Friday, Field trip day!

After the barbeque last night, we took a walk around the square. The weather was cloudy but mild. The square was fairly quiet, with a few other couples strolling, and several young roller bladers. On returning to the dormitory, as I turned the key in the lock, the heavens opened up and rain POURED down. It rained all night. By morning it had reduced to a light drizzle. Today was a half day. We worked until noon. After breakfast and devotions I joined Bill in the Elementary School for work. Hard work. We unloaded 2 truck loads of material, then began mixing mortar and troweling it onto the walls. Sheets of fiberglass netting went up, pressed into the mortar and smoothed, preparing the surface for stucco on Monday, while others continued teaching English. The students are so enthusiastic and smart! They are a real joy to teach and to just spend time with.

After lunch, as we headed for the train station, the clouds parted and the sun came out. The train to Zilinia took about 1 hour, with one change of trains. Zilinia is a beautiful little town with not one, but 2 squares, lined with shops and restaurants, where many of us went searching for treasures to bring home: decorated eggs shells, decorative wire platters, ceramic bowls and many other beautiful tidbits, at very reasonable prices. There are 2 large churches, both Catholic, and very beautiful. Randy, Julie, Donna, Priscilla and I went to "The First Slovak Pub" with two of our students, Lucas and Sylvia, who live in Zilinia. We shared a bowl of goulash, and 2 garlic soups in bread bowls and some very nice local beer. On the way back down to the train station, Priscilla and I wandered into the Franciscan Church and found a concert was about to start! We stayed and listened to a small orchestra play Mozart, Mendellson and Bach. Wonderful way to end a fantastic day. We rode the train back and hustled to the Hotel Brilant for dinner.....the best one yet!
Tomorrow we head for the mountains: the High Tatras for some hiking, the lunch in a valley near the Low Tatras....or is it the Fatras? Whatever.
We worked hard all week, and will play hard this weekend, to be refreshed and ready to begin our work teaching and building again. Each day we see the Lord at work, and thank Him for all the Blessings He bestows on us. Our love to all of those at home following our adventure, and a special Hello to Angie from Bill!

Breck Thomas