These are some pictures of the Slovakian countryside. Enjoy them as I give you an update about life here in Bratislava.
The first time I came to Slovakia was February 2005. There was lots of snow, 10 to 15 degree temperatures and plenty of wind. People here enjoy their winter season but not quite that intense. Fast forward to winter 2007 and the contrast is amazing. I think there has been one day of snow fall here in the city, there was about 2 inches of accumulation. I don’t believe the temperature has dipped below 30 degrees (high temp) and has averaged close to 42 for the “winter.” There have been several days in the 50’s. Global Warming is gaining a certain measure of validity in these parts lately. People here are amazed at the lack of anything resembling winter. Slovakia has simply skipped winter and moved on to spring.

My efforts to learn the language here continue to inch forward. The process seems agonizingly slow at times. One person told me its a lot like drinking the ocean through a straw, so I just keeping on slurping. In addition to the class I attend at the local University I have acquired a personal teacher who will help me to develop my conversational skills. While it is a great blessing to have so many English speaking Slovak friends, it also means I don’t get enough practice applying what I am learning. When I am around non English speakers the language is spoken too fast for me to really comprehend what is being said. The class teaches me the complicated grammar information and I can work on the vocabulary on my own. I estimate my vocabulary at around 2000 words. The conversational piece is what’s missing. My personal instructor will give me the ability to do the conversation aspect at my level and pace. This is an endeavor comparable to learning to play an instrument. When you first start you have enthusiasm and zeal. You can visualize yourself becoming an accomplished performer. Later, as you find out just how difficult it will be to reach a high level, your enthusiasm begins to diminish. At that point it is just a matter of making a commitment to grind it out no matter how hard it is. My attitude is ‘I am in their country, I need to speak their language.’ Most people I meet are very patient and kind when the communication is not flowing so well.

The decision I am struggling with now is whether to purchase a car or not. The price I got for my American car is more than enough to get a good car here. The benefits go with out saying, independence! After riding the public transportation for 10 months I am ready to have a little more independence. Another plus is that car insurance here is quite inexpensive. The down side list includes gasoline that sells for $5 to $6 a gallon. Ouch! And the other main problem is parking. When driving here in the city the parking situation is a nightmare. These old European city’s are just not designed for cars; driving or parking. I have driven a rental or borrowed car several times now here in the city and many of the rules are quite different which is dictated by the centuries old layout of the city. It’s a nerve racking event the first few times behind the wheel. Not only do you have to be mindful of cars and buses but also the electric trams and trolleys which throw a whole different element into the mix.

The list of people I consider an aquaintence or a friend continues to grow each week. With ever widening circles of friends comes a growing comfort level in my surroundings. Relationships are the key to this or any endeavor in life and I have been blessed with many great connections here. I know that there are so many of you back in the states who are remaining steadfast in your prayer support for me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that support. Now, more than ever, I am convinced that the power of prayer surpasses any other power available to us as human beings. May the God of hope bless you with peace and joy as you trust in Him so that your hope may be overflowing by the power of the Holy Spirit.