České Budějovice Web Cam

I miss the place already.

It helps a little to have a view of it on my computer screen as I work.

http://www.c-budejovice.cz/CZ/99/WebCam.htm?detail=4

Clink on the link above and you can get an updated shot of the main square in downtown České Budějovice. Notice at the bottom of the web cam picture are a series of readings. The only one I understand is Teplota. That means temperature. Right now it is about 26.3 Celcius which is about 79.3 degreas Farenheit.

Adam

Memories of Our Survey Trip

Survey Trip Wrap-Up

Sunday night, I was a little tense. Ron asked us to sit down with him to "debrief" the week. I knew that this would be the point at which he would either invite us to join his team or suggest that we continue our search elsewhere.

Long story short, Ron invited us to join the ABWE Czech Republic team, and we said that we would be honored. I tried to play it cool, but I smiled despite myself. The next morning we struck off on the train to Prague, then to the airport, and then the long flight home.

Tuesday we unpacked, organized, did laundry, and got our kids back.

Today is Wednesday and I'm crashing a little emotionally. We are already starting the process of preparations for Candidate Seminar, and friends form church are starting to gear up to help us make our way to the "field", but it could be two years between now and when we see the Czech Republic again. That's going to be a long time, but well worth the wait.

Adam

Day 6 through ????

O.K.

I started off well, but sort of fell off on the blogging.

Thursday we spent the day being tourists. We spent the day wandering around the old town part of České Budějovice. We climbed the Black Tower and realised how out of shape we are, but where rewarded with a gorgeous view of the city and surounding countryside.

Later that day Pastor Ron, took us to Ceske Krumlov for a quick tour and some more window shopping. It's all quite beautiful, and in both towns every little winding cobble stone street is crammed with little shops and cafe's in each nook and cranny. We poked our head in a few places, but mostly enjoyed walking and soaking in the atmosphere.

Friday Ron Barnes took us by train to Prauge. Jen Thigpen, the children's teacher, came along as well so that she could learn how to get there on her own. Because of the length of the train ride, we had to walk through fairly quickly, but it was quit remarkable. Prague this time a year is just a crush of tourists, and as interesting as it was, Marge and I enjoyed the quiet charm of Krumlov and Budějovice better.

Saturday, we spent the morning relaxing, and I read up on České Budějovice, then in the late morning we had Mrs. Barnes drop us off near the church and we walked through the more residential apartment area. We walked through block after block of apartment buildings and with the help of a map made our way to the central square about three hours later. We also wandered through the big grocerie/discount store. It was much like the states, accept in Czech. All the prices were in Crowns. At 20 Crowns to the American dollar prices look a little unusual to my American eyes. We wanted a balanced picture of the city, and our walking tour helped.

To reward ourselves, before the Barnes picked us up, we popped into a restaurant and ordered lunch. Our waitress spoke little english, but we communicated using a mix of English, Czech, and German words. What's crazy is that every so often I through in one of the few Spanish words that I know.

Today, Sunday, we enjoyed services at the Baptist church in České Budějovice. Right now the church looks to have about 50 people, many of them are young and some are fairly new believers. I had the opportunity to speak with Vladja Donat, the president of the Baptist Union of the Czech Republic. He has a deap passion for the people of Southern Bohemia, and is eager for more missionaries to come to help in establishing a growing church.

I believe that I am growing to love these people and this city already. I've started thinking of it as "my city" (whatever that means). Tonight after the children are in bed Pastor Ron will "debrief" with Marge and I, then in the morning we take the train to Prague for the ride home.

See ya soon.

Day 5

Hi,

Adam here. Marge spent the morning relaxing and letting it all soak in. I ran some errands with Pastor Ron, and it gave us time to talk at greater length. I also got to see more grocery stores, and České Budějovice's one shopping mall. It's funny that yesterday we had lunch at a Spanish restaurant that wasn't quite what I would expect from a Spanish restaurant, and then today Pastor Ron and I ate lunch at a Chinese restaurant. It's funny how familiar much of this country feels. It feels like the right place to be.

The countryside reminds me of parts of Michigan and parts of the Smokey Mountains. The weather is similar, but about 10 degrees cooler than Michigan. At least Kalamazoo has been getting 90 degree weather, and here in České Budějovice it's more like 70s and 80s.

There is far less noise of cars and so many places to hike. It has a calming beauty, that belies the prevalent spiritual needs in this country.

In the evening we had dinner with Peter and Lidia, a couple from church, at their condominium in České Budějovice. Peter speaks and can translate English very well, so we were able to talk to his wife via translator. Their love for the Lord is evident, and they have a heart to see the church here grow.

I am starting to care very much for these people.

Adam

Day 4: More Czech

This is Marge tonight. Adam is tired, so I get to fill you in. We have had a very full day. I sat in on language learning again this morning. It is really good for me to see what it takes to learn a language. They have been here since September and are on Chapter 7 of the first book. It is a very challenging lesson and a challenging teacher. She is a Masters student at the university here. She does not help them and asks conversational questions, so it is not rote memory. I still see language acquisition as the biggest challenge for me, and am overwhelmed with what it takes. The Barnes already know Hungarian, and are working very hard to learn the Czech language.

However, though I feel overwhelmed here, I also feel a great sense of calm and am thankful for all your prayers. A principle from BSF keeps coming to mind. God's sovereignty is for my good and for His glory. It is not a threat to me because He loves me. So, wherever God leads us, it is for these reasons and I have nothing to fear.

I went daily shopping today. This morning, I went to the grocery store with Brenda. Items are familiar, yet not. I cannot read the labels, although I think I found soy yogurt and different flavors of soy milk, so there is hope for my family. Brenda is too concerned about feeding Adam. I keep telling her to relax, but I also know what it is like to be a hostess, so I just showed her some things that I would buy. I am getting used to using crowns, but my head hurts from trying to think through the prices in my head (20 crowns to a dollar). We also went shopping to a store like Wal-mart and a furniture store. We are pricing things to see what we would want to bring with or just buy here. Prices are similar to the states for us. We were looking at used cars before we got to the furniture store called Rollers. Ron was pointing out some cars and then we walked into this store, so I assumed he was taking us into a car dealer. I was thinking, I don't want to try to talk to a car dealer in Czech, when I realized it was a furniture store. That felt dumb until I realized Adam thought the same thing.

Then we went to see the church and hear more about church body life. Adam and I sat and talked to Ron for an hour or so at church about ministry, his mission and strategies and desires and where we might fit in. One of my questions was where do "green" missionaries fit into a very new work in a new country. He emphasized the variety of people needed on the field and the importance of lay ministry being developed in the church. It felt better to me as I am feeling quite new to all of this and am around seasoned church workers. I have so much respect for the Barnes family. They are very kind and loving, very honest, and very strategic about what they do here.

By the time we arrived home, I was exhausted. I had shopped for food, where we might live, what we would need in a new home, and what we would do in ministry. Too much. I will let it settle tonight and hope to have more time tomorrow to pray and think.

Two things have come to mind for us while we are here. God is the crown that we work towards that does not perish, like the crowns they use here for material goods. Also, I read in the Psalms this morning about Christ as our rock, our protector and our strength. All the buildings here are solid, 16th century or concrete buildings. They don't move. In the same way, our Father God is immutable. He is my rock. What a great illustration to the Czech people of who we can count on in our lives.

Love to all and thank you for your prayers,

Marge

Day 3 - "After Midnight"

AFTER MIDNIGHT

It is a little after midnight on what is officially the second day of our survey trip. I had been asleep for nearly three hours when i was awakened by a dream about missions. It was nothing prophetic by any means, instead it was me discussing what my mission and vision statement might be. I have fairly dull dreams as you can see.

So, I'm sitting up and writing for a bit, before I go back to sleep, even though back in Michigan it's about 6:30 in the evening.

MORNING ON DAY 3

I didn't roll out of bed until about 8:30 this morning, and then squeezed in a quick walk a little ways into Boršov where the Barnes live.

At 10am Marge and I sat in on the language study session. It sounds hard, but I would love to learn this language. This is the Barnes second language as they started mission work in Hungary. I've always heard that after you learn a second language the third is easier, but I don't think that is always true. It's still challenging, hard work as you have to learn not only to say words, but hear them. You have to train your ears to hear correctly.

Marge and I have a growing respect for the Barnes family. They served in Hungary for five years, before coming to the Czech Republic at the request of Vlada Donat Sr. Their were some big sacrifices for Pastor Ron, his wife, and their three children as well. They struggle with learning another language as one would expect, and I assume they have other adjustments, but they see the great need for the message of Jesus Christ. I think it helps them take the difficulties in stride.

Vlada Donat is the president of the Baptist Union, Czech Republic. He invited Ron to come to Southern Bohemia and support the establishing of new churches so that the hope that comes from Jesus Christ can be spread in an area largely bereft of Christian churches.

Later I wandered I wandered farther into Boršov where the Barnes live, and enjoyed its simple beauty.

EVENING DAY 3

In the evening we went to a cafe in Ceske Krumlov to watch some friends play in a jazz band. The sax player is Vlada Donat he recently graduated from seminary and is working to open up the Baptist Seminary to train new pastors. There are currently 36 Baptist churches in the Czech Republic and only 30 pastors. Some of those 30 pastors are nearing retirement, so the need is clear. Pastor Ron is mentoring Vlada and helping him plan for the school.

We also got to meet Milan Pis. He is working on planting a new church in Ceske Krumlov. Tonight's concert was partly an opportunity for Vlada to get together with some old buddies from the states, but it also served as an opportunity for Milan to get to know the community better. It was a great evening, and a fun opportunity to get to know the missionary team and the nationals better.

Well, we just called the kids, and now I need to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a more structured day, and a little busier.

Adam

Day 2 - On the Plane

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
Our flight to Amsterdam, delayed one hour due to a thunder storm, is fairly comfortable. It's about 7am local (1am Michigan) with ear plugs, sun glasses and a dose of unisom I was able to get some shallow sleep. It's fairly cramped quarters here in the coach section, and the noise of the aircraft seems thunderous to my sound sensitive ears.

That said, it's been a delight to travel with my wife Marge. It's all just a little romantic. The purpose of our trip isn't for a romantic vacation. We our hoping to discover if the Czech is where God wants us to serve. It's a bit jarring to have lost the six hours flying over the ocean. Fortunately it happened while I was asleep, but it still seems a bit unreal.

IN AMSTERDAM
To me the Amerstam airport seemed like the drunken Yellow Brick Road full of confused Dorthies. It just sort of meanders and curves, and many people seemed onsure of where to go. People around us seemed to be walking in slow eratic lines, while we were trying to walk quickly to our gate on time. We found our gate just fine. I carry ankle weights, and wear them when I fly. They help me feel grounded and and my legs don't cramp up as easily. We had to go through a second security check, and I pulled out the ankle weights separately so that they could see them. This time I sailed through security.

The Czech Airlines flight was uneventful. It was only about an hour, but I was ready to get off the plane before we got on. Once in Prague, we sailed through baggage pickup. At immigration we presented our pass ports, they were stamped without the agent even saying a word to us, then in customs, we poked our heads in and looked over at the customs agents and they waived us through without even looking up.

Of course in my over active imagination, I pictured all sorts of trouble.

Pastor Barnes was waiting for us, and after loading our luggage we drove out of Prague on a major interstate. The four laner quickly gave way to two lanes, hills and lots of curves.

I'll post up some pictures soon.

Adam

Ready, Set, Wait

Well,

Marge and I are sitting in the Detroit airport watching a delightful thunderstorm. The airport is closed due to lightning. It's pouring like mad, so we might be delayed for a bit.

Our plane is an Airbus A330. I think it holds around 430 people. It's not as big as a 747. Cruising speed (in mph) is about 580, at about 35,000 feet.

Let me back track to this morning. This morning, just before it was time for the Arledge's to show up to take us to the Detroit airport, there was a knock on our door. Instead of Pastor Dana, it was a couple from our church, the Keisers. The Tom and Pat Taylor showed up. We chatted a bit, laughed a lot, and then prayed with us for our safety, and that God would give us clear direction.

It was deeply moving, and it felt nurturing. I've always said that the people of Bethel Baptist church are my family, and today some of our family stepped forward to make certain we felt loved and cared for.

The drive to the airport was uneventful. No traffic jams or other delays, and we've had a relaxing time. This is my first international trip as an adult, so we weren't entirely sure what to do.

You get your boarding pass using a computer kiosk, and part of that involves passing your passport through a reader to verify your identity. The security line was fairly empty, and I helped talk Marge through what she would need to do. I carry ankle weights when I travel. Wearing them when I'm seated helps me feel more comfortable and grounded.

Unfortunately they were flagged initially because they registered as an unusual extra five pounds on one side of my carry on. The security person went through all of my carry-on, used a special chemical scanner and then passed them through the X-Ray again with the ankle weights out separately. My ankle weights are spandex and Velcro bands with sand in a few spots and four little metal bars in these little pockets on the ankle weights. The security personnel looked at them, scratched them a little, and then eventually let me repack my bag and then be on my way.

I was very low key and on the outside quite calm and unimpressed, but on the inside, I was a little freaked out. I've never been searched by security. They do a great job, and I'm not surprised that they took a second look at the weights. On the way home, I'll take them out right away and send them through the scanner by themselves.

We were thrilled to run in to a dear friend of ours, Donna Brown and her sister inside the terminal. They are flying Northwest to Frankfurt to visit an old friend of their mothers. It was encouraging and relaxing to be able to talk together and pass the time.

Their gate room was only a five min. walk from ours. I also ran into five people from the Pfizer plant where I work. They are waiting on the same flight Marge and I are. They are staying in Amsterdam to examin and test some pharmaceutial manufacturing equipment.

So, who will we see next? Hard telling? Gotta go. I think it's almost time to board the plane, and my 15 min. of rented computer time is up.

Adam

Ready, Set, Uh-Oh

I'm not surprised that just as we are getting ready to head to Eastern Europe for our survey trip, that little things are going wrong and small things are breaking.

For Marge it has been appointments running late, and a variety of frustrations.

For me, it was trying to get the lawn mowed one last time before we left so that our house sitter only has to do it once. So 9:45pm last night I started mowing the lawn, and got most of the front done before it became obvious that the mower was dying. No big deal, we'll just pay the neighbor boy to do it until we get back.

This experience has forced to take everything in stride, because I believe that we are seeking out what God wants us to do with our lives. If God wants our trip to happen, it will, and if the house caves in while we are gone, then He'll guide us through that as well.

Tonight we drop the children off with the family that will be keeping them while we are gone. Marge has done a phenomenal job of planning food and working with the other family. Michael and Maryellen must avoid most dairy and wheat products. So Marge has set up the host family with whom they will be staying with a supply of soy milk, and other packaged foods.

I'm likewise prepped and supplied with the various vitamin and enzyme supplements that I've found help me maintain my health, and I've been communicating various details with the Rev. Ron Barnes in the Czech.

Tonight we finish packing and try to decide if we really have what we need or have forgotten anything. It should be a great trip.

Keep your eyes on this blog, and I'll try to get to a computer for daily updates.

Adam