August 5, 2010

When we boarded the plane in Los Angeles, we were all focused on the same goal - trying to share our talents, our faith, and our resources to make a difference in another part of the world. Now here it is - 16 days later - and each of has accomplished some version of our goal, but in many different ways.

During the past few days, some of us were invited to dine at a student’s home. Some of us went on walking trips through Martin - or drove further distances to experience the local sights. Some of us visited local restaurants...whether we ate Goulash or Garlic soup, it was a chance to converse with the students, improve their English, and make a connection. Some of us experienced the hospitality of the Bible School with traditional Slovak folk dancing at a local sheep farm, while others went to a movie at the local theatre with Slovak subtitles! We also had a pizza dinner that was an opportunity to celebrate, relax, and even dance a little! Each of us used these activities to be both teachers and friends to the students in the program.

We have each taken this opportunity to be creative. We have utilized the teaching materials but individualized them to the needs of our particular classes. We have enjoyed different opportunities and participated in different activities...but each of us has made a connection with our students and each of us feels enriched by those relationships.

Our group has been particularly blessed by having Ivan (originally from Slovakia) and Estella here with us. They both have helped each one of us in some way, shape, or form - and we are so thankful. Ivan’s ability to help us ease into the Slovak culture and provide translation was invaluable. Thank you both for being so kind and generous.

Taking a group of 24 people from many different communities and working together for the benefit of others provides both challenges and opportunities. We have learned a great deal about each other and about ourselves - and each of us will take home a slightly different view of the experience - but one thing we all agree upon...Slovakia is a beautiful country filled with wonderful people and we were all fortunate to have been a part of this group. Thank you to each and every one of you.

-Julie