we’re really here

I’ve been wanting to blog but I’ve been exhausted. I’m trying to figure out how long it took us to get to Kosice. We left Sunday from Copper Mountain, Colorado which is 2 hours from the Denver airport. So after we got to the airport we got in the line to check our bags which is quite a task, because our bags are big and heavy. We got through fine, and then I tried to go help team Sweden, they got the run around at the Denver airport (but that’s quite the story). We boarded our flight to Chicago, got there, had a quick lunch (my team had McDonalds and I had a granola bar, I was holding out for the delicious plane food) and then ran through security/intimidation. We got on the plane just in time, as we’re boarding, the country director of Slovakia calls my American cell phone and I’m literally walking onto the plane. I sit down, and then there it is – emotional rush. I text some friends, and read what they write me back, and it’s sweet, things like, I’ll be praying for you, and I love you, I’ll miss you. Oh gosh, it was so sad. But, I stopped long enough to remember, “This is what God wants for you.” I think it was echoing through my heart as we took off. So, we fly to Vienna, we get there and there is free wireless in the airport, PTL for real. Then we flew on this tiny prop plane to Kosice, oh gosh that was so scary. Then once we got here we got ALL of our luggage (amazing). Biba, Mirka, Dara, Denis, and Jeremy met us at the airport. So, then we went to our aparment, with all of our luggage up 5 flights of stairs, now that required skill and I can see why the Midsouth office requires a medical release for overseas now. We went to dinner last night at the Slovak restaurant, there is more than one Slovak restuarant, it’s just that I don’t know what it’s called and they served traditional Slovak food. Well, we then went to Jeremy’s going away party – and I’m pretty sure we looked like zombies (this is an example of when you shouldn’t take me literally), but it was great seeing people. Then, we walked home, the Slovak girls with us – to make sure we found our way. There was a really cool thunder storm our first night. One of my favorite things here, is that we live on the 5th floor, and there is a door that locks to our building, so no one wants to walk all the way down the stairs, so there is literally a Christmas stocking that we put the key in and drop it down, on my first try I hit a car, way to go. We started with prayer this morning and it was good to just talk through some things. We’re still exhausted but we got out and did some things, bought our cell phones, got pictures made for bus passes and got groceries, I would say pretty good for not sleeping much the night before. I just wanted to update you on our first 24 hours. I know many are curious, and if you’re not, you’re gracious to pretend.

It’s really great here, and really good to be back. In a way, it feels a lot like home to me. I’m thankful I’m not staying in the K2. My apartment is awesome. My bedroom has 4 windows, two are floor to ceiling, they open like doors. I set up my bedroom last night, because there was no way I could sleep in a mess, mainly because I haven’t lived in a normal home for about a month now, due to moving, and packing and repacking. I’m taking pictures – but probably not enough, I’ll upload more soon. I’m thankful for all of you who’ve been praying – they are felt. God has been so gracious to me! It’s so fun working with Biba, Dara, and Mirka, they are a blessing to my life! Pet’o came by today, he is a hilarious guy involved with the ministry here, but he is going to Manchaster to study in a month. I’ll miss him.

Ministry will start soon, for now we’re trying to get some of the necessary things done and orient the team to the town and each other. We’ve got a lot of bonding to do – and I pray it happens naturally. Oh, I have a Slovak cell phone number. I’ll update it on the contact page.

This is me on my balcony. Oh right, I didn’t mention, I have a balcony on the side of my room.