There's More: Update 7 from Prague

Dear family and friends;

After spending the last few months listening to the Lord

about our next steps, we have decided to remain in Prague another year, until summer 2022. We’ve had only 6 months in Prague not under COVID conditions and a full year of everything open again would make a huge difference in our long-term vision for staying connected to the university, the ballet world and the relationships here. Another year could solidify so many of the things we have been asked to do here (like leading a prayer group and teaching a community program) that are currently on hold until vaccinations get going.

We envision showing hospitality to students regularly as they come back to campus to attend class in person in the fall. We have enjoyed having some over even now. When the studios open again, Anna sees the opportunity to keep building relationships, possibly teach, and work with another dancer here to perform Giselle in the equivalent of retirement homes. In the next couple months, Anna is hoping to co-lead an online seminar on theology and dance. In addition to continuing to do research on Czech leadership, Josh has been asked to teach classes for the larger Prague community. Through AAU, these classes take participants around Prague to learn about Czechs who have fought for human dignity and truth. One thing missing from AAU education, and somewhat counter-cultural here, is serving those less fortunate in Prague. This is another big thing Josh wants to bring into the AAU curriculum, exposing students and faculty and administration to its value.

Entrance to Anglo-American University

Josh designed and taught a winter term course, Decision Making, to 26 students from all over the world in January. He got this note from a student afterwards,

“I would like to thank you for an excellent course, a great selection of readings, valuable class discussions, and your approach to students and being understanding, patient, and non-judgmental throughout the whole duration of the course. It has been surprisingly easy to open up and consider some of the personal issues that I have. It has been a pleasure to take this class.”

This quote is a great reminder that in teaching expressing our faith is not simply what content we teach, but the way we engage with students. The class utilized many lessons from the social sciences but also introduced spiritual traditions of decision making. The class asked the bigger questions of students: what is “the good” you are seeking when making decisions? There were so many ways that Josh saw the abundance and humility of Christ translate into teaching students a process for making better choices in their lives. He shared personal stories and incorporated some friends’ wisdom and reflections. After the class, students have even come to visit him in person on campus to talk about it.

Right now, the lockdown has been in full force for our family over the winter. One welcome reprieve has been that Prague got the most snow the city has received in a decade, making this place look magical. Caleb said, “Prague is literally like a snowglobe when it snows.” We’ve been able to spend lots of time sledding! Collier and Caleb have school online and Joseph and Abigail have been attending their schools in person (which

we are very thankful for!). Although cases have dropped, we are still in the most severe restrictions the government can mandate. Our trips to the park have been limited by the cold weather and it has been hard not to feel trapped and isolated, especially for Anna and the boys. A small, easily messy apartment with kids who have no real outlet for their boundless energy in the winter is a challenge for sure. We have kept a practice we began last year of reading out loud at length at night. After finishing The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings in November, we have begun reading the Wrinkle in Time quintet. This has been a bright spot for sure.

Using the table liturgies from Every Moment Holy around the dinner table have been a sweet pointer to gratitude and grace. We have noticed our kids interest in reading the scriptures grow. This Christmas our oldest two asked for a Study Bible so they could read each day. As parents, this was incredibly encouraging. Another encouragement has been remarks made to us about our apartment being a place of welcome for kids and families. We look forward to expanding this in the future not only to families but again to students and faculty.

Here are the ways in which we need your prayers:

1. This past year has been a rough one financially because of COVID and we are running a per month deficit right now. We know the Lord can and will provide monthly supporters.

2. We have assembled a ministry team of six people to help discern with us this next year and a half. The first meeting is Sunday the 14th. Pray for wisdom and guidance as these people listen to the Lord with us.

3. That the Czech government makes good decisions about vaccinations and loosening restrictions. Never before have we experienced a government’s decisions directly impacting our day to day lives the way they do now.

4. Even with restrictions that we see the opportunities to invest in and serve people here at the university, ballet community, families and kids.

5. Relationships within our family and a healthy balance between exercise, being together and playing video games/watching videos. We want to give our 11 year old, Collier, the increased freedom he is asking for but he is also learning to take on the responsibility that comes with it.

We hope you are holding up hope where you are and look forward to being in touch soon. We love even short phone calls or messages and would love to hear from you! A BIG thanks to all who sent Christmas cards- they are up in our kitchen all year round.

Peace and love from Prague-

Josh, Anna, Collier, Caleb, Joseph and Abigail