What Happened to Summer?

June, July, and August were really a whirlwind of activity for us. I spent two and a half weeks in Warsaw with two teams at the end of June. As soon as I got home we started moving to a new apartment. We had to move everything out of the old apartment, then clean and repaint it, then get everything straight in the new apartment. It took us the whole month of July and some of August to do this. We headed down to Austria to stay with our colleagues, John and Karen Baich, for a week. It was a few days of vacation and a few days of work. During our time in Austria, John and I went to Slovakia to look at a potential new project. I was able to meet the pastor of the main church in Bratislava as well as the superintendent of the pentecostal movement in Slovakia. We were also able to go and visit the church in Breclav, Czech. It was great to check on their progress. It was also good because it was the first time Lenee' and the kids had been able to go to Breclav and meet the wonderful people there.
After our trip to Austria it was time to prepare for the new school year. Nathan started third grade, Aaron started first grade, and Matthew is in kindergarten. We had to do lots of "school shopping"-clothes, supplies, etc. Wow, whoever said public school was free? Here in Germany, our kids needed 3 or 4 different pairs of shoes for school! Everyday shoes, sport shoes, house shoes, after school program shoes...The money really adds up quickly! But, we made it through. We went to the special program they have here for students beginning first grade. Everyone puts on their "Sunday best" and goes to the school where they have an hour long program for the new kids. It is tradition here that all the first graders get these big cones full of school supplies, toys, candy, etc. Of course the parents buy them, but they are given to the kids during this program. It is really cool. It really makes starting school a special time for the kids, and the parents, too.
After school started, Lenee' and I were able to take a short holiday to Croatia, with no kids! The first time since we had kids that we went somewhere by ourselves for more than one night. It was great. The Croatian coast is very beautiful. We had a wonderful, relaxing time.
And now, summer is gone and it is time to start hosting teams again. But, it was a good summer. Our new apartment is great. We really like it. It is one of the typical communist buildings, but it is a good size and layout for us. And the transportation access is excellent. It is within walking distance of the kids' schools and will save Lenee' a lot of time when I am gone. Moving was a big hassle and took a long time, but it was worth it.
This Saturday I have a team coming into Prague to work at the Czech Teen Challenge in Postovice. I look forward to being with my good friends there once again.
I have to say thanks again to all of our financial and prayer partners. You guys are awesome. I thank God always for your faithfulness and generosity. You make it all possible. I pray that God will bless you many times over for what you have given to build His kingdom in Central Europe. Thanks again and God bless!