Transformation and Future Paths: Update 24 from Prague

These days we find our family in the midst of three very different modes: (1) our regular

full mode of ministry with students, faculty, and Ukrainians; (2) the often overwhelming details of our return to the U.S. in mid July; and (3) the fun of hosting family in Prague. Even as we are distracted by so many things, we are trying to sit and learn how God is leading and speaking to us now. Spiritual direction has been a lifeline for both of us during this year.  Right now we sense that the Lord is leading us into a time of rest and discernment as we return to the U.S.: a time to determine whether we will return to a longer-term ministry in Prague after 6 months or find a new path in the United States. It has been five years since we moved here and as much as our journey has transformed others, we have been transformed. Here we want to update you and also list some needs so that you can pray with us.

We are still three weeks away from the end of the semester and have been, as usual, hosting dinners at our apartment that have been full of life-giving conversations. These dinners have been much more powerful ways than we imagined to share Christ with students through hospitality. Students in Josh’s classes still ask why we are offering them because it is counter-cultural for a professor to do something like this in this part of the world. At the dinners, Josh’s students see him as a dad and husband, and they get to share about their families and hopes and experiences in college. A Ukrainian and a Mexican student recently expressed to Josh how much it meant to them to come and be with our family. 

One thing that has struck Josh in teaching this semester has been the varied student responses to the issues of reconciliation, forgiveness, and stories of people whose lives have been transformed through unexpected kindness and generosity. His psychology class confronts issues like tribalism, hate, and trauma, but also illuminates the transformational nature of healing through forgiveness, altruism, and finding meaning in adversity. Students tend to split into camps, and some are very cynical about these topics. Josh’s role has been to orchestrate a dialogue about how people are capable of change, the nature of hope in these dark issues, and the possibility of healing in their own lives. One student wrote in a paper “I realized that I had the meaning of forgiveness wrong.” Many of you have asked about watching Josh’s TED talk (which he recently gave again to the Ukrainian fellowship gathering) and you can now see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M2s2S8nszU. 

Anna is thankful for the generous support and interest in the Ukrainian ministry, in which she partners with Greater Europe Mission (GEM), to offer a community of healing through ballet, Bible and fellowship. Anna was recently in a video that GEM created about the ballet ministry: https://vimeo.com/936721613/e55cf1a912?share=copy.  One of the families in the ministry who became very close to Anna, moved back to Ukraine last year.  But, they are making a huge effort to come from Ukraine to attend her summer Bible Ballet camp in Prague!  

Did you know that CISP, where Anna teaches middle school English and Bible, has students and families from over 30 countries?  Over 50% of those families do not come from a Christian background.  This is a huge opportunity to model the love of Christ day in and day out to these students.  Anna recently got this note from one of her Bible students: “Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We love you and everything that you teach us! Thank you for giving us your love and care and teaching the Bible! We love you and enjoy your class!”  All the exclamation points made us smile.  It was a reminder that teachers are hugely influential in students’ lives, and your support allows Anna to teach these students from many nations, and point them to Christ.  

Anna and Abigail recently entered the Christian International School talent show and

danced a ballet piece which they choreographed together to a song called “I am” by Jill Phillips. It was an absolute joy to watch. Collier acted in a school play called New Clothes for the Emperor, playing one of the tailors. It is amazing to watch our kids step up to these challenges and thrive. Josh’s parents, Neb and Susan, got to see Collier’s play,  and it was sweet to see him come over and hug them right afterwards. Caleb and Joseph are both playing sports and doing very well in their academics. 

Finally, it has been a joy to have Anna’s sister, Ginny and her family visit and then Josh’s parents visit in the past few weeks. Having them in the places that have become so special to us is a real encouragement and time of bonding.  

As we face the last few months in Prague, we want to make you aware of the following needs so you can pray with us:

1. Subletting our apartment in Prague for 6 months (keeping the door open to returning)

2. Storage or an alternative for our furniture in Prague

3. A time of cross-cultural ministry debriefing for our family (there is one France called Le Rucher in early July, but it is 2,015 Euro for our family to attend not including travel)

4. Moving back into our house in Nashville (we will probably need some household items that are not in our small storage unit in Nashville, plus we are anticipating a lot of work needed to our house after 5 years of rental)

5. A car when we return 

6. Enrolling our kids in school in Nashville (still unresolved); finding extra curricular for our kids so their lives continue to feel as normal as possible; friends for our kids

7. Finances and how this period of discernment/ sabbatical will look 

8. A long-term vision for where God wants our family to serve His kingdom

9. Employment 

10. God has given us the phrase, “a soft place to land” as a summary of our desire for our family during this time.  Please pray for this for every member of our family. 

Thanks for your support and partnership in ministry. We feel carried by your love and prayers.  We can’t rush God’s timing, and trust the Lord will guide us and be faithful. 

Yours in His mercy and grace,

The Haydens