Am I Really Here...

Hi Everyone, Ahoj--Greetings!! It has been 8 days since I arrived in Brno. Things are going well as I learn how to live in a different culture. Here's a few experiences I have had...

• The 3 flights over went smoothly no delays--amazing in itself :)
  
• My temporary apartment (flat) is very spacious & I was able to get settled quickly
• First dinner was at Bohumila & Mirek home. We had a traditional Czech dinner (breaded pork and sliced potatoes along with fruit dumplings for dessert) Everything was delicious! One of the highlights of the evening was seeing baby Tony for the first time. He is a chunk and has the round chubby cheeks you just want to kiss. He looks just like Bohumila did as a baby.
• Christmas sights and sounds are all around. I will try later to post some pictures of what Brno looks like at Christmas.
  
• The Czechs are spoiling me. They constantly want to give me food and more food. Or little gifts. I was afraid that I wouldn't have any gifts to open for Christmas--wrong I have several small gifts to open. I will open a few on Christmas Eve that is the day Czechs celebrate Christmas and I'll have a couple to open on Christmas Day, too!

The weather has been near freezing and once in a while dips into mid 20's. I handle it by wearing many--did I mention many :) layers of clothes. The other night the Czechs stood their watching me put on all my layers of sweaters and jackets. I asked what they were doing and they said they enjoyed watching me get ready to go outside. I also have a knit hat and a couple scarfs wrapped around me, too. I am nice and warm that is for sure. Thanks to everyone who gave or bought me a sweater, jacket or vest. I will continue to use them all--trust me!

A few of the challenges have been...

• I come to the Czech Republic and for the life of me I can't figure out how to unlock the front door of a house. Thank goodness I am starting to master how to do this. But the first full night I literally was outside not able to get in until the owner of the house came to my rescue. His neighbor called him to let him know I was having problems--I honestly was getting ready to ring the doorbell. ;) Unlocking a Czech door can be tricky!
  
• I still know how to walk in icy conditions without falling--my childhood memories of living in Ohio are rapidly coming back but it was a
  
• Good thing the other day I had so many jackets & sweaters on-- It helped cushion my fall when I tripped over a loose piece of sidewalk stone that made me stumble. I walked away with just a sore shoulder--no broken bones--Thank You Lord for your protection!

The greatest joy is just being here spending time with Czechs; riding the public transportation; and settling into the life God has for me! Many times I catch myself smiling and shaking my head after all this time I truly can't believe I am here--it is great!

Blessings,
Colleen