Coyans in the Czech Republic

2010-10-07T06:29:00.000+02:00

journey towards wisdom

day 5

Watch your step when you enter God's house.

Enter to learn. That's far better than mindlessly offering

a sacrifice, doing more harm than good.

Ecclesiastes 5:1

As a lazy person, it is far easier for me to mindlessly offer something than to seek to change and take the steps to change. Usually change requires effort and a humility that I often don't possess. Am I willing to admit that I don't measure up and that I require improvement? Am I willing to concede that I don't know it all and have much to learn? Do I recognize that God does not want to leave me in my current state, but instead wants to mold me into something useable that glorifies Him?

Help me, God, My Father, to own up to the fact that I need you. That my offerings and sacrifices mean less when I refuse to change, to repent and walk your way. Change me, change my heart and make me new. Help me to be teachable and strip away my pride. Amen.

2010-10-05T06:40:00.000+02:00

journey towards wisdom

day 4

It's better to have a partner than go it alone.

Share the work, share the wealth.

And if one falls down, the other helps,

But if there's no one to help, tough!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

I could not have survived this last month without hiking in the woods with Danny. Getting out of the house, away from work, removed from the problematic situations and exercising does wonders. But the key to it is the time I get to spend alone with Danny just talking. He is a great support to me, an experienced sounding board and really wise when dispensing advice. I go to him when I have troubles because I know I am not strong enough to bear it alone, nor wise enough to sort it on my own. God is my refuge, my tower of strength and Danny is my partner on this earth. Together we work and we lift each other up when one is stumbling. There is joy in knowing that there is always someone who's got your back.

2010-10-03T09:34:00.000+02:00

journey towards wisdom

day 3

I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.

Whatever was, is.

Whatever will be, is.

That's how it always is with God.

Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

God's plan is His plan. No ammendments, additions or subtractions necessary. My input isn't required, thank you very much. I can try to get around His plan, but I always seem to come back to it. I needn't understand or constantly have things explained to me. My questions, doubts and fears are dispelled as I trust in Him. He is good, righteous, loving and wise. He is a mystery and will not conform to my idea of what He should be or how He should behave. My mind knows only humanness and therefore cannot possibly comprehend His goodness and love. I have decided to shut up and follow.

2010-09-29T06:35:00.000+02:00

journey towards wisdom

day 2

Then I took a good look at everything I'd done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing.

Ecclesiastes 2:11

My self worth is wrapped up in what I accomplish. On a good day I have done much and feel worthy of praise for my deeds. On a bad day I accomplish little and feel worthless.

Two things are wrong with this: my works, good or bad are not worthy of anything. My deeds, no matter how noble and selfless they are, still come from me, a sinner whose purest intentions are still tainted. My self worth is poorly placed.
Doing good so that I might receive some praise or reward is sin. All that I do should be to His glory. He must be magnified, I, diminished. For only He is worthy of praise and any good that comes from me was first given by Him. All good originates from God. It is all His and to Him credit is due.

My sweat and hard work is purposeless unless I am following God and working towards His goals. Then everything I do is infused with His purpose and glorifies Him.

Where is my self-worth coming from and for whom am I striving to glorify with my work?

2010-09-28T15:12:00.000+02:00

journey towards wisdom

day 1

I said to myself, "I know more and I'm wiser than anyone before me in Jerusalem. I've stockpiled wisdom and knowledge." What I've finally concluded is that so-called wisdom and knowledge are mindless and witless—

nothing but spitting into the wind.

Ecclesiastes 1:16-17

For a long time now I have felt far away from God, as if there was a clear film surrounding me. I could see where I wanted to be but not break through the barrier. It was causing me frustration and a general sense that my spirit was suffering, starving, drying up, and I could see the effects of it. Krista was coming through more often...the girl that I think is so cool and smart, so self-confident, but not good. Only God is good. During this season, I have been praying and seeking Him, not feeling anything, but still praying. Wanting. Waiting. Asking to be drawn closer.
God has answered my prayer, but in a far different way than I would have expected. A harder way. A beautiful way. My life is hardship for a time and I see that this is necessary for me so that I might run into His arms and be comforted. I seek after Him morning and night because it is a matter of survival. I cry out for wisdom so the day's challenges can be met. I am thankful beyond understanding for the answer to prayer.
God is taking me on a journey towards wisdom. A journey towards a closer walk with Him. He has brought me through the book of Ecclesiastes, day by day and His word is changing me. It is cutting me open and revealing the cancerous mass that needs to be removed.
I am sick, flawed, imperfect. My own so-called wisdom and knowledge no longer makes the grade. It must be admitted, repented of and turned away from. Journey with me towards wisdom and ultimately, change.

2010-09-22T06:37:00.001+02:00

spoken gratitude

1. the IT Crowd...a fabulous British comedy program (programme, sorry). Moss and Roy are brilliant and completely mental!

2. our walking stick insect, Mr. Bean, laid eggs. We should be the happy parents of 200 new baby stick insects soon!

3. Scriffers coming home, like the Prodigal Cat. (He's happily purring curled up on my lap as I type this)

4. crisp autumn wind with blue skies and huge puffy white clouds.

5. dukatové buchtičky....yummy! (small sweet yeast biscuits in custard)

6. Free Cookie Tuesday at work...toll house cookies were featured yesterday. Plus, I received a coupon for a free mocha at the "cafe" for answering a question right at staff meeting. Score!

7.

8. laughing out loud with our friends at our Bible study group, and fro new members coming.

9. making smores in front of the fireplace.

10. "Mame-shiba" japanese cartoon infomercials.

2010-09-21T15:41:00.001+02:00

daybook

september 21

Outside my window...perfect blue skies with large puffy white clouds, a chilly fall breeze that brings with it that singular spicy Autumn scent. And at night, BATS...hundreds of bats eating the mosquitos. It is a sight to see.

From the kitchen...Bekah's semi-homemade peanut butter cake with peanut butter-maple pecan icing. Yummy!

I am thankful for...an understanding husband who listens to me and tries to ehlp me with my problems.

A thought I am pondering...We work to feed our appetites; meanwhile our souls go hungry. Ecclesiastes 6:7

I'm going...

I am reading..."Soul Cravings" by Erwin McManus. It talks about what we as humans desire and how to find fulfillment. It breaks the desires down into categories and we will be exploring each category with our Bible study group. http://erwinmcmanus.com/soulcravings/

I am hearing...a happy cat purring on my lap. We are glad Scriffers is home.

Around the house...mosquitos. Every night they swarm around our heads...but don't bite...why? I guess they are just coming in to escape the outdoor buffet set up by the bats.

I am hoping...

A few plans for the rest of the week: ~~checking out the new Marks and Spencer store in the city.~~ Marks and Spencer was amazing. It is like having an awesome Macy'sand Target rolled into one, sort of. A wonderful thing to have here and a bit of a vacation...you forget that you aren't in America until you step up to pay and the cashier is talking to you in Czech.

A picture thought I am sharing:

Civilisation! Yeah, baby!!

2010-09-20T17:25:00.000+02:00

new beginnings

monday morning

Roxie asked when the weekend will be over so she could go back to school.

Rebekah readily admits that she looks forward to going to school.

We all look forward to school lunches.

God can change my heart to desire only Him.

Our cat was lost and now is found.

Broken or hurting relationships can be mended.

2010-09-20T17:19:00.000+02:00

collecting miracles

he heard our cry

Scriffers has been missing for over a month. We have really missed him. This morning, after devotions and prayer time before school, Roxie asked if she could pray, too. She said, "God, please bring Scriffers back." Not a minute later, a minute, Scriffers was at our back door meowing. A true miracle for our family.

2010-09-17T06:33:00.001+02:00

soulcravings

meaning

Our Bible study group meets tonight for the first time after the summer holidays. This semester we will be talking about how our soul was created to crave, to seek out the one who loves us most. But these cravings for love, intimacy, destiny and meaning are often misinterpreted and other things or people are sought after to fulfill our soul's desires. In my own life I can think of many things that I have pursued even though I know only God can fill the emptiness. I am excited to walk on this path with the members of our Bible study group. We will be looking to answer the question, "What gives life meaning?".

When I look at what gives my life meaning, over and over again I see that I am a slave to my accomplishments. I feel less worthy, somehow, if I am not accomplishing something. As long as I have walked with God I have struggled with this. I am eager to share with you each week my journey to find the fulfillment to my soul's craving for meaning...this meaning comes from outside myself. My soul can only be satisfied when my eyes are on Him who taught my soul to crave.

Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus. It talks about what we as humans desire and how to find fulfillment. http://erwinmcmanus.com/soulcravings/

2010-09-15T18:12:00.000+02:00

daybook

september 14

Outside my window...heavy fog...leaves falling...change in the air...Welcome autumn!

From the kitchen...pretzel sticks...I am sick and can't eat anything but rice and pretzel sticks.
I am thankful for...Kindergarten Readiness Assessments.

A thought I am pondering...I've concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.
Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That's how it always is with God.
Ecclesiastes 3:14,15

I'm going...to go to bed early as I was up all night.
I am reading..."Soul Cravings" by Erwin McManus. It talks about what we as humans desire and how to find fulfillment. It breaks the desires down into categories and we will be exploring each category with our Bible study group. http://erwinmcmanus.com/soulcravings/

I am hearing...the dryer spinning round and round. Kind of a calming sound, eh?

Around the house...mosquitos. Every night they swarm around our heads...but don't bite...why?
I am hoping...that I don't get the flu Rebekah had. I was up all night with nausea and stomach cramping. We'll see how work goes today...

A few plans for the rest of the week: checking out the new Marks and Spencer store in the city.

A picture thought I am sharing:

Shall we go to Týn or Zahájí or Zliv?

2010-09-13T06:32:00.000+02:00

a day in the life...

tromping through the radish fields immediately past our garden gate

entering the forest which takes us up and down hills

on a path past fields of hay and hay bales stacked like pyramids

the corridor of cherry trees displaying the first fall colour

the entrance to the cornfields with the nuclear reactor in the background puffing away

hoping we are going in the right direction as we try to navigate our way through the cornfield

MMMM...corn

our destination, Olešník, the village of our mechanic and the place where our car is staying

2010-09-12T08:54:00.000+02:00

invitation to a changed life

asleep

Waiting to be kissed awake by Jesus. Wondering why it sometimes feels so wrong here. We were made for heaven, made for communion with God. Not made for mortality and sin, disease of heart, body and mind. Sleepwalking, realizing this isn't the big show. A dream, maybe. A prelude, most definitely. Who am I that He calls me His own. His child. The God of the universe, the benevolent creator of all that is good and holy, He who demands holiness, me a sinner who cannot stop. A match only perfected in Heaven. I reach out but I can't quite make it. Jesus bridges the gap that widens with my flaws. Abba Father never stops reaching, He never moves, He is constant. I move, I am fallible and flighty. But I want to come back, I want to be awake, but when it really matters, when I must be in the garden awake, praying, I sleep. I am always asleep. Wake me, O God. Wake me up.

2010-09-11T18:54:00.001+02:00

life in this republic

YOUCH!

Today Roxie and I were just hangin' in our jammies and robes watching funny videos on Youtube and eating breakfast. A fabulous way to spend a Saturday morning after a loooong week. Then we saw a bird flying outside our window, heard a loud thump and realized this poor bird thought coming into our house through a pane of glass was a good idea. Not so, little bird, not so.We looked out our window only to find Lil' Peeps stunned and immobile on the windowsill. Roxie is our resident animal rescue commando and went into action straight away. Alerting our naturalist neighbour, Hanka, Roxie proceeded to acquire from her the recommended procedure for the care of dazed and confused birdies. Gingerly, she picked up Lil' Peeps and carried him out to the backyard and sat with him, stroking his feathers. We caught a couple of shots and after a few minutes he flew away, none the worse for the wear. Huzzah!

2010-09-08T06:23:00.001+02:00

a few of my favourite things

11 rules your kids did not and will not learn in school

by Bill Gates

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

2010-09-07T16:18:00.000+02:00

daybook

september 7

Outside my window...3 degrees...leaves falling...change in the air...Welcome autumn!

From the kitchen...Chocolate cupcakes and lots of 'em! I am planning to bring everyone at school, teachers, admin staff, cleaners etc... a cupcake just to say thanks for the great job they are doing.

I am wearing...a super long camouflage skirt, white t-shirt, olive green camisole and olive green strappy heels.

I am thankful for...a classroom full of happy children.

A thought I am pondering...A Wife of Good Repute Proverbs 31

I'm going...to listen to my youngest daughter, Roxanne, read a book to me about aliens who tickle you to death with their 20 fingers...it's her homework...

I am reading..."Soul Cravings" by Erwin McManus. It talks about what we as humans desire and how to find fulfillment. It breaks the desires down into categories and we will be exploring each category with our Bible study group.

http://erwinmcmanus.com/soulcravings/

I am hearing...the dryer spinning round and round. Kind of a calming sound, eh?

Around the house...gardening. Every day I am doing a little more to prep for winter. This means digging up plants, turning over soil and adding compost. I think my pumpkins are full size now so I may pop them off their vines as well. Not sure.

I am hoping...that Rebekah feels better soon. She stayed at home today because she felt sick and I just came home from work to find her bundled up and shivering.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work, planning for October, gardening and playing board games with my girls in the evening. Oh, and then collapsing.

A picture thought I am sharing:

MMMM....cupcake...

2010-09-05T08:59:00.000+02:00

invitation to a changed life

greatness

I was born from Greatness

Therefore that makes me Great.

Today I will spread Love

Not hate

Not lies

Not violence

Just Love.

Today I will do more,

I will learn more,

I will be more

Than anyone ever thought I could.

Today I will strive for GREATNESS and nothing else.

Susan M. Green

When I first read this anthem of the Locke Elementary School in New York I thought how appropriate it is for all of us. God is Greatness. We are born from Him, created by Him to reflect His Greatness and His Love. How simple a plan for today, no lies, no hate, just LOVE. Today can we do a little more, learn a little more, BE a little more?

2010-09-01T06:27:00.000+02:00

daybook

august 31

Outside my window...cold, rainy, windy weather...what happened to summer. It truly feels like fall, just in time for back to school!!!
From the kitchen...banana bread. Dan made it as a surprise for us for breakfast this morning. He used all the bananas that were about to be deemed inedible and even put coconut in the mix. Thanks Danny!!

I am wearing...caramel pinstriped pants, a turquoise tank and shirt set, brown heels and a wooden and glass beaded necklace.

I am thankful for...that each day is a brand new start as yesterday didn't go so well as I had hoped.

A thought I am pondering...A Wife of Good Repute Proverbs 31

I'm going...to enjoy teaching my class and look forward to getting through this transition phase.
I am reading..."Soul Cravings" by Erwin McManus. It talks about what we as humans desire and how to find fulfillment. It breaks the desires down into categories and we will be exploring each category with our Bible study group.
http://erwinmcmanus.com/soulcravings/

I am hearing...logging trucks driving up and down the street by the forest.

Around the house...orderliness and cleanliness. I am being vigilant about the amount of chaos I can handle which is zero right now.

I am hoping...that I can really handle teaching my older kids all of their lessons while wrangling the toddlers with their pacifiers while they scream for their mommy.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work and collapsing.

A picture thought I am sharing:

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-28T09:19:00.001+02:00

life in this republic

Have you ever wondered if anyone in Europe remembers America's sacrifice in World War II? There is an answer in a small town in the Czech Republic. The town called Pilsen (Plzen).

Every five years Plzen conducts the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. May 6th, 2010 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd Army.

Pilsen is the town that every American should visit. Because..they love America and the American Soldier...

even 65 years later.......by the thousands the citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you...

lining the streets of Pilsen for miles.

From large crowds

To quiet reflective moments

This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on. At the time this 20 year old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory. For 65 straight years, Zdenka, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil'scrash site and memorial near her home.

On May 4th she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka's home town of Trhanova, Czech Republic, for her sacrifice and extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.

Another chapter in this important story.....the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.

American Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these children and their parents want autographs from.. Yes, Rock Stars ! ... As they patiently waited for his autograph, the respect this little Czech boy and his father have for our troops serving today was heartwarming and inspirational.

The Brian LaViolette Foundation will established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.

Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to General Patton's memory and their mission to liberate Europe. This award will be presented to a graduating senior who will be entering the military or a form of community service such as fireman, policeman, teaching or nursing, a cause greater than self. The student will be from one of the five high schools in Pilsen, Czech Republic.

The first award will be presented in May 2011 in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20 year old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII.

Presenting Virgil's award will be someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice... someone who looks a lot like Virgil

Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army - Air Corps. !!!

In closing... Here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of General Patton's grandson. George Patton Waters (another Rock Star!) we're proud to say, serves on Brian's Foundation board.

And it's front page news.. not buried in the middle of the social section..

Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka - 1st Deputy Chief of Staff - Ministry of Defense - Czech Armed Forces.

So please join this amazing journey....Come visit Pilsen in the Czech Republic during the first part of May 2011, it may also be a life changing experience for you.

(Thank you, Donna, for sending me this email)

2010-08-25T07:33:00.001+02:00

a few of my favourite things

dorval island

The memories of my summers spent with my mum and grandparents at their summer home on Dorval Island in the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada are crystal clear. Helping my Nana pick flowers in her huge garden, sitting on my Papa's lap while he read a story to me. He always smelled of Aqua Velva and martinis. We would also go to the dock and find frogs and bugs. A certain scent will cross my path and I am again five years old and grinding coffee in my Nana's grinder or drinking orange juice at her breakfast table or sitting on the dock with my Papa. I remember being spanked once by my Papa at the house. I don't remember what I did wrong, but I remember being really sad that I disappointed him. At their summer home I also had a really cool Playmobil set of the Knights of the Round Table complete with small plates and cutlery. I loved that set. Sometimes all of my cousins would be there. They were all teenagers when I was little so they were, of course, the coolest people alive. Even though these memories are like snapshots, they bring with them such peaceful feelings.

2010-08-24T17:55:00.000+02:00

daybook

august 24

Outside my window...wind blowing in heavy gray clouds bringing bursts of rain then a patch of blinding sunlight.

From the kitchen...nothing. We ate at school today as we were in seminars all day and the girls were at school playing with friends. So, we all gathered at the cafeteria at noon and sat down to the best lasagna this side of the Vltava River complete with bread, salad and to start, broccoli soup...YUMMY!

I am wearing...a ballet pink tank with ribboon rosettes all along the top, jean capris and high patent-leather wedge sandals with big roses on the toes

I am thankful for...my new co-workers welcoming me to the school so heartily.

A thought I am pondering...Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines or cheat orphans out of their property, for they have a powerful Advocate who will go to bat for them. Proverbs 23:10,11

I'm going...to fall asleep quickly tonight as I've worked hard today getting things ready and attending many seminars.

I am reading..."The Teaching Gap" by James Stigler and James Hiebert. This book contrasts the culture of classrooms and teaching in America, Japan and Germany...it is fascinating.

I am hearing...silence. The girls both have new books to read that they borrowed from their friends' house.

Around the house...orderliness and cleanliness. I am being vigilant about the amount of chaos I can handle which is zero right now.

I am hoping...that I can get everything finished by Friday afternoon in preparation for Monday morning as I have been given a few more jobs from the head of the primary school today.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work and collapsing.

A picture thought I am sharing:

First Day of School

2007

2010-08-22T18:14:00.000+02:00

Kuky Fan Club!

We went and saw the "Kuky Se Vraci" movie yesterday and it was an amazing film. The story was deep and dark and sweet and the acting was superb as was the production quality and musical score. I am hoping that it comes out here with English subtitles on DVD so we can send it to our family, I just know they would love it. It is best viewed in Czech as the intensity of the scenes would be lost somehow if dubbed, but with subtitles it would be perfect. This was the first time I have seen a Czech film and forgotten I wasn't a Czech speaker. It was almost as if it was in English...I was stoked. Above is a picture of the president of the Coyan chapter of the Kuky Fan Club.

2010-08-22T09:30:00.000+02:00

Roxanne Marcelle Coyan

Townshend International School model student

Form 4

2010-08-22T09:18:00.000+02:00

Happy Birthday, Opa!!!

We want to thank you for always cheering us on and for your constant encouragement and support. Knowing we can rely on your love and prayers is such a comfort to us when things get hard over here. Thank you for being such a great example of how to walk with God for a lifetime, for how to be faithful and kind and for being an excellent father, father-in-law and grandpa. We love you!!!

2010-08-21T08:54:00.002+02:00

life in this republic

kuky se vraci...kooky returns

Today we are going to see a film about a stuffed bear by acclaimed Czech director Jan Svěrák ("Kolya" his academy award winning film is amazing.) This film stars Jan's dad and son as does his film "Kolya". Roxie bought a Kuky doll and has even sewn a tuxedo for him to wear to his "premier" today. This Kuky is so cute but Czech animated films are not strictly kids' films...they are often dark and sarcastic, black humour, if you will. Fortunately, Czech kids are used to it. Here is a trailer I found subtitled correctly into English. A few I found were subtitled very poorly by someone who doesn't speak Czech. Our film today will have no subtitles, but we speak Czech OK. (if the film shows only a partial screen, click on it and it will take you to youtube where you can watch it full screen.)

2010-08-20T08:46:00.002+02:00

It's the first day of school, don't be late!!!

2010-08-20T08:43:00.000+02:00

you say goodbye and I say

hello, hello, hello

Today is my last day of summer vacation. It can't be...how did this happen? It is a gorgeous day outside. We will be going to the pool today, but only after the house has received its back to school spit and polish. This entails a thorough cleaning of cupboards, closets and refrigerator. Pretty much anything stationary will be molested with windex and papertowels and completely organized. Then off to the pool. We are ready for school to start. My lesson plans are done for the month of September, my classrooms and office cleaned, organized and decorated. (They look awesome! I will post pictures soon). I have written my scripts for the first 5 days of school and I am currently learning German so I can communicate with some of my students. Overachievers Anonymous, my name's Krista. The girls are very excited to go to their new school and later this weekend we will be going school supply shopping. Probably my favourite activity, ever. Starting Monday, I will be at work for teacher inservice training. I have no idea what to expect and am quite curious how they can fill an entire week with training, but as I am fully prepared for the first day of school I can sit back and enjoy the training. I am looking forward to it.

Townshend International School model student

Rebekah Gladys Coyan

Form 7

2010-08-13T08:37:00.000+02:00

What is your will for me, O God?

I await your plan.

I want to live only for you

and be guided by you always.

Grant that your holy will be done in me.

~St. Jane de Chantal

2010-08-12T07:34:00.000+02:00

under construction

I have been busily preparing for my new job as a Kindergarten teacher. Unfortunately, I left, sold or threw out everything from my 10 years of teaching. What a dope. So I have been remaking things, games, etc... for the last couple of weeks. Our dining room has looked like a stationery store exploded. Today Danny and I go in to set up my classroom, move furniture, clean and organize. Wish us luck!

2010-08-12T07:28:00.000+02:00

a few of my favourite things

friends

Gathering at Martina and Zbyněk's flat with new and old friends to celebrate the friendship of one who is leaving. Martina and Zbynda are sitting up front, Martina, my dear dear friend, heavy with their first child who should arrive any day now. Zbynda who is a kind and funny man and a great Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet. The pretty lady behind them is our friend Sothie, who is now in Singapore and I miss her. Sitting next to Sothie on her left is my new friend Honza, who makes Czech peasant food taste like it is fit for kings and sings opera and plays Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, all while painting beautiful pictures. Talented dude. Mala is the one in the yellow shirt next to me. She works at the international school so we will be working together. I am eager to get to know her better. Sothie's mum and husband are also pictured. Each freind we have is like a rare and precious pearl.

2010-08-09T17:32:00.001+02:00

Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

Thinking that most of the students in my new class will be Czech and will not speak any English does not daunt me in the least. I can help them transition into an English-only environment rather quickly and I can comfort them if they are scared and introduce them to the class rules and procedures because I speak Czech. Yesterday, however, I found out that about a third of my students will be German-only speakers. WOW. I speak no German save for a few swear words and a useful phrase calling someone a "diarrhea face". Even though this will be an English-only environment, I really feel like I need to pick up some German to be able to help "the littles" (my new nickname for my kids)feel comfortable and not afraid. My husband speaks some German and Rebekah has taken it this year and did really well and they will be tutoring me so that I can be prepared for the first day of school. It is very important to me that "the littles" feel OK. As far as communicating with the parents...Czech parents, no problem. Even though my Czech is by no means perfect, I can fully communicate in Czech. I just hope the German parents speak English or I will be pantomiming like an idiot.

2010-08-08T08:58:00.001+02:00

invitation to a changed life

words I needed to hear

"Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.

They'll help you live a long, long time,

a long life lived full and well.

Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.

Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.

Earn a reputation for living well

in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

he's the one who will keep you on track.

Don't assume that you know it all.

Run to God! Run from evil!

Your body will glow with health,

your very bones will vibrate with life!

Honor God with everything you own;

give him the first and the best.

Your barns will burst,

your wine vats will brim over.

But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;

don't sulk under his loving correction.

It's the child he loves that God corrects;

a father's delight is behind all this."

Proverbs 3:1-12

God's word speaks to me today as it has for my whole life. It is relevant, meaningful and cuts me to the bone revealing who I am and what I need to change as well as what He loves about me. I never regret taking time to open the scriptures. They affect me, God uses His word to communicate with me like a love letter sent over centuries. I learn who God is by reading His word and then opening my eyes to see His work in the world. I learn how to love by reading about His love and seeing His love in action.

2010-08-07T09:15:00.000+02:00

life in this republic

kyselo

Last Sunday we were at a friend's house for a goodbye party. My friends Martina and Zbyněk were throwing the party in honour of our friend, Sothie, who is moving back to Singapore. There were many friends there, some old and some new. I made a new friend that day. His name is Honza and he is an actor (he plays Mercutio in our Romeo and Juliet production at the castle), as well as an opera singer and a painter (he presented Sothie with a rendering of the square and fountain in České Budějovice...it is beautiful). He is also an incredible cook. He grew up in a remote mountainous region of the Czech Republic with many poor villages nestled in the valleys. These villagers were isolated and had only what they could produce themselves. He brought to the party a traditional dish from his village called "Kyselo". It was made with ingredients from his area, mushrooms from the forest near his village and so on."Kyselo" consists of mushrooms, eggs, potatoes, milk and yeast and spices. All things which a farmer and isolated villager would have. When his mum found out he was making it she called him to make sure that he had the recipe right because she didn't want him to mess it up thus causing her embarrasment. It was absolutely delicious. His mum would be proud.

2010-08-06T08:21:00.000+02:00

spoken gratitude

1. giving my daughters and a dear friend a pedicure

2. utilizing a bad weather day at home to get alot of work done for my new classroom

3. finding jeans that are long enough for me...I need a 34-35 inch inseam

4. reading Proverbs in the Bible every day

5. teaching French to my daughters and their friend

6. taking a nighttime hike throught the forest with flashlights and seeing the castle lit up and hearing opera singing coming from within as Romeo and Juliet is being played from the courtyard

7. New from Italy Nero orange sorbet ice cream bars covered in a thick creamy coating of dark chocolate... yummy

8. a cold cucumber for lunch...healthy

9. construction paper...a Kindergarten teacher's mainstay

10. writing my blog, which inspires me to think about my life and not just muddle through it

2010-08-05T09:23:00.002+02:00

Q&A

Question: Why did you change jobs and why are the girls going to a new school?

Answer: When we first came to live in the Czech Republic we had planned on putting the girls in the Czech public school system as a way for them to quickly learn the language. This was a priority for us as we knew that if we were going to live here for a long time learning the language was paramount. We also knew that having them in the public school system was an experiment and we didn't know quite how it would go especially with Rebekah as she was already 9 years old when we came and that was quite old to make such a transition. So, Roxie went off to Kindergarten and Rebekah to 3rd grade (both a grade lower than should have been because of language acquisition). For Roxie it has been really a good experience partly due to her age when we came and partly to her personality. She is like her dad and really easy going. Rebekah had more to overcome when we came because third grade here is when the fundamentals of this very difficult language are dissected and hammered into your head. A grade not to miss but a tough one to start with. She has done really well academically but hasn't been happy and this year was the hardest for her. This has been such a difficult process for her that we have spent the last two years wondering what to do. Praying, crying with her, frustrated. We know that God loves her and has a plan for her that is good, but we didn't know what or how.

When we first came to live here the plan was for me to teach a little bit at the language school with Dan and maybe head up a few ministries. A couple of months or so here and I was offered a job at the local public school as an English teacher. I was nervous about taking the job as I didn't yet speak Czech, but I was assured everything would be OK. My first year there was like a horrible nightmare and if I had known it would be this stressful and insane I would never have taken the job. But God used my ignorance of the situation to place me right where I needed to be and to make something amazing happen. Three years later I see why I was there. I speak the language, understand the culture, have become a stronger, less scared person, have been a light in a dark place and have really integrated into the community. I can say now that I love my job and my students and my co-workers and can do my job with confidence. I have learned so much and am thankful to have been dragged though the bowels and to have come out the other side.

A couple of weeks ago I was offered a job at the international school here in our village. Rebekah has always wanted to go to this school (she went there on an exchange program for a couple of weeks and fell in love and her best friends go there). We would have put her in the school when the Czech school started really getting to her but it is very expensive. We live month to month and even a small tuition we can't handle...and this is no small tuition.The job I was offered is kind of a dream job for me and one that I have great experience with and fits right into my skill set. Kindergarten teacher. At the Czech school I had 210 students in 8 grade levels and 13 individual classrooms. Teaching English and mostly trying to maintain order in Czech. This will be my own classroom (Oh, I have missed my own classroom) with no more than 12 students and in an English speaking environment. I was immediately interested in the job, not because I am unhappy with my current one, but as a teacher this would be for me personally more fulfilling. But I wouldn't change jobs just for that. We wanted to see if this was God's timing to get Rebekah out of her nightmare and into a bit of a happier place. The problem would be in that we would want the girls to be together so that would mean negotiating TWO scholarships. Remember, we can't afford any tuition. We had talked about keeping Roxanne at the Czech school as she is doing OK there, but I really had this sense that we needed to be together, plus I have noticed her English getting worse and if we ever return to the US I need her to be able to keep up in an American school. So I put out the test, knowing God would open this up for us or it would be clear that this is not the time. I really had to trust that He knows what is best and has a plan. We kept this all from the girls as I didn't want to give Rebekah hope only to tell her it didn't work out. I think that would be worse. When the final offer came in it was for a comparable salary and TWO scholarships. It was obvious. Our lives were changing, but it felt right. Peaceful. Knowing that God was making the way and we were following His path laid out for us.

It was difficult to tell my bosses that I was leaving. I have many friends there and love my students and my bosses are the best. Everyone has gone out of their way to help me there and I cried when I told them. But they have seen the way Rebekah has struggled and they all understand that this offer is perfect for us. But both of my bosses said to me that if ever I need anything to come to them and they would hire me back in a heartbeat. That was nice to hear. Having said that, I am totally stoked to teach Kindergarten. I am overflowing with ideas and I am really looking forward to it. And the girls are over the moon! Rebekah cried when we told her and she walks around now like a girl who just got out of prison and is tasting freedom. I think she struggled more than we know there. She is thankful that God has answered her prayers and can see why His timing is best. She was able to articulate to me why she thinks she spent three years in the Czech school...she really had to discover who she was there and she is stronger for having been there and had to rely on God through the lonliness.

On August 20th I start to work getting everything prepared and getting to know my new colleagues. On August 31 the girls will don their uniforms and accompany me to our new school, our new adventure.

We thank you God, for loving us, for caring for us, for walking us through difficult times and for lifting us up when we fall and can't go on. You are GOODNESS and LOVE and worthy of our praise and worship.

2010-08-02T08:36:00.000+02:00

camp coyan

a case of the doldrums

"The Doldrums—this zone is a band encircling the earth just north of the Equator. The region's light, shifting, and sometimes completely absent winds—are notorious for trapping sailing ships for days (or even weeks) without enough wind to power their sails.

Colloquially, to be in the doldrums, said especially of a person, is to be listless, despondent, inactive, stagnant, in a slump."

For the past couple of weeks we have not been having Camp Coyan due to various factors, a few being English Camp, inclement weather and the sorting of my new job and the girls' new school. Yesterday our ship arrived at The Doldrums and it sucked. A lot. It was discussed amongst the Camp Counselors and decided that the Head Counselor (me) was a genius (we already knew this) because her schedule worked so well at maintaining a course which completely avoids The Doldrums that her praises should be widely sung around the world. So beginning today, Camp Coyan is officially on again. And we are headed to more interesting waters.

2010-08-02T08:19:00.000+02:00

invitation to a changed life

come home

Hosea: O Israel, come back! Return to your God! You're down but you're not out.
Prepare your confession
and come back to God.
Pray to him,

Israel: "Take away our sin,
accept our confession.
Receive as restitution
our repentant prayers.
Assyria won't save us;
horses won't get us where we want to go.
We'll never again say 'our god'
to something we've made or made up.
You're our last hope.
Is it not true that in you the orphan finds mercy?"

Yaweh: "I will heal their waywardness.
I will love them lavishly. My anger is played out.I will make a fresh start with Israel.
He'll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.He'll put down deep oak tree roots,
he'll become a forest of oaks!He'll become splendid—like a giant sequoia,
his fragrance like a grove of cedars!
Those who live near him will be blessed by him, be blessed and prosper like golden grain.
Everyone will be talking about them,
spreading their fame as the vintage children of God. Ephraim is finished with gods that are no-gods. From now on I'm the one who answers and satisfies him. I am like a luxuriant fruit tree. Everything you need is to be found in me."

Hosea: If you want to live well,
make sure you understand all of this.
If you know what's good for you,
you'll learn this inside and out.
God's paths get you where you want to go.
Right-living people walk them easily;
wrong-living people are always tripping and stumbling.

Hosea 14

2010-08-01T09:40:00.002+02:00

life in this republic

puppet show

On the last evening of English Camp, every group put on a Talent Show. Roxie was insanely excited to have spent the week making puppets with her group and then put on a puppet show of "Bill Grogan's Goat". She loves her puppets that she made and was stoked to be able to bring them home. Funnily enough, our cat Scriffers, is terrified of the puppets.

Bill Grogan's Goat

Bill Grogan's Goat (repeat),

Was feelin' fine (repeat),

Ate three red shirts (repeat),

Right off the line (repeat).

Bill took a stick(repeat),

Gave him a whack (repeat),

And tied that goat (repeat),

To the railroad track (repeat).

The whistle blew! (repeat),

The train...grew...nigh (dramatic stretch)(repeat),

Bill Grogan's Goat (repeat),

Was doomed to die (repeat).

He heaved a sigh (repeat),

of...aw-ful...pain (dramatic stretch)repeat),

coughed up the shirts (repeat),

And flagged the train! (repeat).

2010-07-30T08:07:00.000+02:00

spoken gratitude

1. hearing my dad's voice after his successful cancer surgery

2. cuddling our cat, Scriffers

3. my new job as a kindergarten teacher

4. the tears of joy spilled by my daughters over the good news that they would be attending Townshend International School

5. dinner out with friends in a beautiful town called Trhové Sviny

6. having a good children's doctor in Hluboká

7. meeting many new co-workers who all seem really friendly and nice.

8. my dear friend Magda, who is the secretary of my old school, who is willing always to help me out. She is an amazing person wom I admire.

9. as I told my boss that I would be leaving the school to work elsewhere, hearing the words "come back to work with us whenever you want to, we want you back"

10. my God who blows me away with His love

(I have been writing in my gratitude journal everyday since January 1st. As of today I have 653 things that I am thankful for and it is a joy and a necessary reminder of every good and perfect gift from God.)

2010-07-30T07:44:00.000+02:00

a few of my favourite things

money...as bookmark

Right now, marking my place in my copy of Stephen King's 'Salems Lot is a 10 ruble note from Russia. Contained within another book a 50 Slovak crown note. Currency notes make great bookmarks. Right shape, right size, durable. They are reminders of a faraway place once visited. I plan to collect a note from every country I go to and cram them in favourite books and remember.

2010-07-28T08:45:00.001+02:00

daybook

july 28

Outside my window...sunshine with a huge thunderstorm off in the distance. The past few days, nay, week or so, has brought torrential downpours complete with thunder and lightning that departs as quickly as it arrives leaving you drenched and surprised.

From the kitchen...Danny will be making Herren Tort (Lord's Cake) today so we can butter up the office ladies at the new school. It is this amazing cake made with cocoa and almonds, then spread with cranberries and whipped cream. Really amazing.

I am wearing...Ok..I admit it...I am wearing a robe...sorry.

I am thankful for...our current collection of miracles (see my posts on Sunday and Tuesday)

A thought I am pondering...

In the womb, that heel, Jacob, got the best of his brother.

When he grew up, he tried to get the best of God.

But God would not be bested.

God bested him.

Brought to his knees,

Jacob wept and prayed.

God found him at Bethel.

That's where he spoke with him.

God is God-of-the-Angel-Armies,

God-Revealed, God-Known.

Hosea 12:3-5

God has bested me. When I get too proud and haughty, when I think I know what is capital for myself and for my family in our lives He surpasses it all. What is preferred, desirable, golden...He one ups everything. When I go my own way, He defeats me to save me. Can you picture it?

I'm going...shopping today for poster board and fabric paint.

I am reading...'Salem's Lot by Stephen King...one of my favourite authors. Ever.

I am hearing...snoring coming from both bedrooms. It is physically impossible for me to sleep in past 8 am. This poses no problem for other members of my family.

Around the house...I am already in full idea spawning mode. My mind is spinning and I am constantly writing ideas down for the new school year.

I am hoping...I can get my classroom ready, lesson plans made, games, posters, projects constructed and still force myself to relax the last four weeks of summer. Once I get ants in my pants they are hard to extricate.

A few plans for the rest of the week: begin making things for my classroom, a date with Danny to see "Inception", time with friends on Friday, deliver the girls' applications to their new school (along with a cake that Danny is making).

A picture thought I am sharing:

I really miss sushi...really.

2010-07-27T16:02:00.000+02:00

collecting miracles

townshend international school

God has given us another miracle for our collection. After three years in the Czech school system, my children are overjoyed to the point of tears at hearing the news that they will be going to Townshend International School this coming school year. We have been praying about this for over two years, many long walks and long talks have gone into this. I always knew that it would take a miracle to get the kids there as it a very expensive private school. But a week ago, God showed His plan to us and opened the doors for me to work there and for both girls to go there on full scholarships. I will be teaching Kindergarten (my own classroom and only 12 children...HOORAY!!!) and the girls will be in a mixed-level class of 4-7th graders including their best friends in CZ. The teaching is all in English and the focus of the school is on 5 virtues: Honour, Respect, Commitment, Responsibility and Leadership. We really feel that God is leading us here and wants us to work and learn at Townshend and glorify Him in all that we do. I think this will be a better place for the girls, especially Rebekah, and may enable us to stay here in CZ longer to fulfill His purpose for us. Thank you, God...

2010-07-25T09:16:00.000+02:00

invitation to a changed life

collecting miracles

I believe in miracles. Unfortunately, many don't often expect them and rarely look for them. I think that a multitude of true miracles are taken for granted and passed off as everyday occurences. Snowflakes. Sunbeams through tree branches. Bumblebees. Someone apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Forgiving someone who has hurt you. Holding your child. Watching a seed grow into a plant that feeds your family. Someone comforting you when you are sad.

Then there are obvious miracles that some say are luck, coincidence or whatever, but I know the truth...God is good and loving, though His ways are a mystery to us, He does what He does because He loves us. We experienced our share of miracles this week. The most celebrated by our family is the successful cancer surgery restoring my dad to good health. For this we thank God and adore Him, for His love and mercy. He loves my dad and according to His purposes saw fit to provide a miracle. No coincidence here.

How can we deny the love of our Father in heaven when we are surrounded by Him dwelling in every miracle? One need only open his eyes and and take stock in the abundance of miracles and then believe.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

2010-07-25T08:31:00.000+02:00

a few of my favourite things

1. a good alien movie

2. movie theater nachos

3. a salad made by my youngest daughter from veggies she harvested from our garden

4. talking to my dad after almost three and a half years...great to hear his voice

5. our Bible study group...they are great friends

6. playing pretend with my girls on a forest walk

7. Arrested Development

8. honey butter on bread

9. English Camp

10. tříšt', the Czech version of a slurpee

2010-07-22T08:19:00.001+02:00

camp coyan

english camp

In a small village called Albrechtice nad Vltavou there are quaint little cabins and a lake filled with silvery schools of fish whilst nearby amongst the reeds hover hundreds of iridescent turquoise and copper dragonflies. The heat, the stillness and the incessant buzzing of dragonfly wings are the makings for a delicious nap. Surrounded completely by rolling hills, meadows of shorn straw on which are scattered huge amber-colored cylinders of hay, bordered by cherry trees, there lies a campground where right now many have gathered to practice their English and hear the Good News that there is a Creator and His love for us is overwhelmingly real and intense. For the past 9 years a group from Canada has come to this place to meet with Czechs who want to improve their English in an English only environment and over the years they have developed really deep friendships. Many of the campers are our students and members of our Bible study group. Throughout the day there are a range of activities (today there was traditional Czech marionnette making, beading, Rock Band games courtesy of Dan, aerobics and softball games). In the afternoons are English conversation groups sorted by mastery of the language. Within these small groups there is ample opportunity to practice speaking and learn new words and phrases through the use of games and topical discussions. In the evenings are spiritual messages designed to get one thinking about our purpose here on earth and what to do with the sense that something is missing in our lives. This is our first year at the camp (we aren't staying at the campgrounds as we live just a 20 minute drive from the area, although it is so nice here that we may decide to stay next year). I am looking forward to the sermons as this is sorely missing from my life in my own language.

2010-07-22T08:06:00.001+02:00

a few of my favourite things

English Camp

I spent the afternoon painting the nails of the English Camp campers. We had an assembly line spa set up. First, removal of nail polish and cuticles. Second, hand massage. Third, filing. Fourth, sea salt scrub. Fifth, painting. After three hours of nail painting I started to feel vaguely woozy and nauseous. Unfortunately for the male campers, we had set up our spa in the dining hall and concluded painting nails at 2 minutes til 6 when dinner was served. Consequently, for dinner we ate chicken and potatoes a la nail varnish. YUMMY.

NAIL STICKER EMERGENCY!!! The decorative stickers that I had applied to the campers' nails were peeling off thus causing a traffic jam at our "spa". Now I had two lines in front of me, a line for nail painting and a line for nail sticker repair.

aerobics

crafts

soccer

rock band

ladies' spa

readers' theater

2010-07-22T07:55:00.001+02:00

daybook

july 20

Outside my window...fog...thick as pea soup...

From the kitchen...moist lemon cake made by Bekah strewn with fresh Canadian blueberries from our garden. A winning combo...

I am wearing...grey and black spotted pj shorts with a big pink bow on the front annd a matching grey t-shirt

I am thankful for...dragonflies and damselflies

I'm going...to English camp today...on the activities list: Ladies' Spa and Crafts

I am reading...Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi (again)

I am hearing...the girls mocking the Jonas Brothers while getting ready in the bathroom

Around the house...continuing to redo the girls' bedroom. Painting is all done, next step: a trip to Ikea in Linz, Austria (right across the border) for bedding.

I am hoping...summer doesn't fly by too quickly. (Oh, and for my faithful readers, I figured out why my squash leaves, among others, were turning yellow,. One mustn't water veggies from above...leaves hate water...go figure. Each year I learn more and each year my garden is better. I am hoping to pass this on to my girls so that they won't have to start at square one like I did. I was completely ignorant. But the girls hear about the garden every day and I share my tips with them. Roxanne loves to help and is out with me almost every day. Unfortunately, Rebekah sees garden work as one would a chain gang...)

A few plans for the rest of the week: English camp....

A picture thought I am sharing:

English Camp schedule for the week

2010-07-18T09:58:00.000+02:00

invitation to a changed life

balance

Last night we gathered with friends and we talked, we laughed, we prayed, we drank water and juice and coffee and wine, we ate bread and cheese and meat and vegetables, we sang "Take Me Home Country Road" and "Blowin in the Wind" in Czech and in English, we listened to two of our friends play guitar really well, we enjoyed an impromptu scene by Benvolio from Romeo and Juliet as played by our friend who would be performing the part later that night at the castle, we looked at a photo album of our friend's trips to Istanbul and Greece, we shook hands and hugged, and we ran home in the rain getting completely drenched and laughing out loud.

Every day we should eat and drink a little, fresh foods from the garden and a sweet or two. Every day we should shake hands with and hug people we love. Every day we should sing and laugh out loud. Every day we should pray, alone and with others who love Him best of all. Every day we should listen to really good music and watch someone bring to life a story, or bring that story to life ourselves. Every day we should revisit good memories. Every day we should walk or run somewhere instead of driving...preferably in the warm summer rain.

2010-07-18T09:39:00.001+02:00

life in this republic

friends in high places

This is me and the mayor of our village shooting the breeze on the last day of school. Tomáš Jirsa is also a senator in the Czech Parliament. But more importantly, he is our neighbor and friend. He was one of the first people to welcome us to the neighborhood, even putting together an impromptu party to help us become acquainted with other people on our street. Whenever we have needed help with something he has been there for us. We have been in his home and he in ours. Both Danny and I teach his wife English and our cat, Scriffers, was all too willing to oblige their desire for their cat to have kittens. We then gathered in their home, all of us decked out in pyjamas and nestled on their stairs, watching kittens being born. He is a nice guy, very generous and friendly. We are thankful to call him friend.

2010-07-16T08:14:00.000+02:00

spoken gratitude

1. eating 4 different kinds of zucchini from my garden

2. the first katydid of the season flying around our bathroom

3. firefly hunting in the forest with my family and our cat

4. laying on the trampoline with my husband and kids stargazing

5. inside jokes that only our family understands

6. teaching French

7. learning lessons and then moving forward wiser

8. salty potato chips

9. Danny picking us up when I didn't feel well enough to walk home from the pool

10. reminders in God's Word this week about whom I am serving, what my purpose is...

Israel has forgotten his Maker

and gotten busy making palaces.

Hosea 8:13

2010-07-15T08:37:00.000+02:00

hypocrisy

hy·poc·ri·sy /hɪˈpɒkrəsi/ [hi-pok-ruh-see]
–noun, plural -sies.

1. a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.

2. a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.

3. an act or instance of hypocrisy.

Last night was our weekly free English conversation club. We had a full program planned but only three showed up this time (normally we have about 10-12), so we nixed the original program and just sat around with coffee and cokes and passed out these conversation starter questions. Filip's question was "What 5 characteristics are most important in a wife?" His answer was dominated by this....that she not be a hypocrite. His idea of a perfect woman is not one who says "God is everything", but then acts in ways that conflict with what she says. We have never discussed God together, Filip and I, as he is Danny's student and I see him rarely. But you should have seen the passion behind what he was saying in his terribly broken English. The idea of people saying one thing and then acting in a contrary manner clearly offended him. His other main point was that if we say we love God then we should respect our lives and others, our planet and, as he said, there are more living things on this planet than just humans. We hadn't intended on this particular evening to delve into a spiritual discussion, but God cuts His way through our plans in a most beautiful fashion, revealing His purpose as He removes the layers of our agenda. Filip, in his zeal, reminded me that we are all hypocrites from time to time, I being among the worst. As he was talking I felt awakened from a complacency in which I have been soaking. Saying who we are and what we believe over and over again dulls our senses and tricks us into thinking that we are living the life we are supposed to be living. Yet, the word "living" is a verb and requires some action, an action that is in tune with the words falling from our lips. Just food for thought today...

Your declarations of love last no longer

than morning mist and predawn dew.

That's why I use prophets to shake you to attention,

why my words cut you to the quick:

To wake you up to my judgment

blazing like light.

I'm after love that lasts, not more religion

Hosea 6:4-6

2010-07-14T08:03:00.000+02:00

a few of my favourite things

a thesaurus

I don't fancy myself a writer, but I do enjoy writing. And I love reading. Whenever I am reading a book and the author has used the same obscure word a few times within the text it totally bothers me. Even the use of a normal word a couple of times on the same page is a pet peeve of mine. In order to avoid being a hypocrite, on any occasion that I am updating my blog or adding to my book, I have my Thesaurus open. Right now, as a matter of fact, I realized I had used "whenever" already so the thesaurus prompted me to use "on any occasion" in its place. On the off chance that I must relocate, under duress, to a deserted island, bringing with me a few valuables, a thesaurus would be among them.

2010-07-12T08:04:00.000+02:00

camp coyan

arts and crafts

Being my kid must be difficult

...and tiring.

Every day at Camp Coyan the campers have an hour of Game or Craft Option and choose from a bevy of arts and crafts or game choices. Of course The Counselor guides their choice based on her personal whim which is why we ended up painting their room for Craft Activity. The Counselor is also very good at putting the right spin on things: "This is a craft...it involes paint!" "Shut up and paint, campers!!!" "Only one more wall to go!". It's all in the attitude and we try to keep things positive and upbeat here at Camp Coyan. Though our craft time didn't allow for completion of the room, these lucky campers get to whip out those rollers and brushes again this week during Arts and Crafts! HOORAY!!

2010-07-09T08:01:00.000+02:00

a few of my favourite things

1. http://stuffchristianslike.net/

2. movie night with my girls

3. lightning bugs

4. getting caught in the rain and totally soaked

5. God's Word which cuts like a two-edged sword

6. sunburnt cheeks on children

7. seeing Dan's facial expression during the romantic bits of "Eclipse"...hilarious

8. colored paper and labelled jars

9. Mexican food! Amen!

10. books about aliens and outer space

2010-07-08T08:06:00.000+02:00

field trip

Český Krumlov

Every Tuesday is Field Trip Day here at Camp Coyan. This week's field trip was to UNESCO World Heritage sight, Český Krumlov, an authentic medieval village about 15 klicks from our house. We go there often, mostly as tour guides when we have visitors. It is a favourite tourist spot and the most visited place in the Czech Republic outside of Prague. Of course, when we aren't entertaining guests, we have very different reasons for going to Český Krumlov. They have a soft-serve ice cream vendor there that blends in real fruit of your choice. We look forward to this all year. Tucked away on an ancient cobblestone street stands our favourite English bookstore. I would venture a guess that they have the largest selection of English books in the whole republic. Surprisingly enough, along the Vltava river in Český Krumlov, there is a totally awesome playground with cool playground type things that the girls love to monkey around on. Last, but certainly not least, on the way to Český Krumlov there are a ton of roadside stands selling blueberries, nectarines and my favourtie mushrooms, lišky

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%8Cesk%C3%BD_Krumlov

2010-07-07T07:55:00.000+02:00

a few of my favourite things

blueberries

In the forest surrounding our house are fields ripe with wild blueberries. One could spend all day picking and return home with kilos for making desserts, conserves, for freezing and munching. Wild blueberries are very small, about the size of a pea, but have a intense flavor. Wild forest fruit has its own special quality. Over the next few weeks, up and down the main roads of our cities, blueberry vendors will be plying their wares, luring motorists to pull over by brazenly displaying clear glass jars filled to the brim with globular succulent blueberries. I can hardly wait...mmm...

Pictured here are Canadian blueberries that I am cultivating in our garden, They are massive and I absolutely love the spectrum of color as they are ripening. Breathtaking as they range from a mossy sage green to an exquisite indigo. Eagerly we are awaiting their ripening so they can be consumed whilst slathered in a Czech concoction of vanilla sugar, sour cream and tvaroh (along the lines of cream cheese mixed with clotted cream). YUMMY!!!

2010-07-06T17:19:00.002+02:00

daybook

july 6

Outside my window...sunshine, heat, humidity and the occasional dark foreboding cloud accompanied by a thunderclap

From the kitchen...steamed zucchini from our garden

I am wearing...beige and cream pinstripe shorts and a salmon cotton tank top

Pondering these words...I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings. Hosea 6:7

I am thankful for...getting caught in the rain and drenched.

I'm going...to Český Krumlov today.

I am reading...Old Man's War by John Scalzi (again)

I am hearing...Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It is Free Time at Camp Coyan so Roxie is finishing a movie that she started yesterday.

Around the house...plans are underway to redecorate the girls' room on the cheap. They have drawn out their plans and made their lists. We start this week. From boring to brilliant...

I am hoping...that I can figure out why some of my squash plants' leaves are turning yellow. No aphids, no white flies, no fungus...maybe something in the soil??

A few plans for the rest of the week: Conversation Cafe on Wednesday...a free service for our community that Dan and I are doing. An hour of English conversation and coffee. Tomorrow's topic...events that have changed history.

A picture thought I am sharing:

a view of Český Krumlov

2010-07-05T14:43:00.000+02:00

camp coyan

"I don't wanna go!"

Today was our first official day at Camp Coyan. It started off badly as it was pouring rain (no pool today) and an electrical pole behind our house caught on fire and we were without electricity for a good deal of the morning. Nevertheless, we are a resourceful group, we had our breakfast (homemade carrot cake), did our devotions (today's topic: wisdom) and went into town for some coffee (no electricity at our house equals no coffee for mommy). At the cafe we played a card game and had a few laughs. Returning home, we made lunch, and then set about with our learning centers...Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Languages and Creative Writing. Later today I will read aloud from The Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis and we will garden as the sun has finally made an appearance. For our family time tonight we will learn a new board game called Citadels. Tomorrow is Field Trip Day and we will be off to Český Krumlov. Camp is turning out to be pretty OK.

2010-07-04T10:57:00.000+02:00

invitation to a changed life

do-over

I've messed up terribly in my life. Even today. If it were up to me, I would have disowned myself a long time ago. No-good, worthless, unfaithful, liar. All the good in me amounts to very little and is not really attributed to me anyway. All the good in me is merely clean spots that I have not managed to soil, yet. Oh, but joy comes. Hope comes. Because the God who created me, who loves me, sees past my mess and searches for me in the dark hours, in the hiding places of my shame. He calls to me and never tires. He wants to start again.

To Start All Over Again

"And now, here's what I'm going to do:

I'm going to start all over again.

I'm taking her back out into the wilderness

where we had our first date, and I'll court her.

I'll give her bouquets of roses.

I'll turn Heartbreak Valley into Acres of Hope.

She'll respond like she did as a young girl,

those days when she was fresh out of Egypt.

"At that time"—this is God's Message still—

"you'll address me, 'Dear husband!'

Never again will you address me,

'My slave-master!'

I'll wash your mouth out with soap,

get rid of all the dirty false-god names,

not so much as a whisper of those names again.

At the same time I'll make a peace treaty between you

and wild animals and birds and reptiles,

And get rid of all weapons of war.

Think of it! Safe from beasts and bullies!

And then I'll marry you for good—forever!

I'll marry you true and proper, in love and tenderness.

Yes, I'll marry you and neither leave you nor let you go.

You'll know me, God, for who I really am. "

Hosea 2:14-20

loved. sought after. forgiven

2010-07-04T08:23:00.000+02:00

life in this republic

safety first

While wandering around in Prague on our way to our fave Mexican restaurant we were crossing on a crosswalk through an intersection. Hearing first the siren then seeing the ambulance hurtling towards us motivated us to run like crazies and fling ourselves onto the curb. The ambulance would have hit us. It would have. I felt it slam into the emptiness my body had just occupied. I appreciate that it needs to get to where it's going and fast, but risking causing more damage on the way? Our hearts were racing and we laughed in that semi-hysterical way one laughs when cheating death. This is not an isolated incident. Things in the Czech Republic are not hermetically sealed for your safety. "At your own risk" is assumed and that applies for crossing at intersections or when stepping out of your house. People here don't sue very often so there is no incentive to make things safer. If you tripped on a cracked piece of sidewalk in America perhaps you coud sue the city because of your injuries. Here in CZ they would laugh and tell you to learn how to walk right.

2010-07-02T10:57:00.002+02:00

countdown to summer: last day of school!!!

good grades, pizza, baseball, adrenaline sports

The last day of school was amazing. 9th grade graduation, flowers and gifts from students, class parties. The girls received great report cards. Rebekah got all A's and one B (from Czech language) and Roxie received all A's. To celebrate I took them out for pizza and then we met danny at our local park to watch my students play Little League baseball. Then the girls tried out our new Adrenaline Park.

http://www.adrenalin-hluboka.cz/

Rebekah went on the climbing park and zip lines and Roxie went in the net cage. Then we walked home. It was a great day. That was Wednesday and yesterday (Thursday) was the official kick off of summer vacation! We left in the morning for Prague and went to see the new Twilight movie "Eclipse" then we went to a great Mexican restaurant "La Cantina".

http://www.restauracecantina.cz/default.asp?lng=eng

The food there is awesome and we were starving so it was great!. Then we went to the mall and bummed around for a while before heading back home. What a fantastic day. Today is Camp Coyan Orientation. We went over our schedule and field trips etc. and we are just about ready to hit the pool. Summer is here!!!

2010-06-30T06:20:00.001+02:00

This is the school where I teach and my girls go to school

countdown to summer: 1 day!!!

a day in the life

Tomorrow I begin my summer holiday. Feeling sentimental (emphasis on the mental), I wanted to give you a snapshot of what a typical day is like for me at my work.

5 am: wake up, drink coffee, write blog post

6am: wake up girls, sing horribly to motivate them to get out of bed, feed them breakfast

6:15: get ready for work

7:20: walk to school (we walked every day this year...blizzard, rain, 2 meters of unshoveled snow...you name it)

7:30: arrive at work, greet students in hallways, answer a few questions that they have, look at the substitution list to see if I have to substitute for anyone during my free hour that day

7:40: go into the teachers' lounge, greet fellow teachers, hope no one has a question for me as my Czech language skills haven't warmed up yet

7:45: go in my office, greet my fellow English teachers, gather my basket and boom box and supplies and go to my first class

7:50: enter classroom, am bombarded by 25 kids all speaking rapid Czech wanting to tell me about their dog, their boo boo, their uncle's hernia...I try to listen to each one while I set up the day's activity, I spend most of my time saying, "Wow! what a story", or "Really?", or "Cool!", or "That's too bad"

7:55: bell rings, teaching time ( an lesson here is 45 minutes with a 5 minute break in between. I teach in 13 separate classrooms in two different wings of the school carrying about 50 pounds of books, basket, supplies and boom box. Each wing is separated by no less than 6 flights of tsairs and the wings have two floors a piece separated by 2 flights of stairs. That means alot of running up and down stairs carrying a heavy load mostly done in high heels!)

9:30: 20 minute recess, visit the girls in their classrooms, listen to them complain about how they don't like their snack, back to my office to gather more supplies, then off to the teachers' lounge where inevitably a colleague asks me a question and in the moment I take to form a response they assume the blank look on my face is one signifying a lack of understanding and they repeat their question more slowly and loudly as if talking to a significantly less intelligent creature. I understand Czech 100x better than I speak it. I understand almost everything except if an important word in the sentence is one I haven't heard before then I could lose the meaning. But for the most part I can keep up. The problem lies in the quickness of the response. Often I am not quick enough on the draw and a lack of comprehension is assumed. For the most part I am treated as the "slow cousin" if you know what I mean.

9:50: bell rings, off to my next class (typically I teach 5 classes a day) again bombarded by 20+ kids all talking at once in rapid Czech. I think this is why I am so tired by the end of the day. My brain has to process so much. Add on to that a 2 hour staff meeting completely in Czech where the teachers all yell at each other at once and I am ready for a nap.

10:35: tired already, off to my next class, a parent needs directions to a certain teacher's office, I try to give them directions in good Czech so they don't think I am a dope. That uses up the last of my brain power. Now I am running on fumes...two more hours to go...

12:25: bell rings, HOORAY!!, time to go home, greet kids in hallway (in English...it is so cute.."Good afternoon, Mrs. Coyan!" they say), go back to office , gather my stuff, papers to grade etc...head to the teachers' lounge, a colleague says to me "Sure is cold outside, isn't it?" but she uses a colloquial word for cold that I have never heard before so to me it sounds like "Sure is bi476jdf, isn't it?". I stare at her dumbly, slack-jawed, drool, the works. She looks at me with the all too familar "Poor Krista, she doesn't understand anything" face and immediately switches to Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Czech. "It. Is. Cold. Yes?". I say, "yes, it is| and then wish the earth would open up and swallow me. Sometimes I want to tell people that I really am intelligent, look at me read! Look at me write coherently!!! Look everyone!! But I just skulk away feeling a little more humbled.

12:30: walk home, eat lunch, laugh at myself a little and know that I will get up the next day and eat humble pie all over again...

2010-06-29T21:43:00.000+02:00

countdown to summer: 2 days!!!

a job well done

Today is my last day of work. I am cleaning my desk, arranging files and dreaming of summertime freedom. But I am also thinking of what a privilege it is to work at this school and teaching these kids. Sometimes they make me nutty and I feel like screaming into a pillow, but, more often than not, I am happy to teach them, not only English, but to train them how to be a kid wih virtue. Most of all I want to glorify my God with the work that I am doing. How do I know that I have done a good job? Did I smile at the students and the teachers radiating Jesus' love? Did I pat each one on the shoulder every day with a friendly smile, because for some it will be the only friendliness and love thay receive that day? Did I arrive at work on time and do my job without complaining? Did I do something for someone else to help them through their day? Of course I want to teach well so that the children's English improves, but I also want to be a light in the darkness and a friend to those who need one. I want to do for others and not just for myself...then I will have done a good job.

2010-06-28T05:59:00.001+02:00

countdown to summer: 3 days!

job jar

(sorry for not blogging for almost a week. Rebekah was sick then I was sick then I had a bazillion end-of-school-year meetings and parties. I was exhausted over the weekend. The next three days I will be at work, not teaching, but cleaning and organizing my office. All the students must clean their desks and classrooms, hand in books and clean the school grounds.)

As part of the Camp Coyan "experience" campers are required to use their own money when buying snacks at the pool. The Counselor is getting highly aggravated to have to whip out her already depleted wallet to buy the campers more popsicles. So a new mandate has been decreed, "Earn your own money for the pool snack shack!". The Counselor will gladly pay 45 crowns for the mystery meat hotdogs in a bread sleeve thing as a part of the somewhat nutritionally suspect food program at Camp Coyan, but she is no longer willing to fork out 39 crowns for the super deluxe all new-improved caramel-like coated calorie infested Magnum GOLD bar.

The Counselors had a meeting and came up with an intoxicating scheme for camp participant money earning. After deliberating for what seemed like hours the scheme was christened "Job Jar". Catchy, huh? Job Jar works like this: a simple glass jar is filled with slips of paper on which a job and an amount of money is written. When the campers are low on "Snack Shack Funds" they may pull a job from the job jar, accomplish it and receive their compensation. For instance, cleaning out the refrigerator would be worth 15 crowns and watering the vegetable garden 10 crowns. Both of these jobs together would buy a decent popsicle at the pool. The Counselors reserve the right to veto a job that has been recently performed or done too many times.

(Stay tuned for a summertime blog overhaul)

2010-06-22T07:00:00.001+02:00

physics minute

trajectories

After the first wave of nausea you should head to the bathroom and lean over the toilet. This is just common sense. Vomiting from the top bunk and hoping your aim is good enough to hit anything just makes more work for you and me. Yesterday Rebekah managed not to get out of bed to barf, but to barf over the side of her top bunk and on to her sister's bed below. Who knew the vomit would have that trajectory? When asked later why she didn't get out of bed to throw up and why she instead threw up all over her sister's bed she answered "Well, I didn't want to throw up in my own bed." Duh, mom!

2010-06-21T06:03:00.000+02:00

countdown to summer: 9 days

field trip

Since we won't be going to America this summer (boo hoo) nor will we be going on any real vacation, we have decided to have a field trip every week as part of "Camp Coyan". One of our field trips will be to Chateau Kratochvile. It is inspired by Italian villas and was used by the Rožmberk family as a hunting lodge and getaway. It is so peaceful there with nary a sound save for the peacocks running around. Swans in the moat, the whole shabang, can be found at Kratochvile and only about 20 km from our house.

http://www.zamek-kratochvile.eu/en/

"The Kratochvíle Chateau is an unequalled construction from the second half of the 16th century in Bohemia. A whimsical stop in the rush of life. It calls on the visitor to find peace and regenerate one‛s spiritual forces. Let us obey this call and reflect about the past tales of passion, and if we understand them, we shall be able to understand ourselves" excerpt from the website

2010-06-20T18:05:00.000+02:00

my two dads

I have a dad that gave me life. To him, for that, I will be forever grateful. He gave me his nose (thanks alot) and his hands and feet. His obsession with keeping things neat and with listing out the plans for the day were also handed down. A love for books, being the center of attention ("holding court" one might say), mint and chocolate and coffee ice cream. He can tell a story with such conviction only to reveal the punchline and have everyone laughing, thanks for that, too, Dad. I am tall just like him. I tan without burning thanks to his nice brown skin. I can charm people when I first meet them and that is often a useful quality. Dad, thanks for that one, too.

Happy Father's Day...I love you.

I have another dad who taught me how to live the life that I was given. To him, for that, I will be forever grateful. He gave me his work ethic as I saw him work so hard and learned how to work alongside him. He taught me how to love others and sacrifice his own desires so that they could have what they need...I hope I continue to learn this. A love for coffee and a chat, for asking the hard questions and really listening. He joined me in rolling eyeballs at my mum, a risk he took, but one of solidarity that I needed right at that moment. Thanks, Dad. He came into my life when I needed him most and chose not just my mum but also to be my dad. To this day he is Dad to me and Pop to my kids. Thanks for that one, too. Happy Father's Day...I love you.

2010-06-17T20:55:00.001+02:00

countdown to summer: 12 days

(Excerpt from the cover of the Camp Coyan brochure)

"Complaining will not be tolerated. Whining and scrunching up your face whilst emitting a braying sound indicating your displeasure must be dispensed with, making room for more pleasant social interactions such as gratitude and cheer. This and more will be examined at Camp Coyan. Counselors at Camp Coyan are standing by ready to introduce your child to a more complimentary way of behaving. Using a time-honored behavior modification stratagem, campers will be transformed from coddled into congenial.

"How?", you may ask. Well, though we cannot reveal all of our secrets (due to police restraining orders), we can tell you this: our success stories have all resulted from good honest hard work. The formula is simple; one complaint garners one extra job. It's straightforward enough to be understood and enforced. We here at Camp Coyan believe in consistency and structure (and withholding of the fruit cup...but that is another story)."

All joking aside, our kids have gotten in a bad habit of complaining about everything and I have been to dumb, lazy or otherwise occupied to notice. I have had it and am pulling out the big guns...fair warning has been dispensed and now is the time of action.

2010-06-16T13:48:00.001+02:00

countdown to summer: 13 days

My kids can't decide if I am like the coolest ever camp director or if I am psycho-controlling mom-monster...maybe a bit of both. I went for a long hike yesterday and came home with the "summer schedule". My platform this summer is "Boredom Will Not Be Tolerated" (nor will complaining, but that is for tomorrow's post)

Camp Coyan Super Awesome Summer Schedule Against Boredom (a.k.a. CCSASSAB)

8:00 reveille

8:30 semi-nutritious breakfast and devotions (nutrition level of devotions only somewhat suspect)

9:00 cabin inspection

9:30 depart for "nature hike" (I have heard "Bataan" muttered only very rarely)

10:00 arrive at local swimming pool for 3 hours of vigorous exercise while camp counselor works on her tan

11:30 poolside lunch consisting of mystery meat hotdog in a bread sleeve thing

1:00 begin walk back to "camp" via forest

1:30-2:00 foreign language tutoring

Languages: French

Japanese

Esperanto

Heratic

2:00-3:00 multiple subject activities: Math, US History, US Geography, English and Science

3:00-5:00 freetime and gardening (weeding and digging doled out as behaviour modification devices)

5:00-6:00 board game or craft elective

6:00 dinner made by team of culinary artists (Dan)

7:00-8:00 camp counselor evening stroll in forest used primarily as a debriefing meeting

8:00-9:30 evening diversions: stargazing, video games, reading, laying on couch, jumping loudly on trampoline until neighbors wished we would just go back to America already, garage disco complete with karaoke.

For a free camp, Camp Coyan doesn't seem so bad. We will see once the evaluation forms are in at the end of August.

2010-06-14T06:02:00.001+02:00

countdown to summer: 15 days

I feel like I have to enter summer holiday with a plan or it will go by so fast and at the end we will be no different than we are now. There are some goals I have for myself and my girls as well as goals they have for themselves.

Summer goals:

study French

relax at the pool

garden

pray and read the Bible with the girls every day

read the rest of the Narnia series with the girls (we are currently reading book 4)

tutor both girls in English in their proper grade (Rebekah 7/8 grade and Roxie 4 grade)
blog every day

organize all closets and cupboards in the house

hike and do situps and pushups everyday

begin work on a book I want to write

have a craft planned every week

have a weekly family outing somewhere

Rebekah has goals for herself which include, but are not limited to, the following:

study French
study Japanese
study Esperanto

Tomorrow I will begin working on a summer schedule...

FYI...Dan thinks I analyze things too much...

2010-06-12T20:45:00.000+02:00

life in this republic

the end is in sight

Countdown to summer break: 18 days

I have a big problem. It is really a lifelong struggle I have had and continue to battle. I am good at starting things and not so good at finishing them. I love the beginning of the school year, the newness and the excitement. I love buying school supplies and planning the lessons. On the first day of school there is the feeling of unlimited potential. Everything is awash with the hope of good experiences. Now we face the final two weeks of school. This week we are taking finals and over next weekend I will be calculating grades. But the energy is gone, the enthusiasm drained, the hope beaten out of me. I find myself eager to go home and frustrated during the lessons. I am not being as strict as I should and, consequently, am finding it difficult to manage the classes, almost like I have given up. I really don't want to be this way. I would love to finish well, not crawl to the end, barely breathing, barely caring. I truly don't like this about myself. So, I am prayng for a renewed sense of God's purpose for me at this school, teaching these kids. This job is not just for money, and certainly not for my personal glory. This work I do is for Him who loves me so well though I grow faint and weary. He who lifts me up and gives me the strength and joy to continue. My desire is to glorify Him in the work that I do...

2010-06-11T05:58:00.000+02:00

spoken gratitude

1. the first swim of the season

2. the smell of suntan lotion

3. sunbeams through the trees in the forest reflecting off insect wings creating the illusion of thousands of woodland sprites aloft amongst the trees.

4. watching the clouds go by

5. Roxie's teacher, Martina, who is a fabulous teacher and person

6. catching the aphids early before damage is done

7. the first parek v rohliku (hot dog) of the season eaten by the pool...yummmy

8. sitting on the patio with Dan and the girls at 8pm as the day finally cools down

9. tan lines

10. swim goggles...kids look so fabulously hysterical in them. It is hard to have a conversation with Roxie while she is wearing them.

2010-06-09T06:09:00.004+02:00

a few of my favourite things

coppertone suntan lotion

Every now and then I will get a whiff of something and suddenly I am hurtled at light speed into my past where I relive a memory with perfect clarity. A certain brand of orange juice once tasted, brings me back to my grandmother's kitchen table on Dorval Island where I sat as a small child and drank orange juice with breakfast out of a small juice glass ringed with varying shades and widths of orange stripes. A good memory. Standing along the river or lake, the wind picks up and a soft breeze crosses my face at just the right angle and a scent that is both clean and earthy, water and soil in concert, and again I am 5 years old on the banks of the St. Lawrence River peering over the side of the dock with my Papa. A storm approaches, gray and menacing, electric and foreboding. Heavy and wet, a distinctive scent hangs in the air and we all know to run inside before the first lightning bolt strikes. That scent, a perfume to me, is exhilarating just as it was when I was a kid in Arizona watching the freakishly adrenaline-filled electrical storms from the safety of our porch. Mum was wisely inside while Dad and I braved it from the back yard. And then there is the liquor of summer which can be poured and now sprayed from a bottle of Coppertone suntan lotion. Only Coppertone is pure liquid summer, the solution that represents lapis-colored pools of water, no homework, unending days, beach towels, sand stuck to your bottom, incessant buzzing of insects and equally eternal laughter from children running through sprinklers. As I apply Coppertone, inhaling its whispers of fragrance, it is for me summer. If only they could bottle it right alongside Chanel no. 5...summer all year long...

(Thank you Bud, for supplying us with Target "Compares to Coppertone" suntan lotion spray...you have made me one happy girl!)

2010-06-08T06:04:00.001+02:00

daybook

june 8

Outside my window...sunshine, heat and nature exploding around us in a deafening cacophany.

From the kitchen....coconut cupcakes with chocolate frosting to celebrate my friend Fiana's birthday.

I am wearing...denim capris and a ballet pink tank top, patent leather ankle strap wedges with big roses on the toes and a gunmetal and abalone shell necklace.

Pondering these words...

Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him! They ignored the king's orders and laid their bodies on the line rather than serve or worship any god but their own...there has never been a god who can pull off a rescue like this."

Daniel 3:28, 29

I consider the many ways God has rescued me and how much more I need His rescuing.

I am thankful for...living in a village with the 2nd most visited castle in the country. The town caters to tourists and we benefit from it as we have a beautiful swimming pool, gorgeous museum and a spa opening this month with a gym and plastic surgery center...WHA? Come visit us and get liposuction...why not?...ha ha

I'm going...nuts at work. School here lasts far too long into the summer. The kids all have ants in their pants and the teachers are walking around like zombie husks, groaning....UUUHHHHH...UNGGHHHH!!!

Countdown to summer holiday: 23 days

I am reading...Heroes: History's Greatest Men and Women by Simon Sebag Montefiore.

I am hearing...super loud birdsong. It is like one of those nature CDs turned up to 11.

Around the house...someone needs to clean this floor! After a weekend of gardening and sprinklers and poolside frolicking, our floor has taken a beating. It is a race of procrastination. We have guests today...who will be the first to clean the floor?

~~I am hoping~~...I am thankful for...a few days of sun in a row...I got to lay out in my bikini!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: swimming pool...water slide...hot dogs...slushies...

A picture thought I am sharing:

Where we will be every day this summer...

2010-06-07T05:48:00.002+02:00

cultivating virtue

perseverance

The fisher who draws in his net too soon,
Won't have any fish to sell;
The child who shuts up his book too soon,
Won't learn any lessons well.

If you would have your learning stay,
Be patient-don't learn too fast;
The man who travels a mile each dy,
May get round the world at last.

McGuffey's Reader

2010-06-06T08:58:00.000+02:00

invitation to a changed life

molting

I feel like a new woman. The sun is shining. Yesterday, I was in my garden, the forest and at our community pool with my family almost the whole day. Bikini...all day. Sunburn....ouch. On our walk through the forest Danny commented that I had shed my grumpy Krista winter skin and I was freshly scrubbed and cheerful summer Krista. Sunshine does that to me. It is akin to solar batteries needing to be recharged. The recharging brings more energy, joy and a clearer head.

This morning I was thinking about Danny's remark and it came upon me that our sin is like a death bag around us, like a dead skin draped over us and we can be found hiding within, growing more morose and hopeless with the passing of time. But just when we think this winter in our lives will never cease, Jesus is before us and the death bag is stripped away, the skin that has suffocated us for so long to the point where we have forgotton that there ever was joy, is removed and we are scrubbed clean, sparkling and new, reflecting His radiance. Then we can walk in sunshine.

2010-06-06T08:37:00.001+02:00

life in this republic

girls' night out

Do you know who these women are? Neither did I...until two days ago. Friday night I went out with my dear friend Fiana, and two new friends, Sothie and Trine. Playing at the theater was Sex and the City 2...a movie I would never have seen, but I would do anything for Fiana, so I went...to be with my friend. Some of the ladies enjoyed watching my expressions almost as much as they enjoyed watching the film. I would classify these expressions as "jaw dropped in shock" and "disbelieving face scrunch". The cool thing was that we were together...just us girls. And I was wearing my favourite bright yellow patent leather strappy shoes with 5 inch clear acrylic heels (purchased here in CZ on sale for $7 because no one else here is crazy enough to wear them). They are out of control!

After the movie we went to our favourite Indian restaurant to treat Fiana for her birthday. I was reminded of every bad joke in the book...An American (me), a Malay (Sothie), a Dane (Trine) and an Indonesian (Fiana) walk into an Indian restaurant...

We had such a fun and relaxing dinner. Two hours of chit chat about family, jobs, living in a foreign country, friendship. I don't go out very often, I work alot and ususally want to hang out with my family in the evenings and be a wife and mom, two roles that I love in my life. But I found it really refreshing just to be Krista on Friday night.

2010-06-04T05:57:00.000+02:00

spoken gratitude

1. sitting by the Vltava river listening to Dan and the kids goof around.

2. watching Roxie open her birthday gifts...especially the box of real fossils. She was so excited as "Museum Curator" is high on her list of things to be when she grows up.

3. fossils

4.McDonald's burgers, fries and chicken nuggets. Sometimes you just want it...

5. only 20 more days of school...the countdown begins and perseverance is practiced!

6. The sun shining this morning. Not sure how long it will last but enjoying every second of it!

7. our new insect pets

8. my new friend, Sothie

9. being bored (something children despise, but for a busy grown-up like me, I relish it)

10. my work...So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work ~Ecc. 3:22

2010-06-03T16:12:00.000+02:00

cultivating virtue

perseverance

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

How do we follow Christ on the path laid out for us, persevere and not falter? We are tired, nay, weary. Done. Finished. Exhausted. Bored. Distracted. Guilty. Ashamed. Prideful. Anything but faithful and persevering. The girls and I were discussing the Path and how we persevere to finish the race set before us. We sat and imagined a road laid out in front of us. To the right and the left temptations of all kinds in the form of desires, things, sin, friends, anything and everything. How easily we would come to a full stop when looking to and fro, distracted by all that surrounds us. How easily we could fall into sin and go in the wrong direction. "A short rest on the Path won't cause trouble" or "I could step from the Path for a moment and not lose my way." Perhaps. But my track record disproves this theory. I can't find my way back. I am too blind and flawed. Too weak. At the end of the Path is the goal. The prize. the pearl of great price. Jesus. Imagine if the distractions ceased and all that lies ahead is Jesus. My Jesus. I could walk and walk and not falter, because He is before me. Remembering His enduring love, His gift of life, His sacrifice on the cross would persuade me to endure until I reach His outstretched arms. I suggested to my girls that it is the turning of our head to the right and to the left, searching for fulfillment off the Path that does us in. Jesus is enough. Our head needn't turn, our eyes needn't wander. Satisfaction is found on the Path. We can finish the race.

2010-06-02T05:49:00.000+02:00

Scorpio

Mr. Bean

a few of my favourite things

bugs

We are now the proud owners of two gorgeous walking stick insects appropriately named Scorpio and Mr. Bean. Mr. Bean is very friendly and likes to crawl all over us. Scorpio is moody and kind of grumpy so he stays in his cage and we just annoy him by looking at him. He gets mad and makes a face at us. Roxie does a really great impression of him. I will try to post a picture of it. He also jiggles his body back and forth menacingly which is creepy. We have created a nice habitat in their cage using bark and moss from the forest. They eat raspberry bramble but prefer blackberry bramble which is awesome as it grows wild in the forest behind our house. We have to spray the cage every day to keep the bugs moist (moist bugs...yum!) Roxie has wanted stick insects for over a year now so we went to the shop on Saturday and let her get them. They are very cheap and feeding them and housing them is free so we are pleased. If only Scorpio wouldn't look at me that way. He should come with his own scary music soundtrack.