Journey of the Heart

Because YOU Asked: What ever happened with EduBridges?

EduBridges was the brain child of Natalia Niemiec one of the amazing young women I have had the privilege of working with over the last 18 years.

If you tied my hands I couldn't teach

Me w/Magda my translator
at the Baptist Church

She conceptualized a gathering of young leaders from countries throughout Europe to learn how to work more effectively with children & youth. To communicate better & more positively with one another. She felt that somehow I had taught her well these things & that there were other who could benefit from such an experience.

Susan prepping in Timisoara

She compiled a LARGE list of topics that span the more than 10 years that we have been friends. To be honest it was overwhelming. As we prayed the Lord lead us to invite Susan Ballantyne to join us.

Dudi & her team of organizers in Timisoara

Susan proved to be a great addition to the team.
After the 10 days of intensive training with 22 people we knew something special had transpired, but where would it go next? How would/could this continue?

Since that time the group has remained in contact through a private page on Facebook.
In March, Susan & I were asked to go to Timisoara Romania to teach a one day workshop to the English teachers of the city. Who would have known that more than 120 teachers would give up their Saturday to come hear us. The response was amazing! The invitation(s) are there to return & continue the training. Again...When? What exactly is to be taught?

Timisoara Workshop

I have had opportunities here in my area to teach some workshops on building self-esteem both to a secular audiences & in the local Baptist church.

Timisoara "Giant Exercise"

For me the greatest miracle of it all is to see how Jesus comes & sets people free when I teach these workshops...even in the secular setting.

He is truly the TRUTH! And the TRUTH sets us FREE. And who the Son sets FREE is FREE indeed!

Because YOU asked: How's Your Mom?

Mom with Aunt June

I'm reminded that little over 3 years ago my Mom's life was miraculously spared after having a brain aneurysm. This time has been filled with many adventures & challenges for us all but Mom has been an amazing trooper through all the surgeries, rehabs, hospital stays, and infections.

My brother Warren with the Cousins

During it all I have been blessed with many gifts in the midst of the challenges.

I now have an amazing relationship with my brother. We never had much of a chance to know each other as adults before Mom's illness. Since then, we have been room mates, we've laughed, we cried, moved Mom 2 major times. Now we talk nearly once a week :) I look forward to talking to him.
I've had the joy of seeing my Mom happy in her Assisted Living Home & her current Adult Family Home. I have had fun taking her to movies & shopping. And most recently being her own personal shopper...never thought that was a skill I had.
I've watched the far reaching arm of my Mom's relationships & how much so many people really love her. I've also had the joy of some of them telling me that I have done a good job in caring for mom.
I'm incredibly blessed to have so many friends of my own & people from my church that have loved me by loving my mom.

The Party

Everyday I'm so grateful to know that my Mom has no pain. Every nurse & doctor I've talked to about her condition is astounded.

Playing "footsie"

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was in the US in April. At that time there were some issues around some pressure sores that mom had. After talking with every doctor I could find, in the end Mom was accepted into the Evergreen Hospice program. Before returning to Poland, we were able to put on a party for mom at Vineyard Park where she was living. Some 30 people came to celebrate Mom. Mom's sister Aunt Patty was able to be there, along with two of my cousins from California & one from Spokane.

The weekend following the party Mom was able to move to her new home at a wonderful Adult Family Home where she is getting great care. She said that she has never been so well cared for.

She looks pretty good but you can tell that she is getting weaker.

Which is why, after the Missionary Women's Retreat that I'm hosting the end of the week I will be returning to Seattle for a month.

Mom this last week

Because you Asked: Where in the World ARE You?

Great Question!

Salzburg Austria

Eagle's Nest Germany

Well, today I'm sitting in my living room in Nowy Targ but in the last 6 months it feels like I've been all over the globe. Close but not quite.
I was in the US for a month at Christmas. Another month in April & I leave for yet another month in July. Most of which is related to my Mom's deteriorating health.
I've made a couple of trips to Budapest. And one trip to Timisoara, Romania. I've had opportunities to share in Poland as well, with the Baptists, the Catholic community in Krakow, and the Church of God.

Fountain in Salzburg

I even got a visit to Austria & Switzerland in in May.

My good friend Cathy & her mom Mary came to Salzburg for a "Sound of Music" experience. I got to join them on their adventure. We had a great time reliving all things "Sound of Music"
After dropping them at their river cruise I took the opportunity to go visit my good friend Elisabeth in Bern Switzerland.
On my way home I got to see Linz, Austria through the eyes of the Foursquare pastor's there. I love getting to know a new place their the experiences & lives of the people who have history in that place. It gives the buildings & landscapes a voice.

Joachium & Mihilda

I discovered on the way home that I didn't take the most direct route but I sure had a good time! Beautiful landscapes & a wonderful times with Jesus & singing at the top of my lungs.