp as a counselor and/or various other tasks working with Children doing outdoor and faith building activities. I had worked there about 2 years ago I enjoyed it emensely. In Mid-August I will be returning to Slovakia to teach again. They cost of travel and finding quality English teaching resources can be expensive. I am hoping to raise around $1200 to help with airfare and teaching resources. That’s 100 people who give $12 each. It is very do-able. If you are inclined to help you can in 1 of 2 ways.

You can send me money via Paypal

or you can send a check to
Mark Molter
17 Dacey Lane
Stafford, Va 22556

Every little bit helps. I want to thank all of you for your prayer support and that you continue to pray for me in the following ways.
- Patience and Perseverance in my teaching.
- My Summer as I work at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp
- Bratislava International Church as it searches for a new pastor this upcoming year and goes through transition.
- The People of Bratislava- that Christ may be known.
- That I would be successful in raising funds to help me with Travel Expenses to Slovakia and English teaching materials.

God’s Blessings and Peace be with you,
? Christ’s Servant in Slovakia

Mark Molter

I found out my grandmother has passed away. I was unable to attend the funeral because I’m in Slovakia. My mother was very lucky to have spent the last few days with my grandmother alive. My grandmother was rather happy despite dealing with the pneumonia and have eating problems. She died peacefully. My mother said the funeral was nice. She gave the Eulogy. Please pray for me and my family in this tough time.

Rest in Peace
BETTY LURENE VAN RENSALIER
Aug. 25, 1926-April 20, 2009

Death is a funny thing, we hear about so often we become numb to it. It seems to hit the heart when it is someone you know. I knew it was coming, but somehow I didn’t expect it so soon. I’m still try to figure out what to actually feel. As I sort through my feelings I am reminded of one of my biggest fears: Not death itself but, Dying and nobody caring. Sometimes it scares me to think about it. I have to remind myself that I have friends and family who will mourn, be sad, care and remember me with fondness. And most important ,that I have a God who has gone through death and cares for me when my moment comes. Every now and then I’ll read the news and my heart will beat just a little off rhythm and feel heavier in someway when I hear about people that have died that day. I think in some small way that feeling is God’s way of sharing his pain and concern for all those who die, with us. No one dies alone or unmourned because we have a God who is there and cares deeply.

Ahoj and Greetings from Slovakia.

Who would have thought I’d be back in Slovakia again. Last year around this time, I remember thinking “It’s nice here but, maybe not another year”. Well, so now here I am teaching English.

It is amazing how God changes your expectations for life. I am continually amazed at how he provides things for me and leads me. One of the things I said around august of last year was “I’m not quite sure I’m done with Slovakia” I had this feeling God still had more for me to do. I considered coming back to teach the following august. Shortly after thanksgiving I received an email about the need for some replacement teachers in Slovakia. My first reaction was one of surprise and then disbelief. Needless to say I was thrilled at the possibility. After about of a month of anxious waiting and searching for other possible work if it all didn’t work out. I said yes and here I am back in Slovakia.

I am teaching English at 2 different schools. Both are in a newer more modern part of Bratislava called Peteržalka. One school is a bilingual german school Spojena Martinia Lutheran Škola where I am teaching English to a wide age range of skills and age levels and the other school is the Bratislava Lyceum which is a bilingual English school. There I teach something similar to a highschool freshman english class in the states. Both schools present their challenges but, I definitely feel like I am needed. This is my first time teaching and I am enjoying it. It is quite tiring sometimes and I’m always trying to figure out how to do things. My students always surprise me so, I have to be on my toes. There are some days I think “am I doing this right?” and other days I am more confident. I am lucky to be in an enviroment with other teachers who are supportive and helping me learn the ropes.

I am discovering everyday just how amazing and confusing the english language is. The students have many questions that require me to take extra time relearning grammar and then explain it in a way they can understand. I am constantly saying to myself “I should have paid more attention in High School”. Despite these challenges I enjoy engaging the students. I often spend time trying to explain certain words or phrases that are sometimes lost in Translation. Here is a rather funny example. Have you ever heard the phrase…”All my t’s are crossed and my i’s are dotted.” Well in Slovak cursive, they don’t cross their t’s or dot their i’s. So trying to explain this phrase took some work, about as much trying reading their papers sometimes.

The economy is a big topic among the staff here at the school and students. It is stated very often that the average Slovak teacher salary is rather low. I am living fairly modest and I am lucky that my housing accomodations are taken care of, for me. Some of the other native slovak teachers aren’t so lucky. Slovakia has been weathering the economic situation rather well but, there are still many people losing work and investing has slowed alittle. Please continue to pray for all people effected by this economic climate.

Besides teaching English I have become involved with the Local English speaking congregation. Bratislava is a very international city with people from all around the world. It is not surprising to see Asians, Africans, Europeans and Americans. I have come to realize that my mission here is not just teaching English but reaching out to others in the English speaking community. Pastor David Schick, the pastor often describes the role of this church as a beacon and sending place for people along God’s journey. Many come just to be around english speaking people and end up encountering God in the process. I have had opportunities to speak with and get to know many of the Americans who are working here. Going to church can be put to the wayside and forgotten about. I have been able to share alittle of my faith and to invite them to be in God’s presence. I am truly blessed to see and be witness to such a wide variety of people.

I would also like to mention that I have decided to stay and teach another year here. I have been enjoying my time and I believe that God has called me here. So I’m staying put until God says otherwise. He hasn’t failed me yet. I want to thank all of you for your prayer support and that you continue to pray for me in the following ways.
- Patience and Perseverance in my teaching
- Economic stability throughout the world especially in Hungary, Ukraine and Czech Republic.
- Bratislava International Church as it searches for a new pastor this upcoming year.
- The People of Bratislava- that Christ may be known
- That I would find comfort in times of loneliness and sadness
- That I would find cheap tickets for my return ticket to Slovakia in August
- That I would be successful in finding work for the summer

God’s Blessings and Peace be with you,
? Christ’s Servant in Slovakia

Mark Molter

So having arrived alittle more than a week and a half ago, I’m still to feel at home again. My first week of teaching went well, I’ve still got lots of questions and planning to do but, I like my students and I see alot of potential.

I am not speaking at much slovak as I would like mainly because teaching english and I’m hanging around with the other american teachers alot. I can’t complain though. The Lord as blessed me with this amazing community to help and guide through this experience.

I’ve found despite all our complaining if we have alittle faith God provides what we need when we need it. It may not look like what we want but, He always faithful. I feel like I am right where God needs me. I would couldn’t ask for anything more than that.

Hi, So a quick update…After Spending some time in Chicago to sort through things, and find some direction. I have been given an opportunity to return to Slovakia and teach English. I will be in Bratislava at the Lyceum School. I Should be leaving by the end of January, which is just around the corner. (If you would like to help me out financially you are more than welcome. Please let me know. Don’t get too worried about me though)

My time in Chicago has been fun, I’ve met some amazing people and done some pretty cool things. I’ve been to a Slovak Church, I’ve been to Millenium Park, I’ve riden the CTA, I have eaten Chicago style deep dish, I spent New Years downtown.

I still a list of things I want to do before I leave though. Like eat a Superdawg, actually get some pictures(I’ve been really lazy with that), See a Jazz concert or something and probally more will come up later.

Chicago was just a pit stop, maybe I’ll come back and stay alittle longer next time but for now Slovakia calls. The future looks bright. Who knows where I’ll around the bend, God has a crazy way turning our world upside down.