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Crazy Bones Originally uploaded by themoltron.

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, (more…)

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 (more…)

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.