Thankfully, my English classes are taught by Americans. Most Czech schools don't have this privilege! I have actually learned a lot in and through my English classes.
If I think about it, the only things I know about American history, I know from movies, my Uncle (he likes to "enlighten" me about my "homeland"), from listening to random conversations, and from my English classes in Czech school. It's sad how little I know about American history! Ask me about the Premyslovci, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, or Communism, and I (hopefully) will have something to say. But ask me about the Alamo or the Civil War, and I won't be very helpful.
Like I said though, thankfully, I have American teachers! Part of Maturita is an oral exam in English. We have to talk about all sorts of topics, including some about American culture and history. So I am learning, alongside my Czech classmates! (You should be proud, Uncle Mike!)
Some people might be concerned that I don't know a lot (don't worry, I've visited many times, and have internet, so I know some!) about my own country. But truth be told, I can't say that American history feels like my history. On the other hand, Czech history doesn't feel like my personal history either.
I brought this dilemma up with my Dad after seeing the movie Lincoln a little while back. Dad is also a former Missionary Kid, so understood how I felt! What he told me in response totally altered my thinking about "my" history. He reminded me that my lineage is in Christ. I may not belong fully to one culture or another, but I DO belong to God, and am a part of His family!
In talking about this, Dad referenced Israel. He's right, when I was there, I felt this truth- my heritage is here! I walked around with such excitement and anticipation, knowing that THIS is where God's work began. This is where the first Christians were born!
When I realized all these things, I felt so much better. We all love to "belong" somewhere, and as a Missionary Kid, sometimes it's hard figuring out where you belong! But knowing that my citizenship is in heaven, and that that is my eternal home, is so comforting.
I'm thankful my English classes don't only consist of history, grammar and conversation exercises, but that we also have Bible class once a week.* I love learning about all those other things, but what I love most is learning about God's history, and understanding who I am through Him.
*Side note: BMA is a Christian school, but you don't have to be a Christian to attend. Its' high quality language education is what students mostly come here for. If you want to learn more about this, go to BMA's website!
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| English Class |
Like I said though, thankfully, I have American teachers! Part of Maturita is an oral exam in English. We have to talk about all sorts of topics, including some about American culture and history. So I am learning, alongside my Czech classmates! (You should be proud, Uncle Mike!)
Some people might be concerned that I don't know a lot (don't worry, I've visited many times, and have internet, so I know some!) about my own country. But truth be told, I can't say that American history feels like my history. On the other hand, Czech history doesn't feel like my personal history either.
I brought this dilemma up with my Dad after seeing the movie Lincoln a little while back. Dad is also a former Missionary Kid, so understood how I felt! What he told me in response totally altered my thinking about "my" history. He reminded me that my lineage is in Christ. I may not belong fully to one culture or another, but I DO belong to God, and am a part of His family!
In talking about this, Dad referenced Israel. He's right, when I was there, I felt this truth- my heritage is here! I walked around with such excitement and anticipation, knowing that THIS is where God's work began. This is where the first Christians were born!
When I realized all these things, I felt so much better. We all love to "belong" somewhere, and as a Missionary Kid, sometimes it's hard figuring out where you belong! But knowing that my citizenship is in heaven, and that that is my eternal home, is so comforting.
I'm thankful my English classes don't only consist of history, grammar and conversation exercises, but that we also have Bible class once a week.* I love learning about all those other things, but what I love most is learning about God's history, and understanding who I am through Him.
"But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior."
- Philippians 3:20 (NLT)
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| Our classroom |
I know first-hand that your knowledge of Czech history is very keen! I enjoyed your insights last week (through your Mom) on the Czech situation Pre and Post WWII. After reading Madeline Albright's book about Czech around the war time it was fun to have a "local" update.
ReplyDeleteI think lots of history is situational. Maybe you visit someplace and wonder about when it was settled or who were the main figures in developing the area. Or maybe you meet a new friend from somewhere you didn't know existed and want to learn more about them, and look up some info to satisfy your curiosity.
History often gives us our sense of where we come from and your Dad is very insightful to give you the advice he gave to you.
What I like most about history is not the dates and numbers, but the thoughts and actions of those who came before us. It shows that even thought they are long gone their ideas have been kept alive. Of course it also shows the folly of some ideas verses the wisdom of others. Over 2000 years now to study the life and teachings of Jesus and He seems more alive and relevant than ever!
Keep studying...it's a lifelong passion!
If therefore ye have been raised with the Christ, seek the things which are above, where the Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God: have your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth; for ye have died, and your life is hid with the Christ in God.
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