This Saturday I had a couple of the guys over to my house for a second game day. During this time we finished the game we started last time, but also carried on the good conversations we had been having.  It is fun to be in a totally relaxed atmosphere like this where you can talk and have fun together all day.

I also spent my first Easter away from home this year.  It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.  I have realized that it is becoming more and more natural to be away from home and in a lot of ways I feel at home here.  I spent Easter Sunday with a couple of missionary families and individuals who work and live in Banska Bystrica.  It was a great time to hear about everyone’s different ministries here and to pray and worship together.   (It was also great to have a more American style easter meal).  It was also interesting to experience the traditions of Easter here which are to say the least a little strange.  On Easter there is a tradition that boys will come to girl’s houses and chase them down and pour water on them or dip them in a stream.  While they chase them they will swat them with little switches.  Although it does not really happen in the cities it is still alive in the rural community.  From what I gather it has something to do with Fertility and dates back to ancient times.  Although it is strange I guess it is not much stranger than a colorful bunny hiding eggs full of candy for children.  Of course the Christians celebrate Christ’s resurection.  If you are curious about Slovak Easter traditions you can read more here.

I was also able during this break to succesfully make the traditional Slovak dish, Bryndzove Halusky.  It turned out pretty well.  I am now deciding what is the next dish I will try to make.

Matthew 28:6

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.