Why is this blog in Question & Answer format?
I have a lot of short things to share with you today, and Q & A seems like a good way to do it.
What country are you in now?
When we left Serbia, we were able to spend a few days in both Vienna and Prague before arriving at our ministry location in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
That sounds great! What did you think of Vienna and Prague?
I loved them, but, I'll admit, I was a little thrown-off by the abrupt re-entry into the First World. It made me realize that returning home may feel overwhelming, which is something that never occurred to me before.
What is your ministry this month?
Okay, we are all really excited about how our month is looking. The Czech Republic emerged after Communism fell over 20 years ago. Atheism is prevalent here, but so is a younger generation with questions and also a love for American culture. This provides unique opportunities for us to interact with students here. John Michael and Ashley will be traveling for 12 days with a group that teaches ethics in the local high schools. The rest of us will be involved in two ministries. The first is promoting English Camps that will be taking place during the summer, traveling to a new city each day and talking with local high school students.
And the second ministry…?
We will be working with Fusion, which is a ministry that is basically a rock music school for interested high school students. As I mentioned, there is a great love for American culture here among the youth. This includes our music. So, basically, there is a band and a Glee-style pop choir that performs popular songs and worship music. Dance and drama are also part of the program and the gospel is shared with the students on a regular basis.
Aren't you a music teacher back at home? Isn't helping a choir and band practice the perfect ministry fit for you?
Umm, yeah, you think?!? I, as you can imagine, am very excited about what we're doing this month. I'll let you know how it goes!
Awesome! How has your Easter been so far?
Well, we are blessed to spend today with our contacts, who are American. We've been blessed so much in the past 24 hours, it's ridiculous. Just being able to have conversations without a language barrier has been great fun. This morning, we went to church and had most of the service translated for us, which is always a treat. Then we came home to a normal Easter dinner with ham and multiple familiar and delicious desserts. I am writing this blog while sitting in their living room, which looks and feels just like sitting at a friend's house back in the states. Yes, we will be spending most of the month traveling and sleeping in local churches. But I'll enjoy relaxing on a big ol' couch today. I miss my family, I miss my friends, I miss my fiance… but I can see how blessed I am today.
Anything else?
Christ the Lord is risen today. And every day. Forever. Enjoy your peeps and your jelly beans, just remember that abundant life is sweeter than that bunny in your basket. Happy Easter!!!
