Thanksgiving in Slovakia

Rebecca, Angie, and Kaya - Three Augie grads in Slovakia

For Thanksgiving, the three YAGM volunteers (including myself), the two Germans, and other ELCA missionaries gathered for Thanksgiving in Bratislava.  While many people are surprised to hear that I am living “by myself” in Slovakia, in the small village of Obisovce, I remind them that I have this larger support group of other volunteers.  In Bratislava, for example, ELCA missionaries Pr. David Schick and his wife Carla lead an International English congregation which includes a non-denominational worship service each week, Bible studies, youth group, and other services for foreigners working, volunteering, and studying in and around Bratislava.  Another ELCA program sends several teachers to teach English in the Lutheran gymnasiums in Bratislava, Liptovsky-Mikulas, and Kosice.  Several of these teachers are also just out of college.  Finally, there is Pr. Drahus Olsik and his American wife/English teacher/ELCA missionary Andrea, who lead an English-speaking service in Kosice twice a month, youth group, and weekly Bible studies.  My part as a member of the English-speaking congregation in Kosice has been a meaningful way for me to be renewed spiritually here in Slovakia, and has helped me meet my friends Kendra and Katie, two American teachers around my age.

ELCA missionaries, family, and friends gathered for a Thanksgiving meal at the Lutheran seminary in Bratislava

Around thirty ELCA missionaries, family, and friends gathered for a Thanksgiving meal at the Lutheran seminary in Bratislava the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  The potluck included turkey, goose, cranberry salad, mashed potatoes, stuffing, several casseroles and salads, candied yams, and three kinds of pie for dessert: apple, pumpkin, and pecan.  I think the only thing missing was lefse!  We sang hymns, prayed and ate together, and enjoyed games like UNO and Cranium.  The icing on the cake for me was a visit from my college friend Angie, who is an English assistant in Munich this year.  Our small group of YAGM volunteers met with our country coordinator, Daniela, to process our experiences so far, go to a concert by the Bratislava Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, and check out the Christmas market.  The entire weekend was a refreshing piece of home for me, the familiar mixed with new and exciting experiences and settings.