The alarm went off at 5:00 this morning. Thunder was rumbling outside, and I hit the snooze button more than once, trying to convince my body that it was ready to move. A slight sore throat reminded me of the cut grass and hay fields we walked through earlier this week — Czech summers have their own way of greeting you.

But today was our temporary exodus from the house under the bell, so I pulled myself together. After a short time of thankfulness and a few minutes in the Word, I found myself writing a poem about Christ’s light overcoming the darkness of depression. It’s autobiographical — especially connected to some of the struggles I faced during last year’s mission trip. (If you’ve been following this blog, you know that story well.)

Morning emails came next: exchanges with our realtor and our lawyer about the apartment we hope to purchase. In the Czech Republic, lawyers are virtually required for this process, so the inbox fills quickly.

Breakfast was simple — coffee, cheese, and a little lunchmeat — and then Anna and I headed out with three Josiah Venture missionaries toward the Krakow airport. Our ride was filled with encouraging conversation about relationships, ministry, and life in general. It was one of those drives where the miles pass quietly because the company is good.

Traffic around the airport was terrible, but we arrived just in time to greet the FBC team as they stepped into Poland. They were followed by teams from Vale, Colorado and Huntington Beach, California. We had plenty of time to unwind at the airport and enjoy some group fellowship before boarding the bus back to Czechia.

Meanwhile, Chris and the rest of the family were ferried to Malenovice — our camp location — in two separate trips by our friend Radek. The bus ride took over two hours, but most of the team was too jet‑lagged to do anything but rest. The main exceptions were Jamie, Anna, and occasionally Jacob, who were playing a loud card game in the back of the bus. Some things never change.

About thirty minutes from camp, we took a mandated 45‑minute rest break for the bus driver. This gave the FBC team their first taste of Czech gas‑station culture. I served as the coin purse, handing out 10‑crown coins to anyone who needed to use the toilets — a true cross‑cultural moment.

When we finally arrived at camp, we were greeted by JV interns and staff who helped guide our weary travelers to their cabins. I found Chris hard at work in the kitchen, and Leah and Noah were serving gulas prepared by the hotel kitchen. After dinner, most people drifted off to their rooms. Morning begins early at 7:00.

I ended the day with more emails — lawyer and realtor again — and it looks like I may be making a quick trip back to Český Těšín tomorrow. But that’s a story for another day.

Today was the day before everything begins — full of movement, full of people, full of small mercies. And through it all, God carried us.

Thanks for following along.  Your prayers and encouragements remind us that we walk in this mission together.
Caio,
Pastor Doug