It is well after midnight on December 24th – Czech Christmas. Yesterday was a full day, but also a day of preparation for the Christmas Holiday. Czech’s celebrate first Christmas on the night of the 24th with gift giving and a traditional meal, and much like American Christmas, stores are closed on the holiday. So twice today we found ourselves at grocery stores buying supplies, and we squeezed in a quick trip to an ATM to grab the cash we needed to pay for our expenses for the camp and the apartment that we are staying in.
Speaking of the apartment – we are staying in communist-era block apartments. They are known for being closely packed living areas with very thin walls. We have not heard any neighbors, but one greeted me in English on the beginning of our day signaling perhaps that they heard us. The apartment has a narrow kitchen with a microwave oven and gas oven/cooktop combination a built-in countertop for eating, and ample cupboard and pantry space. A nice view looks out upon a grassy courtyard area that is shared by many apartment buildings. The other rooms include a living room – which may be a converted dining room, two bedrooms, a spare room, a mud room, shower and toilet. It is just enough space for the nine of us.
Now back to today (yesterday). We woke in the morning, had a quick breakfast and prepared for a hike up a nearby mountain – Javarovy. Students and families were invited, but we didn’t know how many to expect due most families preparing for Christmas. In the end we had two of the elders from the church (Marcel and David), and four other people from camp (plus a dog). It was a beautiful hike through snow-covered beach forests with very few other people on the trail. At the top we enjoyed a meal at the ski cottage (think chalet by American standards). Quincy was introduced to blueberry dumplings – giant balls of steamed dough filled with blueberries and topped with sugar, melted butter, and whipped cream. Here in the Czech Republic, this is a meal, not a dessert. Yet another reason to love this country!
On the way down from the mountain, we stopped at the Boszczyk’s cabin in the woods. It really needs to be seen to be understood. The facilities are able to hold over 40 people, has a full camp-sized kitchen, large dining hall, and multiple bedrooms with bunk beds. The cottage has been the home of many youth group retreats over the decades and many decisions to follow Christ have been made on its grounds.
This evening (yesterday actually), we had a follow-up “chill time” with the students at the normal youth group room for the church. There were no planned activities – just hang out together. I was really encouraged by many of the conversations that I had there as were the other members of our team. Explaining this is going to need to wait until tomorrow though because it is now after 2:00am.
Tomorrow I sleep in.
Please Pray for:
- Health for the team
- Rest for the team
- Preparations for American Christmas (Dec 25th)
- Continued mutual encouragement as we serve Christ here in Czech Republic