Day Nine

Today started off well with Pastor Vanderveen's worldly possessions being creatively locked in his private chambers. Because of our keyless state, we held devotions in the hallway where we resorted to jumping jacks to keep the very sensitive, energy-conserving lights alerted to our presence.

We trudged out onto the sidewalk and down to the dock, where we climbed onto a pirate ship of sorts with highly advanced steering and propelling qualities. We enjoyed the trip to Westerplatt alternating between being "King of the World" on the prow and hulking under the wind and rain cover with comforting hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. Hot weather seems to be an every other day occurrence for us. Sadly, the more unfortunate individuals of our party weren't able to finish their beverage in time before disembarkation...

We wandered over Westerplatte's bunkers, towers, plaques, and memorials. I believe getting the story of the men there gave us a better feeling for the entire spirit of Poland. Between history lessons and exploration we busied ourselves with rose-hip wars and fruitless searching for necessarily facilities.

We all waited for the ship lined along the dock, dangling our toes, and snacking on Julia and Tanaya's trail-mix. The ride back was glorious. We wanted to commander the vessel to take it the open sea where all the delicious wind was, but we had to be contented with several of our team being able to take turns at the ship's wheel. The shipmaster was indulgent in our Polish Pirate imitations. We were able to talk to the ship's tour-guide about our presence in Poland and had a good conversation.  

When we got back we sang in the Old Town and handed out fliers before returning to the cringing Subway for lunch. In-between two more rounds of singing and handing out invitations we had two mad dashes to the mall, a laundry extravaganza, and other church, shop, and riverside sightseeing..We made the trek back to the catering place for dinner and then the hostel to fancy up for the evening's concert.

Our concert was at 8pm in the main street of Old Town. We had a competent sound system and God very graciously only teased us with a few sprinkles. Pastor Vanderveen proclaimed the Gospel between two sections of songs. Our voices sounded a bit tired, but we are working better together. We had several people who sat through the entire concert and many people stop for several minutes and take literature. The concert was very encouraging. We pray it bears fruit!

By the time we clambered back up the stairs to our hostel, most of us were pretty beat. Several rounds of Poker and Dutch Blitz brought us back to life in time to be very noisy before crawling into our neglected beds.

God gave us a magnificent day!

Note: I do have some pictures of awesome things I've been taking, but I'm currently running into techniquel difficulties... Keep checking Facebook and Evangelos!

Day Seven - Arrival in Gdansk

We gave a fond farewell to beautiful Poznan this morning and hauled our excessive luggage to the tram, where we crammed with stuicases, bags, laptops, purses and unfortunate Poles for two stops before the doors opened and we stumbled out into the street.

After overcoming the challenge of multiple underground staircases, we resorted to a mass breakfast at KFC, which unbeknownst to us, does not serve breakfast foods.

The battle plan for gaining seatage on the full train failed miserably, as girls lacked speed and volience to claim cabins. We all stood about awkwardly in the hallways until we could find passangers gracious enough to share their space. Some found refuge in the baggage area where they ammused themselves with card games, Mad Libs, and breaking rubber bands.

At the Inowroclaw stop, Landon discovered the hostel keys in his pocket. Fail. But apparently he wasn't the only one...

We passed the time by crushing and consuming danishes, snacking on cocoa puffs, playing poker, mafia, and whist. Pastor Vanderveen showed his skills in "Down by the Banks of the Hankity-Panky" and triumphed over a whole cabin of girls.

We arrived at our new, deluxe hostel around 7pm after a arduous walk towing all our worldly possessions. Pastor Pawel and Bubu lead us to Gdansk Old Town, which is beautiful and buzzing with people and music.

We had a much needed dinner at Sphinx where certain supposedly mature persons indulged in a mild food fight. We tried to obtain ice cream, but by the end of dinner the stands were smuggling it away under lock and key. We resorted to standing about panting for internet until we finally made our way back to the hostel and obtained the web password. Miwaza exercised her genius and restored this fickle laptop to worldwide relations. We cannot be thankful enough for her awesomeness on this trip!

We're going to miss Poznan and all the people there, but we're excited about Gdansk and working with Pastor Pawel here.

Please pray with us-


-That God would bless our work here.

-In praise for a beautiful, clean, spacious hostel with acceptable internet.

-Energy and health for all of us.

Day Six

Sunday morning we all filed into a comfortable bus for the 20 kl. trip to a quiet farm where we met for worship. We met in the loft of a clean barn with the Poznan Church and other Polish brothers.

Most of the service was spoken in Polish. We joined in worship with their music and Polish hymns accompanied by recorders, voilins, and drums. We were able to sing A Mighty Fortress and the Nicene Creed in both languages. Pastor Phelps preached a sermon on the implications of the Resurrection translated by Pastor Bubu. At the end of the service our choir sang five songs for the congregation.

We enjoyed fellowship with the Polish saints while busy hands prepared lunch. A awed hush fell over the room as a band of strong men brought in three suculent, roast lambs. We decended upon them in ravinous droves. What followed was a joyfull feast and introductions. At one table we were communicating in Japanese, Russian, Polish, and English! What a blessing it is to fellowship with believers who share one common purpose.

Some of us we able to walk the grounds of an impressive mansion. Pastor Bubu took us on a nature walk over the sprawling grounds to see the oldest oak trees in Poland. On the trek back, Sam's head collided with a dead tree and we met an electric, blue beatle named Turtle. Sadly, we had to say good-bye to Ewa, Sarah, David, Philip, Kasia, and Pastor Andrzej. What a blessing they have been. We miss them already.

On the bus, certain persons tried to inhibate our slumber by singing musicals.

We gave one last farewell to Poznan Old Town, before experiencing Pastor Bubu's supurb barbeque skills. We ate, drank, and were merry.

After a day of comparitive relaxation, Otto lead some of the more insane members to an unsuspecting park, where we engaged in frisbee warfare. The Alaskan girls owned the field...while most of us ran around wildly. We came back with no permanent losses, although Russia sported a black eye for her valiant efforts.

We feel so blessed to have spent a week in Poznan. We are excited about the conversations we've had, and how God has seen fit to use our time here. In our last night, Benjamin and Rebekah were accosted by American Mormons who are here spreading a false gospel. How strange to witness to fellow Americans in a foreign land. Rebekah's wisdom and confidence rattled the young woman. Who knows what seeds God is planting.

Special thanks to Rachel M. who is helping get these posts up and sharing her humor and intellect.


Please pray with us-

-In praise for Elise's safe arrival.

-In praise for our time in Poznan.

-For encouragement and blessing for the saints who we leave in the trenches of the ongoing battle for reformation. They are truely an example of determination and strength.

-For safe travel to Gdansk by train.

-That God would bless our work in Gdansk.

Day Five

Today started too early with a confused Polish man bursting into the girls' hostel. Apparently his room was full and he was trying to find a place to stay...

Needless to say all the girls were wide awake and ready long before the boys crawled into our practice room. We kept practicing for only 20 minutes so we'd have at least a dull croak left for the concert this evening and then were set loose for some free time until we regrouped at 2pm.

Upon release we migrated en masse to Starbucks. Certain technologically literate persons sat about enjoying conversation and free internet, while the rest of us split up to shop, explore, and eat at Pizza Hut...again.

Some of us cruised the mall at various times and places where Nathaniel reportedly ran into a glass door. Good times.

Some of us caught an amazing organ concert at the "pink church" otherwise known as the massive, gorgeous church near the town square. Some of us privileged persons saw a beautiful 1400's Franciscan Church that had been rebuilt several times, but retained all its glory. The pipe organ alone was magnificent.

Besides some unfortunate stragglers, most of us reconvened at the hostel at 2pm and set out on a long trek past a million wedding dress shops and other assorted stores and buildings. We arrived at the park still clutching our umbrellas and shivering. The stage for our concert performance had some very interesting acoustics going on, which made for an interesting experience. God saw fit to keep the rain and wind constant, but we did have several people stop by. Mrs. Jarmulak and co. kept our spirits up by leading our varied audience in claps of encouragement.

By the time we'd finished the concert, the wind had become even more aggressive. Those of us delusional enough not to pack coats were suffering again.

We all hurried to the massive historic Poznan Cathedral and managed about 7 minutes between a wedding and evening mass. It was well worth it. I hope Peter and Miwaza got some good pictures. I can't begin to describe it...at least when I'm this tired.

We had some time before dinner reservations so we dispersed, and some of us shivering, blue people finally gave in and went warmth hunting. C&A was the closest shop at hand and we left with warm jackets and alarms beeping. It was probably Sam trying to smuggle his coat...or maybe it was his rad hat. Too much coolness.

We returned to the "Dumpling Place" we had mobbed on Wednesday, only this time with some extra-good beverages Aaron wished to add to the gathering. We left in groups, fat and happy.

Unfortunately some of us girls curently sit in misery while we wait for our wondering room keys. They're out on the town.

Meanwhile, the boys abandoned Benjamin, who was oblivious to his plight while he wandered about holding Rebekah's hand. His door poundings could not be heard over the men's rumbling conversation, and he could only regain entrance by throwing vittles at the third-story window. Finally, a half of banana reached the feet of one of our fearless leaders, who promptly responded with, "What in the world?!!?!??"

God has given us another blessed day. It wasn't really our plan, but He apparently had a better one.

Please pray with us-


-That we would have good fellowship with the Polish saints, and that we could be an encouragement to them tomorrow.

-That we would have a good day of rest and that peoples' voices would recover from vocal boot camp.

-That Elise V. would come in safely tomorrow.

-That we would have good weather! Gdansk is supposed to be even more unpredictable, and we really need some dry days.

-That we would continue to have the energy and spirit to continue with our goals and have good fellowship with each other. We are so blessed to be here together.

Day Four

The rain continues to be our devoted companion. Pray for good weather!

Thankfully, yesterday was only perpetuity wet, not pouring. After being stuffed into the kitchen/living room with a shoehorn to practice, we flooded downtown to sing in the town square and other areas in the busy parts of Poznan. We took advantage of the crowd around the clock and clicking goats at noon and got an encouraging audience.

Several of us have completely lost our singing voice, so we stayed busy destroying the Polish language and handing out concert invitations. Poor Agata would be horrified. She tried to teach us! Normally our phrase attempts would be met with encouraging smiles or blank confusion, but people were very kind. Sarah V. wins for her enthusiasm and distribution skills, even when no one has any idea what she is saying.

We mobbed KFC near our old friend, Pizza Hut, for lunch. The line was ridiculous, but the workers were troopers and we ended with hot food and happy tummies.

After lunch we split up to distribute fliers and do what we desired until we reconvened at the hostel at 5:30. Many of us visited awesome shops and learned how to communicate without any common language. That was an experience. Tragically Anna didn't find anything for Pastor Bubu in the dress shops...
I was able to visit Starbucks in its waking hours! Yay! The Alaska team put us to shame with their enthusiasm and devotion to flier distribution, even during break time.

We headed over to an old German Lutheran, now Methodist Church behind the Old Brewery Shopping Mall for our first concert. The acoustics were amazing, and reminded us of the challenge of singing on the street. It was a pleasure to sing in such an amazing building. Rebekah was empowered by the safe arrival of her beloved, and the soprano section sounded amazing.

We performed for nearly and hour and Pastor Vanderveen gave an excellent presentation of the Gospel from Genesis translated by Pastor Bubu. Nearly 30 people attended and God blessed us with some good conversations and connections. We were able to meet some more of our Polish CREC brethren, and went out to a late dinner with yummy garlic dip and copious amounts of Shoarma.

After dinner we did laundry and talked about death. In a good way.

God was very gracious to us on Friday.

Please pray with us-


-That we would have good weather! Today we have outside concert and as I write this there's steady rain. If it doesn't clear up...we're going to have a problem.

-That we would get good attendance at the concert tonight and everyone would sing and speak well.

-People would keep a good hold on their voices or discover for those of us still being afflicted by a cool.

-That Elise V. would have safe travel.

-Thanksgiving for our good concert yesterday, the safe arrival of Benjamin, and the blessing to be here!

Day Three

Today we poured out of the hostel nearer 8:30 with the company of the newly arrived Alaska team and Aaron and Brenda.

We have became more familiar with the trams and their jolting ways...so much so that Tanaya decided to attempt a run away. Thankfully she was apprehended. Since then we've all been screaming "bad train" or "good train" which adds to our image as crazy tourists.

We took a direct route to the Christian school for practice and our unshaven, barefoot choir director tried to grind us into shape between breaks for water and general weariness. The tiny chairs, bright colors, and semi-disturbing dolls and other toys helped return us to a youthful mood and I believe we genuinely sounded good. It was encouraging to hear us all together.

We mobbed a few more trams and arrived at one of the large malls to have lunch at a Polish McDonalds. The menu looked better than ours, but the hamburgers smelled like an old goat. They tasted good....so they tell me. We had a few minutes to break up and explore the shops and we got some better first-hand experience on how many Polish people actually know English. Apparently for one shop keeper 79 zl makes $350. We found something a bit cheaper...

Right as we returned to a more central section of downtown we were greeted by thunder and gigantic rain drops. We were finally ready to do what we came for, but we didn't want the songbooks to get drenched.

We ended up going out in groups handing out fliers and checking back in 15 minute increments to hear the next plan as the weather changed. Handing out fliers on the street was an interesting experience and sometimes a blow to your self-esteem. Anna outshine most of us with her charm and precise technique. Sam wins something for handing one to a man climbing into his Ferrari.

The rain faded long enough for us to jump around to three different places to perform together while Pastor Bubu, David, Sarah, and Pastor Phelps talked to people and handed out concert fliers.

Despite the occasional wetness, several people stopped and looked interested. One man tried to cross a language barrier by kissing Rebekah's hand in gratitude. That was a bit creepy... Most of the people are always very kind and polite, even if they are not interested. Others started to ask questions most of us can't understand as soon as they found out we weren't trying to sell them something.

By the time we were walking to dinner again it was pouring. We had quite the experience at the Czech restaurant. We'd made a reservation and they'd very graciously set one long gorgeous table outside under cover, but that must have been before all the rain and wind....

What most of us are probably going to remember is being cold, some of the warm drinks, and being cold. Eventually half us were able to move inside, but despite all the coldness, delays, and Joe's cheerful attitude, we had a good time. The waitress and waiter did a fabulous job, even with our poor communication, shuffling about, and general blue and shaking aspect.

Some of the other Polish CREC members met us for dinner. It is truly wonderful to have fellowship with other believers from another section of the world. We desire Christ as our identity, and it shows blazingly when we see our brothers like this!

We all walked back to the hostel in a long, tired string...but all thoroughly drenched.

It is exciting to have started on the work we came here to do. Even though it's startling to go from scorching hot to freezing cold, we're still very happy to be here. :-)

Please pray with us-


-That we would have weather condusive for singing on the street tomorrow.

-That we would be able to hand out hundreds of fliers to people willing to read them.

-That those with health struggles or jetlag would wake up refreshed and well!

-That Benjamin would arrive safely from Seattle tomorrow.

-In praise and thanksgiving to God that we are here! And that we can attempt to serve Him in this way! We are so blessed.

See Evangelos for awesome pictures and videos!

Day Two

 
Despite utter exhaustion, we failed to adjust to the new time change our first day. No surprise.. We were buzzing about with dark eye circles and retarded jokes at 6am. By 9:30 we made our way to the town square...sadly without Peter who was being lazy. Actually, very sick. Pray that he continues to feel better and nobody else falls under the shadow of the plague.

We spent some time exploring, consuming gelato, walking on awesome cobble stones, and imbibing in vasts amounts of water. The weather is gorgeous, but hot and a few off us have turned a slightly startling rosey color.

We reconvened at an outside restaurant to drink water and other more exciting, refreshing beverages. We heard the Town Hall clock and saw the fanfare of noon in Poznan. Unfortunately only a few of us were ambitious enough to quit panting in the shade and see the goats methodically bonk heads above the clock face.

We crammed ourselves into a couple trams and found a new mall with a new Pizza Hut to devour a lunch in air conditioned bliss. It was then Bubu's pleasure to take us on a long walk through a very different sort of Poznan with a creek, abdandoned railroad tracks, and lots and lots of grass and prickles. We emerged from our exploratory ramblings in front of a Christian school where some of us practiced music while others coughed and/or dozed off (including a few of our fearless leaders).

Encouraged by our singing sucess and weary from our escapade through uncharted territory, we returned to the hostel to find Peter alive and three of our four missing suitcases. Nathaniel and his suitcase remain estranged.

Please pray with us-

- That Peter and those struggling with jetlag, colds, and damaged knees would continue to feel better.

-That Nathaniel and his suitcase would be reunited.

-That the Alaskan team would make it to the hostel safely and recover from their wearisome journey,

-That our practice and choir debute would go well tomorrow.

-That God would open doors for conversation and witness to Polish people.

We all feel immensly blessed to be here!

We're here!

Even with a seven minute window in Frankfurt, we all made it!

Please continue to pray for the Alaska team which is mid-route. And pray that we will all recover from jetlag and that our suitcases will catch up with us! We greatly appreciate your prayers.

Poznan Hostel

We will be staying in this Poznan Hostel for the first week of our trip.

This hostel does have internet access and linens. We do not have additional information on our Gdansk hostel yet, so it might be wise to bring one of your own towels.
Beds are provided with a fitted sheet and a duvet. Since it will be warm, you might consider just bringing a light sheet...in all that extra room in your suitcase. ;-)

Poznan Town Hall

Poznan Town Hall