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

Riding the rollercoaster….

Hi, All – it has been a week and a half of ups and downs.  The school had some afternoon activities last week…each were things that I was excited about and later cancelled.  Last Wednesday, was the Feast of the Assumption holiday and one of the teachers was going to have an International pot luck dinner at her home.  Unfortunately her child was sick and it was cancelled…so I have a lot of leftovers.   On Thursday, we were to meet at the Uprising Museum for a tour of the Ghetto (areas either touched by the war and statues/memorials are there as a reminder).  We had a team meeting and I am not very fast on my bike…so I let Jola know I was running late…but before I got there it was cancelled.  Over the weekend, I met Stephanie and her kids…she is in Warsaw to adopt her special needs daughter, Anistasia.   The last few days, I got to spend some more time with Jola.  Not only in the classroom, but talking about more personal things and had the opportunity to talk about my faith. 

The coffee cup version…

Last week, there were some challenges…I kind of psyche myself up to go to some of these school activities and then kind of bummed when they don’t work out.  The International dinner was right up my alley…other than trying to figure out what bus or tram will get me closest to the teacher’s home and whether I will need to make a left or right turn at the first stop.  For those of you that did not know – I am directionally challenged – even with a map in my hand!  Ugh!   So it was kind of disappointing that the teacher cancelled, but understandable that she needed to care for her child.  On Thursday, we had a good team meeting, then hurried to get to the museum for the Ghetto tour, fortunately it was Jola that was going to lead the tour, so I could let her know I was running behind.  Just bummed when I was 3 tram stops away and got message the event was cancelled due to no shows…  Later I found out she had work for her certificate program that needed to be done and she was thankful for the extra time.  So I stopped in Centrum and checked out TK Maxx – very similar to TJ Maxx at home and good prices.  Over the weekend, I met Stephanie, she is Navy wife and mother of 3.  She was in Warsaw for a few weeks, to adopt her special needs daughter, Anistasia.    I had a chance to talk to her for a bit and Lord willing, she will try to get me connected to the orphanage.  My hope is to be able to go once in a while to volunteer…if the orphanage gives me permission.  Monday, I had a double lesson and then Jola and I went for coffee.  She is sharing more personal things with me.  She is currently going through a rough time and needs prayer.  Yesterday, we met at a park and talked over cookies and drinks.  My hope was to listen and encourage her,  but she was not up for talking much and started asking me more questions on why I am here, how I got here and so forth.  It was exciting to share my faith and how the Lord opened the doors to be here.  Also how He has helped me to find peace and overcome the trials.   She was surprised that I would sell my house, she shared that it usually takes people about 30 years to build enough credit to get a house or others live in the same home that has been in the family name for years.  This was another instance, where I saw how blessed I am to be an American and a Christian.  Lord willing we will have more opportunities to get together either after class or meet at the park.  Praying for wisdom, discernment and grace every step of the way…

In the evening, I was blessed to spend time with the Krzesinski kids…Layla is always on the go and loves to play.  It is so fun to see her run at me, for me to pick her up and then she gets in my face to says “Rie I love you.”   The boys like to play baseball or tennis and inside (cause I needed a rest) we played Uno Moo, Go Fish and Cooties!  I am blessed and thankful to be in Poland.  J

“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”                            Eph. 5:2

bike





my new bike

Lessons learned…

Not a lot of excitement this past week.  Most of the week was spent studying Polish, doing homework, devotionals & Jonah bible study and usual household upkeep.  Last Sunday lesson – Robert taught on temptation and how Jesus was tempted… Thanks to all those who posted updates on ODBC – VBS!  I was there in spirit through prayer.   My lesson learned this week – pictures are not always worth a thousand words…my hair is much shorter than I had hoped for, but it is all good – hair grows back.  On Thursday, after a Polish lesson with Anna, I went on a school outing, to Zacheta Galeria – art museum.  There were 8 of us, Sara is from Germany and her fiancé is from Poland, her Polish is more advanced.  It was neat to have a chance to speak a little German too.  On Friday, we had our team meeting and watched movie “Expelled.”  It had an impact on Robert and now the next few Sundays will be focusing on Truth.  I bought a bike today (last day of sale) and they do a free check of the bike…but being Sunday, I get to pick it up tomorrow!  Thanks so much for the prayers and encouragement – you are a blessing to me!!!

Coffee cup version…

This week in Polish class, we went over time and I am amazed how many ways time can be stated.   They use the 24 hour system, but also refer to time like we do in the states, just add if it is morning, afternoon or evening after the time.  There are other grammar things that are a challenge to me – like each word has a gender and this is confirmed by the way it is said or written and plural form…not as easy as adding “s” to the end.  Jola led another outings this week to Zacheta Galeria and it gives me a chance to meet and speak to others.  Jola and I will start meeting weekly, to have conversations in Polish and then switch to English.  Please continue to pray for this relationship to grow and that we may start speaking of spiritual things in the near future.  Anna and I meet once a week to help me practice speaking and she was funny on Thursday.  I said a sentence with Germany – she stopped me all excited because she and her boyfriend were planning on going to Berlin end of this month.  She has been a blessing in teaching me some things that I have not learned in class yet.  The Jonah bible study has helped me see things from a different perspective and has challenged me – it is so neat to see the Lord’s hand at work.  Today has been really nice, Biblical message, then dinner with the Krzesinskis at a Crepe restaurant and I got a new bike!  I can’t wait to pick it up tomorrow after it is thoroughly inspected and ready to go!  It will make getting around the area a little easier and less time waiting on buses.  Rachel said that she was able to get from her home to me in 15 minutes….so I am hoping to make it in 20 – 25 minutes, but that sure beats the 35 – 45 minutes by bus & walking!    Lord willing, this will be a way for Jola and I to meet at a park and I can bring cookies or something!  Rachel and I will be starting a new book study, “Get Out of that Pit” and I know it will help me out of this funk that I feel like I am in.  Even though Polish has een easier on paper than speaking…praying that the words will start flowing out of my mouth also.   Thanks so much for taking the time to join me on this journey, reading my blog and most of all your prayers!

These verses have been on my mind and working in my heart…“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”     Psalm 139: 23-24

pictures from outing, birthday cake

library looking down from the rooftop garden

our group heading to the roof top garden

view of city from on top of the library

group from Slovakia, Hungary, Belgium and Jola taking picture - Poland

Spiderman birthday cake

my first pie made in Poland

Hitting the four month mark….

Since returning from Ukraine, the focus is back on learning Polish.  I take classes a few days a week and Jola is sometimes pleasantly surprised at what I remember and a little disappointed by what I don’t.  So we are trying different things to help my brain get in gear.  I also meet with a tutor once a week, to keep me focused and she has a different teaching style.  On July 25^th, Jola led an outing from the school…all the students are advanced, but she let me tag along.  I was so thrilled to meet Irene, she is from Wisconsin!  Lord willing, we will see each other again, before she returns to the states in September.  Josiah’s birthday was on the 26^th!  He got rollerblades and pads – now he set to go…he is very athletic and picked it up quickly!  Friday, I met with my tutor, Anna, and went over greetings and other basics…actually learned a few new words!  Sunday had service at Krzesinskis and got to spend the day with them – going to lunch, park, and good fellowship.  Tuesday, Rachel and I went to immigration office to submit visa paperwork.  Other than a long wait, I am so thankful Rachel was there to help me make corrections on the form.  In September, I find out if I am approved to stay and for how long.  Lord willing I will be approved for the 2 years.  I have been doing a Bible Study “Jonah” and it has been a huge blessing!  Thanks Debbie!!!!

Coffee Cup Version….

Besides focusing on Polish studies, I got the rest of the things needed for visa paperwork.  I needed to get approval for another 90 days, after returning from Ukraine.  Also needed a few things translated to Polish – these needed to be done by a professional and stamped and so forth.  Please pray that I may be able to retain the Polish vocabulary that I have learned and be able to build on from here.  It is frustrating when you look at the word, know that you know it, but your mind goes blank!   Jola has suggested that I write out sentences and questions.  I am working on flash cards – so that I can test myself.  Last week, meeting Irene was a blessing, since I could not follow all the conversation on the roof of the library... we could chat a bit.  She has been researching the Holocaust and she is studying for her doctorate with a goal to become a professor.  Then on Thursday, Josiah turned 6 years old!  He was so excited that he got rollerblades and pads…now he gaining confidence and eager to get out on his own!  Rachel made him a peanut butter Spiderman cake!  She is so talented!  Josiah requested make your own pizza and it was fun to watch the boys get into making each of theirs unique.  Friday, I met with Anna for a tutoring session.  I learned some new greetings and found a new book, “Polish doesn’t bite,” to work from.   Not only looking forward to learn more Polish, but to get to know Anna.  She is a bubbly, young lady, who likes to teach and hopes to continue teaching Polish to English speakers.  We went to one bookstore together and found a neat bilingual visual dictionary…so I can add a few more words to my vocabulary list.  She went shopping and I went to the other bookstore to pick up the book.   Sunday, we met for church service and Rachel & Robert hooked up computer to display the worship music on the wall.  This was a blessing to me – because I do not sing well, but I can read!  After lunch at Pizza Hut, we went to the park – Rachel and I got a chance to talk and the kids met new friends – from Canada, visiting their grandparents.  The kids hit it off and were excited to share Christ with them.  It was a good day!  On Tuesday, Rachel and I went to immigration office to submit my visa paperwork…most of the morning was spent waiting.  We were blessed when someone handed us a number that we 2 less than mine and we were able to pass on my number to someone else.  The lady was so thrilled!  I am so thankful that Rachel was with me, even though the administrator spoke English, having Rachel talk to her in Polish allowed her to lighten up a little and actually smiled!  She also was kind to hand us a booklet on how to fill out the paperwork correctly, in the future.  I treated Rachel to lunch.  Other than that, I have been studying Polish, working on some accounting & other administrative stuff, and bible study.  If you feel like your life is constantly being interrupted…I recommend the bible study “Jonah ” by Priscilla Shirer.  Granted, I am only about 1/3 way through the study, but there are things that I have missed in the story of Jonah in the past.  I’m sure you all knew this, but for me it was new – the story is really about God – His sovereignty, He is our Deliverer, His mercy and His righteousness!  How life interruptions are really - God’s Divine Intervention!  There is a ton more, but it is a 6 week study.  I hope you will check it out and if you do, let me know your thoughts!  Oh, I also made my first pie in Polish pottery!   Thank you so much for your prayers, e-mails, facebook updates, skype visits, letters and packages!!!!  I can not image anyone going to the mission field without the loving support that I have from HOME!  It means so much to me!  Praying for VBS/Sports Camp at ODBC next week and may the Lord get all the glory!

“But I , with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.  What I have vowed I will make good.  I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’”    Jonah 2:9