Praha

Looking back...and looking ahead...

2009-08-03T20:36:00.002+01:00

I apologize for the fact that it seems I may have fallen off the face of the earth the past couple of months. I had an exciting update planned last month about a new job and a new apartment that I was thrilled about sharing with you...but sadly those plans fell through just a short while ago and it was hard for me to find the 'umph' to write the disappointing news. I should have pushed ahead and asked for your prayers, but my sadness at the unexpected change, as well as my pride, got in the way, and for that I am sorry. Thank you for faithfully lifting me up this summer.

My plans were to stay in Prague for another 2-year term working as the Youth mentor for all of Europe - something I had been looking excitedly forward to since the Lord laid it on my heart at the beginning of the year. Due to unforseen (except by the Father) circumstances and the poor economy, budget cuts had to be made in the organization, and my new job was one of the casualties. I was pretty devastated to say the least, but understanding that the Lord knew this would happen all along and that He is ALWAYS faithful, I had to trust Him. However, the future remained a dark, cavernous black hole. I had vague possibilities of jobs in this part of the world, but there was nothing specific the Lord was leading me towards except the official end of my term and a previously purchased plane ticket back to my grandparents in Kentucky on August 6. It was coming up fast and I still had no peace or direction....until this week. =)

I know I was getting impatient waiting on word from Him, deep down thinking, Hello! I want to be obedient, so why don't You tell me what I am supposed to do already! After discussing all my options with my family and with colleagues here, it was as if a big burden was lifted and a sudden peace descended in it's place. I was skyping with my mom when...I just knew. The Lord was telling me to go to seminary at Southwestern in Ft. Worth. That's all I really know right now, so I am trying to be obedient with that word from Him. I will start with the basic core classes with the intention of completing the 20-hour requirement to go career with the Board. If He says to stay, I will continue towards a degree in counseling so I can work in an official Member Care capacity with MK Youth overseas. Of course, these are just 'my' plans for now and the Lord may have something else in mind...He'll let me know as I continue to seek His face in all of this.

For now I have begun the application process, but really feel led to wait until the Spring semester to begin classes. Finishing my term here August 6th, moving to the States, and starting classes barely 2 weeks later is frighteningly rushed. My current plans are to spend part of the fall in Cyprus with my parents - I kind of like them - and they, of course, don't mind their grown up little girl living with them for a while. =) It will be a little scary being a student again after several years of being out of school, but I am really excited about it. (I'm kind of a nerd!)

I never could have survived this far, much less completed a successful term in this administrative role here in Prague, if I didn't have this support base lifting me up and encouraging me. Thank you for helping make this time in this wonderful city one of the best, most rewarding periods in my life.

I love you all,
Steph

Would you please join me in lifting these requests to the Father on my behalf...
-- The rest of this term - packing and goodbyes during my last few weeks in Prague. It's going to be really hard to leave this amazing home.
-- Travel and adjustment to the States on Thursday - a sweet time of refreshing and renewing as well as lots of sorting, repacking and visiting!
-- Spending the fall in Cyprus - that I would be able to find work or at least a means of supporting myself until I start classes and try to find a job in January.
-- The spring!! - choosing and registering for classes, moving to Ft. Worth, settling in, starting classes and finding a job to live on.
-- Always - that I will keep Christ as my true love and passion and that I will be obedient in whatever the Father has for me.

Visit HOME!

2009-03-05T13:41:00.005+01:00

Last week I got to spend 4 days in Cyprus with my parents and it was wonderful. Just wonderful. Great food, both my Momma's and my Lebanese shwarma place...Sam's. Incredible weather (though I must insert here that most weather is more incredible than the sleety, snowy, cold Prague that I left) with the mixture of the salty sea breeze and the fire-grilled souvla smoke permeating the dry air. *Sigh* What else? Ah...the singing...fun singing by all - around the piano at multiple homes, on stage a couple of times, and with the congregation at church. Sweet times.

Alas. It was too short. And now I am back to the daily grind in a rather dreary, still chilly Prague. But I am back with my HS girls, my teenagers, my Hands On buddies, my crazy job, and my subsitute teaching at the school. At least life is never dull. =)

Love to you all.

Pictures...

On the way up to the mountains.

A beautiful turnoff.

Up at the Flans - their living room and cozy loft.

Making coffee. Probably our 7th cappucino. =)

Snowball fight with my daddy. =)

Limassol at sunset.

Driving back into town.

At the airport...before goodbyes.

Yeah...I know...

2009-02-13T12:06:00.005+01:00

...I am terrible at this.

I can't believe it has been a year since I last updated.
(Thanks, Matt, for rubbing it in. Haha! But hey, it worked!)

I will do better!! Well, I will try.

There is little point in my trying to catch everyone up on a year...so I will just post some vids and pics until I get into the hang of actually blogging again.

Singles' Retreat in Riga, Latvia in September:
Singing in the hallway with dearly missed friends...

New Years, 2009:
This is the insanity that is Prague at New Years...

My Padawans:
My most incredible teenagers performing Lifehouse's Everything Skit a few weeks ago - they are the best that a director and big sister could ever ask for...

Therapy and songs...

2008-02-13T23:57:00.008+01:00

To steal my roommate's word, the conference here in Prague a couple of weeks ago was therapy. It was SO needed, and so incredible. Not much else does it justice. I am so thankful for it. And for dear friends:

Fun at St. Barbara's cathedral in Kutna Hora.

Sigh...my living room full of people I love!

My sisters and me on the windy Charles Bridge...

Love. =)

Now the songs...there are 3 and they are dear to me right now.

Jesus I am Resting

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

O, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Belovèd,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

Ever lift Thy face upon me
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

My Reedemer is Faithful and True

As I look back on the road I've travelled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My heart rejoices when I read the promise
'There is a place I am preparing for you.'
I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face,
'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

And in every situation He has proved His love to me;
When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

Worth It All

I don't understand Your ways
Oh but I will give You my song
Give You all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it You are pulling me closer
And pulling me into Your ways

Now around every corner
And up every mountain
I'm not looking for crowns
Or the water from fountains
I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing
That the sight of Your face
Is all that I'm needing
I will say to You

It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this

You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all

Since Christmas...

2008-01-13T16:00:00.000+01:00

My family came for Christmas and it was the best present I could have received. We cooked together, played games together, worked puzzles together, saw Prague together, enjoyed the Christmas markets together, ate tons of food together....clearly the theme this year was "TOGETHER". And it was wonderful - the Lord is SO GOOD. I was so sad to see them go. But a fun New Year's celebration was had by all and that was a welcome distraction from the grief (yes, even after all these years of continents separating us, I still can't say goodbye to my family). I will post the links to my facebook pictures so you can all see the madness of the holidays. =)

Then it was back to work...I was spoiled after a whole week off and it was hard to get back into a routine at the office. From now until March we have back to back (and overlapping!!) conferences hosted at the office and so that means a lot of planning and organizing and making things happen! But I like being busy and having lots of people in and out. The most exciting conference coming up is for all new folks - that's me! And all my training friends! In Prague for 4 days of fun meetings and hanging out! I really can't wait...I love having something to look forward to. =)

The Lord blessed me, though, with a much-needed distraction during this anticipation of the conference - a 2-day ski trip in the Krkonose Mountains in Northern Czech!! The Brummitts (Greg and Andrea), my roommate (Natalie) and I drove up Wednesday evening, skiied Thursday and Friday, and came back to Prague Friday night. We stayed in a quaint, rustic, completely snowed-in penzion cabin owned by a sweet old Czech man and his son (and their dog, of course) and cooked our dinners on a little raclette grill in our tiny 70s-inspired room, and had breakfast prepared for us downstairs in the little dining room. Quite the adventure. We're calling it the Brummitt Family Ski Trip - after getting our van stuck in the snow, teaching Natalie how to ski by taking her to the top of the mountain =), and squeezing together in really close quarters, we really are a family. We still love each other and no one broke anything on the slopes. =) The Lord is good!

I'll post just a few of those pics - even though no one looks good all wind-chapped and tired. =)

Breakfast on day #2 - we were so tired! =)

Sleepy smiles...but ready to hit the slopes again! =)

Frozen smiles on the ski lift! =)

View of the gorgeous Krkonose Mnts from the top of the lift.

Our ski town, Spindleruv Mlyn, from halfway down the slopes...ah - such beauty!

Christmas pics: http://obu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020921&l=9bffc&id=82201110
New Year's pics: http://obu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020922&l=e3b00&id=82201110

I hope you all have had as wonderful a start to 2008 as I have. And as nice as the holidays were, I really am ready to be back at work doing what I know I have been called to do - ready to be a light to those around me here in Prague - ready for 2008 to be the Lord's year.
Blessings and grace to you all.
Much love,
Steph

Pictures I promised in my last post...

2007-12-19T11:05:00.000+01:00

Andrea & Greg Brummit and me - sharing a gigantic sausage at the Namesti Miru Christmas Market near their apartment.

When my daddy came to visit on his way to a conference in Germany.

Andrea and me at our friend Evča's graduation prom.

My cozy living room all decorated for Christmas!

Still alive!

2007-12-17T21:45:00.000+01:00

So...I don't know what my deal has been - not posting in a couple months and all - being busy is my excuse, but its not really a good one. I'm sorry, friends!

So what have I been up to?
- I am on the worship team at church, leading the choir (yup, all 8 of them!) and sometimes leading worship. It can get a little overwhelming with just two of us on the rotation, but I am grateful to be involved.
- I teach voice lessons once a week to little Sabrina, my 8 year old buddy that I met at church. She's pretty darn adorable - and absolutely LOVES to sing. Volume and 'heart' are definitely not an issue for her - pitch, on the other hand....well, we are working on it. =) She knows the "Sunday school" version of Jesus, but not who He needs to be in her life...I am also slowly building a relationship with Sab's mom, Jana, who is very anti-church in every way, so please pray that I will have opportunities to share with her as well as Sabrina.
- I auditioned for the International Choir of Prague in September and have been singing with them ever since. Its about 25 adults from all over the world who love to sing - and in English. =) Its been one of my main chances to interact with non-believers as we rehearse together every Wednesday night, and then go out to a local bar or little pizzeria after just to chill after practice. We had a Christmas concert with two performances - the choir had no idea it was proclaiming the gospel to our audiences in most of our songs...and I have had a chance to share the Truth with the couple who leads the choir on several occasions. He is GOOD - I covet your prayers for more chances to be a light - to Laurie, Brendan and Sarka in particular.
- On Sunday nights our office hosts an English Club for Czech kids, and helping out with that has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of life here - we have about 25-30 kids each week that come to practice their English through singing (that's what I lead, if you couldn't guess! haha!), reading, and playing - with a Bible story and craft-time added to the mix. This past Sunday was their Christmas Program - and the gospel was presented through them to their parents. It went so well, and we are praying that the seeds of Truth that were planted will take root in each life.

When I am not running around from one event to another, I am in the office... 9-5: planning conferences, setting up meetings, playing travel agent, working on visa applications, sitting in staff meetings, working on correspondence...oh the list is endless. =) I am still learning on the job, but I do enjoy it more because I finally feel like I know what I am doing! That's not to say that it's easy - no, it's still stressful at times, and more often than not, I'd rather be outside (even when it's below freezing!) building relationships and enjoying the outdoors.

In the midst of all this is the excitement and anticipation of CHRISTMAS!! My favorite time of year!! My family arrives on Friday to squeeze into my apartment with me, my roomie and her best friend...and its going to be fabulous. =) We will run out of hot water, have to sit on the floor to eat dinner, and never get to do laundry....and I can't wait!! =)

I love you all and am grateful for your friendship and prayers - even when I forget to post!
Pictures are coming in the next one...

Much love,
Steph

He is EVERYTHING...

2007-08-22T19:04:00.000+02:00

or here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=IUiEeM5TAUY

Precious...

2007-08-16T16:02:00.000+02:00

This is one of the most precious things I have ever seen! Watch and be challenged!

I hope you enjoyed it! =)

I'm so sorry I haven't updated this in a month! Work, I thought, was calmer during the summer....but I was wrong. We have been so busy - the media office, dwindled as it is, has been videoing and interviewing all over Central and South Europe, and they're planning a music video shoot for next week here in the city. The accounting office is going full speed as usual, trying to keep up with new personnel to the region (PTL!) and job changes and all that great stuff.

My job has been ever-expanding and modifying since I got here - most recently I have been the house/apartment-hunter for the RL and his family who are looking to move to a spot in the city with cleaner air. And while I was researching realty companies for a house for them, I might as well be given the job of finding apts for our incoming personnel, right?! =) PTL I found an apartment for the new Jgirl that will be here in October...and guess what? Its in MY building! =) How convenient is that?! The Lord provides. And I am ever-learning. About the Lord, about this job, about my amazing colleagues that double (whether they realize it or not!) as my family here, and about myself. So, needless to say, work-wise, life is never "boring", even if its not always "fun". =)

Home-wise (I'm not sure that's an actual word!), I find that I continue to relish being home in my apartment. It truly is just me and Natalie now. Kristin, our friend who was here working on Prince Caspian, has returned to VA and now its just the two old fogies at home. =) Not for long though! My best friend from Cyprus, Elizabeth, is coming to visit next week, and I can't wait to see her. =) I'm re-reading Piper's Don't Waste Your Life...and probably should have a long time ago. I am continuing to make friends at church, and I am praying these friends will, in turn, lead to relationships being built within the local community. That is still hard going here.

Just wanted to catch you all up. I so appreciate your emails, your prayers and your friendship!

Much love,
Steph

I'm still here...

2007-07-17T22:49:00.000+02:00

Well dear friends, I apologize for the lack of communication the last couple of weeks. Since AGM our office numbers have dwindled significantly with families going Stateside for vacation, meetings, health or funerals. Not all happy ocassions. But the Lord has provided just enough (He always does) to keep the skeleton of the office going strong! I would be among those skeletal members just chugging along with work as usual. RH, my boss, is still in the States and will be until the end of August, so much of my work is sent through email...and most of it is computer-related, so it keeps me busy.

We did have a couple of days off the week after AGM and so I got to take a couple of day trips to areas outside of Prague...those trips are always fun adventures. A 3-hour bus trip on a hot day with the windows closed (breezes can make you sick...don't you know that?!)

This past week the insanity that is my apartment hit a record high. =) Kristin, our new friend who is here shadowing the producer of the new Narnia film, Prince Caspian (yeah I know, its awesome!!) has been staying with us. Laura is still here... Natalie's friends were stopping through and stayed with us...and though my visitors (yes I had visitors!!! yay!!) did not sleep at my place, there we can count more friends added to the mix! Much fun though. John Clinton was here from Norman as the conductor of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra as they stopped in Prague on their European tour...what a blast I had with him. =) Then Kevin and Heather, dear friends from Cyprus days, came to see the city and I had so much fun taking them to eat and helping them plan out their sightseeing. Now, it is calm and peaceful at my apartment. I am the only one here until next week...and though I am a huge E on the MBTI, I fear I am becoming more and more introverted. I am loving the aloneness. Is that a word? I'm not sure. But even if its not, I am loving it. =) I will be glad when Nats gets back from her European train adventures, but for now, I relish in the peace that the Lord has given.

And now for a few pics of the last few weeks. More can be seen on facebook by following this link.
http://obu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2016205&l=e83af&id=82201110

The hotel complex at AGM in Greece...high of 114...but look at the place! It was worth it. =)

Poor RH getting his head shaved in the auction...is hair went for $11,000!!! And since he's the top dog, it was quite the highlight of the evening!

View of Cesky Krumlov, a gorgeous town about 2 and a half hours south of Prague between it and Vienna, from the top of the tower in the castle...

Winding road from the top of the mountain where the castle is built into the rock...view of the cathedral St. Vitus...popular name here in Czech Rep!

Laura, Andrea and I in front of the fountain in the palace gardens at the top of the cliff...

Taking a rest in the shade! =)

Back in Prague - a painter on the Charles Bridge...

John Clinton, dear Norman friend, conducted the OYO that performed a concert in Prague on their European tour...and I got to spend the whole day with him! =) Can you tell I was happy? =)

I had best be getting myself on to bed...its late...and tomorrow is another day at the office.
Much love to all of you,
Steph

Yia sas!

2007-06-25T14:53:00.000+02:00

Greetings from sunny Greece!

I am here!! And boy is it HOT!! It was 110 yesterday...and its just going to get hotter throughout the week. Whew!!

PTL there is AC in some of the rooms at the conference part of the hotel...and a couple of hours a day they do turn the fan/ac on in the rooms during "mesimera" - the hottest part of the day where everything shuts down for naptime! 'Course, we don't have naptime...we have sessions, but at least its cool in some of the conference rooms. =)

Other than the heat, we are having a great time here meeting everyone (I know all the names from doing paperwork, and now I actually can see their faces!) and the meetings are going so well. It is tiring being on the working/administrative side of things instead of just being a conference participant, but I am really enjoying actually knowing what's going on for once! =)

The best part is being reunited with good friends from my training in VA...and the baklava. My brain may be replacing my Greek with Czech - but I haven't lost my love for Greek food! =)

Miss you all and love you much. Keep the emails coming...I promise I will reply when I get back to Prague! I will update again from here if I can.

Love,
Steph

Off to Greece!

2007-06-21T14:14:00.000+02:00

Well this afternoon I will be landing in Greece for our annual regional conference. Woohoo! =) Natalie and I are going a bit early to help set up and get things ready for the throng of fellow conference-goers. Although I am on call during the week to work wherever I am needed, it will be a nice time to hear great speakers, relax a little by the pool, and meet new people. I am excited! I am NOT excited, however, about the fact that its going to be in the 100s with no A/C!! Those of you who know me know I hate to sweat...I like fall and winter! =) But it will be a wonderful time in spite of the sweat. =) Ah, back to a life where you can't flush your toilet paper...*sigh*...the good ol' days! =)

I don't know if I will be able to check email or anything while there, so if you don't hear from me, do not fret. I get back on the 30th and will update you all then.

These pics are from Tuesday night at the State Opera. We went to see our friend Bronny dance in Swan Lake. It was gorgeous! And so fun to be able to pick Bronny out onstage! =)

I had better finish getting ready - I head to the airport in about an hour.

Love you all!

Too long...

2007-06-09T19:39:00.000+02:00

Its been too long since I last posted!!

Things have been pretty crazy here between Czech class each morning across town, and meetings and work at the office. Both are going well, even if they are exhausting! =)

Just to catch you all up, I had a fantastic birthday, and this week I will get to cash in on the gift my precious roommates Natalie and Michelle gave me!! Tickets for the 3 of us to see Madame Butterfly at the Prague State Opera House!!! Oh I cannot tell you how excited I am! =) They are such amazing roommates! =) And now we have a new roommate, Laura, a summer intern in the accounting office who will be a senior at Ole Miss. So its a full house! Well, apartment! =)

And now for a story...
One night last week we 4 girls were invited back to a lounge we had been taken to once before. It was karaoke night!! The song lists were floating around, so we grabbed one and signed up for "I Saw the Sign" - and when we were finally called, we were the only ones to go up in a group!! Felt a little weird, but everyone was cheering, even for the tone deaf singers!! So we made it fun. =) I do have to mention here, that after we broke the mold and went up as a quartet, several other groups and duets went up!! haha!! =) I did have an interesting chat with an American (maybe Canadian) guy, in his forties, who couldn't believe I didn't want a pull on his joint. It threw me off when, after I said no, he asked why! "I don't think I know a single person who doesn't smoke weed". I said, "Well, none of us smokes at all...especially not weed - I prefer to keep my wits." Long pause...I thought maybe the conversation was over! "Well are you a chemist or a physicist to need your wits?!" "Nope - just a person who wants my wits about me all the time. I want intelligent conversation..." (I figured reason was the way to go with this dude...and would have continued, but he cut me off) "Hmmm...you have a point there. I haven't had intelligent conversation in a long time (as he looked around at his drunken companions)". "That is why I keep the company that I do - we don't need 'this' to have fun (as I am pointing to my friends)." He just nodded in agreement, looking at me like I was a funny little creature, and took another drag...and gave it back to its original owner....I wish I'd been able to tell him about my faith, but then the DJ called my name and I serenaded the extremely inebriated crowd with a not-so-great rendition of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You. It was a hit anyway!...my knees were definitely shaking though. =) ...And that is the end of my story.

Everything else is going well. Work is trucking along - now that the huge meeting we hosted is over, I am much less stressed on that front! Just keeping up with my boss's travel schedule and correspondence, mostly. I am continuing to get to know the Nepalese girl in my Czech class and attempt to practice language when I get the chance. We have had a chance to babysit a lot for a family, our coworkers, who have a 2 year old and twin 1 year olds, and we are just glad to be able to be a blessing to them.

Here are some pics of the last few weeks.
I love you all dearly,
Steph

Again...=)

2007-05-20T21:10:00.001+02:00

Some more videos for you of Praha from Petrin Hill and then down on the Vltava River...

View from halfway up Petrin Hill, looking out over the city across the river. The spires are Old Town...

On our way down from Petrin Hill nearer to the castle and St. Vitus Cathedral...

The graffiti wall just before the bridge to Kampa Island on the Vltava known as the Lennon Wall - covered in messages for peace and love. This was the most interesting one.

Standing at the riverfront on Kampa island looking at the Charles Bridge...Mission Impossible bridge! =)

Hope you enjoy. I'll post a proper update soon.
Love you all,
Steph

2007-05-19T11:30:00.000+02:00

Well folks, I have been lax in this blog-posting business. I started Czech language class this week....and after trekking across town every morning at 8 am to 3 hours of unpronounceable consonants and alien-sounding words, then trekking back across to the office for an afternoon full of work...then walking home, cooking a bite to eat and doing my Czech homework...I am pooped! Utterly pooped. I am sorry for not keeping you updated, though. Thank you for your encouraging emails and continued prayers. I WILL do better about posting! =)

Attempt to embed a little video I took on my camera at a concert in St. Martin in the Wall. Musica Praha, a fantastic string quartet, playing all the classics. Beautiful! =)

Roomies waiting for the metro! =)

Roomies enjoying nature.

Michelle and I eating at a sweet little Czech farmhouse restaurant.

The Botanical Gardens!

Me...swinging after a long day at the Botanical Gardens...=).

Bollywood, Mozart and Josh Groban...

2007-05-07T23:03:00.000+02:00

This weekend was great. Saturday my roommates and I hung out with 2 of the teenage MK girls here. They are 14 and 15 -- that perfectly sweetly awkward age that I recall hating! But they are cute and quite mature for their age. We talked about life, parents, boys =), school, knowing our faith is real, being MKs...everything. We went bowling at a mall a tram-ride away from here, then we went to the grocery and got stuff for dinner and then came back to our apt and I made pancakes for everyone and we watched Bride and Prejudice. =) Yay for Bollywood and girl-time!! =)

Sunday we went to the English service and met a really sweet Dutch girl who accompanied us to lunch at the mall (seems to be the place where all the young people and familes with youth eat after church). Its good, cheap food and fun fellowship. Michelle and I left there and went down to Old Town to buy tickets at a tourist ticket office for a classical concert being held in one of the little Romanesque churches, called St. Martin in the Wall =), near the square. By the time we got back home and got Natalie and Jessica (Nat's old roommate who's a student teacher here from Moody) it was practically time to turn around and head back down to meet Jolanda (our new Dutch friend!) for the concert. We made it to the church, settled in our seats and enjoyed a fabulous hour of some of the most famous and most beautiful classical pieces ever written! It was performed by a string quartet - and they were incredible. The atmosphere, with the old, bare stone walls and the acoustics in the emptiness above us were perfect. It was just lovely.

Today I didn't really want to get up for work =) but it ended up being a nice quiet day since all morning I was the only one in my entire upstairs office! Listening to music and working at my own pace made it rather enjoyable! I got everything done and left a bit early so I could get some stuff done before dinner. As I walked back home, it started to rain...and as the cobblestones were splattered with more and more little rain drops, they reached that state of perfect slickness that smoothed stones can reach...that, coupled with the blustery wind that came out of nowhere, and my umbrella and feet were having a rough time of it! But, I made it...and without landing on my behind. Stopped at the little potraviny next door and got tomatoes and a cucumber and attempted to talk to Ahn, the Czech-speaking Vietnamese man who owns the little store. I chopped my veggies and made a salad (while listening to Josh Groban!) and met my roommates at the metro to head to the Hawkins' for dinner.

Now we are back and relaxing at home. Tomorrow's another holiday...woohoo! =) I think the teenage girls are coming over and we're going to do the A&E Pride and Prejudice marathon! Natalie has never seen it!

Hmmm...I need to post some more pictures. I'll get on that soon! =)

Love you all,
Steph

Glorious day off...

2007-05-01T21:50:00.000+02:00

After my quiet time last night, I set my alarm for 8:00 with that satisfying feeling that I could sleep much longer in the morning if I wanted...because today is Czech Labor Day, so the office was closed!! Woohoo!! At 8, when my alarm went off, my roommates were getting ready to meet the Brummitts and 2 of the Czech girls from my office to go hiking about 20 km outside of Prague. I gave them a sleepy "Good morning, have fun" greeting, reset my alarm and went back to sleep. Fabulous! You might be wondering why I passed up hiking to sleep... Even though I am very much an extrovert and a people person, I need the occassional day off from people! So I took the opportunity today to spend the whole day by myself. When I did eventually decide to get up =) I finished unpacking, put everything away, cleaned, and organized! I took a long hot shower. Then I walked to the grocery store a couple blocks away in the brisk cool afternoon and got groceries for dinner. They don't give you plastic bags here, so I took a dorky little cloth shoulder bag - a lovely shade of aquamarine - to haul my stuff back in. =) I started dinner around 5, not knowing when my roommates were going to get home. And I wanted to have it ready for them! I love to cook. I am pretty sure its because I love to eat. =) But it really is something I enjoy doing - stress-reliever when life gets crazy, or just fun when life is easy, like today! While dinner was bubbling nicely on the stove, I got to talk to my dad on the phone and skype with a friend. I love technology! Especially now that we have a wireless router in our apartment! PTL!! Its fantastic. My roommates and a friend, Jessica, got home around 7:15 and we ate...and man, was it good, if I do say so myself! =) We cleaned up the kitchen and now Greg and Andrea are here, and we are enjoying the wireless!

Thanks for tuning in to my rambling! =)

Love you all,
Steph

Day 3...

2007-04-26T14:56:00.000+02:00

...But don't worry - I have more interesting things for you than just telling about work! =)

I have pictures!!

Turn left out of my apartment and cross to the right at the corner and this is the street I walk all the way down to get to the office...Polská St.

Further on down!

I keep walking straight down the sidewalk, but the area opens onto a ridge (blocked from the street by trees) that has a huge sports-type complex and a children's school.

The complex is above those trees that line the right side of the street...and I keep on walking! ...you might be thinking, it all looks the same! I know! That's what I thought...how am I ever going to know which building is which in this city?

Crossing a busier street...still on my way to the office!

The beautiful school just up from the office.

I'm standing in front of the school...and there's my office building...the yellow one on the corner! We are up on a bit of a ridge above the main train tracks leading into Praha Hlavní nádraží (Prague's main railway station & metro stop) and so we have a fantastic view of the city...

The pretty yellow building...I am on the 2nd floor...which is really the 3rd if you are counting each floor. =)

My little office! The first desk is mine and Shirley's is behind me. The view from the balcony is perfect!

My desk! All set up...for now. =)

From the balcony - to the right. Praha Hlavní nádraží and the tracks.

From the balcony - to the left. Národní Muzeum (National Museum) where the embassy ball in M:I was filmed!

View straight from the balcony...

Zoom view of the city centre. You can see St. Vitus' Cathedral across the river at the castle in the background, and the 2 closer spires in Old Town.

Zoom of Praha Hlavní nádraží.

Zoom of Národní Muzeum.

I hope you like the pictures! I have more, but I will spare you. =) Hope this makes you guys feel (yes, feel! haha!) updated on my life and where I am now. So far, this IS my life. Walking...lots of walking...the office...many hours in the office...then lots more walking! But isn't it beautiful? So I don't mind. =)

Love you all,
Steph

Day 2 at the office...

2007-04-25T11:11:00.000+02:00

Well, its day 2 at the office and I am still waiting for them to set up my computer at my station. We've had a lot of IT upgrades the past few days, so it'll be nop notch (not a Mac =) though) when they finish. My desk is in a little office I share with an older lady who is the administrative assistant to my boss's associate. Yes, I think I got that right. =) Our room is next to my boss's and across from the associate's office. There are 2 bathrooms and a little kitchen. All the other offices and the main rooms are down one floor...reception, finance, media, IT, and the conference room. Upstairs feels a little isolated with just the 4 of us, but quiet with nothing to distract me. I'm pretty sure I'll find plenty of that on my own! =) So far I have learned how to use each of the 10 keys I need to get into the building, learned the phones and the elevator, filed and organized...and when I actually start working =) I'll let you know what I do. I don't really know yet. =)

The walk to work takes about 10 minutes if I don't dilly-dally. Its slightly downhill the whole way down a cobblestone street. Which means its slightly uphill the whole way back home at the end of the day! But I'll surely get my exercise! =) I pass about 2 blocks of 6-7 story, beautifully detailed apartment buildings on both sides of the street...with apartments continuing all the way down on the left side while the right side of the street opens into a sports-type complex up on the ridge, then a beautiful gated school building, and then a small park with a few benches and the statue of someone famous. =) Once I get to the end of the little street, we hit a main road overlooking the train tracks and the heart of the city and then tada! there's the office building on that left corner! Hope the walk made sense! =)

So not only is my apartment nice and close to the office, but its in a convenient neighborhood too! Our street, Slavikova, has a pizzeria on the corner, 2 mom and pop groceries (one directly downstairs and one on the opposite corner), a local restaurant 1 block down, a metro stop 2 blocks down, and a nice open area with grass and benches in front of a huge Catholic church next to the metro stop. That's just the stuff I've been to in the last few days - I'm sure to discover more in the next 2 years! =)

Will post again soon - with pictures!

Love you all,
Steph

First day in the city...

2007-04-22T01:03:00.000+02:00

Well, we went sightseeing today! The Brummitts, my roommates, the Pearce family and 3 other friends....we were quite a group! Here are some pictures! =) Enjoy!

Walking across a main bridge over the Vltava River towards Prague castle...

Me =) in front of the view back across the river towards town with the castle on the left...

Same view - see the tallest tower on the far right? My apartment is right next to that!

St. Vitus' Cathedral inside Prague castle...gorgeous!

Looking down on the terrace from the courtyard of St. Vitus, we watched a medieval "play" with a fight scene! Awesome!

Then we had dinner at the home of 2 Czech girls who work in my office - traditional Czech meal and then we watched a really funny movie - in Czech! They translated when we needed it! =) It was great. Got home at midnight and now I MUST sleep.

Love you all,
Steph

I'm here!!

2007-04-21T05:55:00.000+02:00

Well, dear folks, this'll be a quickie. I am jet-lagged and ready to hit the sack, but that's perfect 'cause I waited out the sleepiness and it is now almost 10 pm here in Prague...bed time! =) I arrived safely and with all my bags, PTL!, at around 1:30 this lovely, breezy Friday afternoon with the Brummitts and the Youngs. There were smiling friends and a large van ready to take me and the Brummitts to our new home. It just so happens that until Greg and Andrea's permanent apt is ready, they will live downstairs in my building! Wonderful! =)

My apartment is nice - 2 bedrooms, hard wood floors, cozy furniture and a nice big bathroom (plus a half bath! PTL!). I will share a room with Michelle who is here as a 2-month volunteer, and my permanent roommate, who's stuck with me for the next 2 years, is Natalie, in the other room. We spent the afternoon getting all the bags crammed in the elevator up to the 6th floor, meeting people and eating the "welcome jello" that Natalie had waiting. =)

Then she, Michelle, another new friend Jessica, and Evelyn our treasurer took me and the Brummitts to dinner a few Metro stops away. Greg and Andrea and I pushed to stay awake this long, and now we can go to bed. We'll meet for lunch at Bohemia Bagel (shout-out to all you who know Prague!) and then take the afternoon easy sight-seeing around town.

PTL for such good new friends, a beautiful city to call home, and a chance to get a good night's sleep!

Love you all. Good night!
Steph

Pictures of Prague...

2007-04-18T07:40:00.000+02:00

Sad...BUT...

2007-04-13T07:38:00.000+02:00

Well, friends, this past week has been a sad one. Very little sleep, sad goodbyes, a crazy day of travel, and then the reality of being far away from everyone - and we're about to be even more scattered around the world! BUT this is the life we are called and committed to, and its going to be awesome!

I'm so glad to be home with my parents for these last days - I had been resting and thinking about packing. But I had yet to actually pack...until the whirlwind hit...today...and from the moment my feet hit the floor this morning till tonight when I started dinner, I have been sorting, packing, resorting, unpacking!, sorting and repacking. Ick.

I hate being a girl and having so much stuff! Alas, I am a girl. And girls have stuff. I, unfortunately, need to take a lot of it to Prague - fairly extreme weather, all 4 seasons, an office job with business attire, too expensive to buy clothes there...sad. But I have pared it all down to fit - and fit it does! PTL!!

I would like to take this opportunity to offer the services of my organizer-freak (said very lovingly) mother to anyone who should so need or simply desire to have their room transformed into a manageable essence. She works wonders. FPO papers...anyone remember the piles? Yeah, I handed her (well, it was more like I dumped it, but 'handed' sounds kinder) my stacks and wads and she worked her magic. Fabulous.

I can now enjoy these last days...worry-free. And no longer will my phone be left on vibrate+tiny little ring under the pile on my bed while I am rolling and stuffing clothes in the other room. . . all day! =)

'Night all.
Love you,
Steph

DC!

2007-03-29T02:24:00.000+02:00

I don't have much time to elaborate, but most of these will speak for themselves...=)

We went to Washington D.C. on Thursday...it was both an assignment and a vacation...hope the pics are as fun as the day was! =)

Another week...

2007-03-18T19:04:00.000+01:00

Well folks, another week...and a difficult one at that. Not because of any of the sessions or homework or anything like that...in fact, this might have been the slowest week yet! We had another personal spiritual retreat where we were free to spend several hours alone with the Father, and it was a sweet time.

Several execs came and shared with us about the vision, main elements and stucture of the company, and then Friday we covered transitioning for the kids. All 6 of us who grew up overseas were on a panel during the main session and went down the line answering questions about culture shock, adjusting, furlough, coming back for college, and all those not-so-fun topics. We laughed a lot, but we did get a little choked up occasionally...it was just nice to be able to talk with people who really cared about what we had to say.

But this week was hard for me because on Tuesday night, a dear friend in Norman died unexpectedly from a massive heart attack. Dick Elliott and his wife Myra are as close to family as it gets, and they did everything for us. We stayed at their house so many times, and Myra always had cookies waiting for us when we arrived and packed to take with us when we left. Dick took me car shopping after I graduated this past summer, and basically was there for us in every way. Its been hard for me to deal with it being far away and alone...and I know Em feels the same way - even farther away. But, the Lord is good, and He has provided such a support network here for me, and we have gotten to talk to Em on the phone, too.

The Lord also blessed me with a fun and restful weekend before the start of our second to last week....
I played sardines for the first time on Friday night - a group of us young folk turned off all the lights in the conference centre and played for several hours...waaaay fun. =) We also went into Richmond and ate Chinese and then chilled at a coffee place last night. Very nice.

I decided to make this more interesting for everyone, so here are some pics from the past week...

1. Juliette, the donkey, from the farm down the road...
2. Me kissing the bay's nose as I talk to him across the fence...
3. Suz's "Puss-in-boots" face that does me in every time!
4. Justin picking a bedtime story to read to the kids...
5. Our quad pizza party...

...no weekend...

2007-03-13T02:08:00.000+01:00

We had no weekend. We had class all the way through...but we MADE fun for us. =) Friday night a group of us went to IHOP and ate pancakes and discussed an array of topics ranging from situational ethics to theology...'twas a lovely evening of fellowship and good conversation. Saturday started bright and early with the personality session - we received and discussed the results of our MBTI (Meyers-Briggs) test and I am what I was during college - an ENFP (Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeler, Perceiver).

Saturday night after a run to WalMart, Suz (my roommate) and I had family time with our quad - we had pizza, Suz made cookies, lots of people came over to watch Facing the Giants. And Suz taught me how to make a wrap skirt with no sewing necessary! It was awesome. Sunday we started storying in our house group as the main method of teaching Scripture to get us in the habit. I will story Elijah and the widow at Zerephath some morning this week in our small group worship time...not sure when. Sunday afternoon was our only time of rest since last week...and it was a simply glorious day. I left all my homework, my computer, my cell phone...everything...and spent the day outside. Walked with Suzanne, played on the playground and basically was a kid. Sunday night's cultural worship was in the style of Muslim believers...and it was awesome. The women had to wear long skirts, long sleeves and cover their heads on the opposite side of the room from the men. We sang in several languages, and felt free to dance and move around...then we washed each others' feet. It was a really amazing time of worship and prayer for our brothers and sisters throughout the Muslim world.

After worship, me and my small group of girls from candidate conference went to bond (ok, we are already bonded...we went to recharge!) over Starbucks. Pure bliss. =) We ended up staying and talking until after midnight...so that explains why I am falling asleep at 9:45!

Despite my sleepiness, I'm hanging with a group of friends here in the Kamm Centre while two of the other crazy MKs are serenading us with their rendition of Shakira...very fun. =) I must close, though, because we are all fading fast...

Goodnight!
Steph

Rest assured...

2007-03-08T21:26:00.000+01:00

Rest assured, friends, I have passed (and loved) the security training we have been in this week. I am now equipped, come what may! =)
Girls, we did learn that it is actually a deterrent to potential attackers to pull out your cell phone, or be talking on it, if you are walking alone in a secluded area...and I just thought I'd pass along that bit of information to you! Although, that is useful for everyone, I guess. Not just girls.

Yesterday we did a session on storying that was really interesting. Long, especially after the adrenaline-pumping security training, but good. Useful for a postmodern setting like I will be in, where metanarratives are preferred over structured bits and pieces. And then last night was aerobics...HA...so fun. =) Then 10 of us crammed in a van and fellowshipped at the Chessecake Factory. =)

This morning was more storying, and we got to practice on each other, so that was really good. We just finished a payroll and tax session which was totally boring....but we expected that. =) At least its over and we have the rest of the afternoon off! Woohoo!

I have tons to do, though...and I desperately need a nap. So I am signing off here...

Love you all,
Steph

Sunday night...

2007-03-05T03:33:00.000+01:00

Well, its Sunday night and I am sitting in the conference center lobby with a bunch of friends doing email and such...here's the jist of my weekend...

Friday night after a long but good morning session finishing up with the Pres on Spiritual Warfare and an afternoon of homework and walking for exercise, 5 of us borrowed a car and went to see Music and Lyrics...funny!! =) Then we hit Walmart where I forgot to buy my few things...as usual! =)

I baby sat all day on Saturday for one of the families here - Selah is 5, Malachi is 3 and Charis is 1 - with another Jman guy who was an MK in Argentina. The kids are in his quad, so we tag teamed it...the kids were good. It was great...except we did have an incident during rest time! Malachi didn't make it to the bathroom when his tummy was hurting during his rest time...I went in to check on him and Selah and he wasn't in there - Selah said , "Oh, he's in the bathroom" - but the light wasn't on in there, so I got concerned. I went in and turned on the light to find Malachi sitting on the bathmat trying to pull off his dirty underwear. Not the most pleasant surprise.... So I helped him pull it all off carefully, plunked him the tub....and gave him a bath. Then another mom in the quad came over and helped me clean up the mess and rinse everything out. And I just threw everything else in the laundry after that. So, we played on the playground, watched a Dora episode, colored, played Go Fish, played with Charis, ate in the cafeteria, had some bathroom 'fun'...all in all, it was a very long, but good experience.

Last night I went out with a young couple that are going to be in my city to see Amazing Grace. We ate at Chili's and then ran into a bunch of other friends at the theatre. Amazing Grace is wonderful!! Its the story of William Wilberforce - abolitionist in Parliament in the late 1790s who was a 'student' of John Newton who wrote "Amazing Grace". Anyway, if you haven't seen it, GO! And if you have, wasn't it wonderful!? Loved it. I love good historical movies like that - and it presents the gospel very clearly...awesome!

(begin edit...)

I meant to post this on here earlier, so for those of you who are confused, I DID edit this post to add this next little bit:
Our cross-cultural worship tonight was worshiping in the style of Postmodernism...they brought all the couches and end tables and lamps into half of the conference room and made them into little mini-living rooms all throughout the place. On each coffee table in the centre of each circle was a musical instrument of some kind, paper and markers, and materials for storying the Bible in 15 minutes. Anyway, the jist of it all was that since postmodernists are all about destructuralizing and thinking and being "outside the box", we were free to worship in any way - whether that meant coloring, playing along on the drums or guitar, or getting up and dancing. Most of the service was 'open worship' style and it was awesome! =)

(end edit...)

I just have to post this picture on here - this is one of the little girls here on shot day - she was convinced she was supposed to get only 2 shots - and this is number 4 and 5. I have heard that her blood-curdling scream was every bit as loud as it looks.

I'm TB free!

2007-03-02T19:44:00.000+01:00

Guys, its Friday!! ...and I don't have TB. =)

We had to have our TB skin tests read at breakfast this morning by the med. team...and I am TB free! We had a good session this morning, continuing on Spiritual Warfare with the President. Then lunch, which is always fun but not always too appetizing. =) And I have nothing scheduled this afternoon 'cause Group B is getting their shots! My right arm is still sore from my tetanus shot...

Yesterday was a good day. Long sessions, but good. A few of us went on a lovely nature hike along the little river behind the lake. I will post some pics at the end. It was way fun. Later I did aerobics....yes, we have step aerobics every Tuesday and Thursday night! Let me just tell you how fun it is. Its FUN!! Its a serious workout, and I leave sweating like a guy and about as red as a tomato...but its worth it. =) We have 3 guys that are regulars...and last night we had a record 6 guys! Laughing at them works our abs too...=).

Then after a shower, a few of us went to study at Waffle House - well, they went to study. I went to hang out with Amanda Stillman and drink lots of coffee! =) Fun.

I have to babysit tomorrow because there's an all-day ESL course some here are required to take. So, I'll be playing mommy to 5 year old Selah, 3 year old Malachi, and 1 year old Charis. Some of my favorite kids here! =) Still, 9-5 is a long time, so please pray for me!

Love you all,
Steph

P.S. These pics are of our hike, a big group of us eating out at Buffalo Wild Wings, sunset over the swings near my quad, and me and my roomie!

Week 4...

2007-02-25T22:21:00.000+01:00

Well, this week is number 4 here in Rockville, and I am finally able to get this up and running! =) The internet is too slow for uploading pictures yet, though, so keep checking for those...

We have covered and learned so much in what seems like such a short time - its been almost a month, though! We spend an hour every morning in personal discipleship time - the first weeks it was in the large group altogether working through the book of Acts and now we are continuing in our small groups. We have had a number of fantastic speakers teaching in our morning and afternoon sessions since the beginning. We've studied Church Planting Movements, Anthropology and Urban Anthropology, the Persecuted Church (wow!), Transitioning, Doctrine, and today was Spiritual Warfare with the President...yes. The President. =)

This week started with our house group worship on Sunday morning in our quad, which was a sweet time of devotional study and fellowship. There are 8 adults (yeah, I am included in that!) and 2 kids in our "church". Tyler is 10 and Emma is 6, and when they participate in our prayer time, or want to lead us in a song, it just blesses my heart!

Sunday nights we have cultural worship altogether in the conference room. This Sunday night we worshiped as if we were in an East Asian house church. We took off our shoes and all sat on the floor in little clusters around song sheets that represented the different provinces. We sang a few songs in Mandarin, a few in English, and then we knelt to pray for the persecuted church in China when several guys started yelling in Chinese and English, "What are these books?!" "Get up!" "You are under arrest!" I kept on praying with my head to the floor, surprised that they were going to demonstrate what its like when the house groups are broken up. Well, just as I am thinking this, the voices are right over my head, and the girl next to me is hauled to her feet...and I am next. It was MY circle (house church) that was being arrested! They grabbed our Bibles, yelled at us to get up, and marched us out of the room while everyone else continued to pray in their little clusters all over "China". Interestingly enough, we were a group of all girls....not sure if they did that on purpose or what...but anyway, we were herded out and told to circle up with our heads down. The men stood in the middle of the circle and interrogated us about what we were doing in China. Were we missionaries or spies? We could only be one of the two. They were not rough with us beyond pushing, because as a Westerner in China, they will not hurt us physically, they will simply kick us out. We weren't allowed to go back in after the interrogation because if it were real, we would disappear. We could hear everyone praying for us back in the service - praying for their persecuted sisters who were just arrested. It was really powerful.

Yesterday was our second round of shots...we are hit in both arms simultaneously - felt like I was in a really efficient military clinic. =) But they will make me healthy, so I'll take 'em!

Today was looong, but my small group of us four girls from the first job conference had a girls' night out - we hit Goodwill, Golden Corral, and then Walmart. Perfect.

I am signing off for now, sorry its a book! I will be posting shorter ones more regularly...so it'll be easier to read!

Love to you all.

- Steph