Today is a quiet sort of day, aside from the throbbing head and the aching muscles in my neck and shoulders. I think that I shouldn't be too surprised at my body requiring a day off since we have been traveling and visiting for six months with hardly a break. The kicker was Nate crawling into our bed sometime early this morning after having a scary dream. Not sure what that is all about, but he just settled in the middle of the bed and was content to have his legs in the middle of my back. That is probably what the sore muscles are about.
I don't know about you, but this time of year always is a time for reflection for me. Reflection number one this year is that we were to be flying back to the Czech Republic today. This evening, in fact. Hmmm, I am not quite sure why we are to be here longer although I do have some really good reasons that I can come up with, and I am only human and don't see the beginning from the end. So, for whatever the real reason is, we are here a bit longer in the US. I mostly want to learn, be and do whatever is important at this time. God's plans are always for His good and glory...not usually my comfort, although sometimes that too!
We have really enjoyed the time with family these last weeks. With Amy working about 25-30 hours a week and not yet having a drivers license and way to get to work besides the van we are renting, Tom stayed in IN with her while the rest of the kids and I drove to Omaha, NE to spend time with my dear sister and her family. The trips were uneventful and smooth with the kids traveling so like the pros they really are. The time with the C family was special with all the little conversations as well as bigger ones, time spent playing games, going shopping, eating, breathing all together.
Christmas day here in IN was really relaxing as we started at 7 with the stockings after which we read/quoted Luke 2. After that we enjoyed opening the gifts under the tree one at a time with all enjoying watching the person opening the gift as they looked at it for a few minutes before getting someone else a gift.
Tom's sister and her family joined us around 10 or so and, after a pause for breakfast, we continued opening gifts together. The traditional Becker family lasagna was delicious and the time just playing with the new gifts after lunch was fun. That is one thing we miss when we are in Czech...the time with family. This will allow us to store up the memories and savor them next Christmas when we aren't with other family.
This last week, we traveled to MI to the D family Christmas get together. Since this is the extended family on Tom's mothers' side, we have a chance to see Tom's grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and their children. What a fun time catching up a little bit with different relatives. The time spent swimming the next morning in the hotel was fun as well.
Thanks to some dear friends and supporters in OH, we now have a second car to use that Amy and Matt can practice driving in as well. Amy is hoping to get enough practice to get a drivers license in the next couple of months. Matt enjoys driving as well and hopes to get many chances to drive it as well. Thanks M family!
So, back to reflection. As many of you know, Tom and I have prayed for a word that God wants us to focus on for a year since we were married, 20 years now. This year is no different. While I feel I have a small lead into that word, I am not sure yet and will continue to pray and ask God to show me that soon. As you know, this year has been a busy year with many ups and downs. I am so thankful for the peace that God gives and the encouragement He brings through His Word and others.
Thank you, my friends for being a part of the journey God has me and my family on and for your prayers!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving. What a wonderful holiday! This year had many highlights:
All the Becker family in one house at the same time...17 of us.
Family and friends, most of whom we have gotten to spend at least a little bit of time. I always have a hard time saying goodbye. I am thankful for each chance to catch up face to face.
Our wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The chance to celebrate with all the trimmings that aren't so easily found in the Czech Republic.
The chance to run in the Turkey Trot at the YMCA in Portage, IN, with all of my kids, except for Nathanael. Tom gave up his chance to run because we wanted Nate to be there to cheer us on and he took the job of being our coach and food expert. He made us all a healthy, smallish breakfast and drove us to the site of the race this a.m. just before 7 a.m.
The 1k race started and finished first with H and R running and coming in 1st and 2nd. The number 3 was w....a....y....behind them.
The 5k race started after that and M came in first of our family, then Amy, then myself. I was especially happy with my breaking my old record in training and I came in at 35:58. Thanks for the encouragement from many of you!
What did you do today? What special things are you thankful for?
I'd love to hear from you!
All the Becker family in one house at the same time...17 of us.
Family and friends, most of whom we have gotten to spend at least a little bit of time. I always have a hard time saying goodbye. I am thankful for each chance to catch up face to face.
Our wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The chance to celebrate with all the trimmings that aren't so easily found in the Czech Republic.
The chance to run in the Turkey Trot at the YMCA in Portage, IN, with all of my kids, except for Nathanael. Tom gave up his chance to run because we wanted Nate to be there to cheer us on and he took the job of being our coach and food expert. He made us all a healthy, smallish breakfast and drove us to the site of the race this a.m. just before 7 a.m.
The 1k race started and finished first with H and R running and coming in 1st and 2nd. The number 3 was w....a....y....behind them.
The 5k race started after that and M came in first of our family, then Amy, then myself. I was especially happy with my breaking my old record in training and I came in at 35:58. Thanks for the encouragement from many of you!
What did you do today? What special things are you thankful for?
I'd love to hear from you!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
training
I am training for a 5k walk/run called the Turkey Trot at the YMCA Thanksgiving morning. Today was my first official practice walk/run. H joined me and went halfway with me. She is training for a 1k run. We walked one minute, ran one minute until halfway through when I started walking two minutes and running one. I need to reverse the path because the last stretch is all uphill! My time? 39:45. I will keep training and hoping to improve my time before Thanksgiving morning. Actually, our entire family is doing either the 1k or 5k, except for N. Fun!
We are also in spiritual training. Sometimes I am more aware of it than others. Sometimes I am looking forward to/straining to train and other times it seems to happen to me. In any case, I am learning to grow and stretch toward becoming all that God wants me to be.
We are being stretched in many ways this time in the US: financially, physically and spiritually. M and H and I pray together at the start of school and were praying specifically for money for or winter clothes for R and N. Two days later, God provided money much beyond enough for that from some dear friends. Be encouraged...God does hear and answer our prayers!
If you have experiences where you are training as well...please write. That would encourage me as well.
We are also in spiritual training. Sometimes I am more aware of it than others. Sometimes I am looking forward to/straining to train and other times it seems to happen to me. In any case, I am learning to grow and stretch toward becoming all that God wants me to be.
We are being stretched in many ways this time in the US: financially, physically and spiritually. M and H and I pray together at the start of school and were praying specifically for money for or winter clothes for R and N. Two days later, God provided money much beyond enough for that from some dear friends. Be encouraged...God does hear and answer our prayers!
If you have experiences where you are training as well...please write. That would encourage me as well.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
out of batteries
My camera is out of batteries which makes taking pictures impossible. Enter my husband and kids who are kind enough to let me use their cameras...if only I could download the pictures as easily as mine! So, this update will be sans photos. Sorry...we have some great ones!
We have had the joy and pleasure to travel around and reconnect with supporting churches and individuals. In the last two weekends, we traveled to Lima, OH (196 miles) away. We connected with a church that we were last at in 2002! My, how time goes quickly. What fun to be surprised by my aunt and cousins as we set up our display table in the foyer. I didn't realize that my cousins have been attending that church for 3 years! They took us out to Godfather's Pizza and we had a chance to talk with just them.
Spending time with the M family was a pleasure as well. We have seen them more recently and our kids enjoy them. Our son, Matt, especially enjoys their boys, but Matt had something else already planned that weekend and wasn't able to be there. Hannah and Nate had a great time with them, however. We SO appreciate you, M family!
This last weekend we got to spend Friday night with our former colleagues in the Czech Republic! What "should have" been a 2 1/2 hour trip for us turned into an almost 5 hour trip, thanks to traffic in Chicago! We arrived MUCH later than planned, to a delicious and still warm meal. What a treat to spend the night with the F family. Having hosts who know us and understand us and share history is so fun. Thanks F family! We love you.
Then, we drove to Grantsburg, WI (Trade River, actually). That trip was about 6 hours from the F family's home. We stayed with the V family, pastor and family at Trade River EFC. We haven't been there since 2001 and enjoyed connecting with the new pastor, missions committee and many new members in the church. Our time there was sweet and we look forward to a sooner return there. The return trip was over 9 hours in duration not including a stop for supper.
We arrived home at 12:30 a.m. in Indiana. Monday was a sleep-in day for us and we have now picked up the pace with home school and extra-curricular activities again.
Today, our colleague, R, is coming for lunch! What a fun treat! So many of us in the US at this point and it is fun to see each other here.
Tonight we get to have another Czech Dessert. This time in "our" home! We look forward to sharing with those who come about what God is doing in the Czech Republic.
Tomorrow I am looking forward to two special things:
1) connecting with the mom and sister of one of my friends from high school. The M family serves in Mexico where B grew up. I am so excited to see her mother who also lives and ministers in Mexico. Her sister K lives nearby so this will be a chance to connect after so many years!
2) eating supper with our dear friends, the N family in Grand Rapids, MI. We have known this dear family for at least 16 years. The parents served in Africa for years. Their daughters and spouses are friends and have been a great encouragement to our family.
So many great experiences! Such rich lives!
Sometimes, our batteries can get low, though with all this activity. Pray for rest and good communication between Tom and I and our family as we are often drawn many directions. We want to truly be working together during this time of raising support and visiting friends as well.
Happy Fall to you all!
We have had the joy and pleasure to travel around and reconnect with supporting churches and individuals. In the last two weekends, we traveled to Lima, OH (196 miles) away. We connected with a church that we were last at in 2002! My, how time goes quickly. What fun to be surprised by my aunt and cousins as we set up our display table in the foyer. I didn't realize that my cousins have been attending that church for 3 years! They took us out to Godfather's Pizza and we had a chance to talk with just them.
Spending time with the M family was a pleasure as well. We have seen them more recently and our kids enjoy them. Our son, Matt, especially enjoys their boys, but Matt had something else already planned that weekend and wasn't able to be there. Hannah and Nate had a great time with them, however. We SO appreciate you, M family!
This last weekend we got to spend Friday night with our former colleagues in the Czech Republic! What "should have" been a 2 1/2 hour trip for us turned into an almost 5 hour trip, thanks to traffic in Chicago! We arrived MUCH later than planned, to a delicious and still warm meal. What a treat to spend the night with the F family. Having hosts who know us and understand us and share history is so fun. Thanks F family! We love you.
Then, we drove to Grantsburg, WI (Trade River, actually). That trip was about 6 hours from the F family's home. We stayed with the V family, pastor and family at Trade River EFC. We haven't been there since 2001 and enjoyed connecting with the new pastor, missions committee and many new members in the church. Our time there was sweet and we look forward to a sooner return there. The return trip was over 9 hours in duration not including a stop for supper.
We arrived home at 12:30 a.m. in Indiana. Monday was a sleep-in day for us and we have now picked up the pace with home school and extra-curricular activities again.
Today, our colleague, R, is coming for lunch! What a fun treat! So many of us in the US at this point and it is fun to see each other here.
Tonight we get to have another Czech Dessert. This time in "our" home! We look forward to sharing with those who come about what God is doing in the Czech Republic.
Tomorrow I am looking forward to two special things:
1) connecting with the mom and sister of one of my friends from high school. The M family serves in Mexico where B grew up. I am so excited to see her mother who also lives and ministers in Mexico. Her sister K lives nearby so this will be a chance to connect after so many years!
2) eating supper with our dear friends, the N family in Grand Rapids, MI. We have known this dear family for at least 16 years. The parents served in Africa for years. Their daughters and spouses are friends and have been a great encouragement to our family.
So many great experiences! Such rich lives!
Sometimes, our batteries can get low, though with all this activity. Pray for rest and good communication between Tom and I and our family as we are often drawn many directions. We want to truly be working together during this time of raising support and visiting friends as well.
Happy Fall to you all!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Michigan travels
We returned safely Sunday around supper time from our long weekend in Traverse City and Grand Rapids, Michigan. We left at lunch time after picking Rachel up from school. The drive north was beautiful as the trees were just turning colors. I am sure that this week it will be even prettier!
Our stay with our dear friends, A and J K was so nice. What dear friends we have that we can just pick up with even after years of not seeing each other. We enjoyed the time driving around the lake and walking downtown TC as well. Friday night, we had the opportunity to share with several new friends in a Czech Dessert. We are always encouraged to see how God brings just the right people to these meetings. We look forward to seeing how God brings us together in more ways than the Czech Dessert.
We then drove to Grand Rapids where we stayed with other friends whom we have known for many years as well. Thanks for hosting us, A and R H. We were happy to share in our sending church with so many interested and fun people. Many were new to us and the church and others we have known many years. We are excited to see how God will continue to knit us together with this church.
Please keep praying for safety in driving. We are going to be gone every weekend in October and November to different churches.
Also, pray for rest when we are home in Indiana and diligence to keep up the school work as well. We are enjoying some extra-curricular activities such as soccer, swimming, gymnastics and Zumba thanks to our local YMCA and the Portage Christian School.
Our stay with our dear friends, A and J K was so nice. What dear friends we have that we can just pick up with even after years of not seeing each other. We enjoyed the time driving around the lake and walking downtown TC as well. Friday night, we had the opportunity to share with several new friends in a Czech Dessert. We are always encouraged to see how God brings just the right people to these meetings. We look forward to seeing how God brings us together in more ways than the Czech Dessert.
We then drove to Grand Rapids where we stayed with other friends whom we have known for many years as well. Thanks for hosting us, A and R H. We were happy to share in our sending church with so many interested and fun people. Many were new to us and the church and others we have known many years. We are excited to see how God will continue to knit us together with this church.
Please keep praying for safety in driving. We are going to be gone every weekend in October and November to different churches.
Also, pray for rest when we are home in Indiana and diligence to keep up the school work as well. We are enjoying some extra-curricular activities such as soccer, swimming, gymnastics and Zumba thanks to our local YMCA and the Portage Christian School.
Friday, September 17, 2010
week 3 down
We just finished week 3 of school today. I am learning a lot from my kids and enjoying it, although there are challenges staying ahead of my junior and eighth grader!
This weekend we are planning on going to Chicago for Czech christening of Tom's cousins' daughter. She married a man whose family is from the Czech Republic. Should be good to speak Czech again for a little bit.
Sunday will find us at our "home " church when we are here..Liberty Bible Church. We appreciate the friends we are making there.
Tonight being Friday, we will make pizza and play games and watch a movie. We are all looking forward to it.
This weekend we are planning on going to Chicago for Czech christening of Tom's cousins' daughter. She married a man whose family is from the Czech Republic. Should be good to speak Czech again for a little bit.
Sunday will find us at our "home " church when we are here..Liberty Bible Church. We appreciate the friends we are making there.
Tonight being Friday, we will make pizza and play games and watch a movie. We are all looking forward to it.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Corn Roast
What a fun weekend we had with family in Ann Arbor! The sign said at the end of the driveway said it was the 19th annual Corn Roast, although the tradition is older than that. However, the tradition of it being at the Rochette's is now 19 years old.
There were around 50 of us there, most related to Great Grandma Deming, the matriarch of the family.
She invited a clown to come who painted faces and made balloon animals for the MANY 2nd cousins who were there.
.
As this is an annual occasion, we Beckers aren't always able to attend, but we always remember it fondly and wish we could join in the fun when we aren't here. What a treat to spend some time with Tom's side of the family; aunts, uncles, cousins and their families. We truly love them and miss them.
Shucking the corn
putting the corn on the fire
taking the corn out after 50 minutes of cooking
eating corn, playing croquet and talking
Yesterday, we dropped some cousins off at their home and enjoyed ice pops before going home.
All in all, a great time with family!
There were around 50 of us there, most related to Great Grandma Deming, the matriarch of the family.
She invited a clown to come who painted faces and made balloon animals for the MANY 2nd cousins who were there.
.
As this is an annual occasion, we Beckers aren't always able to attend, but we always remember it fondly and wish we could join in the fun when we aren't here. What a treat to spend some time with Tom's side of the family; aunts, uncles, cousins and their families. We truly love them and miss them.
Shucking the corn
putting the corn on the fire
taking the corn out after 50 minutes of cooking
eating corn, playing croquet and talking
Yesterday, we dropped some cousins off at their home and enjoyed ice pops before going home.
All in all, a great time with family!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
My students
So far so good. We have finished a week of school and are settling into a routine. What great students I have!
Rachel is attending American Public school...the first Becker to do so. She enjoys her teacher and has made some new friends already. We are proud of her hard work at school.
Hannah and Matt are my home school students. Hannah is in 8th grade and Matt is in 11th grade. Nate is our main distraction when he isn't busy with one of the other grandparent or his dad.
I am most looking forward to our nutrition course. Our main book is "The Family Nutrition Book" by William and Martha Sears. We are excited to learn about healthy eating and exercise which will meet our high school health requirement.
I am feeling much better and the others are "upgraded" to hacking cough and weird stomach illness. Pray for health and sleep. With the hot weather we have been having it has been hard for Tom and I to sleep at night as we have been hot. Sleep would be a great help in healing.
Rachel is attending American Public school...the first Becker to do so. She enjoys her teacher and has made some new friends already. We are proud of her hard work at school.
Hannah and Matt are my home school students. Hannah is in 8th grade and Matt is in 11th grade. Nate is our main distraction when he isn't busy with one of the other grandparent or his dad.
I am most looking forward to our nutrition course. Our main book is "The Family Nutrition Book" by William and Martha Sears. We are excited to learn about healthy eating and exercise which will meet our high school health requirement.
I am feeling much better and the others are "upgraded" to hacking cough and weird stomach illness. Pray for health and sleep. With the hot weather we have been having it has been hard for Tom and I to sleep at night as we have been hot. Sleep would be a great help in healing.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Start of school update
We are starting our home school year this morning. After a fun weekend of shopping for school supplies, sharing in a church, enjoying the church picnic afterwards and then watching a Vintage Baseball game, we returned home tired, sick and yet happy we could do all those things.
A, M, H, N, T and I all have coughs and some weird achy flu-like, cold-like thing that has hung for weeks. No fevers so not sure if we need to see a dr. or not. Hmmm. Could use prayers for health.
Rachel and I enjoyed the quieter morning together to talk and enjoy our breakfast on the porch. We had fresh pineapple pieces and whole wheat pecan cinnamon rolls. After walking R to the bus stop, I had a few minutes to write this blog update.
Now, N is up and pushing his way on to my lap and demanding attention, so I guess this will be it.
I am praying for a good start to school with my junior in high school and 8th grader!
A, M, H, N, T and I all have coughs and some weird achy flu-like, cold-like thing that has hung for weeks. No fevers so not sure if we need to see a dr. or not. Hmmm. Could use prayers for health.
Rachel and I enjoyed the quieter morning together to talk and enjoy our breakfast on the porch. We had fresh pineapple pieces and whole wheat pecan cinnamon rolls. After walking R to the bus stop, I had a few minutes to write this blog update.
Now, N is up and pushing his way on to my lap and demanding attention, so I guess this will be it.
I am praying for a good start to school with my junior in high school and 8th grader!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Florida Czech Desserts
Florida...brings to mind, for us: Grandparents, parents, friends, supporters, beach, pelicans, sun, hot, woodworking with Grandpa, cooking with Grandma, spanish moss, food...
We are enjoying ourselves here and have had a chance to relax, work and play.
Czech Desserts, where we bring a Czech dessert and enjoy coffee, tea and other cold drinks and talk about what God is doing in the Czech Republic are a great way to connect with friends and supporters as well as make new friends and supporters. Last Sunday we made a visit to a home group here in Florida and had amazing chili, salads, and desserts (oreo crust, peppermint ice cream, chocolate sauce) and peanut butter cake with chocolate frosting! While there we spent about 45 minutes answering questions, sharing about Roma, our life in the Czech Republic and what God is doing in and through us.
Tonight we will have the opportunity to do that again at my Mom and Dad's house. We are looking forward to it.
Pray for energy, wisdom in what to share, good communication with people and fun as well.
Thanks for tracking with us as we travel the US and raise support and visit supporters and family.
We are enjoying ourselves here and have had a chance to relax, work and play.
Czech Desserts, where we bring a Czech dessert and enjoy coffee, tea and other cold drinks and talk about what God is doing in the Czech Republic are a great way to connect with friends and supporters as well as make new friends and supporters. Last Sunday we made a visit to a home group here in Florida and had amazing chili, salads, and desserts (oreo crust, peppermint ice cream, chocolate sauce) and peanut butter cake with chocolate frosting! While there we spent about 45 minutes answering questions, sharing about Roma, our life in the Czech Republic and what God is doing in and through us.
Tonight we will have the opportunity to do that again at my Mom and Dad's house. We are looking forward to it.
Pray for energy, wisdom in what to share, good communication with people and fun as well.
Thanks for tracking with us as we travel the US and raise support and visit supporters and family.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Family Reunion
Plett Family missing only my sister Annette's three boys who were away with their father.
What a fun time we had being all together. I have a picture in the Czech Republic which, I believe, was from our last time all together, which is when Amy was 9 months old. If my one sister isn't in the picture, our last time all together was at my wedding in 1990. Suffice it to say that it has been a REALLY long time. We enjoyed camping at a KOA in cabins that were air conditioned. It was really hot and humid so we used the air conditioning. We also enjoyed the pool.
We had times of devotional together. What a privilege to come from a family who love God and seeks to follow Him. That is a special heritage for us all.
Enjoy some pictures of our time together.
Grandma Ropp with Dara and Nate
all of us siblings with Mom
birth order is: Deb (red), Anita (lt. blue by Deb), Daniel, Annette (purple), Dora (turquoise)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
USA
Wow! Here we are in the USA for 6 months. We have already been here for two weeks and we have: settled in for three days (including our 20th anniversary), flown to Texas, visited a supporting church in Snook, Texas, helped put on a Czech Summit in Kingwood, Texas, flew back to Chicago and took a bus to Indiana, celebrated Rachel's 11th birthday. WHEW! Now we are all 7 in the same house for the next several days before another trip. We are enjoying just being together, cleaning house, making meals, and swimming on the beach.
In my devotions today I was praying and thinking. I was lead again to ready Isaiah 35. What encouragement to know that God is working and going before us in this time in the US.
I am noticing that it is hard to "be" fully engaged where I am as I have this schedule that is filling up before me. So, I am making a conscience effort to BE where I am. Right now, that is in Ogden Dunes, Indiana with my family. So, if you ask me where we are going next and when...I won't know. I am leaving that on the calendar where I can look on a need to know basis. I am enjoying my family and the time here.
Here are few pictures from our time in TX and R's birthday. Please keep praying that our support will come in and that we would be good encouragement to others and witnesses to all that God is doing in the Czech Republic.
Rachel, Nate, Hannah on a golf cart with the Junekovi in Snook
Rachel's breakfast in bed
In my devotions today I was praying and thinking. I was lead again to ready Isaiah 35. What encouragement to know that God is working and going before us in this time in the US.
I am noticing that it is hard to "be" fully engaged where I am as I have this schedule that is filling up before me. So, I am making a conscience effort to BE where I am. Right now, that is in Ogden Dunes, Indiana with my family. So, if you ask me where we are going next and when...I won't know. I am leaving that on the calendar where I can look on a need to know basis. I am enjoying my family and the time here.
Here are few pictures from our time in TX and R's birthday. Please keep praying that our support will come in and that we would be good encouragement to others and witnesses to all that God is doing in the Czech Republic.
Rachel, Nate, Hannah on a golf cart with the Junekovi in Snook
Rachel's breakfast in bed
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
keeping up
Hey there! Long time no write. I will do my best to catch you up in the shortest blog I can.
It has been rainy here, with patches of sun. Today we went on a walk to the post office...where you pay your bills here. On the way we saw that the town square was blocked to cars and they were testing the sound system with very loud music...we heard it 2 blocks away! Today is the Day of the Child and there were balloons, and a bouncy air-filled castle for the kids to jump in. I had read that there was to be pizza making as well as games to play. Such fun!
Rachel and I finished school last Friday and she had a friend over for the night to celebrate her birthday, a month early. Her other friend was ill and not able to come. So, they jumped on the trampoline and then added the sprinkler under it and had a blast. They played games in Rachel's room, played Wii and seemed to have a great time together. Hard to believe that Rachel is almost 11 years old!
We made a paper chain counting the days that we have left until we fly to "'merica" as Nate says. Hard to believe we fly in 2 weeks. So much to do and really little time left to do it in.
Our colleagues in Vlasim have asked us if there is any way to put off our return to the US as there is so much going on. Boy, do we know and feel the pressure ourselves. We will be leaving them to manage everything by themselves for 6 months. That is a lot and just when momentum is building and people are asking for weekly church services (Roma) and are desiring individual visits and requiring follow-up as they are seeking to follow Christ. Please pray for the Berankovi and the Roma in Vlasim who are sensing that God is calling them to Himself, that they would indeed come to Christ and that the Berankovi would have wisdom what to do and what to drop. Pray also that we get our full support raised quickly so that we can rejoin them in what God is doing in Vlasim.
Our summer is filling up with visits to various churches. The first one is 3 days after returning to the US...we will fly to Houston, TX. From there, we plan on driving to College Station to visit a supporting church there. We will then drive to Houston where there will be a Czech Summit. Many from the Prague City Team will be there to share what God is doing in the Czech Republic. Tom will have an opportunity before the Summit to fly to Haiti and connect with Touchglobal in what they are doing in the crisis there. D. Hejzlar, the leader of the Zahranicni Misijni Agentura, here in the Czech Republic, his wife and another PCT team member will be joining Tom on this trip. Pray that God would work through them and guide them as they seek to see how best to help in times such as these. If any of you would like to come to the Czech Summit and see/hear what God is doing, please let me know right away!
So, here is a brief list of upcoming activities:
Roma service on Sunday, June 6
Youth Praha service in Sunday, June 6 (yes we will be at both services...one in the a.m. one after lunch)
kids final exams
Amy's graduation
Amy's decision making process on what to do after graduation.
packing
scheduling visits in the US (if you are interested in hosting a Czech Dessert where we can share what God is doing in your home with your friends...please let us know)
leaving Matt with some friends and then in Austria...he flies to the US by himself July 15.
many other paperwork issues having to do with being gone 6 months and needing to pay the bills still
So, thanks for reading.
Thanks for praying, too! What an awesome God we serve. He is working in the hearts and lives of so many people around us. May we be pleased to join Him in His work!
It has been rainy here, with patches of sun. Today we went on a walk to the post office...where you pay your bills here. On the way we saw that the town square was blocked to cars and they were testing the sound system with very loud music...we heard it 2 blocks away! Today is the Day of the Child and there were balloons, and a bouncy air-filled castle for the kids to jump in. I had read that there was to be pizza making as well as games to play. Such fun!
Rachel and I finished school last Friday and she had a friend over for the night to celebrate her birthday, a month early. Her other friend was ill and not able to come. So, they jumped on the trampoline and then added the sprinkler under it and had a blast. They played games in Rachel's room, played Wii and seemed to have a great time together. Hard to believe that Rachel is almost 11 years old!
We made a paper chain counting the days that we have left until we fly to "'merica" as Nate says. Hard to believe we fly in 2 weeks. So much to do and really little time left to do it in.
Our colleagues in Vlasim have asked us if there is any way to put off our return to the US as there is so much going on. Boy, do we know and feel the pressure ourselves. We will be leaving them to manage everything by themselves for 6 months. That is a lot and just when momentum is building and people are asking for weekly church services (Roma) and are desiring individual visits and requiring follow-up as they are seeking to follow Christ. Please pray for the Berankovi and the Roma in Vlasim who are sensing that God is calling them to Himself, that they would indeed come to Christ and that the Berankovi would have wisdom what to do and what to drop. Pray also that we get our full support raised quickly so that we can rejoin them in what God is doing in Vlasim.
Our summer is filling up with visits to various churches. The first one is 3 days after returning to the US...we will fly to Houston, TX. From there, we plan on driving to College Station to visit a supporting church there. We will then drive to Houston where there will be a Czech Summit. Many from the Prague City Team will be there to share what God is doing in the Czech Republic. Tom will have an opportunity before the Summit to fly to Haiti and connect with Touchglobal in what they are doing in the crisis there. D. Hejzlar, the leader of the Zahranicni Misijni Agentura, here in the Czech Republic, his wife and another PCT team member will be joining Tom on this trip. Pray that God would work through them and guide them as they seek to see how best to help in times such as these. If any of you would like to come to the Czech Summit and see/hear what God is doing, please let me know right away!
So, here is a brief list of upcoming activities:
Roma service on Sunday, June 6
Youth Praha service in Sunday, June 6 (yes we will be at both services...one in the a.m. one after lunch)
kids final exams
Amy's graduation
Amy's decision making process on what to do after graduation.
packing
scheduling visits in the US (if you are interested in hosting a Czech Dessert where we can share what God is doing in your home with your friends...please let us know)
leaving Matt with some friends and then in Austria...he flies to the US by himself July 15.
many other paperwork issues having to do with being gone 6 months and needing to pay the bills still
So, thanks for reading.
Thanks for praying, too! What an awesome God we serve. He is working in the hearts and lives of so many people around us. May we be pleased to join Him in His work!
Monday, May 10, 2010
quickie update
Top: Rachel and Tom
huge Tulip Tree flowers
bottom: our favorite park...3 minute walk from our house
pretty tree in our yard
Hi all!
Long time no update...I know. This will be a brief synopsis of the last weeks...
planning for upcoming Czech Summit in TX (making posters for our Prague City Team, figuring some of the decorations, making brochures, etc.)
making graduation plans for our dear daughter Amy (June 10 in Prague)
doing school with Rachel (done May 28!)
cleaning/cooking, and other normal "Mom" jobs
emergency drop all other things and go spend about 2 weeks total helping my brother and his wife and family as they decided on and then packed for a medical trip back to the US (they fly out today!)
buying tickets for our return to the US (June 15)
talking with Amy and Tom through college or gap year options for Amy
buying airline tickets for Amy and Tom to be in London to visit the two colleges where she is accepted there (fly out tomorrow and return Thursday - God willing the volcano doesn't disrupt this!)
figuring out Matt's summer Germany language opportunities and ensuing separate flight to the US (still confirming, but probably returning to the US July 15)
watching God form a Roma church in Vlasim. Next week there will be a baby dedication! These people are asking questions about God, Jesus, baptism and trying to figure out what that means for them.
I can't think what else, although I am whipped and am spending this morning, while Rachel is being tested, enjoying time alone with Nate and catching my tail! (Thanks Mindy/SHARE)
Thanks for praying for us!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Grandparents (2) - Austria vacation
So here are pictures...
Nathanael and Rachel with new bunnies
Hannah's new bunny
Plansee...a favorite place nearby
Family picture
crazies going in the water...yes that is ICE on the sand and yes there was ice on the water...a friend of Amy's who went after us has to do whatever Amy photographs with the duck...
Rachel and Nate throwing rocks
beautiful scenery guys walk
Hannah petting the sheep
Garmisch swimming pool...a Becker tradition
Pizza Hut after swimming...yum!
It even snowed one day!
Easter basket being made by the girls and Grandma
Nature park near Reutte, Austria
birders seen from the top of a lookout tower
Nate is clearly not afraid of heights as he looks through the slats down
beautiful rock
group shot near the lookout tower
Playing rocks
We relaxed and spent some good time together. I don't happen to have pictures of the skiing/snowboarding trip. Amy and Matt and Tom went to the top of the Zugspitze for two days of fun...at almost 3000m.
Nathanael and Rachel with new bunnies
Hannah's new bunnyPlansee...a favorite place nearby
Family picture
crazies going in the water...yes that is ICE on the sand and yes there was ice on the water...a friend of Amy's who went after us has to do whatever Amy photographs with the duck...
Rachel and Nate throwing rocks
beautiful scenery guys walk
Hannah petting the sheepGarmisch swimming pool...a Becker tradition
Pizza Hut after swimming...yum!
It even snowed one day!
Easter basket being made by the girls and Grandma
Nature park near Reutte, Austria
birders seen from the top of a lookout tower
Nate is clearly not afraid of heights as he looks through the slats down
beautiful rock
group shot near the lookout tower
Playing rocksWe relaxed and spent some good time together. I don't happen to have pictures of the skiing/snowboarding trip. Amy and Matt and Tom went to the top of the Zugspitze for two days of fun...at almost 3000m.
Grandparents (1)
We had such a nice time with Tom's parents on their visit here. They were here for almost two full weeks. What a blessing to have such encouraging parents who talk with our kids and encourage them as well. Thanks for coming Grandma and Papa! We love you!
Enjoy the pictures.
Papa and Nathanael watching a show while Papa tries to stay awake...hard to arrive in the a.m.!
Rachel's truffles
Papa and Nate
Grandma and Nathanael playing Memory
Grandma, Hannah and I made a day trip to Boleslawiec, Poland for pottery.
Enjoy the pictures.
Papa and Nathanael watching a show while Papa tries to stay awake...hard to arrive in the a.m.!
Rachel's truffles
Papa and Nate
Grandma and Nathanael playing Memory
Grandma, Hannah and I made a day trip to Boleslawiec, Poland for pottery.
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