Guess what? I just finished and submitted my last assignment for this semester. I can hardly believe things are winding up and my classes are all over. It feels like only the beginning, like I just got settled, but now travel arrangements are being made, suitcases dusted off and people are talking excitedly about returning home to their beloved fast food chains (oh, and family members). I guess it’s a little different mindset for me, as I am thinking in terms of remaining for the summer and, if the Lord wills, a second semester. But there’s a sense of finality in the air, that means change is around the corner, and that makes my stomach tighten and heart grow just that bit heavier. It is a good time to be looking toward the Lord.
Before I talk about what’s to come however, I need to backtrack to what has been. Let’s start with the awesome week I had in Poland. As a team of 6 girls and a couple with two young kids, we set out for Poland, with a long day of travel ahead. Through four different means of transportation, totalling 15 hours, we made it through the beautiful Slovakian mountains into Poland, and onto the city of Radom.
We went to serve alongside a couple who have been ploughing the tough deeply Catholic soil for 17 years. They have a small fellowship and four gorgeous kids between the ages of 5 and 12 (who are in the public schools and speak fluent Polish!) and were in much need of encouragement and refreshment- something our team, with youthful energy, a variety of amusing senses of humour and most importantly a heart to serve, were sure to provide.
The week was absolutely packed; we had three nights of ‘english clubs’, (free English lessons open to the public), three afternoons of kids VBS (crazy games, bible stories, crafts) and four mornings of going into colleges or highschool’s to teach English and share a gospel drama, looking for the Lord to establish friendships and open conversations. When we weren’t doing ministry we were walking to and from our destinations (at least 2 hours a day) or preparing crafts for the next day into the late hours of the night. For the week I earned the nickname “crafts” for my creative ideas and “betty crocker” because, well as you know I’m pretty at home in the kitchen. That was fun because I’d missed cooking being at the college, and I was able to serve the team in that way.
We were also able to do some touristy things, like visiting an old city with cobblestone streets and a ruined castle, and sampling the Polish cuisine (really yummy, alot of potato based foods and beetroot soup). It was non-stop, but I think I enjoyed every minute- even when I was sick for the latter half of the week and all but lost my voice.
God was so faithful in giving us his strength and answering prayer- it was an amazing team, very caring of each other and unified. When we were weak we resorted to laughter to carry us through, in fact I think I laughed more on the trip than the entire semester before that! I learnt so much too about letting God be in control of the results, and not striving in my flesh but letting God love people through me. I really believe I saw people respond to this light that was in the midst of our group, which was Jesus in us.
Some of the coolest parts about the trip were the relationships we formed- firstly with the Kulah family, and then particularly with a girl named Paulina who spent a large majority of the week with us after meeting us the second day. She was a Catholic definitely being drawn to a more full relationship with Jesus Christ, so we loved her and tried to give her a taste of Koinania- real Christian fellowship. The last night we had a ‘coffee house’ outreach/testimony night, which a few of the students we had met during the week came along to. It was really great, a lot of fun and I believe God spoke into the hearts of those who came along.
So that’s the general overview! Since getting back its been full on homework, especially this last week. Right now I have another cold, I should’ve probably have spent the last couple days in bed but had major assignments I had to finish so I’ve been pushing my body to the max...
I’ve been up to my old video editing habits, which has been the most draining assignment of the week but the most rewarding...a group assignment where we ended up filming the story of Solomon and the Shulamite from Song of Songs....with my friends Agi and Miranda, yes two girls, one with a boy wig on....needless to say we had the whole school in rapturous laughter, and my teacher Phil was more than impressed (as well as shocked, surprised and amused all at the same time). So it’s been as much as its left me drained. I’m looking forward to a very relaxed weekend.
But then I have to think about packing up, and moving on! The exciting news is the Lord has opened a door for me to serve at a church in Germany for the first month of summer break. I’ll be doing all sorts of things there including helping with the kids ministry, practical stuff like painting and organising, babysitting, and whatever other ways I can serve. Please pray for all the plans for that to be finalised this week, especially with housing. For restored health, and for God to prepare my heart and go before in all aspects.
I miss you all in Aus and pray your hearts would be directed more and more into the love of Christ. He is the only source of living water!
Seretlek! That’s Hungarian for I love you!
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