Out of the Mouth of Babes...

Hi Everyone, Hope you are enjoying your summer! My summer is going well but I do miss my Czech home. One way I am able to keep in touch and practice my Czech is through Skype. I like talking with my dear Czech friends. Sometimes I even manage to contact a Czech friend by calling their cell phone. Today I surprised my friend Bohumila with a phone call to her cell. She was at the zoo with her two boys (Tony and Jarda). It was great to hear her voice and she told me that my "nephew" Tony reminds his parents to pray for "Aunt" Colleen to return to Brno. Tony will be 3 years old in a few weeks and God uses him to remind his parents to keep me lifted in prayer. His parents are amazed that not only he says this (not once but periodically) but also at his understanding of my situation and so am I. But maybe I shouldn't be because I can tell you Tony has been as much a part of my life in Brno as I have been apart of his young life. He was born 4 months before I moved there and after I arrived we quickly became friends as I would watch him for his mother once a week for a few hours. During my first 2.5 years there, Czechs often commented on how well Tony and I interact with each other. If nothing else God continues to teach me He knows my situation better than I do and uses even little ones to encourage adults to do the important things like pray-- Oh how I miss that little boy and his little brother. So can I ask a favor... please join with Tony and his family in prayer asking God to provide all of my financial and prayer support needs so that I can return on the 6th of October to minister where my heart lives. Thanks so much. Until next time take care.
Blessings,
Colleen

What is "HMA"?

Hi Everyone, Hope you are enjoying your summer! This summer I am serving what they call a Home Ministry Assignment. It is hard to believe but in June I finished my first 2 year term on the mission field. (God actually had me stretch it for an additional 6 months so I could complete my language course that ended in June). So what does one do during their HMA... while I am here in the US for the next 3+ months--my goals are to reconnect with family, friends, and supporters ; to ask and get the necessary prayer and financial support for my next 2 year term; to take a break from the rigors of Czech language acquisition, culture learning and relationship building; and to draw close to God as He helps me process through the last 2.5 years on the field.

It was difficult to say, "See you later to my Czech friends" as I packed up for the summer because that is home to me. I tell Czechs all the time (& I mean it when I say it) "Moje srdce žije tady" in Czech that means "My heart lives here". It truly is a gift from God that He provides a way for me to minister among the Czech people. I know that He continues to grow me up and equip me for the ministry there. I am honored to serve among the Czech people and look forward to my next term.

While I am here in the States, I sometimes have an opportunity to talk with Czech friends through the internet. It helps me practice speaking Czech so I don't forget what I've already learned. It is great to keep in contact with them. Many of them say thank you to all of you who support me not only with finances but especially with your prayers. The Czech Christians know it isn't always easy for me as I struggle at times to learn their language. But they tell me, "We see that God is with you and He helps you." It really encourages me when they say that! I think they are looking forward to my return on the 7th of Oct. as much as I am. Please pray God will lead and direct my steps as I look to Him in helping me get the necessary financial commitments for my next two years during these 3+ months I am here in the US.

Just wanted to share a few thoughts about my HMA.
Take care until next time.

Blessings,
Colleen