“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” ~Shakespeare
Greetings from beautiful, spring-kissed Prague. I hope this finds all of you in good spirits. Yesterday, some teacher friends from Ostrava visited and I took the opportunity to walk around the city with them. The weather was perfect, and as we strolled through well-kept palace gardens, alongside grand statuary and exquisite fountains, I overheard crowds of tourists expressing their awe and delight at the things they saw. I’ve been here just over eight months, and already I take it for granted. It was great to see my world through new eyes. I think spring offers us a renewed perspective every year; just when we start to become comfortable in our cynicism and accept the world as a cold, dark place, nature erupts in brilliant colors and warmth and defies us not to celebrate.
I wanted to give you a glimpse of a few things I’m involved in on a regular basis here. Each week, the teachers from my program in Prague meet for Bible study (we’ve been discussing the book of Acts) and fellowship. It’s an invaluable time of prayer, encouragement, and the occasional outlet for cross-cultural frustrations. Truly though, most of the reports we share are positive. We just began a new series on Genesis at the church I attend here, which is fantastic because it addresses issues that Czechs are interested in, such as the relationship between science and faith. Every two weeks I help lead an English conversation group at a local café with some of my students. They are surprisingly interested in the thoughts and opinions of their American teachers, and they always respond positively to us showing personal interest in their lives as well.
As many of you already know, I’ve decided not to return for a second year of teaching in the Czech Republic. This was not an easy decision because I love my students, my colleagues, and the city. However, I’m confident (after a great deal of prayer) that it is the right thing. I’m focusing on making the best possible use of my remaining three months here (I will be flying home on July 21st). Time seems so precious now.
I had the incredible privilege to travel to Israel and Jordan over Easter holiday with my roommate Ben and two teacher friends from Hungary (see photos above). Both Petra and the old city of Jerusalem are incredible testaments to the glory of past civilizations. The city of Petra in Jordan is breathtaking; I felt like my childhood hero, Indiana Jones, as he craned his neck to gaze upward at the magnificent façade of the Treasury at the end of Last Crusade. Jerusalem at Easter was unforgettable. I can still hear the church bells clanging, the multitude of reverent prayers, and the people singing “Hallelujah” in the streets.
As always, thank you so much for your support.
Richard
