REACH Polska

Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

Will not be here this coming week. I’ll miss…

Enjoy watching the season premier of LOST with Trav. Even though I really don’t care about that show.

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Enjoy the balmy weather in Portland. 50′ F is crazy warm for January.

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I am looking forward to 20-30 min showers and no interuptions in my sleep. Good luck Travis.

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I want to drastically change my hair…maybe some piksie bangs will do the trick

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Well, I had my one day of unpacking and just finished packing again for tomorrow. I’m going to Michigan with a couple friends. First stop Chicago. I think I was there less than 24 hours ago. *sigh

Then off to Grand Rapids and then about an 1 1/2 hour car ride to our destination. Have a great week….I won’t be posting since I won’t be having internet. It’s a remote place.

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

The dragon is a napkin holder…interesting and very artistic. The other picture is of a new scarf. Some last minute things before we leave. Pack everything. Harder than it sounds. Calling taxi’s, meeting with friends, playing with play dough with Emma, calling the landlord, etc.

Emma got a pair of shoes a couple days ago. We were getting back from Wrocław and Emma was really fussy. We went through Galleria and decided to just have dinner there- food always makes Emma a happier person. It took forever for the food to arrive so Emma and I went to surrounding shops to distract Emma walk around. We entered a shoe shop and she went crazy! She was so excited to see colorful shoes that she immediately wanted to take her boots off and try some on. She kept holding up her feet and asking, ‘help, help?’ I was shocked, this was the first time she really showed her preference for shoes. So I bought the cheapest pair and she was beaming I tell you carrying her shoes to the counter. She couldn’t wait to show daddy too. They’re pretty cute if I do say so myself.

This is in one of the surrounding parks by the square. Trav took this and I think it’s absolutely beautiful.

We are leaving at 5am tomorrow morning and will first be flying to Warsaw-stay there 5 hours (oh yuck) then flying to Chicago (9 hours-not bad) then to Portland. *sigh It will be a long day. Would appreciate your prayers.

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

We went out today and it was cold. We went to the old Jewish district in Krakow. It is in Schindler’s List and unfortunately the massacre did really happen there.  The buildings are beautiful and even though you begin to stop feeling your legs, hands and nose it really takes your breath away. The beauty, not the low temps. (but I’m such a weeny. really.)

Taadaaa! Here we are freezing our tushes off.

We were waiting for the light rail. Yes it was cold, but it is during these times that I thank God that Emma is like Travis. She seems to always be warmer than me so I don’t have to worry too much. What can I say, I’m always the extreme. Our flat is just down the street to the left, about 200 meters. We are so lucky to be near a tram stop. Most people are bundled just like me. However they’re hats and scarfs all match. I even saw girls in SHORTS with dark tights on. Yes, in like 3′F weather. Bold and daring. Me, not so much. Pants all the way, and I won’t mention the fleece pants I’m wearing right now. (Oh so attractive – not) Peace out peeps!

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

Well, maybe you do, but I’m still getting used to it. I’m from such a mild temp place.

We actually found an unsecured wifi network! This will, of course be an overwhelming amount of pictures. Enjoy them! Right now it’s about 25′F, really warm compared to the -3 F temps we experienced last night coming back from a different city. At least it’s sunny today, I could almost imagine what it would be like here in the Spring. (the one season I’ve yet to see here)

Obviously we will have no idea if this will be available when we move here, BUT….it’s within our budget, love the location and it’s even on a quiet street! *sigh, can’t you just imagine how pretty it would be in the summer?!

This is in a huge mall right near where we’re staying. It’s called the Galleria and has fountains- which Emma MUST visit each time we go there. She enters and yells, ‘Wawa?’ And then we make our journey to the bottom floor where they are. Life’s little pleasures we grown ups ignore, I love her perspective.

The fountains and our friend Kuba and Emma laughing. We enjoyed his company when he came over and we had tea, cookies and chocolate.

I had those glow sticks from the Dollar tree and we had some friends stay the night with us in Krakow and it was so much fun for Emma and Esterka. They loved them. Thank you Dollar tree.

And Amy: Yes. We hang dry our clothes here

At a couple’s house who we got to know over the weekend.  We went to Wrocław, and got to see a couple who pastors a church here. We were able to also stay with amazing hosts. Story time: while we were having breakfast I noticed they had salt and cinnamon…interesting. I asked and she said it was for coffee. What a good idea! Who needs pepper anyways right?!

Trav went to a conference in Wrocław about Love. They talked about the five love languages but also had moving testimonies. Our friends talked and gave their testimonies. I was unable to go, but Trav was moved by it. The conference was from 9am-8:30pm

Gotta run, we’re going to the jewish section of the city. Where Schindlers Lost was made. More pictures to come

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

OK, really quick before Emma freaks out in Trav’s lap and screams bloody murder. That’s just what we would need…

It’s been snowing here all day, but the light dry kind. It’s cold here too. 18′F We’re bumddled up though and once you get used to the cold it’s not so bad. You just learn to love snuggies. (Brandon where is mine you promised me for Christmas!?)

We used the WIFI here to look at some possible flats here for rent. There are a couple that are really nice. Emma though is not doing well and her time is just about up. We’ve bribed stuffed her with french fries and soft serve ice cream from McDonalds. The rhythm of our daily schedule is showing us how much slower things will be like for us here. It will definatly be an adjustment. But it is good and insightful. I have a new found respect for Kerstin, The Balons, Robyn and Katie.

We’re having a couple come up from Nowy Targ with their daughter to stay with us for a night. It should be nice. I think we’ll see some of the city with them, then have a nice quiet WARM night.

Well, I think that’s it for now. If you have any questions just ask. I promise we will post more when we move here. It really sucks being out of the loop of the world for days on end. We just found out about the earthquakes in Haiti. What the heck?! It’s horrible. Anyhoo, I’m also dying inside because I can’t post any pictures. I wish I could…but when we live here we’ll be able to. Promise. OK, that’s all. Peace out my peeps.

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

We’re here in Nowy Targ pronounced ‘nove targ’. We’re here visiting a couple we’ve been friends with for a while. Weronika, Chris and their daughter Esterka (Ester) We’ve had a nice relaxing time, and will probably be taking a walk in a while. Trav found a way to upload pictures so far (my hero!).

Here are pictures of our flat in Krakow.

where we eat every meal

La Kitchen

Left picture: Fridge on left, blessed washing machine on right. Then there’s me with the living room view. Ground level flat.

Our street in the early morning.

These are Trav’s favorite cookies. We bought them the first day we came.

On a side note, we were watching High School Musical 1 and I was the only adult who was watching it- what a shock. hehe Then Ester turned off the DVD player HALF WAY THROUGH!!! I had too much pride to ask to turn it back on.  Pride is my downfall. I have a good idea how it turns out…but still. Maybe I’ll borrow it from a friend…amy?

Enjoy the pictures

Emma, Chris and his daughter Ester. They girls loved playing together. Yay, I hoped they would!

Emma and Ester ready for bed! A second later they were out and running around the room. Last night I was up with Emma from 4:30am-7am. Pray for me.

Breakfast this morning. They had their own table, it felt like Thanksgiving. Emma felt like a big girl.

Breakfast. They had a cherry jelly-which is my favorite! I’ve already eaten one whole jar of cherry jelly. And I’m thinking of bringing some over too. Emma had 1 1/2 of the sausages! You go girl!

It’s not nice of me to take this and they had maybe 3 seconds to prep for it. But hey, we all have a pose we prefect in high school right?! At least I did.

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

We are feeling less like visitors staying in someone’s home and beginning to see what it will be like for us to live here. It is exciting and a little nervous. We’re using our polish as much as we can though, and speaking it a lot more in our home. It’s growing my courage enough to order cheese from the grocery lady by myself. A lot of giggling and pointing on my part and smiles on hers; so gracious. People here are SO nice and are patient with us. I’m noticing that I speak a lot quieter when I’m unsure if I’m saying the right thing and what I need to do is just boldly speak it out. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow. We’re staying in a little comfortable flat that is 50 sq. meters. I could get used to living in a smaller place, it’s just nicer, cozier…who said bigger is better?! For diner I made one of Travis’ favorite Polish soups. Zurek, a salty soup that has sausage and hard boiled eggs. We had it with grilled cheese (gouda) sandwiches. Yummy, and great on a cold day. We already had pirogi on the first day (my favorite). I know a lot of you told me to take pictures of the foods here and I promise to start- tomorrow.

As we landed at the airport, we saw snow everywhere. It’s so beautiful and not too cold, although today there was a wind and nobody likes that. I dressed Emma up like an abominable snowman, er I mean snow baby. Some observations: When a faster person is walking behind someone who is slower, the slow person stands to the side and lets the fast person pass. Common courtesy. Not too common in Gresham, it’s nice. In the grocery stores (I’m buying all our food and am enjoying it!) There are no shortages of packets. They like their packets of soup, mixes, spices, marinades and everything else you could want. It’s incredible and I always smile when I pass the walls of packets. They do have peanut butter (a favorite of mine) but it’s a little expensive. I’m sitting at a mall with free wifi but it won’t allow uploads…horrible! I took pictures of the flat and I guess you’ll see them later. We’ll find a place that allows it-I hope.

The kitchen is nice, and I’m realizing that I don’t really need a dishwasher. It’s not a hassle for me to hand wash everything, but I’ve only been here for a short while- we’ll see. I am dependant on ovens though. While ‘living’ here it will prove to be a challenge to cook everything on a stovetop. But, as Travis says, I like that challenge and it hasn’t proven to be an obstacle yet. Emma is L-O-V-I-N-G all the time and attention from daddy. I could get used to him not working and staying with us all day…well maybe. I must say that my butt is being kicked by jet lag. Man, I want to pass out around 10am and then 3pm…I took naps with Emma today and it saved my life. Literally people. I’m frustrated by the lack of wifi. I would be posting everyday if I could. Sorry about that. We’re meeting with a missionary tomorrow at a coffee shop Coffee Heaven (which is far better than any Starbucks). We’ll be visiting friends in a nearby town from Friday to Saturday. They have a little girl and I know Emma and Esterka will love each other.

***On the flight over, Emma slept and didn’t yell once. She showed all those people who gave us the evil eye, as we boarded, that they were wrong. Hah, so there. (tongue sticking out) I was praying like nuts that she would do fine. The flight from Chicago to Krakow was 9 hrs 30 min. She is getting used to the time change, and I think she’ll be fine in a couple days. OK, people, time to go to bed- it’s 9:30 and Trav is a walking zombie, Emma is stalling with her toy laptop (what a savior mom!) and I’m finishing this. Dowidenzia!

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

There are a lot of anxious thoughts about moving to another country. Poland is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve been to. I’m really looking forward to it and especially how their views and culture differ from ours. I like experiencing new ways of thinking. I am not, however excited about the unknown walls of discouragement and challenges. When I think about how my responses will be, I am reminded of a friend who married a European and is now living in Holland.

I would like to be like her when I grow up and live in Poland. She embraced the history, challenges and language with both hands. You can tell she made an early decision that she was not going to complain (and I haven’t heard her complain ONCE) and you can just tell she had a healthy adjustment. I have heard some stories of times she could have been discouraged, but her stubborn determination pushed her forward.

Robyn,

You have no idea I was planning on writing this, but you deserve all the praise in this post. I am glad to have you in mt life and look forward to spending time together in the soon future. You have embraced the Dutch with both hands and I will take your example when moving to Poland.

alexis

I don’t lie to myself and think moving to Poland will be all roses and stuff. It will be hard, but my friend has, unknowingly, shown herself to me as a role model. On Monday we will be flying to Krakow, Poland and will be staying there 3 weeks. I am challenging myself with embracing the language (and sounding ridiculously stupid) speaking more to people and giving all of undivided attention to the friends who we meet with. We’ll see how it goes, I’ll be updating this while we’ll be there.

peace out

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

Yeah, I know, it’s been a while since I last posted. There just seems to be so much happening that it seems overwhelming to try and tell/show it to you. I’ll do it this way.

I’M HOPING: to get all that needs to be done before we fly to Poland Monday.  4 days left and counting. Me stressed? No, more like FREAKING OUT. But Travis is being so wonderful and supportive…even when I got sick yesterday and got nothing big accomplished.

I’M PRAYING: that Emma will be either totally doped up on baby benadryl or sleeping her butt off on the airplane the entire way to Krakow. ‘Freaking out’ about this doesn’t come close to how I’m feeling. “no!” is her favorite word and well…she’s entered her 2’s. I’ll just say that.

I’M THANKFUL: to my wonderful hubby. He has been really supportive and encouraging even though he has been getting no sleep. Love you babe.

*also, Brandon and Becky- I love you forever for watching our house/cats for 3 weeks- you’re wonderful!!!

I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO: being in Krakow again and seeing friends…and just…being there. I miss the feeling of that city.

I’VE GOT TO SUCK IT UP: and just be ok sounding stupid at first, while I’m learning Polish. Ugh.

I’M IN LOVE WITH: my new Kindle.

I’ve been into this series…pre-teen at heart.

I SPLURGED: and made my favorite comfort food for lunch… Just noodles, c. of mush and cheddar cheese. It makes the world a better place.

I HAD A GREAT SURPRISE: Travis surprised me and took me to Levenworth for 3 days before Christmas. I was wonderful.

I’VE LEARNED: life is too short to always be freaking out. So I’ve dedicated Saturday to do Emma and my pedicures and manicures.

I SAW: an amazing movie and want to see it in 3-D SO badly.

I AM: leaving now to change a poopy diaper. Peace out

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Alexis wrote the following on her blog, Technically Grown up . To comment and read her original post Click here.

In the past few days a seed has slowly been growing in my head. The seed of ‘healthy-ness’. If you know me, you already know I’m seriously allergic to exercise. My face immediately turns red, I have a hard time breathing and days later my body is sore from the little escapade. Not good. However doctors are saying that it is good to stretch your body and to ‘feel the burn’. (which sounds and feels horrible) I prefer a nice leisurely stroll through Ann Taylor or H&M.

However, I can tell that my body is not…working it it’s potential. I’m not wanting to lose weight, but rather strengthen my ‘core’. So…I have slowly began to think that I am about to make a new master plan. I will add nasty chores like cleaning bathrooms with other nasty chores…like torturous tummy crunches, walks outside in the freezing butt cold wind and maybe even a few yoga lessons.

Here it is.  *This is open to changes.

Sunday: Stretching, Laundry ALL DAY LONG, Dust

Monday: RELAXATION DAY, Polish lessons

Tuesday: Stretching, Cat boxes, Tuesday Treats

Wednesday: Polish lessons, empty garbages/recycle, Yoga

Thursday:  Clean stove/sink, Walk Outside (please give me nice weather God!), take out garbages

Friday: Clean bathrooms, Yoga, BOOK Day

Saturday: Polish lessons, Stretching, do my fingernails

*some things I’m going to do in my day to day routine. Park way away from things to make me walk farther, always walk to the park- don’t drive, take stairs when I can, try to eat more veggies and make less desserts, blog often of course- and have fun!

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