Sunday, August 23
Dan says to Laura at 12:00 (end of church service), "Arci is going to film his music video at our house today. Nothing will be needed... we're just the 'location'!" At about 3:00 about 40 people show up, many I don't know, ready to party and film a really fun Christian Rap Video!
Arci!
He's actually from Armenia but has lived here in Poland for about 12 years and really loves Jesus and sharing him with young people throughout Poland.
His song talks about having a great, enjoyable day... so that's what we did!
Even I had fun!!
Dorota, the background singer singing in the pool!
Zoe wanted to also be a star! (Mostly she wanted to swim to her ball...)
Arci's song - but will soon be video from our house! (Click on this link if you want to hear Arci!)
A little more than just providing the location was needed, but it was really fun! And, we met many new people in the process from a different part of Poland.
Saturday, August 28, 2009
There have been many parties out in our garage - birthdays, baptisms, retreats, conferences, meetings, hang out, guests... but never yet has our garage been used for a wedding reception! One of our dear friends, Jaś Kziążek, married Gosia last Saturday, and they asked if we'd be willing to host a "youth reception" here at our garage! Traditionally, there is a big reception with family and food and games and dancing that lasts hours held in a restaurant. Jaś and Gosia wanted something a little different.
So, after Dan performed their ceremony, we attended the traditional family reception at a local restaurant and had some great food! This time, it didn't last very long. After a few hours, many of the young family members and us and the Bride and Groom left and headed to our garage. There waiting were many of Jaś and Gosia's friends and a really fun reception took off! Earlier some of their friends (youth from our church) came and decorated the garage into a Hawaii Theme. It was a great night. Many of their friends were childhood friends, cousins, University friends... many who had never been to our house nor been to a Protestant wedding and reception. They didn't know what to expect... but had a delightful time. They sensed there was something different about this whole thing and didn't know what to do with "Priest-Pastor" who hung out with them in the way Dan did! We've commented that it was one of our best "outreach" events we've hosted in a long time. And, it really blessed Jaś and Gosia. We're excited about their new life together.
Here's a few shots:
First Dance...
Bride and Groom enjoying themselves!
Having fun!!!
Even a night swim in a COLD pool!
Kielbasa for all!
Jas, Gosia and us!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Here in Poland, your 18th birthday is a really big deal. There is lots of celebration and special attention. A special young lady, Zuzia, from our church had her 18th a few days ago. Her brother (Jacob's best Polish friend) and a few of her friends surprised her with a party held... in our garage! It was so awesome to see her surprise and the joy on her face as about 30 celebrated her life! She's a delight and we're so glad God created her and led her into our lives... and the lives of the young people here in Poland. She's a member of the leadership team at our church's youth group as well as a part of the worship team. Thank God with us for Zuzia!!
Zusia with her friends and ours, Lena and Majka. These girls lead and love on many youth here in Katowice!!
And, soon on Sunday, October 12, we'll have another big party here. The next baptism at our church! There are already a few who have decided to take this step but a few other are considering it. Pray with us for this day for God to receive great glory... and for there to be sunny skies!
Maybe even Zoe wants to be baptized!
The 2x3 campaign meeting in Denver was a little overwhelming with all the special people we were able to connect with. It was a meeting of all of our worlds... former Malachi friends, special people who have supported this whole thing since the beginning in 1993, interns who have served summers in Poland, family, long-term friends, and even some brand new friends ... the list goes on. It was an amazing time to rejoice with those we love so much in what God is about these days. My joy could hardly be contained.
One of the greatest joys for me was to have my assistant, Jola, and her husband, Łukasz, be with us for the meetings. They are such a part of what God is doing here in Poland that it wouldn't have been right to be there without them. We sure love them! Also, two couples who are considering joining our team in Poland also flew out to be with us and get to know us. Pray for them! On the far left are Josh and Lora Blair and next to them are Thomas and Stephanie Washington.
We also while in Denver were able to meet with some youth pastors who have led teams of students to Poland in past years and others who are considering bringing a group. We felt so joined by these leaders who have become so dear to us. We're encouraging by those who have decided to come... but we're lacking enough groups. Pray that others would come! (And, if you know any group that would like to come, let me know!)
My special brother.... how I love my family. In the midst of meeting after meeting, there were moments of connection with my family. We were able to remember my Dad (it's already been 4 years!) in a special time gathered around his graveside, have a wild birthday party for Jacob and his cousin, Karri, who are one-day apart in age, and Dan was even around at the exact time when his parents were moving to Dallas. He and Jacob helped them drive their things down and helped begin the process of unpacking before they flew back to Denver. Once again we were so thankful for our precious and supportive family. 
And, a new rug!
