tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307183284936730542024-03-12T20:05:04.485-05:00Brande Central StationOur blog about serving overseas as missionary teachers.Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-53977439229273985792015-06-16T14:42:00.000-05:002015-06-16T14:42:32.659-05:00Another Year on the Books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The 2014-2015 school year has come to a close. It has been a good year - because God ordained us to be here, to be engaged, to be faithful - but that does not mean it has been easy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IQLUN9F0Mgg60B3bhjav0u_R4JWEygVxX7XFujsBvjn9VLUOTVNwKQRhfUW6IuNgmB_dkE8haZ0R2AM-YclcAaaAuGd2gLWvWnyFndX4Q2oVp0cXX6uajTHXUFP28SL8KFuq7wm5bdxS/s1600/school+picture+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IQLUN9F0Mgg60B3bhjav0u_R4JWEygVxX7XFujsBvjn9VLUOTVNwKQRhfUW6IuNgmB_dkE8haZ0R2AM-YclcAaaAuGd2gLWvWnyFndX4Q2oVp0cXX6uajTHXUFP28SL8KFuq7wm5bdxS/s400/school+picture+2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CISP Student Body - 2014-2015</td></tr>
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These are the students we have served as teachers & chaplains, as mentors & monitors. They represent 17 different nationalities, and at least 5 different spiritual backgrounds. More than 15 of them will not return next fall.<br /><br />Please continue to pray for these students over the summer. Though they may not be in our classes or small groups next year, they will forever be in our hearts & prayers. </div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-67301920308821142032014-12-11T16:43:00.001-06:002015-06-16T14:53:08.262-05:00We have a VISA!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wonder of wonders, Miracle of Miracles!!! Our little girl has her VISA!<br />
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Christiana went with our agent today to apply for a temporary permit which would allow us to travel to the United States over Christmas. Instead, when they approached the desk, the agent told them Susanna Jane's application had finally been APPROVED!<br />
Phil thinks it's because Susanna Jane was there in person - who can refuse a visa to this cute face?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMVVk4rrXt39hcYuhpCm2hyphenhyphenYuE7qMaE7d686araNWrlvgEWZpy6QPTYoavQP_gPgSMSiAS1p8n6rOw0g9zEwG2oQSnnuGuKUBE6YDgaipHCpNaq05Xs5iw8l60-B3nva2VG2pk1amxl9o/s1600/mommy+%2526+susanna+matchy+matchy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMVVk4rrXt39hcYuhpCm2hyphenhyphenYuE7qMaE7d686araNWrlvgEWZpy6QPTYoavQP_gPgSMSiAS1p8n6rOw0g9zEwG2oQSnnuGuKUBE6YDgaipHCpNaq05Xs5iw8l60-B3nva2VG2pk1amxl9o/s320/mommy+%2526+susanna+matchy+matchy.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Christiana was able to finalize all of the details & complete the formalities for Susanna Jane's residency card. We can't pick it up until January, but PRAISE GOD for granting us this very important document.<br /><br />Thank you for all of your prayers for us over these many months!</div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-16048062798048810402014-11-10T07:43:00.000-06:002014-11-14T08:03:48.282-06:00Susanna Jane turns ONE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hard to believe that this "Baby B" is a year old today! We love you, Susanna Jane - it's a joy to have you in our lives. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_Doo37IP5ct-VaFdyaZV9WtpKlHl1vnP44mR0pIQoiqRUKLiJsz0HNvf8s1YUb4TuWUVsNRGuKW6BGb2UbrqZsCtqYCLfIsRJLWb88vV_luB5BqqUhh_wBp1-bzP3nxryTCONVwA89L5/s1600/P1010813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_Doo37IP5ct-VaFdyaZV9WtpKlHl1vnP44mR0pIQoiqRUKLiJsz0HNvf8s1YUb4TuWUVsNRGuKW6BGb2UbrqZsCtqYCLfIsRJLWb88vV_luB5BqqUhh_wBp1-bzP3nxryTCONVwA89L5/s1600/P1010813.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-68714141672592051602014-11-06T07:40:00.000-06:002015-06-16T14:43:12.363-05:00No News is...Aggravating.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We're still waiting for news on Susanna Jane's long-term visa. The same one we started applying for last January.<br />
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<div>
About a month ago, Christiana met with our visa agent to give him the latest round of documents, including new letters from our insurance company and a lease with Susanna Jane's name on it. However, when Christiana handed that particular document over to our agent, she was told it was merely an amendment to our original lease. She would have to return home with Susanna, locate the original lease, and bring it back to our agent the same day if we were to meet the deadline we'd been given. Why? Because all of the previous copies of our original lease had "expired".</div>
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True story - documents have expiration dates. If we were to go a certain number of days past the date stamped by the notary, we have to start again. It's the same lease, the exact same information, with the same original date of occupancy. The only difference is it has a fresh new stamp on it. </div>
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More documents = more trips to the notary = more MONEY to be paid! </div>
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People have insinuated that our visa agent is to blame - he isn't. He's merely the messenger, so don't shoot him. (As a matter of fact, he doesn't get paid until our daughter gets the visa so he's every bit as anxious to see this completed! The extra fees go to the document center & the notary.) Unfortunately, we've gotten caught in a corrupt loop somewhere in the office of the foreign police. Someone is sitting on our daughter's case file, probably expecting a bribe. </div>
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Our baby girl turns ONE next week - we'd love to give her a VISA for her birthday! Will you continue to pray with us to see that this matter is finally resolved?</div>
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Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-12159177952728213162014-07-31T03:30:00.000-05:002014-08-02T14:01:03.855-05:00That Lump in My Throat is Gratitude<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://brandecentral.blogspot.com.tr/2014/06/the-summer-connundrum.html" target="_blank">We didn't go "home"</a> this summer, since our daughter lacks a valid VISA allowing her to come & go. I've missed the opportunities to see family & friends, but I've also been thankful for the opportunity to remain in Prague because it's meant we could stay in one place and not have to travel so much.<br />
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A major drawback to staying overseas for a summer means that we don't get to connect with our supporting churches & sponsors. It means that there are no large one-time donations, no "love offerings" taken after we speak. It means that our support can start to dwindle.<br />
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Sometimes I wonder if some of our sponsors have forgotten about us. I know it's not intentional - I really think it's more of an "out of sight, out of mind" type of thing. Goodness knows we all have tremendous demands on our attention. Some of it is perhaps our fault too, because we've had a terrible time keeping up with this blog, and with our newsletters. (Speaking of demands on attention, have you ever tried to blog with an 8-month-old on your lap?)<br />
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When I logged in to our mission account register last month, my heart sank, because we were $1000 short of our monthly goal. I found myself thinking that if we'd been stateside, if we'd made the appearances, if I'd been more faithful with newsletters, we wouldn't have fallen short. I told myself I'd get a newsletter out the very next week, but then we started Czech class...and had friends come to visit...and I had four applications to process...<br />
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Another few weeks went by, and I'd failed to let anyone hear from us. I hadn't communicated our financial needs. I logged in mid-month, and I was crushed. We were now over $2500 behind. Again, I vowed to get a newsletter out immediately. And then we needed to say farewell to some very dear colleagues...and we had a meeting with the school director...and we had three doctors' appointments...and we had another meeting with our VISA agent...<br />
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I really didn't want to check in at the end of the month, knowing that my lack of communication was going to be reflected in our account balance. However, when I opened our ledger this month, I was astounded to see that we were only $483 short of our month's goal. There were some large, one-time gifts that had been sent in.<br />
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Once again, God has shown me that His care for us is not dependent on my striving, my shortcoming, or even my best intentions. I'm so very, very thankful. </div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-38974441762309283172014-07-17T12:02:00.000-05:002014-08-02T12:12:26.668-05:00Denied AGAIN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Phil met our agent yesterday afternoon, for another trip to the foreign police in the ongoing quest for Susanna Jane's VISA. It was a short trip - her paperwork was denied, AGAIN.<br />
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We've been giving several possible explanations as to why her application didn't go through this time, the biggest one being that her name isn't on our lease. Yes, you did read that correctly.<br />
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I hardly have the words to describe how I'm feeling at this point. We've spent nearly 7 months in this process, we've produced countless documents (at significant cost!) for new applications, and we're back at square one.<br />
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Prayers are appreciated.</div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-13096835069914811152014-07-12T11:42:00.000-05:002014-08-02T12:25:06.368-05:00Nerozumím česky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We're in the middle of an intensive Czech class - a *very* intensive Czech class. We've had four classes so far, and I'm told we've covered at least half a semester's worth of material. I don't doubt it. I feel as though we're moving at the speed of light.<br />
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This has been a frustrating week for me, I think primarily because I'm the only person in the class who hasn't studied some Czech prior to enrolling. (Phil attended classes at CISP last fall; two of the other girls in the class have already done most of the workbook pages we've been assigned.) I'm also discouraged because I don't have the time to give it my undivided attention like I did when I studied Russian. I'd love to spend three solid hours on my homework, but I have a very busy 8-month-old (who's still nursing,) and <a href="http://www.rce-international.org/ministry-opportunities/future-opportunities/" target="_blank">a job with RCE</a>.<br />
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Some have assumed I'd have an easier time with Czech because I already spoke Russian. I've been told that Czech & Russian have a 60% crossover, but I'm seriously starting to doubt this. For every word that I recognize that actually means the same thing in Czech as it did in Russian, there have to be at least 5 more that sound the same, but mean exactly the opposite. While the grammar structure is fairly similar, the verb endings are throwing me for a loop.<br />
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I'm not wanting to sound disgruntled - I'm thankful to finally have the opportunity to study! I do want to give everyone fair warning that I'm not going to come home speaking in full paragraphs. Grace is appreciated. </div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-5927612923641001832014-06-25T10:32:00.000-05:002014-08-02T14:00:01.395-05:00The Summer Conundrum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems to be rare for missionary teachers to spend the summers in their countries of service. Why? Because they are usually "home" for the summers, visiting family and trying to raise support. That's certainly been our experience in the past.<br />
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The pros of going stateside for six weeks or so are fairly obvious: </div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Getting to see precious family members and dear friends</li>
<li>Opportunities to reconnect with sending churches & sponsors</li>
<li>Chances to buy affordable clothing, books & coffee</li>
<li>Air conditioning, iced drinks & free refills</li>
</ul>
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However, if we're in the US, then we're not here in the Czech Republic, which means that we miss out on the following:</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Chances to build relationships with our neighbors, co-workers & students</li>
<li>Ability to assist with ongoing school improvement projects</li>
<li>Engaging in summer outreach such as English camp</li>
<li>Opportunities to study Czech</li>
</ul>
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The decision to remain in Prague this summer was really out of our hands, since we cannot leave the EU until Susanna Jane has a long-term visa. We'd love to introduce our daughter to family members and dear friends; we'd love to visit our supporting churches and let everyone know how very thankful we are. On the other hand, it's a tremendous blessing to remain in the Czech Republic this summer, and we're looking forward to what God has in store for us here. </div>
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Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-36599231612794980342014-06-16T05:18:00.001-05:002014-06-16T05:20:37.446-05:00Christian International School of Prague Celebrates TEN Years!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This video was shown at the CISP 10th Anniversary Celebration this past weekend. Although we've only been a part of this community for one year, we rejoice with our friends, students & co-workers in all God has provided!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0Y5lR73xSQs" width="459"></iframe></div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-25346968829436794102014-06-10T15:16:00.001-05:002014-08-02T12:22:47.651-05:00A Normal Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A dear friend of ours posted this Facebook status:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"What would it take for me to have a 'normal' life? Just curious."</i></div>
and the answers she received were everything from the ubiquitous "normal is a dryer setting" to "we can't have normal lives."<br />
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The funny thing is, as a fellow missionary, her life seems perfectly normal to me. I get where she's coming from - it would be great to feel like you actually had a home in your "home country." It would be nice to be back home and not feel as though you need to constantly explain/describe/defend why you do what you do. The idea of a dependable salary seems oh-so-appealing when you've spent the majority of your home time on the road raising support, and you're still only at 42% of your goal.<br />
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My speculation is that her quest for a normal life really isn't about her wanting to trade in her calling for a desk job and a mortgage so much as it's a desire to be understood, to belong. Really, I think that's what every one of us longs for.<br />
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This is something I've been pondering a great deal as I've struggled to keep up with correspondence. <i>"How can I compose a letter that accurately describes what we're dealing with here? How can I keep it under 5,000 words? How can I make people understand?"</i> But I haven't really come up with an answer.<br />
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When God called us to serve overseas, it meant leaving behind what the majority of our friends & family considered to be a "normal" life, and embracing the uniqueness and the uncertainties of life in missions. While there *are* days I wish I could trade it in for a home in the suburbs and a 9-5 job which really ended at 5, most of the time I'm grateful for this tremendous opportunity to serve Him, wherever that may take us.</div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-86721270824850941322014-06-03T09:28:00.000-05:002014-06-03T12:41:53.995-05:00Round 3 (or 4? or 7?) for Susanna Jane's Visa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We really do have the best intentions to blog on a more regular basis. There are at least 10 blog posts we've started over the last 6 months which have never been published. There's nothing like a good VISA crisis to get us writing again. If you're tired of reading about our <a href="http://brandecentral.blogspot.com.tr/2014/04/our-very-own-biometric-cards.html" target="_blank">VISA woes</a>, imagine how tired we are of dealing with them!<br />
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Christiana received a call this morning from our VISA agent, informing her that the office has once again denied Susanna Jane a long-term residency permit. Considering that we submitted the exact same documents for Susanna Jane which we used for our applications, and given the fact that we now have our long-term permits in hand, there is absolutely no reason that our daughter shouldn't also be granted a permit, but here we go again.<br />
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We've been given a 30 day extension to provide them with proof of service with RCE (again), proof of comprehensive medical insurance (again) and a copy of Susanna Jane's insurance card (again).<br />
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If, at the end of this next round of documents, they still refuse to grant our daughter her residency permit, then we'll have to hire a lawyer and begin a lengthy & costly appeal process. We have already spent more than double what we had budgeted for this process, and we really cannot afford to have this drag out any longer.<br />
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WE NEED YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS, for many aspects of our service in Prague, and especially now as we continue to do battle at the VISA office. Thanks for standing with us.</div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-56784696370625891852014-05-15T04:19:00.000-05:002014-06-11T04:24:33.348-05:00A Big Week for Susanna Jane<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our little girl is now six months old! She's a busy little girl, who is always on the move, even in her sleep. We had a good six-month check-up this week, and we're now starting solid foods. Below are a few pictures of the big event.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpZOZhyCqbRkVvmTUoHhB7XKPow2aW9jo54_kLk20BuQnktNx02Z1NDiJ2vZ89mCswt62uwWCaMK0HBwDwWayMW6WHeaVyKdeh_pg8w4JsLBC6xq4uCjXU1zsKjJ6Axf5O0TzsEC1coKS/s1600/sitting+up+in+the+chair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpZOZhyCqbRkVvmTUoHhB7XKPow2aW9jo54_kLk20BuQnktNx02Z1NDiJ2vZ89mCswt62uwWCaMK0HBwDwWayMW6WHeaVyKdeh_pg8w4JsLBC6xq4uCjXU1zsKjJ6Axf5O0TzsEC1coKS/s1600/sitting+up+in+the+chair.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting up like a big girl - we like the chair!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25fqHN63ECaSGvcFb6LjuaxH-VTan4nMKJUHru697vP8ZSIRnOb0hyphenhyphenPivN8ttJpwjJbhNmE5bd1elG4YapwnUc0pjOjtfLkCBATMS1mYMIVxJSCVCCpjaZbv6huQHbLIcVS1m-dvdoXS2/s1600/first+bite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25fqHN63ECaSGvcFb6LjuaxH-VTan4nMKJUHru697vP8ZSIRnOb0hyphenhyphenPivN8ttJpwjJbhNmE5bd1elG4YapwnUc0pjOjtfLkCBATMS1mYMIVxJSCVCCpjaZbv6huQHbLIcVS1m-dvdoXS2/s1600/first+bite.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bite of solid foods...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg6dD3HQbYe_RQcmpKpVmSaw2hVXoppi8XzsQ3ivKFWLfJgGldJ6L-Fxo6w4UXYM7Se8CQPoz3ERepVUrjAoN6PxG9siYxToI1VSJxiGpA2hCPZnvzn6M_iOch718JTNml6tbIT_jPMtY/s1600/not+a+fan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg6dD3HQbYe_RQcmpKpVmSaw2hVXoppi8XzsQ3ivKFWLfJgGldJ6L-Fxo6w4UXYM7Se8CQPoz3ERepVUrjAoN6PxG9siYxToI1VSJxiGpA2hCPZnvzn6M_iOch718JTNml6tbIT_jPMtY/s1600/not+a+fan.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom! What is this?!? Are you trying to poison me?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fortunately her disgust was short-lived, and she now enjoys a variety of pumpkin, squash, carrot & pear.<br />
<br />
We're so thankful for this precious little girl!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p4TWJXMsocTbJylQBUnaYodbtUMoUBkSMahNWFisVrQSn9X4YSfkVnH8SydbZFbzqg1mBAatvLzB-Gv1uucR-Fzm-_UGwsjNCVh1p5JW8EOqP5AYkXi-2j1rz2vXkfzF_N-YYw_Q1qHV/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p4TWJXMsocTbJylQBUnaYodbtUMoUBkSMahNWFisVrQSn9X4YSfkVnH8SydbZFbzqg1mBAatvLzB-Gv1uucR-Fzm-_UGwsjNCVh1p5JW8EOqP5AYkXi-2j1rz2vXkfzF_N-YYw_Q1qHV/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susanna Jane Brande - 6 months old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-34429354060080731242014-05-08T06:06:00.000-05:002014-06-12T06:09:53.995-05:00One Day I'll Know What to Say <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's never ceased to amaze me how frequently I'll be stopped and asked questions here. I'm not sure if I seem knowledgeable, or non-threatening, or if it's because I stand out as a foreigner and people are curious to hear how I'll reply. (It happened all the time in Moscow too, so it's not just because I'm now walking around with a baby in a stroller.)<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This picture was floating around Facebook the other day, and I couldn't help but laugh. Some days, this is exactly how I feel:<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL_seNrQR6hXUY7TyGaIQAFs3758ckHjG0q13M5msjDY76wswgpcxHkqWmKWkglsOmC-4UqJhRwSkZP-bY-3fFveKDKv5cpMe03U7kVcteNuQ71tQi3u5bAdHNQGMT_o2TtJaCW57ihF2/s1600/interpretive+dancing+squirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL_seNrQR6hXUY7TyGaIQAFs3758ckHjG0q13M5msjDY76wswgpcxHkqWmKWkglsOmC-4UqJhRwSkZP-bY-3fFveKDKv5cpMe03U7kVcteNuQ71tQi3u5bAdHNQGMT_o2TtJaCW57ihF2/s1600/interpretive+dancing+squirrel.jpg" height="400" width="345" /></a></div>
<div>
I wish I had the same ability to communicate in Czech as I could in Russian.</div>
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Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-53653928220201962582014-04-30T13:47:00.000-05:002014-06-03T12:40:10.167-05:00Our Very Own "Biometric" Cards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are now "card-carrying" residents of the Czech Republic! We received our Biometric cards (sort of like a driver's license, but about 10 times more expensive) this afternoon, which means we're good until July of 2015.<br />
<br />
One small hiccup - while we were given our long term residency permits, Susanna Jane's application hasn't even gone through yet. We're not sure why there seems to be this delay, since we applied as a family, but we'd appreciate your ongoing prayers for this situation.</div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-45530073470111243602014-02-03T14:04:00.003-06:002014-02-03T14:04:27.782-06:00Job Description<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We know that you all have been praying for us and for the
ministry at CISP, so I thought I would use this update to tell you more details
about my specific classes, and how those classes are going. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When we first arrived in Prague, I was told that my class would be 7<sup>th</sup>-9<sup>th</sup> grade English
and 7<sup>th</sup> grade Bible. That
changed very quickly to 8<sup>th</sup> grade Bible as the decision was made to
let another teacher take the 7<sup>th</sup> grade class. After about a week or so, I decided to
swap the 8<sup>th</sup> grade Bible class for 8<sup>th</sup> grade Ancient
Civilizations. The four classes keep me quite busy as much of the material I am teaching is new. I often feel like a first year teacher all
over again with the planning and preparing of my classes. But overall I am enjoying the subject matter
and the students.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7<sup>th</sup> Grade – There are 6 students in this class,
which is probably the smallest class I have ever taught, but the students are
lots of fun and they seem to enjoy learning.
In this class, there are 4 Americans, 1 Italian/Spanish, and 1
Greek/French. The class is made up
of 5 boys and 1 girl. I spend a lot
of time trying to vary the subject matter to include grammar, vocabulary,
reading, writing, and poetry. Please
pray for these students as 3 of them do not come from Christian homes. Pray that God would be working in their lives
to change them and bring them to Himself.
Also, there are 2 students who struggle with strong learning
difficulties. Pray that I (and the
other teachers at CISP) would know how to best meet their specific needs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_Cbjo1vQnKD9xAccaNSYdXmpNDa9OCo2h3ii5vH1RBxKfu0YRWQFjOFuzwIiO1ZbImA1lfZDaomge-OpcveDUMqim195sNzcb9zr_xmfT9GD5H4LbmWNfPLnhoJIWGSe53uTuxzXy8w/s1600/P1110721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_Cbjo1vQnKD9xAccaNSYdXmpNDa9OCo2h3ii5vH1RBxKfu0YRWQFjOFuzwIiO1ZbImA1lfZDaomge-OpcveDUMqim195sNzcb9zr_xmfT9GD5H4LbmWNfPLnhoJIWGSe53uTuxzXy8w/s1600/P1110721.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8<sup>th</sup> Grade – This class has 11 students – 4 girls
and 7 boys – and is also quite international.
There are 6 Americans, 1 Ukrainian, 1 Czech, 1 Nigerian, 1
Italian/Spanish, and 1 Greek. Much of
the English class - like the 7<sup>th</sup> grade – covers reading,
vocabulary, writing, and grammar. The Ancient
Civilizations class has already gone through the beginnings of civilization,
and Egypt. This next semester the
students will study Greece and Rome.
Pray for me as I spend a lot of time with these students that I will be able to model Christ to them, and that I will have a lot of patience
with them, as they are a very high energy/high maintenance class. Pray also for Christiana and me as we will be taking
6 of these students to Rome in April and there is still much planning to do for
that. Lastly pray for some of the boys
in this class who have very little motivation and desire to study that God will
change their hearts as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnidRR2tXNfwtDVkMJPWcbjcdwnMMSJRA6eoLgprO9WW4AMlcEAUy-0Hun29HSHORnLHNgf0wGW64fALUnaWooUGY8Tncg1THFu4f4nLy66ywiQfbpby6sVc1COE0Zydzhd7cglfGJXPM/s1600/P1110551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-indent: 0.5in;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnidRR2tXNfwtDVkMJPWcbjcdwnMMSJRA6eoLgprO9WW4AMlcEAUy-0Hun29HSHORnLHNgf0wGW64fALUnaWooUGY8Tncg1THFu4f4nLy66ywiQfbpby6sVc1COE0Zydzhd7cglfGJXPM/s1600/P1110551.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">9</span><sup style="text-indent: 0.5in;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> Grade – This is the
largest class at CISP.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">There are 14
students – 5 girls and 8 boys – and their nationalities include 10 Americans, 1
Ukrainian, 1 Czech, and 1 Indian.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This
class is also high energy, but also a lot of fun to interact with and to teach.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Most of them are well motivated and seem to
enjoy learning.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Please pray for God to
raise up Godly student leaders from this class that will lead others to
Christ.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></span></div>
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Phil Brandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10787103588700137035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-29502231848283643142014-01-11T15:24:00.000-06:002014-08-02T12:07:01.406-05:00Before We Even Ask<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our sweet baby girl - who is TWO months old! - is suffering from reflux. While it's not considered severe enough for medication, it's troublesome enough to have caused us a few sleepless nights, and several uncomfortable afternoons. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAFQnXPOCdJlA-arjqjNW938CcbpuBCCsBwtjoRj4oXNS7J3RZau2zFU6cMNP6F-aq9VD4UlLE2J8_JKH5Vt_grIg0C4AdOQ_cW-L97kdjgqzZ8ID0VnGdyYeoTAtasqlbbVAX5sgmSjU/s1600/P1010430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAFQnXPOCdJlA-arjqjNW938CcbpuBCCsBwtjoRj4oXNS7J3RZau2zFU6cMNP6F-aq9VD4UlLE2J8_JKH5Vt_grIg0C4AdOQ_cW-L97kdjgqzZ8ID0VnGdyYeoTAtasqlbbVAX5sgmSjU/s1600/P1010430.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susanna Jane Brande - two months old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we packed our container with baby gear, we thought we had all the infant essentials we could need. But with the onset of reflux, I was kicking myself for not having included a recliner or bouncy seat - any sort of place where I might secure her in a more upright position. I can't remember if I ever voiced these longings aloud, but I certainly thought about it.<br />
<br />
Just before we classes resumed this week, one of our colleagues called Phil to say he was bringing over some old baby toys for us to use. The domafon rang, and Phil went down to collect our gifts. When he walked in the door, my eyes filled with tears - in his hands was a bouncy seat!<br />
<br />
Another reminder that God is providing not only for our needs, but also for the needs of our baby girl, even before we ask.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNNwqZ0VpPVuB6pnoFkT1qfJbL2PYvnX7950O2kaPSI-PT8M7opy4s9vBeJi4J2_nb0BIAhZ5LAhp9ukYNE1YPNc7rSK38a5Wg1fpj_dWL5qBXeTak_7AwFq6yVFIT9QlLzdwntAwX4G9/s1600/P1010417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNNwqZ0VpPVuB6pnoFkT1qfJbL2PYvnX7950O2kaPSI-PT8M7opy4s9vBeJi4J2_nb0BIAhZ5LAhp9ukYNE1YPNc7rSK38a5Wg1fpj_dWL5qBXeTak_7AwFq6yVFIT9QlLzdwntAwX4G9/s1600/P1010417.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susanna Jane enjoying her new bouncy seat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhi4s9WHg72Z5eP2zhan66P6mG7oWtsDi0dvREMDV2KUlOxUTtgJqlrLAtVa0Erho_CR-Ov95oZK6LsbwTnhujoLz6_k_umPT_7fH83vzY4JFWZ8mfZL7cZEJTgaZ0QgCO8XJUrNjPUFiO/s1600/P1010420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhi4s9WHg72Z5eP2zhan66P6mG7oWtsDi0dvREMDV2KUlOxUTtgJqlrLAtVa0Erho_CR-Ov95oZK6LsbwTnhujoLz6_k_umPT_7fH83vzY4JFWZ8mfZL7cZEJTgaZ0QgCO8XJUrNjPUFiO/s1600/P1010420.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relief from reflux at last.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-6127687640290451722014-01-05T08:44:00.000-06:002014-01-05T08:44:47.973-06:0040 Somethings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I read an article today entitled "<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-fontaine/40-things-i-can-do-at-40-that-i-couldnt-do-when-i-was-20_b_4537538.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009" target="_blank">40 things I can do at 40 that I couldn't do at 20."</a> It piqued my interest because I am turning 40 next week. Some of the things on the list I could relate to and some I couldn't (since it was written by a woman.) So I decided to come up with my own list of 40 somethings. I thought about using that title; I thought about "40 things God has taught me" or "40 ways I have been blessed" or "40 most influential people in my life." I even thought about a list of 40 lists that I could write. In the end I decided on this: "40 things I know now that I didn't know or understand when I was 20." These may also be the first of many pieces of wisdom that I leave for my daughter. These are in no particular order, just listed as they came to mind.<br />
So here we go:<br />
1. It really is "a small world after all" and getting smaller.<br />
2. The world is <u>not</u> completely black and white. There are a lot more grays than I want to admit.<br />
3. The Christian community/culture is far more unforgiving than it claims to be.<br />
4. Coffee is amazing!<br />
5. As much as I may plan, life never goes the way I expect.<br />
6. Teaching is not merely about the content; it is as much about the contacts and the connections.<br />
7. Middle-schoolers are not as scary as they appear.<br />
8. 2nd graders are scarier because they are cuter.<br />
9. Just because someone is a Christian doesn't mean they believe everything exactly as I do.<br />
10. In light of eternity, "Denomination" is irrelevant.<br />
11. Marriage is not as scary as people make it out to be.<br />
12. Fear is never a reason not to do something (except maybe bungee jumping or snake wrangling).<br />
13. Friendships are worth more than any amount of money in the world. Don't let them fall by the wayside.<br />
14. The world we live in is a messed up, screwed up, evil place; and far too often good people get caught in the wake of that evil.<br />
15. We cannot know true love without risk and vulnerability.<br />
16. Trust must be an everyday choice.<br />
17. Beauty doesn't always look the way I expect it to.<br />
18. People won't always understand your humor, but it's still ok to be weird sometimes.<br />
19. There are some dragons worth fighting and some that are not ours to slay.<br />
20. Life is much better when you have someone to laugh with.<br />
21. My body can and will adjust to temperatures below freezing.<br />
22. You know it's cold when your nose hairs freeze.<br />
23. Sometimes it's necessary to curse.<br />
24. Drinking alcohol won't send you to hell.<br />
25. America is not the greatest country in the world.<br />
26. You can never have too many pillows.<br />
27. The ministry that God gives us to do should never become more important than the ministry to our spouse and our children.<br />
28. People are stupid. Love them anyway.<br />
29. It's ok to cry at movies.<br />
30. It's ok to ask for help.<br />
31. Control is an illusion.<br />
32. After the written word, music is the most powerful medium on the planet.<br />
33. There is <u>always</u> something to be thankful for.<br />
34. Grace must be fully accepted to be truly impacting.<br />
35. There is nothing more valuable (and priceless) to God than we are.<br />
36. Our parents made many mistakes, but they did the best job they could with what they were given.<br />
37. The American church is not THE church that the rest of the world should be patterned after.<br />
38. If your life has no adventure, you aren't really living.<br />
39. Changing diapers really isn't that bad.<br />
40. I write because it is the best way to express what is in me, not just because I want to tell a story.<br />
<br />
And... 1 to grow on... Life really does imitate art.<br />
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Phil Brandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10787103588700137035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-8675465443104887772013-12-24T03:40:00.002-06:002013-12-24T03:40:36.549-06:00Christmas...from a new father's perspective<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Christmas is definitely nothing new for me. I've been celebrating it for 39 years now. But this year everything seems new. I guess having a baby will do that. Mostly I've been thinking about the incarnation for the past couple weeks. John tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and Paul tells us in Philippians tells us that Jesus gave up everything to take the form of man. Again these are not new Scriptures to me. I've always known that Jesus was born as a baby and had to grow up in the normal human fashion. But now I am seeing this with new eyes...the eyes of a father.<br />
As I watch my daughter, I am so enthralled by everything she does (ok, maybe not the screaming). I can sit and stare at her for hours, watching every facial movement and hand movement. And even when she isn't moving, I still marvel at the fact that she has been given to us to raise. She is completely helpless. She can only sleep, poop, and cry on her own. For everything else she is dependent on us.<br />
Now, I think about the fact that God -- the omniscient, all-powerful Creator of the universe -- came to us, not as a mighty king or a battle-ready warrior, but as a utterly helpless baby. Jesus (the Word of God) couldn't even communicate with his parents other than crying and smiling. He couldn't do anything but sleep, cry and poop on his own. The Savior of the world was utterly dependent on his human parents to eat and live. And being born as a baby meant that he had to learn everything, like walking and talking and reading and writing. Mind. Blown! Maybe I should just stop there and let you think about that for a while. I should, but I won't because I have a few more thoughts.<br />
W<br />
atching my daughter also brings lots of questions: Was Jesus really "the perfect child" that we sing about in our Christmas songs? Did he ever fight sleep? Did he get upset when Mary and Joseph left him in the donkey stroller too long? Did he ever get sick? Did he keep his parents up at all hours of the night? We feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of taking care of our human daughter. What must the pressure have been like for Mary and Joseph knowing they were raising the Son of God? I don't have the answers but I suspect that everything that we consider "normal" for babies, Jesus experienced. If that doesn't amaze you, nothing will. Especially those of you who are parents. <br />
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Merry Christmas from a new father.... And from all of the Brande family<br />
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Phil Brandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10787103588700137035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-43789642958791817782013-11-17T11:04:00.000-06:002013-11-17T11:04:16.518-06:00One Week Old<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday was Susanna's original due date. We were very glad to spend the day with her at home, and not in the hospital!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napping with Daddy</td></tr>
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To celebrate her first week, we all bundled up and made our first family outing - to the market & back.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressed extra warmly for her first outing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy is very happy the stroller fits into the elevator!</td></tr>
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We received this duck as a shower gift, and we decided we'd take Susanna's picture with it as she grows. It may be awhile before she's as big as the ducky!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susanna Jane Brande - one week old</td></tr>
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Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-22294231648365698092013-11-14T16:43:00.000-06:002013-11-16T16:43:43.745-06:00Coming Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thursday morning around 10:30, I called Christiana to find out what the doctors had decided and was very excited to find out that she and Susanna had been given the "all-clear" to go home. So I scrambled and in about an hour, wrote out lesson plans for all the classes that needed to be covered Thurs afternoon and Friday. Around 12:30, some friends from school -- who had offered their car -- picked me up at the apartment, and we drove to the hospital. When I got there, I learned that all the paperwork was done and everyone was ready to come home. So we packed Susanna in her snow suit that was 3 sizes too big, put her in the car seat and headed home. We were all very thankful to be home, especially Christiana! After sleeping on a hard hospital bed for 4 nights, our bed was the perfect way to catch up on rest. And praise the Lord, Susanna slept almost 5 hours her first night home. What a joy to have our family together in our own apartment! <br />
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Phil Brandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10787103588700137035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-16776163597460353742013-11-11T20:48:00.000-06:002013-11-16T14:49:40.323-06:00Brande New Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are excited to announce the arrival of our daughter, Susanna Jane Brande, on November 10, 2013.<br />
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She arrived at 11:22 am, Prague time, and weighed 5.3 lbs, measuring 18.5 inches. Christiana labored at home, and we arrived at the hospital barely an hour before she was born. We were blessed to have excellent nurses and a doctor who spoke English.<br />
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Because she is so small, Susanna had to spend her first day in an incubator, which has been very hard on Christiana, but she's now with her mommy, and we're praying she'll be coming home very soon.<br />
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Thank you for the many prayers you have prayed for Baby B's safe arrival.We can't wait to have Susanna Jane home with us!</div>
Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-35667866962896356702013-10-31T15:24:00.000-05:002013-11-03T09:30:04.052-06:00Parcel or "Partial" Post?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the things we counted as a plus to being in Central Europe is that regular mail, such as letters & post cards, make it to us between 6-9 days. </span>(When we lived in Moscow, it wasn't uncommon to receive Christmas cards in February, if we received them at all.) <span style="font-family: inherit;">We've already received some very kind notes and a birth announcement, and it's always great to hear from friends & family. Given this speedy rate of delivery, we were hopeful that we would have equal success in receiving care packages or boxes of goodies from friends & family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, we had a very difficult time with our first package. Some of it was our fault; some of it is just the particularity with witch Czech Post handles parcels. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before we left the states, Christiana had packed a box of miscellaneous clothing & books (basically all of the "non-essential stuff" that over-weighted our suitcases), addressed it, sealed it, and left it with her parents to send to us in Prague. There was nothing particularly priceless in there, but it was stuff that we wanted back eventually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The box was mailed on or about the 23rd of August, and approximately 10 days later, we received a notification that it was at the postal customs house. "WOW, how awesome!" Or so we thought. (Again, it was not uncommon in Moscow to receive a parcel several <b>months</b> after it had been shipped.) Unfortunately, attached to that notification was also a whole stack of additional paperwork which we were asked to complete. We discovered that - even with all of the additional documentation we might provide - it didn't guarantee us delivery of our package, at least not right to our door. Assuming we cleared up all of the "problems" with this box, it was still going to be an additional charge for the postman to bring it to the address printed on it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What had we done wrong? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well for starters, we'd used an old blender box - it had a picture of a very expensive kitchen appliance on it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Strike one. </i><br />The customs declaration only said "personal items" - it didn't itemize clothes, shoes or books. It was also not marked as a "gift", something which we've learned is essential if we want to receive anything without having to pay additional customs fees for it.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Strike two.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although there was nothing particularly valuable in the box, it had been insured for more than $40 USD. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Strike three!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We'll spare you the rest of the tedious details. By God's goodness, we managed to escape a hefty fine in customs, and after two more weeks, six additional papers, and a delivery charge, the box was FINALLY brought to us at school. You know you're suffering from culture shock when it's exciting to receive your old clothes & shoes in the mail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've received several requests from readers & friends for our mailing address, and we're glad to provide this to you. However, for anyone who is considering sending us a package of some sort, please, <i>please</i> use the following guidelines before sticking anything in the mail!</span></div>
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<li>Unwrap/untag everything. Take off excess labels, take off price tags. If it's baby clothing, please wash, dry & fold so you can call it "used". Package like things together in Ziploc bags. If something comes with directions, package those separately somehow, perhaps as a "bookmark" in a used book. </li>
<li>If anyone sends us anything like a DVD, CD, or book, make sure to unwrap it completely & remove the electronic security tag from the inside of the case. Play the disc so it has been "used". Write our last name on covers or inside flaps of books. Again, please make sure all price tags are removed.</li>
<li>List the entire contents of the package on the customs declaration (say "used _________" whenever possible), and make sure it is marked as a GIFT.</li>
<li>Do not insure the package for more than $40! Most people end up paying fines for packages insured over this amount. Regardless of what you've sent us, please don't insure it for a large amount of money.</li>
<li>Try to mail things in bubble envelopes or flat-rate postal boxes. The larger the box, the more likely it is to be snagged for inspection. Do not use commercial packaging - meaning boxes with pictures of toys, electronics or appliances on them. That's a huge red flag.</li>
<li>Please be sure to write the mailing address directly on the package somewhere. Even if you're told the customs label is enough, it's not.</li>
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Packages may be sent to:<br />
Christian International School of Prague<br />
Attn: Brande - (Please don't put either of our first names on it, because if one of us isn't at school on the day it's delivered, the other one can't claim it without a power of attorney.)<br />
Legerova 5<br />
120 00 Praha 2<br />
Czech Republic</div>
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We realize that we've probably just caused most of you to cancel any plans to send us anything for Christmas - we understand. Please know that any regular letter or card is still highly appreciated, and those *can* be delivered to us at no extra charge by the Czech Post.</div>
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Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com1Prague, Czech Republic50.0755381 14.4378004999999849.749331100000006 13.79235349999998 50.4017451 15.083247499999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-42860428204076940822013-10-27T10:12:00.001-05:002013-10-27T10:12:38.567-05:00A Quick Break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This weekend is our school's fall break and a Czech Holiday (Independent Czechoslovak State Day to honor the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918). We have Monday and Tuesday off from school and had originally thought of going to Berlin. We realized, though, that with Baby coming, there is still much to do to get our apartment ready for her. So we decided to go explore a Czech castle instead. Some of our friends at school recommended Karlstein Castle built by and for Charles IV. <a href="http://www.hradkarlstejn.cz/home1/">http://www.hradkarlstejn.cz/home1/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sat morning we got up early and took a 30 minute train ride out of the city. The morning was foggy and grey but we went anyway, hoping the sun would show itself. When we got to the town, we had to hike 2 km to the castle. We took our time and enjoyed time together and the beauty of the morning. We got there just in time for a tour of the main castle. And when we came out, an hour later, the sun was shining and the fog was gone. And we were able to get many pictures of the beautiful countryside. (More pictures are available on our facebook pages)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We spent the afternoon walking back down the mountain, visiting a wax museum, and enjoying a lovely lunch. At the bottom, we meandered around for a while until we found our little hotel situated on the river. The hotel even came with a camel, a pig, donkeys, and ducks. We only stayed one night and returned to Prague this morning. It was a short get-away, but one that we needed. Perhaps when Baby B is older, we will go exploring more castles. Until then, we will finish getting everything ready for her arrival. Please pray that she will come soon and that the delivery will be smooth and uneventful.</span><br />
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Phil Brandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10787103588700137035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-61958880159698639342013-10-12T14:57:00.000-05:002013-10-12T14:57:38.722-05:00Delayed Updates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yes, it has been a while since we have blogged or written a newsletter (there is one soon to come). So let me give you an update on life here. It has been quite a busy 2 months since we arrived here, and it feels like we are just now getting settled in to life and work here -- settled in just in time for Baby B to arrive. We received our shipment from the States on Sept 3 (the day before school started), and this past week unpacked the last box. We are still working out where to put everything, but it's looking more and more like a home. Baby's room is almost ready, and we are more than ready for her to be here. Her expected due date is Nov 16th, but we are hoping that she comes early. Christiana has been to the doctor a couple of times and has gotten the registration finalized at the hospital. So now, we wait.<br />
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The first month and a half of school have been filled with lesson plans and crazy days and field trips and most recently the secondary retreat. We took all the 7th-12 graders (about 35 students) to a camp 2 hrs outside the city for a weekend of spiritual growth and getting to know each other better. This retreat was quite different than ones we have experienced in the past, as the high school leadership team planned and led most of the weekend, including all the chapel talks. We were quite impressed with what they did. It was a good weekend to get away, but we got very little sleep. We were thankful to come home to our own bed. Please pray for the students that they will not forget what they heard this weekend, and they will choose to apply it to their everyday lives.<br />
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Here are a few pictures:<br />
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Phil Brandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10787103588700137035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-830718328493673054.post-90804770029126184132013-09-07T15:37:00.000-05:002013-09-08T14:40:13.902-05:00Perfect Day for a Picnic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
CISP gathered at Park Folimanka for the all-school celebration picnic. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. Check out the following photos!<br />
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Phil and Christianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18395721255945119282noreply@blogger.com0