When we last left off, we had boarded the plane and made it to North Carolina. We were all exhausted from having to sleep in the airport. When we got to RDU, the principal and assistant principal from GRACE Christian school were there waiting for us. We were able to use the school buses to make our way to our first true NC experience: Bojangles. For me, it was a wonderful welcome home meal. For the students, it was pure culture shock. I never thought I would have to explain what the word "fixins" meant. Some of them liked it, some not so much. One thing is for sure though, we were really grateful that the school picked up the tab. It was truly a blessing.
That night, we were able to take the students to their first NHL game. This was very exciting for them because hockey is the national sport in the Czech Republic. There were several Czech players on both teams, so the students waved their Czech flag proudly. It was a great experience. We even got to interact with some inebriated hockey fans just to give them a true experience (Lots of swearing and inappropriate comments to ignore. Good times.).
The next day was Wednesday, and the students spent most of it at school. They went to chapel with the GRACE students. That was certainly a very different experience for them, as most of them do not attend church services here in Prague. I am sure some felt very uncomfortable, but it was another authentic NC experience. Tonya and I were really overjoyed that the Czech students could experience something that we really value highly: our faith.
That is it for part one. Join me again in a couple of days for the conclusion to our USA trip with the Czech students.
Before I end this one though, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the host families, the teachers, students, and staff of GRACE Christian School. This trip was amazing, and it was amazing because of you. Thank you so much.
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