Wow, where has the time gone? It does not seem like we are at the end of our time in the Czech Republic. Although we are almost finished, we had a very full day today. First, we were able to sleep in a little longer than normal which I think everyone appreciated. At about 10 AM we were in a gym close by playing basketball with Gypsies. It was a lot of fun. It was fun to watch them not care about the rules (i.e. dribbling the ball as you run, staying in bounds) and just enjoy playing. We were able to play full court and all of them seemed to be having fun. The time passed by quickly. After our game, Travis, Brandon, and Aaron decided it may be a good idea to go through some fundamentals of basketball. So, we used slippers, socks, and hoola-hoops as "cones" for all of us to dribble around. We split them into two teams to make it more fun, and some of us joined the teams. I was very thankful to have another opportunity to spend time with the Gypsies. I've learned a lot from them in the few encounters that I have been blessed to have with them. They are not afraid to be themselves--what you see is what you get. They also were very friendly to us and wanted us to be a part of what they were doing. Many times the language barrier would hinder conversations and it was in those moments that I was able to pray for them. I was also blessed to see their interactions with Joanie and Irena. As soon as the Gypsies see them they are giving hugs and having conversations. They really wanted our attention and for to just spend time with them.
After lunch we split into 3 groups. One group went bowling with some girls we met through teaching English, another group went to Roszachatec to give a presentation and share apple pie with the people there, and the third group went to visit a handicapped man named Johnny. Adam, Josie, Ernie (another American here helping Joanie), and I went to Johnny's parents house and spent time with all of them. Boy did I learn a lot. First, his family fed us a ton! We ate many good cakes and snacks. I was amazed at Johnny's English. He spoke fluently and was the most clear speaker of English I have met here in the Czech. I was amazed at how he hasn't let his disability hinder him. Sure he is in a wheel chair, but as soon as you start talking with him, you don't even notice that he is handicapped. We were able to share pictures with he and his family and through that share a little about Jesus. Then, his father played the guitar while he played the keyboard with his left hand--he doesn't have use of his right--and sang songs to us in English. Watching his interactions with his parents was beautiful. It is obvious his parents love and care for him. His father's love brought joy to me. You could see the love he has for his son all over his face as Johnny talked with us. Watching Johnny's father reminded me of my Heavenly Father's love and how much he enjoys watching His children serve Him. After talking with Joanie after our visit, she informed me that generally when she brings others to visit Johnny with her Johnny's father does not stay in the room to visit. I was in awe of what I saw God do today. Not only did Johnny's father stay and visit with us but he played his guitar for us and wanted to take lots of pictures with us. After he and Johnny played, Adam played the guitar while the rest of us sang "Blessed Be Your Name" to them. I just kept praying for all of them as we sang that God would draw them to Himself, that they would see Christ in us and desire a relationship with Him. We were able to invite them to the lasagna dinner we are having at our church service Sunday afternoon. If they cannot come we are planning on taking them some lasagna and visiting one more time before we come home. Praise the Lord for the way He has ordered our steps here in the Czech Republic and allowed us to be a part of people's lives who we may have never met if it weren't for Him!
In the evening time we all split into two groups and went to youth groups in Havlickuv Brod and Horni Krupa. I am always blessed by being able to worship and fellowship with believers of different countries. One thing I have noticed is the significant difference between people in the church here and everyone else. The transformation of Christ in their lives is evident and sets them apart. We returned late in the evening and did some packing before going to sleep. Thanks for all your prayers and please continue praying for us. We feel your prayers and are blessed to have all your support. Pray for our transition back into the states and for safe travels. We will be going back to Prague late Sunday night and all day Monday. Also, we have a couple people not feeling well on our team, please keep praying for their healing. We only have a few days left, but God can do so much in the time we have left, so keep praying for us to be led by His Spirit and to be able to bless the lives of the people we interact with the next couple days. We are all excited to share all God has done here. See you in a few days!
Tabitha :)
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