Polička

Finally, I have arrived in Polička. We had difficulties with the flights and ended up a day late, but the extra time in Wichita bonded us together as a group. I just can't believe that I'm finally here, after all of this time spent in waiting. Ironically the scripture for the first night of our trip was Psalm 61.

My soul waits calmly for God alone.
My salvation, my hope, comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my savior--my stronghold.
I cannot be severely shaken.

The waiting is over. I am here. I've posted some pictures, so czech out our journey to Polička!

Hint: the pictures are best viewed as a slide show. The password is policka.

Saying Goodbye

Well, It's been a long two weeks. My sister came to Madison on June 21 and she helped me with a garage sale on June 24 at my friend Joanna's house. I sold as much of my belongings as I could. Anytime I asked my sister if I should keep something, she said, “Sell it.” The sale went pretty well, and I earned around $225 by the time some friends bought my couch, chairs, and bookcase. Somehow I still ended up with a full van and mostly full car after we packed up this week. Now I feel like I didn't sell enough, but maybe there's another sale in my future.

I feel like I've been saying goodbye all week long. June 23 was my last day at WardBrodt and some of my friends were out of town this week, so I started saying goodbye last Friday and this morning was the last goodbye, as I locked my apartment door. Last Sunday I said “goodbye for now” to my CPC family. There were some tearful moments Sunday morning at church and Sunday evening at a party that the Evans family had for me. Throughout the weekend-plus I met with friends for almost every meal, sometimes adding extra meals when necessary. These people have loved, encouraged, and challenged me all throughout my journey in Madison. I'd say I miss them already, but I still feel them with me.
Czech out the photos from this week on my photo site(more to be posted throughout the week):
http://www.czechmyphotos.shutterfly.com/ the password is policka.

The Power of Prayer

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be astounded.
They will put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40

This is my prayer and declaration of faith. Please join me in prayer for this mission, the youth in Policka, Pastor Jan, and my own strength, inspiration, and patience. Let me know that you are praying, and I'll add your name to my prayer wall (in the right column of my blog) so that I can in turn pray for you and give thanks to God.

Would you like to sponsor this mission?

Some people have requested that I post the information for donating supplies and funds to our mission in Policka. I will have a better idea of the material needs of the program once we get started, but shipping builds up such an expense that sending supplies from the US may prove to be counterproductive. I would like to bring some board games and movies in English to CZ. If you have something you would like to donate, shoot me an email and I'll be happy to talk to you about whether I can fit it in my suitcase or if we should ship it straight to CZ.

My address in Policka:
Kati Salmons
Dus Family
nabrezi svobody 561
Policka 572 01
Czech Republic

Pastor Jan has estimated our expenses to give you a better idea of our financial needs:
My health insurance: $1200
other insurances: $250
Room and Board: $4000
Teaching aids: $4200 ($350 a month)
My stipend for pocket money: $2400 ($200 a month)
Air ticket: $1500
Total cost for the project: 13,550
Jan's family has decided to provide the room and board for free ($4000). My parents are willing to pay for my air-ticket. The congregation in Policka is brave enough to run into debt and to cover the difference, but is asking for help. (For your information, the total expected income of the congregation of this year is $19125.) So, as you see, any help will be more than welcome.

Checks should be made payable to "Ceskobratrska cirkev evangelicka Policka" (that is the name of the congregation) and can be mailed to:
Ceskobratrska cirkev evangelicka Policka
nabrezi svobody 561
Policka 572 01
Czech Republic
As soon as the congregation receives the check, Jan will send you an official certification from the congregation that can be used as tax deductible.

More information about the congregation can be found at http://policka.evangnet.cz (click on the British flag for English).

I'm so proud

This weekend some of my students played in a recital at Ward Brodt. I'm so proud of them! They played and sang so well!

Choral Collage

This semester I've had an internship with the University Chorus where I conduct one piece and lead sectionals and warm-ups when Laura, the conductor, needs my help. Here is a picture of me conducting on our concert two weeks ago. I hope to post a recording soon!

Where?

Here is a picture of the Church and School in Policka.