We have arrived home safely! The flight home was not totally without its bumps, but God provided us safe passage home.
I would like to apologize for all of the format typos that have popped up on the blog these last two weeks. Most of those were because I was using a mobile app to update the blog. While the app allowed me to post updates using only my phone (which is pretty impressive) it did not let me have the full range of editing I am used to on the computer. So, I will now go back and tweak some of the posts so the blog looks it's best!
Thanks to all of you who were supporting us financially and through your prayers! We really appreciate it! The Ichthys church generously paid for all of our expenses (like food and lodging) for the camp. So, we wanted to return our gratitude by donating our unused funds to their ministry. Thanks to you we were able to bless their church body with a financial gift that will continue to support them.
7/20/16
7/18/16
Czech Republic Update - Flying Home
We had an early morning getting up at 3:30 to leave the hotel at 4:00. Our flight leaves at 6:30.
Yesterday we went to the Jewish Quarter, the St. Nicholas church, an art gallery, and the museum of communism.
Our plane should arrive home tomorrow evening, if all goes as planned.
Yesterday we went to the Jewish Quarter, the St. Nicholas church, an art gallery, and the museum of communism.
Our plane should arrive home tomorrow evening, if all goes as planned.
7/17/16
Czech Republic Update - Almost Done
Today we went to church (see the picture of the pink building below). It was really neat to see where all of the people we met at camp meet to worship God and to worship along side of him. They were very generous and showered us with gifts. Take note: No matter what you will always take home the same amount or more that you brought. Always.
After an hour long drive we were back in Prague and checked in to our hotel. Then we shopped for souvenirs. Tomorrow we hope to see the Jewish quarter and a few museums.
After an hour long drive we were back in Prague and checked in to our hotel. Then we shopped for souvenirs. Tomorrow we hope to see the Jewish quarter and a few museums.
7/16/16
Czech Republic Update - Terezin
After arriving in Litomerice and dropping our luggage off at the pension we visited Terezin.
Terezin was the site of a ghetto/concentration camp/prison run by the Nazi's in World War II. Most of the prisoners there died of disease and were not as badly treated compared to the more extreme camps for two reasons.
1. It was mostly used as a transfer camp, not an extermination camp.
2. The site was not built by the Germans. It was originally a fortress used by the
Hapsburgs to defend against the Prussians.
The conditions at Terezin were still nowhere near ideal. It was a place of death and suffering for thousands of Jews and prisoners of war.
Terezin was the site of a ghetto/concentration camp/prison run by the Nazi's in World War II. Most of the prisoners there died of disease and were not as badly treated compared to the more extreme camps for two reasons.
1. It was mostly used as a transfer camp, not an extermination camp.
2. The site was not built by the Germans. It was originally a fortress used by the
Hapsburgs to defend against the Prussians.
The conditions at Terezin were still nowhere near ideal. It was a place of death and suffering for thousands of Jews and prisoners of war.
Czech Republic Update - Cesky Krumlov
Shortly after an early supper we loaded up in the cars and headed out. Due to traffic it took longer than expected. First we headed to the town square and met up with part of our group that had gotten left behind. Then we climbed up to the castle.
Because we were there after hours there were no more tours and parts of the castle had been closed off. After climbing a long set of stairs we entered the first castle building. The moat had been dried up and made into an enclosure to house a small colony of bears. We saw the habitat, but no bears. There was also an over-abundance of Asian tourists. We walked through several courtyards and then threw an open air walkway that had a beautiful view of the town.
Small side-quest: The walls of the castle courtyards were decorated in what looked like an attempt at a more modern style of interior design. They were actually patterns from the Renaissance Age that were intended to mimic rare limestone blocks (note: picture shown below).
On our way back down we stopped on a bridge that had a view of the castle. Apparently they were going to do a light and music show on the castle walls. So we waited and waited and then we listened to the announcer make a very long speech (plus he had to say everything again in English). Then finally the show began.
Part of our view of the castle was obstructed by a large tree so our viewing experience was diminished. We watched the show for about two songs and moved to another spot for one more song before returning to the town square. On the way back to the cars we stopped at an outlook of the town and castle to catch the end of one more song. By the time we got back to the camp it was after 11:00. Still, it was a very nice night and the town was beautiful.
Because we were there after hours there were no more tours and parts of the castle had been closed off. After climbing a long set of stairs we entered the first castle building. The moat had been dried up and made into an enclosure to house a small colony of bears. We saw the habitat, but no bears. There was also an over-abundance of Asian tourists. We walked through several courtyards and then threw an open air walkway that had a beautiful view of the town.
Small side-quest: The walls of the castle courtyards were decorated in what looked like an attempt at a more modern style of interior design. They were actually patterns from the Renaissance Age that were intended to mimic rare limestone blocks (note: picture shown below).
Part of our view of the castle was obstructed by a large tree so our viewing experience was diminished. We watched the show for about two songs and moved to another spot for one more song before returning to the town square. On the way back to the cars we stopped at an outlook of the town and castle to catch the end of one more song. By the time we got back to the camp it was after 11:00. Still, it was a very nice night and the town was beautiful.
7/15/16
Czech Republic Update - EC Day 6
Today's theme was clothing (if guessed right, good job!). At the end of the lesson our students surprised us with a shower of gifts. They were very generous.
After lunch half our team went golfing with some of the Czechs while my mother and I and our other team member went to see a nearby castle/chateau. As you can see in the picture below it is a vivid pink (some would call it salmon). I can now check seeing a pink castle off my bucket list.
Tonight we will eat an early supper before leaving for Cesky Krumlov, the biggest city in the area. Be looking for a post about it later. Tomorrow we will pack up and leave for Litomerice, where the church is based. We will spend a day or two in Lito before going back to Prague for another day. Then we will leave on Tuesday and fly back home.
After lunch half our team went golfing with some of the Czechs while my mother and I and our other team member went to see a nearby castle/chateau. As you can see in the picture below it is a vivid pink (some would call it salmon). I can now check seeing a pink castle off my bucket list.
Tonight we will eat an early supper before leaving for Cesky Krumlov, the biggest city in the area. Be looking for a post about it later. Tomorrow we will pack up and leave for Litomerice, where the church is based. We will spend a day or two in Lito before going back to Prague for another day. Then we will leave on Tuesday and fly back home.
7/14/16
Czech Republic Update - EC Day 5
To be honest, I was kind of nervous about today's lesson. It was the one I had the least amount of ideas. However, we managed to strong arm our way through the morning, mostly due to a game we made up the night before. We also taught our group how to play Dutch Blitz. I think they really enjoyed it.
Remember: when in doubt, play a game. Works every time.
Tonight is the last evening program (we are in charge). Tomorrow the program was cancelled because we are going to tour a castle that evening. You know, just another castle. No big deal. ;) You can look forward to a post that will make you extremely jealous.
Right now I am finalizing details for tomorrow's lesson. Here is a sneak peak: See if you can guess the theme!
Remember: when in doubt, play a game. Works every time.
Tonight is the last evening program (we are in charge). Tomorrow the program was cancelled because we are going to tour a castle that evening. You know, just another castle. No big deal. ;) You can look forward to a post that will make you extremely jealous.
Right now I am finalizing details for tomorrow's lesson. Here is a sneak peak: See if you can guess the theme!
7/13/16
Czech Republic Update - EC Day 4
The theme for today's English lesson was taste, touch, and various parts of the body. We had a large array of different flavors for our group to taste, courtesy of the Nifty Nut House. The most memorable were the Tabasco flavored Jelly Bellies.
After lunch we visited a nearby town called Ceske Budejovice. It was a nice town, one of the oldest in the country, I think.
We climbed a tower (called the Black Tower) that was 70+ meters high (for you Americans, that is a very decent height. Think a little less then the 100 meter dash, but vertical). However we were only up 50 meters, or so. The entire town was laid out before us in a scenic view. The town square boasted an impressive fountain and several piano-esque statues that we thought might be a nod to the Czech composer Dvorak.
The outing was a pleasant change of scenery and God blessed us with a few hours of sunshine to brighten the mostly rainy day. It is hard to believe that we only have a couple days of camp left! Soon we will be back stateside, but I will never forget my experiences here.
After lunch we visited a nearby town called Ceske Budejovice. It was a nice town, one of the oldest in the country, I think.
We climbed a tower (called the Black Tower) that was 70+ meters high (for you Americans, that is a very decent height. Think a little less then the 100 meter dash, but vertical). However we were only up 50 meters, or so. The entire town was laid out before us in a scenic view. The town square boasted an impressive fountain and several piano-esque statues that we thought might be a nod to the Czech composer Dvorak.
The outing was a pleasant change of scenery and God blessed us with a few hours of sunshine to brighten the mostly rainy day. It is hard to believe that we only have a couple days of camp left! Soon we will be back stateside, but I will never forget my experiences here.
7/12/16
Czech Republic Update - EC Day 3
The weather cooled down over night and today was overcast and rainy.
After lunch we took a trip to a local nuclear power plant. It was very interesting. I learned that the huge towers that our commonly associated with such plants actually have nothing to do with the fission reaction. They are pretty much giant water condensers. So, they are important to the process of nuclear fission, but not connected to the actual reaction. You learn something new everyday!
Tonight the evening program will be put on by the American team. I will be giving my testimony.
After lunch we took a trip to a local nuclear power plant. It was very interesting. I learned that the huge towers that our commonly associated with such plants actually have nothing to do with the fission reaction. They are pretty much giant water condensers. So, they are important to the process of nuclear fission, but not connected to the actual reaction. You learn something new everyday!
Tonight the evening program will be put on by the American team. I will be giving my testimony.
Czech Republic Update - EC Day 2
Yesterday was our first day of classes. I was kind of nervous for our first day, but it went very smoothly! Today's theme is Family and Animals.
After lunch we took a trip to a nearby lake to swim. It was a very nice day and the water felt good. We also laid in the sun or in the shade.
The evening program was put on by the Czech team. It was a time fun and fellowship, but also a time to highlight and honor our God's redeeming and healing capabilities and strength.
After lunch we took a trip to a nearby lake to swim. It was a very nice day and the water felt good. We also laid in the sun or in the shade.
The evening program was put on by the Czech team. It was a time fun and fellowship, but also a time to highlight and honor our God's redeeming and healing capabilities and strength.
7/10/16
Czech Republic Update - English Camp Day 1
Because our visit to the castle was today classes will not start until tomorrow. The theme for tomorrow is Introductions and Feelings.
Tonight, at the evening program, my mother gave her testimony. We also sang a couple songs and played some games.
Tonight, at the evening program, my mother gave her testimony. We also sang a couple songs and played some games.
Czech Republic Update - Castle
Today we got to see a castle in a nearby town (yes, a real castle).
It was breathtaking! The castle was a mix of modern and medieval with everything you would expect from a medieval castle on the outside and an English inspired interior. The tour was in Czech, but we had an English translation.
It was breathtaking! The castle was a mix of modern and medieval with everything you would expect from a medieval castle on the outside and an English inspired interior. The tour was in Czech, but we had an English translation.
Czech Republic Update - Camp
Yesterday we arrived at camp. Due to traffic some people were late. However, we managed to get everyone registered and handed out the T shirts. In the evening the Czech team gave us T shirts as a gift.
7/9/16
Czech Republic Update - Quick
Just a short one today. We arrived safely at camp. Yay!
Tomorrow we will visit a local castle. Pictures then.
Tomorrow we will visit a local castle. Pictures then.
7/8/16
Czech Republic Update - Prague
Today we went to see the Prague castle area. Tomorrow we will leave for the camp.
7/7/16
Czech Republic Update - We Have Arrived!
After a long day of flying plus some sightseeing we are ready to call it a day. Here is what I learned today:
- Airplane food is okay, not great, but okay.
- When you are lost sometimes the best thing to do is to play the ignorant American tourist and ask for directions. Because you pretty much are an ignorant American tourist.
- Airplane food is okay, not great, but okay.
- When you are lost sometimes the best thing to do is to play the ignorant American tourist and ask for directions. Because you pretty much are an ignorant American tourist.
7/6/16
7/3/16
Czech Republic - Itinerary
We are leaving in a couple days! Here is our itinerary so you can be praying for us! We will be partnering with a local church in the Czech Republic to put on an English camp. This camp will act as a vacation for the church members, but also an opportunity to invite friends who don't know Christ.
July 6th (Wednesday) - Getting on the plane!
July 7th - Arriving in the Czech Republic and trying to stay awake.
July 8th - Sightseeing in Prague and trying to get used to the time change.
July 9th - Traveling to the camp and getting set up to welcome 'campers' in the afternoon. This year the camp will be held at Cesky Krumlov.
July 10th (Sunday) - First day of camp! We will have a short time of worship in the morning and then we will start classes. Classes run in the morning and after lunch there is free time. In the evening we will have a time of games and worship. My mother is sharing her testimony this night.
July 11th - Second day of camp.
July 12th (Tuesday) - Third day of camp. I will be sharing my testimony at the evening meeting.
July 13th - Fourth day of camp.
July 14th - Fifth day of camp.
July 15th (Friday) - Sixth day of camp (final day of classes).
July 16th - Final day of camp. We will be saying goodbye to everyone and then traveling to Litomerice to see the church. We plan to tour a nearby concentration camp.
July 17th (Sunday) - Attend church in Litomerice.
July 18th - Return to Prague
July 19th - Leave Prague and start heading home!
July 6th (Wednesday) - Getting on the plane!
July 7th - Arriving in the Czech Republic and trying to stay awake.
July 8th - Sightseeing in Prague and trying to get used to the time change.
July 9th - Traveling to the camp and getting set up to welcome 'campers' in the afternoon. This year the camp will be held at Cesky Krumlov.
July 10th (Sunday) - First day of camp! We will have a short time of worship in the morning and then we will start classes. Classes run in the morning and after lunch there is free time. In the evening we will have a time of games and worship. My mother is sharing her testimony this night.
July 11th - Second day of camp.
July 12th (Tuesday) - Third day of camp. I will be sharing my testimony at the evening meeting.
July 13th - Fourth day of camp.
July 14th - Fifth day of camp.
July 15th (Friday) - Sixth day of camp (final day of classes).
July 16th - Final day of camp. We will be saying goodbye to everyone and then traveling to Litomerice to see the church. We plan to tour a nearby concentration camp.
July 17th (Sunday) - Attend church in Litomerice.
July 18th - Return to Prague
July 19th - Leave Prague and start heading home!
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