Time in Bratislava is quickly coming to an end. The last few weeks have been full of things–planning, cleaning, organizing library books, teaching, hanging out with friends old and new. The next week and half is sure to go by quickly. I’m feeling that time crunch of trying to fit everything in and trying to figure out what is most important. One of those things I’m trying to fit in is blogging some of my thoughts on being here lately. So here’s some random thoughts and observations about life lately.
Before I left for Bratislava, my community group at church had a little going away party for me and prayed over me. It was such a special time and something I’ve really appreciated being here. As a nice little bookend, the women in the two Bible studies I’ve been attending here both prayed for me as I return back home. Future plans at the moment look a little undecided at the moment, and I’m trying to stay open to where and how God leads. It’s been touching to me to not only being able to find community here in BA, but also to find people who have taken me into their hearts and prayers (and vice versa).
One thing that really touched me on Tuesday as the morning Bible study ladies prayed for me was how they affirmed the time I’ve spent here. One of my concerns about being here for 3 months was not fully living into the time, i.e. not getting invested in people because I’m only going to be here a short time. These ladies affirmed my committment to being with them each Tuesday and to getting to know them. The tears that have surprised me lately when I think about leaving here are evidence also of how invested I’ve become in this place and people. Leaving would certainly be easier had I not allowed people and places into my heart, but I know my cup would not be running over as it now with fullness had I not opened myself to this time.
So, part of the time crunch this next week is figuring out how to finish the tasks before me while also trying to squeeze out every opportunity to fully live with people in this place.
