I arrived back in Czech almost a month ago after a six month furlough stateside. It is definitely an interesting time to be traveling, and many of those who were at the airport seemed to also be moving from one home to another (like in my situation). With many new regulations, such as required respirator masks for the flight I was on and negative tests within a set time before the flight. With the added stress of traveling during a pandemic, I was so happy to have very kind flight attendants and airport staff during the travels - especially since I had an extra flight than I normally do when traveling to and from Czech due to limited flights. (Although, one bonus with the limited number of travelers was the added leg-room I had on my longest flight and quick boarding meant we always left on time!) I spent the hours in flight reading and sleeping; I've learned I need little less than a good book and a pillow to keep me content for the trip - that and always lots of time spent in prayer during the traveling adventure. I was so happy to finally arrive in Czech without any travel complications, and our Mission Church pastor and wife graciously came to Prague so I didn't need to maneuver through the city with added luggage. I spent a couple days settling in back at home and waiting for my second round of negative test results before I was finally able to go outside again. Even then, there were many limitations, but recently we have experienced an even stricter lockdown.
Chicago at Dusk
It was beautiful outside the first week I was out of home quarantine after traveling, so I met with a few friends and students one-on-one outside as it was allowed. While I had prepared myself that the little kids would all be six months older and likely bigger, I completely forgot how fast 14 and 15-year-old boys grow! Every time I see a these 8th and 9th graders outside, I am surprised that they are taller than me! (Sometimes I stand on a sidewalk curb or step just to be a little taller, and they still have me beat... and their voices are all lower too!) The funny part is that I'm not the only one noticing, but because these students are still learning from home, everyone is noticing how tall the kids are when we finally get to see them! It was so fun getting to see some of the kids and all enjoying walks outside. Some of the Connect girls and I had great conversations about Bible Study and God. They were so encouraged and asked so many questions during our walk! It was exactly how I imagined the time back would be as I could connect with the students individually, though now we are still connecting only online with our students.
On a Walk in Sunny Letovice
A new mandate was passed by the Czech government that no longer allows for meetings, though we are hopeful that it will soon be better. The new mandate also includes wearing regulation filter masks and staying within the city boundary. While the new rules are the strictest we have yet seen, these kids are really resilient and greatly enjoy the time we all get to spend together online. Technology has been such a blessing as we get to connect with the students through video calls and messaging. I have also found it really helpful being on the same timezone as I get to jump in online more with the students and they have said even just knowing I am only across the city and not across the ocean helps them to feel like things are beginning to be a little more normal. (It has also been really helpful being on the same timezone when that one student writes in the morning that he has an English test in 10 minutes and needs a last minute cramming session!)
Enjoying online club
We are also using video calling to connect with the youth group on Friday evenings. It is a lot of fun for us to see many of the same kids who come to online club are also interested in youth group as a way to further stay in touch with us. I'm always happy for more time with these kids online!
While I would have normally been sad to again be in a strict lockdown after only being out of quarantine for a couple weeks, I was actually feeling a little under-the-weather for a few days and welcomed the time at home to simply rest and not be in contact with others. My great neighbors brought many meals to my door and other members of the church stopped by with juice, fruit, fresh honey, and eggs, and I knew God always sent these little gifts right when I needed it. Now feeling better, I'm looking forward to connecting even more with the kids through online platforms and finding more ways bring a little more joy into their days.
Back to normal morning routines - bunny, book, and coffee.
