After a late night arrival at our lodging in Orzechowy Dworek, our alarm clocks were a rude awakening at 6 a.m. this morning. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast, after which we loaded up the bus and departed for our first concert of the day at New Life Christian Center. A warm welcome awaited us. A friendly “dzień dobry”, a kind hug, or conversation ensued with church members.
We presented our concert to many worshipful attendees. I finished the concert feeling blessed from sharing in worship to our great God with the audience.
If you ever want lessons on hospitality, come to Poland. The Polish people’s kindness in words and actions is beautiful and humbling. After a delicious main course of soup, bread, bigos, pickles, and kieabasa, we were delighted to sample over 12 different flavors of cake. As if that wasn’t enough, platters of donuts were placed before us. With many hearty “dziękuję” from the choir members, we got back on the bus to make the drive to our second concert of the day in Elblag, a 50 minute drive away.
We arrived in Elblag, where our concert venue was an intriguing amphitheater. Once again, the Polish hospitality shone through with pastries for everyone. 200+ people gathered in the park amphitheater to listen to our concert.
After the concert, Ella, one of the hosts, took us on a small tour of Elblag.
We heard some of the history of Mennonites in Elblag, and saw the first prayer house, dating back to 1700’s. A short walk later brought us to dinner, for the evening, where stirring conversations were had over a delectable meal.
-Chantel Histand