I came across an interesting series of articles about the Czech mentality. They are quite fascinating and enlightening. You may find them interesting as well as it will give you an idea of the differences in ideologies of Czechs and Americans. After reading the 1st article, be sure to scroll down all the way to the bottom for the links to the rest of the series. http://prague.tv/articles/zine/czech-mentality-1

It's good to be home.

I'm finally back in Prague and so much has happened already! Our flights were fraught with delays but fortunately, we arrived only 20 minutes later than scheduled. I realized during the flight that I did not have the key to my building. I arrived at my front step hoping my sub-letter was home, which she was not. After several failed attempts of ringing my neighbors' bells and telling them in my broken Czech that I didn't not have my key, one kind soul had pity on me and buzzed the front door open. I slept on the couch that first night as it was the sub-letter's last night in Prague. I didn't care, I was just happy to be home.

Kafka would be proud.

The next morning, I rose early and headed to the Ministry of the Interior's office for my area of Prague to announce myself and register my visa. My friend, Tereza, met me there and acted as a translator. After waiting for almost 3 hours, we were told that I was (yet again) at the wrong office. I had researched this for hours and all the information I was able to find said we were at the right place but why should I be surprised that it's not. So we headed off to the Foreign Police, where we waited for a mere 2 minutes before we were seen. The police officer searched my passport several times over and grumbled to himself then would look at me for an answer. I kept asking Tereza what he was saying but she had no idea since it was all mumbles. He finally asked where my passport was stamped. I was afraid of this. I didn't realize until after I was pass the passport control in Frankfurt, that he didn't stamp my passport. You can't go back to passport control once you are through. Fortunately, I had my plane ticket with me to show to the police officer. He said it was a good thing I had it, otherwise it wouldn't have been good for me (not sure what that meant and glad I didn't find out.) He also told me to demand a stamp next time. HA!

Strange days, indeed!

Several people have stayed in my flat while I was gone. There was a group from YWAM who stayed about a month, a couple of ESI teachers were here over Easter and a sub-letter for July and August. I have found some of my things in interesting places but also, some things that aren't mine at all. Some of them were a lovely find while others are a bit strange. Here's a list in no particular order:

1. A bottle of Tokaji wine! Thanks to Erin and Maria. There was a lovely little card that went with the wine that I found a day or two later.

2. A dried piece of moldy bread in the pantry.

3. A million fruit flies courtesy of the watermelon left on the counter.

4. Several packages of dried-up cheese in the fridge (what a waste!).

5. My dishes on the highest shelves possible which I cannot reach.

6. My Dallas Cowboys to-go coffee cup in the bathroom under the sink sans lid. I have yet to locate the lid.

7. A ginormous jar of Nutella. Yum!

8. An almost empty, smaller jar of generic nutella.

9. A plastic bag filled with small, dried shrimp. EW!

10. Various and a sundry seasoning packets with Asian characters on them.

11. A refrigerator full of food that I have to throw out.

12. Two very LARGE spiders who seem to live on despite how much hairspray is sprayed on them.

Regardless of the above list, I am glad to be back in the city I love doing what I love doing. Home is home, no matter what.

I know that a blog post is egregiously overdue and I apologize in advance for the shortness of this one. The past few months have been interesting, to say the least. I am finally feeling I am back where I belong or on the right track, rather. We have just completed the first week of the four week new teacher training. I, along with the Regional Director, am responsible for preparing the new teachers for their upcoming adventure. It's exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. I love getting to know the new teachers and sharing my heart for Central Europe. However, training is jam-packed with activities starting at 8:00 am and lasting until about 10:00 pm. Please pray for stamina and strength for the next 3 weeks and for times of rest. Also, pray for me as I begin a new fundraising campaign for this year.

Visa status update: Stagnant. I have to wait until the Czech Consulate receives an official rejection letter until I can reapply. The Consulate General and his assistant went over my file with my boss and said it was a perfect file and they don't understand why I was rejected. I am gathering all the needed paperwork so I can file my new app immediately after this famous rejection letter arrives.

I have been really homesick and missing Prague the last few days. I am in a state of limbo. I have been going back and forth between two friends' houses. I am working everyday and focusing on what is going on with my organization in Central Europe. Right now, my heart is there but I can't be. And it sucks!

Here's what I miss:
1. The castle, Charles Bridge...really all of that amazing, old architecture that gives you a sense of history. I am in awe everyday when I walk amongst those buildings, I feel as if I am touching a part of history. The little town I lived in before, Cheb, is celebrating its 950th year as a municipality this year. Yes, almost 1000 years! Unbelievable!
2. My friends, Americans, Czechs and few other nationalities. Czechs protect themselves emotionally and don't let their guard down or make new friends easily. I was just really feeling like I was settling into my community in Prague when I had to leave, was just beginning to break through some of those tough outer-shells to make friends.
3. My church in Prague. Don't get me wrong, it has been wonderful to be home and spend time with my CCC family here in Arlington. They are a wonderful support and I couldn't do what I do in Prague without them. But there is something special about worshiping with folks from all over the world. I can't even describe it.
4. Cafes. I love long, deep conversations and there is no place better for them than over a strong cup of coffee at a cafe. Europe has that down and it one of my most favorite things to do!
5. Beer. I know, I can get good beer here. But I can get a 1/2 liter of great beer there for about $1.25. You can't beat that! And Czechs are known for their beer.
6. Public transportation and a great train system. I hate driving!
7. I definitely have a healthier life-style there. I don't eat out very often and never eat fast food. I have to walk much more than I do here.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Texas! I just feel I am torn between two worlds right now and Prague is where I should be. Thanks for letting me vent! Now someone needs to make me laugh because I'm pretty sad.