Holding our heavy suitcases, we walked out of the dark metro & into the light of Wenceslas Square for the very first time. I held my breath. Tall historical buildings with pointed spires & cobblestone streets were stretched as far as my eyes could see. There were cafes littered around the city center, packed with people from different parts of the world, & street vendors with the most delicious smells coming from out of their carts. Over the next few weeks, I would become more accustomed to these surroundings, but I was initially, completely, enamored with the scene. I've been told that Prague is the most beautiful city in Europe & has the power to inspire a million sonnets, & I understand why people say those things. I find myself having too many or too few words to describe discovering this new world, & I've only just begun my life here.
One month has gone by as quick as an inhale & as fast as sand sliding through fingers. Our two foremost emotions being thrill & anxiety, as we are excited to finally explore the Czech Republic, & subsequently, dive into the work needed to actually carve out a life here. By God's grace, we are doing well with the {very real} culture shock of living in a different country, & have been blessed with family here who have taken us in. Still, the reality that everything we've ever owned has been sold off or put into storage becomes deeply scary when looking at the two suitcases we each now carry. There are days when we feel scared of the uncontrollable: "Why haven't we found a flat yet? Will getting a business visa be a problem? Will we make enough money? How do we find good community? Can we really do this?" We don't have solid answers to most of our questions, but we do allow for the same faith that has flown us this far to give us rest & become our rock to stand on. As we step out of our door every day to the busy stone streets & elegant building architecture, we marvel at God’s great feat, that we are actually here.
Those I've met have told me to be patient, to wait, that with its great history & many places to visit, Prague will not open itself up to me all at once. So in my own way, I am introducing myself to the city. I'm letting my fingertips glide the surface of its sights & sounds. I’m dipping my toes in slowly as I get to know the tram stops, tucked away delis, & Czech greetings. Every corner is a mystery waiting for me, & each new day brings me closer in friendship with Prague & this new chapter of life.