So They Stole My Bike but Left My Helmet...

Spot the Missing Bike

I think it's fair to say that this past month has had it's fair share of challenges. Up until now I think I've had a fairly easy time of it here in Slovenia. It's been a pattern in my life that things seem to plod along quite happily until suddenly lots of small (and not so small) bad things happen at once (Feel free to ask me some time about the defining week that led me to Slovenia in the first place!).

This past month has felt a bit like that. Nothing huge has happened, but lots of small things, one after the other. If you read my last post, you'll know more about things that have been happening. For a quick update on my thumb, I went to the orthopaedic specialist yesterday but he immediately decided to send me to a plastic surgeon instead. Apparently they have more knowledge about hands, who knew? I have an appointment on Monday so hopefully I'll know more then.
The title of this post kinda gives away the problem I've had this week. The picture quite nicely shows the scene I was presented with on Monday evening, just as I needed to use it! If you're British, you may well be asking the questions, was it insured and have I reported it stolen. The answer to both is a resounding no. Ljubljana is a very safe city apart from the loss of bikes. The police therefore don't care about one missing cheap second hand bike. The really sad thing though is that I'd just got it serviced and replaced the basket that was one rusty screw away from falling off. I think the nice new basket is what made it a target to be honest. It's been sat in the same spot outside my flat for the past year and there are definitely nicer ones to take...

Moving on to the bizarre parts of my past two weeks. Obviously, the thieves weren't safety conscious as they didn't take my helmet. However, this morning I got a message from a friend saying that someone had taken her helmet but not her bike...
If that wasn't strange enough, last week I saw a man casually taking an ostrich for a walk in the middle of Ljubljana...

Yes I've been facing a few challenges but the last month hasn't been without its joys. I've settled into a good routine and have especially been encouraged by the responses of the girls I meet for one to ones. In one group we're looking at the book of Esther and it's great to see the expressions and responses of one of the girls who doesn't know the story. In another group we've been looking at 1 John and the true meaning of love. It's a real joy for me to see how these teenagers are learning and growing. Tonight we're having a light party, celebrating the light the Reformation brought to Europe (Reformation Day is a National Holiday here and is on 31st October). It's been a lot of fun this week bringing together different ideas so hopefully it'll go well tonight.

Please be praying for me as I'm facing these challenges, that I would depend fully on God rather than my own strength. It's tiring facing one after another but I know that God is sufficient for me and that he can and will lead me through.
Anyway I'll just leave you with a picture that is just another reason why I love living in Slovenia. I took this picture on the bus last week. The Slovene literally translates as reserved for the reading of books. I'm not sure how successful the scheme is but at least it made me smile!