Last night in the Czech & "See you laters"

My delicious coffee!

I do not believe in goodbyes. I call them see you laters because it does not matter when I see the person. I know I will see him or her again whether it is on this earth or in heaven. That might be why when I say goodbyes now, I do not get as emotional. It is not because I'm heartless or don't have emotions but because I truly believe that if you care and love someone you will see them again. However, it means that I am intentional with each time and moment I spend with someone. I never want to leave wishing I had told them something that was on my heart, and that is what I kept telling myself on this trip during every FBI time. Ultimately, I wanted to leave this trip knowing I had allowed God to use me in every way showing His love for the Czech. Earlier in the day after camp, I had to say a "see you later" to Gabi and Simona because they were not joining us for dinner. It was really hard to leave them because we have all gotten so close, but I knew in my heart I would keep in touch with them. :)

Entrance to Charles Bridge

Bara and her husband Marek as well as Nikol pick us up at our hotel at 6pm. Poor James had thrown out his back the day before so he has been with Bara the whole time. I was so excited to see Marek wearing the shirt I gave him that morning! If you ever get a chance to meet Marek, he is just the funniest and most loving person ever. Very sarcastic and just awesome!

View from restaurant

We go to dinner on a boat near the Charles Bridge, but the boat does not move. It is just a restaurant, and it has to be the most gorgeous view I have ever seen in my life! We got here around 6:30 right around sunset, and our table overlook the water, Charles Bridge, and Prague castle. Once the sun went down, the beautiful view continued with the city lights. There are just certain things you can never get in California, and this was one of them. I ordered the salmon ravioli, and for dessert the best coffee I have ever had! yum! :) Only negative thing was how long our table was. I had to keep moving up and down the tables so I could have some time with each person. :(

During the whole dinner, I just sat and took in every moment, reflecting on all the wonderful experience of the week. Out of the 4 times I have gone to the Czech, this had to be the best camp/trip ever. Not only did I feel that I was able to build on the relationships I had built in the past, but I also made a lot of new ones that I will never forget. My first trip in 2005 changed my life forever, and I knew I was going to be back. I just didn't know it would be seven years later, and my feelings for FCC missions and the people of Czech are just as strong.

Bara (left) and Marek (right)

Some of my favorite moments from dinner were when Ondra was so excited for the shirt I gave him he put it on right away. He was so happy and grateful it put a smile on my face. Erica even cried a little hehe Another moment was just talking and Bara and Nikol. It is so great to catch up and enjoy the moments we have with each other. I call these two ladies my Czech moms because they truly care and love me like their child (much older child) ;-) I look up to them so much and for everything they are doing for cheerleading in that country. Even though it has been three years since I have last seen them, it was as if nothing had changed. Words cannot express the magnitude and depth of love I have for them and their families.

Salmon Ravioli

After dinner, we took one last walk down Charles Bridge. Prague at night is a beautiful sight. I honestly would not mind living here and seeing this view every day. Going to another country and experiencing their culture is something I think everyone should do, especially Americans. It has made me thankful and appreciative of what I have, but in the same way for other cultures as well. There are certain things we take for granted or forget to appreciate. Sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone to see how things are outside of our confined thoughts and ideals.

Ondra and his shirt!

Erica

Finally, we head back to the hotel, and as Bara and Marek dropped me off, it was hard to think that I would not see them for a while. We stayed in the lobby a few moments and just expressed how glad and thankful we both were to have gotten to see each other again. After a sad but hopeful "see you later", I headed back up to my room to finish packing then headed up to the girls room and had a late night chat with Addi. We talked about our experiences and how it has impacted both our lives. I told her I would come back to say goodbye in the morning and headed back to my room. Since I wanted to sleep on the plane, I didn't sleep much and just finished up my "I love you becauses" for the U.S. and Canadian staffers. Til tomorrow!