The morning I left for Prague, I woke up without a place to stay and realizing that two of my flights said they required a Visa. In case you don't know me, the non-procrastinator/think-of-everything-ahead-of-time type, that was super stressful. And while I'd like to say I calmly met the day as I trusted the Lord, that wasn't how it went. But with Jesus as our model who asked a few who were close to Him to pray in His hour of need, I asked some to pray for me and was relieved to have all matters resolved within a short period of time. Wasn't the stress-free day at the beach I'd planned, but I made the flight.
When I arrived the next day after a frigid flight and stopover in Portugal, it was evening. I don't speak Czech, and the Uber driver didn't speak English...and he was lost. I finally showed him the phone number of the host, who he called at work; and we were across the street! It took me forever to figure out the code, and when I finally got inside, I was met with the daunting realization that they lived up three flights of narrow, winding stairs. But at least a shower and bed awaited me...as did jet lag.
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| Where I Stayed the First Couple Nights |
The next day, just as I got downstairs to venture out, the zipper to my new coat jammed so that I couldn't get into my pocket which contained the apartment keys and my phone. This is the first time I wanted to cry on the trip. Sounds silly, I'm sure, but it was the compounding of everything adding up. Thankfully, I got the zipper down--and never back up--nor did I put anything valuable back inside. I followed my host's instructions to find the Metro station and made it into the old city. So cold, so beautiful!
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| City |
The next morning, got all my luggage down the stairs and made it to the place I was meeting the EE team. It was such an honor and joy meeting everyone, hearing their stories, and getting to share mine. We ate a meal together, then went to a shopping center for outreaches. Then I met once more with the leader before heading on to the pension where the SAMS retreat would be.
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| EE Team in Prague |
Cute room with a view, but where was that draft coming from? Good thing for wool blankets and the fleece headband my dad gave me before I left. I'd need them the next couple of nights. Sunday a few of us visited the Anglican Church, so cold that we kept gloves, scarves, and hats on the whole time and were still cold! I was so encouraged by the preacher's sermon and time of fellowship afterward, which ran into mid-afternoon.
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| St. Clement's Anglican Church |
Monday was a full day of retreat with prayer, small groups, big group. I ventured with some of the men who were braving the sub-zero temps before dinner to walk the Charles Bridge and visit the Lennon Wall. Then we had dinner in a nice Czech restaurant. When I came back to my room, I was so encouraged to have the heat working properly and wouldn't even need the space heater they had kindly offered me to use!
And it was incredible timing because I would spend the next 2.5 days until my departure there in bed...with the flu! :( The day I left, I felt somewhat better--without the aches, but depleted of energy and strength. I was full of thanks to have an extended checkout and help with my bags. The Uber driver arrived the second I did, so I didn't have to wait in the cold. The guy checking in people in the line next to me was making every person fit their carry-on into the very small wire basket shaped like a piece of luggage and telling them it was too big. My flight attendant offered to check in both bags--carry-on included--for free, all the way to Zurich...which meant I wouldn't have to lug them, praise God! (They usually offer this at the gate, not check-in).
I actually sported the mask my mom gave me when I reached security since it was getting crowded. Once I made it through, I noticed a sign for a prayer room upstairs, which was the perfect empty place to rest until they listed our gate location. Unfortunately I never heard the initial boarding call, only the final! So, I hurried across the airport to the gate, getting to miss the line, hearing them call my name as I walked through the jetway.
Prague...mmm...I'm glad I went despite the chaos and challenges. I think once some time passes, I'll have only sweet memories and would love to go back one day...in the summer. And perhaps then I can honestly say "I love Prague." :)
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Prague is known for its Bohemian Crystal
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