03/25/2008
Right, I am not a man of few words, especially when given no agenda and a podium. Perhaps there will be an audience too. Prague was amazing; a beautiful city, great friends, and the best way to begin a mission trip. The shifting time zones have me more confused about how to keep everyone up to speed on my chronologic as well as geographic location.
As the plane heads only slightly east, there is a two time zone shift. Yet, Europe does not have day light savings time until March 30th, in the States we had it on the 9th, and well in Africa they just don’t have it. So, Dallas is GMT – 6, Prague is GMT + 1, and most of Africa is GMT + 3, calculate the differences of springing forward on the 9th, not yet until the 30th, and then those who just don’t…..basically….it’s tomorrow here. Unless of course you’re my brother Kevin, then he’s….like….extra tomorrow in Bangkok.
Enough of that…..Prague….
First of all, it really isn’t Russia; a point to remember when talking with locals and trying to make friends. Even more difficult is that it is also no longer Czechoslovakia. It is the Czech Republic. Both of these lessons I feel fortunate enough to have picked up without insulting anyone.
Seeing the Miller’s was great. Other than a few hours at the annual IICS dinner in Dallas a few months ago, it has been almost 2 years. Their boys have definitely picked up on ice hockey. They are doing really well, and they made realize that I cannot ice skate to save my life. Easter in Prague was very interesting. The Miller’s attend a great international church not far from where they live. It was interested to be around so many people from all over the world who truly love Christ and most of them are in Prague on mission work as well. On two occasions we went to either lunch or dinner at friends houses.
One was a great couple who has a son in the same hockey league. The couple grew up, in then, Czechoslovakia as part of the Soviet Union. They met at a demonstration prior to the Velvet Revolution, and both had some very unique stories about that time in history, and well….I’ll just leave it at that.
The second gave us the distinct honor of not only learning cricket, but playing cricket in the snow. I can understand the rules a bit more now and it was a lot of fun. I’ll look into a league in Yei. We spent Easter Sunday after church with them and had a great time. We were blessed with stories from their few years in China and how they are adapting to life in Prague.
I don’t want to ramble on, so I’ll leave you all with these thoughts….which means perhaps another page. Tell you what, I won’t edit this part out and let’s see how long I can ramble on.
Prague, considered the most atheistic society in Europe. By definition, I would say more agnostic. A rich history of religion, politics, war, crusades, art, and literature; just to name a few. Combine a few of those examples and you could begin to understand the cultures views on religion especially anything associated in the slightest with Christianity. Prayers for forgiveness seem appropriate, but let’s see how God places Prague on your heart.
One difference between the Czech culture and ours in the States; the Czech’s are very formal in how they talk with one another. It is only after careful consideration that someone you might have known for years could pull you aside for a brief conversation; that, simply enough gives you permission to begin using their first name and talking with each other less formally. Until then, everyone refers to each other by their last name and greets with very formal “hellos”. I had an idea in my mind of the gratitude someone could feel once given this permission, which truly defines a strong friendship and symbolizes respect for them as a person of character. Also, the time and mental energy someone might feel before initiating this conversation…..hmmm….just a thought. The lack of formalities back home is very nice, but as we move in one direction we will lose something in the other.
So, this got me thinkin’….
It reminded me of the relationship I feel that I have with God. We are all people of character, and He is asking each and every one of us to address Him in any way we can. Yet, it was up to me to ask Him. After much consideration, I did, and many of you have. I can remember feeling great. Since that day I still feel good, but it has been replaced with an overwhelming peace. If you would like, think back to how that time made you feel or if it hasn’t yet.
I’m writing on this on the plane to Entebbe, Uganda. I’ll be there until noonish (my time) Thursday when the next plane to Yei, Sudan departs.
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