Larry's Thoughts: CHRISTMAS - 2009

Christmas 2009 – Slovakia

I have not spent a Christmas outside the USA since I was in Viet Nam in 1970. Now, as then, the entire holiday season is different from what we typically celebrate in the States. There appears to be much less commercial flavor here in Slovakia than in the States. Whether this is because Brenda and I do not have ready access to radio, TV, and newspapers, or if they actually still maintain a more religious side to the holiday is a bit hard to determine.

St. Nicholas is a part of the overall season, but he shows up on December 6. One could see him or his helpers around the pedestrian mall handing out candies. He also appeared in the schools along with his “devil” counterpart for those children who were naughty. Apparently this is a one-day affair.

We have not seen as many outside decorations as we have Stateside. The central area of Martin (and Vienna) did have beautiful decorations lighting up the street. In general, however, this was about the extent of outside decorations. I am told that most families put up their Christmas trees on December 23 or 24. Gift opening and a family Christmas feast typically take place on Christmas Eve, often with fish as the main meat. Instead of Santa's bringing the children Christmas gifts, “Baby Jesus” brings the good children gifts on Christmas Day.

The churches have multiple services on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and again on St. Stephen’s Day, which is December 26 (re: Acts 7). The Lutheran Church here in Martin, Slovakia, was packed for both Christmas Eve services with standing room only for late comers. On Christmas Day not quite as many people showed up, but the building was full for both services. The final Advent service takes place on Christmas Day and involves the children of the church. The Church choir was also a part of these services. The church and family appear to take a much more central role in Christmas this year, in this place, than has been typical of most Christmases I have experienced in my own country. (If you zoom in on the church's nativity scene above, you will see that the Infant Jesus appears to be standing in His "cradle" welcoming His birthday visitors.)

May the Christ, Whose birth I have seen celebrated around the world, by both believers and non-believers, indeed find a place in your heart and life.

Velesé Vianoce (Merry Christmas) and Sťastný Nový Rok (Happy New Year)

New and improved Vienna Memories! :o)

As promised, here are our photo memories of Christmas Sights in Vienna:

First, at a distance:

Then, up close and personal:

Chestnuts roasting on an open barrel fire (I like Tony Bennet's version better---per

sonally!)

THEN, it grew so cold, our picture-taking fingers froze, and we found a cozy cafe where Brenda could practice her rusty German a bit, enough to order warm, crisp, mouthwatering apple strudel--with magnificently rich whipped cream! Sorry- we forgot to take a picture!

Then, of course, we had to make a Fast break for the bus, and now I'm wearing our final souvenir from memorable Vienna on my left arm!!! (No pix, please!!)

VIENNA MEMORIES and . . .

For those of you who've not heard, La and I were in Vienna Sat. While following our tour guide very closely as we hurried through hundreds of other tourists to our bus p/u site, I tripped quite magnificently on a 2-inch high, hard-to-see concrete cornice. Result: one broken left wrist bone--below the joint PTL!! It was quite painful, and I managed to pass out momentarily (first time ever but very effective pain management!). I'm now sporting a partial hard cast which will be replaced with an unknown something else Fri. Only X=rays have been taken. Please pray that there are no other injuries (tendons, etc.), AND that I see the same caring doc as I saw today! The med. care has been compassionate, though admittedly a bit antiquated.

The Bible School folks here have smothered us with empathy and assistance, reminding us of our church back home. Likewise many of you have already sent messages of prayer and encouragement. Thank you!!!!! We feel loved!

We will post Vienna pix soon, but typing with only one hand does have its own pace!

EMMANUEL--Fasts

November in Slovakia

Fast flies the time! We've been here two months, and we've celebrated both Slovak and American holidays. The Velvet Revolution National Holiday came and went quietly, as it name implies, as this country, along with numerous other European countries, remembered the freedom bells that rang out 20 years ago as they threw off the bonds of Communism.

As would be expected, our own Veteran's Day came and went here with little fanfare, except for the numerous FaceBook comments of appreciation for men, like my hubby, and women who are honored for the defense of their country near and far. And my hubby was blessed by these comments. Thank you, FaceBookers!

Thanksgiving, however, was featured here a bit more flamboyantly, since the presence of a healthy-sized American group created quite the opportunity for its observance.

And celebrate we did. Interestingly we had three nationalities represented--Slovak, Norwegian, and American--resulting in quite the international array of favorite holiday dishes from these lands.

How we squeezed enough tables and chairs plus 12 people into our rather small apartment (or flat, as many call it here), we really aren't quite sure, but see for yourselves!

Thanks to love packages from our daughter, daughter-in-law, my (Brenda's) sister, and a dear friend, we were well supplied with all the ingredients and spices to have a deliciously traditional dinner. These pictures tell the rest of the story!

Yes, we missed our family like crazy, but Skype helped!

And now Christmas is upon us. The Pedestrian area officially welcomed Christmas with its lovely display of Christmas lights which came to life a week ago.

We've seen little commercialism in the way of advertisements, etc. But then, we've no TV, radio, or newspaper to flaunt that aspect of Christmas in our faces. I went shopping with our friend Mary last weekend to purchase Christmas decorations at a rather large department/grocery store here in Martin; our search was confined to one aisle of choices!!!!

The common description of Christmas observance here, as shared with me by my delightful students, is that Christmas is confined primarily to Dec. 24-25, with its culmination on Christmas Day in the form of family gatherings for meals, songs, Christmas giving, and worship at church as the typical conclusion to the Day. Personally I find the understatement of this wonderful celebration refreshing, a great deal less stressful, and much more to the point! We have decorated our place using lovely Christmas candles with red and green accents, and LOTS of Christmas music, thanks to I-Tunes and allclassical.org, which broadcasts worldwide from Portland, OR. Fresh-cut trees are not readily available, and the few that are would require a copy machine to pay for! Furthermore, artificial trees somehow just don't smell right!!!!!

Our contacts with the area continue to expand. Larry and I are both now teaching at the University in Zilina as well as continuing with our classes and individual students here in Martin. Weekly, sometimes daily, opportunities arise to share the reason for the season. Please pray that our words will be ready and kind and straight from the Father's heart to the listener's!

We thank the Father for each one of you who reads this and prays for us!

Emmanuel--LaBrFast

Two Hurrays!

First, as far as we know, our insurance letter has been accepted by the Slovak Foreign Police. At least, no news is good news! Many thank-you's for prayers on our behalf!

Secondly, Larry's lecture at the university today was to a full house and a most attentive audience of college students from every walk of life. He had anticipated the audience to consist primarily of faculty, so he had to do a spur-of-the-moment adjustment to make his talk applicable to a younger audience--he did a fine job. Again, thank you for all your prayers on his behalf!