v Září...

In September.... I leave again. :-) The 9th, if all goes well.

I am studying abroad in Prague (Praha) for the fall semester. I will return the 19th of December. While the obvious, external purpose of this trip is for academics, I want to use this as an opportunity to learn about the country I hope my future ministry will be in. I am diverting from my music education degree for a semester and taking these classes to learn about Czech:

• Elementary Czech (language-hoping to move up to intermediate!)
• Cultural History of the Czech Lands
• Philosophy in Central Europe
• Comparitive Government of Central and Eastern Europe

I hope to meet many new people through school, both Czechs and people from around the world. :-) I will be assigned a "buddy" who will pick me up from the airport and help me out the first few days and also be at my disposal to help me or just hang out with. I have no idea who that will be and perhaps I will have an opportunity with that person too. Either way I should have plenty of opportunity to meet people and I hope the Lord provides opportunity in that. :-)

I hope to get involved in a local church as well. As of right now I have no idea which one but it will work out. :-) My friend from Vsetín, Iva, is connecting me with her best friend in Prague who is a Christian and loves the outdoors as well. :-) So I am really looking forward to that and perhaps a church body will also come along with this new friend.

I also hope to travel to Vsetín occasionally to begin being involved with the youth group at CB church there. The youth there are where my heart lies with ministry and this is also the church through which the English camps are done. I went to this church during my month in Vsetín this past winter. I have already had an offer of a place to stay, so it is great to see that my return is desired even a little bit. :-) I am really looking forward to spending time with the kids and seeing the ones who have recently come to Christ and reaching out to those who havent. If this is truly where God wants me then I look forward VERY much to beginning that ministry!

Alright, I have a few prayer requests.

• Lufthansa, my airlines, is currently being affected by a widespread strike. It is uncertain how long this strike will last so there is still a possibility that it will affect my flight. Please pray that the strike ends soon or that the Lord provides another way that isnt draining on my bank account.
• I am trying to learn the Czech language as much as I can before I get there. Progress is good but I want to be able to successfully communicate on my own as much as possible. Speaking the language is an excellent way to reach out to the Czech people and gain their trust. :-)
• Pray for me to find a good, strong church with either services in English or a friend who can translate for me. pray that I find ministry to be involved in and don't use my 3 months in the Czech Republic wastefully but as purposefully as possible.

I have a few praises as well!

• for a 500-dollar scholarship toward studying abroad! This is a huge praise and I honestly have no idea, besides His hand working, how I would be chosen for this scholarship. :-)
• for the opportunity I have had to work this summer to save money towards this trip as well as future ministry.
• for the connections I am beginning to get in Prague even 45 days away from departure. :-)

Thank you for your prayers! I will be posting updates much more frequently when I am in Prague. And pictures-fotky. :-D