The Carlsons

"Your on. Let's go."

2011-10-24T19:32:00.000+02:00

This weekend marks 15 years since we left the USA and moved to Poland.

After nearly 2 years of support raising and weeks of saying goodbye, we were joined by 30 people as we waited to board our flight out of the country. We had just celebrated our second wedding anniversary too.

Were you there 15 years ago?

If you were, you may have remembered the drama involved with departure. We had received flight vouches to fly standby. As we waited at the gate with these loving friends and family, we didn't know until the last minute if there was room for us. So as we were watching and waiting, talking, hugging, laughing, watching, waiting...all of a sudden the flight attendant said, "OK. Your on. Let's go."

Quickly rushing through last hugs we walk through the door, down the tunnel to the door of the plane. As we arrive at the plane's entrance, another flight attendant comes out telling us to wait just a second. Then, a second later tells us there is no room for us!! She then proceeds to shut the door to the airplane. Oh no! As we walk back through the jetway back to the gate, we beg the airline attendant to allow us to stand behind the door for 15 minutes until all our friends leave. She smiled, and as she explained that it's not possible, cheering and clapping erupted as the plane pulled away. This abruptly was replaced with groans of disappointment as we emerged from the door back into the the gate area!

What love!! Fortunately we were able to board the next flight and had a quiet time with my sister and her family as everyone else returned home.

We then had a layover in Chicago with dear friends, Harrelsons and Inslees! Thanks for coming and hanging out with us!

Finally de-boarding in Frankfurt, Germany, the first person we see? Dick Patty, ready with luggage cart! We went through to baggage claim and were met by our Josiah Venture team leaders, Dan & Laura Hash, as well as Cadence International missionaries, Dick & Margaret Patty, Billy Brand, and Paul & Stacy Cassidy.

After a few hours in Germany, we loaded up the Hashes car and began a long drive through Czech Republic on towards Poland. We arrived mid-early morning to Dave & Connie Patty's home and slept for a few hours before driving the last 2 hours to the Hashes home in Poland.

I remember my first eager look at Poland after we crossed the border. It looked similar to this:

My first time ever to see Poland was the day I moved here!! God has done so much here in Poland and the country has change alot too. But that's for another post!

H2O Grand Opening!!

2011-09-16T14:49:00.000+02:00

This summer was a busy summer preparing for the Grand Opening for H2O Camp & Conference Center. If you have ever hosted an event in your home, you can understand the preparations necessary:

menus to plan, prep, and prepare...

pools to clean, bedding to change...

tree limbs to trim...

Greg's brother Jeff came to help with landscaping!

sidewalks to weed...

Thank you Kathy!!

amphitheater to complete...

So peaceful! Thank you Neal!!

gifts to purchase...

Laura giving our Thank You gifts.

balloons to blow up.

Clearly it's all hands on deck to get everything done on time.

At last the Grand Opening weekend came.

On Friday September 9, 2011, Michal welcomed local clergy & civil authorities along with the business' that had a part in remodeling the conference center.

This included a tour of the buildings and premises conducted by Lukasz; Greg and the local Mayor officially cutting the ribbon, followed by a beautiful banquet spread prepared by our amazing cooking staff.

Saturday we took time as Fala staff (the Polish organization we work with), family, friends and donors who traveled to Poland for the celebration to reminisce the many miracles God had done over the 7 years to purchase and renovate.

On Sunday we had a Grand Opening Celebration with local churches who have prayed for us, worked alongside us, encouraged us to press on when it got tough, lived life with us these many years.

Greg and Leszek cutting the ribbon on Sunday.

We are pleased for all that God has done over the last 7 years with the project and what He has done with our team and us as individuals. He didn't wait to use H2O as a tool to change the lives of so many Polish youth (Canadian, Irish, American, Czech as well), but used it each time someone was there.

We dedicate it to Him.

If you have a Facebook account you can find great pictures of the event on Osrokek h2o.

Summer 2011

2011-09-15T13:09:00.001+02:00

Two days following the end Collision English Camp in our local church, we flew to the States for one month of home assignment. During that time of connecting with supporting churches and individuals we were able to spend time with our families.

Here we are with the Carlson side, catching up and celebrating Greg’s mom’s 81^st birthday together.


Greg's Family

Heidi's family

Here we are with the Compton side, celebrating my mom’s 80^th birthday together.

The weeks flew by with many greetings, deep talks, reunions & celebrations followed by quick (and often sad) goodbyes. Certainly our hearts were full and emotions weary as we headed back to Poland again.

Our girls then had a one day turn around before heading to Josiah Venture's JVKids Camp in Croatia. Here they spent a week with all our JV missionary kids and Josiah Venture staff. This is a camp they look forward to all year long.

Jillian water skiing in Croatia!!!

EC Collision Continues

2011-07-14T09:48:00.000+02:00

Collision English Camp 2011 in Bielsko Biala continues and here are more pictures for you to enjoy.

We began the day at the movie theater of all places. We received free tickets with a purchase of an ice cream!

Then back to camp for our English classes!

Greg knows the answer to this one.

Kelsey helped translate in this class pictured below. Can you find her?

Beginning the evening program with our Theme Song and Dance.

And Lost and Found recovery. These guys had to dance to Wii to retrieve their "lost" belongings.

Singing both English and Polish songs required the students to teach the Americans how to sing in Polish!

After Evening Program we had our fun night: Hollywood Night!

It began with a Red Carpet Arrival...

...and rushing forward for autographs...

....followed by an evening of fun including Wii Just Dance 2!

Everyone having a great time. Below, our Polish staff from L - R is Filip our sound guy, David our sports guy, and David our camp director!

Even our English teachers jumped in!

Special appearance by Hannah Montana.

Josh and Lora Blair our Intern Team Leaders.

Jillian and Elyse, missionary kids from Poland. Jillian was primarily responsible for the Wii Just Dance night!

There are just a few days left of camp. The students have been very open to talking about Jesus and the Bible. Many have commented that this week hearing about Jesus has been more relevant to them. Most of their church experiences don't include being asked what they think about the Bible or the examples and teachings of Jesus. They have been able to express their thoughts, ask questions or clarify areas they don't understand.

Thank you for praying for them all.

Collision EC 2011

2011-07-13T14:13:00.000+02:00

Collision English Camp has begun in our home town, Bielsko Biala. We have a total of 80 attending and camp is full of energy and excitement. In addition to the middle school and high school students we have 3 other groups of leaders. Our home church from Colorado, Foothills Bible Church, our Josiah Venture Poland summer intern team, and our local church here in town who is hosting the camp.

Here are pictures from the first 2 days to give you a taste. You can also follow The Blairs blog; they are the Josiah Venture Intern Team leaders for Poland.

Ice Breaker Games

Discussion Group

Paint guns and BB guns workshop!! Lots of girls signed up!

Cowboy Night!

Here we all are!

Dawid (David) is the Polish Camp Director and doing a great job.

Learning a new dance. It was a BIG hit. So much fun!

English Classes!

Collision - English Camp

2011-06-27T15:15:00.002+02:00

Summer English Camps 2011 have begun!! Saturday June 25 was the kickoff for the first 2 camps. By the end of the summer we will have had 8 camps throughout Poland.

The preparation began in the fall; choosing a theme, coordinating with Polish churches who want to host a camp along with North American churches who want to bring their youth group over to staff a camp. Mid May our summer intern teams arrived and spent a week at Josiah Venture's Summer Intern Training along with interns serving all over in central and eastern europe countries.

At the start of June, Poland summer interns came to our town, Bielsko Biala to advertise in schools. They came to Kelsey's Jr High to advertise. Because of their visit, 15 kids from her school are signed up for English camp which begins July 9th!!

There's Kelsey standing in the middle.

Here is Greg in her school with our Poland intern team giving the class a sample of English Camp.

Later the summer intern team and our polish youth group leaders spent a day together hiking in the mountains. Our camp is July 9-16. We are especially excited to have our sending church Foothills Bible Church, Littleton, CO join our home church here in Bielsko Biala!!

It is our prayer that in the midst of a full life, students will Collide with Christ this summer.

Take a Look at H2O!

2011-06-23T20:24:00.001+02:00

So many changes in such a short time. So many things left to finish - in such a short time as well. We are getting things ready for our first summer camp in renovated H2O, but already we have hosted many meetings, short training conferences, and this week, Summer English Camp orientation for 2 north American groups. Saturday begins English camp for 2 Polish churches; one of camps is here at H2O!

If you want to see more, check out H2O Extreme Makeover and H2O photo album!

Health Updates

2011-06-20T08:42:00.031+02:00

For over six years, our daughter Jillian, has had stomach pain. We went from one thing to another in determining what was wrong with little head way. In the fall of 2009 we hunkered down to concentrate on the pain by seeing a pediatric gastroenterologist here in Poland. This led to, of course, many tests of all kinds. After 5 months we received a diagnosis of "Functional Abdominal Pain", with the explanation that there could be a 1000 different reasons for the pain, though from by disease or abnormality.

As parents, one of the hardest things is to see your child in pain and not be able to help at all. After another year of no changes or lessening of her discomfort, I wondered if there was another body system we should concentrate on, since her digestive system did not show anything wrong (except the pain). Greg and I talked and we decided to take her to the USA and seek medical help. I felt I really needed to consult and ask my long list of questions in English language. After doing that, we would continue treatment here in Poland.

So Easter week of this year, Jillian and I headed to Portland, Oregon with a file full of her Polish lab results to see another pediatric gastroenterologist and also a naturopathic doctor. We left the pediatric gastroenterologist office with the same conclusion that our Polish doctors had given us: Functional Abdominal Pain; her pain was real, but not caused by disease or abnormality. Wow! I was so hoping to hear, "This is what's wrong". I was disheartened.

The next day, we left the naturopathic doctor on a hunch that Jillian had 2 issues going on with her stomach pain. After another week of lab tests and waiting now several weeks for the results to process, I finally consulted with the doctor by phone just a week ago on her hunch.

In short, Jillian has 2-3 issues and we are taking steps with diet, supplements, and medicine to address them. Because of bacteria build up, some of her auto immune enzymes are too low, and she spike high on food allergies (or intolerance) to gluten, milk, eggs, and dairy. We have now jumped into another world as a family, and are quickly making dietary changes. Our naturopathic doctor told us that Jillian should begin feeling better in 4-5 weeks. So, for Jillian, we are moving forward one meal at a time.

Last day of school!

On other family health news, Greg had his heart check up 2 weeks ago. Everything looked good and we are still making dietary changes and increased cardio work outs for us both.

Today I had my routine post cancer check up and all is clear. This month marks 9 years cancer free for me!

We are grateful for God's provision of our health providers here in Poland and God's direction for Jillian in Portland, Oregon. Thank you for standing with us through your prayers, suggestions, concerns and just checking in with us.

Gwiazdkowa Niespodzianka

2010-12-18T13:53:00.000+01:00

Christmas Surprise!!

Our church had many Christmas Surprises for families living near our church. You may know them as Samaritan's Purse Christmas boxes. Each year our church members prepare boxes to give to families in need in our community. We add our boxes to boxes supplied by Samaritan's Purse and distribute them. A year ago, however, we choose to do something different. We invited the families for a Christmas celebration. Here we we had a small holiday meal for their parents while the children enjoyed their own program.

This year we had tons of food, lots of helpers, and more than 150 parents and children attended.

It has always moved me how the people in my church give so generously. They made up around 73 packages -- we have about 80 regular attenders each Sunday. They also made so many salads and yummy cakes, came up to 3 hours earlier to set up and of course, clean up afterward. But this year what touched me the most came up at a quick evaluation meeting.

We had 5 full tables like this,

"Why are we doing this? What are we going to do next? Are we going to follow up with these people?"

Traditional Christmas Cookies

2010-12-17T11:12:00.000+01:00

Each year we've done it -- baked the Christmas cookies and decorated them. Many times I've invited the neighbor boys to come over and do it with us. The cookies are great, but the decorating doesn't turn out like the pictures on the recipes!! That was fine all these years because the kids had a great time.

This year I made gingerbread dough and the cookies look great!! So dark with stunning white icing. Only thing is that the cookies are SO HARD!! It takes a good crush of the teeth to break off a piece to munch on!! As I was cleaning up the decorating stuff this afternoon I had a little conversation with myself about next year's baking, especially after Kelsey announced she preferred to give her friends and teachers chocolate chip cookies instead. Not gonna make the Christmas cut out cookies; it's disappointing. We'll make chocolate chip cookies instead.

The girls and I are suggesting the gingerbread cookies be eaten with tea or coffee so you can dip them. They taste great, by the way. Oh, and after they've had all that decorators icing on them a few hours, they've soften up! I should tell you that the recipe was for gingerbread houses which we are going to make on Sunday. They'll be great for that - and sturdy.

Mr Benedict!!

2010-09-29T14:28:00.000+02:00

Somewhere mid July I grabbed The Mysterious Benedict Society off the shelf to read to the girls while on a road trip. We got a few chapters in, loved it, then returned home. Kelsey then proceeded to take the book and finish it in the next 2 days. She even passed on a movie in order to finish the book!

Now that brought me great joy. Jillian proceeded to finish it as well over the next few weeks on her own and with me reading parts along the way.

Soon we ordered book 2 and again, in a few days, both girls finished the book.

Now let me tell you, it's a great read: full of puzzles, word teasers, challenges and danger. I'm so excited for the eager interest in reading now in our home and I will remember that it was Mr Benedict and his friends that made it happen.

End of school

2010-07-20T20:20:00.000+02:00

Here are some pictures from the end of school. Photos from each of the girls class trips. Kelsey's class went 2 days to the mountains.

Jillian's class had a field trip to our house!! A day of outdoor games and authentic grill hamburgers, most of the kids had never had a hamburger before.

Julia & Estera - Kelsey's closest friends

Jonas, Dawid, Marek

Iwona, Julia, Karolina

Sixth grade class

Jillian's class playing games at our house!!

Dress up relay race and balloon stomp.

Enjoying the trampoline

Last day of school. Jillian & Pani (Mrs) Pliszek

Jillian and Marysia

Last day of elementary school for the 6th grade!!!

Had to put him in here. He's just so adorable!!

Mutually Encourged

2010-05-17T11:02:00.001+02:00

I am so thankful for my Bible and the people I can meet when I read it. I have been thinking of Paul because he had a HUGE heart for so many others. He was a missionary, he traveled telling others about Jesus and then he went back to encourage them in their faith.

We recently had 2 delightful guests visit us - and we were certainly encouraged. Joy & Joyce from our sending church in Colorado came for a visit. Joyce has served as Director of Missions for Foothills Bible Church 14 years (all the years we've been on the field) and has taken such very good care of us. This was her first time to visit and we were so blessed to have her and Joy with us. This was Joy's 3rd visit and we loved it.

On the heels of the tragic death of Poland's President and many important government workers and the 70th anniversary of Katyn, we had a very significant time together.

In downtown Bielsko Biala (our town)

In Krakow's famous cloth-hall.

Krakow flower vendors

H2O - our favorite place

Our favorite resturant

Meeting our dear friends and future neighbors while experiencing Polish hospitality...

... who gave real meaning to the murdering of thousands of soldiers in Katyn over 70 years ago

a live stork in it's nest atop the village fire station with 24 hour live webcam!

and joining 3 days of our Josiah Venture Family conference in Czech Republic.

Hope this gives you a taste of our time together and what you might experience when you come for a visit!

Baptism

2010-05-17T09:57:00.000+02:00

Yesterday 7 people were baptized. Living in a catholic nation, choosing to publicly demonstrate your faith through baptism - acknowledging that Jesus is your savior who died and then rose from the dead - is no small thing.

The church was full of friends and family members who don't attend our church to take place in this celebration.

Just minutes before they are baptized. I just love their faces!

A precious one of Marta. We first met Marta 5 years ago as a 7th grader when she was first curious about chruch, the Bible, and Jesus.

I love how everyone gets as close as they can!

Afterwards. Just look at their beaming faces!

Sabina, Marta, Wiesia, Aneta (Marta's mom).

All discipled by Wiesia whose first contact was "Operation Christmas Child". Later they came to Mama Mamie (our Moms group).

Doctor Maliszewska

2010-05-17T09:10:00.000+02:00

Here is a photo of the doctor who has been helping us figure out why Jillian's stomach hurts so often. We first saw her in November and she has been so helpful and kind. And, within the last 2 weeks, Jillian has less and less stomach pain.

Thank you for praying for Jillian and us these many months. We will continue to discover what exactly the issue is and we are encouraged she is having less pain.

The BIG exam in 6th grade.

2010-05-16T22:05:00.002+02:00

After the 6th grade achievement test on April 8th, most of Kelsey's class took the rest of the day off to celebrate. I thought you'd like to see some pictures of her classmates and our city.

Julia & Julianna

Martina & Marta

walking through town

and across town

to the mall!

the boys

McDonald's reward!

A Light in the Darkness

2010-04-07T19:54:00.000+02:00

ἄρτιος - artios

fitted; complete, perfect;
having special aptitude for given uses

This weekend will be the 3rd Artios, a two day training to help youth leaders and their ministry teams grow in their personal ministry as well as equip them to serve more effectively in their youth group. This spring's theme, led by Daniel and Iwona Eifling is "A Light in the Darkness" and will provide practical ways for students to be a light in their home, their school, their city.

2Timothy 3:17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Piotr (Peter) a long time friend who has faithfully served the Lord now co-leading this ministry in NW Poland in addition to working full time and volunteering at his church. For years we've wanted to equip young leaders in western and northern Poland and Piotr is making this possible.

To enjoy a short video of last month's training click on the following link and scroll to the middle. Artios (The blog is in Polish, but the video is with music - enjoy!).

"When we talked about being a light in the darkness at school, I realized that I'm simple used to living in the darkness. I think to myself 'These people live this way and it's normal for them to be that way', so I just accepted that they are that way. But I came to realize at Artios that I need to shine for Christ in my relationships."
A student who attended Artios last month in a different city in Poland.

Greg and Kelsey will be joining them this weekend. Greg is teaching on being a light in your school, reflecting on his time in High School as a new believer.

Please pray:

Travel one way - 12 hours driving, plus picking up others, short stops
Receptive hearts for the 5-6 youth groups attending and hearing the challenge of being a light in their community
Those speaking on being a light: Iwona (in your family), Greg (in your school), Daniel (in your community as youth groups; and Piotr on what it is to live in darkness.

Ephesians 5:8-10 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth), and find out what pleases the Lord.

Let's Catch Up

2010-02-12T09:37:00.002+01:00

Coming to Denver this Month

It's been awhile since we've had a good talk with you. While we are in town, please come to the events at Foothills Bible Church February 20-21 & 27-28 or coffee hours listed below and let's catch up. There is so much more to share and we'd love to hear from you. You can find our itinerary on our blog and Facebook pages.

20 Feb   6pm Service Foothills Bible Church
21 Feb   8:45 & 10:45 service
21 Feb   12:30 - 2:30 Carlson Ministry Presentation @ Foothills Bible Church (contact us 630.890.4955)
22 Feb   8-10:00 Drop in Breakfast Connection @ Panera Bread in SW Plaza Shopping Center
27 Feb   8-10:00 Drop in Breakfast Connection @ Panera Bread in Aspen Grove on Santa Fe
27 Feb   6pm Service Foothills Bible Church
28 Feb   8:45 & 10:45 service

We are so thankful for this opportunity to see you. Please give us a call.

Heidi, Greg and girls

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2010-02-04T01:15:00.000+01:00

If that's true. What words come to mind when you see these?

I love this one!

What would you say about a thousand words without a picture?

Dull
Boring
What?
Yeah, yeah.

Well in this age of instant communication and publishing at our fingertips, I am overwhelmed in how to communicate our life here in Poland if it's not flashy, classy, or current ESPECIALLY if I don't have a picture. So read on for what's been happening in our lives these last few months.

A Lifelong Gift

2010-02-02T10:57:00.000+01:00

Last week Greg and I along with 42 other Josiah Venture missionary couples and national couples from 11 countries were gifted 4 days of concentrating on our marriages. During this week, through honest, Biblical teaching, and practical insights we have grown deeper in understanding each other and look forward to working on the tough areas of missed connections in order to love and be loved more deeply.

Birthday Traditions

2010-02-01T01:51:00.011+01:00

We've been friends with Ken and Dawn longer than we've been married - in fact Ken has a big part in Greg and I getting married. Over the years we've kept in touch, but about 6 years ago, Ken became a part of Jillian's birthday celebration. He is usually "in country" the week of her birthday and manages to spend the day with us, many times helping us host birthday parties for little girls! This year we were blessed to spend a few hours (not nearly enough) together - now our tradition.

Thanks for blessing us Ken. Next year with Dawn!!

But before Ken arrived we celebrated with the Shepperson family, Josiah Venture missionaries in Slovakia. Zac graciously shared his birthday on January 2nd with Jillian while our two families hung out together over New Year's Eve. Carlson's and Shepperson's parties always include Kim's amazing German Chocolate Cake.

The 3rd party for Jillian include her school friends. A pajama party - a first for all of them.

Birthday goofy

Ending a fantastic week in Krakow, Poland at a marriage conference, we came home to our girls and our teammate Susan who loved on and cared for them while we were gone to celebrate Greg's birthday. And of course, a traditional cheesecake (Greg's favorite). Kelsey's first time to make her own with Susan's help.

Susan and Kelsey proudly showing Greg's birthday cheesecake!

Not Traveling, but spending time with friends.

2010-01-31T01:49:00.001+01:00

We ended 2009 spending time with dear friends and came into 2010 rested, refreshed and our tanks full. Some of our highlights were: staying in our PJs most days, reading, working on things we normally don't have time to (like organizing bead collections and painting), watching Star Wars episodes 1-6 (an important cultural experience for our girls). Thanks Alice for the loan. Just yesterday I was listening to an audio program with the girls and there was a spoof on Darth Vader - a month ago they wouldn't have connected with it, but now they do.

We also enjoyed spending time with our church family. Here is a photo of Jillian reading something from our Sunday service. Christmas day we drove 25 minutes across country borders to join our JV Czech team mates for Christmas dinner and hanging out together, singing carols there too, playing games, oh, and eating!

Bringing in the New Year with the Shepperson family, now a tradition, was wonderful time. They brought their Wii with them and Greg and Zac played several rounds of golf while the kids connected in all areas of the house and Kim and I in the kitchen.

And to top off the season, our annual visit with the Popiela family from Torun. Many of you may remember we first lived 5 years in Torun, Poland and met Kamila first when she was 17, then later Michal. They have 2 cute daughters who love spending time with our girls (and our girls love the "little girls" just as much). Cody gets his kisses in when he can and sometimes they are returned with a giggle.

Brrrrrrrrr

2010-01-30T01:50:00.000+01:00

Though the weather outside is frightful, the work continues at H2O Camp Facility. Debris removed, concrete floors poured, windows installed, walls for future office and restrooms built. Check out H2O Extreme Makeover for more of the story and pictures of what's happening today and how it will look in the future.

Winter Activities

2010-01-29T01:45:00.000+01:00

While serving with Josiah Venture in Poland, our family is actively involved in our local church here in Bielsko-Biala. Greg has served as an elder these last 2 years and Heidi is involved in ministries with women. This winter Greg has been co-preaching through I Timothy with our pastor and really enjoys it.

We are also into our 3rd year of leading a Home Group Bible discovery each week. Currently we are studying Galatians and it has given us clarity between living by the rules of "doing" the right or wrong thing vs living by faith in "being" who God intends us to be and "receiving" what he has for us - not working for it.
Greg is a wonderful Bible teacher and I love how he has taught our group to look at the Bible text and learn for ourselves rather than listen to him teach or tell us what it means. This group now has those skills.

Each year our congregation puts together Christmas boxes for children and we distribute them together with the packages received from Samaritan's Purse. This December we hosted a Christmas program for 200! While 180 kids attended a program and received their packages, 80 parents from the community were treated with their own program including holiday food, carols, and a Christmas message.

Sunday morning of Christmas weekend, the men of our church family hosted their first ever Christmas breakfast, from cooking, serving, & cleaning up. Guess who's idea that was?! Rumor is that the men haven't been in the kitchen in 30 years. We are looking forward to a repeat performance next Christmas. Catch a glimpse of our handsome waiters!

Christmas Present

2009-12-22T18:52:00.004+01:00

When I was in High School, the town I lived in had a "Live Nativity" that several of the local churches participated in. Of course there was Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus; there were shepherds, and live animals.

Our youth group was the Host of Angels - singing "Glory (clap, clap), glory to God, glory to God in the highest; glory to God". Mickey, our beloved bus driver and part of the youth staff was Gabriel. Oh I remember all the giggling and the urgent hushing that make it harder to stop giggling, and, of course, our frustrated Music Pastor, Bob C.

Today Greg and I took our Fala office staff out for Christmas lunch and during the time we talked of past Christmas memories. Memories of being at Grandma's in the country with all the family, Christmas trees that were lit up with real candles (and then spread to the tree! oh no!). It was a great time. During our time, Kazik (he is the groundskeeper), said he hopes the Christmas party will be held at the camp facility, H2O next year. I was so touched by his wish because it means he really wants this place to open up and be used for events such as office Christmas parties, in addition to summer youth camps!

We then began talking hosting a "Live Nativity" there that local churches would participate it. It was really a great time of talking about Christmases past and ones to come. That was a fun discussion!

Just some hope for the future for me today.

Thankful that Jesus came.

Call in the Work Crews

2009-09-10T17:36:00.000+02:00

Our family spent the summer at Fala's camp facility H2O. There were 3 work groups that came through the summer: Foothills Bible Church (our home church), another crew of 3 groups together (Arizona, Poland, and Ireland), and the 3rd crew from Wroclaw (west Poland).

Call in the work crew!!

Click here to read the full story of the H2O summer and the teams.

In Two Directions!!

2009-08-14T14:42:00.000+02:00

Summer began with Greg and Josiah Venture Poland's Summer Interns headed to NE Poland for English / Sport Camp

Greg with the Intern Team

Kids enjoying the day

Learning vocabulary!

Lovin' It!

Heidi, Kelsey, and Jillian flew to California to visit Heidi's family as well as Grandma Carlson.

Girls with my sister, Aunt Linda

Oma, Jillian, Uncle Cliff, Aunt Linda, Aunt Terri (sister), and Kelsey

At the beach with Grandma Carlson and Oma

With Uncle Cliff

Last Day of School!

2009-08-14T14:23:00.000+02:00

Jillian completed 2nd grade and Kelsey 5th grade. Here they are on their last day; Jillian with her teacher and classmates, Kelsey with her classmates. Greg and I are so proud of what our girls can accomplish in their second language. Way to go girls!!

More fun

2009-05-29T22:58:00.000+02:00

This morning as I drove the carpool to school I had some classic music playing quietly. The kids were talking and during a lull in conversation noticed the music. They turned it up and within 5 seconds they all at the same time announced "That's Bach!". They then went through the selection naming the composers: Bach, Beethoven,...

When I was 11 I was trying to memorize that rap song "I am wonder Mike and I'd like to say hello..." or something like that.

These kids have all 3 High School Musical releases memorized as well!

Fun time in life.

Just for fun..

2009-05-29T22:56:00.000+02:00

Mirek and Ania joined our home group last night. Since it was their first time, Greg asked if they could share how they met and married. They met at a youth retreat in 1983 and had a conversation. Afterward Mirek kept thinking about Ania and so he wrote her 2 letters. He didn’t know her last name and knew only that she lived in the city Bielsko Biala (about 45 miles from his home). After asking around, he got her address and traveled by train to her city. However, at that time in Poland, under martial law, he needed permission to travel out of his county into the next county, which he didn’t have. Did you read that correctly? From county to county, not country, traveling papers were needed. At each train stop militia asked for identification and traveling papers. Somehow he made it to Ania’s house, dropped the letters in her mailbox and returned home; he didn’t even knock on her door.

Their story goes on and of course they got married, but what struck me was that was only 25 years ago! So much has changed here in Poland. It’s no wonder there is such a huge gap between parents in their 40s/50s and their children. Today Poles can travel Europe with only legal identification (like a drivers license or social security card) without permission or checkpoints.

Oh may this generation of young people who have freedom their parents never had at their ages know that their true freedom can be found only in Jesus.

Summertime

2009-05-26T18:44:00.000+02:00

Summer is here - school is almost over and camp season has begun! This weekend throughout Central and Eastern Europe, Josiah Venture summer interns will be serving in Evangelistic English camps. This summer's theme is Stories.

As you look at our logo, its look is a familiar "block" apartment building, but you can see lights on in some apartments. This is our endeavor, to shine our lights right where we live. Pray for us and our summer team.

Pray that God's story will capture Polish hearts this summer. Please pray for our Poland summer interns: Kaylanne, Michal, Jordan, and Jessica. Pray for our camp staff: Laura, Jola, Dan, Alice, Krista. And pray for the polish youth groups that are hosting these camps.

This summer H2O will have several teams coming through to renovate!! Greg will be overseeeing them this summer. Pray for wonderful conversations as Polish youth groups work alongside North American church groups as they build a camp facility together!!

See on the left for both a slideshow of H2O and our "H2O Extreme Make Over!" blogsite.

Summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime...

Renovating

2009-05-22T02:28:00.000+02:00

I read in TIME (April 13) of a renovated 1889 bank in former Eastern Germany turned classy 5 star hotel in Berlin’s mint section. After WWII, the marbled flooring and detailed walls were covered up because it was too ornate for the soviet look. The renovation was 102 million dollars.
This caught my attention because we are in ongoing renovation of H2O, a camping facility. A week ago we heard good news about applying for European Union grants designated to small towns in Silesia, Poland – right where H2O is located. The maximum amount possible is equivalent to 3 million dollars. The article made me wonder where the classy bank / classy hotel renovation funds came from. Investments? Loans? European Union grants?

Old classy buildings torn down or redesigned for new buildings I see everywhere here. Old buildings become coffee shops, office buildings, hair salons, add class to new modern shopping centers, or, as in Berlin, a 5 star hotel. Oh how I long for an old coal mining recreation site to become an active, fun, camping experience for Poland.

A home of our own - someday

2009-05-16T17:47:00.000+02:00

Four years ago we began looking at houses to buy. Nothing available that fit our family and ministry needs - either too large or not large enough to accommodate all the visitors we have. So we kept looking and looking. Last summer dear friends, Grazyna and Leszek found land to buy in a nearby town for a very good price.

So we used Greg's inheritance to purchase this land shown below. Since that time we have pursued obtaining a loan in order to build a home. During these world wide financial times it has been difficult.
March 9th, Leszek and Grazyna began building their home in the lot next to ours. You can see their progress here. In this last year, they have helped us with all the paperwork securing permits for everything (water, sewage, electricity, gas, and so much more). We have house plans ready to submit for a building permit, a builder ready to begin, and we wait on money to start. Please join us in praying for a loan from either a Polish or US bank.

Thanks.

Krakow Dragon

2009-05-16T17:07:00.000+02:00

Another visit to Krakow. This time to renew Jillian's passport. We had a lovely day, enjoying the sunny weather, lunch out, getting the passport processed and a trip to the dragon's dungeon. Krakow is noted for its legend of Wawel's Dragon and Jillian's class recently learned about it. It was fun to go with Jillian to the castle and go down

down

down

down
to its depths

to see where
the dragon
lives.

Last Will and Testiment

2008-12-23T18:56:00.000+01:00

Over a year ago I wanted to update our will and made arrangements to do so 2-3 times in this last year. It's a bit tricky when we live overseas and all the documents need to be drawn up Stateside. Thankfully this fall we were able to draw up the documents when Greg was traveling for a month in the States. Though the documents were complete they were not valid because I was not with Greg to sign them before a Notary Public.

Well I'm happy to say that today we finally made it to the US Consulate in Krakow to sign them before a Notary Public. Phew!! Normally there handfuls of people in the Consulate conducting business, but today - empty. That meant we had no witnesses in order to sign our documents. Oh no! Another 2 hour drive some other working day? We left the Consulate and searched the market square straining our ears to pick up any hint of English speakers!! Fortunately we found willing New Zealand tourists to spend 40 minutes with us and be our witnesses. No pictures taking allowed in the Consulate or out in front for you to see their willing faces. I am quite thankful to have completed this task in the year 2008!!

We also had a few hours walking around Poland's beautiful Krakow.

A few fun pictures from our Fala Christmas Party!!

2008-12-22T19:30:00.000+01:00

The whole group with Daniel taking the picture.

The Classic White Elephant gift exchange involving a real white elephant!

Kazik showing off his gift.

The ultimate winners after the 3x steal - Starbucks coffee!

Marzena is the lucky winner of a wooden cassette tape holder. Congratulations.

Sylwia opening her gift with Zosia earnestly looking to see if she can play with it!

Oh how cute!

A little boxing with Wii.

Taster approval at the food bar.

Fala is the national youth organization we work with in Poland. We are fortunate to minister alongside with our dear friends.

BUSTED!!

2008-12-10T14:36:00.000+01:00

Cody, our dog, recently celebrated his first birthday. Since summer he has been doing more of those "dog" things. If you have a dog, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't have a dog, you don't really care. So here is a picture of him shortly after being "caught" nosing around in the garbage.

We didn't change a thing. This is how Kelsey found him!

What is Truth?

2008-11-10T13:04:00.000+01:00

Sunday finished 3 days of our cities local Evangelistic meetings that our church co-organizes with 2-3 other Christian fellowships. Saturday evening several of our "Mama Mamie" (a mom's group) attended!

Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life". These ladies heard what Jesus meant when he claimed to the be "The Truth".

Please pray for the words they heard this weekend.

All Saints Day

2008-11-01T12:19:00.000+01:00

November 1st is All Saints Day around the world, and this is how it's celebrated in Bielsko Biala, Poland. For several weeks now, families locally have gone to the cemetery to clean up their loved ones' grave site. They've organized and planned with relatives who live in other cities as to how to spend the holiday - who's house, who will cook the main meal, who will bring what kind of cake. This week they've grocery shopped, purchased fresh flowers and candles, made their travel plans. And today, they visit the cemeteries of their loved ones, pay respects, and attend mass. Click here for more reading about this.

I've taken a few pictures from our neighborhood Catholic church and cemetery - they are quite beautiful during the day and into the evening.

We remembered Grandpa, Greg's dad, today. He died in February and Jillian has especially missed her "only" grandpa.

As I write this Greg finishes week 2 of his 4 weeks in the States. Josiah Venture is hosting an event in 11 cities, celebrating 15 ministry years in Central and Eastern Europe (see earlier post for details). Along with him are 80 of our team mates and many nationals we minister together with. I have heard the evenings have been just wonderful and inspiring as friends and family and supporters like you have listened to testimonies of God's work here in Eastern and Central Europe.

Poland's population is near 40 million, barely 40 thousand are evangelicals; there are over 6 million youth in Poland. Recently I heard that there about 50 missionaries in Poland (9 serving with Josiah Venture), that's just under 2 million people per missionary. Now that's something to keep one busy with the Lord's work.

As the weekend closes, remembering those who have passed away, please pray with us for those 6 million youth who are still living.

Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life we have hope each day to offer to others.

Come and see what God is doing...

2008-10-22T18:34:00.000+02:00

Last Friday Greg flew to the States for the next four weeks to participate in Josiah Venture's "A Generation Waits..." 2x3 Campaign.

The first event begins this weekend, October 26th in Seattle. Greg along with our dear Polish team mates and 85 of our JV staff will be in various cities throughout the US sharing the vision and fruit of JV's ministry for the past 15 years.

If you live in any of the following cities, and would like to hear what God is doing in Central and Eastern Europe among young people and young leaders, click on the link below to register for a special evening of stories and testimonies. Included with the blessings of hearing what God is doing over here is a great dessert! I guarantee you will be deeply blessed by the evening.


Date	City	Time	Venue
Oct 26	Bellevue, WA	7:30pm	Crossroads Bible Church
Oct 28	Portland, OR	7:00pm	Marriott Downtown Waterfront
Oct 30	Scottsdale, AZ	7:00pm	The Westin Kierland Resort
Nov 1	San Jose, CA	7:00pm	Marriott San Jose
Nov 3	Pasadena, CA	7:30pm	The Westin Pasadena
Nov 6	Atlanta, GA	7:00pm	Hyatt Regency Downtown
Nov 7	Hamilton, ONT	7:00pm	Crowne Plaza
Nov 8	Peoria, IL	7:00pm	The Waterhouse
Nov 10	Minneapolis, MN	7:00pm	Marriott City Center
Nov 11	Denver, CO	7:00pm	Hyatt Regency Downtown
Nov 13	Oak Brook, IL	7:00pm	Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort

Click here to reserve a spot at one of these events! It's not too late.
http://www.2x3campaign.com/

Mama Mamie

2008-10-17T11:00:00.000+02:00

For over 2 years I have been co-leading a moms group we call "Mama Mamie" (moms with moms). It has been an extension of "Operation Christmas Child" an organization you may know of that gives Christmas boxes to children around the world. Our church here in Bielsko Biala also prepares these packages to give to needy families in our neighborhood.

We started Mama Mamie so we could continue reaching out to these families throughout the year. This small group of moms has become a small community that has affect our church in many ways.

Sabina is a young single mom who has participated in Mama Mamie as well as other kid programs at our church. Two years ago she gave her life to Jesus and continues to grow in her relationship with him.

Mariola is no longer a mother of preschoolers, but she began attending our church and every meeting that was offered. Soon she and her boyfriend also gave their lives to Jesus, went to city hall to get married and then were both baptized.

We've been together with Mariola and her husband Richard in a home group this last year. I so enjoy being with them. Their fresh and eager desire to know the Bible better and openness to blurt our their confusion, questions, or excitement has been refreshing and a joy to us.

It's these women and many more like them that make getting up in the morning worth it.

Reflecting on our Summer Sabaatical

2008-08-30T20:30:00.000+02:00

Some people say I'm sentimental. I tear up often in conversations with others. I cry when I read books. It happens in movies too. In fact Kelsey watches movies with me and keeps one eye on the TV and the other on me to wait for the tears. I even teared up once listening to Adventures in Odyssey (I'm embarrassed about that one). OK so after all these years I know that is who I am and I don't fight it. Except in 1992 I was in a job interview and the woman interviewing me asked if I had a cold!! She hired me!

I guess I express my joy, shock, sadness, gratefulness with my tears much more than my words.

I'm in a place of gratefulness again. It's connected to receiving. We spent most of our "sabbatical rest" with Neal and Kathy Gaalswyk. Just writing that sentence triggered the tears...and the loss of words to express my gratefulness to them. I've thought alot about God's grace this summer. I once heard a simple description of grace: receiving something underserved or without working or compensating for it. That pretty much describes my summer experience. They were tickled we were with them. We laughed, teased, played, talked, and enjoyed many steak dinners together. They have loved us and enjoyed us for who we are. Just the way God does. Most days I embraced it, lived in it, and rested in it. Once in a while I was overwhelmed by it. There is just way too much of God to ever experience or understand. That's one thing I am taking from my sabbatical rest.

Now after 2 weeks back in Poland I want to stay in the center of God's grace and extend it towards others.

Mt Rushmore

2008-08-23T09:47:00.001+02:00

Here we are in South Dakota where we camped a few days with my sister's family. Most of the time many of you who are reading this blog only hear of the youth in Poland, but I wanted you to meet some of our family too.

I love this photo of the girl cousins shopping in a old western town.

Jordan and Jillian doing each other's hair.
Me with my girls and Maddie my niece and Kerry my nephew in a cave.
My sister Susie as we say goodbye and drive in opposite directions....

and the mountain Mt Rushmore....

Time with Oma

2008-08-23T09:24:00.000+02:00

A wonderful part of our stateside summer was that both Greg's mom (Grandma) and my mom (Oma) came to visit us. I felt it was a great way to spend time together because they also rested and relaxed alongside us, reading a book or two.

Our last time on the lake sorta wraps it up...peaceful, quiet - something I wish could never end. Thanks for coming Oma and Grandma. It means the world to us.

She's up too!!

2008-07-10T00:17:00.001+02:00

Jillian is skiing now too!!

I got up too...

...and then down.

Even though I didn't stay up on I learned how to drive the boat!

HIT IT!

2008-07-08T06:41:00.000+02:00

She's up - on her 4th try!! Kelsey learned to water ski thanks to her boat driving dad and Neal Gaalswyk by her side in the water. She tried again a few days later and was up on the first try and went around the lake twice.

Greg joyfully told Neal the next best thing to leading someone to Jesus is teaching your daughter to water ski. Did you notice that she is over the boat wake? Jillian is sharing in the excitement too!

Grandma Carlson joined us in Minnesota last week and has enjoy witnessing everything both from shore and from the boat. We are enjoying this special time with her.

Pre-Camp training!

2008-07-05T07:31:00.000+02:00

While all of Josiah Venture is well underway with summer long English camps, our family completed our own "pre-camp training"right in the driveway . We came away with 12 very important steps guaranteeing an enjoyable camp experience. In a few days we're heading out to South Dakota to do a little sightseeing in a tent camper. Jillian and Neal are demonstrating one of the most important steps - unlatching the camper before trying to crank it open.

Another important step is adding the braces for the sleeping areas. Next is pulling out the sleeping areas which you see Jillian and Kelsey doing with Neal's help.

Finally the finished successful result!! Hopefully we'll have the same result at the campsite without Neal's help!

Living in America

2008-06-26T05:47:00.000+02:00

We arrived 12 days ago for our summer adventure. So far we've been busy on the Vierlings farm south of Minneapolis and this week experiencing lake living in Brainerd, MN.

Our 7 month old puppy, Cody, learned to swim a few days ago. The Gaalswyks are great hosts, and friends.

The girls have participated in Vacation Bible School this week. I am really proud of them for jumping into a program without knowing any of the kids or leaders. Thursday is the last day.

Normally when we are Stateside we visit 3-4 States for 2 weeks at a time. It's lots of traveling, lots of people, lots of emotions (saying hello and then right away goodbye), sharing years of life in short meetings or church services, mega shopping trips. It's nice to be in one place. We've only been to Taco Bell once!!

It's a whole new world for all of us.

2008-06-12T21:00:00.000+02:00

Weekend Fun

2008-06-12T20:39:00.001+02:00

Saturday our neighbor cut off branches from a Jasmine tree. So what did the kids do? They created a flower shop. Here are Jillian and Kelsey together with our neighbors Szymon and Wiktor (Simon & Victor).

2008-06-12T20:35:00.000+02:00

A girl and her dog.

2008-05-27T10:30:00.000+02:00

We are delighted to introduce you to our big boy, Cody. He just turned 6 months old and weighs as much as Jillian already!! They often dance together. He has brought much joy to our family in our short time together.

Jillian will complete first grade soon. She has had a wonderful year, making special friendships and learning to play the piano. Here she is with a few of her friends from class.

About Us

2008-05-22T11:12:00.000+02:00

Glad you found us!

We hope we can stay connected better this way.
Here is a recent picture of us and our 6 month old puppy Cody.
Enjoy -- Kelsey