July 29, 2010

After days and days of rain, we walked out of our classes at the morning break to see sunshine, blue sky, and white fluffy clouds...what a needed change! It inspired Dona and Melissa’s high school group to go for a walk. I was privileged to be able to accompany them as we all walked to the Billa (their grocery store). The lesson being discussed before we left was on adjectives. How perfect - the entire walk we were able to ask the girls to describe - in English - how to get where we were going. “Walk past the green metal fence and the tall yellow building on the left, then past the round, dry fountain...etc, etc! Entering the store was even more fun as we helped them identify the fruits and vegetables, cheeses and more - all using their English rather than their Slovak. They are such bright talented students - with kind hearts and generous spirits. We were able to experience that later in the afternoon as two of the students stayed to cook our group a native Slovakian dish (but that will be shared in another blog...!)

For now - on to our field trip for today...

The beautiful little church on the hill is hundreds of years old. It overlooks a peaceful looking village and some of the greenest hills I have ever seen - more beautiful than a movie or postcard could ever portray. As we walked up the pathway to the church, we couldn’t help but snap our cameras - first to the hills on the left with grazing animals and then to the cemetery on the right. We were in awe of the countryside and it was hard to round up the group (especially us “first timers”) to go inside for the start of the service. When we entered through the huge wooden doorway, we were taken aback by the beauty of the sanctuary. The sun shone through long slits in the thick walls casting a sort of “heavenly” light on the scene. As anyone who enters a Lutheran church service late knows...the only seats left are in the front row, so we proceeded to sit down. Pastor Adrian provided an inspirational message - and the sound of our voices singing familiar hymns brought goosebumps and some tears to many of us! The acoustics in the small church multiplied the strength of our notes and to me, we sounded as melodic as a well-rehearsed choir from St. Olaf or Luther College! It was amazing! Rarely has a mid-week church service been so memorable.

After the service we returned to the Bible School to find Bohdan hard at work at the BBQ grill. Plates of chicken, sausage, and vegetables were already prepared and more was being added! It tasted delicious! It was nice to sit down with all the members of our group and the builder’s group from Minnesota as well. We relaxed, listened to good music, and truly enjoyed each other’s company. No concerns about curriculum copies...or numbers of students...or construction supplies...just a chance to talk and listen to great music. (Was Louis Armstrong really there? He sounded just like him!) Then it was off to bed for some needed rest. The day was beautiful - and we thank the Lord for everything we experienced.

-Julie