Final Lessons and Goodbyes

I have been back in America for about a week, and I am excited I have been able to reconnect with my family and so many friends!  Yet, each day I am still reminded of how much I miss Letovice and the people I have become connected with there.  God has definitely placed a passion on my heart for all the people I have encountered on these trips to Czech.

My last week in Czech was packed with many activities and lots of goodbyes.  I spent time with friends, teaching English, and some more time at the pool with kids and friends. 

I taught three Adult English lessons before I flew back to the states.  We covered the topics of "Hobbies," "Relationships," and "Holidays and Traditions."  The class enjoyed talking about the hobbies they are involved in, matching relationships in a Go Fish-like card game, and comparing the differences between holidays in Czech and America.  Adult's Class was a new experience for me this year, but I have really enjoyed the time with this group of people, and I know I have grown as a teacher because of it! 

Acting Out Some Hobbies

Relationship Lesson

Traditions and Holidays Lesson

 

 I was also able to teach one last Children's English Class - however, most of the students who came to this last lesson were my good friends and translators, so we had lots of fun playing the games I had prepared.  I created this last lesson so that the students were a part of three American TV Shows.  We started with a scavenger hunt around the church in "The Amazing Race - Plan B Edition;" then, all the students participated in "Plan B's Got Talent;" finally, we finished class with a  "Family Feud" version of recalling English words beginning with a specific letter of the alphabet in 60 seconds.  Everyone seemed to enjoy this last lesson, and it was one of my favorites to teach! 

English Class

 

Plan B Club also surprised me with a goodbye gift  - one Milka Chocolate Bar for every month until I come back next summer!  It already looks great on my school desk surrounded by many other "Czech memories," and it will definitely be helpful for late night study snacks each month.  I will really miss all these students, but I am looking forward to seeing them again.

Chocolate Advent Calendar from Club

 

I could not have even considered this summer without all the support from everyone.  So many people were a part of this mission as they encouraged me, prayed for the mission, and helped financially to allow me to go to Czech.  The leadership team in the Czech church and youth group were also very helpful as they made me feel a part of the church, helped organize activities, and translated endlessly throughout the summer.  One last major support system this summer was my host family, and I am so thankful for all the ways they made me a part of their family for three months.

With My Host Family

 

This summer in Czech was an experience of a lifetime.  I am amazed by all I saw God do throughout the summer to weave connections and intertwine stories so that his love is shared with so many people.  A couple days before I left Czech, I was sitting outside and noticed a bee near me pollinating the surrounding flowers.  It seemed that even though this bee was busy, he was gentle with each flower he touched.  He never stayed too long, but moved around to all the other flowers also.  I feel that my summer was like this bee's journey - gently sharing the love of Christ with many different people and pollinating lives for the Kingdom.  I look forward to see what God has planned next in this mission and eagerly wait to experience how he will continue to change and shape hearts.