Our First Week In Prague
We’ve been in Prague for exactly one week! Although busy, it feels as though we’ve been here for much longer than seven days. Prague, I think, is slowly morphing into a temporary “home” rather than just a distant destination. {Click on pictures to enlarge and get description. All images shot on a Nikon D-90, 18-150mm}
The most spectacular side effect to spending several weeks in a new place instead of just a few days is that you actually get to integrate yourself into a culture. You are allowed to become more than just a passer-by. You are a part of what’s happening. You begin to learn the language. You recognize faces. You know how to get around, how to act in public, how to communicate, how to dress, and how to live. You develop friendships, and friendships are crucial to loving people.
Every day we wake with the sun; it sneaks upward around 5:30am. It’s an early start, but when your days are numbered, time becomes extremely valuable. Every moment is treasured. Every conversation is precious. Every step is brimming with purpose, and each day is truly an uprising of anticipation and adventure. This is how we are attempting to live in Prague—every day a journey into the unknown and unfamiliar.
We live just outside of downtown in a splendid yet simple house. The property has a front yard, back yard, green grass, flowers, and a garage. It’s a two story duplex type of structure. There is a full kitchen and two bathrooms. We are quickly becoming acquainted with the surrounding neighborhood, and we run, locally, every morning which helps with this a great deal. Some of our neighbors have even started smiling at us as we pass. Or maybe they just think we’re crazy. Either way…success.
The house is a three minute walk from the closest subway station. Prague’s public transportation system is stellar. There is no need for a car. We take the subway downtown, about a 15 minute trek, every day. In public, people are very quiet so we usually sit or stand in silence, whispering in hushed tones to one another if there is anything worth mentioning. Locals say they can identify the tourists by how loud they are in public. And it’s true; in local, public places you can hear the birds chirp and listen to the wind sing. There’s a certain peacefulness that accompanies the quiet in Prague, especially when enjoyed with a piping hot cup of espresso or morning, lemon tea.
We are missionaries. I am overwhelmed by joy today because I know that my week will be full of opportunities to tell others about Jesus. My time is fully dedicated to loving people. There is nothing greater for the Christ follower than this, I am convinced. I am here to follow Christ wherever He leads. I am here to share the gospel, and it is my honor to be able to share with others the story of true Love. I am fully alive when I am committed to sharing His love with others. And today, I am fully alive.
We are eating a lot of cheese. The food here is quite good, and people are more than generous when it comes to feeding new comers like us. This morning we made our first successful trip to the grocery store. The architecture here is like a dream. The buildings are not tall or glassy but thick, deep and intricately carved. It’s easy to get lost and more fun when we are. Journeys aren’t as much fun when you always know where you’re going.
George and Cindy Swain have been missionaries here for 17 years, and they have done incredible work. There impact resonates throughout the city. We’ve been working with them this past week—learning their ways; watching their every move; talking and praying with them daily; and living in their house. They are English teachers at a downtown language center for Czech students who choose to take additional English training outside of their normal course load. The school, of course, is more than a language center. Its chief purpose is to share the love of Christ.
The Swains left today to go back to the States, so we are currently by ourselves in this foreign land. We are by ourselves, yet we are far from being alone. We’re preparing to take over their language classes and one-on-one, English tutoring sessions. We will be leading and teaching their house church, which meets twice on Sunday and once on Wednesday, as well. Please pray. Pray for us as we attempt to communicate the gospel to people who speak a completely unique language, one that we are only slightly familiar with. Please pray as we work to grow the church in Prague.
Pray for us as we share life with many young people who have never been friends with a genuine Christ follower, with someone who proclaims Christ as something more than a boring ritual or symbolic, graveyard marker. The concept of following Jesus is beyond the realms of mysterious to them, but we believe there is life in knowing Jesus. And we believe He can soften even the hardest of hearts.
We {Love} You. Thanks for your prayers.
13 Comments
You’re both in my prayers and on my mind constantly. I miss you guys, but I know you’re doing something you’re both incredibly passionate about. Know that God is working through you not only in Prague, but here, too! Thanks for your leadership and outstanding example of what it means to listen to His call to be sent.
Stephanie,
Thank you so much! Thank you for your prayers, and know that we deeply miss you too. We think of you all often, and will continue to keep you in our prayers.
What a wonderful visit I just had with you two in Prague- your thoughts and pictures make you not quite so far away. I too am praying expectantly that the Lord makes his presence known through both of your lives. We are so proud of you-
Deb and Steve
Reflecting on your statement that, “Journeys aren’t as much fun when you always know where you’re going.”
Tonight my oldest son Elijah and I were on the front porch eating burgers together talking. A young man road his bike past our house as I commented, “Look at him bookin it. He is really hustling.” Elijah responded with, “I wonder where he is going?” While I focus on the immediate and the effort, his fascination was in the mystery of the journey.
Not knowing where everything leads leaves the mind to wander in mystery. So easy to get so focused in what’s immediately in front of us and lose the mystery of the where it may be leading.
In studying Colossians 4:2-6 for Sunday, I was again reminded of the vast mystery of the Gospel that we proclaim. As you’re continuing to experience in Prague, a Gospel centered journey is full of mystery and wonder.
Indy Metro is praying for you. Love to you both from us.
Debbie,
Thank ýou so much for ýour praýers. We will praý likewise. We look forward to seeing ýou soon. :-)
Aaron,
Great storý! Thanks for sharing. Elijah is wise beýond his ýears. We are fullý embracing and enjoýing the journeý and all the mýsterý it holds here in Prague, thus far. Thanks for ýour praýers and for the support from everýone at Indý Metro Church. It is so encouraging to know that ýou are with us and for us. Thanks for the love. I know we are learning and experiencing much that will help us during our time in Indý, as well. I am excited to reconnect, and I am looking forward to catching the pod casts on Colossians!
after waiting over twenty four hours for the pictures to download I finally got to look at most of them, I like the one of you two the best, thanks for sending them and writing about them. The time in Prague will go really fast especially since you are so busy so enjoy every minute, each other and every person you meet, Love you guys, Tisa
Wow! Over 24 hours? That’s dedication. :) I think maybe you should look at them from a higher speed connection. Yikes. Thanks for being patient! haha We will enjoy every moment, and there are lots more pictures to come. We are truly loving being here and the people. Love you too!
Hey guys! I loved your pictures! It looks absolutely beautiful over there. I am so glad that you are having a great time and it sure sounds like you both are doing great with God’s work. Blessings to the both of you and hope to see you soon!
Hannah! Thanks for the encouraging comment. We are doing well, and we are enjoying Prague to the fullest. Our work here is challenging and tiring, but we are satisfied. We hope to see you soon, as well!
Parke-Quinn: I’m having more trouble than Mom getting the Pics to download. I’ve got dial up. As i write this, still haven’t seen them. maybe by tomorrow morning I will. You are great ambassadors for Christ. Getting a small feel for what Paul went through ( don’t get ship wrecked or thrown into prison). G Ma and I are praying for you daily. miss you. lots of love G Pa
Yeah dial-up could be an issue. :) Maybe the library would be better? Thanks for your encouraging words and prayers. They are much needed, and we find great joy in knowing that we are not alone over here in Prague. So many are praying, I am confident that the Lord will hear your requests and guide us in our time for His purposes. I wonder, quite often, what it was like for Paul. There is much we can learn from him and his missions. No signs of getting thrown in jail quite yet (although we have gotten yelled at a few times by train conductors), and we don’t anticipate getting onto any boats :) However, troubles and challenges are always part of life. If it’s easy or comfortable all the time, then we’re probably not doing something right.
Thanks again for everything. Hope those pics download soon :) We love you.
Hi Parke & Quinn! Just read through your blogs and enjoyed the great photos. Sorry I didn’t get to meet you when you were over here – but it’s still a long way from London to Prague. You both showed so much courage in coming to work in that city, with Swains leaving shortly thereafter. Thanks for your hard work. Have you sent feedback to anyone at GBIM about your time there? If not, could you write down some impressions and send them to me? Cheers. Praying as you digest your experience and discern what the next step in your journey will be. Bless, Tom B
Thanks Tom. It was quite the experience. I’ve been hashing it out and reliving a lot of it with Jennifer Christenberry and John Ward. They’ve been wonderful through our transition back. Of course, we’ve gotten to share with friends and family, as well. I would love to write some thoughts and get them to you soon. Let me see what I can come up with :) Thanks again for everything. It was great meeting the Swains and working in Prague for a season. We look forward to what the Lord has for us.