The k-1 group!

From left to right, top:  Mase, from Japan; JENNN!; Ronald, from Seattle; Beata, our teacher.  Bottom:  Ulrike, from Germany; Jeanette, from Germany; and Ed, from Holland

How to Speak Slovak in just 3 Short Weeks!

From Malta to Vietnam, France to Uzbekistan, it seems the entire world was somehow gathered together in Kosice, Slovakia, for 3 short weeks.  40 people, 20 countries, 20 cultures, and 1 common purpose:  to learn and experience the Slovak language and culture.  Some had extensive training in Slovak previously, others couldn't count to five.  No matter what level though, everyone quickly banded together to venture into this "new" culture surrounding us.

It was quite a rewarding experience for me to be there.  Not only did my language abilities improve greatly, I made new friends all over the world.  It was a bit humbling because, in addition to their own native tongue, almost EVERY SINGLE PERSON knew English AND at least one other language...some people were studying their 7th or 8th language!  There were many times when I felt like the Dumb American.  Overall though, it was quite an uplifting experience, and I was even able to express my faith with various people.  Many of the participants were non-believers, so I pray that in some small (or big!) way, the light of Jesus shone through me.  

Things to do while home in July

go to Midwest, see relatives and college friends

celebrate 4th of July with fiance and future family

play cards with Mom, Dad and Matt

see latest Christopher Guest movie & other assorted films

shop for wedding dress

see a Broadway show

find reception site for wedding

spend good quality time with fiance

attend church at St. Paul in Flemington

attend church at Our Savior in Fair Lawn

give Slovakia presentation at Our Savior

go to Taco Bell & Togo's at least once

spend weekend with future mother, sisters-in-law

Yes, my month at home was a bit busy...but I am so blessed to have been able to spend time with so many friends and family.  Our God is infinitely Good!

Below:  Jennn receiving her "diploma" on "Graduation Day" (aka, our last class together) at her Summer Slovak Language Course; a group of us students making "halusky", the Slovak national dish, consisting of potato noodles, sheep cheese, and fried bacon....yummmm.

Above:  Students in my "prima" class last year (5th graders) really enjoy the "Flat Stanleys", an art project sent to us from my college roommate and her art classes from California!

Goodbye Summer...

...and hello to fresh notebooks, newly sharpened pencils, getting up early, and a new batch of homework. In order words, welcome back to school, everyone!  On September 2, school started up again for students all over Slovakia.  That means another year of "Good morning, Miss Herzberg! (or "Miss Teacher!").  I am excited for how the Lord will use me this year in Central Europe.  Currently I'll be teaching 12 hours per week at my school, which is considered part-time. My other working hours will include a variety of activities, including:  helping Rev. Rick Blythe, our area coordinator with LCMS, to organize retreats and other support activities for the Central Europe volunteers; God-willing, begin some "English clubs" at my Slovak church, practicing English using games, songs, crafts, lessons all centered on Christ; volunteering at the English-speaking church to help in whatever ways needed. Through these activities, I hope to practice and refine some of the DCE skills learned at Concordia-Irvine, since I am technically still on my internship!  So pray that the Lord will really utilize me and the gifts He's given me to His glory in Slovakia!

 A Little Wedding Update...

September 5, 2004...only a year away from venturing into a new phase of life.  It's on this day that Steve and I have decided to get married next year! During my visit in July, we were able to solidify some wedding plans, venues, ideas, etc....the only thing I didn't accomplish was FINDING A DRESS!  So we'll see what Central Europe has to offer! 

at right, above:  St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Flemington, NJ, where Steve and I grew up together, were confirmed together, and shared many fun times together as members of the youth group...and ultimately where we will commit our lives to each other before God and our family and friends next year!

at right, below:  hey, that's my fiance, Steve, and me!  Ah, love is certainly in the air...