"My tree"

So, did you ever have that special place you went to as a kid? Sometimes you would go there to be alone; other times you went there to relish a secret. It was that place that was yours. Well, I've got a special tree here. I know; it sounds quite funny. This is the first tree I noticed which had leaves changing. It's also right by the river. I've walked down to the tree several times now. God has used its beauty to remind me He is there. Just as He is changing the tree for this season, so He has a purpose for me for right now. Looking at "my tree" reminds me to not only look to the Lord but to trust Him in this new season. I am thankful for His reminder...even in a tree.

Counting my blessings...

One thing that never fails to amaze me is God's "little" blessings - especially on those days when things aren't going just like we planned. One thing that I have committed to do while I am here is to thank God for at least one blessing every day. Here are some of the blessings I have been counting~

• The Barnes (the missionary family)
• Skype (The program I'm using to stay in contact with friends and family back home).
• Making my very first trip to Tesco (a grocery store) by myself
• Using the Posta (post office) by myself
• Seeing a lady from the Czech church at the grocery store and saying hello
• Getting mail :)
• Enjoying a brisk walk
• Building a relationship with Eva (my Czech friend)
• Learning new things from my Bible study
• Asking for bags in the grocery store and actually getting one!
• Encouragement from family and friends back home
• Being able to remember the way to the store

God has allowed me to find joy in the "little" things, and I am so grateful. I was on skype with Kristi, and we were laughing at how a simple accomplishment, such as grocery shopping by yourself, can be rewarding! I never would have thought about that back home, but now, I am grateful.

The view from my side of the world...

Just down the street...

This is the river that runs through Borsov.

This is actually the view from the kitchen window (which would be the backside of the house/apartment.)

Brrr....

It's cold here! Yesterday, it was six degrees celsius. Basically, that coverts to around forty-three degrees fahrenheit. So, I've been wearing long sleeves, sweaters, and/or jackets. Apparently this is a cold streak. I hope so! I will admit though that as a result of the cold weather, I turned on a Christmas movie (The Polar Express) last night while I was making spaghetti. I've also already dug in to some of my hot chocolate too. :)

I've indulged in a couple of other comforts since being here. One would be chex mix! Yummy! Another has been candy pumpkins. I'm trying to ration myself so that I will have some in a couple of weeks. I don't know how well that is working though (especially with the chex mix). I really like chex mix and candy pumpkins! Needless to say, the comforts have been worth it. :)

I made it!

Well, I made it. I actually had a fairly easy time getting here. All my flights were on time. The actual flights were smooth. I only slept a little bit on the flights, so needless to say, I was pretty tired when I arrived. My luggage all arrived with me. I saw one of God's blessings early. One of my bag had a rip in it, but I got here with all my stuff! The Barnes met me at the airport where we then had a two hour drive to my new home for three months. The Barnes have been great!

I will have to write more about the Czech in a later post, but I wanted to write a bit about life right before I left. Dustin came to spend a few days with me. My parents took us to the circus. The next day we hiked down to see a waterfall! Well, it was more of a "falls" then a waterfall, but it was still fun. Then, on Saturday, we (Dustin, my parents, and I) left for the airport. Some of my wonderful friends surprised me by meeting me at Chili's. Then they saw me off at the airport. Saying goodbye was harder than I thought it was going to be.

I've received a few assignments for my time here, and I'm excited to have something "mine." Please continue to pray! I'll write more when I get the internet hooked up in my apartment.

Packed, but not quite ready...

Well, I'm less than seventy-two hours from heading out. I can hardly believe it. I've spent this week mostly packing, doing last minute shopping, helping out around the house, and getting ready for Dustin to come. I still have a few more things to get from the store and a few things left to pack. Other than that, I'm pretty much ready...or at least I think I am. I've also been getting some last-minute advice from some of my friends who have lived or are currently living overseas. They have been a blessing!

Please continue to keep me in your prayers. I need it. Hopefully the next time, I'll have some pictures to post of the Czech Republic!

Still plugging away...

After a great birthday weekend, I am plugging away at getting things ready for the Czech. I'm working on getting my international license (for I will be driving when I get over there), finishing up thank-you cards, making my packing list, shopping for items, etc. I hope to actually start packing everything at the beginning of next week. I can hardly believe I am only a week and a half a way!

The Lord continues to bless as I have received more money from friends and family. I am overwhelmed at the way God has moved in that regards...I just can't quite get my mind wrapped around it. I know that when I actually get overseas, I will continue to witness Him at work. I am blessed to be able to be a small part of His plan.