Traveling by myself was a new experience, but the people I met on the flights and on the train were all wonderful. I even got to connect with two great friends in Prague, who helped me from the airport to the train. I am so blessed to have friends all around!
When I finally got to Letovice, the youth pastor was waiting for me at the train station. We went back to the church and talked about different planning and scheduling things - it was great to finally talk in person after months of online messages! We then went to my host family's home and my host parents, their daughter, and the daughter's five kids were waiting to say hello. I knew the family already, and I have actually stayed with the daughter's family before. The three oldest girls ran right up to me and we all hugged as I marveled at how much each one has grown. The fourth child, another little girl, kept looking at me skeptically from behind her grandmother and mother. She had a look in her eyes that said "I recognize you, but I don't know who you are or how you know all my older sisters." I just had to smile because by the time the kids had to go home, this little girl called out "goodbye" to me about at dozen times as she descended the staircase to the front door - she seems to be over the shyness. The fifth child was a joy to finally meet - a little boy about seven months old! I held him a few times and he seemed to enjoy when I held him, but it may be because my long hair and glasses were fun to try to grab!
As the afternoon turned into evening, I was able to talk with my host parents a bit more. It is almost like a game when we are trying to figure out what the other person is saying! Thankfully, they are already good at basic English - and the Czech-English dictionary added some character to the dinner centerpiece :)
Thanks to everyone who were praying for safe travels today. I am looking forward to tomorrow already to see what God has planned next in this adventure!