Coffee Heaven

As I sit here in Coffee Heaven (a small coffee shop in downtown Prague), I peer out the window to see the hustle and bustle of downtown life. It reminds me of how fast we tend to go through our days and how most of us think that walking slowly or taking a break is a waste of time or unproductive. There are things to do! We have to be on time! I have to get this next thing done so that I can move on to the next project!...etc. I know that is exactly how my life has felt since being in college, but thankfully God changed my perspective a little while in Kenya. Even here in Prague, it is an exercise just to relax and look forward to whatever God brings next. As I was reading in Walking With the Poor yesterday, I came across a quote that states the fact if we want to know God, we have to take the time to do so. The quote reads, "The beginning is the realization that we cannot love our neighbor, or even ourselves, if we are not loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind" (162).

I find that I forget what kinds of things God could do through me if I worked hard at discipline and had confidence in the abilities he gave me. The other night, The Mudriks took me along to a dinner at one of their friends' houses, the Kims. They are Korean missionaries working in Prague, and currently waiting for God's direction on what step to take next. Their daughter, Grace, is 19 and was telling us of some of her dreams for the coming of God's Kingdom in the world. She is passionate and vibrant, but most of all inspiring. Her words, though encouraging, challenged me regarding my own desires for God's Kingdom...am I praying that it comes? Do I truly believe in His power over this world? Hmm...something to take time and ponder.

I didn't end up taking the kids to the zoo on Saturday mainly because everyone was running late and it would just have been easier to do it another day. So I stayed home, ruined some bacon, did some laundry, and rested with the kids! Later in the afternoon once Elaine returned from her meeting, we all headed out to the farm to see it :) It was so beautiful! The kids played in the stream and picked wildflowers while Elaine gave me a tour of their home in progress. Marek spends about 4 days a week working on the house in order to have it ready by this summer. It will happen, God-willing! Above is a picture of one of the paths leading to the creek from the house. And to the left is their home. It is filled with gorgeous stone and wood structuring. The home will be a lovely haven when it is all finished.

Yesterday, I stayed home with Hanna, their youngest, and just rested again since Saturday and Sunday were filled with activity. She watched Dora the Explorer while I completed a project for the Prague school and continued the laundry. It was wonderful! Who knows what the rest of this week will bring? I think Elaine and I might get together with some girls and go see an opera on Sunday...we'll see ;) Well let me leave you with this thought: Many aspects of my life have been brought into the light lately and as I was reading in Psalms this morning I came upon an encouraging verse. Psalms 66:20 says, "Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!" Amen. Praise 'befits' him, yes? Much love to all of you...