Well, the Czech Republic was amazing in so many ways. First, it was a wonderful cultural learning experience. We stayed 3 weeks in a small, laid back college town called Olomouc. I took 3 classesfrom VSU and English speaking Palasky University professors.Sometimes going to class was a drag when there were so many wonderful things to do and see. We took weekend trips to Poland and Vienna and spent the last 3 days in Prague. The sweetest thing about the trip was not the trip itself, but the friends I made on the trip. I met Austin, a girl who goes to Westminster Pres. with me and I didn’teven know it. By the end of the trip, people thought we had known each other all our lives. It was a special time for both of us to get to know each other on deep and meaningful level while still being able to do goofy and crazy things together. Mom has often said that kindred spirits are hard to come by... and I felt as though I found one in Austin. 
Another blessing was the Browns, a missionary family a friend of mine (THANKS JON JON!) connected me with before I left. The Browns have been sent out through International Missions Board and have been living in Olomouc for 4 years now. Steve and April are so crazy and fun. Austin and I loved spending time with them and getting to know them. Our favorite thing to do was sit around and talk and play "Loaded Questions" until 1 in the morning. They have 3 precious children and are in the process of adopting a Czech baby boy.  Playing hide & go seek with Vance and Chloe.
  (One the way to the movies with the Browns)
They had a Bible discussion group withsome Czech people on Sundays and Wednesday and Austin and I attended them every opportunity we had. One night, we got to witness the conversion of three of the people who have been attending for several years now. Even though there is still much anticipation for fruit in their lives, I pray that God would grip their souls and they would long to grow closer to Him. Many Czech believe they are Christians by their Catholic baptism as a baby. They believe that their baptism is what gets them to Heaven... ...This leads me to David. Austin and I met David one night outside of our dorm. He lived 4 floors above where we were staying. He hung out with him alot and he even took us out to have a "real Czech meal". We got to know him really well while we were there and we had many serious conversations with him. He told us one night that he believed there wasa Creator who made him, but he didn’t care anything for Him. He believed thatthe Bible and Churches are just tools to control people. All this and he said he was a Christian because he was baptized as a baby. Steve Brown said this is one of the biggest challenges with Europe because it has been so overrun by Catholism. Most Czech will claim they are Atheist or Christians based on baptism (like David).  (Our last night with David)
It was hard to leave. Even now looking at these pictures I miss it so much and I am ready to go back right now. 
Maybe soon...
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