In reality its only been 2 weeks. But it feels as if I’ve been in Slovakia for 2 months. I don’t know if that is good or bad, its just how it feels. All the massive build up of anticipation has melted away into a smooth and easy transition of 14 great days. Most of the credit goes to Tom and Debbie who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to welcome me and help me get settled. One of my new Slovak friends, Marta, has also been hugely helpful in transitioning me into my new home country. All of the Slovaks I met last summer have expressed their excitement that I have come back. And all the new Slovaks I have met since I arrived have given me a warm welcome. All along I have been waiting for something like culture shock to begin crashing down on me. Up to this point I have had nothing but peace and calm. I have to believe it is because of all the prayer that has been offered on my behalf. Those of you who have been dedicated to that endeavor, I cant thank you enough. I am also becoming more aware of one of the strengths God has blessed me with which is the ability to “bloom where I am planted.”I seem to be quite adaptable to new surroundings. I have no illusions, there are great challenges ahead. One of the biggest is the language barrier. The studying I did before I arrived here has helped some, mostly the endearment of some of the natives who are honored that I have attempted to learn their language. There have been great little ministry moments where people who hardly know me have opened up to me with difficult life issues. This is significant for many reasons, the most amazing to me is that there is very little trust in and amoung many Slovaks, much less with a foreigner. Again, this is an answer to prayer, specifically the prayer to give me favor with these people. For those of you who remember the story of my experience on the plane, I have an update. It is still amazing to me how I met a guy named Slavo on the plane and all the different ways we connected. It was obvious to me then and now that God orchestrated that meeting. Well, just earlier today I was looking through one of the books I brought with me and there I found a sheet of information I had forgotten about. I met with a man in Minnesota before I departed who I was referred to because of his extensive years of ministry in this part of the world. I asked this man for a list of people I can network with who are active in ministry in my new city, Bratislava, which he supplied me with. As I said I forgot I had the list until today. Guess who’s name is on the top of that list? That’s right, Slavo. Ya think maybe I’m supposed to be involved with this guy? I’m thinking, yes. Wow, amazing.Life with God is an amazing journey. The journey requires that your eyes always be wide open. You never know how or when He will reveal Himself to you. Speaking of open eyes, take a look at these great pictures of some of the experiences I’ve had so far. Peace and Grace<><