Czech culture up close and personal

Let me just be clear up front that I appreciate Czech culture. I spent the past 2 weeks living with a Czech family and then an older Czech woman for language immersion. It was definitely an interesting experience, and I loved experiencing the differences in culture. For both weeks I was out of Prague; first in a town of 10,000 south of Prague and then a town of 2,000 east of Prague. Though it was good practice (listening and speaking), even more interesting was the experience of living with Czechs and experiencing daily life with them. I haven't been in such a close context (outside of English camps, which is not real Czech life :) ) up to this point. So here are a few fun observations from throughout the weeks, some of which I had known to some extent before, but it was fun to actually experience them. Hope you enjoy a glimpse of Czech culture.

• Czechs eat watermelon seeds. Maybe you do too, I don't know! But it definitely was not common in my family of origin. 
• Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, usually preceded by soup (which I think is supposed to help with digestion). Supper is much lighter; often leftovers or bread and meat and cheese. 
• The garden is the term for the whole backyard. Sometimes it contains an actual vegetable garden, but often is a mix of flowers, fruit trees and fruit-bearing bushes scattered around. Most gardens have multiple types of fruit or nut trees/bushes.
• It's quite normal for children up to 6 or 7 years old or so to run around naked - even swim named together with friends and even babies and toddlers not yet potty-trained, though maybe for shorter periods of time. 
• The Czech language has completely different words for "eat", "sit", "lay" when talking to small children. In addition, almost every noun can be converted to a diminutive form when talking about a smaller form of any object, and often used when talking about items or toys for children. (i.e. kniha = book, knižka = small book, storybook)



Buckthorn

• Soft serve ice cream is served everywhere - even in the smallest village you'll find a tiny stand that sells it and in bigger towns, multiple ones, designated by a large cone sign on the sidewalk. 

• I learned a few herbs and berries that are native to Europe and as far as I know, we don't grow in the US: libeček (lovage - an herb used in soups), rakytnik (buckthorn - small orange berries high in vitamin C). Rybiz (red and black currants) are found in almost every garden (though I know we have them in the US - though they're not nearly as common). And I tasted gooseberries for the first time, which were quite good. 
• It really is quite strange to not unusual coffee or beer. After the lunch meal and at every visit drinks are offered and I often received a look of surprise when declining these beverages. Fortunately, I can redeem myself a bit with accepting tea. :)
• Not only is my written name strange for a female in the Czech, the English pronunciation is extremely difficult for Czechs. The Czech "j" is pronounced as a "y" sound, so the j sound is difficult to begin with - often coming out as [zh] (like the s in "measure") . And the "a" (as in man, van, etc.,) is not found in the Czech language ("a" is more like the vowel sound in "pond") so my name is everything from "Jane" to something like "Zhon" or the French "Jean".
• And one not from my immersion, but a doctor's appointment recently... doctors answer personal calls while seeing you.

Nature therapy

I'm pretty sure mountains are my love language. :)  The beach is nice, but I'm not a huge fan of swimming. Cities can be interesting, but are often too busy and overwhelming. But nature, mountains... I can take in the scenery all day. For several days - or weeks - and not get tired of it.

Last week I had the privilege of joining my brother and sister-in-law for a few days in the Austrian Alps. It was a huge gift after a rather draining spring.  But with this view every morning from our balcony,

with my journal and cup of tea, my soul begins to be restored. In the stillness, the peace, with no responsibility and no task other than to soak on the beauty and awesomeness, a quietness comes over my heart and my mind. My God, my rock, my refuge and strength. He is capable. He is trustworthy. My unshakable mountain, and yet creator of and greater than these majesties. And infinitely knowledgeable about every inch of his entire creation, including each and every one of his children. Including me.

I hated to leave. The few days we had here was not nearly long enough. :) This creation is amazing and pictures just don't do it justice. But I'm grateful for the few days we did have, and will dream of the next excursion to the mountains. On my bucket list for some day: hike to the top of one of these. Doesn't even have to be one of the taller snow-capped mountain - just one with a view. :)

Grossglockner, highest peak in Austria at almost 3800 meters. And the largest glacier in Austria right below it.

Drove to Italy one morning, because when it's only and hour away, why not?!

That lake down there is in Italy

And then we drove to it.

What does not satisfy: a month later

So, in April I shared about seeking attention and comfort in things other than Jesus - at least in a few areas, His grace has been great. I deleted Instagram and Facebook (though not Messenger...) from my phone and didn't look at them for a month. And when the month was up and I did look at them, I realized there's not much that draws me there - except a few pictures and updates from family (it's hard when you're far away!). But in the past week, it hasn't been much of a temptation. Yes, I've looked at them. But instead of several (or more than several...) times a day, it's been something like once every other day. And I think I'm ok with that.

I'm not sure I've had more time to engage meaningfully with people, but I have noticed an ability to rely on and notice God in the moments. The strength on hard days, a random conversation that was a blessing, His affirmation in me and beginning to live out of Belovedness rather than Neediness. It's definitely a process and I feel like I'm still exploring ankle-deep water compared to the depth that is possible. I still crave connection and connection is valuable, but I believe I'm moving in a good direction in its focus and priority, especially as it relates to where I turn first with my emotions.

And I've been much more intentional about seeking God, spending time in prayer and listening and longing for more of that rich fare that God has in abundance. John 7 stuck out to me the other day: If anyone is thirsty, come to me and drink and out of you will flow rivers of living water. From deep inside, naturally. I long for that living water to spill from my life, to display joy and peace and love, to bless others without thought. I'm far from perfect. I'm often selfish with my time, with my money, with my energy. But I long for these to be transformed as my identity is becoming more complete in Christ alone. He is the living water deep inside, where I am completely whole, deeply satisfied, fully given because I know the truth of who He is and who I am. My desire is the day when I am putting my ultimate hope and trust undividedly in his unfailing love.

What does not satisfy

This week my teammate, Stacy, comes back after being gone for 9 1/2 months. I never wanted to be working without team in a foreign country. The past months I've done it. I just read through the blog I posted when she left (Rootedness). I was right: it was hard and it was good. I've made stronger connections without her. I've had moments of feeling lost. I've gained friends who are willing to be there for me in my vulnerability. I've had weekends of loneliness not knowing who to spend time with. I've been more intentional to have guests in my home and celebrate holidays with others. I've recognized more of my weaknesses and dependence on things and people outside of Christ.

That last one is a big one. I'm still in a process of learning contentment in Jesus alone - that He is my source of identity and affirmation. Maybe it's a lifelong process. But I think especially as a single person living alone this strong desire for consistent, meaningful relationships has been highlighted. And when I don't have the fulfillment in human relationships and am not seeking completeness in Christ, I look to any sign that I'm accepted and remembered.

This desire expresses itself in various ways. Especially when I'm home alone, whether I'm studying Czech, planning lessons or watching a movie, I've become aware of how often I look at my phone. For an email, a fb message, even an Instagram or fb like. I have this inner voice crying, "Please notice me. Validate my existence. Tell me I'm worth something." This craving to be recognized. The sad thing is that it's not real relationship. This habit is a craving for something this is simply fleeting, the joy of being remembered gone an instant later.  Isaiah puts it, "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on something that does not satisfy?" I spend my time and focus on a hope of a moment of "connection". (Or the Message says "Why spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy?" What tastes so good in the moment gives no nourishment for the long run. Also quite literally an issue as my body does best without gluten, dairy and... sugar. But my chocolate! And cheese! And bread and cookies!  :( Also another area in which I seek comfort other than in God, but that's another issue - or at least a side trail of the same issue.)  I long for something that truly satisfies and nourishes, and so often I look for it elsewhere... in superficial, in easily accessible, in what tastes and feels good if only for a brief moment.

Isaiah goes on...
"Listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."

I recognize true satisfaction comes only in Jesus. I long for this rich fare, for what is good and wholly nourishing. With Jesus. And with other people as we are the body of Christ together. Speak to my soul. Rest in the satisfaction of enjoying a feast. Have a real conversation. Something meaningful.  Something I'm learning, something God is doing, something I'm battling with. Listen and encourage and be encouraged. I have some of those moments, but they seem too rare. Too often I feel like language gets in the way. And time and busyness and families and school and work and all kinds of distractions... they all get in the way. Of real fellowship with Jesus and with Jesus in others. I long for more that for a myriad of reasons rarely happens. So I ask myself: When are those moments that it can happen - should happen - and I simply miss it? I become distracted spending my energy on what isn't filling - it's the cotton candy. Or I just plain avoid it... because, why? I'm afraid? What would really happen, except probably good?  I'm tired of seeking satisfaction in the things that don't last - in the junk food and cotton candy. Lord, give me the passion and discipline and courage to partake in what is truly good, what my soul can truly delight in and leave all the rest behind.

missing a piece of Easter

I went out to visit Easter markets with a friend today, and as I returned home, I realized something - only once, in a small box of decorated eggs, did we see the symbol of the cross. Or any religious symbol, for that matter. Spring is everywhere, and other symbols of Easter - flowers, eggs, chicks. Loads and loads of chocolate and candy eggs in every size - some up to a foot tall with a Batmobile inside - being sold in every supermarket. But no crosses. Nothing resembling the reason for Easter as I know it.

For most people, including all of my friends who aren't a part of my church, Easter Sunday holds no special plans. Monday, possibly, as it's a State holiday and Czechs have some unique traditions. (see this article if you haven't heard before, or google Czech Easter traditions). But Sunday may be an ordinary day.  In some ways it feels very foreign to me, since I have many great memories of Easter. Getting up in the dark and being driven to the park overlooking the river to join my church in a sunrise service (maybe not always great being woken up so early, but still..).  The thrill of "He is not here. He is risen!" A new flowery Easter dress. Hunting for Easter baskets with my siblings. White lilies at church. The joy with which "Christ the Lord is Ris'n Today" is sung. Extended family together for lunch and all day. The whole joyous atmosphere, full of excitement and celebration, throughout the entire day. The atmosphere in Prague is nice - full of life and beauty, but without the cross and without the empty grave, it's different. It feels empty. In that respect I appreciate my church family and the parts of the celebration I can experience with them. I miss the fullness of the Easter celebration at home, but am making new memories.

Heart worship

We've been having periodic praise and prayer services at church. One a few months ago was a wonderful evening - I was so encouraged by the number of people there and the obvious presence of the Holy Spirit. And I'm encouraged by the prayers of the people - willing to speak out their praises in the larger assembly and sing wholeheartedly their praise. In the midst of it, it's hard to believe that this is such an uncommon experience here - that not only does (only) 1 in 100 know Jesus, but I'm sure not all of them experience worship like this. Of course, the same could probably be said of Christians everywhere.

As we worshiped, I wondered what it would be like for that same devotion and passion to be evident in our daily lives. How many of us worship wholeheartedly in this setting, but when it comes down to daily life and work and children and chores, that praise disappears? Or as we spoke out our thanks, what would it be like to speak out those same things in the presence of our friends, families, co-workers, etc. I'm not saying it doesn't happen - I'm honestly not sure what it is like in Czech culture. I know my heart often gets distracted by the duties of daily life and forgets to live in and express the presence of the Spirit.  But still, my heart's song while in Prague has been,
 "Holy Spirit, you are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for, to be overcome by your presence, Lord."
 How better to welcome the Spirit than by expressing our hearts continually?

Weekend breather

A friend and I took a spa town trip this past weekend. Sounds luxurious, right?  But we didn't actually indulge in many of the spa treatments. But this town, Karlovy Vary, is quite interesting. The thermal springs in this town are supposedly good for certain health issues: digestive disorders, metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal system problems and periodontitis,  People actually come for weekends or a week or weeks for individualized treatments. The primary treatment is to drink the water; sipping while walking slowly, not in a hurry, preferably in the vicinity of the spring and through this special cup. There are something like 80 thermal springs in the town, 15 of which are public. And then of course there are all kinds of resorts and hotels which offer all kinds of other spa treatments, with doctors and nurses on site to prescribe the right kinds of treatment for your case.

Of course, we had to try the water, especially since it apparently treats digestive disorders. It was horrible. But I drank for my health. Each spring has a slightly different composition of minerals and temperature. None of them were good. We ate dates to get rid of the metallic taste in our mouths. And were amazed at the many people sipping this water who drank like it was normal tea.

Healing waters

Freedom spring

The other thing we tried was sitting in a salt cave, completely surrounded by salt from Poland, Pakistan, Siberia and the Dead Sea . It was supposed to be good for your respiration, skin conditions, depression and tiredness, among other things. We laid in the dark with soft music playing and water trickling behind us for 45 minutes. We didn't feel any different outside of a nice nap, though possibly we would have had a really bad day if not for breathing the salt fumes. :)

But the town is fascinating. Many different museums including one of the most quality producers of Bohemian crystal and Becherovka (a Czech liquor). We didn't get to those museums, but may have if we had had more time. We did walk through part of the beautiful woods to an observation tower,

visited a butterfly house (these guys are all REAL),

Hey, nice disguise!

saw a Russian Orthodox church

and an exhibit of the Terracotta Warriors.

Did you know these guys were originally brightly colored?

And even with all that, it was a blessedly relaxing and refreshing weekend - much needed after many weeks of winter and routine.

One of the two public spas

One of the 4 colonnades sheltering the public springs.

And a reminder of many experiences far from home.