Never has my native tongue served me so well as in the Czech. Most recently it unlocked the hidden treasure of Malenovice, Czech Republic. Malenovice is home to the Josiah Venture missionary training center and, this past weekend, host to an adult ESL class, graduation event.
The originally scheduled native English speakers cancelled so our team was invited to facilitate five, one hour conversational English classes, provide the evening entertainment (where we shared about the Race and our hearts for Jesus) and enjoy a variety of delicious meals with the participants at this lovely retreat center.
Saturday afternoon we were invited to leave the posh accommodations and embrace the sights and sounds of the surrounding community. I was smitten from the moment I put on my jacket and took great delight running to and fro snapping pictures and then strolling awhile to let my companions practice their English.
The three women to my right in the picture became favorites (purple, white and black coats). They were in the beginner group and just developing their English tongue. The women in purple and black coats were particularly dear as they are both grandmas who are not willing to succumb to being “too old” to try something new. A character quality I hope future generations will use to describe me.
Our destination was the chapel/church atop the hill.
This mother/daughter combo inspired me as well. Unwilling to allow her handicap to limit her experience, this dear girl is a singer, proficient English speaker (and translator for her mom who is also a beginner but learning fast) and a woman of great faith. I watched her trust some of the men in our group to wrap bungee cord around her chair and hoist her up a steep hill with steps at the very top. If she was nervous she never showed it. She simply sat there peacefully and allowed them to serve her in the ascent and unique view from the top.
Green hills, horses and foothills in the distance — all delights to these two eyes.
We made it!
The view from the church.
A celebratory pic on our way back home.
It is interesting to me that the greatest moment of rest from the weekend was found not in a real bed on crisp clean sheets but in the sights and sounds of exploring a quaint mountain town with fellow sojourners. How like my Lord to surprise me with what I really need.
