It's 1 am here and I'm having my first ever jet-lag. So....I'll catch you up a little on our trip so far. It's been great! We hade very easy travel getting here. We made all our connections and all our bags made it with us too. We have a busy schedule ahead of us. Today Molly and Kavan arrived and their travel was smooth as well. Tonight we spent a few hours at a church member's home for their weekly prayer meeting. Lots of prayer, lots of tears, lots of laughter, and lots of Croatian cookies! It was delightful. We are so thankful God has allowed us to be a part of His work here. It really is exciting to see what He has done in the past several years. They have come so far and they have such a bright future. They are truly our church family, there is no doubt. We only wish we could accurately describe those feelings to both those here and those at home.
Tomorrow we will register our stay with the police, have lunch with Molly and Kavan, and church in the evening. I'll also probably spend some time being beat by Rahela at her Wall-E video game. She is the third youngest and outgoing enough for herself as well as Hana and Rajan combined. Her English has improved so much we can communicate about pretty much anything. She did learn a new term today, "fieldtrip", since we knew Rachel and Papa were on a fieldtrip Monday. We have several visits planned to more church members this week, as well as a mini-marriage seminar Friday night, Baseball on Saturday, and kids' camp on Sunday. Then, home Monday. It will all fly by and we are trying to enjoy every moment.
Last night we took some time with Mladen and Renata and told them some stories about our humbling fundraising and some specific individual stories - you know who you are! - they were touched and overwhelmed. The funds we brought to share with them are clearly sent from God through you, so thank you on their behalf.
I must try and sleep now or I will regret it in the morning. Thank you for your prayers and meaniful support. We are thankful to be a part of this wonderful church.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, June 21, 2010
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
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.
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.)
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.)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
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 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!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
"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.
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