Not only the Gospel but our own lives: Update 25 from Prague
- Josh Hayden
- Jul 15, 2024
- 4 min read
Dear family and friends;
Our past couple of months here have been an emotional ride. Though we’ve had a long to-do list in leaving Prague, we’ve been laser-focused on the people here and all the work God has given us to do. It’s been hard to live in both realities. While we’ve finished a semester with student dinners, taught two summer courses, helped run ballet performances, taught a Ukrainian ballet Bible camp, finished teaching at CISP, given tours and guest lectures, coordinated countless playdates, finished a flag football season, and attended several end of the school celebrations and gatherings; we’ve also both been receiving spiritual direction and professional coaching/counseling on our transition to the U.S. We’ve been counseled that whether we return to Prague or not, these five years need to be processed well and the need to say ‘good goodbyes’ for this
chapter of our lives. A passage that keeps coming to mind when we think about our time here: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”(I Thess. 2:8). We will never be the same because of our time here as we have opened our hearts to friends, colleagues, and students in Prague.
We thought we’d highlight a couple of themes in terms of what has been on our hearts these couple of months. The first theme is faithful. Recently we’ve seen a culmination of our efforts to use the gifts God has given us to impact the lives of our students and families. Josh taught two classes (same one twice) this summer focused on six Czech leaders taking them in and outside the city to see, feel, and experience the history and lessons that this place and people offer. It is amazing how the history and leaders here provide a way into topics like claiming responsibility for our past, how we grow from suffering, the nature of evil, and the practice of hope, faith, and love. In both groups, Josh shared his faith more directly in conversations with individuals who shared their struggles with following Christ in college. Studying abroad has a way of opening people’s hearts and Josh was glad to be immersed in that life-changing experience with them. The last group of students bought Josh a journal and wrote notes to him in it. A few students told Anna at one of the final dinners, “Dr. Hayden is the best professor I’ve ever had. This class changed my life and how I think.”
Anna finished her regular times with the Ukrainian community as the school year ended (schools here end mid-late June) and taught a ballet camp the first week in July. Anna’s interpreter and friend, Olya, and her daughters came back to Prague from Ukraine for the camp. They cried tears of joy when they saw each other, and had a beautiful week together working the camp. The camp was full to capacity with 24 girls who attended, and had a waiting list! The Bible time followed the book, The Promise, by Jason Helopoulos, and at the end of the camp each girl got a copy in Ukrainian. They also focused on Ecclesiastes 3:4, talking about there being a time to mourn (acknowledging their losses, the ongoing war) and a time to dance.
Closing a chapter here has also meant another theme: an overwhelming gratitude for the relationships we’ve made. One of the hardest-hitting emotional experiences was at our church, St. Clements. The congregation prayed for us, including singing a prayer of blessing in Hebrew as our family gathered at the front of the chapel. We’ve served on the Church Council, walked with some through very difficult times, connected with families, had fellowship and spiritual direction with others, and some even said they felt part of our family. We made it through the service with many tears and thanks. In addition, for Josh, saying goodbye for six months or more at the university has been hard. There are many colleagues now that Josh can speak openly with about his faith, which means deeper connections. He met recently with two student thesis advisees and recent graduates in a cafe and gave them Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak, and discussed their dreams beyond university.
Friendships with peers and connections with teachers at CISP has been a great gift to our kids. Caleb and one of his friends have a tradition that they build something every time they are together and they got to build and fly one last glider airplane at the park before his friend moved to England. Joseph played videogames recently with a friend now back in Japan. Collier has done several sleepovers and meet-ups with friends around town. Abigail has played in parks with friends and really had a bond with her teacher, Miss Martin, this year. Collier and Caleb loved a week called “School in Nature” that they recently spent with teachers and friends camping in the countryside.
Self-compassion and seeking help has been another theme. Through this very busy time, Josh sought out spiritual direction from an old friend in the US to stay attuned to God’s presence and God’s leading. They have spoken about the tendency of toxic shame ("I should be able to handle everything!") and the need to practice self-compassion, especially in a time of many logistics and worries about financial provision. So many have helped us already and that long list we sent with our last update has gotten shorter. We still have not figured out school for our kids, but things like renters and debriefing have fallen into place. We have a dear friend and mentor organizing a ‘welcome back’ with a variety of help once we get to Nashville in early August. Let us know if you want to be added to that welcome group.
Finally, exhaustion we must admit is a final theme. After five years and increasing opportunities to use our gifts each year, we need some rest, reflection and rejuvenation. Please continue to pray for:
Monthly donors to help us during a period of transition, discernment & sabbatical.
Moving back into our house in Nashville: cleaning, household items, repair. Need help moving furniture from storage.
Enrolling our kids in school in Nashville(still unresolved, applied to MNPS and private schools)
Possible part-time employment
Discernment about next steps in ministry and for our family.
Our emotional, spiritual, and physical transition back to life in the U.S.
Sending our love to you all and see you soon!
The Haydens
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