Serving Slovakia

July 2023

A 24-day adventure by Bruce & Stacy Read more

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Serving Slovakia
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- Jul 17, 2023, 2:23pm
- ☁️ 77 °F
- Altitude: 1,329 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Martin 49.068333, 18.92333349°4’6” N 18°55’24” E
Day 11
Week 2: first day of class
July 17, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
Today, we began our second week of class. Stacy has two returning students, Benjamin and Thomas, and two new students, Mike and Adam. It's another sporty group of boys, and they had fun taking Stacy to the big bouncer in the city square during their walk and talk. In my class, Roman is my only returning student. I also have Natali, Marek, Eva, and Ela. On our walk and talk, we stopped for lemonade and discussed traveling. After class, a teen boy in another group named Adam stopped me to ask about my interest in video games. It was a good topic to break the ice. For dinner, a group of us went to a traditional Slovak restaurant called U Jakuba. The food was delicious, and it was fun to share experiences with the other teachers.Read more
Looks like a wonderful time. [Kimmie]
7/17/23Reply
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Serving Slovakia
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- Jul 18, 2023, 9:27am
- ☀️ 68 °F
- Altitude: 1,329 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Martin 49.068333, 18.92333349°4’6” N 18°55’24” E
Day 12
Week 2: second day of class
July 18, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
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- Jul 18, 2023, 5:15pm
- ☀️ 75 °F
- Altitude: 1,706 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Istebné 49.216667, 19.22166749°13’0” N 19°13’18” E
Day 12
The Istebné Articular Wooden Church
July 18, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
In the year 1681, the hard economic and complicated political situation in Hungary forced Emperor Leopold I to summon the Sopron Assembly, which issued 72 articles. Articles 25 and 26 were related to freedom of faith. Based on article 26, the Lutherans were allowed to build 2 churches in every county. However, the churches must be situated outside of the city center, built only of wood, and completed within one year. The parish in Istebné lacked the funds to build a church but received financial support from Nordic congregations. Although decorations were sparse, and the people could only afford a wooden chalice, the church became the home of a faithful congregation that worshiped in times of hardship and oppression.

Bohdan shared with us about Psalm 23. He reminded us to focus on the basics: Jesus is our good shepherd, we are helpless sheep, and he rescues us from death to life.

After our visit to the church, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a traditional Slovak restaurant.Read more
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- Jul 19, 2023, 10:45am
- ⛅ 75 °F
- Altitude: 1,329 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Martin 49.068333, 18.92333349°4’6” N 18°55’24” E
Day 13
Week 2: third day of class
July 19, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
During class today, the students created a sales pitch to present to Uncle Hub and Uncle Garth. My team performed a creative skit and song to sell Slivovice. It was a lot of fun! Stacy's class decorated flower pots during art class and then gave them away to strangers during walk and talk.

After class, Bohdan gave us a tour of the school and explained how education has served as a bridge for sharing the love of God with the people of Martin Slovakia.Read more
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- Jul 19, 2023, 5:32pm
- ☀️ 68 °F
- Altitude: 4,177 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Martin Kalužná 49.093333, 18.83166749°5’36” N 18°49’54” E
Day 13
Martineské Hole
July 19, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
This afternoon, Roman and Janka took us on a drive to see Martineské Hole, an outdoor sport destination at the top of the hills that overlook Martin. In the summer, there's hiking and cycling, and in the winter there's skiing. We snacked on wild blueberries while we enjoyed the spectacular view. We are so thankful for the kindness and thoughtfulness of our new Slovak friends!Read more
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- Jul 19, 2023, 8:16pm
- ☀️ 72 °F
- Altitude: 1,394 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Tomčany Martin Airport 49.053333, 18.96333349°3’12” N 18°57’48” E
Day 13
A Garden Party at Anka's
July 19, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
We were invited to Anka's lovely home and gardens for a delicious dinner. All of the food was amazing, but we especially enjoyed the beet salad, rye bread with 7 mustard topping, pork and venison sausage, and of course Slivovice! The conversation was wonderful, and we were happy to see two of our younger students, brother and sister Benjamin and Diana.Read more
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- Jul 20, 2023, 11:40am
- ☀️ 72 °F
- Altitude: 1,296 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Martin 49.068059, 18.92248749°4’5” N 18°55’21” E
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Day 14
Week 2: fourth day of class
July 20, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
We had another terrific day with our students. Stacy's boys went on another scavenger hunt and had fun making a movie poster. We put on a skit for the students in my class where they had the chance to "Ask Old Men for Advice." I had fun playing the part of Vincent Van Gogh. During walk and talk, my students wanted to talk about their plans for college and the opportunity to study abroad. I had coffee after lunch with Ema and her mom, and Adam asked if I would have coffee with him tomorrow. I'm thankful for the opportunity to make new friends and that these teenagers are so eager to talk about their dreams for the future.Read more
Did Stace actually get on? [Kimmie]
7/20/23Reply
How fun! [Laura]
7/20/23Reply
Traveler LOL 🥰
7/22/23Reply
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- Jul 20, 2023, 3:49pm
- ⛅ 72 °F
- Altitude: 1,713 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Záborie 49.023333, 18.99166749°1’24” N 18°59’30” E
Day 14
St Margita Church, Turčianske Jaseno
July 20, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
This afternoon, we worshiped at The Gothic Church of St Margita in Turčianske Jaseno. The chapel is a unique example of Slovak folk architecture that dates from the early 13th century. It is one of only three remaining chapels of its kind and has been designated a National Cultural Monument in Slovakia.

Our worship service was small and private. Adrian led the service, Bev and I were asked to read scripture, and Bodan gave a sermon on Pentacost and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We all sang hymns and participated in communion. It was a beautiful time to thank God for all he has done for us and specifically for this wonderful experience to be a part of His work in Slovakia.Read more
Great pictures [Kimmie]
7/20/23Reply
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- Jul 20, 2023, 5:59pm
- ☀️ 70 °F
- Altitude: 1,568 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Záborie 49.036667, 18.98549°2’12” N 18°59’6” E
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Day 14
A Picnic with Bohdan's Famous Goulash
July 20, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Maria would love this! [Kimmie]
7/20/23Reply
Beautiful picture! [Laura]
7/20/23Reply
Traveler This looks like a painting! Wow!!!
7/22/23Reply
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- Jul 21, 2023, 10:54am
- ☁️ 70 °F
- Altitude: 1,329 ft
- Slovakia Zilina Martin 49.068333, 18.92333349°4’6” N 18°55’24” E
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Day 15
Week 2: Final day of class
July 21, 2023 in Slovakia ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
Our final day with our students was simply wonderful, even though it ended with a few tears and sad goodbyes. There were fun skits, a beautiful violin recital, walk and talks, gifts to exchange, and hugs to be given. The day ended with a farewell dinner, followed by singing and dancing. These two weeks have been such a wonderful experience. We can't wait to return!Read more
Traveler 🥰
7/22/23Reply
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