I will continue my recap of events up to this point. If you have not yet read my previous post about the unexpected, you may want to read it now (https://fbcaz.com/the-unexpected-june-30-2025-part-1/).
Saturday, June 28
We woke early on Saturday with the plan of repacking, and traveling to Český Těšín. This would involve a short walk to the metro station, a familiar metro trip to the Prague main train station, lunch before our train ride, then the four and a half hour trip to Český Těšín. When I booked the travel, I planned for the possibility that Sarah might be still feeling off from the air travel days before, and the fact that we would have fewer hands carrying luggage. My health condition, however, threw in another unexpected complication.
Saturday morning my kidney pain started returning – nothing severe, just a reminder that the stone was still present. Not wanting to have a painful attack while on a long train ride, I took some of the pain medication that was prescribed for me the day before. The nausea that proceeded, far outstripped any pain relief that I may have needed at the time. I’m thankful for my prepared wife, who came with a complete arsenal of anti-nausea solutions. I fear, however, I tested even those to the limit.
I love taking the Prague metro from place to place in the city. It is clean, fast, and efficient. This morning though, it was a blurry delerium of jostling and joltling. Beads of sweat formed on my upper lip, scalp and neck as I constantly prayed that God would help me lead the family to our next stop. When we arrived at the Prague main train station, I was spent. We assembled our luggage along a lesser-used wall of the station, then I tossed aside any semblance of dignity and collapsed onto the floor next to the pile of suitcases. The plan for a casual sit-down lunch was over. The next hour and fifteen minutes, I spent in the same position, almost motionless, all the while praying for guidance for what to do next.
While this was going on, Chris proceeded with the plan. She heroically found food for the kids, and purchased supplies that we would need, all the while trying to ignore the looks that her undignified husband was drawing from passer’s by. I should note that at this point it wasn’t clear to either of us if we would make it onto the train when the time came. In fact it wasn’t clear if we should have even left the hotel in the morning. She just kept moving forward, knowing from experience that God would make it clear when the time came.
When the time to board the train did arrive, God provided a pause in my nausea and enough energy to get the family on board. Sarah had a complication due to her condition, but was able to get to her seat with thanks from the family members. Soon after the train left the station, both Sarah and I were getting some much needed sleep.
Shortly after we arrived in the Český Těšín train station, we were greeted by Dori Mandrysz (one of the Czech missionaries who helped with VBS at Family Bible Church). Her and her brother, Mateusz, volunteered to transport us to our first home-away-from-home in Český Těšín. With only minor delays the entire family was soon settled and enjoying the comfort our own space thanks to the hospitality of Marcel and Sylvie Boszczyk (say Bohz-cheek) and their family.
I have asked my family for insights on what they think God showed them through our travels on Saturday, and Leah quickly responded:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)
We certainly started this trip with a plan in place, but God, saw fit to allow us to be tested by a few trials along the way. We are thankful for His goodness, not only in getting us where we are today, but also for being our guide and comfort every step of the way.
Thank you again for your continued prayers for us on this journey. I look forward to sharing more with you as we go. Until, next time, may the God of our salvation bless you with comfort, grace, and peace.