Texans carry a reputation wherever they travel, Eastern Europe is no exception. I believe several of the students expected me to exit the plane wearing cowboy boots, carrying a pistol and talking about my ranch back home covered in oilwells. Obviously, we don't all fit this stereotype, but as Texans we are very proud of our state, its people and what it has to offer.
"Where are you from?" is a common question when you meet someone new. It tells us a little about the person and yes, allows us to develop a preset stereotype of that person in our minds. We have been in Prague for several weeks now and have been asked that question countless times. It is one of the questions I ask my students to write down on their index cards I have them fill out on the first day of school. I use the cards for attendance, contact info, etc. I have never had students look at me with such blank stares as these kids did. Most of the students I have in class at CISP (Christian International School of Prague) are the children of missionaries, foreign diplomats or international business families. They are 'from' many places. Some have lived in more countries than I have lived in houses. They can all tell you where they were born, but they really don't identify as being 'from' any one place. This idea is as foreign to me as it must have been to the disciples when Jesus began teaching about not being like the world, but preparing for the Kingdom of Eternity. I have been asking the wrong question all along!! It is not near as important where you are 'from' (even if it is Texas) as it is where you are going. I will change the format of my index cards in the future.
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We had a fantastic time on the CISP ski trip last week (February 11 - 16). No broken legs and several of our kids learned to ski and really enjoyed it. There are pictures of the trip in our PHOTOS section of the WorldVenture webpage.
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PRAISE - We have been given permission by the Perunova Skola to use the school building (CISP is currently holding classes in a public school, Perunova Skola) for an after school AWANA program. We will have full access to classrooms, materials, gyms, etc. Do you still need proof that God still moves? Beginning next school term, a public school in the heart of a former communist country is endorsing the start of a ministry directed at exposing children to the gospel. Try to explain that one.
Please pray for workers, materials and all that starting a new program will entail. We are extremely excited about this opportunity.
PRAISE - We will be traveling to Germany next week (February 28-March 3) with the World History students to study the life of Martin Luther. We will visit Wittenburg (posting of his 95 theses) and several other prominent sites in the Protestant Reformation. What an incredible opportunity to see these places first hand.
PRAISE - Thanks for your support and prayers. We are still amazed by God's faithfulness and the faithfulness of His people in supporting us. Thanks again!!!!
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PRAYER REQUESTS -
AWANA - The AWANA program beginning next fall. Workers, money, materials, training, etc. There are lots of details to work out, but we have lots of parents and teachers excited about the ministry.
Housing - It appears that landlords in Prague are unwilling to rent to a family of 7 in downtown Prague. I can't imagine why. We are expanding our search further out of the city in hopes of finding a place big enough, affordable and close to shopping and public transportation.
Health - There is a ''bug" flying around the school and our home. Several students have missed a lot of school and Robin has missed lots of rest dealing with sick kids.
May the God of Eternity bless you and your family...................The Chumbley 7