Polish Catholic Holiday

Today we got up early to go see a parade for the Catholic holiday.  It is to honor the Father.  We arrived a little early for the parade, so we looked to the National Museum and took some photos of military  vehicles and planes, the bridge and some of downtown.  Then we headed over to where one of many parades for the day would  be.  Well, it definitely was not like the American parades with bands, dancing, floats and so on..I will let the pictures do the talking.  Then we headed out to Robert & Rachel's via bus.  It was a different route that took us past parks, single homes (one had a window with statue of Mary encased - the blessing on the home), factories and some rough roads.  Then back to the usual route, only the buses were running slower and less often due to the holiday.  When we started down on of the main streets to get to the Krzesinski home...we saw a real parade of people.  They had flags, singing, large rosary, and people carrying branches.  I think Robert took us to the first parade to help us appreciate the one by his home!!
We watched a few videos regarding Missions - talking about being mission minded and how we need to remember we are going to work beside the people of the different countries and in third world countries - they see Americans as a higher class and may just allow us to come in a build a church that they never use.
By getting the people's input and having them help to build - you will have a longer lasting effect and they will use the building and not just allow it to take up space.  There were more examples of missionaries coming in and doing good, but with the wrong motives or not building a relationship with the people...then not having a lasting effect.   We ate Kelbasa from the grill and veggie salad!  It was very good and we are blessed to have Rachel cook great meals for us!   The guys went out to entertain the kids and chat with one another and I stayed in to help Rachel and relax.  Later the guys went to visit a family and had an opportunity to share their faith with them...it went well because they were asked to come again to visit!  :0)  I got to hang out with Rachel, Robert and Gary - I had a chance to talk with them more about missions and get some insight about things that I have been praying about.  It was great for me to get the insight I needed - that my focus was on some of the wrong things and now know what to pray about and their needs.   I also got some clothes washed and time to talk with Rachel about some girlie stuff.  Tomorrow - Lord Willing - there will be a Family Fun day at Dom Kultury - the community center.  As long as it does not rain, we hope to do some face painting and making kalediscopes with the kids.  Then the Christian concert will follow and we are praying that people will come.  Thanks for the prayers and encouragement!  :0)

"If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them!"       John 13:17