Day 9

Day 9 in Gdansk, Poland began with the usual breakfast together and then devotions afterwards. The one thing of note that happened was that Pastor Vanderveen locked his keys in his room and had to call in a man to assist in breaking and entering his steadfast door.

We spent the morning riding on a seeming magnificent pirate ship. It was beautiful, although rather fake looking once up close, and the rain plundered down on us as we rode the waves and toured around the harbour. Actually, the ship was more of a restaurant on water, as hot chocolate, coffee, and tea were available to puchase, as well as food. After a half-hour cruise alternating between hiding from the wind and fearless drops, and facing the wind at the bow of the ship, we arrived safely on shore. We then walked around an unfamiliar part of town and came across monuments to Polish soldiers who had fought in WWII, some WWII ruins, and a gift shop, where several people purchased bullet necklaces.

After a few hours of this "sight-seeing," we headed back to the dock to catch the boat back to the Old Town of Gdansk. While we waited, a number of us dangled our feet over the side of the dock and munched on trail mix that a few of us had brought along.

The ride back was even more beautiful than the first had been. The rain had subsided and it was now a gentle wind that blew into our faces and lightened our spirits (or so I can imagine). We all almost reluctantly removed ourselves from the ship and headed to our evangelizing station to sing and hand out more fliers, and then trapse over to Subway for lunch.

Before dinner came, we handed out invitations, sang some more, and, in between those times, we rushed over to the mall to do a little shopping. The day was not quite as rainy as other days, so we had a pleasant time wandering around town and doing our long waited for missions work.

Dinner was at the same catering restaurant as the previous night and then we returned to the hostel to prepare ourselves once again for another concert. The concert was held in the town square at an outside theater and we had a fairly good turnout. Pastor Vanderveen delivered a sermon while a curious crowd listened. Thankfully, the weather held up and only brought down a light sprinkle of rain.

After our tired voices sang as many songs as Joseph had planned, we dragged our feet back to the hostel and re-boosted our energy with rounds of Dutch Blitz and Poker. Our weary heads were very ready to rest as we settled down to sleep our 3rd night in Gdansk.

We are continuing to praise God for the work we have been able to accomplish in Poland!

Note: I will be posting pictures soon.