I have been in Poland for about a week, and I am loving it. Within this first week I have had a lot of new experiences that I would like to share.
First of all, there are quite a few things that are different here than at home. One of the things that stands out the most in my mind is how people cross the street. In the US you usually wait for the cars to stop for you (when there is no crossing light), hoping that someone will have mercy and let you go. In Poland it is a different story. The cars may seem to be coming at full speed, but the second you step onto the crosswalk they slow down and let you continue on your way. Another thing I find very intriguing are the windows and specifically the door in my apartment. It is hard to explain, but you can open them fully or have them tilt down so that only the top part is open.
Now, onto the new experiences that are more missions related.
Here in Kołobrzeg I am teaching English. So far I have been doing one on one tutoring sessions. These have been a lot of fun. However going into the first lesson I felt a little awkward. Though I had prayed before the lesson negative thoughts still raced through my head telling me that I didn't know what I was doing and that I was not a teacher. I had to push these thoughts aside. I began introductions and our lesson was off to an awesome start.
During my time here I am taking Polish lessons. These take place in a group setting. I really enjoy my teachers and my classmates. The Polish language is very beautiful, but it is also very tricky. I have to remind myself that I have not been here very long, and it is going to take time for me to learn the language to the extent that I would like.
So far, the people have been amazing. No, strangers do not smile at me on the street (something I am having to adjust to), but those that I come in contact with are great. Our director and his wife are very sweet people and have invited myself and the other missionaries into their home twice for two amazing meals. One of them being on Sabbath after the church service.
Speaking of Sabbath, going to church in Polish was very interesting and also slightly intimidating. There was a translation provided for us, and we were also able to have Sabbath school in English. Quite a few church members are able to speak English and I was able to get to know them a little better when we went to the Baltic Sea Sabbath afternoon. I am really looking forward to getting to know this group of people a lot better.
One of the hardest challenges I have faced so far has presented itself to me in the form of volleyball. Those who know me well, know that I am not very athletically inclined. Yes I enjoy running, playing tennis, and the occasional casual soccer game. But when it comes to sports in general I like to avoid them. Well here I am, in a place where volleyball is played amongst church members at least once a week. And no, I am not going to sit out. So for our first night of volleyball I was only slightly excited. I realized I don't like doing things that I am not good at (something I need to get over). During the game I had a talk with God, I told him that though volleyball is a simple thing, it would be great if he could help me out in some way. By the end of the night I was feeling a little more confident and had a smile on my face. Though I was not a pro, God answered my prayer in helping me have an enjoyable time. I was also blessed to be playing with a group who was so kind and friendly, smiling and encouraging me every step of the way. I look forward to playing more volleyball and getting better as the year goes on.
I almost forgot. This past week we had the opportunity to go to a farmers market. It was a really fun experience. All of the vendors were very kind and patient with us as we tried to ask them for the things we needed. We left with a handful of delicious and healthy produce. I also look forward to being able to shop there again.
First of all, there are quite a few things that are different here than at home. One of the things that stands out the most in my mind is how people cross the street. In the US you usually wait for the cars to stop for you (when there is no crossing light), hoping that someone will have mercy and let you go. In Poland it is a different story. The cars may seem to be coming at full speed, but the second you step onto the crosswalk they slow down and let you continue on your way. Another thing I find very intriguing are the windows and specifically the door in my apartment. It is hard to explain, but you can open them fully or have them tilt down so that only the top part is open.
Now, onto the new experiences that are more missions related.
Here in Kołobrzeg I am teaching English. So far I have been doing one on one tutoring sessions. These have been a lot of fun. However going into the first lesson I felt a little awkward. Though I had prayed before the lesson negative thoughts still raced through my head telling me that I didn't know what I was doing and that I was not a teacher. I had to push these thoughts aside. I began introductions and our lesson was off to an awesome start.
During my time here I am taking Polish lessons. These take place in a group setting. I really enjoy my teachers and my classmates. The Polish language is very beautiful, but it is also very tricky. I have to remind myself that I have not been here very long, and it is going to take time for me to learn the language to the extent that I would like.
So far, the people have been amazing. No, strangers do not smile at me on the street (something I am having to adjust to), but those that I come in contact with are great. Our director and his wife are very sweet people and have invited myself and the other missionaries into their home twice for two amazing meals. One of them being on Sabbath after the church service.
Speaking of Sabbath, going to church in Polish was very interesting and also slightly intimidating. There was a translation provided for us, and we were also able to have Sabbath school in English. Quite a few church members are able to speak English and I was able to get to know them a little better when we went to the Baltic Sea Sabbath afternoon. I am really looking forward to getting to know this group of people a lot better.
One of the hardest challenges I have faced so far has presented itself to me in the form of volleyball. Those who know me well, know that I am not very athletically inclined. Yes I enjoy running, playing tennis, and the occasional casual soccer game. But when it comes to sports in general I like to avoid them. Well here I am, in a place where volleyball is played amongst church members at least once a week. And no, I am not going to sit out. So for our first night of volleyball I was only slightly excited. I realized I don't like doing things that I am not good at (something I need to get over). During the game I had a talk with God, I told him that though volleyball is a simple thing, it would be great if he could help me out in some way. By the end of the night I was feeling a little more confident and had a smile on my face. Though I was not a pro, God answered my prayer in helping me have an enjoyable time. I was also blessed to be playing with a group who was so kind and friendly, smiling and encouraging me every step of the way. I look forward to playing more volleyball and getting better as the year goes on.
I almost forgot. This past week we had the opportunity to go to a farmers market. It was a really fun experience. All of the vendors were very kind and patient with us as we tried to ask them for the things we needed. We left with a handful of delicious and healthy produce. I also look forward to being able to shop there again.