Our Journey through Eastern Europe, Part 1: Poland

My husband Jono works doing IT/computer networking for a missions agency, SEND International. Recently he and I had the opportunity to go visit some of the countries where SEND works to see what the missionaries are doing and for Jono to offer some technical support as needed. Here is the travel log from that experience.

October 2, 2015 – Detroit (Metro Airport)

Sitting in the airport waiting to board our plane to Frankfurt (and then on to Wroclaw). Can’t believe after all the planning and preparing we are finally here. It was a little strange not having Mocha around last night and this morning. But it did make packing easier. Hopefully we didn’t forget anything important. Excited!

 

Ready to go!

 

October 3 – Frankfurt Airport

Long layover in Frankfurt. Had a good flight and dinner on the flight was good. Rested but did not actually sleep. We were able to watch the movie Terminator: Genisys, which was pretty good (nudity in it though). Ate breakfast at Frankfurt airport. Was good but pricey. Did some resting while waiting for flight to Wroclaw.

October 4 – Wroclaw, Poland

Market Square, Wroclaw, Poland

Yesterday we arrived in Wroclaw, along with all our bags. We didn’t even have to go through customs! The Hamiltons picked us up and drove us into the city where we met up with the Irons. We walked around for a while, taking pictures and enjoying Market Square. 

Catholic Church in Wroclaw

We visited a Baroque style church were a wedding was taking place. Then we ate at a Polish restaurant, and had real pierogies. Delicious! 

We then walked up a tower – 302 steps! that wound around and around – whew! But the view of the city was spectacular! We took some time to take it in and then prayed for the city lying before us. After a long walk down (narrow and winding), we went and got some souvenirs and then had ice cream. Then we headed back to Hamiltons for the night. Had a great night of sleep and today are heading out to one of the churches and to visit a church and SEND missionaries (Lubin – Sunday 10/4).

Overlooking Wroclaw, Poland

October 4 – Lubin, Poland

Jono gives his testimony

We visited Lubin today, went to a Polish church (name I can’t pronounce – see camera pics and video). Had communion. Recognized most of the music but with hearing the Polish words had trouble remembering what the English was in order to sing along. Was able to sing along for a couple. Amazing to be singing with believers from a different country and sharing communion together. All serving the same God. Jono gave his testimony with a translator. It went very well.

SEND Missionaries in Lubin, Poland

Afterwards we went to lunch at a SEND missionary home – Paul and Carlene Eager. Were joined by Ed and Laida (Filipino missionaries) and Pat Weathersbee. Salads and pierogies – very good. Paul took us along while taking his daughter and her friends to a soccer game. He showed us around Lubin and where the church’s new building will go up. Then we went back to Eagers for dessert and Jono helped Pat with her computer. Great time of fellowship together. 

On way back the Hamiltons showed us the building where a new church plant will be in Legnica.

Building for new church plant in Legnica

There was a drop box for babies at a building across the street (said Window of Life in Polish). We then picked up Joshua at the train station and went back to Hamiltons where we hung out and talked for a while. Tomorrow another city with SEND missionaries – Opole.

October 5 – Opole, Poland

Drove out to Ayers’ house. Jono worked on someone’s computer, while Judy homeschooled. Michelle and I hung out talking.

At the Ayers home

At 1:00, we drove into town of Opole for lunch and ate at Manekin. Very good crepes. Then we walked around the city and went to their church, which is newly independent.

Opole Church

Then on to Mitch’s apartment for Jono to work on a couple computers.

Then back to Hamiltons for the night.

Jono assists Mitch with computer

Part 2 (coming soon) is our time in Hungary.