I frequently go back and forth in thinking it is completely surreal and completely normal to be actually living in Letovice and doing the passion God has given me to reach this community each day. It has been fun to watch as friendships have grown these past couple months and to think about all the ways I see God continually moving through this city.
The weather is now colder and some days have become quite dreary with fog, overcast, and rain; however, this does not prevent us from still exploring outside! Last week, two of my (former) host sisters and I went on a biking adventure all throughout the city. The girls are homeschooled, and their mom wanted them to practice reading a map, using a compass, identifying "landmarks" in their city, and learning the history of the place they live. Naturally, we were so excited for the adventure that we forgot the backpack with our snacks and hot tea at the first stop! No one realized it until we were on the other side of town, but we still had our map, the questions their mom had made for them to answer along the way, and a pen, so we continued on the journey and eventually looped back around for the backpack we left on the town square. Even in the rain and wind, the girls and I had a wonderful morning together!
City Adventure
Last weekend, we had our Birthday Party event! We all joined together with the Club kids, Youth Group, and Kid's Bible Class to create a memorable, full party. The theme we chose for the birthday party was Musicians, so we had many activities surrounding this theme with costume contests, dance parties, photo booth pictures, a concert from a "local band" (the youth pastor and some friends lip-syncing), and a Skype call with Envej, a Czech Christian Musician, who shared his testimony with the group! It was a great night with many friends and really just lots of fun.
If you want to hear one of Envej's songs, here is the link! The chorus is in English :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lHe8UEDVbM
Birthday Party Group
Photo Booth Modeling
My Kid's English Class seems to be growing by the week as more and more kids are interested in coming to class! One mom of two of my students told me that her boys were distressed that they were five minutes late to one class because of a doctor appointment since they don't want to miss a minute of it. Another parent said his son asked if he still has to go to English at school because if he can chose, he prefers my class. Additionally, one girl told me her English teacher at school can sometimes be really strict and she gets nervous speaking English in her class, so she likes that my class is less pressure to speak perfectly, rather encourages speaking through games. While my class is designed to be more similar to an "English Club" (extracurricular with no tests, accountability with studying vocabulary, and opportunities to practice using English), it brings me so much joy knowing the kids enjoy the class and are having fun while learning. God is definitely allowing His love to shine through to these kids!
Sitting, Standing, or On the Floor - All Focused Learners!
Practicing Basic English Phrases
I can definitely tell that the kids are stuck inside classrooms all day because by the time they get to club, their bottled energy seems to burst through! Club time has recently consisted of kids chasing each other, foosball and computer car racing competitions, wrestling matches, and jumping on the bouncy castle. I only spend one day in Boskovice Club because my English Class is during the other time the club is open, but I am starting to remember some of the kid's names and love jumping into games to get to know the kids. I am excited how God is beginning to build these relationships with the kids as I pray He continues to use us to share His love with them!
Playing Games
Foosball Competition
When the Kids Wrestle with the Half-Leaders...
Boskovice Club Time
Our Kid's Bible Class recently started a study of the Gospel of Mark, and I was in charge of the games for yesterday! I had a fun time connecting the games with the first chapter of Mark as they worked together to make it through a blindfold challenge (representing God sending Jesus to lead his people, Mk 1:2-3) as well as looking for a hidden "praying Jesus" in the classroom (since Jesus often went to a secret place to pray and the disciples looked for him, Mk 1:35-37). I know the kids enjoyed the games, and I hope they also remember the connection to the gospel through the games as well. Yesterday, I was also asked to give the teaching at Youth Group. God nudged me to continue the topic I had started of having deep roots in Christ; however, yesterday, we looked at how we develop deeper roots. I talked about how a plant needs water to not only grow, but to stay alive. Without water, the plant doesn't simply stop growing, it begins to die. I related this to our walk with God and also shared some life experience stories as well.
Kid's Bible Study
Blindfold Challenge
The days here are simultaneously routine and unique, and I am finding I love this place and these kids more and more each day! God has clearly developed a passion for His glory!