Dovidenia, Mlady! Bola to Zabava!

Today is the last day of classes for students in Slovakia. I'm definitely excited for the summer break, but I have to be honest and say that I'm really going to miss my time in the classrooms here in Liptov. I honestly have loved our times together.

You students have really formed a unique and precious support network for me while I continue to adjust to life away from the states. My friends, thank you for always greeting me when we pass on the streets or ride on the same buses or meet around town - and especially for welcoming me SO warmly in your classroom. I will treasure our time together!

Blessings for a wonderful and safe summer holiday. Your friend,
Sarah


Lipt. Hradok Elektro "Lower" School Classes



Hybe Primary School Classes



Hybe Preschool English Class



Faculty at "Lower" Elektro School in Lipt. Hradok

A glimpse of "International House of Prayer"

I have talked a lot about IHOP recently and I thought you'd like to see some of the crew.

We have finished our study of The Lord's Prayer and this week we are beginning a new story-telling bible study using materials from "echo the story". Simon and Angi have experience with this curriculum and Simon led an interesting story and discussion about creation tonight. Hopefully, as we progress through this curriculum, we'll grow as a community, in our faith-sharing, and also build our English skills.

I'm looking forward to the coming weeks and our times together!

Here, Simon is showing us where to register and find our materials at www.echothestory.com and Lubo is a master in the kitchen (after Bible Study we had delightful pudding...what a treat)!

A year of many mini-Pentecosts

Life continues to be very busy here in this little village, and we're ready for an even busier summer. Since most students will finish with their English studies at the end of June, we've begun a few programs to keep opportunities for English-use and (more importantly) faith-sharing alive. My favorite is something I call IHOP: in late March/ April we began a bible study in English based on understanding The Lord's Prayer. We began with a few Slovaks and me; now our weekly study has become "International House of Prayer" with about 10 local Slovak students from Hybe, and from a nearby village we have two more Americans and two Swiss. It's an amazing atmosphere of Christian community! And even when we get stumped for what to say have to resort to our own native languages (English, Slovak, Swiss German, and German), our little mini-Pentecost is still a celebration of Christian brotherhood. It's amazing to get to be a part of IHOP and all the other ministry opportunities here in Hybe.

I am definitely not Mary Poppins

This afternoon I helped Katka take Ester (1 yr) and Timko (3 yr) to the doctor's office in Lipt. Hradok. Since Timko didn't need to visit the actual doctor, Katka and I agreed that I could take Timko to the park for a little play time. However, we did not give him enough warning and the sudden mother-separation was a bit too much for Timko. We're talking wailing the likes of which I'd forgotten about (since my own temper tantrums in the mid-80's). The first few minutes of tears and crying were okay, but then I realized:

• I am standing in a park holding an unconsolable child that is screaming for his momma.
• I don't know Slovak past counting, naming colors, and maybe a handful of verbs I can't conjugate.
• I still don't have official legal rights to be in this country.

Feeling very much like a kid-napper, I spent the next few minutes coming up with a plan to quiet Timko. I promised candy. No. I said we could go get a coke. No. Get a magazine? Absolutely not. I was about out of tricks and Timko was howling. However, as soon as I mentioned ice cream, there was absolute silence. Immediately, a grin came over his sweet face and Timko began to plan which flavor to get.

Mary Poppins could have probably defused this situation better than I did, but at the whopping price of 25 Euro cents, my tactic for kidnapping/quieting was still pretty successful I think.

Spring in Hybe

April was absolutely gorgeous here in Hybe...and May's shaping up to be just as pretty. Thank you, Lord, for springtime, renewal, and blooming life! What wonderful ways to try to understand your amazing creation!

Timko pauses from his busy afternoon in the garden to capture a pic of the rainbow.

Predkonfirmačné sustredenie in Gerlachov

This past weekend I joined the youth for a confirmation retreat in the nearby mountains. Oh, it was beautiful and a wonderful chance to relax and hang-out with the youth. Even though I'm supposed to be speaking in English with the youth, weekends like this make me a little sad that I can't speak Slovak and interact with them more. However, the youth were very brave and are speaking to me much more than even a few months ago. I truly, truly appreciate them going to such great lengths to include me in their conversations and activities.

I'd like to share some pictures from the retreat, but they'll take forever to load here. If you would like to have a look at our confirmation retreat, click here. It should take you to my Facebook album.

Oh, and somethings I think are pretty cool (but also terrifying) are the requirements confirmands must fulfill before their affirmation of faith. Along with regular classes, Sunday school, and voluntary services around the church and community, confirmands also must be examined on their catechism/ Biblical knowledge in front of the entire church. The first Sunday worship examination was on April 19; students had to stand in front of the church and be able to recite/ explain the following: talk about 3 resurrections, Jesus' resurrection, the Last Supper, Catechism, reciting Psalms (I heard at least 8), the Annunciation, choose three miracles and explain them, choose 3 parables and explain them, Jesus' temptation in the Wilderness, Jesus' birth, Jesus' baptism....and this is all just ROUND 1! The next examination in front of the church will be May 17th, so say a prayer for these confirmands!

A really cool way to celebrate a birthday

My birthday was truly wonderful this year. I want to share something I think is pretty interesting:

Some of you may know that I live with two families here in Hybe...I'm with one (Šuchtárovci) during the week and the other (Muchálovci) on weekends . I love them both and I am grateful they do so much to strengthen and support me. Anyway, can you believe that both of these families have the same anniversary date...and that their anniversaries also coincide with my birthday?!

That's right...Marta and Pavel were married 4/21/79, Katka and Lubo were married 4/21/01, and my birthday was 4/21/80!!

I'm amazed at what the Lord has done and is continuing to do through these families...and I'm certain he knew what he was doing when he brought our lives together.

Muchálovci, Šuchtárovci, and Sarah Fitch all celebrate April 21st!

some more pics from an amazing b-day in Slovakia:

b-day morning, going to see Mamma Mia in Bratislava, trip to IKEA, b-day wishes and cake from Starka Marka



Anna's bacon's too pretty to eat, swimming in Poprad, surprise b-day dinner (halusky and perohies), Hybe at dusk

Things don't always turn out like they're planned...

I used to have a story called "Things don't always turn out like they're planned" pinned to my cork board. The story is about a youth group's "random acts of kindness" project. Apparently this youth group assembled boxes filled with letters of encouragement, cookies and treats, and fun little gifts to lift the spirit - and then left them anonymously throughout their town. Sounds awesome, right? I know I'd love to walk out my door and see something amazing just waiting for me. Apparently not everyone else agreed...flash forward in the story to one of their lovely R.A.K. boxes being blown apart by the local bomb squad because it looked suspicious.

I have thought about that story quite a bit since I've been here in Slovakia. Sure, plans change a lot everywhere...and to be honest, I sometimes have quite a difficult time adjusting. Plans change, times are pushed back or moved forward, people are going to come and then back out. Isn't this why we make plans? is how I used to approach this. However, this year's giving me a chance to have a little perspective and listen for what the Holy Spirit is encouraging me to see and hear.

Here's a story from last month I keep coming back to:

The progressive dinner on Friday was nothing like I'd hoped to organize. When we were about to set off, one of the leaders of the youth group was confused when I said we'd go to Pivkovci for the first part of our progressive dinner/evening. Uh oh, there was a problem and the youth didn't want to follow my plans. To be fair, I should have realized that progressive dinners are against Slovak culture...going to someone's home for 30 minutes and then leaving just isn't how things operate. It took quite a bit of convincing and insistence we follow my plan, but Dorast (the youth group) agreed to join me. However, anyone could see they were not happy; the elaborate evening of visits I'd planned was widely unpopular.

I was so embarrassed I'd planned something they disliked so much. What's worse, though, is I was even more embarrassed at how transparent my feelings were...two of the youth even began a campaign to cheer me up.

After the first visit, we deviated from my original plans and went to Marušiakovci. The youth were making it clear they wanted to cut down on the homes we'd visit. I really hated calling the families that had prepared food for us and cancel, but they were quite understanding. However, it was a great decision!

Mary had made plans also and had arranged for us to go sing at her neighbor's home. Then we shared prayers and were ready to walk out the door when the neighbor surprised us and led our group in saying the Apostles' Creed and giving a blessing to everyone there. It was such an amazing and moving moment! I was able to see the contrast between my "plans" and the impromptu ministry happening through Mary and her neighbors. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to back down from insisting on my plans and truly support Mary in her ministry with the youth group. The message was quite clear: Sarah, put your pride on the shelf and support the ministry that is already happening here.

That night was so powerful for me. It's true that things don't always turn out like they're planned...and I thank God that is true!

Part of a letter I wrote to myself back in October

15 October '08

ahoj sarah!
well, you've been here in SK almost a month and a half now...and what you've experienced has been quite different than your expectations back when you were in the USA.
your primary reasons for wanting to join the YAGM program involved opening your heart to God's voice and also to push yourself to experience new (and possibly) uncomfortable ways of life...
it's amazing now to think how the Holy Spirit was at work then...and also now. being in slovakia has given you the opportunity to experience these new ways of life. also, you are constantly being reminded that others have some rather amazing and abundant gifts to share with others and you.
the kindness, spiritual support, and hospitality you are shown is sometimes more than you can handle. you feel you came here to slovakia to assist and help and support. instead, you are receiving new messages from the Holy Spirit. "slow down. stay a while. listen. show that person you love and value them." learning to live in this community and in this way is both the easiest and one of the most challenging tasks. how can i say how much i appreciate, respect, and love them? how can i make it clear? it seems so impossible to relate.
remember this: you are not alone...in fact, it feels like you're under a magnifying glass sometimes. but beyond that, there are people who genuinely love you and share your values and convictions. cherish them and the moments you can share with them...
peace!
sarah


I'm writing another letter to myself today... perhaps I'll pull it out in another five months and see where I am then!

It's been a long time...

Well, I feel very guilty I've been neglecting the blog for so long. I wish I could say it's because life's slowed down, but that is absolutely not true. There is so much happening that I want to share and tell you all about, but I've been lazy, lazy, lazy. Today, however, my second class at school was canceled and I have no excuse but to sit at this computer and tell you a little bit.

A big part of my transition to life and mission in Slovakia has been learning to stop trying to label and categorize every minute and every activity of my day. Before I left the states to come here (and even the first few weeks in Hybe), I was pretty uncertain about what my "work" responsibilities included. I knew my placement would be at the local Evangelical (Lutheran) church and that I might also have some responsibilities in helping with English instruction at local schools. Even after settling in and finding a rhythm to life in Slovakia, I still found myself thinking in terms of today I will go to school, then spend time with this person or that, hang out with the youth, etc...and those will be my responsive "good works". While I think that being busy has been a blessing for me, busyness just for those reasons isn't the purpose and it's not the ministry I signed-up for.

Thanks be to God, the ELCA embraces the Church's role in mission through a concept called Accompaniment. This basically means churches around the world are strengthened when they walk together and serve God and are sharing Gospel along the way. What a simple, yet profound, concept! I consider it a true honor I can be a small part of the mission field while in Slovakia and every day I realize we are all in mission together. To be certain, mission is building schools and churches around the world. Mission is proclaiming Christ's death and resurrection to our friends and strangers in our own neighborhoods. Mission is also listening to someone who needs to share about what's going on in their life. Here are a few of my new conceptions of what it means to be involved in Slovakia's ministry: sitting with someone who is fearful and stressed about their baby's high fever, accepting hospitality and sharing new faith experiences with others, learning more about the faith climate and cultural practices in this location, praying for the Holy Spirit to continue to move and bring healing and reconciliation through this post-Communist time. The ministry and mission aren't difficult things. For me, the biggest challenge is truly allowing my heart to be opened and to be fully participating in the many blessings God is showing me through this community in Hybe and the Liptov region.

Charleston Currents article

For those of you who couldn't find the article in last week's Charleston Currents, here it is below:


TODAY'S FOCUS
Student finds Charleston, Slovakia share love for food, more
By SARAH FITCH
Special to CharlestonCurrents.com

Editor's note: Mount Pleasant resident Sarah Fitch is on a church-sponsored mission trip to Slovakia. We thought you would enjoy her insights (and those of the Slovaks) about sharing memories of hard times, as well as the way she describes the Lowcountry to the people she meets. Sarah, 28, is the daughter of Rial and Peggy Fitch of Mount Pleasant.

JAN. 29, 2009 -- Greetings to everyone back in the Lowcountry of South Carolina from Central Europe! I am currently serving as a Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteer. This is a program from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that gives young adults the opportunity to be in global mission. There are about 36 active missionaries from YAGM spread out all over the world, sharing experiences that foster the development of leadership, present cross-culture skill building, grow the principle of simple living, and ultimately bring forth young adults that are "globally formed and globally informed."

Fitch

Since August of last year, I have been living and working in Hybe, Slovakia, a tiny village at the base of the High Tatras mountains. Since a great deal of my participation in this YAGM program involves making connections between my home community in Charleston and the people here, I hope you will indulge me in a curious similarity I've stumbled upon between Charlestonians and Slovaks.

By the time we Lowcountry natives are knee-deep into hurricane season, many of our gatherings seem to share the same stories. In my family and circle of friends, we usually talk about Hurricane Hugo and how it affected life, how we dealt, and all those many details that changed our lives for a while. Perhaps older generations remember Grace or another powerful storm, while the younger ones bring to mind Katrina or others that so recently devastated the Gulf Coast. Our common experiences and ordeals are relayed annually and somewhat ceremonially. With the passing of time, even these hardships and challenges have become less burdensome and painful. In my family, especially, they have become things we can take pride in.

The village of Hybe, Slovakia, is shown with the High Tatras mountains in the background at the end of a winter day. (Photo by Sarah Fitch.)

In the village of Hybe, certain conditions also inspire trips down memory lane. Recently Slovakia was bracing for a severe gas shortage as a result of the Russia-Ukraine pipeline disagreement. Immediately, this prompted the government to begin rationing gas for individual consumption, small businesses, and government and state use as well. Thank goodness this is no longer an issue here, but just as storm season gets us thinking of our past, the government response in Slovakia has reminded many residents in this village of the Communist era. Over the past few weeks, I have heard so many stories about people standing in lines for four hours to buy bread. Others are quick to remember when schools and government offices would close for weeks on end if there was not enough gas or coal to heat the buildings during long winters, and how at one point overnight everyone's money became worthless and a new currency was issued to put everyone on an equal level.

When trying to comprehend the magnitude of these problems, I ask how they were able to motivate and inspire themselves. Most of the people I meet shrug and say something to the effect that it wasn't that bad or that they were able to manage. However, I wonder if relating their stories through the years could have helped them the way our storm stories have helped us?

One wonderful aspect of my volunteer "job" here in Slovakia is that I get to have many exchanges with different groups of people. In a typical week, I meet students from preschool age all the way up to 80-year-old English as a Second Language students. People are very interested in America, and I have the good fortune to be able to share a little bit about myself and the wonderful community from which I come.

Sarah Fitch's host grandmother, Margita, and host mother, Marta, with a pot of halusky, a popular Slovak dish. (Photo by Sarah Fitch.)

Being a native of the South Carolina Lowcountry, I usually start by sharing about the hospitality and friendliness of our people, the beautiful natural scenery all around, and our delicious local food. All of these qualities can also be associated with my new home in Slovakia. Here in Hybe, hospitality has been ingrained into every aspect of life. More often than not, "quick visits" to drop in on a friend or neighbor become five- to six-hour stretches of conversation and relaxation. I also learned quite quickly to drop my habit of calling ahead before such visits - the calls are irrelevant and time-consuming. It's best to just show up and wait to be fussed over.

As far as beautiful surroundings go, I do miss seeing the Lowcountry. I don't think that ever really goes away. However, I do have some amazing opportunities to take in the glorious natural surroundings here: mountains that legend says were placed by the angels, ice caves, rivers just waiting to be kayaked (for me this will have to wait for a little warmer weather), and beautiful, untouched forests.

Finally, just as Charleston prides itself on delicious and inspiring Lowcountry fare, Hybe and Slovakia are quick to offer the same. The national dish in Slovakia is Bryndza Halusky (potato dumplings and sheep cheese served with fried bacon), and I have probably had it in every home in Hybe. Usually by coffee hour, the subject of national American dishes comes up and I am always stumped to find one true and unifying "American" meal. At this point I offer the USA's specialty in regional cooking. I think where I find the most common ground between my home in Charleston and my home in the village is with shrimp-n-grits. Over the years I feel like I've probably seen this recipe prepared every way imaginable (and in many different homes), and perhaps that is the same with Bryndza Halusky. Everyone has a unique twist to the recipe, and every occasion to eat it is a celebration.

At the end of most days, I am able to sit back and try to comprehend all that I am experiencing. I am from a beautiful place in the Lowcountry that takes pride in its heritage and beauty and hospitality. And now, for this year, I am fortunate to live in a village that shares these values. Peace to you from Central Europe, and please know that I am sending greetings from the people of Hybe and nearby villages to everyone back home!

Sarah Fitch blogs about her trip at sarahfitchinslovakia.blogspot.com. For more about the Young Adults in Global Mission program, click here.

An All-American Evening in Slovakia

Ľuboš: "We all converted to Americans tonight."

Well, for an hour and a half, that was true enough. Tonight some of Hybe came over to Katka and Lubo's house to help me celebrate Obama's inauguration. It has been an interesting time to be in Slovakia, for sure...I remember in October and November that almost everyone I met (at some point) made sure to ask me who I was planning to give my vote, who I thought would be a good president, etc. This was a unique time for me to be able to get a feel on the local level what Slovaks in general and also the people in Hybe (and the nearby villages) thought of our American election.

Many times over, I was surprised to hear middle and high school students with very definite opinions. Most of the people I met were pretty pro-Obama...and not just for the reasons I expected. One funny story from election day: when I was riding in to school on that Tuesday, some students relayed a story they'd heard on the radio that the election had already been called in Obama's favor - and there was much rejoicing. I tried to explain that in America it was only 1:30 AM Eastern time...and not even Tuesday yet on the west coast. This opened an interesting discussion of our election process. Well, by the end of the day, history had happened back in the states and my little explanation into the electoral college didn't really matter so much...but I really have enjoyed these impromptu discussions that seem to spring up in different ways every so often.

Since November, I have had many, many congratulations and well wishes for America from my community here in Hybe. In these tough economic times, Slovakia seems especially watchful to what's happening back in my home country. Also, there is true concern and love for us being sent westward across the Atlantic. It's good to remember love and care can go in many directions.

Tonight as America ushered in President #44, a dedicated group from Hybe became Americans (even if only for a little while). We had an All-American meal (hamburgers, baked potatoes, creamed corn, string-cheese, and *real* Coca-Cola). We watched the inauguration in Slovak and English, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" (why is that song so difficult to sing if you're not in a sport stadium?), and shared our excitement for this historic moment. It really was a glorious evening! Oh, there's so much joy and exhilaration happening. It's a new start and a hopeful time. I tried to share my feeling that with so many bad things always on the headlines, it's good to see my country coming together, celebrating, planning, gearing up for the work we have ahead. Even though I am away from the USA now, I can't feel a single mile of the distance. (Thanks, CNN and Facebook for letting me join my nation on this jubilant moment!)

Welcome, Mr. President...we're ready to see what you're going to do!


O! I almost forgot the most important thing.... you just can't have an Obama inauguration party without some appropriate party food...I hope you can appreciate everything we served (main foods...along with accompaniments of veggies, cheese, buns, etc) was "O" shaped for #44.


PS - We're already planning our next party...we'll serve schnitzel and only speak in English for the evening. Since the pastor doesn't speak much English, we're speculating which conditions will prove the strongest for the evening - his hesitation for English or his intense craving for schnitzel. Hmm....
PPS - Wanna come for dinner? Katka says if you comment on this post, she'll send you an invitation.

My Christmas in Hybe

I do realize how fortunate I am...this year I spent my first Christmas away from home and family - Slovak-style. I'm trying to think how many of my loved ones have been given such a unique and wonderful opportunity I've had. To be honest, there were a few moments when my emotions did overwhelm me and I'd have to say I was a bit homesick. However, I was able to experience the holiday with my amazing new friends and "family" here in Hybe. It was a wonderful, beautiful Christmas!

Here are a few pictures for how my Christmas in Hybe looked :


Here I am going out into the forest with Johny, Marek, and Radko to pick their Christmas tree. This was my first experience getting a tree some other place besides the playground at Stella Maris's tree lot or Boone Hall Farms. At first it did seem a bit like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, especially when the boys started getting cold and tired ("Clark, Audrey's frozen from the waist down..."), but the scenery, fresh air, and Christmas excitement with the Žiškovci was amazing! I loved it!!!


Decorating the Christmas Tree with Marek and Radko...definitely an experience! You might be able to see that one branch has three ornaments on it (two gold, one red). Love it!

Decorating the tree with the Šuchtárovci...another great time! Even had a chance to make the star for the tree-topper. When the back of the star was a little messed-up, Ľuboš and Katka tried to make me feel better: "Sarah, it is fine. Who will see the back of the tree?" My mortified response, "Ježiško."At the Christmas Eve service, the pastor, Zuzka, and Johny called me to the front of the church to thank me for being here...and also to tell me they were thinking of me since I'd be away from my friends and family back home for Christmas. If I hadn't been scared of breaking down and crying at the front of the sanctuary, I'd have said that I was happy to be there, too, and that I was surrounded by "family". I did not have the courage to say that, but it doesn't mean it's not true.
After the Christmas Eve service at church, we even had new snow fall! Magic!

Christmas dinner...
Unique Slovak Christmas dinner traditions: on the table there is always garlic, bread, and salt (for health). Under the tablecloth, there is always money hidden. Traditional food: Opekance (like bread pudding with poppyseeds), Kapustnice(sour cabbage soup), potato salad, pork (or in some families, fish), and Vianočné oblátky (wafers) for dessert. In the Muchálovci family, their entire meal is eaten without clearing plates or moving up from the table...no standing allowed. This is definitely the only time I've seen Marta Muchálova sit still so long, because she's always so busy. For Christmas dinner, however, we had a leisurely meal and great company.

The Muchalovci and Starymama (Margita) after Christmas dinner.


Here I am with the pastor and his family...Adrianka, Samko, Pastor, Little Sará, and me!

Paya and Zuzka...my sisters.

This is the group from the catholic church...they were caroling door-to-door for over 5 hours in the freezing weather. Amazing! Also, they were collecting for their Good News ministry to Africa. It was wonderful to see their outreach project in action!


Saturday, Ľubo and Katka invited me to go with them to the Youth for Christ ranch in Kráľova Lehota...it was a beautiful place and I even got to see Christina (fellow ELCA YAGM serving in Prešov). Loved walking around and seeing the natural beauty!


Christmas party for the children...okay, it's the next post and you can read more there, but I wanted to put it up just once more. Operation Christmas Child is such an amazing exchange!