Update on The VRT

This is just a short post to let you all know that I just went ahead and started a new blog to document all the happenings with "The VRT". I'll still be posting here, letting you know the inner workings of what's going on, but from now on if you want to know what's happening with the actual trails you'll have to go to the new blog. Check it out by clicking the link in the sidebar. There really isn't much there, but I'm sure that within the next few days I'll be able to post some updates. Today looks like a great day for working; with the rain having stopped and the sun shining I'm sure it makes everybody want to be outside enjoying the last of the warm weather.

Picturesque

That's one way I could describe the short trip I took this weekend. I got the chance to visit the mountains, the Tatras, and do a little hiking. I stayed at the penzion (small hotel) while I was there. Saturday was the day that we went up on the mountain and the forecast was for a chance of rain.

We could see clouds up on the mountains when we started out at around eight in the morning. It wasn't exactly rainy looking, but it wasn't exactly clear either, that was for sure. All through the hike up there were times that the sun would shine and times when the clouds would take over and make the brisk mountain air seem just a little colder.

The hike took us a little more than three hours to get to the point at which we were to turn around (Sliesky Dom). The trail was gently slopped the whole way and consisted mainly of rocks, roots and a little dirt. It wasn't such a bad trail, it's just that it's hard to look at all the scenery around you without twisting your ankle.

I tried my best to look at everything around me and I'm happy to say that I didn't twist my ankle. I was able to take a number of pictures, but not nearly as many as I wanted to. It was hard because I kept getting behind which made the others have to wait on me after a while.

As we were hiking up and I was taking pictures all of a sudden my camera went dead. I wasn't really surprised since it was pretty cold with the wind blowing, so I just popped the battery that was in it out and stuck in my back-up battery. The second battery lasted for all of about ten pictures before it shut off. I put the batteries in my pocket so they would warm back up, but that didn't work. I'm still not sure what the deal was since I had charged both batteries before leaving for the trip. I ended up just having to shut my camera off and turn it back on after every two pictures or so (for some reason I can continue to take pictures for some time even when the battery is supposedly empty). This got me the rest of the way to the top and all the way back down.

We were in the mountains, that was for sure! The wind was blowing off and on, and the overall temperature when the sun was shining was around 5 degrees C. The valley that we were in was partially shaded and the water that was in the lake there was cold. We sat by the lake and ate lunch, all the while craning our necks to take in the magnificent landscape that was around us.

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I changed the settings on this post so the pictures would be as big as they could be. The picture above I think would look best if it was poster size, but that's just because it was so big in real life. I think I could have sat there all day and looked at all those rocks and brown grass, the dark green of the scrub pine and the crystal blue sky. The fresh mountain air added a lot to the experience, as well as the tightness that I could feel in my leg muscles. I guess there's just something about climbing a mountain that makes all the work worth it, that is if the weather is nice (but then that depends on how you define the word "nice").

I am really glad that I got to experience the Tatras this past week because they say that autumn is the best time of the year weather wise. It really was a good trip, even though we didn't go where we had at first planned to go, but just being there in the mountains was worth it.

I guess that'll just about finish this post up. I hope you can enjoy the pictures even though they are still pretty small. O, and what do you know, but I've even got a picture of myself just to prove that I really was there!

A little explaining

I knew that's what I'd have to do if I didn't spell out what "The VRT" stands for so here it is: The Vah River Trails. I guess that also gives you an idea of where these trails are (hint: by the Vah river). They are being built on the flood-plain between the river and the high water dike. This area is mainly covered by overgrown wooded areas, and it is in one of these that the trails are being built. I found the area while I was riding around one day. It almost looked like someone had laid out jumps years before, but it has turned out that those mounds are really just piles of junk covered with dirt. Anyway, this was the biggest reason for why this place seemed just right for trails. There were an abundance of mounds and small hills already there and most of the work would be just cleaning out all the undergrowth so trails could be made.

Right now we've got four jumps finished and many more that need to be "cleaned up" before we can start on them. The whole area that will be made into trails is probably a few acres in size, which means plenty of space and work! I would post some pictures, but I haven't taken my camera there yet. I might be able to get some video though, because one of the boys was using his phone to document our progress.

Now, you may ask why are we building trails? There are a couple of reasons actually. First off, I knew that there were a number of places around the city that had jumps, all of which are used regularly, but they are mainly only jumps, no trails. Not only that, but most of the jumps have gaps that are really wide and/or the jumps themselves are big. I don't really see jumps like these being friendly to the newcomer (which most of these boys are) and this was one of the reasons I wanted to start something new. Secondly, by building a completely new set of jumps/trails I would be able to spend working time with all the boys. This has been my main reason for doing all of this in the first place and why not work with them as well as ride with them?

The first couple of days that I was working alone, I made the decision to give the whole "new trails" idea up if no one was interested in it. Little did I know that within a few days there would be a whole group of boys using shovels and rakes, pulling down vines and cleaning up brush. I've spent about twelve hours of working time with them and they are already talking about what we'll be able to do next spring. We think we can get a good portion of the work done before it snows and that seems to be our goal right now. Actually, this afternoon we'll be going at it again, that is unless it rains. I'll be sure to keep up on any news about this whole project so stay in touch (and ask questions if you have any).

Project: The VRT

I know I haven't posted anything in a while, but I guess that's just because things have slowed down quite a bit after all the hours we had been putting into the Manna room project. Since it's now done and being put to use (nine or ten mothers plus their kids the other day!), I can sit back and be, well, I guess kind of proud of the work that was accomplished. Not that I did everything, or even close to it, but it does give a sort of satisfaction seeing something put to use that I've had part of. So what's the next project? Hmmm.......

There are really a number of things that can, could, or should be done, but the hardest part about all of them is the fact that I can't do them all or that I'm just not able, period. I can work on a few things at a time, and for right now that's what I'm doing. Lately I've just been doing small things that need to be done because there are no big projects that are being started and/or being finished as of right now. So, that means I'm waiting.......


I will admit that there is something that I've kind of started; that is the project I started two Saturdays ago. It pretty much boils down to two things. First of all, as some of you might know, I used to race bikes when I was younger and pretty much all my life I have liked riding bikes. It's a useful thing over here because, as of right now, my bike is my car (it's my form of transportation). Secondly, I've been trying to figure out some way of keeping in contact with some of the boys around here, mainly the ones that I already know through futbal, etc. I knew it would have to be some kind of activity (they're boys after all) that's fun and one in which I wouldn't have to get them to join. At the beginning of the summer I had in mind canoeing/floating (which I still think would be great), but that hasn't quite worked out since finding a canoe over here is a lot harder than I thought it would be (maybe I just haven't met the right people yet). So, what to do...what to do...?

Then, just a couple weeks ago, I heard (by keeping my ears pealed) one of these boys offhandedly state that he's been spending most of his free time riding his bike, or more specifically, trying to jump it. This was it, it was what I had been waiting for! So I started; that is I started digging in the dirt and making little piles of it, just like any other twenty-one year old would do (?). To make a little more than a week and a half "report" go by more quickly, I will just state what has taken place. Eight boys, of whom I only know six, have joined me in working on what I started on two Saturdays ago. But that's not all! Not only do they want to dig in the dirt, but they have decided to spend almost all there free time doing it; that means almost every afternoon so far this week. What more could I have asked for?

Now, not only do I get more exercise, but I also get to spend time working/having fun with eight guys who need Christ, and they're doing it all without being asked! I know that some (if not most) of you will say that jumping bikes is potentially dangerous, and truthfully I admit that it is, but what else in these boy's lives (ranging in age from 12-15) could be just as, if not more, harmful and dangerous? I know from being around them and hearing them talk that the life of the pub-goer/drug user is just now throwing out it's lure and trying to reel them in. I see riding bikes as a great, if not better use of their life and limb right now at their age. It gives them something "healthy" to do and keeps them (as much as can be hoped) away from all those "other" influences.

Actually, after starting off on this whole thing, I've felt really inadequate for the job. It has seemed like I bit off more than I will be able to chew, but I think this is because it is something that I've never done before; I'm just a beginner. What can I hope to do by spending time around these boys who seem to think that foul language is needed to get a point across and that being rude and crude is the way to get respect? It is overwhelming sometimes, but then I think of what the contrast has to be when I'm there. I don't swear when I stub my toe on a rock or let out a string of curses when I fall into a rose bush, and I don't laugh at the nasty jokes that everyone else laughs at. I've noticed that I kind of stick out (besides other reasons) and also that I'm under observation by all those that are there. For right now, I see that as my biggest job. I call myself a Christian, which means I take on the responsibility of being Christ to those that know me, see me, and are around me. I'll be first to admit that it's not easy, but then again, who said it would be? If anything, it makes me see just how weak and helpless I am in this battle, which in turn makes me see just how much I need the strength that only God can give. Please make these boys a part of your prayers. I would also be grateful for your prayers as well.

I know this has been a slightly different post than any of my previous ones, and it has been a little different for me as well. I guess you might say that I am just now beginning to understand the importance of prayer and of having others pray for me. All I can do is give whole hearted thanks to my Father for the brothers and sisters I have that have been, and now are, praying for me and the people here in Slovakia.

Fruit...Already

Yes, it's true. Today was the first day that the room was opened to the public. It saw some preliminary use on Sunday, but today... well, today's the day! There were six mothers and seven kids that came, a great start to what is looking like a great opportunity. How many more will come in the future no one knows. There are a lot of moms and kids out there, and that can be witnessed by taking a five minute walk in just about any direction.

Now the "work" begins, if it can really be called work. I won't be doing much with the whole thing now, I've had my part in all the prep. before.

From now on I guess my part will just be that of an observer, something I think I'll be able to do quite well. I'm not saying I won't do more, I'm just saying this because that's my view of it. I'll try my best to give updates on what's happening, but they probably won't be like they have been for the past couple of weeks (that having to do with what I just stated above).

Note: I posted this separate from the one right before this because.....I just wanted to.

Finishing touches

That's what we've been giving the Manna room this past week. Painting the window frames/sills was the last big thing that needed to be done and it actually went really well after we got the paint.

This was a lot more detailed work than the door frames were, but we survived. Windows, at least from my perspective, are easier to paint because if you go over the edge and get it on the glass it's no big deal. When that happens on the wall, it's another story (we know, it happened).

Yes, if you look closely you'll be able to see that that's me in the above picture. Magic! Actually I have a chair and the timer option on my camera to thank for their indispensable help in my time of need (?). Are you getting tired of all these picture of the same room? Well, all our preparation is pretty much over so I guess you won't be seeing to many more. Here's a picture of the finished wall (as much as I could fit in the frame). Size wise it's a wall about 3x2 meters in proportion.

I guess I'll go ahead and post a couple pictures of our cleaning up, the last bit of work before being ready to open.

And more cleaning...

I don't know about you, but all these pictures are starting to look the same (I've been around the room too much), and no, I'm not saying the room itself is bad (or anything of the sort). Actually the room really is great and is quite transformed from it's old self - a good thing to be sure. These will be the last pictures I'll post on all the prep work; from now on the pictures will be of the fruit of our labor - the people who come. (And yes, the pictures will be taken in the same room)

This isn't tomorrow

It's today, and today is Friday. We've been busy and I haven't gotten to that report yet, but guess what? I think I'm going to try and get it done while I'm taking a little break from painting window frames. So, here goes...

Friday night (from this past weekend, that is) the conference started. We sang songs and then listened to a speaker. Then we sang some more and listened to another speaker. Sorry to make this sound quite drab, but that's pretty much the way it was (except for actually being drab). The first speaker I didn't know, but it was interesting listening to him all the same. The second speaker I did know and actually he just arrived back from working in Ireland. That night the main theme was "God and I".

Saturday's theme was "the World and I". It proved to be a very full day. Breakfast was at eight and the first session of the morning started at nine (this session was actually the only one for the morning). After the lunch that was provided we had the afternoon free until supper. We had a gym rented out from two till five and everyone who wanted to play Volleyball and futbal went there (sorry, no pictures because I forgot my camera [yikes!]). Having the afternoon off gave everybody a chance to spend time with friends as well as to get to know new people. This is actually one of the main reasons for these quarterly conferences; for youth to spend time with each other. It works out as a great way for people to stay in contact, and it also gives them a chance to learn together.

That evening after supper the evening session started. Most everything done the whole weekend was done in a (what we'd call) laid back fashion. I don't really know how to explain what it's like to be in a conference like this one, all I know is that my experiences so far with these types of meetings are that there is no real set way of how to do them. When it was the speakers turn he got up and spoke. And, as happened, if his son (who might be three) came up to him and tried to hang on his leg or speak to him while he was talking, nobody seemed to think it out of the ordinary. I guess that's one example of the kind of thing that makes these meetings unique (at least to me).

My duty, as we might call it, during the conference was mainly just to take some pictures and play the guitar. Before Friday, though, I had taken it under my belt to try and orginize all the sound equipment we had and then try to figure out how I could put it all together and come up with what we were going to need. It was an interesting endeavor, one which was partially worth my while (I found out what most definitely wouldn't work), but when it came to "show time" all my work seemed to fall apart (one time literally). We had about half a million cables (we're in the wireless age, aren't we?) and those, combined with all the other hog-pog of equipment, meant there were sure to be problems. Was I surprised then when things started going the way of hum and feedback? Well, truth be told, yes! I was really hoping that my effort would have amounted to something, which, like I said before, they did partially. We ended up with enough cables for the first time (even though some stopped working the first night [I had previously tested all of them!]), five microphones (wow!), monitors (yeeeha!), and a very (very) interesting soundboard/amplifier setup. For the most part everything worked so I'll just end my little paragraph with that positive note about the technical side of things.

Sunday morning went well. We held a normal church service as part of the morning session. The second service (this was the actual session) was on the theme of "the Church and I". The speaker pretty much just gave his testimony; I think it fit the theme quite well. And that was it. The conference was over.

That afternoon we passed out flyers about the Manna/family center and used as many of the young people to help us as would volunteer. We were able to pass out a bunch and since then we have had opportunities to do the same.

Now that it's the evening I'm finishing the post that I started this afternoon, I will have to postpone today's update until tomorrow. Hope you can wait.

I know...

...I said I would give a report on this past weekend, but the hot news right now is what we've gotten done today in the Manna room. Painting door frames was probably the biggest thing on the list.

And since there was orange paint being used, we also got started on painting the kids chairs. Only one got done, but the others will be finished soon (they have to be!).

I didn't really help out with the painting today, except when I helped pour the paint and mix it with thinner. Well, now that I think of it... I did paint a little strip on a door frame (next to the wall) which was about a centimeter wide by about forty long! Ok, so I mainly moved things around and did a bunch of little things. This morning I put together a step stool and a normal one, both being items that we bought yesterday on our shopping trip. We got a couple of lights and shades, chairs (adult size folding ones), the before mentioned stools, a shelf, picture frames, and a bunch of other odds and ends. My day mainly consisted of taking care of installing lights, putting up the shelf, and doing half a hundred other such things. O yea, I also put up and away all the stuff we used over the weekend (that takes care of the big chunk of time I was missing!). Now, back to pictures.

I'm sorry there aren't any pictures of me, but it's really quite a hard thing to take pictures of myself - I guess you'll just have to be happy with the pictures of everybody else for the time being. I'll also have to remember to get a picture of the wall with the paintings all over it; it's almost done with only a couple spots needing to be filled in.

That's about it for pictures from today. I'm really wishing I had a wide angle lens for my camera because trying to take pictures of rooms is really hard when the widest you can go is close to 50mm. O, another thing some of you might notice about my pictures (or maybe not) is that they are sometimes slightly different colors, even though they are taken in the same room. The reason for this is that I'm having a terrible time trying to set the correct white balance with the yellow and green walls that are in the room. I've tried my best, but sometimes it just won't work! (If you didn't understand what you just read, don't worry, I guess it's only for people who know something about cameras)

Now... for the... report on... the weekend... Can't I just do it tomorrow?!