Days before Classes Start

Well Its been a week and a few days now since I have been in Brno. I have mostly just taken pictures of all the buildings and streets and such. Eventually I will go to some museums and hopefully the castle.
I took a tour of Brno as part of my orientation week. I took a few picture on the actual tour, but when it was over, I walked around on my own and took some more pictures and explored some.

This picture here is one of the streets in the city center area.

This bullet looking thing is called an astronomical clock. I'm not sure who exactly knows how to read the time from it.

Here are a few I took during the tour.

These next ones are taken of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. The pictures can't accurately capture the beautiful design of this building.

Now come the pictures I took when I walked around on my own.

Near the church there was the walk path that had a beautiful view of part of the city.

I also took a panorama on my phone.

Here are some more pictures I took in this area.

Today I went out to find a store to hopefully find a few things I needed. While I was out I did some walking around and more exploring in a different part of the city. Each part of this city that I have explored has been so beautiful.

I think this is a fountain of some sort that's turned off because its been so cold.

Words on the fountain, well words in Czech I assume.

 Beautiful details on all the buildings.

This is where two of my classes will be. Faculty of Social Studies.

One of the main buildings of Masaryk University. This one has a 24hr computer lab.

This is where my other two classes will be held. Faculty of Arts

So, this post has quite a few pictures but who cares right? You all wanted TONS of pictures! This isn't all the photos I have taken, just some of the best ones.

Now a little update on how I am doing. First of all, I am really thankful to be here and blessed beyond measure by God in my life. There have been a few times where I was just really homesick and wished I was with my family. I have not started classes yet so I have had a lot of free time. The past few days have just been getting myself familiar with the city and where things are (for example finding the buildings where my classes will be at). And other reason why this post has so many pictures.

On Sunday I visited a church that was just down the street. It was an interesting experience for sure. The worship was all in Czech so I did not know what the songs were about. The preaching was in English, but translated into Czech. The pastor spoke and then immediately after the translator did his translation into Czech. It was a little more difficult to stay focused on the sermon. Towards the end I didn't catch what the pastor said and people were going up and I think they were praying or it had to do with speaking in tongues. Then the pastor prayed over two people and everyone started to pray also in tongues ( I think?). I'm not to totally sure what was going on though. Over all it was strange service and I am not sure if it is the right church for me. I did however meet some really nice people. I met a a girl who's name is Nadiya and she just made me feel welcome and was really friendly. We plan to meet again this week. I also met another nice girl and her name is Ilcha. This Sunday I plan to visit a different church. I am completely trusting God to lead me to where he wants me to be for this time I am away from my church at home.

Over all I have been doing great! God is so good and continually reminds me to trust in Him and he will guide me.

There are two verses that I have been meditating on this week.

Proverbs 3:5-8 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshments to your bones".

Isaiah 26:3-4 "You keep him in perfect peace who's mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock".

Such great encouragement and reminders!

Last I want to show you my favorite picture that I have taken so far.

Thanks for reading this long post!

Holly Anne