Mark's Mission Notes
Ahoj and Greetings from Slovakia.
My May has been quite interesting. I saw the Maj Strom go up,
Confirmation, Sväty Duch and had opportunities to travel. My time here is getting closer to when I return and it seems like every week is flying by faster and faster. I'm starting to realize that I will be
going home and what that means for me.
And as usual I have been writing some other updates on my Blog for those of you who are Internet savvy. The address is http://www.moltron.net/
I also have many more pictures available at
http://flickr.com/photos/themoltron
On the First of May, the village had a huge celebration and erected a
Maj Strom or May Tree…basically a big pole with a small tree on top. It stays up during the whole month. It was great seeing all the familiar faces and sounds in the village. Pan Gavornik, who takes pictures of everything, the kids from school running around crazy, the small brass ensemble playing classic Slovak tunes and the pleasant sound of laughter.
That Sunday we had Confirmation Sunday. Confirmation is considered a huge deal, a rite of passage for many of the youth. The Service was packed and the confirmands were dressed in their finest. The Girls in stunning white dresses and the Boys in suits. For many this is the first time I've seen them in something other than jeans and a t-shirt. Family members from all over came for this special occasion. Each confirmand was called up to the altar and given a blessing from the Pastor. Večera Pánova (Communion) is only given a few times a year and this was one of those occasions. I was asked to help which I felt honored. It took about half an hour because there were so many people. The Service itself was
beautiful and it took a little longer because of all the pomp and
circumstance.
Afterward I had some reflections about my own Confirmation. Is it just something that people do and just go through the motions? It is a hard thing to determine, I can't see people hearts. The week before confirmation the confirmands were asked to answers questions about their faith. The answers they gave were from a textbook. I can remember during my confirmation learning answers to questions just because I had to know them. I not sure I was any different. There are many things that point the way and help us to wrap our heads around Faith but Faith isn't found in a textbook. It is found when our hearts meet God's. I think this is one of the greatest struggle our church faces. That we think faith can be distilled down to the right answers.
The Next Sunday was Sväty Duch Nedela or Holy Spirit Sunday. The Pastor asked everyone in the village to wear Kroj (the traditional Slovak folk Costume, each village has a slightly different costume). Flo and I spend the day before walking around the village trying to find Kroj for us to wear. What an experience. Apparently not many men wear kroj so only a few people had things we could use. We walked from house to house. Everybody told us of someone else who maybe had something. In process we were given our fill of kolačky(cookies), Obed(lunch) and Kava(coffee).
We were blessed so much from the hospitality. After being stuffed full of food and conversation we were able to find everything we needed. So on Sväty Duch we wore Kroj and were like real Slovaks for a day.
After all these events I took some much needed time for travel. My first stop was in Budapest with some of the other Volunteers in Slovakia. Budapest is such a beautiful city. There are times I'm traveling that I'm in disbelief of where I am. You hear and see things about cities like Budapest and when you get there it is a little surreal. Many of the sites we like being in a movie or fairy tale. We visited many interesting places and were lucky enough to be there when they had a folk festival going on at the National History Museum. I was wonderful to see, hear and experience some of the native culture. Of course when you're in Hungary you have to eat Hungarian Goulash, which by the way is amazing. Hungary being so close to Slovakia you would think the language would be similar but, No. Very different indeed. Apparently it is related to Norse and Icelandic languages.
Then I headed off to London. Being in Slovakia and not being around very many native English speakers for quite a while, arriving is London interesting. I couldn't help listening in on people's conversations just because I could understand them. It also made me realize just how much I will miss speaking Slovak and that my time there will soon be coming to a conclusion. In London I met up with one of the other YAGM volunteers Eric who is living in a neighborhood of London called Camden. I arrived on Corpus Christi, so I was able to celebrate a traditional Church of
England mass. Smell and Bells as they call it. Incense and lots of
ringing bells. In some ways it felt like being home worshiping in
English. I also made me realize how much of our worship traditions come from England. I traveled all around London visiting Parliament,
Westminster Abbey, and Piccadilly Circus. I even traveled to Greenwich Village and stood across the Prime Meridian.
As Much as I wish I could assimilate myself into this strange and now somewhat familiar culture. I am constantly being reminded that I am and always will be a foreigner. Sometimes I'll try to say something in my best Slovak and people don't understand. Why Slovaks don't grasp the concept of a coffee machine or when they don't understand No!!! When you say you've had enough food. I will never understand but I love them for it anyway. We are all like foreigners trying to make sense of our environment based on previous experiences, expectations and values. How does God shape our experiences, expectations and values? How does our
own culture shape our Faith? I'm still trying to figure that out. I have
grown from my experience here, seeing how others see and worship God in a completely different context than I'm used to. It has given me a larger view of God and a different lens to see the influences my home culture has on my faith.
Lord,
Open are eyes to really see the influences on our Life and Faith
Shape our lives with your Presence
Give us Compassion for understanding
Help us to makes sense of what it means to be a Christian in today's world
Amen
God's Blessings and Peace be with you,
- Christ’s Servant in Slovakia
Mark
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
April/May Newsletter - Karin in Argentina
Family and Friends,
One month more. Gratitude is the sentiment that comes to mind as I reflect back on the past 10 months. I am just so grateful.
As the year comes to a close and little more than a month remains, I thought it best to do something a little bit different. Attached you will find seven newsletters within one. One excerpt has been taken from each volunteer in Argentina throughout different moments and moods of the year. My hope is that by reading it, you will feel connected to the volunteers who have supported and shared their lives and stories with me (and now, with you), throughout the year; and also that you will gain a greater understanding of our brothers and sisters of Christ in Argentina.
If your name is James, Kate, Kevin, Kim, Kirsten, or Kristina and you are living in Argentina right now, you are not allowed to read this newsletter until after our retreat. It is one of our morning devotions. Seriously. Don't read it.
Attached is the newsletter. Enjoy.
Karin
****************************************
Ubuntu:
I am because you are.
Africans have this thing called Ubuntu. It is about the essence of being human. It embraces hospitality, caring about others, being able to go the extra mile for the sake of others. I am human because I belong. It speaks about wholeness; it speaks about compassion. We believe that a person is a person through another person; we affirm our humanity when we acknowledge that of others. My humanity is caught up, bound up, inextricably, with yours. A person with Ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, willing to share. Such people are open and available to others, willing to be vulnerable, affirming of others, do not feel threatened that others are able and good, for they have a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that they belong in a greater whole. When I dehumanize you, I inexorably dehumanize myself. The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms and therefore you seek to work for the common good because your humanity comes into its own in belonging. The quality of Ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanize them.
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
________________________________________________________________________
“Che it looks like the end of the world is coming. “
“ Nah it’s probably just going to rain real hard” I said. But the clouds kept racing across the sky in a way I’ve rarely seen them move before. What made me worry was the fact that you couldn’t hear any of the birds that usually sing around that time of day there song had been replaced by other noises.
“ Che Andre what’s that noise?” asked Marcos.
“ It sounds like the boards from the construction next door being rattled together.” I said.
“ No, it’s not that.”
Now I really got worried as pastor Andrea’s made a face as if she was remembering something very unpleasant. The wind that was moving the clouds touched the earth and started blowing us around. Wuuuuuuuuuuu, wuuuuuuuuuu came the sound and the water tank that is almost as tall and wide as I am tall started to drag across the ground! Andrea, Marcos and I pushed it into the hall way in between houses and then tried to put the door to the yard back on being that we had to take it off its hinges in the first place to get the tank out side. We had barely hooked it and we’re trying to shut the door when hail the size of balled up fists started to fall inside sliding into the hallway threatening to smack us on the feet. We fell into action I grabbed a large wooden table top and threw it across the entrance because the doors weren’t closing, Eugenia one of the girls who also lives at HUL had come down stairs to see what was going on I looked at her and said “ Euge the window’s in the office are open! “ She ran up stairs and closed all the window blinds of the house that are made out of wood and scroll down as part of the architecture of the window. It started to rain and the lights went out…
We all heard the glass, we heard how things were shattering not only in the temple but in the house as well. . . We listened in that present darkness to how the world around us was breaking. But just as in that first Holy Friday the suffering came to an end and we were able to in the darkness light candles and bare witness to those things that had been lost and a midst all the brokenness realize how much God loves us.
Resurrection, Sunday in the morning others arrived for breakfast before service and as we sat drinking tea and eating pastries we looked at the blue sky that broke through what had survived of the yellow glass. As I said in the beginning storms can take many things and leave others, for us we were left with the reminder of a promise of an act of love on our behalf by means of the brokenness of a body that was resurrected. It means an opportunity to realize that we are not alone and that those who we least expected it from have reached out form the four corners to accompany us in this faith walk. From that day we have felt the support of the communities and how most importantly God keeps us very close to his heart.
-Kristina, La Plata
It is about the essence of being human. It embraces hospitality, caring about others, being able to go the extra mile for the sake of others. I am human because I belong. It speaks about wholeness, it speaks about compassion. We believe that a person is a person through another person;
As we set out two years ago on this journey to South America, I did not fully comprehend that our destination was not a geographic place but rather a spiritual and theological place within ourselves. The process of getting there is a gradual leaving behind of all that is known and certain, of all that comes to define us if we do not let it go and see what is left.
I now have the sense that I’ve reached the Land’s End of my spiritual geography—a craggy ledge hanging over the raging sea. There is not another step of firm ground in front of me. I feel raw and exposed.
It is only now, as I stand completely exposed to the ocean that rages before me, the sea of my own darkness and the darkness of a world of human injustice that I am fully open to receiving God’s grace. It is only from my own vulnerability that I can begin to comprehend Christ’s crucifixion as God’s ultimate act of solidarity with human suffering and brokenness. In the paradox of the Cross, Christ saves us from our sinful nature by completely submitting to the imperial domination of political, economic, and religious powers of his day. “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.”
God’s call to us as a Church and as individuals is not to turn back from the raging sea of human injustice and suffering but to let it penetrate and transform us. God does not call me to seek consolation for my sorry but rather to heed it as a sacred clamor from deep within, urging me to be an ever more committed instrument of transformation and hope in this broken world.
-Kate, Buenos Aires
We affirm our humanity when we acknowledge that of others. My humanity is caught up, bound up, inextricably, with yours;
By taking the step to participate in the YAGM program, one makes the most of their year by dedicating their lives to a greater cause. As scary and uncertain as this unknown may be, it is an invaluable opportunity. When considering the YAGM program I asked myself, ‘If not now, then when?’ which is a question that has helped me to take advantage of every situation. Tomorrow is never a guarantee, so each experience today – every fight between the kids at La Obra, every smile, every struggle, every beso – needs to be lived to the max. That is what these last two months are for me, taking it all in and taking advantage of each moment and opportunity.
During a conversation with one of the adults from Minnesota, I asked what struck her most about Uruguayan culture. Not to my surprise, she immediately spoke about the Uruguayans’ friendliness and the importance of sharing. This conversation definitely confirmed what I have seen thus far; if nothing else, this year has shown me the importance of sharing your gifts, love and resources with your community. Even though one apple isn’t much, you can always cut it to share with another - with as little or as much as you have, it is more important to enjoy it together than to keep it for yourself. It was wonderful to be able to have these conversations and to see the best of both cultures throughout the week.
-Kirsten, Montevideo
A person with Ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, willing to share;
For the past two weeks, I have found Valentina´s shoe in the corner. It is dirty white, no larger than the palm of my hand, and there is always just one. I thought little of this at first, until it kept showing up: same spot, same foot. Later I saw standing in its place a plastic, purple and pink high-heal--the kind that Barbie wears, only made a couple of sizes larger to fit 3-year-old Valentina´s left foot perfectly.
So each day, for the past two weeks, Valentina has teeter-tottered around the room, one heel two inches larger than the other. It throws her a little off balance, often causing her to stumble and, on occasion, fall down. Regardless, every morning there is a little white shoe in the corner, and it belongs to Valentina.
As a friend recently wrote in a letter, now is the time in my abroad experience where I have "stopped redefining what it means to live, and instead started living it." All of the expectations and ideas I entered into this with have fallen away, and I am instead focusing on just living. And I am loving it.
Valentina´s plastic and pink high-heal requires me to ask which shoe am I failing to put on because there is only one, or because I will walk a little crooked while wearing it, or because I will be more likely to fall as I walk? These past five months have taught me that our human brokenness and vulnerability can be the bridge between us if we allow it. It is a lesson I am still learning.
-Karin, Comodoro Rivadavia
Such people are open and available to others, willing to be vulnerable, affirming of others, do not feel threatened that others are able and good, for they have a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that they belong in a greater whole;
In early April, I spent the morning with Alberto and his wife on their farm. They took me on a tour of their pig farm, and showed me where they were drying the tobacco to be sold in Alem later in the month. He explained to me the oppressive system of tobacco producing, in which he is involved. In order to grow the tobacco, the company requires that he buy the tobacco seeds, the fertilizer, the chemicals, even the compost and soil, from the company. The money spent in buying the products will be taken off the final cost of the final product of tobacco at a high rate. The company explains to Alberto exactly how to grow the tobacco, and hires workers to come to his farm to make sure that he is following all of the procedures explained to him. If he has not followed correctly, money will be taken off his final product as well. The actually growing process involves the application of dangerous chemicals, ones that inhibit the growth of the tobacco flower, to continue the growth of the leaves. This chemical is not permitted usage in the United States of America because of its toxicity level! The most frustrating aspect is the soil that the producer is required to buy. Why on earth would a producer need to buy soil that has been shipped from New York when the red soil of Misiones is known to be extremely fertile? The collection, drying, and sorting process is a while other story. After Alberto has sorted and bunched his tobacco together, he will bring it to a collective in Alem that will evaluate his crop and give him a final value. After he is given his final value, the debt that is owed will be taken off. This last year, Alberto earned about $7,000 pesos, which is equivalent to less than $2,500 U.S.D. And that is Alberto’s annual income.
How is it possible that people are spending the amount of money on cigarettes, and the tobacco companies are making billions of dollars a year, and yet Alberto comes out with $2,500 a year? It is hard for me to take in the lack of equality in this system. This year, I am working with producers to search for other methods to bring in an annual income, other than a work that not only generates very little income, but also puts its producers at risk daily. Producers suffer for not only the chemicals that they are exposed to in the producing, but also a high daily dose of second hand smoke, just from working with the crop. Producers suffer from high risks of emphysema and cancer due to the working of this crop.
-Kim, Obera
When I dehumanize you, I inexorably dehumanize myself;
Focus, Che, Focus
Yesterday, Wilma and I were talking in the church office about this. I remember how slowly the first few months passed. My brain was still desperately trying to recall how to piece together coherent sentences, and then conversations, in Spanish; I didn’t know how to do anything work-wise; I didn’t know anyone, and the language struggle was only making that harder. Time dragged; every day felt like a week. Then, sometime in early November, the ice in my brain thawed and the water began to flow again. Carrying on a conversation in Spanish no longer felt like a torture devised by the Inquisition (perhaps “NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition!” is the best tagline for my language struggles of September and October), work frustrations became “this isn’t going to plan” as opposed to “what IS the plan?” and I began to feel surrounded by friends rather than just sympathetic strangers. And, just like a river, the time began to flow – first a trickle, then a slow-moving stream, and then the Amazon, forcing its way on to the sea.
And now, I can practically see the breakers – Texas and my pre-Uruguay life, Chicago, who knows what surprises. I find myself asking myself the question – “what now?” How do I make these last few weeks count?
The answer came to me, as it often has this year, on Wednesday afternoon with the kids. One of the young ones, Federico, has glommed on to me. He always saves the spot next to him on the bench for me, and without fail, always ends up resting up against me within 15 minutes. There are the others, too. We always have a greeting/welcome song at the start of our time with the kids, and between the verses we go around and shake hands, joke around a little bit with the kids, etc. One of the girls, Gretel, has March acted very afraid of me since she joined us in March – I’ll stick out my hand, and she’ll shake her head no and look away. But last week...she shook my hand with a big smile on her face. After the welcome song, we listened to a story that came with a song (a monkey cumbia). We all got up and danced to the song (yes, me too), and everyone, every single kid (and the three adults, and even Milton when he popped in the room to see how things were going), danced like a goofball and belted out the song (and occasional monkey noise) with gusto. Everyone danced together, too – people took turns spinning others and being spun, we had a conga (erm, cumbia) line at one point.
I guess that’s the answer to my question. When the monkey cumbia is blaring, you dance. When the students show up with English, North American or African Geography, History, Chemistry, Music, or Computer Science/Information and Research Skills homework, you work with them. When the cook is looking bored in the kitchen, you chat and joke around with her. When the big life questions come up in Bible Study, you talk. When the time is running short, you don’t just watch the sand slip away and feel poorly about it. You accept, reluctantly at times, that such is life, and you make the most of what you have, and you save your Dogon Country daydreams for later.
-Kevin, Montevideo
The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms and therefore you seek to work for the common good because your humanity comes into its own in belonging;
“Do you like life?” I was asked tonight by my friend as we sat and drank mate at her house. When I started my normal speech of the things I enjoy doing and dreams I have, she stopped me, and clarified by saying the question again. “Do you like life? Not your life James, who wouldn’t like your life, you’ve been all over, you are talented, no, Do you like life, sickness, hatred, hunger, and everything that is involved in the human condition” I walked around the barrio after that question in a sort of stunned state. I looked at my surroundings and saw the dirt roads after rain the night before that are impassable now. I thought of the shack homes of pieces of wood and scrap metal that I see as I take the bus to and from the barrio, without water or electricity. I thought about the Toba Indians that are dying of hunger every day here in the Chaco, and I pondered this question. I am almost embarrassed sometimes to talk about how easy my life has been. It is hard to demonstrate to someone that you understand that life is hard, when they tell you that they were hit everyday as a child, and when they ask you about your life you can only answer that your parents love you move than anything in the world. It is hard to show you understand when a 26 year old woman tells you about the three jobs she works to provide for her mother, grandmother, and aunt on top of studying in college. The money I’ve made from working has gone towards vacations, clothes, and coffee shops.
There is so much joy here though, as much as I have seen in anyplace I have been. Kids still laugh at every opportunity. People love to dance, ohh how they love to dance. People help each other, and we talk about how fun falling in love is. In the horrible oppression that this world offers up, most from other humans and their actions, people always find opportunities to laugh and to love. Dancing all night on a dirt patio, watching kids draw and color for hours, drinking mate and talking for hours, being shown a drum set that is made from scrap metal and wood, people sharing food with me, Sunday dinners where they stay and talk for the rest of the day talking after the meal. These are all things that I have seen in the midst of poverty, that make me think that I do like life.
-James, Resistencia
The quality of Ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanize them.
I am because you are.
One month more. Gratitude is the sentiment that comes to mind as I reflect back on the past 10 months. I am just so grateful.
As the year comes to a close and little more than a month remains, I thought it best to do something a little bit different. Attached you will find seven newsletters within one. One excerpt has been taken from each volunteer in Argentina throughout different moments and moods of the year. My hope is that by reading it, you will feel connected to the volunteers who have supported and shared their lives and stories with me (and now, with you), throughout the year; and also that you will gain a greater understanding of our brothers and sisters of Christ in Argentina.
If your name is James, Kate, Kevin, Kim, Kirsten, or Kristina and you are living in Argentina right now, you are not allowed to read this newsletter until after our retreat. It is one of our morning devotions. Seriously. Don't read it.
Attached is the newsletter. Enjoy.
Karin
****************************************
Ubuntu:
I am because you are.
Africans have this thing called Ubuntu. It is about the essence of being human. It embraces hospitality, caring about others, being able to go the extra mile for the sake of others. I am human because I belong. It speaks about wholeness; it speaks about compassion. We believe that a person is a person through another person; we affirm our humanity when we acknowledge that of others. My humanity is caught up, bound up, inextricably, with yours. A person with Ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, willing to share. Such people are open and available to others, willing to be vulnerable, affirming of others, do not feel threatened that others are able and good, for they have a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that they belong in a greater whole. When I dehumanize you, I inexorably dehumanize myself. The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms and therefore you seek to work for the common good because your humanity comes into its own in belonging. The quality of Ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanize them.
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
________________________________________________________________________
“Che it looks like the end of the world is coming. “
“ Nah it’s probably just going to rain real hard” I said. But the clouds kept racing across the sky in a way I’ve rarely seen them move before. What made me worry was the fact that you couldn’t hear any of the birds that usually sing around that time of day there song had been replaced by other noises.
“ Che Andre what’s that noise?” asked Marcos.
“ It sounds like the boards from the construction next door being rattled together.” I said.
“ No, it’s not that.”
Now I really got worried as pastor Andrea’s made a face as if she was remembering something very unpleasant. The wind that was moving the clouds touched the earth and started blowing us around. Wuuuuuuuuuuu, wuuuuuuuuuu came the sound and the water tank that is almost as tall and wide as I am tall started to drag across the ground! Andrea, Marcos and I pushed it into the hall way in between houses and then tried to put the door to the yard back on being that we had to take it off its hinges in the first place to get the tank out side. We had barely hooked it and we’re trying to shut the door when hail the size of balled up fists started to fall inside sliding into the hallway threatening to smack us on the feet. We fell into action I grabbed a large wooden table top and threw it across the entrance because the doors weren’t closing, Eugenia one of the girls who also lives at HUL had come down stairs to see what was going on I looked at her and said “ Euge the window’s in the office are open! “ She ran up stairs and closed all the window blinds of the house that are made out of wood and scroll down as part of the architecture of the window. It started to rain and the lights went out…
We all heard the glass, we heard how things were shattering not only in the temple but in the house as well. . . We listened in that present darkness to how the world around us was breaking. But just as in that first Holy Friday the suffering came to an end and we were able to in the darkness light candles and bare witness to those things that had been lost and a midst all the brokenness realize how much God loves us.
Resurrection, Sunday in the morning others arrived for breakfast before service and as we sat drinking tea and eating pastries we looked at the blue sky that broke through what had survived of the yellow glass. As I said in the beginning storms can take many things and leave others, for us we were left with the reminder of a promise of an act of love on our behalf by means of the brokenness of a body that was resurrected. It means an opportunity to realize that we are not alone and that those who we least expected it from have reached out form the four corners to accompany us in this faith walk. From that day we have felt the support of the communities and how most importantly God keeps us very close to his heart.
-Kristina, La Plata
It is about the essence of being human. It embraces hospitality, caring about others, being able to go the extra mile for the sake of others. I am human because I belong. It speaks about wholeness, it speaks about compassion. We believe that a person is a person through another person;
As we set out two years ago on this journey to South America, I did not fully comprehend that our destination was not a geographic place but rather a spiritual and theological place within ourselves. The process of getting there is a gradual leaving behind of all that is known and certain, of all that comes to define us if we do not let it go and see what is left.
I now have the sense that I’ve reached the Land’s End of my spiritual geography—a craggy ledge hanging over the raging sea. There is not another step of firm ground in front of me. I feel raw and exposed.
It is only now, as I stand completely exposed to the ocean that rages before me, the sea of my own darkness and the darkness of a world of human injustice that I am fully open to receiving God’s grace. It is only from my own vulnerability that I can begin to comprehend Christ’s crucifixion as God’s ultimate act of solidarity with human suffering and brokenness. In the paradox of the Cross, Christ saves us from our sinful nature by completely submitting to the imperial domination of political, economic, and religious powers of his day. “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.”
God’s call to us as a Church and as individuals is not to turn back from the raging sea of human injustice and suffering but to let it penetrate and transform us. God does not call me to seek consolation for my sorry but rather to heed it as a sacred clamor from deep within, urging me to be an ever more committed instrument of transformation and hope in this broken world.
-Kate, Buenos Aires
We affirm our humanity when we acknowledge that of others. My humanity is caught up, bound up, inextricably, with yours;
By taking the step to participate in the YAGM program, one makes the most of their year by dedicating their lives to a greater cause. As scary and uncertain as this unknown may be, it is an invaluable opportunity. When considering the YAGM program I asked myself, ‘If not now, then when?’ which is a question that has helped me to take advantage of every situation. Tomorrow is never a guarantee, so each experience today – every fight between the kids at La Obra, every smile, every struggle, every beso – needs to be lived to the max. That is what these last two months are for me, taking it all in and taking advantage of each moment and opportunity.
During a conversation with one of the adults from Minnesota, I asked what struck her most about Uruguayan culture. Not to my surprise, she immediately spoke about the Uruguayans’ friendliness and the importance of sharing. This conversation definitely confirmed what I have seen thus far; if nothing else, this year has shown me the importance of sharing your gifts, love and resources with your community. Even though one apple isn’t much, you can always cut it to share with another - with as little or as much as you have, it is more important to enjoy it together than to keep it for yourself. It was wonderful to be able to have these conversations and to see the best of both cultures throughout the week.
-Kirsten, Montevideo
A person with Ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, willing to share;
For the past two weeks, I have found Valentina´s shoe in the corner. It is dirty white, no larger than the palm of my hand, and there is always just one. I thought little of this at first, until it kept showing up: same spot, same foot. Later I saw standing in its place a plastic, purple and pink high-heal--the kind that Barbie wears, only made a couple of sizes larger to fit 3-year-old Valentina´s left foot perfectly.
So each day, for the past two weeks, Valentina has teeter-tottered around the room, one heel two inches larger than the other. It throws her a little off balance, often causing her to stumble and, on occasion, fall down. Regardless, every morning there is a little white shoe in the corner, and it belongs to Valentina.
As a friend recently wrote in a letter, now is the time in my abroad experience where I have "stopped redefining what it means to live, and instead started living it." All of the expectations and ideas I entered into this with have fallen away, and I am instead focusing on just living. And I am loving it.
Valentina´s plastic and pink high-heal requires me to ask which shoe am I failing to put on because there is only one, or because I will walk a little crooked while wearing it, or because I will be more likely to fall as I walk? These past five months have taught me that our human brokenness and vulnerability can be the bridge between us if we allow it. It is a lesson I am still learning.
-Karin, Comodoro Rivadavia
Such people are open and available to others, willing to be vulnerable, affirming of others, do not feel threatened that others are able and good, for they have a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that they belong in a greater whole;
In early April, I spent the morning with Alberto and his wife on their farm. They took me on a tour of their pig farm, and showed me where they were drying the tobacco to be sold in Alem later in the month. He explained to me the oppressive system of tobacco producing, in which he is involved. In order to grow the tobacco, the company requires that he buy the tobacco seeds, the fertilizer, the chemicals, even the compost and soil, from the company. The money spent in buying the products will be taken off the final cost of the final product of tobacco at a high rate. The company explains to Alberto exactly how to grow the tobacco, and hires workers to come to his farm to make sure that he is following all of the procedures explained to him. If he has not followed correctly, money will be taken off his final product as well. The actually growing process involves the application of dangerous chemicals, ones that inhibit the growth of the tobacco flower, to continue the growth of the leaves. This chemical is not permitted usage in the United States of America because of its toxicity level! The most frustrating aspect is the soil that the producer is required to buy. Why on earth would a producer need to buy soil that has been shipped from New York when the red soil of Misiones is known to be extremely fertile? The collection, drying, and sorting process is a while other story. After Alberto has sorted and bunched his tobacco together, he will bring it to a collective in Alem that will evaluate his crop and give him a final value. After he is given his final value, the debt that is owed will be taken off. This last year, Alberto earned about $7,000 pesos, which is equivalent to less than $2,500 U.S.D. And that is Alberto’s annual income.
How is it possible that people are spending the amount of money on cigarettes, and the tobacco companies are making billions of dollars a year, and yet Alberto comes out with $2,500 a year? It is hard for me to take in the lack of equality in this system. This year, I am working with producers to search for other methods to bring in an annual income, other than a work that not only generates very little income, but also puts its producers at risk daily. Producers suffer for not only the chemicals that they are exposed to in the producing, but also a high daily dose of second hand smoke, just from working with the crop. Producers suffer from high risks of emphysema and cancer due to the working of this crop.
-Kim, Obera
When I dehumanize you, I inexorably dehumanize myself;
Focus, Che, Focus
Yesterday, Wilma and I were talking in the church office about this. I remember how slowly the first few months passed. My brain was still desperately trying to recall how to piece together coherent sentences, and then conversations, in Spanish; I didn’t know how to do anything work-wise; I didn’t know anyone, and the language struggle was only making that harder. Time dragged; every day felt like a week. Then, sometime in early November, the ice in my brain thawed and the water began to flow again. Carrying on a conversation in Spanish no longer felt like a torture devised by the Inquisition (perhaps “NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition!” is the best tagline for my language struggles of September and October), work frustrations became “this isn’t going to plan” as opposed to “what IS the plan?” and I began to feel surrounded by friends rather than just sympathetic strangers. And, just like a river, the time began to flow – first a trickle, then a slow-moving stream, and then the Amazon, forcing its way on to the sea.
And now, I can practically see the breakers – Texas and my pre-Uruguay life, Chicago, who knows what surprises. I find myself asking myself the question – “what now?” How do I make these last few weeks count?
The answer came to me, as it often has this year, on Wednesday afternoon with the kids. One of the young ones, Federico, has glommed on to me. He always saves the spot next to him on the bench for me, and without fail, always ends up resting up against me within 15 minutes. There are the others, too. We always have a greeting/welcome song at the start of our time with the kids, and between the verses we go around and shake hands, joke around a little bit with the kids, etc. One of the girls, Gretel, has March acted very afraid of me since she joined us in March – I’ll stick out my hand, and she’ll shake her head no and look away. But last week...she shook my hand with a big smile on her face. After the welcome song, we listened to a story that came with a song (a monkey cumbia). We all got up and danced to the song (yes, me too), and everyone, every single kid (and the three adults, and even Milton when he popped in the room to see how things were going), danced like a goofball and belted out the song (and occasional monkey noise) with gusto. Everyone danced together, too – people took turns spinning others and being spun, we had a conga (erm, cumbia) line at one point.
I guess that’s the answer to my question. When the monkey cumbia is blaring, you dance. When the students show up with English, North American or African Geography, History, Chemistry, Music, or Computer Science/Information and Research Skills homework, you work with them. When the cook is looking bored in the kitchen, you chat and joke around with her. When the big life questions come up in Bible Study, you talk. When the time is running short, you don’t just watch the sand slip away and feel poorly about it. You accept, reluctantly at times, that such is life, and you make the most of what you have, and you save your Dogon Country daydreams for later.
-Kevin, Montevideo
The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms and therefore you seek to work for the common good because your humanity comes into its own in belonging;
“Do you like life?” I was asked tonight by my friend as we sat and drank mate at her house. When I started my normal speech of the things I enjoy doing and dreams I have, she stopped me, and clarified by saying the question again. “Do you like life? Not your life James, who wouldn’t like your life, you’ve been all over, you are talented, no, Do you like life, sickness, hatred, hunger, and everything that is involved in the human condition” I walked around the barrio after that question in a sort of stunned state. I looked at my surroundings and saw the dirt roads after rain the night before that are impassable now. I thought of the shack homes of pieces of wood and scrap metal that I see as I take the bus to and from the barrio, without water or electricity. I thought about the Toba Indians that are dying of hunger every day here in the Chaco, and I pondered this question. I am almost embarrassed sometimes to talk about how easy my life has been. It is hard to demonstrate to someone that you understand that life is hard, when they tell you that they were hit everyday as a child, and when they ask you about your life you can only answer that your parents love you move than anything in the world. It is hard to show you understand when a 26 year old woman tells you about the three jobs she works to provide for her mother, grandmother, and aunt on top of studying in college. The money I’ve made from working has gone towards vacations, clothes, and coffee shops.
There is so much joy here though, as much as I have seen in anyplace I have been. Kids still laugh at every opportunity. People love to dance, ohh how they love to dance. People help each other, and we talk about how fun falling in love is. In the horrible oppression that this world offers up, most from other humans and their actions, people always find opportunities to laugh and to love. Dancing all night on a dirt patio, watching kids draw and color for hours, drinking mate and talking for hours, being shown a drum set that is made from scrap metal and wood, people sharing food with me, Sunday dinners where they stay and talk for the rest of the day talking after the meal. These are all things that I have seen in the midst of poverty, that make me think that I do like life.
-James, Resistencia
The quality of Ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them to survive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanize them.
I am because you are.
Jenny's Mexican Adventures Vol. V - Mexico en la Piel
Hello all,
Happy June! I hope this finds you all happy and healthy. As my time here in Mexico begins to wind down (in days, not in the fullness of the experience!), I find myself a bit torn between these two worlds, and quite torn emotionally, feeling both joy in the anticipation of returning, and deep sadness in the idea of leaving all of this behind.
Ten months as a Cuernavaca resident, and this place and these people have become a part of me. (And, dare I say it, I even see myself as part of this crazy, beautiful reality.) This volume's title, "Mexico en la Piel", means "Mexico in the skin." As such, please allow me to take this opportunity to explain part of what I love so much about here, in some sort of effort to articulate what I mean when I say that
I will truly miss this. (As always, these are generalizations based on my own personal experiences here, which does not mean they hold true for every Mexican, nor "false" for every U.S. American.)
There are so many simple, cultural things that I treasure…
- Mexican hospitality and open invitations that allow one to be invited into the culture, the sharing of spaces and stories, the entire concept of "convivir" (living together- more accurately translated as sharing lives.) Mexicans value a "fiesta" culture; life can get so hard so fast, they take almost any opportunity to celebrate, be it a birthday, a baptism, or a Thursday.
- Hand-made ("hecho a mano") tortillas. Not only are they delicious, but they are the stereotypical Mexican food for a reason-employing Mexico's staple crop of corn, they are the literal base for most Mexican food, even doubling as utensils. (Mexicans often break tortillas into small pieces and sort of scoop up the accompanying meat, beans, etc. like a spoon. As a bonus, it makes washing the dishes that much easier.)
- Pride. Mexicans are a proud people, well-versed in their history and traditions. Given that every pueblo has a patron saint, that there are altars dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe on every other corner, and that just about everyone has an oversized Mexican flag ready to display for Independence Day, this is no small feat.
- Slang and playfulness in speech, an assumed sense of humor even in the sense of interacting with a gringa such as myself.
- The absence of over-preparedness. Mexicans tend to buy things only when they need them, even to the extent of going to the store to buy 1 diaper. In our world of Costco and stocking up in case of any possible nuclear fallout or mere power outage, this "live as life comes" attitude is something I find refreshing.
- Going hand in hand with the above, I'm happy to say that parts of Cuernavaca still operate in a smaller, local economy. While bigger chain stores are making their ugly way into the market, there are still many "mom and pop" convenience stores and restaurants that line our roads and fill the infamous Mercado, bringing fresher foods to our table and supporting our neighbors' businesses.
- An uncanny ingenuity to reuse or make due given what one's got. Our fridge is filled with rinsed-out sour cream containers instead of Tupperware (which often has the comic effect of having to open 6 to find the salsa you were looking for), and a friend of mine jokes that he can build or fix anything with packing tape. I marvel at how efficient and creative the people here are.
As a result of the above, and so much more, I find myself changed in ways that both surprise and rejuvenate me. I'm more relaxed, I try to keep my priorities a bit more "in check", and my view of the world has gotten just that much bigger. I have learned so much more about the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, and am deeply interested in the roles that we play in the reality of our neighbors here. This includes…
- Immigration, not only how we interact with immigrants, but also our role in their economic reasons for making the journey.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/us/politics/02penn.html?_r=1&ex=1207886400&en=8f2f2406784ef9c0&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin,
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/24/us/24immig.html?ex=1212292800&en=be30054cd7b280d5&ei=5070&emc=eta1,
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0709&article=070910,
http://www.nomoredeaths.org)
- NAFTA and U.S.-Mexican commerce in general: globalization & market
domination, maquilas & work conditions, etc.- yes, our purchase choices do matter! (http://fairlabor.org/, http://nffc.net/,
http://en.maquilasolidarity.org/).
- The U.S.'s role in educating and training Latin American military officials and presidents at the School of the Americas and universities such as Harvard, and the implications when those whom we educated or trained commit human rights violations and other offenses against their people. Also, the continued governmental and military "aid" from the U.S., such as the proposed "Plan Mexico." (http://www.soaw.org/,
All of these issues are complex, and I am still learning about all of the interplay, so please don't just take my word for it. I ask for your help in exploring these issues, and in keeping me accountable as well. Also, while I am ever more conscious of my/our role(s) in all of this, I do recognize the obvious importance of Mexico's own government, military, corporations, and citizens, as well as the roles of corruption and poverty which further aggravate these conditions.
So, my dear ones, in many ways I feel like I have fallen in love with Mexico, even with all of its faults, and my true hope lies in my carrying over this "Mexican" reality back into my old/new/mixed U.S. reality in a few short weeks. I invite you all to continue this journey with me.
With love and immense gratitude,
Jenny
Happy June! I hope this finds you all happy and healthy. As my time here in Mexico begins to wind down (in days, not in the fullness of the experience!), I find myself a bit torn between these two worlds, and quite torn emotionally, feeling both joy in the anticipation of returning, and deep sadness in the idea of leaving all of this behind.
Ten months as a Cuernavaca resident, and this place and these people have become a part of me. (And, dare I say it, I even see myself as part of this crazy, beautiful reality.) This volume's title, "Mexico en la Piel", means "Mexico in the skin." As such, please allow me to take this opportunity to explain part of what I love so much about here, in some sort of effort to articulate what I mean when I say that
I will truly miss this. (As always, these are generalizations based on my own personal experiences here, which does not mean they hold true for every Mexican, nor "false" for every U.S. American.)
There are so many simple, cultural things that I treasure…
- Mexican hospitality and open invitations that allow one to be invited into the culture, the sharing of spaces and stories, the entire concept of "convivir" (living together- more accurately translated as sharing lives.) Mexicans value a "fiesta" culture; life can get so hard so fast, they take almost any opportunity to celebrate, be it a birthday, a baptism, or a Thursday.
- Hand-made ("hecho a mano") tortillas. Not only are they delicious, but they are the stereotypical Mexican food for a reason-employing Mexico's staple crop of corn, they are the literal base for most Mexican food, even doubling as utensils. (Mexicans often break tortillas into small pieces and sort of scoop up the accompanying meat, beans, etc. like a spoon. As a bonus, it makes washing the dishes that much easier.)
- Pride. Mexicans are a proud people, well-versed in their history and traditions. Given that every pueblo has a patron saint, that there are altars dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe on every other corner, and that just about everyone has an oversized Mexican flag ready to display for Independence Day, this is no small feat.
- Slang and playfulness in speech, an assumed sense of humor even in the sense of interacting with a gringa such as myself.
- The absence of over-preparedness. Mexicans tend to buy things only when they need them, even to the extent of going to the store to buy 1 diaper. In our world of Costco and stocking up in case of any possible nuclear fallout or mere power outage, this "live as life comes" attitude is something I find refreshing.
- Going hand in hand with the above, I'm happy to say that parts of Cuernavaca still operate in a smaller, local economy. While bigger chain stores are making their ugly way into the market, there are still many "mom and pop" convenience stores and restaurants that line our roads and fill the infamous Mercado, bringing fresher foods to our table and supporting our neighbors' businesses.
- An uncanny ingenuity to reuse or make due given what one's got. Our fridge is filled with rinsed-out sour cream containers instead of Tupperware (which often has the comic effect of having to open 6 to find the salsa you were looking for), and a friend of mine jokes that he can build or fix anything with packing tape. I marvel at how efficient and creative the people here are.
As a result of the above, and so much more, I find myself changed in ways that both surprise and rejuvenate me. I'm more relaxed, I try to keep my priorities a bit more "in check", and my view of the world has gotten just that much bigger. I have learned so much more about the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, and am deeply interested in the roles that we play in the reality of our neighbors here. This includes…
- Immigration, not only how we interact with immigrants, but also our role in their economic reasons for making the journey.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/02/us/politics/02penn.html?_r=1&ex=1207886400&en=8f2f2406784ef9c0&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin,
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/24/us/24immig.html?ex=1212292800&en=be30054cd7b280d5&ei=5070&emc=eta1,
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0709&article=070910,
http://www.nomoredeaths.org)
- NAFTA and U.S.-Mexican commerce in general: globalization & market
domination, maquilas & work conditions, etc.- yes, our purchase choices do matter! (http://fairlabor.org/, http://nffc.net/,
http://en.maquilasolidarity.org/).
- The U.S.'s role in educating and training Latin American military officials and presidents at the School of the Americas and universities such as Harvard, and the implications when those whom we educated or trained commit human rights violations and other offenses against their people. Also, the continued governmental and military "aid" from the U.S., such as the proposed "Plan Mexico." (http://www.soaw.org/,
All of these issues are complex, and I am still learning about all of the interplay, so please don't just take my word for it. I ask for your help in exploring these issues, and in keeping me accountable as well. Also, while I am ever more conscious of my/our role(s) in all of this, I do recognize the obvious importance of Mexico's own government, military, corporations, and citizens, as well as the roles of corruption and poverty which further aggravate these conditions.
So, my dear ones, in many ways I feel like I have fallen in love with Mexico, even with all of its faults, and my true hope lies in my carrying over this "Mexican" reality back into my old/new/mixed U.S. reality in a few short weeks. I invite you all to continue this journey with me.
With love and immense gratitude,
Jenny
May Newsletter - Jessica in Slovakia
Jessica’s May Newsletter
Updates from Slovakia
A lot of fun things happened in May, both here at the center and as I was traveling. One weekend I went to visit my old placement in Horná Mičiná for their confirmation, and I enjoyed visiting with everyone again. It was really interesting to see what confirmation is like in Slovakia, and how it is similar to and different than confirmation in America. Saturday evening the confirmands had an examination at the church. Each of them had to stand in front of the congregation and answer seven questions about the mission of the church, the Bible and confirmation. The pastor then asked the congregation if they agreed that these young people were ready and fit to be confirmed. Sunday morning was the confirmation service and it was interesting how important this Sunday was for everyone. The church was decorated with white flowers, the girls being confirmed wore fancy white dresses and the boys wore suits, and the church was full of people. During the service the confirmands were presented with a Bible and a certificate, and the pastor said a prayer for each of them. The confirmands sang two songs for the congregation and presented the pastor and church-keepers with flowers, thanking them for their work. The Lord’s Supper was also celebrated on this special occasion. After the service I was invited to a party for Miška and Paťa, who are sisters that were confirmed. It was a lot of fun being a part of the celebration they had after confirmation, and getting to spend some time with the people from the village.
I took a long weekend trip to Budapest with Mark, Mary, and Ashley (three of the other American volunteers in Slovakia). It was great to spend time with them, and we had a wonderful time in Budapest. As much as I love the work here it is always refreshing to get away for a bit and spend time with other volunteers. One of the Friday nights last month the group of ladies here at the center had a night out, and it was so much fun! Eva (one of the directors), Monika (one of the worker’s wives, Janka (one of the worker’s wives), Kristen, Claire (Kristen’s friend who was visiting from America) and I went to a nice pizza restaurant in Poprad for the evening. We ate pizza, drank Kofula (the Slovak soft drink) and had Mak štrudla (a pastry with lots of poppy seeds) for dessert. It was so much fun to spend more time with them and get to know them better.
One of the things I have noticed is the emphasis on fellowship among the community here. At one of our Bible studies last month we read Philippians 2:1-2 where Paul writes, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (NIV). We talked about how the community here can have this unity that should be among Christians. How can we work together and serve one another as Christ did? I think true fellowship is often neglected in our churches today. Of course there is often a “fellowship hour” after church or every so often, but I am not sure if this is always the same fellowship Paul talks about. Last month we had a longer Bible study one morning with some of the workers and I was thrown off guard a bit, but reminded of what true fellowship is. Vlado (who is in charge of the finances), Igor (who works construction with the guys), Momci (who also works construction with the guys), Pali (the cook), and I had read a passage from the Bible and talked about it as we usually do. Then, they began to talk about how they had been feeling at work recently, about feelings they had about the work with the guys here, and their Spiritual life. I couldn’t believe that I was sitting there with four men just expressing our feelings for maybe an hour and a half! Maybe this is normal for some people, but I was a bit surprised. It made me think about when we had read the passage from Philippians, and that this was a way the work team builds fellowship, better enabling us to do service. In order to do the social service and Christian outreach work that is done here it is necessary for the community to be like-minded (my Bible points out that like-minded does not mean uniform in thought, but the common disposition to work together to better serve). It is something that we are always praying about, and we are always talking about how it can improve so that we can serve better.
The work that I have been doing here has been going well; Kristen and I continue to help in the kitchen, have English classes, Bible studies, and teach swimming. The last week in May Pali needed to help with the construction work that some of the guys are doing down the street, so we took over in the kitchen for him. It was a busy week and somewhat stressful to be responsible for breakfasts and lunches here, but we were happy to be able to help. It was also nice to see how encouraging everyone was of our Slovak cooking. Everyday the guys and the workers told us our cooking was wonderful and complemented everything (even if it was something really easy…or not very good!). Their encouragement was so helpful though! English and Bible studies are about the same with some days having a good number of people and other days just a couple. Now that the weather is warm playing futbal outside has become a popular evening activity as well.
Along with the enjoyable things about the work, there were also some difficult things happening last month. One of the guys who always came to English and Bible studies left the center. He dropped out of school and went to the Czech Republic to find work. This was difficult, because he came to talk to me often when he was having problems in school or with other guys here. We had talked about his school many times before and I really wanted him to be able to finish. He has so much potential, but he was not doing well and wanted to go try to find work on his own. Another worker tried to convince him to stay here and work, but he had already made up his mind to leave. I guess it showed me that sometimes you can only do so much and now all I can do is pray for him.
It is hard to believe that it is already almost halfway through June now, and I have just about a month left here before I come home. I have started to think about how it will be exciting to go home, but also really hard to leave here. I am trying to just spend a lot of time with the people here and enjoy every day left.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
-Jessica
Updates from Slovakia
A lot of fun things happened in May, both here at the center and as I was traveling. One weekend I went to visit my old placement in Horná Mičiná for their confirmation, and I enjoyed visiting with everyone again. It was really interesting to see what confirmation is like in Slovakia, and how it is similar to and different than confirmation in America. Saturday evening the confirmands had an examination at the church. Each of them had to stand in front of the congregation and answer seven questions about the mission of the church, the Bible and confirmation. The pastor then asked the congregation if they agreed that these young people were ready and fit to be confirmed. Sunday morning was the confirmation service and it was interesting how important this Sunday was for everyone. The church was decorated with white flowers, the girls being confirmed wore fancy white dresses and the boys wore suits, and the church was full of people. During the service the confirmands were presented with a Bible and a certificate, and the pastor said a prayer for each of them. The confirmands sang two songs for the congregation and presented the pastor and church-keepers with flowers, thanking them for their work. The Lord’s Supper was also celebrated on this special occasion. After the service I was invited to a party for Miška and Paťa, who are sisters that were confirmed. It was a lot of fun being a part of the celebration they had after confirmation, and getting to spend some time with the people from the village.
I took a long weekend trip to Budapest with Mark, Mary, and Ashley (three of the other American volunteers in Slovakia). It was great to spend time with them, and we had a wonderful time in Budapest. As much as I love the work here it is always refreshing to get away for a bit and spend time with other volunteers. One of the Friday nights last month the group of ladies here at the center had a night out, and it was so much fun! Eva (one of the directors), Monika (one of the worker’s wives, Janka (one of the worker’s wives), Kristen, Claire (Kristen’s friend who was visiting from America) and I went to a nice pizza restaurant in Poprad for the evening. We ate pizza, drank Kofula (the Slovak soft drink) and had Mak štrudla (a pastry with lots of poppy seeds) for dessert. It was so much fun to spend more time with them and get to know them better.
One of the things I have noticed is the emphasis on fellowship among the community here. At one of our Bible studies last month we read Philippians 2:1-2 where Paul writes, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (NIV). We talked about how the community here can have this unity that should be among Christians. How can we work together and serve one another as Christ did? I think true fellowship is often neglected in our churches today. Of course there is often a “fellowship hour” after church or every so often, but I am not sure if this is always the same fellowship Paul talks about. Last month we had a longer Bible study one morning with some of the workers and I was thrown off guard a bit, but reminded of what true fellowship is. Vlado (who is in charge of the finances), Igor (who works construction with the guys), Momci (who also works construction with the guys), Pali (the cook), and I had read a passage from the Bible and talked about it as we usually do. Then, they began to talk about how they had been feeling at work recently, about feelings they had about the work with the guys here, and their Spiritual life. I couldn’t believe that I was sitting there with four men just expressing our feelings for maybe an hour and a half! Maybe this is normal for some people, but I was a bit surprised. It made me think about when we had read the passage from Philippians, and that this was a way the work team builds fellowship, better enabling us to do service. In order to do the social service and Christian outreach work that is done here it is necessary for the community to be like-minded (my Bible points out that like-minded does not mean uniform in thought, but the common disposition to work together to better serve). It is something that we are always praying about, and we are always talking about how it can improve so that we can serve better.
The work that I have been doing here has been going well; Kristen and I continue to help in the kitchen, have English classes, Bible studies, and teach swimming. The last week in May Pali needed to help with the construction work that some of the guys are doing down the street, so we took over in the kitchen for him. It was a busy week and somewhat stressful to be responsible for breakfasts and lunches here, but we were happy to be able to help. It was also nice to see how encouraging everyone was of our Slovak cooking. Everyday the guys and the workers told us our cooking was wonderful and complemented everything (even if it was something really easy…or not very good!). Their encouragement was so helpful though! English and Bible studies are about the same with some days having a good number of people and other days just a couple. Now that the weather is warm playing futbal outside has become a popular evening activity as well.
Along with the enjoyable things about the work, there were also some difficult things happening last month. One of the guys who always came to English and Bible studies left the center. He dropped out of school and went to the Czech Republic to find work. This was difficult, because he came to talk to me often when he was having problems in school or with other guys here. We had talked about his school many times before and I really wanted him to be able to finish. He has so much potential, but he was not doing well and wanted to go try to find work on his own. Another worker tried to convince him to stay here and work, but he had already made up his mind to leave. I guess it showed me that sometimes you can only do so much and now all I can do is pray for him.
It is hard to believe that it is already almost halfway through June now, and I have just about a month left here before I come home. I have started to think about how it will be exciting to go home, but also really hard to leave here. I am trying to just spend a lot of time with the people here and enjoy every day left.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
-Jessica
May Newsletter - Kristen in Slovakia
May Newsletter
Spring is finally here
May brought about warmer weather and many exciting things in Velky Slavkov. Claire came and visited in the beginning of May, so we were able to spend time together and do some traveling before coming back to my placement. We started in Vienna where she flew in and explored the city for the day. We managed to stumble upon the Thiel Choir, my college choir, who were on tour in Europe for the week unbeknownst to us and we heard their concert in St. Stephan’s Cathedral. We also visited Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city, and Krakow, Poland. We saw many castles and palaces, historical buildings, Auschwitz II, churches and cathedrals, marketplaces, gardens, and much more. Afterwards, we came back here to my placement for a few days and she was able to spend time with the people here and work with us in the kitchen and teaching English. It was wonderful to see her and have her experience a small taste of my life here.
Also, while Claire was here we had a girl’s night out with Eva (my host mom), Monika (the woman who’s family now lives at the center and who’s husband works at the center), Janka (the wife of one of the workers), and Jessie. Eva had finished her final exams for school so we went to celebrate by going out to their favorite pizza place for pizza and Kofola (the Slovak version of cola with a hint of licorice which I actually enjoy more than coke or pepsi). We had a good time with lots of laughter and enjoyed spending time together outside of the center.
Randomly one morning Jessie and I were told by my host dad, Stano, that soldiers and army trucks were going to be coming. A little confused by what he meant but knowing that we had understood the words, we waited to see what would happen. As it turns out, two giant army trucks and soldiers did appear that morning at Myln. They had come to deliver leftover army food and our center was the place to store it for all the centers in the eastern area of Slovakia. The boys spent most of the morning moving the boxes into our dining room and it was amazing how many boxes were in there by the time they finished. Over this month, many different centers have come in with vans and trucks to haul most of it away. And of course we get to eat the food as well. Jessie and I tried the canned meal of cabbage, sausage, and rice which was better than expected, and the tea which wasn’t quite as good. Also, we have become masters of opening cans with an army can opener which isn’t near as easy as it looks and is a rather useful talent now since our normal can opener has broken. I’ll be bringing one home if anyone wants to give it a try.
Also, over May I had the opportunity to get to know the Matas family much better. They recently moved into Mlyn and are now living in the flat where my host family used to live. Vlado Matas works here at the center with the finances and Monika, his wife, teaches English in Poprad. They have two children, Oliver, age four, and Kubko (Jakub), age six. Monika had us over for dinner for the first time at the end of May and she is definitely the typical Slovak hostess with lots of pushing for us to eat vast amounts of food and offering anything to eat or drink that she could think of. She is very sweet and fun to talk with. The two little boys had a lot of fun with us and enjoyed tying us up to the table and blindfolding us, as well as showing us their toys and giving us marshmallows to eat. We laughed a lot that night and have enjoyed stopping by for coffee or to talk since then. Whenever we see the little boys they run over to give us hugs, show us something like the fort they had built, or to play with them.
Finally, May has thankfully brought about some nice, warm, sunny weather which we have been able to enjoy by spending a lot of time outside. I love to go running out on a dirt path in the back by the mountains and open fields. Hiking in the Tatras Mountains, which are right in my backyard, is another enjoyable outdoor activity right now. Also, there are often games outside with the boys, usually either soccer or volleyball. And, of course, many cookouts which feature cooking sausages over the fire.
Thank you very much, as always, for all of your support and prayers. I really do appreciate them. I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying their summer!
God’s blessings,
Kristen
Spring is finally here
May brought about warmer weather and many exciting things in Velky Slavkov. Claire came and visited in the beginning of May, so we were able to spend time together and do some traveling before coming back to my placement. We started in Vienna where she flew in and explored the city for the day. We managed to stumble upon the Thiel Choir, my college choir, who were on tour in Europe for the week unbeknownst to us and we heard their concert in St. Stephan’s Cathedral. We also visited Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city, and Krakow, Poland. We saw many castles and palaces, historical buildings, Auschwitz II, churches and cathedrals, marketplaces, gardens, and much more. Afterwards, we came back here to my placement for a few days and she was able to spend time with the people here and work with us in the kitchen and teaching English. It was wonderful to see her and have her experience a small taste of my life here.
Also, while Claire was here we had a girl’s night out with Eva (my host mom), Monika (the woman who’s family now lives at the center and who’s husband works at the center), Janka (the wife of one of the workers), and Jessie. Eva had finished her final exams for school so we went to celebrate by going out to their favorite pizza place for pizza and Kofola (the Slovak version of cola with a hint of licorice which I actually enjoy more than coke or pepsi). We had a good time with lots of laughter and enjoyed spending time together outside of the center.
Randomly one morning Jessie and I were told by my host dad, Stano, that soldiers and army trucks were going to be coming. A little confused by what he meant but knowing that we had understood the words, we waited to see what would happen. As it turns out, two giant army trucks and soldiers did appear that morning at Myln. They had come to deliver leftover army food and our center was the place to store it for all the centers in the eastern area of Slovakia. The boys spent most of the morning moving the boxes into our dining room and it was amazing how many boxes were in there by the time they finished. Over this month, many different centers have come in with vans and trucks to haul most of it away. And of course we get to eat the food as well. Jessie and I tried the canned meal of cabbage, sausage, and rice which was better than expected, and the tea which wasn’t quite as good. Also, we have become masters of opening cans with an army can opener which isn’t near as easy as it looks and is a rather useful talent now since our normal can opener has broken. I’ll be bringing one home if anyone wants to give it a try.
Also, over May I had the opportunity to get to know the Matas family much better. They recently moved into Mlyn and are now living in the flat where my host family used to live. Vlado Matas works here at the center with the finances and Monika, his wife, teaches English in Poprad. They have two children, Oliver, age four, and Kubko (Jakub), age six. Monika had us over for dinner for the first time at the end of May and she is definitely the typical Slovak hostess with lots of pushing for us to eat vast amounts of food and offering anything to eat or drink that she could think of. She is very sweet and fun to talk with. The two little boys had a lot of fun with us and enjoyed tying us up to the table and blindfolding us, as well as showing us their toys and giving us marshmallows to eat. We laughed a lot that night and have enjoyed stopping by for coffee or to talk since then. Whenever we see the little boys they run over to give us hugs, show us something like the fort they had built, or to play with them.
Finally, May has thankfully brought about some nice, warm, sunny weather which we have been able to enjoy by spending a lot of time outside. I love to go running out on a dirt path in the back by the mountains and open fields. Hiking in the Tatras Mountains, which are right in my backyard, is another enjoyable outdoor activity right now. Also, there are often games outside with the boys, usually either soccer or volleyball. And, of course, many cookouts which feature cooking sausages over the fire.
Thank you very much, as always, for all of your support and prayers. I really do appreciate them. I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying their summer!
God’s blessings,
Kristen
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