Translation:
At ECAV Hybe, we are grateful to be closer to America
My year in Slovakia
- Sarah Fitch
- now located in Hybe, Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia
- YAGM 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 45 active missionaries from YAGM spread out all over the world - sharing experiences that foster the development of leadership, present cross-culture skill building, and ultimately bring forth young adults that are "globally formed and globally informed". I am very excited to be joining this program for a one year experience in Slovakia. I anticipate being of service but also growing in my faith and personal identity.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
"Greeting from America"
Below is the bulletin board inside the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Hybe - a wonderful and very welcoming place! Also, there are pictures and cards members of St. Matthew"s Lutheran Church sent to ECAV...
Translation:
At ECAV Hybe, we are grateful to be closer to America
Translation:
At ECAV Hybe, we are grateful to be closer to America
Life in a Village
Hello again!
Life in a village never proves to be boring - but it sometimes does lead to difficulties getting enough time to post a few photos, thoughts, and observations. Thank you all for your interest, comments, and support!
I wanted to let you in on what life is like in this little village between the High and Low Tatras mountain ranges. Music seems to play a big role in my experiences here so far, so I hope you can enjoy what is a working draft of "Slovakia - The Soundtrack":
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Hybe does not even have 2,000 inhabitants, so within my first day it seems like I had met the entire village. Even after being here a month, it is still surprising to me that people in and around this village know more about me than I sometimes do. Just yesterday I took the bus to the big town nearby - about 20 kilometers away. As I did my shopping and waited at the bus stop to return back home I was stopped by two different people for some questions. When I answered in my best attempts - broken English-Slovak mix - to say I was sorry but did not know how to help them, both times their faces lit up and asked where I was from and where I was staying in Slovakia. As soon as I mentioned Hybe, there was a clear and immediate look of comprehension across them. The elderly lady became excited and said, "Sarah?" Well, you could have knocked me over at that moment.
I am trying to get used to everyone in Hybe knowing me, but this was a large town we were in. How on earth could she know me? Communication still is difficult because my main vocabulary has been learned from playing memory games with the children here in the village. Ask me the names for fruits, vegetables, parts of the body, colors, numbers, etc...no problem! However, when conversation requires more than a toddler"s vocabulary, the local citizens and I are reduced to pointing, guesturing, and making odd noises to get our points across. From what I can tell, this elderly lady is perhaps a third cousin of someone named Zuzka in Hybe or she knows someone who lives three doors down from Zuzka.
Yesterday"s second person who knew me was a high school student who knew me because I visited her sister"s classroom a few weeks ago for English conversation. Apparently I was either very helpful or a disaster that day because everyone seemed to share their experiences with me in their classroom that day! This younger sister of a student I had spoken with knew: my name, where I was from in the USA, I had a mother named Peggy and a brother named "Stephen or Shrevan", a brown labrador, I like the Appalachian mountains, and that I was not used to the cold weather. It was so strange for a complete stranger to have so much knowledge about me.
These encounters are a reminder to me that what my parents told us: you never know who you will run into and who will know you. Their implication was that as their children, we represented them out in public and that any behavior could be reported back...but I think the same thing is true here in Slovakia.
Mamma Mia!
One of my very favorite aspects of life in this village are the PA speakers all over town. Every so often announcements are shared from the town offices for the village. The notes do not usually get me too excited because I clearly have no idea what is being said. What I do love, however, are what I am learning to call "ABBA Fridays".
Beginning at 8:00 AM, the town PA speakers blast a different ABBA medley every hour until the afternoon. I have not yet figured out if there is an exact schedule or playlist, but I can be assured to hear "Mamma Mia" at 8:00 and "Take a Chance on Me" at 11:00. I ask you, is there a better way to usher in the weekend?
Money, Money, Money
In keeping with the ABBA excitement, there is a lot of buzz going around about Slovakia"s money. On January 1st, Slovakia will move to using the Euro. While shops and banks will still accept their remaining Slovak krowns, change will only be given in Euros. Some people are excited about this progressive step and the implications of joining the rest of the European union with money matters...however, most people I have talked to are anxious about money. The biggest concern is that people feel their money will lose value in January. You can see this in action in shops and through the village, but the biggest example is the building and construction going. All through the country, people are currently renovating their homes and businesses while they can still pay for the services while their Slovak krowns are still valuable. I feel like I am back in Mt. Pleasant because the view of construction buses and vans rolling through the village brings back plenty of memories from Hwy 17.
Where the Streets Have No Name
You may have browsed through this blog and come across my "snail mail" address. It seemed odd to me until I arrived in Hybe because I was not sure if what the name of my street was. Only upon arriving and walking through the village did I realize that Hybe does not have street names. Hybe 528 is merely the lot number assigned back when the village was plotted and laid out. Next year, however, that will change as the conversion into the E.U. continues...with another requirement that all the country"s have names.
One of my host families will live on Pink Street...isn"t that sweet?
OO-De-Lally...Golly, What a Day
By far, the most famous "person" in Hybe is Pacho. This is a statue in the middle of the village commemorating who everyone describes as, "The Slovak Robin Hood". Apparently, there was a movie filmed about Pacho...and everyone is curious as to whether or not I have seen it. Well, I have not, but I think that will be the next on my assignments.
Up On the Roof
Weekends are very busy times to get things done around the house and gardens in Hybe. My host family is working on construction for their "hotelique"...and Saturdays are times to get a lot completed. This past week, the Muchals replaced their chimneys - and also a good bit of the roof that was damaged in the removal of the old chimney.
The Bees are Buzzing in the Trees
This is Marta Muchalova"s cousin Jan Dumbal...affectionately known to his family and friends as "Crazy Jan". Jan and Pavel Muchal each have their own bees and hives...producing some of the best honey I have ever tried in my life!
By the way, Jan would like all Americans to know he is the white, Slovak version of Barack Obama. I asked for an explanation, and none came. Read into it what you will, I suppose.
Life in a village never proves to be boring - but it sometimes does lead to difficulties getting enough time to post a few photos, thoughts, and observations. Thank you all for your interest, comments, and support!
I wanted to let you in on what life is like in this little village between the High and Low Tatras mountain ranges. Music seems to play a big role in my experiences here so far, so I hope you can enjoy what is a working draft of "Slovakia - The Soundtrack":
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Hybe does not even have 2,000 inhabitants, so within my first day it seems like I had met the entire village. Even after being here a month, it is still surprising to me that people in and around this village know more about me than I sometimes do. Just yesterday I took the bus to the big town nearby - about 20 kilometers away. As I did my shopping and waited at the bus stop to return back home I was stopped by two different people for some questions. When I answered in my best attempts - broken English-Slovak mix - to say I was sorry but did not know how to help them, both times their faces lit up and asked where I was from and where I was staying in Slovakia. As soon as I mentioned Hybe, there was a clear and immediate look of comprehension across them. The elderly lady became excited and said, "Sarah?" Well, you could have knocked me over at that moment.
I am trying to get used to everyone in Hybe knowing me, but this was a large town we were in. How on earth could she know me? Communication still is difficult because my main vocabulary has been learned from playing memory games with the children here in the village. Ask me the names for fruits, vegetables, parts of the body, colors, numbers, etc...no problem! However, when conversation requires more than a toddler"s vocabulary, the local citizens and I are reduced to pointing, guesturing, and making odd noises to get our points across. From what I can tell, this elderly lady is perhaps a third cousin of someone named Zuzka in Hybe or she knows someone who lives three doors down from Zuzka.
Yesterday"s second person who knew me was a high school student who knew me because I visited her sister"s classroom a few weeks ago for English conversation. Apparently I was either very helpful or a disaster that day because everyone seemed to share their experiences with me in their classroom that day! This younger sister of a student I had spoken with knew: my name, where I was from in the USA, I had a mother named Peggy and a brother named "Stephen or Shrevan", a brown labrador, I like the Appalachian mountains, and that I was not used to the cold weather. It was so strange for a complete stranger to have so much knowledge about me.
These encounters are a reminder to me that what my parents told us: you never know who you will run into and who will know you. Their implication was that as their children, we represented them out in public and that any behavior could be reported back...but I think the same thing is true here in Slovakia.
Mamma Mia!
One of my very favorite aspects of life in this village are the PA speakers all over town. Every so often announcements are shared from the town offices for the village. The notes do not usually get me too excited because I clearly have no idea what is being said. What I do love, however, are what I am learning to call "ABBA Fridays".
Beginning at 8:00 AM, the town PA speakers blast a different ABBA medley every hour until the afternoon. I have not yet figured out if there is an exact schedule or playlist, but I can be assured to hear "Mamma Mia" at 8:00 and "Take a Chance on Me" at 11:00. I ask you, is there a better way to usher in the weekend?
Money, Money, Money
In keeping with the ABBA excitement, there is a lot of buzz going around about Slovakia"s money. On January 1st, Slovakia will move to using the Euro. While shops and banks will still accept their remaining Slovak krowns, change will only be given in Euros. Some people are excited about this progressive step and the implications of joining the rest of the European union with money matters...however, most people I have talked to are anxious about money. The biggest concern is that people feel their money will lose value in January. You can see this in action in shops and through the village, but the biggest example is the building and construction going. All through the country, people are currently renovating their homes and businesses while they can still pay for the services while their Slovak krowns are still valuable. I feel like I am back in Mt. Pleasant because the view of construction buses and vans rolling through the village brings back plenty of memories from Hwy 17.
Where the Streets Have No Name
You may have browsed through this blog and come across my "snail mail" address. It seemed odd to me until I arrived in Hybe because I was not sure if what the name of my street was. Only upon arriving and walking through the village did I realize that Hybe does not have street names. Hybe 528 is merely the lot number assigned back when the village was plotted and laid out. Next year, however, that will change as the conversion into the E.U. continues...with another requirement that all the country"s have names.
One of my host families will live on Pink Street...isn"t that sweet?
OO-De-Lally...Golly, What a Day
By far, the most famous "person" in Hybe is Pacho. This is a statue in the middle of the village commemorating who everyone describes as, "The Slovak Robin Hood". Apparently, there was a movie filmed about Pacho...and everyone is curious as to whether or not I have seen it. Well, I have not, but I think that will be the next on my assignments.
Up On the Roof
Weekends are very busy times to get things done around the house and gardens in Hybe. My host family is working on construction for their "hotelique"...and Saturdays are times to get a lot completed. This past week, the Muchals replaced their chimneys - and also a good bit of the roof that was damaged in the removal of the old chimney.
The Bees are Buzzing in the Trees
This is Marta Muchalova"s cousin Jan Dumbal...affectionately known to his family and friends as "Crazy Jan". Jan and Pavel Muchal each have their own bees and hives...producing some of the best honey I have ever tried in my life!
By the way, Jan would like all Americans to know he is the white, Slovak version of Barack Obama. I asked for an explanation, and none came. Read into it what you will, I suppose.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Hybe's End-of-Summer Celebration
Sunday night the village of Hybe had a party to celebrate the end of summer. Since Monday is a Catholic holiday (hence a national holiday), everyone was excited for an extended weekend and time together. Perhaps it's equivalent to our (secular) Labor Day in the USA? I'll check and report back.
Anway, here are a few pictures from the party...mostly with my (amazing!) host family...- Pavel (dad)
- Marta (mom)
- Paja ("older" sister - who's 4 years my junior)
- Zuzka (younger sister)
- Michael (Paja's boyfriend)
A Sunday Luncheon
Hello dear friends and family!
Life is still very nice here in Hybe, but this weekend we all are getting our "foretastes of the cold to come". While everyone I meet greets the cold with nothing more than a shrug and reaches for another sweater, I'm on the sidelines thinking, "It's not supposed to be this cold until January!" Oh, clearly I'm in for a real shock!
Yesterday I was invited to a luncheon at Vierka's house. I'm not sure if I've told you about Vierka yet, but she is essentially the Slovak version of Martha Stewart (minus, of course, the federal indictments and ankle monitor). She is the epitome of a gracious host...when I received her invitation last Wednesday, I knew things would be looking up! In the picture above, Vierka's the second from the left.
Here are a few pictures from my lovely (and chilly) Sunday luncheon at Vierka's...to all my expectant friends (Laura, Ruthie, Kristin, ...), I hope you enjoy the pictures. I will try to describe the food to the best of my abilities!
Well, you can see for yourself, Vierka always spends lots of time on decorations...and it's nothing compared to the food, so get ready!
The first meal is always soup...and Sunday's is usually a chicken soup with pasta. Vierka's was a homemade chicken stock, with fresh carrots, peas, broccoli, and pork tenderloin (and pasta). Oh, such a delicious treat on a cold afternoon! Imagine the hot soup on a freezing day!! I was actually starting to get a cold beforehand, but I think "chicken noodle soup" may have done the trick.
The second meal was just as scrumptious as the first...mashed potatoes that were almost too beautiful to eat and something I can only describe as "like" chicken cordeon bleu. There were rolls and layers for sure, but Vierka was kind of elusive as to everything in her recipe. Here's my best guess, a chicken breast layered with ham or bacon, soft cheese, red peppers, seasonings I can't even imagine...all rolled together and "breaded" in a meal of potato dumplings and pan fried! My mouth waters just typing this! Also, for salad we had compote made from fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
No Slovak meal is complete without coffee and tea - this time we all huddled around the fireplace for time together. Even though there are still some very pronounced language barriers, we never seem to struggle too long. We're able to find translaters or find our common ground so easily! We discussed similarities and unique differences in blessings we sing, worship, fashion, food, you name it! What a great day!!
And for the kids, there is always plenty to do and see after the meal. We had a great time in Vierk'a backyard...much fun being had in (Sarah and Radko) and around (Marek and Samko) the apple tree. Later, I taught Marek and Samko how to swing the baseball bat using -of course- apples for our baseballs. It's only natural right?
It was a perfect Sunday luncheon. I am so thankful for my new (very supportive and loving) friends here in Slovakia - and so grateful for YOU my friends and family at home! Have a wonderful week!
Life is still very nice here in Hybe, but this weekend we all are getting our "foretastes of the cold to come". While everyone I meet greets the cold with nothing more than a shrug and reaches for another sweater, I'm on the sidelines thinking, "It's not supposed to be this cold until January!" Oh, clearly I'm in for a real shock!Yesterday I was invited to a luncheon at Vierka's house. I'm not sure if I've told you about Vierka yet, but she is essentially the Slovak version of Martha Stewart (minus, of course, the federal indictments and ankle monitor). She is the epitome of a gracious host...when I received her invitation last Wednesday, I knew things would be looking up! In the picture above, Vierka's the second from the left.
Here are a few pictures from my lovely (and chilly) Sunday luncheon at Vierka's...to all my expectant friends (Laura, Ruthie, Kristin, ...), I hope you enjoy the pictures. I will try to describe the food to the best of my abilities!
Well, you can see for yourself, Vierka always spends lots of time on decorations...and it's nothing compared to the food, so get ready!
The first meal is always soup...and Sunday's is usually a chicken soup with pasta. Vierka's was a homemade chicken stock, with fresh carrots, peas, broccoli, and pork tenderloin (and pasta). Oh, such a delicious treat on a cold afternoon! Imagine the hot soup on a freezing day!! I was actually starting to get a cold beforehand, but I think "chicken noodle soup" may have done the trick.
The second meal was just as scrumptious as the first...mashed potatoes that were almost too beautiful to eat and something I can only describe as "like" chicken cordeon bleu. There were rolls and layers for sure, but Vierka was kind of elusive as to everything in her recipe. Here's my best guess, a chicken breast layered with ham or bacon, soft cheese, red peppers, seasonings I can't even imagine...all rolled together and "breaded" in a meal of potato dumplings and pan fried! My mouth waters just typing this! Also, for salad we had compote made from fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
No Slovak meal is complete without coffee and tea - this time we all huddled around the fireplace for time together. Even though there are still some very pronounced language barriers, we never seem to struggle too long. We're able to find translaters or find our common ground so easily! We discussed similarities and unique differences in blessings we sing, worship, fashion, food, you name it! What a great day!!
And for the kids, there is always plenty to do and see after the meal. We had a great time in Vierk'a backyard...much fun being had in (Sarah and Radko) and around (Marek and Samko) the apple tree. Later, I taught Marek and Samko how to swing the baseball bat using -of course- apples for our baseballs. It's only natural right?It was a perfect Sunday luncheon. I am so thankful for my new (very supportive and loving) friends here in Slovakia - and so grateful for YOU my friends and family at home! Have a wonderful week!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Whatever you do, do not say....
Okay, folks, here is a pop quiz for you...can you guess what two word phrase I regularly use that is making quite a few eyes roll here in Slovakia? Get it in your mind...
Okay, raise your hand if you thought the phrase was:
Learning to accept hospitality did not seem like it would be that challenging when I first began making my way around Slovakia. I mean, I am from the South and isn't this one of the most basic elements in which we take pride? Giving and accepting hosptality seems like a given, right? Not exactly so here in Hybe. Everyone has been so incredibly kind and gracious, I just was going along and showing my appreciation as I would at home in the states. However, a few days ago my host family took me aside and told me I have to accept...without the "thank yous" that seem so natural to me. Someone offers to come clean your floors, you let them by to get to work. A local grandmother knits you two pairs of wool socks because she heard you were not accustomed to the cold climate, you smile and accept without a word. Can this be right?! Suddenly being on the other side of hopitality has taken on a whole new meaning.
Imagine for a few minutes the pictures from above: yesterday some members from the village asked if they could come over and bring a few rugs and food staples to stock the pantry in my new apartment (this is my 3rd host house in less than 2 weeks). I expected some bread and milk. Anyway, that was perfectly fine until I saw all the wonderful, fresh food they brought. These women did not stop off at Piggly Wiggly before coming over...there is not one for 20 kilometers...but they went in their gardens for fresh vegetables and also to their pantries where they pulled homemade jams and preserved veggies and fruits from their personal supplies. I was so touched! Now...imagine the great showing of love and support these women just brought you...and you cannot say anything except where they should put it. I think you might find it as tough as I did.
Take a minute right now to count all the times you have said thank you in the past hour, day, and week.
Interesting, huh?
Okay, raise your hand if you thought the phrase was:
- Sweet Mary!
- Speak English?
- Help Me!
- I'm Sorry!
Learning to accept hospitality did not seem like it would be that challenging when I first began making my way around Slovakia. I mean, I am from the South and isn't this one of the most basic elements in which we take pride? Giving and accepting hosptality seems like a given, right? Not exactly so here in Hybe. Everyone has been so incredibly kind and gracious, I just was going along and showing my appreciation as I would at home in the states. However, a few days ago my host family took me aside and told me I have to accept...without the "thank yous" that seem so natural to me. Someone offers to come clean your floors, you let them by to get to work. A local grandmother knits you two pairs of wool socks because she heard you were not accustomed to the cold climate, you smile and accept without a word. Can this be right?! Suddenly being on the other side of hopitality has taken on a whole new meaning.
Imagine for a few minutes the pictures from above: yesterday some members from the village asked if they could come over and bring a few rugs and food staples to stock the pantry in my new apartment (this is my 3rd host house in less than 2 weeks). I expected some bread and milk. Anyway, that was perfectly fine until I saw all the wonderful, fresh food they brought. These women did not stop off at Piggly Wiggly before coming over...there is not one for 20 kilometers...but they went in their gardens for fresh vegetables and also to their pantries where they pulled homemade jams and preserved veggies and fruits from their personal supplies. I was so touched! Now...imagine the great showing of love and support these women just brought you...and you cannot say anything except where they should put it. I think you might find it as tough as I did.
Take a minute right now to count all the times you have said thank you in the past hour, day, and week.
Interesting, huh?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Some more pictures from Hybe
Here are a few more pictures from my new life in Hybe:
The first three are from the sanctuary at the church where I attend and volunteer. Isn't it gorgeous? And look at that pulpit!
Next is for everyone who's been asking what the food is like: it's filling! This plate is a traditional Slovak meal called Halusky (potato dumplings in a "cheese-like" sauce that is special to Slovakia). Halusky is made and prepared on Saturday afternoons. Every family's recipe is somewhat different (maybe like Charleston's variety of shrimp 'n grits?), but my first taste on Saturday was delicious! Mrs. Muchalova makes her Halusky with homemade dumplings and tops it all off with bacon. Oh, my, it was tasty. Good thing we were working in the garden all morning and afternoon!
Finally, a few more pictures from the town of Hybe and The High Tatras...along with my host mother Marta and her mother Marghita. They are truly the most delightful people and a blessing for me as I get acquainted with life in Slovakia!
Monday, September 8, 2008
At last...some pictures from Hýbe
I finallý was able to find a camera charger...and show everýone at home how beautiful this village is! Below are some pictures from Hýbe. The first is a shot from the top of mý 2nd host familý"s garden. Here ýou can see the whole village...and a view of the High Tatras! Charleston folks, here is where ýou can be jealous. The largest peak...slightlý to the right of the large tree in center...is Krevan, named for its crooked peak.
Also are pictures with some of mý newest friends...Janka, Zuzka, Katka, and Zuzka...after worship ýesterdaý. Finallý, a shot with mý 2nd host mom, Marta, as we work on transplanting some trees in her garden this past Saturdaý.
Let me saý I apologize for all the characters in this posting...I will trý to clean it up as soon as I can figure out how to adjust the keýboard!
Peace!
Sarah
Also are pictures with some of mý newest friends...Janka, Zuzka, Katka, and Zuzka...after worship ýesterdaý. Finallý, a shot with mý 2nd host mom, Marta, as we work on transplanting some trees in her garden this past Saturdaý.
Let me saý I apologize for all the characters in this posting...I will trý to clean it up as soon as I can figure out how to adjust the keýboard!
Peace!
Sarah
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Oh, the wonders of Hybe!
Hello friends and family!
Wanted to let you know I made it in to Hybe ("Hee-bay") last week and am settling in quite nicely! Hybe is about three and a half hours by train from the country's capital in Bratislava...and let me tell you the views alone were worth the price of train fare. Imagine miles and miles of sunflowers...and then to top it all off mountains! For this Lowcountry girl, the beautiful countryside was simply breath-taking. I will post more pictures once I can charge my camera, so no fear!
A little background on Hybe - it is a small village (easy enough to walk around twice in my morning walk) with a population of about 1,700. I immediately stand out, too, because on my first evening walking around a young girl passing me said, "Ciao, Sarah!" That is one example of how friendly, accomodating, and incredibly hospitable these people are. Also, they are very anxious to speak to me and practice their English. I haven't been home before 10 PM yet...and I find my time being scheduled for me - by others. For example, when I returned for dinner last night, my host "sister" told me Zuzka will be here at 8:00 to take you to (another) Zuzka's house for language lessons...it should only be about a few hours. Back home I think I would have found this impertinant with any but my best friends scheduling "my" time, but here I love it! I've been so busy I haven't had time to sit around or be homesick...oh what a blessing!!!
Oh yes, English...I am quickly realizing having English conversations with the folks in Hybe could be one of the most important aspects of my YAGM year. The local pastor explained his desire for me to engage the members of town in conversation in this way: English is perhaps the most important tool for young people to advance themselves and become more marketable for jobs. Hmm, that was an interesting idea I had never considered.
At first I was very nervous about engaging the town in English conversation, but thanks to Ashley Severson things are moving very quickly. Ashley was a YAGM serving in Hybe last year, and although I've never met her I have already heard lots and lots about her ministry. Thank you, Ashley, for making things so much simpler for me!
Well, school is starting soon so I must go. Hoping you are all doing well - especially those of you in Hurricane Alley! You're in my thoughts and prayers!
Peace...
Sarah
Wanted to let you know I made it in to Hybe ("Hee-bay") last week and am settling in quite nicely! Hybe is about three and a half hours by train from the country's capital in Bratislava...and let me tell you the views alone were worth the price of train fare. Imagine miles and miles of sunflowers...and then to top it all off mountains! For this Lowcountry girl, the beautiful countryside was simply breath-taking. I will post more pictures once I can charge my camera, so no fear!
A little background on Hybe - it is a small village (easy enough to walk around twice in my morning walk) with a population of about 1,700. I immediately stand out, too, because on my first evening walking around a young girl passing me said, "Ciao, Sarah!" That is one example of how friendly, accomodating, and incredibly hospitable these people are. Also, they are very anxious to speak to me and practice their English. I haven't been home before 10 PM yet...and I find my time being scheduled for me - by others. For example, when I returned for dinner last night, my host "sister" told me Zuzka will be here at 8:00 to take you to (another) Zuzka's house for language lessons...it should only be about a few hours. Back home I think I would have found this impertinant with any but my best friends scheduling "my" time, but here I love it! I've been so busy I haven't had time to sit around or be homesick...oh what a blessing!!!
Oh yes, English...I am quickly realizing having English conversations with the folks in Hybe could be one of the most important aspects of my YAGM year. The local pastor explained his desire for me to engage the members of town in conversation in this way: English is perhaps the most important tool for young people to advance themselves and become more marketable for jobs. Hmm, that was an interesting idea I had never considered.
At first I was very nervous about engaging the town in English conversation, but thanks to Ashley Severson things are moving very quickly. Ashley was a YAGM serving in Hybe last year, and although I've never met her I have already heard lots and lots about her ministry. Thank you, Ashley, for making things so much simpler for me!
Well, school is starting soon so I must go. Hoping you are all doing well - especially those of you in Hurricane Alley! You're in my thoughts and prayers!
Peace...
Sarah
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