This post is a shameless plug for STINT for my friends still in school and a little glimpse into what we actually do here. I love life here, and this past week has been one of the greatest yet!
Sunday- Going to church in another culture has really been a learning and growing experience for me. I'd been to services here before, but I've found that going weekly is very different. Hearing worship and prayer in another language has opened my eyes in a very real way to the greatness of God and has even humbled me as an American coming from a culture that is often so self-consumed. And even though we have headsets for translation during the sermon, I usually still have a hard time following. I feel like God is teaching me to be a "self-feeder" and about the sufficiency of the Holy Spirit as my heart's teacher. He's given me a new hunger for good teaching of his Word, and I have found so much great teaching from great pastors online. Lately I've been listening to sermons online at the rate of about one every day. I'm learning so much!
Monday- Day with the Lord. Once a month everyone on the team takes a whole day just to be with the Lord. It's Crusade policy, and it's so great. I get an unrushed day to read God's word, talk with him, listen to him, listen to sermons, listen to music, etc.
Tuesday- Usually we have language class from 8-11:30 but we got out early this week. We have 2 great teachers, and I love the language and am motivated to learn it, but it's so hard. For only being in class for 2 months, though, I am excited about how much I've learned to read. I still can't do much in terms of speaking and listening, but I know it takes time.
That afternoon I had a meeting with some fun friends from English club- Iveta, Nina, and Adriana. We went to a little cafe near campus for tea. It's been fun getting to know them through English club, and I hope we can hang out a lot more!
Wednesday- Every Wed morning is team Bible study and prayer. We are studying 1 Thessalonians together, but this week prayer went so long that we didn't have time for Bible study. That afternoon I met with my friend/language partner Petra. I met Petra knocking on doors in Medicka. She was translating some article into English for homework, and I mentioned that I am studying Slovak and would love help with the language. I was surprised at how excited she was to help me. The first time we met we just sat in a cafe and talked for 3 hours, and now we're meeting every week.
That night was Sports night at English club. I think the American football lesson went right over the Slovaks' heads but the discussion question time was great. We have a solid group of students coming consistently so that's very exciting.
After English club Pet'o brought his friend Radka over to my apartment and Bronny and I sat and talked with them about Slovak politics and whatever else til way too late. Long, fun day.
Thursday- Morning off so I went running with Mikey and Aaron. I've loved running with them this year. Keeps me accountable- if I say I'm going then I have to go. They also make me run longer than I would by myself. I love being able to just follow them and not have to think about where I'm going.
That afternoon I met with one of our leadership students, Zuzka. I met Zuzka during my first summer project here while she was still in high school. I love her! Then I met with my STINT coach, Julie Jones. Hugh and Julie are here for the week coaching and encouraging our team, and I think I've known them since I was born. They took the whole team out to dinner that night to Camelot, a restaurant that's decorated all medieval-ish.
Friday- Staff meeting all morning, language class all afternoon, and team social that night. It was my turn to plan the social, and I did a murder mystery dinner. It was so fun having the power to make a whole group of adults dress up and play make-believe! I'll add pictures later.
Today we hung around the apartment all day then took the train to Spisska Nova Ves for dinner at Nostalgia, an American-style restaurant. I can't believe I just wrote a whole novel about my week. I think it's really more for myself- I don't want to forget anything about this year. The past 3 months I have felt more cared for by the Lord, more overwhelmed by his goodness than I can ever remember before in my life. I am so grateful that he has brought me here!
