Heading for Home

Saturday Jordan covered the morning shift as Dawid was still ill. That night we assisted Thea with a concert at the shop. Two musicians, a violinist and an accordionist, who were excellent performers. The turn-out was small as the weather was not so good. But afterward the musicians gave all the money they had received for the show to the shop and said, "God bless." What a wonderful gift in the Lord!

Sunday was a busy day, full of laundry, house cleaning, packing, etc. Dawid and Simona gave us a farewell BBQ. Thea and Ella came. Richard and Ola with their two kids. Adam and his family. Even Ola and Karol made it. It was great to be with everyone again and say goodbye. That night Ola and Karol came to our clean flat (finally clean!) and played one final board game before our departure. They are one of the truest and one of the few sincere friends we've made since being here. We had a great time.

Monday we rose early and went to the neighboring kindergarten for one last goodbye. We will miss the kids and Ola very much. From there we headed downtown to pick up a few last minute items. Then it was back to Kowale for haircuts and a final team meeting. We gave everyone a card with our thanks inside and talked about how quickly the time has gone. We were off for another hour to take care of some final things. We met Dorota at the shop to say goodbye. She is so sweet! If all our lives had not been so busy these last few months, we would have gotten very close. We plan to keep in touch. Afterward we went on our final date in Poland downtown and got home by 10:30 pm. 

We "napped" trying to get back on west-coast time as quickly as possible. We will be traveling 20 hours today and leave for the airport in one hour. Pray for our safety and health as we travel. Pray that God would use the time to store in our hearts all that we have learned these last months about Him, ourselves as individuals, and our marriage. Pray that we would have an overwhelming sense of His peace as we wait for the next step to be revealed to us.

Blue Skies

WOW! What a week!

Last Thursday afternoon we went down to help the TAG team with the outside field renovations after Jordan opened the shop. That night we walked Old Town. It was a nice night to see the place.

Friday Russ began to feel much better : ) Jordan went down early to take care of some details for travel plans for the weekend, bus tickets. Then she opened the shop. That night was the concert at the school. We rode with Dawid and Simona. The concert was fabulous! TNU sang three songs and participated in the famous legend of Gdansk. Afterward TNU thanked all involved to make the week happen. Several students wanted to join us for dinner. We all went to Sphinx restaurant in Old Town. We got a big table together and shared food family style. It was great!

Saturday the TAG team arrived in Kowale around 9 am. They split up into teams: 1) painting the fence at the parish and 2) landscaping the back yard of the coffee shop. That morning we also had family hour at the shop. Four families came! Our biggest number yet. Igor and his family, Ola and his family, and two other children and their parents from the local preschool here in Kowale. We played duck-duck-goose, sang head-shoulders-knees-and-toes in English and Polish and then we made the climbing man. It was fabulous! The parents even got excited about the craft. We gathered their contact information to continue through the summer.

The team had lunch before noon and then headed out to join the community clean-up event. This is one of the first times that people in this community gathered to do something positive. TAG did a great job. The lady was so pleased for their help that she gave them certificates of appreciation. The team really helped to make a positive impact on the community.

That afternoon the team finished up their projects. At 6:30 we all joined at the local pizza place for dinner. It was so much fun to all be together and fellowship. They finished up everything after dinner and headed back home at 9 pm. The job they did looks incredible! Several people asked if we had professionals do the work : )

Sunday Adam offered to take the team on an outing to Gdynia and take them to see several important historical places so we got the day off. We slept in, got caught up on our lives, and even went on a date. It was nice to be together and do things we normally do.

That night the team arrived at the shop to have our type of service. We served everyone coffee and sweets. Dawid read form Romans 12 and everyone shared feedback from the week in how the Lord was working in their lives. Some of the kids are spot-on. Love is the answer! It's about being Jesus! Living in community! Oh, they really are starting to latch on; it's so exciting! We ended the evening in prayer and song. It was powerful to pray together. The team thanked Thea for all her hard work; it meant a great deal to her. We saw the team off to the bus and spent the entire night save 2 hours preparing for Monday.

Monday we woke early and were taken to the school by Dawid and Daniel. We got the team working on the sports fields by 8:30 am. Pan Radek, the sports director at the school, brought his classes to assist the entire day. We couldn't have done it without his help. It was so great to see this project becoming a truly joint project. As the team was coming to a time for break, several girls spoke up and asked to continue pushing through until they were completed. The rest of the team agreed. What amazing hearts! We went to get the team lunch while they worked and finished up. The fields look absolutely wonderful!

We rode home with Dawid and had our team meeting. It was nice to be just the Poland team. We really are family and this week was so busy. After a short rest we headed back into town to say farewell to the team here in Gdansk. Simona came and presented gifts to the students. Later that night there was a  discotec and we stayed for a few songs. Simona took us home. She felt their time was well spent; very pleased with the overall trip.

Tuesday we were up at 3:00 am to take a 4:30 am night bus to the train station with Dawid. We got a coffee at McDonalds while we waited for the team. The train for Krakow was on-time and we rode in a cabin with all the return students: Matt, Mark, Sarah, and Justin. It was nice to be able to talk with them; they are the closest to our age. The conversation was great; some deep and some quite humorous like bakers and ovens. : ) Anyway, when we arrived the team grabbed lunch in the Galeria and headed to the hostel. The tours were on-time. 11 went to Auschwitz and 4 to the Salt Mines. The Auschwitz tour was excellent and the Salt Mine tour was fun.

Wednesday we rose early and had breakfast. The communism tour began at 9 am. It took place in cars from the 80's which looked like cars built in the 50's only made out of plastic. The tour was a parody, the information being good, but also presented in a fun way. They dropped us off at the main square. We split up to do some shopping, lunch, etc., before the bike tour. Dawid and us found an excellent fun place to have the final team dinner celebration. The bike tour was by far the best tour of the two days. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. We saw the main square, the first University (the 5th in the world), where Pope John Paul II stayed, Wawel castle and the dragons lair, the Kazimierz district (Jewish section and ghetto at the time of WWII), and Oscar Schindler's factory. This one place was the most heavily populated Jewish region in the world (70 million) before the time of WWII, even over Israel. Currently there are only 138 Jews living in Krakow today. This was particularly fascinating to us after our time in Israel.

We again had several hours of free time to finish up shopping. We walked with Matt and brother Mark in search of soccer jerseys. After several hours of search and a good cup of coffee to go, we found Mark's jersey on sale! Then Matt decided he liked a jacket he saw at one of the second stores we visited. So we went in search of this store and Matt found his prized jacket. Russ really liked it so he got one but in a different color. Then Mark decided he better have one too so each got the same jacket just in a different color. The three guys are growing close to each other and hopefully this relationship will continue to grow beyond this trip. Such wonderful servant hearts these young men have.

The restaurant was fabulous! Caesar and greek salad for appetizer. Grilled chicken, ribs, or steak for main course. And a variety of scrumptious desert. Every member shared one or two significant lessons they are taking away from the trip. We finally got to share our story of coming to Poland and what the Lord has been teaching us. The team thanked us personally for all our help and Dawid gave a speech to thank us as well, as our time is now coming to a close. After dinner we found an open store for people to get chocolate to take home. Most of us were up all night packing and talking and just being together. 

Thursday the van to the airport picked us up at the hostel at 4 am. Everyone was in good spirits and ready to return home. We had prayer at the airport and short goodbyes. The driver took us and Dawid back to the train station for us to leave at 6 am. The train ride was uneventful and much was spent in dozing sleep. Simona picked us up and took us home. She and Jordan went to pick up more mulch to finish the back landscaping and Jordan got supplies for taco making (thank you Momma Doris!). 

Friday we got up early and went to the local kindergarten to say our farewells. The kids made us special drawings and thank you cards. They are so precious. We took a nap and went to our team meeting. Dawid is ill, pray for him. Jordan took over his shift from 4-9 to help out. Today again we're covering the morning shift and returning at 6:30 to help with the concert tonight. We think we'll be running until we get on the plane, but we're feeling healthy. Pray that we stay that way.

We love you all very much and are looking forward to sharing our stories in person with you. Please keep checking the blog as our final entry will be later this week before we land in the United States.

Storm, Rain, & Wind

Both literally and figuratively. Literally, this is the worst we've seen it: heavy rain, extreme winds, and all the time. Figuratively, TNU is here and all our worlds have been flipped for the week.

Monday we went to the neighboring kindergarten and had a wonderful time. We took a bus from there to downtown to finalize TAG housing. That was a new experience, we saw completely new places.

We opened the shop Tuesday with no problems and went with Dawid to the airport to pick up the team. They all made it safely. We took a bus downtown. It was a long trip but we befriended a guy our age from Germany. He spoke very good English and we talked about the city, place to go, sights to see, what we were doing in Poland and for only three months...everyone life's story. It was great! God brings so many interesting people into our lives. The team made it to the school, found their beds, were introduced to the school and left to rest. 

Now Russ seems to be the one who is ill, though not with the same thing Jordan had. Please pray for him. It was really bad all day Wednesday. Today is better but we're still watching closely.

Yesterday was Wednesday. Jordan opened the shop and waited for Thea. Thea was at the school coordinating the music part that TNU will perform. When she got to the shop she debriefed on the morning. Hopefully it will go very well. The team seemed to really enjoy it though. We caught up with the team in the afternoon. All the girls were napping so we took the boys for a walk and got a cup of coffee, talked about life and all that wonderful stuff.

Today Jordan went early to the school to connect the team with the elementary level teachers. The team was awesome! They spoke to the kids is English, made rain, sang songs, played Simon says. They made the kids light up. Oh, it was so great! This is the language of love, God's way; a true blessing to see in action.

That's it so far. It's only 11 am here so we'll fill you in more as the week progresses. Again, keep Russ in your prayers, the team here in Poland, and the TAG team from TNU.

Much Better

Jordan is feeling nearly back to normal today! Thursday and Friday were spent in bed. Yesterday we had a small outing, but last night a little illness came back. Today she's feeling the best yet, though not quite 100%. Thank God for cipro and that our Doc and Sis Lisa thought to prescribe it just in case something should happen. Thanks for your prayers.

Flash

Monday we went to the neighboring kindergarten. The weather was nice and the kids were such a joy to be around. We were invited to come back Tuesday for a special physics presentation. Our team meeting went well. We agreed to trade shifts with Thea on Tuesday to work in the evening so she could scout out a potential musician for the shop.

Tuesday we made it to the physics presentation. It was neat. Two guys did demonstrations with liquid hydrogen or oxygen, we're not positive because it was in polish. : ) The kids really enjoyed it and we did too. We made it to the shop in the afternoon. We finally have outside tables and chairs. They are so inviting. We served many ice creams. 

Wednesday Jordan went with Simona to Auchan to buy materials for the landscaping projects the TAG team will work on. Small shrubs, rhododendrons, and rose bushes. The yard will look spectacular.

Thursday Russ went to local kindergarten as Jordan was sick. It was Anastasia's birthday and the whole class was celebrating. Magda, their teacher, said to be sure to come and say goodbye to the kids before we leave. Russ opened the shop and Jordan rested on the couch, finalizing TAG details. The team meeting was short. We had it a day early because Friday is a national holiday.

In a nutshell, that was our week. Please pray for Jordan's health, she is still not well. Hopefully we'll be able to rest up this weekend before the TAG team arrives.

Storm's-a-brewing

Sunday's concert was spectacular! It was a benefit concert and several amazing artists played. We enjoyed a great dinner, pasta and baked chicken. It was so nice to do something out of the ordinary, and music really does something for the soul.

Monday we went to the neighboring kindergarten. It was full. We had so much fun with the kids. The weather has been great and we went for walks and played at various playgrounds. Ola invited us to her flat Thursday to play games with her fiance. It made us feel so good. She was the first person outside of those we work with to invite us to do something with. The team meeting went well, detail discussion for the week and more TAG items.

Tuesday we opened the shop. Nothing too exciting. It was a beautiful day again. 

Wednesday we travelled! All the way to Malbork castle. It was built in the 1300s by the Crusaders and still stands today. Of course it has gone through many reconstructions because several wars took their toll on the place, especially WWII. The castle is a museum, hosting several main displays of art, amber, armor, and just rooms displayed for their use many years ago. 

Thursday we opened the shop. Our two ladies came for tutoring. They are so pleasant. We're really thankful to have them. After we finished, we headed to Ola's flat. She had finger foods prepared and her fiance Karol taught us how to play Catan. The game took a long time to play but it was great! We played twice and then looked at pictures from their engagement. When we looked at the clock it was 11:15 pm! Time flew, it always does when you have fun. They asked us to come again next week : ) Karol even took us home. It was wonderful.

More to follow...check back in 5 hours for the rest of the week's post.

Ok...so much for 5 hours, more like 24! Sorry.

Friday we went to the local kindergarten. The talk of the school was Jordan's new haircut. We had a team meeting that went well and preparations for the evenings concert. We worked for the concert making coffees and pastry treats. The quartet was fabulous, a pianist and three string players. It was beautiful music. 

Saturday was our spring cleaning day at our flat. Blind by blind, after nearly 4 hours and the windows now look sparkly. We popped into the shop for the afternoon, had a coffee, and visited with Dawid. The weather was wonderful, sunny and a warm breeze. 

Sunday was the same kind of weather. People were out barbecuing in the neighborhood. We went on a date in the evening and it was so nice to walk outside. It must have been 70 and again a warm breeze.

God is doing great things in our hearts, revealing his will to us. Continue to pray for us in these last few weeks. We want to be sensitive to how God would use our time here. Pray that our energy stays up as in one week the TAG team will arrive. Pray for them, that they would be moved by a real encounter with the living God. Pray that they will be Christ to the students they stay with. Pray with your whole heart and believe. God is able!

The calm before insanity!

This week has been a slow recovery week from the Easter holiday. On Monday, everything was closed, which made life interesting because our cupboards were nearly bare. We had interesting meals to say the least : ) We took time to walk around a nearby lake. It was a beautifully sunny and warm day. And there was one tiny shop open for us to buy ice cream!

Tuesday we went to the neighboring kindergarten. Only six children were there because the rest were still on holiday. It was very nice to have more one on one time with them. We left early to get to the shop to open. It was uneventful and no one came for tutoring. Jordan went to aerobics that night.

Wednesday was a homework day for Russ and a study day for Jordan. We met Dorota at the shop to visit. She is a teacher at Kolbudy who we are trying to get closer connected to.

Thursday we went to the local kindergarten. The children were excited to see us. We opened the shop and had a couple clients. We made 4 zl in tips! (equivalent to 1.25 USD, oh yeah, totally rich) Jordan got her hair cut, really short, but it's summer and was becoming a necessity.

Yesterday we got up early and went to Auchan (Walmart) and Leroy Merlin (Home Depot meets BB&B and Joanne Fabrics). Our mission: price landscaping materials for the coffee shop. All in all, a success. We had a team meeting that night, lasting nearly two hours. We've been so out of touch because of the holiday there was much to get caught up on.

Today we're venturing out on a date after our studies are finished for the week. Tomorrow we're going to the Methodist church. Thea invited us to go with her to a Jazz jam session to scope out potential musicians for the coffee shop tomorrow night and we plan to go. 

Beginning Monday we'll hit the ground running with events nearly everyday at the shop or with the kindergartens until the TAG team arrives. And when they're here, no stopping until the plane leaves the tarmac. Then it's not even one week more until we return to the states. Can you believe it's gone so quickly? Incredulous!

Pray for our guidance and direction. Pray that details fall into place and get smoothed out. Pray for strength and energy and a positive spirit. Just pray. And take time to thank God for all his many immeasurable blessings in your life and ours. He is so good to us all!

Palm Sunday Week

Praise the Lord, for He is risen!

What a week. Monday we went to the neighboring kindergarten. They were so pleased to have us again. We stayed until nearly 1 in the afternoon. We got to meet Ola's sister who was helping her. It was sunny and we spent much time out at the playground. The kids chased us and we chased them. Russ played for nearly a whole hour. It was such a blessing to see their smiles and hear their laughter. 

Our team meeting went well. It lasted two hours because we were busy preparing the details for our Easter service which is less than an hour away. Five prayer stations have been prepared, all involving the theme of hope and new life. We plan to have a time of fellowship afterward.

Tuesday we opened the shop. The weather was so nice and many people came in for ice cream. It was fun! No one came for tutoring. Jordan went to the women's aerobics class again.

Wednesday was a free day and we spent it resting, doing household chores, and catching up on homework.

Thursday we rose early to go to the local kindergarten. They were having their Easter celebration. All the kids had bunny ears and faces painted. We went in search of the Easter Bunny and his eggs, which we found! It was great! Then we were off to the shop to open. Several customers, but no students. Perhaps we might rethink of a new outreach for that age group. Jordan went to ladies aerobics again.

Friday was spent on homework and preparations for the Good Friday service at the Methodist church we attend occasionally while here. The service was nice. That night we recorded Daniel's voice for one of the prayer stations.

Saturday was a day of rest and reflection. We traveled to Sopot, a local tourist beach town. It is famous for having the longest wooded pier in Europe. It was pleasant, the sun even peaked out. We also saw the Crooked House. It looks warped as though altered by a camera lens, but it was built that way. That evening we prepared our part of the Easter lunch we would share with the team.

Today we celebrate our Lord Risen! We gathered together to share Easter lunch. It was a blessing to share in one another's company for the celebration. The food was excellent. Afterward we prepared for our service. 

18 people in all participated which is far more than either of us anticipated. People really spent time at the stations, reflecting and meditating on the presentations. We shared homemade goodies afterward and people stayed for nearly two hours just visiting with one another. What a blessing! Even though we come from different cultures and have different expressions of worship, we all serve the same Lord. Amazing!

Be blessed and know that the Lord is working, raising up His children all over the world.

It's a Beautiful Day, don't let it get away...

Your prayers have been answered! The Lord has encouraged us and uplifted us in ways we never dreamed!

Thursday evening we contacted Igor's family about the Easter Family Hour. We have had several other families show interest for attending the Saturday before Easter. So we offered to have one special just for Igor so he wouldn't miss out. 

His father responded right away and this is what he wrote:

Thank you fro your email.

We are very surprised and very happy that you could like to arrange a time special for Igor. Igor is much satisfied after playing with you. He is still waiting for the next meeting and every day he is asking us "when will be Saturday?"

If it is not big problem for you to play with Igor on Saturday 4th of April, Igor will be happy. We can invite on the Family Hours Igors cousin, his name is Wiktor (5,5 years old) with his parents.

See you on Saturday.

What interest! Of course we said we would have one for him, the Easter Hour early. We told Dawid immediately and he invited the others who showed interest to the early event this weekend. They all agreed to come. Wow! 

Friday was gorgeous here, as is today. Clear blue sky and nearly 60 F. We broke out in no jackets and flip-flops. We spent the early afternoon downtown being tourists for a change. It was so nice to walk and see the beautiful architecture and explore new areas.

We had our team meeting at 4, talked on conference call to the TAG members at their meeting, and prepared the crafts for Family Hour. This week we're making mobiles of the salvation story. Very fitting for Easter.

Today we awoke and set up the shop. Daniel came early to help and prepare the story: Veggie Tales Easter Carol. Three families came! Igor, Julia, & Ola. Ola was extremely shy, but he opened up before we finished games. Julia is 8 and understands English well. They all were intrigued by the story. The parents even helped with the craft. What a blessing! We feel so privileged to be able to show Christ's love to these families. 

God is so good and so faithful. He only asks that we plant seeds and harvest them when ready. He grows them in his perfect time.

Sunny Skies

We're early!

This week went well. Sunday's game night of Bunko was a complete success. It was competitive and full of laughter. Not to mention we sold lots of coffees.

Monday we went to the neighboring kindergarten. They were so pleased to see us. We missed last week because we were ill. The kids were hesitant at first to see us, but quickly remembered who we were and it was like always. We made lamb crafts. The children at this school are so sweet and such a blessing to the soul. So are the teachers. 

Our team meeting went well. We discussed our Easter service and it is going to be so nice. We're having a prayer station service. Pray that people will accept our personal invitations and participate. Fellowship to follow the service.

Tuesday we got up and opened the shop. It was a slow day, but we did have one family, a young mother with her son. The neighborhood advisory board had a meeting at the shop and completely packed the place out. No students came for tutoring. Jordan made homemade lasagna and nussmilk cookies. Delicious!

Wednesday we got up and had a meeting at the music school to further discuss the TAG team trip. The concert is going to be in the theme of a Greek Tragedy. It will be a huge event! They are hoping to have the media and potentially very important officials of Gdansk attend. The TAG team will also help in updating the outdoor sports fields. The school leaders were so quick to jump in and involve other teachers and departments. This project is really going to make a lasting impression. Please pray for the details to work out, pray that the hearts of the students and faculty will be ready to receive Trevecca students, and pray that the TAG team will be prepared for what God has in store.

Today, Thursday, we got up and went to the local kindergarten. The kids lit up when we came in. Several teachers commented to us how the students really love it when we come. We make their day. This is our purpose: to love on the kids; not necessarily to get the families to our family hour events. We had to leave a little early today to open the shop. Two guests for ice cream. The weather is so pleasant today; sun, blue sky, and some warmth. No students today, but the weather is so nice who wants to be inside!

Pray for strength and energy for us. Pray that we might be encouraged in our activities, and pray that we don't miss the real reason of why we're here. 

Mountains and Valleys

Hello dear friends and family,

Another long week with no updates from us. We commit to you to write in the middle of this next week. If not, remind us!

Sunday night's movie discussion went well. The crowd was very small, but the Truman Show really sparked conversation that was meaningful. It allowed those of us who were involved to grow closer together by learning what some of our core values and beliefs are.

Monday we were feeling a little under the weather and decided it would be better to not fight the cold, wind and rain to get to the preschool. We made it to the shop though and discussed TAG (Trevecca Around the Globe) team preparations and events. This year with TAG is going to be awesome! It is really special because Jordan is an alumni and came to Poland with them last year. 

Jordan spent most of her time at the shop throughout the week working on window signs of an ice cream cup, coffee cup, hours of operation, and wi-fi. The signs look amazing and really stand out. The shop now pops out from 50 yards away. It has attracted a great number of guest so far. Praise the Lord!

Tuesday we opened the shop. We worked more on TAG strategy. No students came for tutoring. But we did have two students come in to have coffee and ice cream. They attend Kolbudy and are in the second level of gymnasium. We invited them, but they didn't come on Thursday.

Wednesday we planned to go to the preschool in Kowale but we awakened to a blizzard! At least 6 inches of snow if not 8. So much for burning lady winter : ) By the time the snow calmed down we would not have had much time there so we decided to go Thursday morning. We opened the shop for Dawid. He invited Russ to go to the gym tomorrow morning. That made Russ very happy.

Thursday we were out the door by 7 am. Russ to the gym, Jordan to the preschool. We met up at the shop to open. Worked TAG details. Arranged a meeting with Adam, our local contact for work at the music school for TAG, and the directors of the school for Friday. The same two girls came again for English tutoring. They are so sweet. This week they bought tea and hot chocolate. The lesson seemed to go much better now that we know what we're doing (more or less). : ) Jordan went to a free aerobics class at the community center. It was intense!

Friday we left early in the morning to meet with the music school. The meeting went better than any of our expectations. The projects are going to be great: landscaping, benefit concert, and cultural integration. God has big plans for this years TAG team in Poland and for this school. It's exciting!

We had a mini date: lunch and a movie. Then we hit the ground running. We stopped at Tesco (a walmart type store) for supplies for the family hour and game night. Then home to the shop for a team meeting to update Thea who was on vacation this week. After the meeting we made play dough for the family hour.

Saturday, today (wow), we got up, made last minute preparations for the family hour and came to the shop. The same child, Igor, came back but this time his whole family came: Mom, Dad, and younger sister. We played duck, duck, goose and pretended we were rapidly growing trees and chickens (that flew of course!). This week's Veggie Tales hero was David because of his fight against Goliath. Our craft was five smooth stones of varying colors representing lessons from the story. It was great! They even asked for the recipe to make their homemade play dough. The Dad also confirmed how wonderful a program this is and they will see us next time! : )

Then it was back to the house for some chores and lunch, meeting with Thea about the Easter service, to Auchan (another walmart type store) for more supplies for game night, back to the shop to work, and here we sit. Sunday's game night is Bunko. It is going to be a terrific mixer, allowing people to meet each other in a more relaxed setting.

I know most of what we've written is positive, but we really felt we were in some deep valleys this week. It helps to write and focus on all the good that is happening around us. Please pray that we would stay encouraged and keep persevering in doing good (as Galations 6:9 reminds us). Pray for God's wisdom and guidance in our next steps. And pray that God would make his presence known to us in a very real, fresh way everyday.

We love you!

The Donalds

PS. Today was the first day it really felt like spring, thank God, we needed it for our souls. We were blessed with sun and warmth, no winter coats necessary.

One Long Week

Hello all, 

Thank you for your patience as this has been a long week for us. Tuesday Dawid taught us how to open the shop. He let us run the place for awhile. We had one guest who ordered a Latte and Cheese Brule. He was so pleasant. He had been to the shop previously and we recognized him. He even spoke English! That afternoon we had our first Tutoring session. The weather was terrible, snow, hail, wind, rain. No one came, but we think that is why. 

Wednesday was a day of rest for us. We were supposed to visit another local kindergarten but the director was uncomfortable with us coming. We found this out Tuesday night after no one came for tutoring so it was kind of a sad few days. However, Simona let me (Jordan) go with her to pick up Daniel and we also got some window decals for the shop. That night we spent at the shop creating a new drink menu. 

Milky Way: white hot chocolate, chocolate ice cream, espresso, whip cream, and chocolate sauce.

Berry Blast: white hot chocolate, strawberry and blackberry ice cream, whip cream, and cherry sauce.

Lodopresso: espresso with vanilla ice cream.

Amaretto lodopresso: espresso with vanilla ice cream and amaretto syrup.

Caramel Mocha: chocolate sauce, caramel syrup, espresso, steamed milk.

We planned to preview the drinks at Friday nights poetry reading and guitar solo. It was so much fun letting our creative juices flow!

Thursday we opened the shop completely on our own and ran it until 3:30. No guests, but we did have 2 students come to tutoring! They even ordered hot chocolate. We just went through their textbook and helped them with grammar. We weren't sure we were actually being any help, but they were so thankful and asked if they could come back next week. They were also shocked and the room wasn't full. We asked them to tell their friends and they assured us they would bring people with them next week. Their names are Alex and Agatka, both girls about 15 years old.

Friday we went to the local preschool. It was officially the first day of spring and the poles have quite a tradition! All the children were dressed in bright colors and hats decorated for spring. We walked around outside, with noise makers and load voices to wake up spring. We also carried around lady winter (a scarecrow) and burned her in the creek. What a tradition! It was fun though to be with the kids. 

That night we prepared the new menu board for our premiere. Several people came to the event. One ordered the Berry Blast and one an Amaretto lodopresso. The Berry Blast widened quite a few eyes and two more people got them! What a success! 

Saturday was a slower day for us, but at 3:00 we made our way downtown to join Thea for her birthday celebration. We got on a train to Oliwa, a suburb of Gdansk. There is a beautiful park that we walked through and a Cathedral. We were going to a Jazz CLub for dinner but we made it a surprise party with reservations for 6pm. We stalled and went wandering way down the main street. We found a little grocery store to meander through and there was a really good salesman who sold Thea some nice perfume. We made it all the way back to the restaurant and Thea was surprised. Dawid, Simona, and Daniel were there and Ela and Marta from Thea's bible study group. The food was excellent and Thea got to sing up on stage. We were there for two and a half hours. She was so happy.

Today has been a more quiet day as well, but in a half hour we are heading to the shop for the Movie Discussion forum lead by the intern of the Methodist Church. Tonight's movie is The Truman Show with Polish dubbing and English subtitles. At least we'll know what's going on. The last Movie Discussion went very well so tonight should be good.

The Weekend

Friday was a good day. We were at the first pre-school again and it was wonderful. The kids remembered us and the directors seemed very pleased to see us again. The English teacher, Magda was also excited. She told us that she was good friends with Ola, the teacher we spent Monday with. This really opened up a new comfort level. She invited us back next Friday so go with the children and look for signs of spring outside.

Saturday we got up early and went to the shop to open for the Family Hour. It was creeping closer to 10 am with no one in the shop and we were a little discouraged. But, at 10 am one family, a mother and her son Igor came! Igor slowly warmed up to us and it was so exciting to see him relax and have fun. Daniel, Dawid and Simona's son who is 10, translated for us. He was a tremendous help. The Bible story was Daniel and the Lions den. We watched Veggie Tales. Our craft was lion mask. Igor's mother was very pleased with the program, said she would return next time with several friends, and even recommended more preschool's for us to advertise at. Thank the Lord for such a good morning!

That night we had an art opening for a local photographer. We helped make and serve coffee and ice cream. Dawid even left us alone with Thea for 2 hours and we had 5 guests who ordered drinks and ice cream. No complaints! It was a great night.

Sunday was our day of rest. We went on a date to the movies. Their theater's here are very nice. You even get to preselect your seat so no one else can sit there. Yeah, it was awesome!

This morning we went to the preschool in the neighboring community. They were thankful to have us again. We helped the children with their English colors by playing several games. We also did an art project and took them to the playground. 

Our team meeting today was productive. So much is going on. It is really just wonderful and amazing. Time seems to be going by so quickly. Thank the Lord for his work in our lives and here in our ministry. Pray that he would continue to guide and direct our paths and that we would be obedient to his voice. 

Momentum

This last week has flown by.

Monday we had a wonderful day at a neighboring kindergarten. The women were so thrilled to have us there helping. They feel understaffed and are in real need of men to help with the children. We asked if we could continue coming once a week and relief and joy spread across their face. They allowed us to put our family hour advertisement in each of the child's boxes for the parents to pick up. Hopefully some families will come.

That afternoon we met with Dorota, a wonderful school teacher and the local public school. She is a real advocate for her students. We explained to her our ideas of English tutoring and she took it upon herself to get permission from the headmistress to hand out flyers and display posters. She is a wonderful sweet soul.

Tuesday the General Superintendent of the Nazarene Church was here with the regional and field directors. We had the opportunity to share with them about our ministries here. That evening we invited all the people we know to meet them. We had a wonderful time with music and sharing. Dawid feels that we really entered into a whole new chapter at the coffee shop spiritually. It was a positive experience for all involved. God is doing great things!

Wednesday we got our final check-ups to officially work at the shop. We began our training that evening learning how to get the best espresso, milk, and foam. We made our first cappuccino's.

Today I (Jordan) got up and went to Kolbudy where the local public high school is. Dorota met me and we spent three class periods going around to all the English classes telling them about the tutoring events, inviting them, and handing out flyers. It was a really positive experience and many students expressed high interest in attending.

This afternoon we were back in the shop training and I saw several girls who I spoke with at the school outside looking in. I went out and asked them to come in and have a look around. They said they would definitely be coming next week. We could have a full house! Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow we return to the first preschool and spend the morning with the children. The afternoon is filled with more training and a team meeting. We also will be preparing for the family hour on Saturday. Tomorrow night we have our first youth event at the shop which is a computer gaming event. Hopefully it will go well and the kids will have fun.

Pray for God's wisdom and guidance in our lives. He is working and we want to be moving with him, not against him. And give thanks, for the Lord is Good and His Mercy Endures!

Little Kids

Thursday was fabulous! We got up, went to the shop at 7am to make coffees and then off to the local kindergarten. We set up a place to offer coffee to the parents along with our flyers about the family hour. It was really encouraging. Many of the fathers spoke English and were surprised to hear that such a coffee shop existed in Kowale. Many said the family hour was a great idea for the community and would definitely be coming. 

We spent all morning with the kids ages 5-6 mostly. They had English classes which we sat in on. We played games and told them a little about where we came from. They were adorable. Many times the teacher would remind them that we didn't speak Polish but they prattled on all the same. We bonded really well with this one little boy named Kuba. He would always smile and wave at us and practice counting in English. 

At the end of the day we asked if we could come back again next week and the director said that would be great! 

Friday was a day of rest for us which we were thankful for. I think we are finally over our colds. Praise the Lord! We had a team meeting and wonderful things are happening with Thea and Simona. God is at work! It is so very exciting. 

Tonight there is a special concert for Women's Day (tomorrow). It is a national holiday in Poland. Pray that people would come tonight and be blessed by the performance. 

Monday we have the opportunity to visit another local kindergarten. The director is very open and looking forward to having us there. Pray that we again would make the right connections and that God's love would be made known.

Tuesday a General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, Dr. Deihl, is coming. Pray for his safe travel and that he would have an opportunity to really see all that the Lord is doing here in Kowale. 

God Moments

Hi all! What a fabulous few days we have had in the Lord!

Yesterday morning we met with the director from a local kindergarten and talked with her about advertising for our Family Hour. She was excited and invited us to go tomorrow morning and have an informational booth for the parents in the morning and then help at the school until 1 p.m.

That afternoon in the coffee shop we met a man and his son who live in the area. His son goes to the school that Daniel attends. He is 15 and we talked to him about the Tutoring hours for English that we are starting on March 17th. He and his Dad seemed interested and gave us their contact information for more details.

Then that night we stopped in and another local kindergarten teacher was gettting coffee to go. She gave us her number to call and meet with her about advertising there as well. What a day filled with God moments!

Today we got our computer back. Praise the Lord! All our files were recovered. And tonight we meet with yet another local kindergarten teacher about our program. Pray that all goes well and that tomorrow is a success; that we would represent God and meet the people he would have us meet.

Concert, Church, Bowling

Hello dearest friends and family,

It has been a while so we have a lot to share with you.

Friday we had a concert here at Sweet Surrender. A harper, Barbara, came and played. It was wonderful. Several people came to hear her and we made many connections for further ministry.

Saturday our computer stopped working. We, I should say Russ, spent hours trying to fix it with no luck. Thankfully we do have access to another computer, but we do not have access to our files. It seems silly, but please pray for us. It has been especially hard not being able to talk with people back home.

Sunday we visited a Methodist church. It was entirely in Polish, but I recognized the tunes to some songs. 16 people in all, but it was homey. Afterward we shared some cake with tea and coffee. It was nice. The pastor and his wife help lead the movie discussion nights that we have at Sweet Surrender.

Sunday night we went bowling, American style. It was fun! Iza and Slawek came. We met them on Thursday. They are in their early 20s. Iza has been to several Nazarene events and may help us with our activities here. Also, Thea (a yearly volunteer who is awesome!) came with the girls from her home Bible study. We connected with them and I am certain we will see them again soon.

God is bringng wonderful ideas together for outreach. This week we begin advertising for Family Hour held on Saturday mornings. Parents visit with local neighbors while we put on a vbs style program for the chidren. The first will take place March 14.

Continue to pray for our health. We are getting better, but our colds still hang on tight. Also pray that we would be encouraged and not lose heart. We want to be fully alive for God to use.

Grace and Peace,

Jordan

Basketball

Hello all!

Tonight we are going with Natalia, a wonderful polish girl whom Dawid and Simona have mentored these last few years, to her gym. She is a professional basketball player (not like WNBA professional but more like college professional). Tonight she asked us to come and volunteer with the disabled people at 5pm and then join in for open play at 6pm. Please pray for us and the people that we meet. Hopefully they will see our love beyond the language barrier.

Oh, and we are underway with some great ideas for outreach. Pray that the strategy would continue to come together and that we would be provided with open doors if it is God's will.

Arrival

Hello friends and family,

We have safely arrived in Gdansk, Poland and have made our way through the snow to our cozy little apartment for two. We have met those who we will be working with while here: Dawid, Simona, Thea, Natalia, Voytek, Miki, and Pavo. This week is really just an orientation week. We are learning where to get groceries, how to catch the bus to go where we need to go, and getting tested to be able to work in the coffee shop. 

Speaking of the coffee shop, it is absolutely amazing! The colors are rich and warm. The coffee bean is excellent and it is all made Italian style. The hours of the shop are Monday - Saturday 1pm-9pm. Today we are meeting at 3 to discuss ideas for outreach. 

Dawid and Simona's vision for outreach is one that our generation is starving for: Living in community. It is only after forming relationships of trust and friendship that one is able to gain credibility to share our faith. No one want to have another's belief forced on them. Instead, by living daily with these people they begin to see a light, Jesus Christ, in us. Then conversations about the true meaning of life can begin.

We are so thrilled to be here and cannot wait to meet the people in the community. Please pray for our health as we are both a little under the weather. Also pray that God would reveal to us the way He would have us reach His people. 

Nashville.

Hey so we've been in Nashville for a couple days now and it's been great. Well except for the massive wreck on the interstate Thursday night. Spending time with friends and family in Nashville has been great. We will see what the next few days holds, I know Saturday night involves swing dancing. Monday we leave for Israel. We will update more within the next few days.

-Russ

Hello.

Hey Everybody-

So this is the beginning of Russ & Jordan's travel blog. Starting from our trip to Israel which begins Feb. 2nd 2009 (we get back to the Northwest Feb 18th) and continuing with our time in Poland from Feb. 20th to May 20th 2009. Thanks for visiting and keep checking in we will try and update every few days or at least weekly.

Faith and hope;

-Russ