Opening Service for the School Year

It's late, but I wanted to get a post done about today, because it was a neat day.  We went to school at 7:30 and got some work done before walking over to the church for the opening service with all the students.  (A brisk 20-minute morning walk!)  There was such excitement in the air as all the students from both the basic (elementary) school and the gymnasium (secondary school) gathered outside the church in their class groups!!  Everyone was really dressed up and looking "smart", as they say here in British English.  Many parents and grandparents were also there to share in the big day.  The students were ushered in and seated with their class teachers, littlest ones in front.  As newbies, we were also seated in the front, with the Deputy Headmistress just behind us to translate.  I didn't take many pictures because there were school photographers moving around taking multiple shots the whole time, and the photos will be posted on the school website.  So I'll just include the link once the photos are there.  

Carol, Katerina, and Jana up in the balcony

The back of the church as students were leaving

The service was a lot like regular church, with hymns, scripture, liturgy, prayers, and a sermon, plus remarks and introduction of new staff members (including us) by the Headmistress.  One of the most amazing things about the day was when the opening words of the service were being read - a psalm - and we were hearing the translation.  Our eyes opened wide, and we were mouthing the words right along with Pat'ka because it was Psalm 103.  For those of you on the Olson side, you know why we had goosebumps hearing that as the opening for the celebration service!!  That is the celebratory "birthday psalm" that all the Siefkes family (Tim's mom's side) reads on birthdays, and writes in birthday cards.  We just felt it was an awesome affirmation of our journey here to Liptovský Mikuláš!!      The sermon was also really meaningful, as it talked about the plans God has for us, and how we also must make plans and work diligently towards goals, with the Holy Spirit's guidance.  We also heard about the importance of prayer - not just once in a while at a meal - but continually as we seek relationship with Jesus Christ in our lives.  While it was strange hearing a sermon via a translator, it was an awesome message for teachers and students alike.  

After the service, the teachers all gathered for a group photo, then headed back to school.  We got a ride with Pat'ka, which was nice.   Back at school, there was a combined staff meeting of both schools to discuss the upcoming anniversary celebration (elementary - 20 years & secondary - 10 years) at the end of September.  During the meeting, we were called up to the front and presented with our very own worship books, gold-stamped with our initials.  These were not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill standard versions, but really beautiful books with the fancy gold edging of the pages.  We were really touched by such kindness!  It was only yesterday morning when we asked where we could purchase one, and somehow the Headmistress orchestrated the purchase and embossing in less than 24 hours!  So from now on, we will be able to sing along with all the hymns as we worship here.  :-)  

Our new worship books with our initials in gold!  

Lunch with teachers was great, as usual during work days, and the school day ended at 2:00 again today.  Tim talked to Eric, a teacher who does an after-school basketball program, and he was delighted to take Tim up on an offer to help.  Pat'ka asked me if I'd help with her after-school drama/music program, and I'm looking forward to that joint effort!  We did get more preparations done in between events during the day, and left at 2:30.  

After changing into more comfortable clothes, we did a few errands, mostly to get groceries.  At the grocery store, there are several smaller shops (kind of like at Wal-Mart where they have an optometrist, nail salon, etc.), and as we were going by, a purse caught my eye.  I know, I know, I'm not the "purse" type, but here in Slovakia it has become evident that I need to carry a purse rather than my little string back-pack that has a logo on the back, when I am all dressed up for school or church.  All the female teachers here are so fashionable, and a purse is a "must" when there are so many things I need to carry - passport, camera, cell phone that doesn't fit so well in a pocket, etc.  So, yeah, Tim bought me a purse today!!  LOL!!  It's really cute and has lots of space to carry everything.  

The fountain we walk by almost every day, going to the town center

The new purse!!  :-)   

Tonight we had Carol, the American teacher we're replacing, over for supper.  She brought gifts, according to Slovak custom!!  A lovely bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, and two darling and delicious fancy cake slices.  Mmm - mm!!   We had good conversation and a delightful evening.  And that wraps up our day!

Tomorrow is another unexpected day --- instead of teaching, we will be taken to the police station in another town for our Slovak criminal background check.  Tim promised Pat'ka that he'd keep me in line tonight so I wouldn't have anything on my record by tomorrow!!  ;-)   
So, goodnight all!!