Music Class

So yesterday was the best (and worst) day yet! Lucka and Kamil invited Zach and I to come and sit in on their music class during 8th and 9th period. I was intrigued, so I went. Their music class consisted of a bunch of them sitting in chairs and singing pop songs with the teacher playing piano, usually someone on guitar and drums, and two microphones for people to sing into. For the first bit they were kind of just milling around, but after about a half hour they started singing some really good songs, the Beatles and whatnot. So then the teacher asked me to come and sing. I had one moment, and I said, ah, what the heck? So I grabbed the mic and sang such hits as Killing me Softly, Wonderwall, and some assorted Beatles. It was a blast! They asked me to play some piano and guitar, but I balked there on account of the fact that I haven't practiced in some time!

The only bad thing about the day was that I had to teach about 9 hours...yuck. My thoat hurt a bit afterwards! But today is a new day, and His mercies are new!

Benji the wonder pup

So I have a bit of time between my classes today, and I thought I'd tell you a bit more about the new third roommate. His name is Benji, he was born in the year of the dog, and he likes long walks around Dvořakovo Gymnázium. He is one of the funniest dogs I've seen! He is pretty quiet whenever he's at home, rarely barking or anything, but if he hears any kind of motorvehicle he starts to howl like there's no tomorrow. He has this funny (and gross) habit of shaking his head like he just jumped out of a swimming pool, which sends any drool that may have collected in his droopy jowls flying in all directions. He does lots of other cool dog stuff too, like laying under your feet when you're lesson planning and rolling all over the floor trying to scratch his back. He is also a great climber! Most of the time when we come into the flat, he is standing on the windowsill between the kitchen and the clothesline room, looking majestic and whatnot. Then he bounds down and jumps up on you to say hello, and if he's in a good mood, will even plays a quick game of tug of war with his leash. Benji likes both of us, but I'm pretty sure he likes Zach more. The evidence to this point is that whenever Zach leaves the apartment, he runs after him and stands at the door, whining and crying like a little puppy. So cute. Benji is also a farter. Zach and I will be chillin' in the crib with Benji on the floor asleep, and out of the blue...Benji drops a bomb. Sometimes silent, sometimes loud, but always deadly. But don't judge him too harshly as he is a dog. And a pretty good one at that. Even though he can't do any tricks or understand "No," "Sit," or "Co dělaš?", he is housetrained and a faithful companion. And so it is with love in my heart that I give Benji two paws up and say Welcome!

mountain climbing
farting

More 10k pics!

I'm getting better...

Well, I survived my first (long) week of school and now I'm starting week 2. I think I'm in a better place than I was even yesterday...just very culture shocked, tired, fearful, and frustrated. This morning I taught three wonderful ladies at English services and that helped me to relax. I CAN do this! I think the key to all of it is to retain a constant posture of learning, even when I'm the teacher. Humility goes a LONG way in this profession!

This past weekend I headed to Praha once again for many purposes. The main reason was to help Aaron (our country director) and his family get packed up so they could move to Ostrava. They made it safely, and the rest of the weekend I enjoyed Elanor's company. Also, on Sunday I ran the Prague Grand Prix 10K with a time of 56:08...decent for no training! Running (especially marathons) is funny to me...it doesn't do your body any good per se, but people will pay 60 euros every year to punish thier bodies. I don't understand it at all. The reason I do it is because it is a strong hook in my mind of how life is...Running and everyday life are very similar: Some parts are hard, some parts are easy, but any forward movement is good. Slow and steady wins the race...all that. It also is a great way to stay in shape. Today my legs are really sore, but the pain just reminds me of what I was able to accomplish. hmm...there might be something deeper in that!

After the race Elanor was wonderful and gave me a haircut! She was a bit nervous, but I had full confidence in her hair-cutting abilities...and it came out great! So now she has a way to make a little extra money on the side!

God continues to give me grace and joy in this whole process, even when I don't deserve it. Pray for my planning abilities to increase and for the ability to relax and not be so apprehensive!

Last night as I was on the train back to Kralupy I looked out the window and the sky was a wonderul red, white and blue. Just like their flag. Creation is amazing, and God continues to amaze. Be strong in the Lord! Peace!

The First Day of School...sort of

Today was the official first day of school, which lasted a total of about 40 minutes. The entire school gathered right outside my window (in the playground behind our flat/the school) and got their schedules. Then the headmaster, André, introduced the new teachers (including me), and then I got to give a little speech to the entire school. Tons of fun! After that I changed out of my teacher clothes and into some shorts (it was actually warm today... a nice change!) and then I went with Zach, Kamil, and Lutska to Prague to get Zach's dog, Benji. It was quite a trip. When we got there and found Benji (whom zach is contemplating calling John), we realized that he might be a bit more than we bargained for. He's a beautiful dog, a beagle, just a little hyperactive and unresponsive to human interaction. But I'm sure that will change over the next few weeks (I hope!).

Right now I'm lesson planning and getting ready for my first class tomorrow, so pray for me! I know that God will be with me and watch over me as I begin to mold the young minds of Kralupy. Blessings, na schledanou!

Insomnia

I have now been in the Czech Republic for about two weeks or so, and I have developed insomnia. I haven't slept through the night for about a week and half now, and it's starting to catch up to me. Please be praying for me, as classes start tomorrow! Lots to write, but I'm going to try and actually get some sleep tonight! God bless!