The Life & Times of Jennn Herzberg
Bratislava, Slovakia
|
|
|
-
Graduated from Concordia University, Irvine, CA on May 11, 2002
-
Spent two weeks at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO for Missionary Orientation through LCMS WorldMissions
-
Participated in the weddings of two of my best friends: childhood friend Shalini Jayaram (sekhar) and college roommate Rachel Saldate (Hayes)!
-
10-day ROAD TRIP with my brother Matt, driving my car and belongings from Irvine, CA to Fair Lawn, NJ--it was great to see so many family and friends along the way!
|
|
After some minor delays due to visa complications, I was able to depart on Monday, September 9 from Newark, NJ, arriving September 10 in Vienna, Austria. My first full day in Slovakia happened to be the first anniversary of the events of September 11. A tough day—while I wanted to reflect and remember, I was forced into “survival mode” of learning how to function in a foreign land. The Lord graciously provided though; in the evening I went for dinner to a family’s house, where they turned on CNN and just let me watch the events on TV, bringing me tissues as the tears began to flow. What caring, understanding people God gave me, especially that day.
|
Ohhhhh no! Not at all, actually…my first weekend in Slovakia, my pastor invited me to join him and the elders of the church on a “church tour” to different towns in the beautiful mountains of Slovakia. We visited CUTE villages like the one in this picture and saw absolutely gorgeous OLD Lutheran churches!
|
|
| |
Ah, good question. I live in the capital city of Bratislava…more specifically, I live in a section of town called Petrzalka. Petrzalka’s claim to fame is the fact that one-quarter of Bratislava’s population lives in this tiny section of the city. How? During the years of Socialism, IMMENSE blocks of flats were built-and now over 130,000 people live in them, including me! The picture here is a view from my balcony: that’s what ALL of Petrzalka looks like!
|
Oh yeah, sorry. A flat is another term for ‘apartment.’ My flat happens to be a small, two-roomed flat, with a balcony. Quaint, I’d like to think! Here you see my “kitchen”: a little refrigerator, sink and counter with two burners for a stove. Since I rarely cook, this hasn’t been a problem so far, though I’m sad that I can’t bake treats for my students and friends here!
| |
|
Above: Vanessa,
in my 8th grade class
Right: Laura,
from 7th grade
|
|
 |
| |
My responsibilities are still being formed and shaped as I write this, but I can give you what I know! Currently I teach English at the Evangelical School of Dr. Martin Luther. I teach 5th-9th graders, mostly very beginning English: a TOUGH job! But they are precious children of God to whom I’m quickly becoming attached! I also will soon begin work with the church that is directly associated with the school. I mostly likely will work some more with the youth in some capacity, and hopefully offer a class to adults in the congregation who want to learn some English. My pastor, Rev. Milos Klatik and director at my school, Mrs. Zvarova, have been WONDERFUL supervisors: the love of Christ is quite evident in their words and actions…Mrs. Zvarova doesn’t speak any English, yet I feel very close to her and I know she cares greatly for my well-being.
|
Yes, I am. Not having any contact with fluent English speakers in my daily routine has really “forced” me to truly experience Jesus as a friend and a ‘big brother’, more than I’ve ever felt before! When I’ve been sad & lonely, and the only thing I can do is literally cry out to God, He has answered my prayers in AMAZING ways. So yes, I am doing ok! I am slowly building true friendships with both other Americans as well as the wonderful Slovak people.
|
|
|
DEAR JESUS, I PRAY FOR...
...Missionaries around the world, that they have boldness to share the Gospel in whatever circumstances given!
...the people of Slovakia, and all of Europe; that this area of the world may “wake up” (Eph. 5:14) and know the one true Savior of ALL nations!
...Jennn, that she learns what it means to be in a “teacher” role; that she is able to learn Slovak to communicate with EVERYONE and, more specifically, her fellow teachers at school.
...Jack Partlow, 4 year old son of Brian & Amy (friends of family) who recently severely broke his leg and will be in a full cast for the next 3 months
THANK YOU JESUS, FOR...
...the many nationals in SK who have taken the time to help Jennn, including: Fabrici family, Klatik family, Zvara family, Mrs. Menslova
...the incredible support Jennn is receiving—through prayer, encouraging words in emails, and financially!
|
|
|
One of the first things I noticed upon arrival to this new country was the severe lack of open-toed shoes…ok, so maybe it had something to do with the fact that it’s SEPTEMBER and getting a bit chilly…but, still, it was QUITE the culture shock, having spent the last four years in sunny Orange Country, CA, where flip-flops tend to be the footwear of choice! Fear not though, my Cali friends, I am still braving the sub-70’s weather and wearing this faithful footwear!
|
|
I KNEW my parents would find a way to check up on me all the way here in Slovakia…and why not call up their good friend, Rev. Bob Roegner, who just HAPPENS to be the Executive Director for LCMS WorldMissions? That’s what I love about Mom & Dad; they go straight to the top, ensuring only the best for their daughter! Actually, Pastor Roegner and some colleagues were on a trip to this area, and I was blessed to be able to visit with them for a short time. It was great to have them!
|
|
Do you have any questions or comments about my work in Slovakia? Please e-mail me at jennnbread@juno.com or send a note to my parents, who will let me know!
Rev. Terry & Susie Herzberg
31-06 Morlot Ave.
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
|
|
Thank you for taking the time to hear about what God is doing through me in Central Europe! If you are interested in supporting me financially, please send a tax-deductible gift to:
OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH, 22-15 Broadway, FAIR LAWN, NJ 07410. Make checks payable to Our Savior Lutheran Church, with “Slovakia Mission Fund” in the memo line. If you’re interested in encouraging me with letters, etc, please contact my parents at the address to the left, and they will let you know the best ways to encourage my work here!
|
|
|
To be added or removed from this mailing list, send an email to jennnbread@hotmail.com with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject heading.
|
| |
