Quite a Week

We thought we'd share a couple of videos from this week. It was rather strange.

First of all, I took a walk down to one of the local grocery stores the other day to pick up a few things I had forgotten on our big grocery run (I'm forgetting more and more lately; I think it's baby brain). Anyway, the weather was beautiful walking to the store but I noticed it started to cloud over as I got there. I decided I should hurry up, get my stuff, and just take the bus back hope in case it decided to start raining. As soon as I walked out of the store (just after the bus pulled away), the sky grew dark, the wind picked up and the heavens opened. Luckily, I had my trusty polka dot umbrella, but it wasn't much against the pea-size hail that began to fall with the downpour. Despite standing under a dense tree with an umbrella, I still managed to get my capris soaked from the knee down. Did I mention I was in flip flops? That was fun. Anyway, just as the rain let up and the sun came out, my bus pulled up. Great timing. Matt was at home and thought the weather was crazy enough to merit a video (he says the hail is quarter-sized, I say pea-sized. Regardless, it was painful on my toes).



We also had a mini adventure with our water. I went to use the toilet for the billionth time yesterday and noticed it was making a funny gurgling noise. Matt disassembled the lid (a bit more complicated than in the states) and couldn't find anything wrong. Then he tried the sink in the bathroom and realized our water had been turned off. Strange since we hadn't received a notice like we usually do if they're turning the water off in our building for some reason. Matt left the sink on so we would know when the water came back on and we went back to working. About 20 minutes later, I heard the sink spitting and sputtering. Tons of air and bits of water were coming out and then it got much worse. The water turned a nasty shade of brown. So, of course, I ran for the camera.



We also attended a great time of fellowship at our office this week. We had a potluck dinner (so much food!), worship, and a baby dedication for all the new kiddos we've had lately. It was really great. It was also the last day of sun we had this week. It's been rainy, nasty, and cold (in the 50's!) since Wednesday.



Baby Cate.



Baby Bethany.



Jack and Baby Lucas.

A Much-Needed Delivery

We got a package!!! We knew this one was coming via my dad because there were some things we had asked to have sent over. Namely, clothes I had ordered to fit my growing belly. Not only did we receive all that we asked for, but there were also a few surprises. For instance, our sister-in-law, Robyn sent me a ton of maternity clothes she no longer needs. I'm super excited to have cute tops and dresses to wear now that it's finally warming up. We also got a gift box from my mom (Granny) with some baby gifts and a cute little outfit for our baby boy from Matt's mom.

Thanks Mama, for organizing and contributing, Robyn and Charlotte for contributing, and Daddy for sending.



Matt unloading some light reading (seminary books).



I told him it wouldn't fit.



A surprise present from Granny.





A new wardrobe for my belly!

We also decided to make milkshakes this weekend. I've never actually made them, so Matt, the pro, took over. Ingredients (nothing actually measured out): ice cream, milk, Hershey's syrup, a little peanut butter, and vanilla.

Don't Hate

Lest you think that all we do here is play games and eat, here are some photos of the past week. We're...well...um...playing games...and...um...eating... Now wait, before you start thinking we don't really work here, lemme 'splain. We had a game night last Wednesday and invited students who attend Bible studies in different parts of our city. You see, it's all about strategery, i.e. building relationships. And having fun.

Ligretto...







Last weekend, we held a little fiesta for our 3 Hands On, who will soon be leaving us to return to the states and their studies. They've had a great semester, building relationships with students, leading Bible studies, making videos, etc. We will miss them and wanted to show our appreciation with every college student's favorite: food. And not just food, Fajitas - Matt (a.k.a. the Grill Master) grilled up some delicious chicken fajitas while us women folk whipped up some fixin's. There are many people not pictured here because while I am usually good and documenting our get-togethers, I lose focus when fajitas are around.

The Men. Grilling.



Whitney with Baby Bethany.



And my giant belly.



Will, Daniel, & Cail holding Baby Cate.

We're Still Here!

I know I haven't posted in a while but we've had a steady stream of visitors throughout April so I've got lots of pictures to share. At the end of April two of Matt's college roommates came to visit. Oh, how I wish I could recount the sights (and smells) to you. The pictures just don't do it justice.

Here is Seth in a wall of bushes in the castle gardens.



Josh, Seth, and Matt in Old Town Square.



And this weird guy. He was not a former roommate of Matt's.



We also visited a castle a couple of hours outside of Prague. It's called Loket.





This is the castle dragon. He was a friendly dragon, though. Unlike other dragons in the area who would terrorize people, this dragon would light women's fires for them so they could cook.



They had a tower with lots of stairs.



And a toilet in case you needed a pit stop on your way up.



There was a great view from the top.



We locked Josh and Seth in the dungeon. Then we let them out because they learned their lesson.







After Loket, we went to beautiful Karlovy Vary, a very old spa town. In the Czech Republic, many people are referred to spas by their physicians for different ailments. Treatment includes bathing in the natural spas, drinking the mineral water from the springs, massages, and walks in the forest and can range from 1 to 3 weeks. I'd say that's a pretty nice medical leave. Here's one of the baths with a beautiful park in front.



And a beautiful gazebo.



Standing at the Teplá (warm) River.



As you stroll through the town, there are natural springs conveniently located along the Mill Colonnade.





You can buy a special cup to drink from the springs, some of which are too hot to touch.



For your enjoyment and education, I've included the 10 Rules for drinking the natural spring mineral water in Karlovy Vary.

The Ten Rules of the Karlovy Vary Drinking Cure

Karlovy Vary thermal water is a complex, highly concentrated mixture of natural substances. It is not designed for ongoing or uncontrolled use.

• It is recommended to use Karlovy Vary thermal mineral water only after consulting a spa physician with appropriate erudition
• To achieve maximum therapeutic effects, it is recommended to use Karlovy Vary thermal mineral water nearby the places where springs flow open.
• It is recommended to use Karlovy Vary thermal mineral water only from traditionally shaped porcelain or glass cups.
• It is not advised to combine a therapeutic cure with the consumption of alcohol or tobacco smoking. Passive smoking should be avoided too.
• Drinking cure includes physical activity too. It is recommended to digest Karlovy Vary thermal mineral water while walking slowly.
• Drinking cure should be taken when you feel fully relaxed and not in a hurry.
• It is recommended to repeat drinking cure at intervals set by your physician.
• Drinking cure is a small ceremony during which other clients must not be disturbed.
• Mineral water cannot be used to water surrounding plants or be discharged onto the colonnade floor.
• When taking spring water from a spring vase beware that it is not allowed, out of hygienic reasons, to touch the spring stand or the discharge tubes.

I didn't drink any because the rules didn't say anything about pregnant women. And I don't want to break the rules.



There is also a geyser of hot mineral water. You can only drink with your special cup at certain times of the day. This was not one of those times.



Outside there were beautiful tulips. The perfect place for a tummy comparison.



Seth and Josh posing with the Good Soldier Švejk of Czech legend.



Seth and Josh posing in the salon in the Grand Hotel Pupp (featured in Casino Royale).



Resting our weary legs. The end of a great day.