Pictures

I just found out that you can click on the pictures on my blog and see them bigger!  I LOVE when you find out stuff like that! Here are two you can click on!

Urpin

This weekend we went exploring!

We went up the "hill" called Urpin to the chapel and for a hike. It turned into a much more intense walk than I expected. We went all the way to the observatory.  I don't think I'll ever take that route to the observatory EVER again. 

The Chapel

The Observatory

If you look really close you can see students behind the trees!

I also had a chance to take pictures in town. So here is one the I got the other day just as the lights were turning on and the sun setting. I really like this building. 

Tomorrow our speaker is Reona, an original YWAM-er. She spoke last year and I'm so excited for her to be here again!  She challenges me to be a stronger woman of God.

Slovak Concert!

Today is the end of day four.

Last night we had a very cool opportunity as the DTS to go to a concert of Hillsong Live.  This was a VERY big deal in Slovakia. Slovaks from all across the country came to a basketball arena (is it an arena if its small? More like a gymnasium) to be at a Hillsong concert.  The place was amazingly full.

And although I was disappointed by the first couple songs, they actually were a good show.  To see all those Slovaks praising God, with hands raised and in English none the less.

While this event wasn't nearly as big as YC, the other times I've seen Hillsong.. I think the worship was great and worth our evening even if I didn't know about 1/3 of the songs.

I also got to see my Slovak parents at the concert!  Janka's parents came with her and I got big hugs from both of them.  It's so nice to have Slovaks that love me, even if we don't speak the same language. 

Hopefully I'll be able to blog more this weekend. Now we are off to visit the city!  

First Week Back

Well the first week back in Slovakia has been pretty eventful!  Outside of all the preparation work that needed to be done for the students (who began DTS today!) we actually got to do quite a bit!

This weekend was the market (which has a real name in Slovak, but I didn't learn it) in the town square. It actually was a HUGE event!  They brought in acts from Russia and some former Yugoslavian country (which one in particular I forget) to be on the main stage on Friday and Saturday nights.  They also had vendors lining the streets selling all kinds of goods.  It was so much fun just watching people and looking at the goods!

There were balloons EVERYWHERE!

These cookies are everywhere.  Some of them said "lasky" or versions of that word which can be translated love. I'm not sure what all the others say, but they all are heart shaped so I expect they are for sweethearts.  And no I didn't get one. 

They also had falconers (is that the real word? I just made it up...) who were showing off their birds.  It seems to be a pretty big thing here and they had quite a few different birds.  These owls were my favourite but they also had actual falcons and a hawk and a raven.  I'd love to see them actually practice with them.  I know some castles have birds of prey that they show for tourists, hopefully we will get a chance to see that. 

We also had a birthday party which is where all these pictures came from.

Yes this is a gummy bear cake. But it has gummy cows and frogs and mice and the normal worms and bears. Shay says they were surprisingly good. 

It is the end of day 2 of the DTS. I'm already wiped but I'm so happy!  I love this group. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to post a bit about what we are doing.  I have yet to pull out a camera this week though. That is how busy it is.

On Our Way

Well the trip has begun!  Shay can't change his mind anymore. (Well, actually he probably could until we step onto that airplane. But he's through security so chances are he won't)

I had a fabulous week in Mission with Shay and his family. We helped his mom prepare for her wedding and I was so blessed to be included in their celebration. It was a beautiful wedding in the most amazing setting. Heritage Park in Mission is home to the Blackberry Kitchen. Shay's mom and her new husband are running the restaurant. I'm sure they won't mind this shameless plug... because their place is amazing. Not only amazing food but a beautiful setting in the park and a fabulous view!  It was an amazing venue for their wedding.  

Shay also treated me to a day out to Lynn Canyon and with their help it included a picnic basket that he produced quite to my surprise.  They actually do that at the restaurant: call ahead and order a picnic basket for you and your sweetheart, family, or even a group of friends to enjoy in the park. Shay got special permission to leave the park, but there has to be some perks to being the son!  

Anyways, I was totally surprised and overwhelmed that he actually put that much effort in to make sure I didn't know that they had snuck it into his Jeep that morning.  And of course Lynn Canyon is beautiful. It was nice to get to see the mountains and ocean before we left Canada for 8 months.

So now there is 10 mins till boarding... EXCITING!  Keep checking back for the next bit of news!