1.21.09 (Bethany)

On Wednesday we went to Malec again. This time my group got to teach the kids what American football is all about. I am not sure who was more excited about it -Aaron or the kids. Aaron did a great job at trying to explain how the sport works. During the first fifteen minutes of explanation, all I saw was mass confusion. But once the kids caught on, they seemed to really enjoy the sport. After gym class, my group taught some 4th graders. It was a nice change to teach some of the younger kids because, as of lately, we have been teaching mostly high schoolers. It is very refreshing to be around younger kids once in a while because they are so full of energy and curiousity.

In the afternoon, I went with Aaron, Brad, and Adam to Joanie's house to hang out with some Gypsy boys. Joanie wanted me to be a part of this get-together because of some of the relationships I started to build with some of the Gypsies when we went bowling with them last week. While at Joanie's house we played some fun card games and had some good fellowship.

In the evening, we all went to a Chotebor ice hockey game. The ice arena was just right down the street from our dorm. Our team got to the game a few minutes late, however, it didn't seem like we missed much. I am glad we have the opportunity to experience a hockey game while in the Czech Republic, but there were several of us -mostly just the girls -who weren't all that interested in the game. Half of us, myself included, left the game before it was finished because we were losing feeling in our fingers and toes. The air inside the ice arena seriously felt colder than the air outside. The game was close but Chotebor beat the other team -whoever it was -by one point. If we got anything out of this event, it was good to have some fellowship with our fellow teammates in a less stressful situation.

As we near the end of our trip, please pray for our strength and endurance that we may finish strong. Please also continue to pray for positive attitudes as we may be wearing on each other in the wrong way as much time has gone by now. In addition, please keep those of us who are sick in your prayers. This week has been a little hectic and many of us are getting run down. Finally, please keep us in prayer as we travel back home in a few short days.

Bethany