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War cemetery in Prešov, Slovakia Originally uploaded by Martin Baran.

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.

Old street – Bratislava, Slovakia Originally uploaded by © Maciej Dakowicz.

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

Bratislava, sunset Originally uploaded by chachita1.

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.

View across Old Town, Bratislava Originally uploaded by pmecologic.

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.