Olomouc went great. The students seemed to really enjoy themselves and their time in the Czech Republic. We really enjoyed our time with them as well. You don't realize how different it really is here sometimes until you are immersed in a group of people from home. It was a really nice break and a really amazing opportunity to be able to work with the IWC. The kids made films through the week, passed out, flyers, and did sports ministry. We mostly documented it and posted onto the website OlomoucLIVE and got the chance to get to know a lot of the kids. One aspect that was really inspiring was the mere fact that Czechs in general do not feel a need for God. This land of cathedrals is a land without a God and without a desire to know a God. Yet, the kids were persistent, encouraging, and strong in their faith.
Immediately after returning from our Olomouc trip we went back to Cesky Krumlov, this time to go camping. We had some rainy weather, actually a lot of rainy weather, but it wasn't too horrible. We spent Saturday raft/canoeing down the Vtala River. Mostly it was canoeing, or floating but at different places they have "rapids." The main purpose of the rapids is to control the flow and height of the river, however they're pretty fun to go down as well, not intense, but fun.
We've also done a little more touring of Prague itself which is always exciting. The more time we spend here, the less touristy we feel, which is always nice. That also means we have been tending to break out of just going to the main areas when we wander around town. We visited Vysehrad which had an amazing view of the city and in general was simply gorgeous. It was a nice way to relax on the weekend. Also, we've returned to the Charles Bridge and Lennon Wall, two of our favorite spots in Prague.
The last major thing we've done recently was visit Terezin. This is a concentration camp northwest of Prague. This particular camp was operated in WWII, but was not an execution camp (although many died there, and many passed through on their way to an extermination camp). It was a very surreal experience. We stood in many of the barracks and rooms where so many people lived- way too many for the size of the room. It was really humbling, and sad, but educational. It's always hard to realize some of the world's past- but lest we forget. On our way out we met Harold. We overheard him saying something along the lines of him being there in 1945. Once we realized he was not joking, we approached him and talked for awhile. Our first thought was that he was a Jewish prisoner at Terezin. However, we quickly learned he was a German who was thirteen in 1945 and was a part of Hilter's youth. He said that he was forced to be in it, and after the war taken prisoner by the Czechoslovakia government. It was really interesting to talk to him, and hear a different side of the WWII story.
So that's the details of what we've been doing the last little bit. Friday we are leaving for Bulgaria on another media trip. We'll be following around and documenting the work that is going on there, and the vast amount of need that exists in Bulgaria for more missionaries. It seems like it will be a good trip, but possibly a little stressful because a lot of details are still unknown.
Please keep us in your prayers as a lot is going on. We'll be arriving in the states in a few weeks and have started looking and applying for jobs, and also looking for an apartment. We're focused on the Nashville area right now for many reasons, but we do feel that is the right direction for us right now- so continued prayer for guidance would be greatly appreciatated!
Lastly, we will be producing a newsletter of sorts when we get back. We want to disperse it to whomever would like to receive it, but especially those who supported us in anyway. If you would like to receive one please let me know! I prefer to email copies rather then print and mail but am willing to do either. You can note in the comments here, or by emailing me at starlight724@gmail.com
Thank you so much for your continued dedication and supporting us while here. You have no idea how much it means to know we have so many people stateside excited for our opportunity here as well as anxious to have us return. We'll see you all soon!
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