Coyans in the Czech Republic

cultivating virtue

responsibility

I must begin my story by telling you that I don't speak Czech very well. Many months ago I had problems witn my visa culminating in several trips to Vienna to acquire a new one. Soon after I received a call while at work from our Foreign Police Officer. Being very distracted by the goings on at work, I barely comprehended his quick manner of speaking laden with slang and colloquialisms. Thinking I had understood enough, I quickly said my goodbyes and was left under the impression that I had to go to the police department to pick up a paper that I had forgotten there. I am also lazy, so I put this off until the present which is where our story takes place. Dan met up with the police officer in the city by happenstance and the officer asked why I hadn't been to see him as I was now in danger of being deported because I hadn't done what I said I would do. Unfortunately, I had not understood that I was legally bound to come in 3 days after acquiring my new visa to register it. This was 3 months ago. YIKES!!! So, yesterday I went in to the police department, registered, paid a small fine (it would have been much larger but our officer is so kind to us) and endured his good-natured laughter at me as I explained that I am really, really stupid.

Afterwards, I stopped by the mall to grab a bite to eat at KFC. I sat facing the street so I could people watch. My eyes happened upon a very old homeless man digging through the ashtray outside looking for reusable cigarettes. It only took me a moment to wonder if this man might want a hot KFC lunch. But then I was stopped by my inner monologue. How do I ask him? Do I just run out there? What about all my stuff ?(I had a jacket, scarf, mittens, packages, purse, etc...all strewn about). Should I just leave all my stuff laying here and hope it is OK? This mental process took about 30 seconds, but it was too long...the moment, and the man, were gone. I have been praying for opportunities to show love, to take responsibility to love others, to help others...and I think this was one of them. May I look and be more vigilant to see the needs of others and help where I can withot hesitation.

St. George and the Dragon

"But somewhere perhaps there is trouble and fear. There may be someplace where little children cannot play in safety, some woman may have been carried away from her home - perhaps there are even dragons left to be slain. Tomorrow", said St. George, " I shall ride away and never stop until I find work which only a knight can do."

Read the whole story here: http://dilagko.com/story_stgeorge.html