Autumn is here, and the kites come to life!

I took a walk to a nearby park the other day. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a huge mass of people laughing, playing, and flying kites! I saw a poster in the teacher's lounge saying, "Autumn is here, and the kites come to life!" I was hoping to see this aspect of Autumn in the Czech Republic, and I picked the perfect day to go on a wandering walk! The sky was beautiful, the weather was windy and perfectly autumn!
What made this moment perfect was the day leading up to it. Earlier that day, one of my classes was working on writing stories. I read many fun stories about kittens or swimming. Then, I read one story about a "Bad dad." It was heartbreaking to read the unsugar-coated story of a little girl whose dad broke her family apart. The English language of these kids really is pure. They don't know the ways which we beat around the bush. They say what they mean. I cried all the way home after reading her story.
Even before this day, I prayed that God would break my heart for the people here I'm supposed to be ministering to. Praise Him for listening to my prayers! I pray that He increases my capacity to love these kids!

One thing about that day that stuck out to me is that the friends trying to console this girl talked of her new dad and her new life. They said, "The old has gone, the new has come." I'm about 90% sure they've never heard 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." I know this little phrase they used to talk about her dad was God's words to me as well. I am here for a purpose. I'm a new creation. I want my students to know the reality and truth of those words.


This picture is me with some students. YES, that IS a Georgia Tech shirt! I was so excited to see those familiar colors that I couldn't resist taking a picture.

One side note-I got a chance to explore a town in Poland! I had such a great time with my team, but we didn't think about all the changes that the short one hour ride would bring about! Who knew the stores in Poland wouldn't accept Czech Krowns!? Oh well, maybe next time.

I'm a Teacher!

I made it through the first two weeks of teaching!
This picture is of the "House Sorting Ceremony." It's just like Harry Potter for little kids! (Ok... maybe not just like Harry Potter--there's no sorting hat.)
I'm really enjoying my students and the school. I wasn't sure I really wanted to teach little kids, but I kind of fell into it (God knows the course of our lives so much better than we do, huh?) I can't even describe how much of a blessing it's been to work where I am!r


God's been teaching me so much about His heart lately. He's woken me up in the middle of the night almost every night for the past two weeks with new aspects of His character. Tonight He woke me up teaching me about truly praising and worshiping Him. Then I had a dream of Him pointing me to Matthew 12. So, I got up and read it. I came across the same verse I had been pondering on all day, except it was in a different place in the Bible! God is so good!

"I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices"
Matthew 12:7; Hosea 6:6

I don't need to feel guilty because I'm not "doing enough" for God's kingdom here. My job is not to "save the world." (These quotes are my own thoughts of inadequacy) I'm just to honor God, obey Him, and love Him. He'll lead me to the people that need to hear His word and the places where I should go. I need to be less worried about the sacrifices and the works, and more focused on seeking after Him first.

This picture is from a fun day in the park with some of my teammates. I've been praying for unity, and God has been so gracious in giving us just that! We've bonded over silly things and deep things. What a testimony to the body of Christ!

Things are definitely starting to pick up and I'm meeting new people-Czech, American, Hungarian, etc.! I know I've been here over a month, but it feels like just a blink of an eye!
Winter's around the corner, so keep me in your prayers! I'm just a Georgia Peach!

Emily

Wow it's been a crazy week!

• Lost luggage
• Confusion with locks
• Tempermental power outlets
• Walking, walking, and more walking

You'd be surprised, but each of these points (connected with a crazy story of course) was a blessing from God. The lost luggage was delivered directly to my door the next day and I didn't have to lug it all over Europe!!! Getting "locked out" of my flat just forced me to speak in Czech to a neighbor. Who knew I could do that? The power outlet malfunctioning made me more focused on HERE rather than trying to call/e-mail/communicate with home. Walking... well, I think we could all use a little more walking. Right?

Have you noticed that so many of our patriarchs in the Word were forced out of their hometowns or comfort zones? God's been teaching me so much about his intricacies. He's so specific and deep in His teaching. Today He taught me this: Yes, I'm a foreigner in the Czech Republic, and it's uncomfortable and hard and confusing... but I am also a foreigner here, on Earth. It just made me realize how my striving for comfort and acceptance here in this world isn't what it's supposed to be all about. Just being and "alien" here is making me realize the joys of looking to a heavenly city.

And now I've done just what I set out not to do--make a long blog that no one would read in its entirety! Hopefully i'll be able to post more often and in smaller chunks.

More reading: Hebrews 10-11 Song recommendation: "I Repent" Derek Webb