Time with family…

My parents and brother, Karl, drove from Germany to Warsaw and arrived on Friday 9/14.  It was fun to take them to Old Town and Centrum – and allowed them to experience public transportation.  They also got to meet the Krzesinski family and had a chance to play with the kids.  Then we were off to see where my parents grew up – Dad was north of Warsaw and Mom was north of Berlin, also got to visit family in Berlin and Delmenhorst (outside of Bremen).  We also met a few of their friends/acquaintances along the way.  The week and half went by so quickly, but it was good to be with family and to speak not only English, but German.  Karl learned a few Polish words and had some good laughs.  It is funny what happens when you live somewhere for a while…you begin to have some pride for the country.  This became more evident when I was on the last leg of the train ride home (Berlin to Warsaw).  I met Cornelia and her dachshund, Lara, she is currently studying in Dusseldorf, but was coming to Warsaw to see family & friends before picking up her car in Gdansk.  Her parents live half the year in Poland and the other half in the states.  She loves the states and thinks I am crazy for coming here for 2 years.  My saving grace is that she loves Warsaw and thinks it is one of the best places in Poland.  Today, I picked up my paperwork on my visa and have been approved to stay till May 31, 2014!!!  I really needed the great news to offset the emotional low that hit today.  Thankfully there is a ton of cleaning and laundry to keep me busy too!  :0)  Now that we have the new location – I am looking forward to what the Lord will do!  Thanks so much for the prayers.  My parents and Karl fly from Amsterdam to Toronto on Saturday…hopefully Rolf will be there to greet them when they arrive home.   God is so good!  :0)

CHALLENGE: 

You and a friend go on public transportation – talk to at least one person and see how much information they will share.   When you do – please e-mail or share with a friend what you learned through this experience!  I hope you will be amazed as much as I have been in the past few months!  :0)

Cup of Coffee version…

Family arrived on Friday afternoon, after a short trip around Warsaw by car.  Then we were off to REAL (it has become an important stop on the first day for all).  Also got a chance to point out our new location!  My parents were impressed how nice my apartment is – guess pictures do not capture how big it is.  (So you will just have to come and see it in person).  LOL   After seeing some of the sights here, Karl drove us up to Dad’s hometown – about 4 hours north of here.  The garage is the only thing left of his former home, we found my great-grandfather’s stone leaning and still legible and a few other sights.  Then we returned here for laundry and sun tanning – it was on the itinerary and Warsaw had sunshine!  Then we were off to Berlin to see family and had a chance to sightsee a little.  Then to Mom’s hometown…it is a small town north of Berlin.  She used to live on a large farm and it is amazing how much has changed in the past few years.  Then we got to spend some time with a friend of the family and did a few day trips.  Then off to visit more family in Delmenhorst.  We got to go shopping and then to a neat museum that showed immigrants boarding boats in Bremehaven to go to the states.  Some had documents, pictures and even people sharing their stories…there were rooms to see how each class made the journey over.  Then it was time for the hardest part of the trip...good-byes.  Ugh!  The train ride was from Bremen to Warsaw…with 2 stops that I had to change trains – Hamburg and Berlin…with just enough time to find train and cart that I had reserved.  The train from Berlin to Warsaw was the longest and I met Cornelia and her dog, Lara.  It still surprises me to see so many dogs on public transportation.  We had a good conversation – it started in German (but it is her third language) – so most of the conversation was in English.  It was neat to hear her opinions on life…she shared how in the states people think more in color (that all things  are possible) and here  it is more black/white (fewer options – usually depends on income).  In an odd way – it really makes sense.  She has also had more advantages than many of the people I have met here.  Young adults do travel in Europe, but it is a big deal if you have been in the states.  Needless to say, it was an interesting conversation and it made the time go faster.  The time with family was a huge blessing and in some little ways, I can relate more to my parents and challenges they faced in moving from their homes.   It is good to be home and having time to get things back to “normal.”  Looking forward to seeing how the Lord will provide with this new location and the doors that are open for ministry opportunities ahead!

A verse that was laid on my heart to share…

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.  And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”                1 John 3:16

New Location



2 storefronts between the signs - our new location!!!



This is a little closer...we will have more pictures when I get back.  Location is 1/2 between Krzesinskis' and my home - very close to REAL (grocery store)...

Great News!!!

My parents and brother, Karl, flew to Amsterdam – stopped in Germany to visit some people before driving to Warsaw to visit me!  Most of the week was finishing up Polish classes for this month, then prepared for visitors…  My parents and Karl arrived on Friday afternoon and we had dinner with the Krzesinski family.  Saturday, they got to experience public transportation, Old Town, Centrum and easy going in the evening.  Sunday – Karl drove us to Mgrowa (used to be Ost Pruessen) where my Dad grew up.  Dad shared a lot about his younger years – walked around town, got to see a friend and spent a night in the country.  This morning, we walked around town a little and then drove home.  I got a call on the way home with some great news – we have a new location to meet!  Robert called and we are so thankful for the Lord blessing us!  Now we get to roll up our sleeves and start working on making this location a meeting place for English Discussion Groups, bible studies, church services, kids area and so forth.  Please pray for us as the Lord’s provision.  Pictures of location to follow…

I’ll be writing again in a few weeks!  So excited about the Lord’s blessing and looking forward to time with family in Germany!!!

“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man, The things which God has prepared for those who love the Lord.’”  I Corinthians 2:9

A really good week…

This week was much more exciting than last.  Continuing with Polish studies and some things are really starting to make sense now.  Tuesday night, we had English Discussion Group with 9 people – only one is back from last year, but another was planning on coming – he had an appointment and plans to come next week.  On Wednesday morning, I attended a Women’s Bible Study through ICF and met some really nice ladies.  We had a chance to have small group prayer time and learned that what I have been going through is “normal” – adjusting to another culture and learning Polish all takes time.  Some ladies are only in Poland for a few years, others are for shorter time, and others here as long as the Lord has them here.  Most are married and have children, so please keep them in your prayers – often the husbands travel or out of the home a lot…so these women are more like single moms.   Another exciting thing this week, Jola’s birthday was Thursday and I got to spend some time with her.  Since I made her a birthday cake, she invited me back to her apartment and we had a great time of fellowship.  On Friday, I spent some time with Rachel and had a good time of fellowship, then Robert & Layla joined us for lunch and after we went to look a new location…please pray that all the paperwork goes through and we will have a place of our own to meet for English Discussion Groups, bible studies, church service and have an area for the kids to play.   The location is in a new building about ½ between the Krzesinskis and me - also the bus route – it is a little bit of a walk from the stop (about ¼ mile).  My parents and brother, Karl, will be coming to Warsaw on Friday!  They fly out of Toronto tonight, make a few stops in Germany before coming to see me…then I get to tag along for about a week and a half to see family in Germany!  Today, I prayed at the new location – early and took some pictures that I will share later.  Due to the front of location is all glass, most of the pictures of the inside did not turn out too well.  Please pray for us as the Lord is providing the opportunities, we are prepared for the work ahead!

Coffee cup version….

As I was getting my notes together on what to share with you this week, on Traci’s blog: Ordinary Inspirations for everyday wife, mommy and homemaker…she shared this quote: We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.   This really hit home for me this week…I realized that a lot of my time just before I came to Poland and even my time here – I have been trying to plan and work God into those plans.  I am learning that when I try to define myself – as structured, planner, introvert, etc…  The Lord is challenging me with all those characteristics…and I find that I am more flexible, outgoing and so on.  On Tuesday night, Rachel and I kind of tag teamed the discussion group…allowing one of us to play with the kids, while the other talked with the teens.  Wednesday, I was very hesitant to go to the Women’s Bible Study – unlike at home, there tends to be more competition here to say you have so many people in your church…so calling ahead and making them aware I am a missionary and have no intention of joining their church, but want to be in God’s Word and have fellowship… I was so thankful that I was well received and found out there are other ladies there for a short time – either their husbands are here for work or in the military, or I met another missionary!   She and her husband work with Campus Crusades for Christ – mostly Polish athletes.  Her husband is Polish and she is from NH, but have been here 5 years, love the people and the ministry.  I was blessed with the opportunity to talk with her for a while, she encouraged me with my Polish studies and told me that it took her a long time too.  We met each other quick on Saturday, because she and her husband were having a picnic at their home for the athletes this week and asked if people would bring salads...so we found a good place to meet and pass it on.  She texted me later saying how blessed she was that I would do that…and made my day!  The Women’s Bible Study is “Holding Out for a Hero: a new spin on Hebrews” by Lisa Harper and this is exciting because we studied Hebrews in Bible Institute!  The time with Jola on Thursday was really neat – since I was the first to acknowledge her birthday and she is going through some tough times…it just meant a lot that the Lord allowed us to have time together and grow the friendship.  Just a little insight from my Polish studies – here the word friend “przyjaciel/przyjacielka” is reserved for your close friend or 2.  Most people that we refer to as friends – they would consider “kolega/kolezanka” – colleagues (oh – first one is masculine/second is feminine).  Here we refer to everything is masculine, feminine or neuter….and some things are an exception…so welcome to my world!  Few other little insights about Polish culture – to be invited to someone’s home is a big deal – it shows there is trust.  People say hello (dzien dobry) and good-bye (do widzenia) at stores, cafes, and so forth…and usually friendly when you say hello first…  There is also lack of personal space…I laugh about it now, but it was a bit frustrating at first…you stand at a crossing near the curb and someone steps in front of you.  Saturday, I got to spend some time with Alex – mostly hearing about her trip to France visiting family for the first time in 15 years…her Mom passed away when she was 4 and she has lived with her grandma here in Poland most of her life.  Today I prayed at the new location – Lord willing on Monday all the paperwork will be signed and we can start the work that lies ahead.  Right now the floor has been tiled, there is a bathroom, but not a lot else.  The walls need to be cared for, furniture and so forth put into place…there is an area we would like to block off for the kids to play and parents can still see them.  I am getting a little ahead of myself…Lord willing we will know on Monday if we do get to rent the space or someone else does.   Today I also met with Anna for my tutoring.  She is so funny – she keeps telling me how easy this sound is or that – yeah, for a native speaker.  LOL  She loves languages and figures that others should too – I explained that I prefer math & science and like the challenge of learning another language…but it is not something that is so easy.  I think she understood because she said she dislikes math and never put any effort into it.  Thanks again for the prayers and encouragement!  Lord is doing a lot of things – Robert & Rachel have been busy getting things in place for new location and meeting people…so it seems like things will start taking off soon, especially if we have a location!  Please pray for my family as they fly to Amsterdam, travel through Germany and as I will be tagging along soon!  I am so excited to see them again…it is not the same via Skype – hugs are not that effective!  LOL

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”            Romans 12:2

It’s September….

Hi, All!  This will be a short update, since there are some exciting things to share…  One thing that I am really thrilled to hear is that, Basia,  who attended out English Discussion Groups last year, contacted Rachel and met with her the other night.  Rachel was able to talk about God with her the whole 3 hours and she would be interested  in the Women’s bible study that may start in the near future.  She came to a few of the English Discussion Groups and to one of the English Boot Camps.  Please pray that she will continue to have contact with Rachel and will attend studies.  The Krzesinskis will also be in touch with a family that they met this summer through a free tennis clinic that the boys attended.  Praying that these relationships continue to grow and that God may have all the glory!  Jola and I are still meeting for Polish classes and then take a break when my parents and my brother, Karl come to visit.  We will be here a few days and then get to visit each of my parents’ hometowns, visit family and spend a little time in Germany!  Please continue to keep Jola in your prayers, she is going through a trial…but she is not saved and I am hoping for more opportunities to meet with her outside of class.   Another blessing is for those who can’t sleep – technology allows us the opportunity to chat and that is a great way for me to start my day!  Also had the blessing of chatting with a friend in the Philippines – one missionary encouraging another!  God is so good!!

Please pray for our English Discussion Groups start up again on Tuesday evenings, for more people to attend and for a new location.  By having another location, it will allow us to more flexibility with English Discussion Groups, Bible studies and a place to have church.  

Sorry no coffee cup version…

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”                       I Corinthians 15:58