I was talking with my friend Katka today while sitting in the office lesson planning. We were talking about blogging. I was sharing with her how I am new at blogging and still find it weird that I am broadcasting my life on the internet. It's not as easy as you think. Take this last week for example. It was my first week in Brno, living in my dorm room. I did everyday things. I unpacked all my things, tried decorating my room the best I could to make it feel homey and went grocery shopping. I got up every morning, lesson planned and hung out with new friends. In my head that all sounds like regular, mundane things that no one really wants to read about on a blog...
But then I put myself in everybody else's shoes. If one of my close friends or family members moved to another country for a year, I wouldn't care if they blogged about brushing their teeth in the morning! I would just enjoy reading about their new life, even if all they ever talked about were the simplicities that made up their day. So, all of that to say, I will do my best to spruce up this blog post by making my mundane activities of this past week sound exciting.
Last Monday morning was actually quite an adventure. It was my first full day in Brno and I finally settled into the room I will be in for the next six months. Most of you know that for the past 4 months, I haven't stayed in one place for more than 6 weeks. I was glad to finally feel at home somewhere. But it was quite an adventure trying to collect all the things I needed living on my own. Trying to pack my life in 2 bags for an entire year leaves me with little wiggle room for things such as a frying pan or silverware. But the In-Life staff were very kind to lend me a whatever I needed. The only problem is, I have borrowed things from so many different people I will have to keep an inventory for what belongs to who. Haha, oh well. I have joked with everyone that at the end of 6 months I will just invite them all over to my dorm room for a party and they can take home whatever they find that's theirs :)
I was pleasantly surprised to find I could buy most things I am used to buying in the States at the stores here in Brno. I think the biggest adjustment I have had to make, besides the weather, is transportation. I am learning how to travel the bus and tram systems in the city. It really is such a blessing to have a car, but the public transportation provides me with time to talk with people and observe life on the streets. I take tips on how to dress warmer by scoping out people walking by. It's amazing how much fur I've seen here! Who knew!
I've tried some new food. I wish I knew how to spell the dishes I've tried, but let's just say Czechs like their cheese! It's with everything here, but I'm not one to complain. Every time I try something new, people ask me if we have anything similar in the U.S. This starts a conversation about American food and what I like to cook. It's fun to watch their expressions when I tell them about things like guacamole, pb&j, and oreos. They made me promise to cook them an "authentic" Mexican meal sometime next week, but only if I didn't make it too spicy.
I went ice skating yesterday with a group of friends. We went to a dam just a little outside the city that had frozen over. I have never skated on anything other than a rink before so it was quite an experience! There is a castle about 2 miles out on the ice, but it was too cold and windy to try and skate there. I do hope to see it sometime though. I will be going bowling on Wednesday with In-Life students. It should be fun to do something that I actually have experience in!
Well, friends, I hope this has been entertaining enough for you. I need to head to bed since I have started teaching this week. My first session is tomorrow morning at 9 AM. Pray God can work through me to help these brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel very inadequate, but I know God can work through the weakest of people.
I will post again soon!
But then I put myself in everybody else's shoes. If one of my close friends or family members moved to another country for a year, I wouldn't care if they blogged about brushing their teeth in the morning! I would just enjoy reading about their new life, even if all they ever talked about were the simplicities that made up their day. So, all of that to say, I will do my best to spruce up this blog post by making my mundane activities of this past week sound exciting.
Last Monday morning was actually quite an adventure. It was my first full day in Brno and I finally settled into the room I will be in for the next six months. Most of you know that for the past 4 months, I haven't stayed in one place for more than 6 weeks. I was glad to finally feel at home somewhere. But it was quite an adventure trying to collect all the things I needed living on my own. Trying to pack my life in 2 bags for an entire year leaves me with little wiggle room for things such as a frying pan or silverware. But the In-Life staff were very kind to lend me a whatever I needed. The only problem is, I have borrowed things from so many different people I will have to keep an inventory for what belongs to who. Haha, oh well. I have joked with everyone that at the end of 6 months I will just invite them all over to my dorm room for a party and they can take home whatever they find that's theirs :)
I was pleasantly surprised to find I could buy most things I am used to buying in the States at the stores here in Brno. I think the biggest adjustment I have had to make, besides the weather, is transportation. I am learning how to travel the bus and tram systems in the city. It really is such a blessing to have a car, but the public transportation provides me with time to talk with people and observe life on the streets. I take tips on how to dress warmer by scoping out people walking by. It's amazing how much fur I've seen here! Who knew!
I've tried some new food. I wish I knew how to spell the dishes I've tried, but let's just say Czechs like their cheese! It's with everything here, but I'm not one to complain. Every time I try something new, people ask me if we have anything similar in the U.S. This starts a conversation about American food and what I like to cook. It's fun to watch their expressions when I tell them about things like guacamole, pb&j, and oreos. They made me promise to cook them an "authentic" Mexican meal sometime next week, but only if I didn't make it too spicy.
I went ice skating yesterday with a group of friends. We went to a dam just a little outside the city that had frozen over. I have never skated on anything other than a rink before so it was quite an experience! There is a castle about 2 miles out on the ice, but it was too cold and windy to try and skate there. I do hope to see it sometime though. I will be going bowling on Wednesday with In-Life students. It should be fun to do something that I actually have experience in!
Well, friends, I hope this has been entertaining enough for you. I need to head to bed since I have started teaching this week. My first session is tomorrow morning at 9 AM. Pray God can work through me to help these brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel very inadequate, but I know God can work through the weakest of people.
I will post again soon!
I am so excited for you, Rachel. Keep the posts coming, no matter how "mundane" you think they are. I am living vicariously! God bless, sweet girl!
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