I have now been living in the Czech Republic for almost a month, and im not exactly sure how that makes me feel.
i have found myself consistently struggling with balancing hanging out with people my age, with high school students, with learning the language and with other assignments that come along with the internship position.
im trying to figure out what my "job" is here exactly...

how can i quantify building relationships? what kinds of things show that i am doing what im supposed to be doing? and what does it really look like to pursue people, to get into their lives, and to share Christ's love with them in ways they have never experienced before?

i have been overwhelmed with the reality that there is nothing in me alone that can do this. there is nothing about me that can survive in a foriegn country, with people, ideas, culture and a langauge that is different from mine, and make a difference in the lives of teenagers for the glory of the kingdom.
it is a humbling realization.

its also interesting to see the way that parents "protect" their children from anything that is christian, resembling a bible study, or any kind of church gathering. it makes sense that parents are weary of things they are unfamiliar with, of things that could possibly be sects or something else, but it is a different struggle then is found in the states. there is not as much "religious freedom" given to kids here, to decide for themselves what to believe or where to spend there time. and that will be a challenge that i have already begun to face.

however, the people here are great. loving and accepting, and willing to help out whenever you arent sure what you are doing or what something means... (at least for the most part) and that has been a HUGE blessing for me.

im excited to be here. im encouraged by the relationships that i am beginning to form, and im ready to dive into Christ, be challenged by His words, and experience the things that He has instore for me and His people in Ostrava.