You're Not in Kansas....City Anymore Dorothy

Ever wonder if you could be a missionary to a foreign place, or at least travel the world? The saying, "If I can do it, you can do it," is very true. I bet Dorothy Gale felt like that when her house was dropped in the land of Oz. Besides missing family, I'm sure she noticed a lot of differences. This is one of the great things about being in a foreign land, you notice that you're not in your homeland, and you appreciate what you had. You notice that you're not in your culture, yet your ready to experience everything about this new culture. So really, I think if anyone has a heart to go into all the world, and preach good news, consider what you'll be stepping into. I have absolutely loved being in Poland, and being around the people. I see things that remind me of America, and then I see things that are very Polish. It is the best experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to live a real adventure. Here are a few question and answers I have about being in Poland.

Q: Is there anything that I miss in America or notice that is different?

Oh yeah, there are somethings that I miss, there are a few things that I'm used to having, even if I never buy these items. Just the fact that they were accessible whenever was a nice feeling. So not having them is definitely culture shock for me. Things like salad dressing, especially ranch dressing. They don't have ranch dressing in Poland. They do have packets of dressing, but not a whole aisle dedicated to dressing. Your choices are slimer, and the portions are much smaller. Soooo, I learned how to make salad dressing from scratch. Thank God for Pinterest, can I get an amen? Ziplock bags, who knew that I would miss those! I don't know if they exist in Poland, because my reliable Polish friend stated that you can't find them in Poland. No worries, I'll be like Indiana Jones, and go on a treasure hunt every time I'm in a store. Again, these are things I really don't 'need,' but am used to having around me. Come on, America and ranch dressing go hand in hand, like sandwiches and ziplock bags. Oh yeah, no bacon in Poland! There is not a section at the grocery store dedicated to bacon. That's OK, the Polish love their pork product, so there are alternatives, and items that resemble bacon. Although, I'm sure I could take a translator to the butcher, and could get some bacon prepared. Americans and their love affair with bacon is a real thing. You know you're an American in Europe, if you start missing bacon. I really don't eat pig bacon very often, but just the fact that there isn't an aisle dedicated to it in the store is culture shock! If you can't live without bacon, you may want to reconsider becoming a missionary, or learn how to be a butcher. There are a few other differences about being in Poland, but these items (ranch dressing, salad dressing, ziplock bags, bacon) remind me that "I'm not in Kansas anymore Dorothy."

Q: What has been the funnest experience so far?

I have had a lot of fun being here, but today I had one of the funnest experiences thus far. I drove to the grocery store, and was there alone. I know at this point some of you are doing the sign of the cross, but I was totally OK. Yes, going to the grocery store by myself was the funnest experience so far. People in the store probably thought I was Polish, but I was really an undercover American on a mission! Ladies and gents, start your engines, it's time to shop like only an American can! I walked through Kaufland (it's like the Polish version of Price Chopper) trying to figure out how to read labels in Polish, and grab what I needed for our flat. Success, I found everything on my list, and I headed to the checkout counter. I put my things on the conveyor belt, and an older lady is behind me. I am a polite American girl, and I motion to let her know that she can put her items down behind mine. She is appreciative of my kind gesture, and starts talking to me in Polish. Luckily I have been learning polite Polish, and am able to get away with looking Polish for about 5 seconds. Then my cover is blown when I run out of vocabulary! So, I go to my "I'm an American" card, and it works. They love Americans in Poland, and I'm grateful. I tell her in my best broken Polish that I'm an American with a Russian heritage, and I speak little Polish. In the end I make a new friend, and she is willing to help me complete my shopping experience. She doesn't speak any English, and then tells me in French that she doesn't speak French either. I laugh because I do speak a bit of French, and appreciate how she is trying to find a way to communicate with me. Either way, that was the most fun I have had, and I would recommend going shopping by yourself in a foreign country at least one time in your life. It's a good experience, and a fun one you'll never forget.

Q: How are the churches you're working with doing?

Both churches are doing great, and it has been so good to see everyone. When I came back to the church in Cieszyn, I could tell that there was an impact made. It was also time for what was started to go deeper. In both churches I keep hearing the same message from God, "if you want a move of the Holy Spirit, you must get My house in order." I was just at a leadership meeting in Warsaw, and Pastor Marcin was saying the exact same thing our church had been saying. It was confirmation, encouragement, and good to hear that we are on the same page together. There is a lot of work to be done, but in both churches the people are willing. That is the most important, to have a group of people who are willing to pay the price. Being unified, submitted under leadership, the power of all, and treating God's house with honor are the themes of my messages. Also, being a participant in the Kingdom of God in and out of church is another message burning in me. I am very hopeful that revival will come to Poland, because the people are willing to respond in faith. They want to be taught about religion that produces good fruit, and they want to encounter the real God. Plus, they are the most awesome people to be around.

Next week, we'll have 5 or so ladies from both churches coming to the Arise Conference at World Revival Church. They are so excited, and are hungry. There are a couple who have never been to World Revival Church or Kansas City, and they are in for a treat! I know that they will not come back the same, and I can't wait to hear their stories.

Wrapping Things Up
So that is the latest from the European side of Kansas City, MO. I'm learning a lot about the Polish people. How they think, their history, and what life has been for them after communism. I find out daily that they are the most giving and self-sacrificing people. They put me to shame in the generosity department. I mean come on they survived a world war, and communism. They are used to sharing and caring for one another. They may seem hard, but once you win a Pole...you win them for life! So I'm glad my 'house' dropped in this land, and I love all the differences I'm noticing. That just makes the journey more special, and makes me value those who I left behind all the more. Dorothy may not have realized her purpose for being in Oz, but it was to destroy the present darkness that was there. She too was there to help restore order, and set the people free. I think that I might be onto something.