Various thoughts re: Central Europe

I chatted with Frank Zauflik today about the Central Europe East region in Greater Europe Mission. In preparation for a Consultation Day in September, we discussed a variety of issues, but one stood out to me in particular.

It’s a question, really. What are the things that we assume are true today about the CEE culture that USED to be true, but may not be true now?

For instance, for many years, I have heard missionaries state that Slovaks as a culture are not responsive to the Gospel. They just don’t respond to the salvation message.

I have had experiences contrary to that statement. But, I have to ask the question whether or not it is really true.

Another consideration: Do Slovaks (Central Europeans) have a high tolerance for risk-taking (overall) or not? According to one survey, they have a very high tolerance. According to my experience, they tend to shy away from risk-taking.

However, most of my experience has been in the context of Christian people and that may skew the average.

But my first question remains. What is it that I (as a missionary) hold true in my mind/heart today that maybe at one time was, indeed, true, but may not be true today?

Eye surgery

I went in for eye surgery on Thursday morning. I was there for a total of 4 hours, but the actual surgery only took about 20 minutes. The surgery was painless - well, except for the poke in the eye with the needle to numb the eye before the surgery.

The greatest pain was on Saturday and Monday, but overall it hasn’t been terribly painful. It’s more annoying than anything. Every 4 hours I have to put this antibiotic “guk” into my eye to keep away infection.

Here’s my operation “get-up.” Stylish, no?

Here’s a pic of what my eye looked like on Saturday.