Life in Czech

At our training in May, we learned a lot of things. One is that at most, we'll function at 60% while living overseas. I feel like 60% would be nice to get to right now. I've been losing things which is uncharacteristically Andrea, and all the emotions of being here is overwhelming and chaotic.

My friend from the training, Mary Beth, described the paradox of living overseas on her blog, which you can read here. Life is a series of "yay ducks" and "yuck ducks" which make a "pair o' ducks" - or a paradox. A few days full of tears, and a few days full of life. Through it all, Psalm 139 has been the theme.

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

 Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

I've been asking God to confirm my calling here, because it's so hard to see it when everything about living here seems so hard. And He has confirmed it, through giving me new students to meet with and allowing me to see how He's moving in Czech.

So, not to leave on a "yuck duck" note, here are some yay ducks I've had since I've been here!

Vera is a Czech who lives in Canada. She has been praying for me and
supporting me for the last three years. Our paths finally crossed,
and I brought her to my girl's group to share her story

After English Camp, we have follow up activities. I
 got to see more of the students!

Petrunda and I took a mini road trip to pick up the hospitalized
Americans and take them to Prague!

Then we got to hang out with the Americans in Prague, which is exactly what I needed,

My friends Petr & Petra let my roommate, Eliska, and I come stay at their home for a night.
It was the most relaxing, enjoyable time I could have had right
when I needed it. Plus I got to enjoy my favorite ice cream!