Thank God for Rain

Thoughts from Ray:

It may be a little untimely for Manhattan and a lot of the midwest right now, but rain was a blessing in Croatia today and many of us are thanking God tonight.


The original plan was to visit a national forrest today with Mladen's family. Late yesterday these plans began to unravel. Renata did not want to take Maja and Rahela to the mountains because there was a strong forecast for rain. Mladen assured us we could take his van and go ourselves, but that would not have been safe for Americans or Croats. The better plan appeared to be to stay in Varazdin, work on the "little cabin", and do some local shopping and sight seeing.


Not only was this the right decision on account that has rained nonstop all day, but it allowed for a fantastic evening. Our first two hour stop for the "young team" (not the "old team" - Rod and Morris) was Josip's house. He and Ana met us with with open arms and clepici filled with ham and cheese. Josip gave us a tour of his tailoring shop and he and Jonathan took a tour of the chicken coupe. I got the privilege of visiting with Sasha, Josip's grandson. I was increadible to see the future through the eyes of a 26 year-old Coatian wanting to start a family and planning for a career. I hope God is gracious to Sasha and Danjela. The laughter was great and the good-byes slow to come. Josip thanked God for rain.

Our next two hour stop was Darko's place (Josip and Ana's son). I would try to spell his wife's name but I would not spell it correctly, so we will affectionately call her "white chocolate". Yes there is an inside joke there. Once again we were met with fresh clepici bread only this time filled with chocolate and peach marmalade. Darko and his wife speak very little English and we speak even less Hrvatski, yet the hours disappeared quickly. As we left Darko prayed, "Thank you God for the rain, because if it had not rained, our brothers and sisters in Christ would not be at our house today."


I too now thank God for the rain that fell in Croatia on June 21, 2010. God's plans are better than ours. I would not trade all the trees and waterfalls in Croatia for what I experienced this evening. It is sad to leave tomorrow, but God knows how to send us off right!


To those of you who know me well - yes I cry when I type.

-Ray

A Note from Rachel & Jonathan

I attempted to have Rachel and Jonathan blog, me typing while they talk. The concept is apparently too vague to them. This is all I got after probably 15 minutes of trying. Oh well, Grandma will at least appreciate it. :-)

From Rachel:

"I liked seeing the big real castle. I like the ice cream. I liked the meatballs when we had our first lunch. Nadica has made me special food for lunch each day. I'm waiting to get a hug from Grandma at the airport. "

From Jonathan:

"I like Croatia. I like my toys here. I like my friend Jakov. I'm ready to see my house. I like riding the pedal tractor here. That's all."

Rehela & Rehela
The kid who came in the evenings for Kid's English & Bible lessons



Proof they really are here: Morris & his reader, Sara

The Ray Estes saw mill
Jakov, Jura's son, playing with Rachel at the BBQ at their house.

The storage shed nearing completion.

The Ladies Tea

Kids who came to play baseball.

Mladen batting.

Big American Meal. Kristin & Laura serving tacos.

Coach Kristin

Coach Molly

Coach Matt

Rod at baseball :-)

Better Late Than Never

So Laura said I should blog because my mom would love to read it. Here it goes...

There is so much to write about, almost overwhelming because I have gotten way behind in doing so. Yesterday (Sunday 6-20-10) was awesome, so much going on. In the morning we had services (in Croatian for the most part). Rod gave a great lesson about Jesus and when he was tempted by the devil out of Luke 4. It had been requested that we sing some songs in english so the congregation could hear some songs that they are familiar with in english. We sung Step By Step and the Greatest Commands. Josip, one of the members, was even prepared enough to have brought a voice recorder and recorded us singing. You can hear Molly over everybody else mostly because Josip was sitting right behind her. It sounds great even though it's on a hand-held recorder. After worship we had our "Great American Lunch" which consisted of soft-shelled tacos with the fixins. During and after lunch I primarily was playing cards with the kids. We played Texas Hold'em and I taught them how to play Liar Liar. It was a lot of fun.

I've made some great friends during my time here. I'm seriously considering coming back next summer for their summer camp for the whole church, Mladen askes me almost everyday to come to camp this year. I know God has been working through me on this trip in little ways and big ways. He has confirmed that I need to find a job or something that deals with working with kids and/or people in general. Last week Kristin presented I Corinthians 12 in our morning devo and challenged us to try to figure out what our spiritual gift(s) are. Me being the goofball that I am said that I have the gift of "fun." Everybody has constantly been thanking me for the time that I spend with the youth. It almost feels like I'm cheating the system because I'm having just as much fun as they are when I'm with them, it doesn't feel like I'm working or even serving, just that I'm having fun. At the same time I see many challenges that lie ahead of me if that is where God wants me to go. I'm a little apprehensive but know that He will show me the way. I'm a firm believer that God will get us where He wants us to go no matter how we get there, remember the story of Jonah? ;-) I am very grateful for everything He has put in my way, I wouldn't be the person I am right now without the paths He has laid out before me whether they were fun/happy/sad/hi/low/or whatever it may be.

Today is our last full day in Varazdin, it seems like we've been here longer than just a few weeks, like this is our home, it doesn't feel temporary though there is the knowledge that it is gnawing at the back of my mind.

Today will be our last full day in Varazdin. It had been in our plans to visit a National Park famous for it's waterfalls, but that was not the plan of God and I can now see why. Ray will finish the storage building today with his new friend Darko. The kids and I are looking forward to time in the square looking for a present for Keri. It will be a nice slow day - something we all need, though I'm certain the falls would have been beautiful - maybe next time.

Yesterday was our Big American Meal after morning services. Morris and Rod were happy to have 7 readers come. Several even came to worship as well. Mladen asked us to share with the congregation something meaningful about our time here. There were many tears from both our teams as well as the members. Some we have formed deep bonds with in just a little time. Especially Ray and Kristin have built close new friends. We made tacos for lunch again by Mladen's request. They seemed to enjoy them, though some were skeptical.

After saying all our goodbyes and an afternoon nap, we all enjoyed dinner together at a restaurant on the park. You can eat outside and it's nice, but Matt didn't bring a jacket (hence the FB quote) so we were inside - still nice. Dinner was followed by ice cream and we walked back to the church through a few cold rain drops.

Previous to yesterday was baseball. We spent two hours on the field practicing and playing a game. Even the adults present took a turn hitting in the end. It was a fun afternoon and the kids seem to enjoy seeing us and playing again. They wondered where Morris and Michelle were. (He had another Migraine/vertigo spell). Afterwards we enjoyed pizza at Mladen's with several church members who came to play baseball, as well as the lady who organized baseball last year.

I believe that is all for now. Thank you all for reading the blog. I often felt like Kavan, 'writing far too much for far too few' - but I know those who are close to us, or have been here are interested and I thank you for that. I apologize for possible grammar and spelling. I usually didn't have time to re-read my typing. What a blessing technology is! Knowing we could share stories via the blog and hear your comments and encouragements was wonderful. Thank you again. See you soon!

(If time allows, I will try and post a few more pictures this afternoon or evening.)

Today we will finally play some baseball! We are looking forward to a BBQ at Jura's (some of you know what that means :-)) and then an afternoon of baseball. It turns out God's plan was for frisbee this year, not so much baseball. When we arrived Mladen explained some strife within the village between kids loving to play baseball, the baseball organizer, and Mladen vs. the parents who hold a strong, traditional Catholic background. So for this year we take two steps back and one step forward. Change and openness comes slowly to most of us. We must remember that these people are being challenged by our beliefs. We must be sensitive and patient and allow God to do the planning, not us. We'll look forward to sharing pictures of our afternoon.

I want to share with you about yesterday as well. Kristin led a great devo on spiritual gifts and identifying our own. We spent some time talking about our own gifts and their role in this time here. God is good, of course, and He has truly used the gifts of all 9 of us in the past 6 weeks. I know as you hear the stories and patiently sit through the pictures and presentations you will see the use of the gifts as well.

Yesterday afternoon Ray and I were fortunate to visit a gypsy village where one of the church members lives. What an eye opening experience of the work here in Croatia. It was a little hard to describe, and may be better for a face to face story, but I was touched by the desire for us to be in their home. We are so often hung up on what we don't have in the U.S. 'I can't have her over because she'll see my house' - that kind of thinking. The joy and hospitality will stick with me for a long time. Sorry that is vague, but it is all I have processed thus far.

In the evening Kristin, Molly, and I hosted a lady's tea for the women of the church. We didn't know what to expect and I simply prayed that the women would feel comfortable in this unusual setting and feel compelled to share their stories of coming to be a part of a church. There were 3 of us, 5 church members, 1 member from the Zagreb church, and 1 guest of a church member. It was a very special time. Again, hard to describe, but I am confident you all know the feeling of the Spirit working. The three of us shared our very different stories of growing up and becoming a part of the Manhattan church. (I joked with Rod later that my story was very short - "I was born in Manhattan, went to the church all my life, the end.) Anyway, then was the moment of truth, would they participate as well? All I can say is there are far, far too many details to possibly remember and accurately write down. I sat amazed as every single woman told her story for the next two hours. And it was not just the short versions - for they have very complicated stories here. A LOT has happened in the past 20 years in Croatia. We heard of divorce, alcoholism, death, physical and sexual abuse, war, communism, poverty, pride, cults.....I could go on. It was simply amazing. In the end I told them how thankful I was for their sharing and honesty and laughter and the memories and lessons we will all have from that time. Even though we all have different stories they all end with Jesus and our desire to follow Him. Afterwards a lady told me I was glowing with the Spirit, let me tell you, that's all it could have been because this little introvert was totally exhausted after all that! Seriously, though, what a compliment. It was truly God who planted the idea in my mind and blessed it through its entirety.

Sorry to be repetitive, but again, we cannot thank you enough for your prayers, and words, and financial support. None of this is possible without that! God is good! See you soon. We are off to another day!

"I Will Always Stand Amazed"

I know Laura already blogged today, but I thought I'd go ahead and post this blog that I wrote earlier this morning.

In my perfectionism, I have hesitated to write a post to the blog because I was waiting for some great epiphany to come to me in order to share something really special. The fact of the matter is that every day in Croatia has been filled with epiphanies—about God, about myself, about the faith and faithfulness of others, and about the heart of the church here in Varazdin. There is no question that God’s hand is at work here.

So many of those whom the church have touched are on the cusp of their belief in Jesus as a savior. I am amazed at how they are enveloped into the everyday activities held with the regularly involved church members. People who are coming to read with Rod and Morris for LST have begun to bring their children to our evening activities. When they come, they are naturally accepted into the “clique.” It seems as though the progression into the church family is nearly seamless. I believe wholeheartedly that this is because God is working in the hearts and minds of everyone who is hard at work here to show the love of Jesus to others. Even as outsiders who do not speak but a couple of words in Hrvatski, we were accepted with warm and loving hearts.

Thank you all for your prayers for our work here, they are being answered every minute of every day. We are a blessed group to have such loving Christian families in two countries. As you continue to pray, please consider the remainder of our trip and the upcoming trip to Brezje for a day filled with baseball. Also, please pray for our team to have encouraging interactions as we meet with the women and men—that the language barrier can somehow be broken and we can communicate effectively.

I am attaching more pictures (for Mom of course!) because I know everyone enjoys seeing our story as much as reading it.

The kids racing each other to find the English word to match the picture.

Matching the word to the picture

The girls won the wedding challenge. They had to walk down the aisle spreading "flower petals," line up for a wedding photo, fill the punch cups with water using water blasters, make flowers out of construction paper, and build a wedding cake with marshmallows. The girls completed these tasks faster than the boys.

Matt, Molly, Rachel, and Kristin at Trakoscan (I think only Rod knows how to add accents, but imagine a hat over the s and an accent on the c). This is a 700 year old castle about 12 km from the Slovenian border. Unfortunately, only Matt had his passport, so we couldn't cross over the border for a stamp.

Good morning! As a day ends for you, another is beginning for us. We are nearing the end of the week and that means nearing the end of our work here. The days are being filled with meetings, events, meals, projects, and obligations as time is running out. For this entry I will post several pictures and share news with you via the captions. Initially, I will give an update on the LST team (since they never update their blog :-)) They are doing great. During the day the church building is like a bee hive with people coming and going constantly for all sorts of purposes. It is clear as an observer they have made a great difference. Their readers are joyful when they arrive and often stay late. The tone of the conversation is often very deep and serious - though of course I don't hear the words. At their party last night there was lots of laughter and smiles. It is amazing to watch the interaction between Croatian people. They easily converse and welcome a new individual to the group. I have witnessed this many times.


The following pictures are a sequence of Ray's project of building the tool shed ("lawn mower cabin") You can see the "gravel" I previously blogged about, followed by establishing a well, and pouring the concrete.




Maja and Renata enjoying a marshmallow. A rare treat in Croatia. :-)

Luca. Frisbees are constantly flying around here!

Matt's standard position. Either pushing kids on the swing set, kicking a soccer ball, or catching frisbees. Sounds like an ideal mission trip, right? He is tired at the end of the day. If the kids are around, there is a constant, "Matt! Matt! Matt!" Which they pronounce "Mott" :-)

Rod, The "LST Almighty" :-)
This quilt was given away at the LST party last night. The man examining it is a tailor.
We have the best lunch lady! She cooks for us every day and it is alway different and alway good. I look forward to telling you her story more when we return.

Mom always said, "Don't throw rocks!"

Sunday was a very busy day here.  Before worship we helped peel approximately 10 lb of potatoes for Mladen's dad.  He cooked "goulash" (we would call it beef stew) for the entire church +3 other congregations.  It's wonderful stuff!  In the afternoon I taught the smaller children a lesson on Jonah.  Several kids I remembered from last year.  We had fun making little whales.  Meanwhile, Ray and Matt led a class/discussion for the teenagers.  They shared their stories of growing up in church and how their upbringing effects their lives now.  They said it was difficult to get the kids to talk, but felt they were able to convey their message.

In the evening Rod, Matt, Kristin, and Molly enjoyed a concert by Jura and his orchestra.  It contained many American movie and cartoon themes.  We would have loved to go, but the kids were at melt-down stage, so we stayed home for a movie and popcorn, cheese, apples and ice cream.

Today, Monday, was finally our first "normal" day.  We began with an devo and were joined by Dejan.  Then, as Rod and Morris,  began reading we began moving "gravel" inside the forms for the concrete pad for the storage shed.  I put gravel in quotes because it's a loose term for gravel in American eyes.  When the dump truck brought it this morning we just starred at each other.  To put it in perspective, about half of the rocks are the size of my fist, with a few more the size of both my fists, with the remaining rocks slightly larger than typical American gravel for a road.  At this point I must honor our students for their hard work this morning.  I have not yet told you that the gravel is on the opposite side of a chain link fence from the building site.  So for a couple hours this morning.  We used our hands to throw the rocks over the fence and into the forms to prepare for concrete coming tomorrow.  They didn't complain!  :-)  They were awesome.  I did hear one of Rod's readers as I prepared lunch ask, "What are they doing out there?"  Ha!

I will post pictures of all these events in the future.  Now that you are updated and I am prepared for the kids' activities tonight, I must go continue to move rocks.  As always, thank you for your prayers, comments and emails.  They are truly working and encouraging and I know we all look forward to sharing more personal stories when we return.

Maja & Deena

Yesterday, Saturday, we baked bread with one of Morris' readers, Spomenka. (Kristin and Molly are staying at Spomenka's house.) She had brought bread to an LST party and he asked her to teach him how to make it. It was a fun morning. The bread is called "Varazdiniski Klipici", or Varazdin Bread. It is typically plain/empty but she indicated cheese, meat, fruit, etc. could be added. We got a little carried away with the additions. Some had cheese, some chicken lunch meat, and several had peach preserves. When it was Morris' turn he added marshmallow, chocolate, and a sprinkle of coffee. Spomenka just shook her head. :-) It was really delicious and turned out to be our lunch. It was an excellent example of the personal friends LST readers can become. She was touched by our interest and it was a very positive morning for all of us.

Spomenka

Today we enjoyed lunch with Mladen and his family. What a blessing to see our children play as if we've been gone a week instead of a year. Matt, Molly, and Kristin have already made a wonderful impression on so many people. They are seeing firsthand the genuine heart these people have for Jesus and the people of Croatia. We planned our upcoming days. They are sure to be busy, but we are ready to get to work after a day of resting a planning. In the picture above you can see Hana and some of our baseball kids from last year. Notice the K-State hat. They were very excited to see us and we're looking forward to an afternoon of baseball next Saturday.

Mom, Mom, and Mom: As you can see the students are doing great. :-)

We're Here!

We safely arrived in Croatia this afternoon after about 26 hours of traveling.  I apologize in advance for the randomness this will surely take on due to lack of rest.  The flights were fairly smooth with only a minor delay in New York City on the runway.  The kids did great on the planes and Jonathan did not complain of his ears at all.  The biggest relief was to see each of our pieces of luggage come around the carousel.  Jura met us at the airport just to say hi as he was in Zagreb for a concert (he plays the clarinet in the Croatian Army Band).  Mladen picked us up and Nadiza and Vessna had a wonderful lunch ready for us at the church building.  It was kind of a soup over mashed potatoes with whole bell peppers with meat and rice cooked inside.  She even had a small pot of it especially for Rachel (gluten free).  Nadiza's son is taking Kristin and Molly to their place to stay right now.  One of Morris's readers offered her apartment for part of our team....a BIG blessing.  We were first told it was 10 minute walk away, eventually the story became a 15 to 20 minute walk away.  We'll see.  :-)  All in all a long and very good day and we are all ready for some great rest.  Tomorrow we will visit the police station and receive our visitor's passes.  Thank you for your prayers and support.  We really appreciate them and you!

The bags are nearly packed. The activites are planned. The supply/curriculum luggage is at weight capacity. We've been prayed for by the elders. We're ready. One more day and we'll be in Croatia. Thank you again for all your support. As you pray, please ask God to ease Jonathan's double ear infection. We visited the dr. as a precaution today and thank goodness we did. I'm sure the antibiotic will help clear it up. Thank you for your prayers.

Some of us are smiling in the picture, must have been when Gene was asking that our luggage stay with us throughout the traveling.

Thank You!

We wish to thank all of you for your tremendous support during our fundraising this spring. We are excited for our adventure to begin on Wednesday. Thank you for praying as we travel and begin our work. With 5 of us, plus Rachel and Jonathan, on the team this year, there should be plenty of blogging and lots of stories and pictures for you to enjoy while we're gone.

We are looking forward to spending lots of time with children and the members of the Varazdin church and community. We will be playing baseball for just two days this year, but we hope for some "pick up games" in the evenings. We will conduct a "Super Saturday" of children's events for several churches in the surrounding area. We will also be having "VBS" style events for the children of the community as well as the children of the LST readers (there is a team there right now), based on bible stories and creating opportunities for them to practice English. Kristin and I are looking forward to organizing a Ladies Day of spending quality time with the women of the congregation and perhaps the female LST readers too. Mladen has also asked Ray for two specific jobs. He would like him to share his story of growing up in the church thru being a Christian business owner and father. Ray, and others too, will also be working on a storage shed (they call it "a cabin for the lawn mower" :-)) while we are there. And finally we've been asked to make another "Big American Meal" for the church members; and the LST readers will be invited for that as well. Lots to do in less than two weeks!!! We're excited to be busy and to get on the plane to come home feeling, "thoroughly used up".

Thank you for your interest and support in our trip. It's a blessing to have the experience, and to share it with you through this outlet.