Veselé Vánoce means Merry Christmas

Wrapping Things Up Before the Holidays

Last Friday was the last youth group meeting of the calendar year and the final meeting before Christmas.  I wanted to make sure that our focus that even was on the real meaning of Christmas as Christmas in the Czech Republic is treated much like it is for many in the states; more of a time for presents then a time to remember the birth of Christ and the ultimate purpose for His birth, His sacrifice for our sins on the cross.  The group was a smaller one but we enjoyed some fun time together and had a little white elephant gift exchange.

Klara, Sabča, and Terka showing their holiday spirit.  Patrik choosing Bang but of course it was stolen from him during the game.  The problem of going first.

Celebrating Christmas

After the youth meeting on Friday I was able to spend a few hours with the Navratilovi family and exchange some gifts.  This family has been a huge blessing to me over the last few months so I wanted to get them something but I was surprised with some gifts for me.  The next morning I woke up early to pack because I had to be on my way to Kroměříž to spend Christmas with the Ryšánkovi family.  As soon as they had heard that I was going to be spending the year in the Czech Republic they asked if I would spend Christmas with them and I was happy to do so.  They have always made me feel like a part of their family even when I was meeting them for the first time 4 years ago.

Since Marek, is the pastor of a church here in Kroměříž there has been a lot going on since I got here.  On Saturday, after arriving, I got to see the work that the children had put into a Christmas performance.

I also got to meet the new member of their family, Jáchym, he was born in late September but it is my first time in Kroměříž since August.

I also got a chance to see some little friends that I had met the last time that I was here.  They are pretty funny.  The little game of soccer got a bit muddy and crazy so I just got a few funny pictures.  

Christmas isn't the only thing that I got to celebrate while being in Kroměříž.  I got to help celebrate the 9th birthday of Matouš, one of Anička's younger brothers.  We spent an afternoon bowling with some of his friends and Jiří, a cousin of the Ryšánkovi family also known to many from the English Camps as George, came to join in on the celebration.

Matouš is on the left and Jiří is on the right.  It was fun to see him for a few days.

I was happy to help a little bit around here with so much going on I was able to give Vendy a break on Tuesday afternoon by making lunch and sharing the Hampton family Mac & Cheese receipt.  I don't think that it is very common here but it was enjoyed by all.

Mmmmm!  Look at that cheese.  So much better than Kraft of Velveeta.

Christmas Day

While you may be checking this blog out on Christmas Day in the United States, Christmas Day has already past here in the Czech Republic.  It is celebrated here on the 24th and I was happy that I could spend the day with this wonderful family.  Here are a few pictures from our day.

The Kroměříž town square at night.

The kids enjoying the warm weather in the Chateau Garden.

Just showing off some of our gifts.  Thanks Vendy!

Marek and Jáchym.

I will do pretty much anything to get a laugh out of a three month old baby.  If they're laughing it means they're not crying, and that is a plus.  All in all a great day.  The kids even liked the gifts that I got them.  I was a bit worried because I was going in without any insider info from Baby Jesus which is where children's gifts come from here in the Czech Republic.

I will spend the next few days here and then spend a day or so with Radim's family before I head back to Ostrava. Although my first choice would always be to spend the holidays with my family back in Elverson, God has provided a wonderful family of believers here willing to open up their home and their lives to me even over the holidays.  Enjoy your Christmas Day and on it remember that Jesus Christ was born to die for your sins.  Praise Him for this.  Merry Christmas from Kroměříž.