DownTown

Even better then the So.Cal snow, is the sun. We didn't get much of that until after Christmas this time around. We went down to San Diego to visit our friends Neal & Yvonne Pirolo from ERI ministries. It's always great to meet up with this 'young couple' be it in SD, China, Slovakia, Mexico or wherever we end up crossing paths with them around the globe. I truly hope I have as much energy and passion to change the world as they do when I am their age. Anyways, here are some pics from our time checking out around downtown.

turbulencia

Click to find out more about the Turbulencia conference put on by Mozaika church in Nitra. Enjoy!

Cookie Monsters

Gabe, David, and Gemma adding some style to an army of gingerbread cookies.

African Rodeo

This visit to CA has been a fun one for the boys. Between hanging out with grandparents, cousins, Christmas, and two Labradors it is shaping up to a good time. Two weeks ago we visited a small zoo in Santa Anna. The highlight for the guys was the elephant ride...

perfect in weakness

Have you ever noticed that the short prayers are usually the most honest? Like - "Oh God, help!" Straight and to the point. They are devoid of any pretense and completely laying bare your inability to "do it my way." I like these prayers... I say them often. Not because I'm spiritual, but because I'm desperate.

Sometimes when I teach or share in a church I am misunderstood. I'm not sure if it's my fault or simply the crowds. Last Sunday I shared at a church about how God powerfully demonstrated His goodness to us by moving us to Bratislava and providing all that we needed for this move. Yesterday I ran into a young lady who heard that talk and she expressed her appreciation by saying something to the effect of - "It's great to hear about how much faith you have." Now, I think she was being honest, but she was honestly wrong.

God has been so good to me and my family in our journey with Him. But, it is not a story of our faithfulness but His. This is reflected in our prayers. They are not prayers of the saints, but the prayers of the needy. People with open and empty hands awaiting good gifts from a great gift giver. I wouldn't say that God's blessings in my life are the results of an inner strength or faith in me. If anything it is simply a good Father rescuing me from myself entrenched so deeply in my own weaknesses. You see... I need a Savior. A Hero. Someone to save me day in and day out.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" - Jesus
(1Cor 12:9a)

Show me the money

Well, Happy New Year! if you haven't heard yet, Slovakia just adopted the Euro currency over last night. Below is a brief BBC overview...

BBC Report:
Slovakia has become the 16th member of the eurozone - the second former communist country to join the grouping.

Up to 100,000 people gathered in the capital Bratislava's main square for a midnight ceremony with fireworks.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was one of the first to withdraw the new currency, taking 100 euros from a cash machine in the parliament building.

The Slovak koruna (crown) will remain in circulation alongside the euro until 16 January.

Cash machines were meant to be issuing euros from Thursday, while some banks planned to open, despite the New Year's Day holiday, to swap korunas for euros.

But the new currency was taking a while to filter through.

"None of my clients has paid with euros yet, everybody's using korunas," Marek, a 30-year-old taxi driver in Bratislava, told the AFP news agency.

At Bratislava's railway station, Richard Nedo, a 20-year-old waiter at an internet cafe, said: "Since we opened at 6am, we have had 10 customers but only three of them - foreign tourists - paid with euros. Slovaks are still using korunas."

Stability hopes

Slovakia sees its adoption of the euro as a shield from the turbulence that has hit currencies in neighbouring ex-Soviet bloc countries.

The koruna has been pegged at a rate of 30.126 to the euro since July, while Poland's zloty has lost 24% against the euro, the Czech koruna 11% and the Hungarian forint 13%, Bloomberg news reports.
A recent poll in Slovakia's Hospodarske Noviny daily showed 58% of respondents in favour of the euro, compared with 43% positive a year ago.

Euro "starter packs" have already been distributed in Slovakia and a big campaign has been under way to familiarise the nation of 5.4 million with the new currency.

Slovakia has enjoyed rapid economic growth since joining the European Union in 2004.

But the euro's strength may make life harder for Slovakia's exporters - particularly its big car industry - in the current economic downturn, correspondents say.
Slovakia's cabinet is counting on 4.6% economic growth, down from a peak of 10.4% in 2007, Reuters reports.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/7806430.stm

Published: 2009/01/01 11:28:28 GMT

Dedina

Sometimes I forget my roots. Coming back home after living the busy and bustling life in big, bad Bratislava was a bit of a pleasant shock. For starters I realize that I come from cowboy country. In about 5 minutes in most directions I can find fields, sheep, orchards, or horses. Essentially I come from the village, but never realized it. The other day I told Gabie I was going to “the city” to do some shopping. Gabe quickly replied - “what city?”

I guess there is more to a true city then shopping centers, Wall-mart and strip malls. Yet, like I said all of this was a pleasant shock. It’s nice to be in cowboy country for a change.

global warming?

I know some people, like my Brit coworkers, who enjoy talking about the weather. For me it always seemed to be the thing you bring up to brush over uncomfortable silence in a conversation with strangers. If you are reading this, probably you are not a stranger and for once I am excited to report to you my metrological findings.

If you have been following along with us in our adventures you know that we are not in freezing Slovakia at the moment, but is sunny, southern California right now spending the holidays with family and friends here. Unfortunately, California has not been sunny or warm since we arrived. It's actually been cold, raining, freezing, dark, and even snowy! This is for sure not the California I was dreaming about in overcast Bratislava! What do we blame this on - global warming turned bad, El Nino, the Artic Norse gods having a temper tantrum?

Yet, despite the fact we have be living the popsicle life here it is still nice. Home is home. And every time I visit I see with new eyes the beauty of God's Creation here. It's very different than the CE zone I'm come accustomed to, but it is awesome is a rugged, raw kind of way.

Here are some pics of our snow adventures. Although it would be great to go surfing, possibly snowboarding would be a better choice.

Christmas po slovensky

The California Christmas mood for sure has got it's own style. But, to be honest Christmas Slovak style still has my heart. It's simply fun, 'real', tasty, and somehow still authentic despite pressures to be commercial. There is still a sense of wintry magic in the air not snuffed out by political correctness, marketing thugs, or hyper-me.me.me. Now mind you it's not perfect, but it's a step in a more 'silent night-esque' direction to the whole Christmas experience.

One of the best features of Christmas in the city is the Christmas Market. The sights, smells, tastes, and vibe is great. It's pretty cool to have what feels like 1/2 of the city packed into the Old Town to celebrate. You run into everyone... one year we even bumped into President Gasporovich(!) Anyway, if you have never experienced the Bratislava Christmas market you got to get down there....

the Christmas Market My frozen treasures Daddi-O, Jana, and the gang The boys hanging out with Mikulas (like Santa)


Santa's SuperStars

Falling Stars

I've been asked by many - "how is the 'world wide economic crisis' touching Slovakia?" Well, we are feeling it, but I don't think in the same way as all of you in the States. Presently I'm blogging from raining and cold California. I had hoped to be blogging from sunny & warm California..but that is another story. Anyways, the media here and word on the street has a lot to do with the economic crunch. Fact? Fiction? Urban legend? I have no idea. Anyways, in Slovakia it is being felt, but I don't believe it is pressing as strongly upon the minds and hearts of people here (...there). I read a recent report by Forbes which could explain why... read, get informed, enjoy....

Slovakia: Fastest-Growing E.U. Economy Slowing Down
Oxford Analytica, 12.16.08, 06:00 AM EST

Economic reforms and European Union membership have generated an investment boom in Slovakia's manufacturing, construction and service sectors. Gross domestic product growth peaked at 10.4% in 2007 as new automobile and electronic plants started full-scale production.

However, Slovakia's performance is tied closely to E.U. demand for its exports, and the slowdown in E.U. growth is starting to be felt in Slovakia. The Statistical Office reported GDP growth in the third quarter slowing to 7% year-on-year after 9.3% and 7.6% in the first and second quarters, respectively. The government estimates that the economy will grow by 4.7% in 2009, with export growth slowing from 10% in 2008 to 5.9%. Recent data do not yet fully reflect the impact of the crisis, and some fear that growth could slow below 4%.

Prime Minister Robert Fico argues that higher domestic consumption will help Slovakia get through the crisis and perhaps reverse disturbing trends in employment. Accordingly, the government has drafted a package of new economic measures to stimulate demand. These include completing a nuclear power station on the Bohunice site and using public-private partnerships to build new roads and expand Bratislava's Stefanik airport. The government also seeks to reform the labor market and provide loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Meanwhile, Standard & Poor's 500 and Moody's have upgraded Slovakia's sovereign rating from A to A+. They cite Slovakia's modest debt burden, investment-oriented policies and the switch to the euro in January 2009.

Critics have argued that Slovakia is needlessly surrendering control over monetary policy and setting itself up for high inflation due to the switch-over. However, the timing for euro adoption now looks fortunate:

--The drive for the euro has meant long-term fiscal frugality and restrained the spending desires of Slovakia's left-leaning government.

--Slovakia's relatively low fiscal deficit of 2.25% of GDP in 2008 has reduced its need to borrow during the global financial crisis.

Mantra

Does advertising have a negative affect on children....or just an annoying one?

Does the aroma of Christ smell like turkey?

So, have you finished off last weeks Turkey yet? We just did with a bit of help from our friends. And we had a lot of them... since we don't have family close here in Bratislava, Thanksgiving day celebrations are usually a collective community affair - i.e. everyone we know drifts into our home throughout the day for some herb-roasted Turkey, Awesome Apple & Sausage stuffing, creamy mash potatoes, and the rest of those mouth watering treats....hmmmm.... can't we have Thanksgiving again this weekend???

All in all it was a blast. All of us from the Sunday worship service invited non-believing friends (or Christians who don't have a church home) to come and share this time with us. We figure this is a great way to introduce those around us to the church and let them enter deeper into our lives in a natural, tasty way. I believe we will see the fruits of this evening (and others like it) as we simply love one another, be up front about where that love comes from, and be open to what the Spirit would like to do in each of our individual lives (in His way, on His timeframe).

Our guest list as like looking at a U.N. line up (actually one of them works for the U.N.!). We had Americans, Slovaks, French, Japanese, Malaysians, and even our neighbor from Madagascar! It was a fun, eclectic, zany group... and then you add in all the kids and it's a recipe for a fun, but crazy night! At least it wasn't Hanukah... I couldn't survive 7 nights of that! Too much of a good thing.

Aside from the fabulous food, fun fellowship, and crazy kids, we were also able to share in a bit of worship, speak about thankfulness from the Word, and had our friend Eva* share about her recent experiences in China. Please keep our new friends and neighbors in your prayers. That they would get to know Jesus (or grow deeper in Him) and that the Lord would build up our little group in His time and in His way.











*( Eva, pictured above, is an answer to our prayers. She was able to go to China to take in the Word and is now able to speak in many churches about her experiences. The result is that many other young Slovaks are catching the vision for missions! )

Sushi, Salsa, & Saints.

Last year St.Martin came on his horse right on time, which is a Slovak way of saying it snowed on November 11th. Why? Well, simply it just tends to be the day that we get our first bit of snow of the winter. An odd fact, but true. This year he was a bit late. Apparently, he took the scenic route. He must have hitched a ride with our friends, Frank & Suzie, who dropped in from Olztyn, Poland. It didn't drop powder until they got here on their journey down to Italy. So who is Martin, Frank, & Suzie....just hold onto your horses and you will find out.

Well, it turns out that St.Martin was a real person. He was a Roman solider turned Christian and was known for his kindness to children and the poor. One of the legends is that during a particularly harsh winter he cut his cloak in half and gave it to a beggar, which saved the man's life. He later reported having a dream where Jesus came to him wearing the half cloak. True? Myth? Legend? We will never know. But, either way it serves to illustrate the truth of Jesus' words - "Then the righteous will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungary and feed you or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stanger and invite you in? or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prision and go visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the lest of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' " (Mt. 25:37-40)

We could use more St.Martin's in this world.

Another legend of St.Martin is that he once lost a donkey and so the children of the town searched the streets with candles and lamps looking for the lost beast. Apparently, the poor animal is still lost. This year the boys were invited to a St.Martin's parade which started on the castle hill here in Bratislava, making it way down to a local German school for traditional sweets & cakes. And ,yes, there was fire, a white stallion, and lots of sugar! To say the least they enjoyed themselves.

Well, this year Martin didn't come on time. But a few weeks later our friends Frank & Suzie brought the snow from Poland with them. F+S are Calvary Chapel missionaries serving in Poland, but now in route to Italy were they will be ministering in the CC Bible school there. Anyways, they spent some time with us two weeks ago over the weekend. It was a nice time of joking around, snowball fights, and hearing about what God is doing in their lives!Frank also taught on Psalms 20 for our Sunday service and did a great job. BTW - Franks' last name is Gonzalez... and yes, he is Mexican-American....so we had him teach us how to make a big Spanish dinner...it was Bueno! Plus, Kieko decided to bring some awesome sushi....strange mix with Mexican...but somehow it worked out and was great!

REmix: pregnant with expectation?

Have you ever been pregnant with expectation? You get to that point where you are about to burst with excitement. The anticipation is reaching intolerable levels. And then it happens. Not the “It” you expected, but the other unwelcomed ‘it‘.... more tortuous waiting. That’s when you start questioning everything. Do dreams really take this long to be birthed? How much longer is this going to take?!


I suppose that this was how Mary felt in part. Childhood dreams of her ‘prince charming’ and a whirlwind romance shattered on the rocks by an intruding angel named Gabriel. Now she’s destined to a life of suspicious purity (1st century tabloid material) and in danger of a potential stoning of biblical proportions unless something happens. Yet somehow she is ‘most blessed amongst all women’. Strange. Then comes that night when “It” happens- the stable, the smells, the screaming, serenading angels, and disruptive shepherd’s... all a woman hopes for...right? But, HE is so beautiful. This baby is no longer “It,” but He, the Emmanuel, God-with-us. His name is Jesus. And it is somehow in an unexpected, magical way. . . good.

Mary wasn’t the only one pregnant with expectation. Her nation, her tribe, her family was on pins and needles. Imagine being “Gods-People” who had been promised that one day ‘It’ would happen. For 2,000 years you have been waiting for an illusive gift-wrapped surprise visit from God. Through prophets and mad-men hints of what this ‘It’ will be, do, and bring haunt their dreams and legends. Parents pass the stories down from generation to generation knowing that “It” will land in their children’s lap one day. Then one day Emmanuel shows up. God incognito. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. And “It” doesn’t quite look like ‘it.’ This wasn’t the Advent we waited for. This Jesus doesn’t fit our imagination. He’s just a baby. He doesn’t look like a Hero. And we begin to question.... everything.

A Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.