Christmas in Poland

Journey to Poland
This is probably not going to be one of my most spiritual posts, but still a good update for the folks back home. My travels to Europe were very peaceful, and protected. I was delayed a bit in Chicago due to maintenance on my plane, and that of course made me late to my flight in Frankfort. No worries though, God was with me the whole time. I had extra time to say good-bye to my family on the phone, and got into Germany at a decent hour. Even when my flight to Warsaw was overbooked, I still got on the plane! You can imagine how grateful I was, and excited to almost be in Poland.

When I arrived in Warsaw, the weather was exactly as it had been in Kansas City; rainy. The rain didn't bother me one bit, because I was so excited to be back in Poland! An added bonus, on my way down to Cieszyn, my driver stopped for pierogies! If you have never had them, they are yummy Polish dumplings with cheese and potato filling. A must have when in Poland.Finally, after two days of traveling, I reached Cieszyn, and the place I will be staying at. When I got to the door Lukasz and Pastor Polok were waiting for me at the entrance. There were lots of hellos, hugs, and excitement as we were all back together again. Patrycja, Oli, and the rest were also there to say hello, and to welcome me back to Poland. We stayed up late eating, and talking into the night.

So what is the difference between Polish Christmas and American Christmas?
In Poland, they actually celebrate their "Christmas" on Christmas Eve. They have special foods such as fish dishes, borsch, potato salad, and cabbage dishes. We even had a turkey that was made especially for the occasion. For dessert there were special little cookies that are only made in this part of Poland. Now, they do have Santa, but instead of Santa bringing the presents that evening, there was an angel who does it. Our angel that night was Patrycja's sister Natalia. Everyone got something special, and we enjoyed watching everyone open their gifts. This next part is probably one of my favorite moments. Pastor Polok left the room, and came back with some wafers. Each wafer had a different depiction of the nativity. We were to break off a piece, and give it to someone at the table. Then you were to speak a blessing or prayer over their lives. So we went around the table as a family breaking bits of wafer, and blessing one another. I absolutely loved it, and the room was filled with God's goodness.

After Christmas Happenings
I must confess that I have been very jet lagged, and sleepy since I came back to Poland. So, my Christmas has been a time of rest. I slept, ate, and spent time with my two host families. There was plenty to eat, and that's what you do in Poland...eat! I had to wait a few hours to skype my family in America, but it was worth it. My uncle, parents, and grandfather were all together in Oregon, and it was wonderful to see them. Plus, it was wonderful to see how my friends in Kansas City were spending time with their families as they posted on Facebook. I know technology has its ups and downs, but I'm grateful for it this Christmas.

Friday night I had the privilege to lead praise and worship, and preach at Church of Glory Cieszyn. I spoke on Mary and Joseph, and their walk of faith. I noticed that they were a team, and that Joseph was a real man. He stepped up to the plate, and took responsibility. Plus, he had a right response to what God was doing. It wasn't an ordinary situation, it was supernatural, and Joseph was the right man at the right time. Mary and Joseph were a faith couple, and the right choice to be the parents of our Savior.

This has been an awesome journey so far, and I am missing my friends/family in the U.S. However, my Polish hosts have been beyond kind. They take excellent care of me, and couldn't be nicer. Thanks again for those who sent well wishes, messages, and prayers my way, it was greatly appreciated more than you know.

For those who are interested in praying for me, and the church in Poland, here are a few prayer requests:

• God's presence in our service
• Protection
• Strength
• Wisdom

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and keep watching for more updates from Poland!