The Gift of Hospitality: Update 10 from Prague

Dear family and friends;

We extended our commitment in Prague to a 3rd year in hopes that the Lord would provide great opportunities to be present with people on campus and for our family to practice hospitality to students and faculty. This fall it has happened. We have hosted several rounds of students and faculty for dinners in our apartment, including a Thanksgiving meal. Josh has been meeting with students on campus, teaching, and gathering Christian professors for prayer. Anna has been making her way back in ballet and has a small upcoming performance in December.

One of the highlights of hosting students at our apartment has been the way our kids have connected with the students. They have led games, conversations, and showed off their ballet, drawing and piano skills in such a sweet way; a kind of hospitality only a kid could provide. One game we played involved drawing and answering a question. When it came to Caleb he drew, ‘What is something that delighted you today?’. With utter Caleb-like sincerity he said, “Having you come to our home for Thanksgiving.” It was a great reminder that hospitality is as much about receiving as it is giving.

In a couple weeks, we are hosting a Christmas open house for students in Josh’s classes to come hang out at our apartment. These times with students this semester have opened up some great conversations before, during, and after class and have facilitated a deeper connection. We have hosted two rounds of students in Josh’s decision making class and have heard their stories and the hopes they have as they make big decisions as graduate and undergraduate students. I had a guest speaker in my class come share about some decisions he had to make after a leukemia diagnosis, which led to two students we had for dinner opening up about struggling with the life threatening illness of loved ones. It seems just being present and offering invitation has led us to some holy ground with students.

Our faculty fellowship group has met on campus this semester and the time has been devoted to sharing our experiences, prayer requests and praying for one another. One recent meeting took place in Josh’s office, which he shares with Richard whom he has become close with. Richard happened to be there when Josh and a colleague were sharing prayer requests. Several gatherings have been like this in cafe and office: people are around and though we don’t seek it out, they are watching and listening. This group has been a huge encouragement to Josh and a helpful gathering to feel known and supported.

Our family will spend Christmas here in Prague, so pray for us as we settle into the Prague winter. Here are some ways you can pray:

1. For a watchful Advent

2. For sweet family time even as we miss being with family and friends in the States

3. Continued favor at the university with faculty and students

4. For Josh’s January term class: Decision Making. It was requested for the 3rd time this year to be offered to graduate and undergraduate students.

We want to wish you a meaningful Advent season. May it be filled with community, laughter, generosity and love as you wait for our Savior’s birth. May you be present to the Light that shines in the darkness.

Love,

The Haydens

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