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
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