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December 13 Over the past few weeks I have seen glimpses of hope in and around me. Today, however, the pain almost seemed greater than I could bear. First, I received the news that a beloved family friend had just died in America after a long bout with cancer. Though I would like to return home for the funeral it just isn’t possible. I will have to grieve here. I decided to take a walk to the thousand year-old site of Vysherad, the so-called Acropolis of Prague and once royal seat. It was a cold and long stroll. My body as well as my soul ached as I made my way through the church building and paid my respects at the eerily silent cemetery. This walk was not the same as being at the funeral of my friend but it would have to do. As I sat by the cemetery and then ambled through the grounds to look down on the long, winding Vltava River, I wondered about the struggles of life. I thought about how my friend had struggled but also about this country. I have been told that the Czechs descended from the Slavs who likely came here in the 5th or 6th century AD from central Asia. As I thought about the history of struggle and defeat, I was reminded that life (for this country, for my friend, and my own life) is a struggle, a fight against outside forces that threaten to steal, kill, and destroy. When I arrived home tonight I heard the next bit of bad news. One of the couples on our mission team is in serious marital trouble. Despite our attempted counseling and countless prayers, they are throwing in the towel. Oh Lord, even though I have had glimpses of hope over the past few days, the pain tonight seems too great. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy! |
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