Goodbye Prague, Hello America

Well, tomorrow we leave for 5 months in the states. Even though it feels really strange to think of being gone from Prague for 5 months and I know that we will really miss people here, I am really excited to head back to the states. Going back brings us one step closer to the baby and it means I can stop worrying about going into labor too early here in Prague – which will be a relief. But, it also means getting to see family and old friends, the conveniences of life in the states, everyone speaking English, our favorite restaurants and foods, and all the other little luxuries that come with being in the states. The culture shock in the Czech Republic isn’t extreme – it’s very subtle – it took Bryan and I almost two years to notice. It’s not obvious, but it is just under the surface threatening to pop up at odd moments when you least expect it. Honestly, I’m looking forward to not feeling that stress and to having a bit of an easier life for a few months. It’s not what I want all the time or for my life overall, but it will be nice to have a little break. In many ways our five months in the states is feeling like a little mini-sabbatical – a Sabbath rest from the pressures and complications of life abroad. And I’m looking forward to that. Although, I’m sure that it won’t be much of a restful season with a new baby - our five months in the states will have their own challenges and stresses as we adjust to parenthood, but it will still be a good break from our current challenges.

With that said there are a lot of things I’m going to miss while we are in the states, here are just a few:

“The Castle” - as we affectionately refer to our home and the Schwender’s adjoining living space

The Schwender’s – talking with Carrie over some tea, movie nights with the big projector, playing cards, praying together, sharing breakfast, afternoon cake breaks, etc, etc.

The Stewart’s and Wednesday night dinner’s at their place

Playing with all the kids (Sofia, Sasha, Izaac, Elliot, Owen, etc) and watching them grow

Hanging out and playing fun games with the Baker’s

The beauty of Prague in the fall

My yoga studio

The Christmas markets

Christmas with our Prague family

Czech beer

Hearing Czech (although I will be very relieved to hear English and be able to communicate I think I will miss hearing Czech a little – it is a beautiful language)

The ease of public transportation (although I won’t miss the crowds)

All the cute little coffee places

The view of the castle overlooking the river

And so much more…

Well, here’s to Prague and to the States - my two homes. I’m glad I get to spend time in both of them.

Rejoicing in the journey -
Bethany

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