Dobre Den!

Today was another light day. After a great night's sleep in my very nice apartment, I was up early so I could go to a prayer meeting with Brenda. This was actually a really cool experience. We met at Petr and Lydia's house who, along with their two kids, are members of the church and have been since the start five years ago. The ladies who usually come could not make it so it was just four of us (there is another girl staying here with the Barnes). Lydia doesn't speak any English and Brenda has never translated so we were not sure how it would go. I just planned to smile and nod a lot; that usually works pretty well. Brenda did a great job though and we actually talked quite a bit. Lydia is Romanian and comes from a Christian family, which is amazing around here. I was able to pick up a few words and learn some important greetings. The language is very hard to read but once you hear it pronounced it's easier to grasp. Lydia shared a Bible verse and we discussed it, as much as we could anyway. Then we all took turns praying and realized we had to get back to the house.

Here are a few things I learned:

• You never wear shoes inside someone's house - you can wear your socks but you also never go barefoot.
• Czech coffee is very strong!
• No means yes - seriously! "Ano" is cesky (czech) for "yes" but is often shortened and said as "No." Yeah, that's not confusing at all...
• It is extremely difficult for Czechs to find Biblical resources in their language.
• Even when I don't understand someone's words, I can still see their passion for Christ.
  

The city is filled with these Communism-era apartment buildings. They are all the same: drab, depressing, and run-down.


The left are the same style but, like most of them them, are being repainted. The ones on the right are new apartments: post-Communism.

As I said, the day was light. I went on a walk with the girls which was really enjoyable because they live right on a river. Oh, and I made brownies from scratch! Now, I know that's not super-spiritual mission work but if you know me it's a miracle that I didn't mess them up and poison anyone! Can I get an "Amen?"

This is the house they are building for me...


And this is my front yard!
Ahoj!!