I just want to state this in ink or rather typing.

I am sorry for not being a good person who should update everyone every month. As you can tell I am not one who is good at making updates but rather I'm one who enjoys talking one on one with people.

I could also say that I have been busy but that would be a lie. I could say that I have written updates but haven't put them on here and that's true but I never got to clean it up. I could go on and on but I think you get the idea...

So, would you please forgive me for not doing what I thought I would be able to do.

Thanks

Derick (Irresponsible one)

NEWSLETTER January 2010

Newsletter

Sorry that this is rather late. I really don’t have a legitimate excuse other than I just haven’t been motivated. This winter season doesn’t help with the lack of motivation. Anyhow, On-word I go.

As you all know I have been living in the Czech Republic for about 5 months and counting. These past 5 months have been an up the hill battle, so to speak. Being thrown into a new culture or rather a new world has been exciting but that was the first of the experience. Afterwards it has become an overwhelming mess.

I came willing to study the language and I wanted to meet new people and all the things coming with being in a new place but alas after a few weeks it has become more of a task to even go to the grocery store or even getting on the train/bus. The simple things in life have become harder than I thought they would be.

With learning the language, it never really happens nor is it happening. I can understand more than I can speak and this makes it that much hard to communicate what I want. I have pretty much given up on studying the language because I have lesson planning to do and things that come with living on your own. But, I am glad I can at least understand some words (in context). I guess that is a positive thing! I get all giddy when I understand someone and what they want or even what they like.

Shopping is going well but I really don’t know what to cook other than potatoes, pancakes, cereal, and eggs. So, if you have any ideas feel free to send some simple recipes. That would be WONDERFUL! Also, who knew that there were five different types of flour?

I do miss the simple things in American life. Going to the store and being able to understand everything they say and them being happy to serve you.

Things aren’t always sad, frustrating and overwhelming but they can be happy and exciting. Traveling has become a big help with being in a different country were you don’t understand the language but know English. I have walked to Germany and I also took a night train from Budapest to Prague (talk about a sleepless night). It always is an adventure with funny stories to go with the different places I go.

I have seen many different kinds of people through out my travels; from the men who befriended me on the night train from Budapest to the great couple I met in Budapest. The two men and I watched a movie together and I was lucky that one of them spoke English and so we chatted for an hour then watched a movie (in English with Czech subtitles). The way I met the couple was because I lost my camera on the tram, I didn’t know that I lost it until I got off of the tram. When I realized that I lost it I had to wait until the tram came back to just see if it was still there. I had a friend who told me I wasn’t going to get it back and that it was lost among the hustle of the trams. But as soon as I go on to the tram I had a man come up to me holding my camera. Him and his wife told me that I left it and they were coming back to see if I was at the stop that I got off at. I was truly blessed to have them give it back. This was a great Christmas present!

I could write more about my happenings here in the Czech and also talk about how much I miss you but I feel as if these words can’t do it justice, if you would like you can always contact me on Facebook, Skype, or Email. I also want to know what is going on in your life as well, feel free to contact me anytime.

This is where my newsletter comes to something I dread to even talk about, money. As you all know I needed to raise $10,000 for my services over here and also in Pasadena. The count of what I have raised is $4,000 which leaves me at about $6,000 that I still owe. If I don’t pay it while I am over here I will be forced to pay it as if it was a loan. So, I am asking for help (it isn’t easy to ask), if you can help at all with $10 a month or even $5 that will help me to not stress out about this debt. I know with the economy these days are hard. I know because my father has lost his job because of it, but if you can give anything that would be wonderful, if not could you please pray for me and my family or at least my family.

People here are less likely to become a friend as quick as it is in America. They hold their friendships dear and being here it is wearing off on me. So, if you are my friend/family you are so important to me and I would do anything for you. Our friendship is what I live for. God has blessed me with a life that is worth living not only for me but for you. I am always here for you and I know that you are always there for me and I thank God for that everyday!

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

May God bless you with an eventful life!

In Christ

Derick

Information about support: You can go to this website and they have it all written out for you. J http://teachoverseas.org/contribute.php

You can also check out my YouTube videos. Search Czech Vlog

Quick update

Here is a quick little update. I have a newsletter in the making so be looking forward to that. I hope to have it within the week.

Well, classes are back in full swing. I have been teaching for the last week and a half and it hasn't been as bad as I thought it was going to be, so we can praise God for that one! But, things are still kind of hard with not being with family during Christmas and still seeing that I have 6 more months to go. It was weird not doing the typical Christmas family get togethers. But life goes on. Right?

Onward, I have a friend named Martin and him and I go out or at least try to go out once a week to chat and talk about guy things. Martin is a teacher at my school and he knows English really well. I am glad there is someone willing to talk with me in English! It's difficult to find someone willing to just chat with you when you don't speak their language in return. He has truly be a gift from God that has helped me with being in this new culture. He tells me about the Czech and what's good to do and wants not so good to do. It's also nice to have a guy to just talk with about guy stuff.

I want to thank you for all of those who have sent up prayers. They are helping me get through life just knowing that you all care so much to take a minute out of your day to pray for my well being to a God who deserves more than any of us.

Thanks again!

In Christ

Derick

P.S. There is a newsletter on it way! If you want it sent to you via E-mail just send it to me at Derickrowe@gmail.com