Our adventure began today at 3am when the alarm buzzed to signal the start of this new opportunity. After a quick shower and an even quicker “Garber Household” overview for PJ, we were off... Likely the earliest flight out of Sky Harbor, we zipped from Phoenix at 5:30am, landing in Charlotte in time for lunch.
We rested and munched at the Fox Sports Grill (not recommended, although our server, Alicia, was very kind) and lamented that we could not enjoy the World Cup Championship, as the match began at 2:30, and our flight to Harrisburg took off at 2:38...
The Harrisburg Discipleship Center staff, which provide our training, food, and support.We were greeted at the P.A. Airport (which is not coated in Hershey's Chocolate, contrary to popular belief) by two lovely Discipleship Center representatives who kindly shuttled us to our temporary home.
After arriving at the Discipleship Center, we explored the massive house and rested, anxiously awaiting the arrival of our mission mates- Jana of Pennsylvania and Angela of Indiana.
Angela, left, and Jana.While feasting from the “Leftover Fridge,” we fellowshiped with our new friends and I later learned the Mennonite pastime of Dutch Blitz, of which I am slowly getting the hang of.
We ended our day with an opportunity to share our testimony with one another, hoping to grow closer together and closer to God. Finally, after a heart-felt prayer, we said goodnight. I'm excited to see this adventure unfold.
Hi Josh and Alisha,
ReplyDeleteWow, the adventure begins! I hope that your trip if filled with God's presence and you feel your supporters prayers. I apologize, but being so far away I guess that I missed which organization you are going with. If it's not too much trouble, could you write a few sentences about this and also what you are hoping to accomplish in the Czech Republic? Then I can know how to direct my prayers for ya :)
peace and God's blessings to ya both
The Turtle
Hi Jeremy!
ReplyDeleteIn brief, we have gone through Eastern Mennonite Missions, based out of Pennsylvania. Throughout next week, we will be staffing an English Camp for high school-age students along with a local church and another evangelical Christian organization called Josiah Venture.
The Czech Rebublic is considered a Post-Christian society, meaning Christianity has come and gone. The remaining church is small in numbers but strong in spirit. EMM wants to make the Czech Republic one of its areas of focus over the next several years and our group is being seen as an ambassador group.
So we are hoping to serve at the camp, learn about the local church and Josiah Venture, experience the culture, build and cultivate relationships, and bring everything we learn back to EMM.
Please pray that we can be extra sensitive and encouraging to the local church. Our time here is limited, so I feel our energy is best spent building up that which will be here after we leave.
Thank you, Turtle and wife!