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Merry Christmas to me…

December 24, 2010 by zharrod

…I guess! This Christmas will be remembered for many things but one of them surely will be what is now resting snugly in a purple brace, yes purple (I guess they had no other colors!) – that would be my shoulder! Earlier this week I ventured north to the Great Mountains (a.k.a. Krkonoše) with the abominable snowman (see evidence below), I mean my dear friend and director, Billy Crossan, for our almost annual pre-Christmas ski trip.

They day was going great. I was enjoy the beauty and the opportunity to worship God as a got my shred on!

Then the unexpected of all unexpecteds happened! I FELL! Even though I don’t get on snow 5-6 days a week as I did when I was a kid, I can’t just go out and be a “recreational skier,” that’s not fun for me. I enjoy speed, good hard turns and occasionally flying through the air! Well, to keep the story short, I was cranking out a turn over a small roll of the hill, when my binding released on me as I left the ground. Needless to say, it’s hard to land on one ski going 30-40 mph, I tried to pull it out, but when my skiless boot barely touched the ground I went flying into the air once again, with all my weight coming down on extend arm – BOOM – first dislocation (besides fingers, which I fixed on my own!;-)). Our ski trip came to an abrupt end, as I was taken to the town’s medical center.

The doctor and his staff did an amazing job caring for me and after an x-ray they popped it back in and it looks like I should be good to go! Hopefully no surgery and just three weeks in the brace. I won’t be on snow any time soon, but I’m thankful it’s not more serious. So I guess I gave myself an early Christmas gift a purple brace, some awkward situations with just my one hand and little pain! MERRY CHRISTMAS ME!

Here’s the corrected shoulder, I can’t get the pic of the x-ray of it dislocated, but I’m happy this looks right!

Here is me celebrating the relief of having my arm back in it’s proper place!

I had hoped to fire out another zhtv episode for this Christmas, but sadly because of my “accident” it didn’t happen, so you can enjoy a couple past Christmas zhtv episodes! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009 in review…

December 31, 2009 by zharrod

Wow! Today 2009 will come to an end! I can’t believe it! Where did this year go? Not only does today, the 31st, close out another year but also a decade! It’s been more than a decade since I left my parent’s home and ventured out into this big world to live this thing we call life! It’s been a decade since God cornered me with his relentless love and I couldn’t help but give my life to this God. As I sit down to begin to write this and share some images and thoughts that made up the year 2009, I almost considered trying to do a “Decade in Review!” But since this decade didn’t start off digitally like we are ending it, I don’t have any pics from, nearly, the first half of the decade in a digital format! Crazy! So here we go, a year in review will have to do…

off to a fun start

Last year, at this time I was in America, after the biggest bomb-digity-dank-sneak-attack surprise of the decade! (Haven’t seen it yet, click here) With that said, I got 2009 off to a great start with my family (minus Megs) in the LG (Lake Geneva) to roll in the New Year. It was so much fun to dance with my littlest sister, my mom and also watch my parents dance! It was probably the best New Years I’ve ever had and I could not have started off the New Year any better than spending it with those whom I love and whom love me dearly!

momentum

The New Year brought me many new cool opportunities but one of the coolest had to be four guys from Rutgers University coming and partnering with me for a week over their spring break! As I look back over 2009, their week with me in Prague marks the start of a wave of momentum with my guys and with football that I have never seen here before. It was a HUGE blessing and I look forward to seeing where God takes things as I continue to ride out this wave of momentum and also I’m stoked to see more people join me in loving on the American Football world of the Czech Republic this year and for years to come!

visitors & a new life

The longer I live here in Prague, I see more and more visitors pass through. Which is always a blessing! This last spring I had the opportunity of having Aaron Slusher visit me. It was so much fun to have him hear and see what God has done in his life since I met him at Wilmington College, while I worked there for a year a half before coming back to Prague. I was so encouraged to see the growth in his life and how he still desires to grow in his walk with God. It was a nice reminder for me that God is at work, even when I forget it, as I live in a city where we see little “fruit.” Thanks for swinging through Aaron!

I also was so excited to welcome little Izaak Stewart’s (of Mark & Joanna) arrival last spring! Living so far away from my family is certainly tough on me (and very tough on my family as well, thanks for the sacrifice you make guys!), but it’s so cool to see how God provides people and a second family of sorts through His Church, well the Stewarts are part of my second family and I love being a “pseudo/faux uncle” to their little boys. So I was “pseudo/faux uncled” once again this Spring with the arrival of Izaak! (Megs & Tom when do you think I will be real “uncled”? Maybe nine months after the wedding? 😉 Hahaha….)

saying good bye

One of the toughest things about living in Prague is that in many ways this city is a revolving door! We are constantly seeing people arrive today and it is as if they are saying, “good bye” tomorrow. Well 2009 marked me saying goodbye to two dear friends (one who happened to be a dear co-worker as well). This year, I said hard “good byes” to Jason & Erin. Jason, was one of the unexpected blessings when I moved back here to Prague. He quickly became one of my best friends and closest confidants here. Mark still makes fun of us, because the first night Jason and I met we were at a concert of a friend, and instead of listening to the concert we stood in the corner and talked (sorry Ondra) about life, vision and etc. Mark said we were like “junior high girls.” Either way, Jason was a good friend and it was hard to see him leave, but I’m confident that God will use him in the next step of his life.

Then on top of saying “good bye” to Jason, I also said “good bye” to Erin, who was on staff with AIA here for about three and half years. Erin and I grew to become good friends and tight co-workers over the nearly two years we shared time here, even in the midst of differences. I think I saw how the Gospel should explode into communities and produce love, trust, respect and more, through my relationship with Erin. This is way exciting, because in the past I don’t know that I would have got to the place with Erin, as friends and co-workers, because I wasn’t living the Gospel out as much as I had to learn to live it out over the last two plus years. Thanks Erin for being used by God for this! Know you are missed here in Prague!

new couples

One of the things that’s tough, but sometimes good 😉 is that I live overseas and it keeps me from the many, many weddings that I could go, to what seems like, nearly every month. I hope that doesn’t offend any of my dear friends, who’s weddings I’ve missed. It’s just as a single person, who loves weddings and is a hopeless romantic, weddings can be very dangerous for me (i.e. zach can become bitter, anger, single guy)! However, this summer I got to attend two weddings! The first being the wedding of the Ernsters – Matt & Leanne. Matt (or Ernie) was my roommate for nearly two years here in Prague, after I moved back. It was so much fun to celebrate their marriage in Washington this summer.

Then the second couple was Lauren and Ondra, who had two weddings this summer/fall. They got married in the States and then got married again here in Czech with Ondra’s family. Ondra is a living encouragement for me in so many way, as he was the first guy, who I got to watch God bring to Himself and also because he continues to grow in his faith. Since May 2005, when Ondra came to faith, God brought a beautiful girl from America over to Czech and the rest is history. It was so much fun to join them for wedding #2 and celebrate with them. Please pray for both of these couples as they grow in their relationships with each other and with God.

my first furlough

This summer also brought my first furlough to the States. I put in thousands of miles crisscrossing America, I spoke or shared at churches 6 Sundays, had many dinners, many meetings and much more in a mere 6 weeks! I was so blessed to see old friends and ministry partners who loved on me, listened to me, fed me, prayed for me and plain and simple showed me what the Gospel played out in relationship should look like! Thank you to each and everyone of my ministry partners who gives and prays to make it possible to be here and see God move in the hearts of Czechs! Thank you, you are prized and cherished by me!

my sister & live in the same city?

For the first time in 10 years, my sister, Megan, and I live in the same city! A third of the world away from where we last shared an address! Crazy! While our jobs have completely different hours, and we don’t get to see each other as much as we would like, it has been so much fun having her here and sharing life with her. It is really a special time in both of our lives and I’m hoping and praying I don’t take it for granted! In November we got to take our first adventure together since Megs moved here! It was to Barcelona. More on it to come in the future, as I have a zhtv in the works about our trip, but I wanted to share the picture you see above of us in a Tapas restaurant in Barcelona with you. This is one of the things I love about Megs and when we hang together. We spent three hours at one of the more notable Tapas restaurants in Barcelona and after three hours we were friends with almost all the servers and the hostess too! Megs has the ability to connect with anyone is just amazing and beautiful way! I learn much from watching her interact with people. Megs, here’s to more adventures before you leave!

a new role, new lessons, new guys & a championship!

This fall brought a new role and opportunity for me – that of a head coach. Being the son of head coach, I thought I was prepared, or groomed to a degree, for this, but that was so far from the truth! I learned that my dad (and all head coaches out there) do far more than I could ever have imagined. It was tough but I loved it! Every moment of it – the ups (winning the final) and the downs (having 13 guys at practice)! As promised a blog series will be here sooner or later about what I learned this fall, so stay tuned for Missional Lessons from the Gridiron here at zACHhARROD.com!

the year closes

As this year closed I celebrated the holidays with one of my “second families” here in Prague – the Crossans (Billy serves as the AIA Czech Director & he is pretty much a stud of a friend and boss!). I had so much fun with them over Christmas, and I’m so privileged to serve with a family like them, or I should say to be served by them, because let’s face it that’s the truth. They are great. It’s so much fun to serve as a “pseudo/faux uncle” to them as well and also to be that “crazy uncle.”

Well… There you have it a quick flyby of the year, that was 2009, in a few words and pictures. There is so much I left out, but I don’t want to write a novel today! I hope you understand (If there is anyone still reading this, at this point!). I’ve been utterly overwhelmed as of late as I reflect on much of life and the happenings of this life. God’s grace is so evident and the fact that you are reading this is evident of His grace too! Thank you to you out their in worldwide-web-land who follow these happenings here at zACHhARROD.com, who join in the adventure and revolution with me! You are unbelievable! Here’s to another year, full of more memories, evidences of God’s grace in our lives, and living out the revolution that is the Gospel. Happy New Year! Št’astný Nový Rok!

oh prague…

June 25, 2009 by zharrod

I couldn’t resist sharing this.

As I was putting up the latest zhtv episode I stumbled upon it! Amazingly beautiful! I can’t believe I call this city home! Are you serious?!? It also made me want to grab my cameras and go create things similar to this! Oh that would be great! I hope you enjoy this vid as much as I did!

GAME DAY!

June 21, 2009 by zharrod

Today is indeed GAME DAY! We will be taking the field, at the swank new “fotbal” stadium, at 6:30 tonight to take on our arch rivals, the Prague Panthers. It’s the XVI Czech League Bowl and it will be tough game. I’ve been trying to see if it will be streamed live on the internet, but I haven’t been able to find any details. Although, I’m probably going to have my camera along and shoot a bunch of stuff and try to throw a zhtv together for you this week! So stayed tuned and GO LIONS!

the last year of my twenties…

May 17, 2009 by zharrod

It’s here. Today is the last day of the last year of my twenties. It’s intriguing really. I’ve heard a lot of banter from my younger friends, my players, and even my ‘older’ friends who are well past 30. It makes me wonder what next year will be like!

To be honest with you, I’m not afraid of getting older and the banter doesn’t bother me. In fact, I welcome age coming! Getting older means more experiences, more wisdom and the like. So I say bring it!

With that, last year I wrote a post entitled, 28 Reflections, and as this year’s birthday approached I’ve pondered, “Can I do 29 new reflections?” I’m not sure, so I’ve tweaked it a bit and I’ve got 29 reflections/highlights/insights/things I’ve learned from the 28th of my life. So here we go, complete with pictures!

I have been “on the field” longer than I’ve ever been “on the field” before. With that being said, this means I’ve been separated from family and dear friends longer than ever before too. I was so very blessed to have my worlds of Xenia, Ohio (AIA Headquarters and Czech mix last summer with the visit of my dear friends the Garretts!

I love my roots and would love to learn more about them! This is my Swedish friend, Gustav, and his birthday cake from last year. Gustav and I studied together and now sadly they are back in Sweden. Gustav helped me love on my Swedish roots more than ever before!

I’ve once again, been inspired by the person of Jan Hus, the Czech reformer from the 15th century. This statue of Jan, is in the city of Tabor, and I loved it. “Why?” He’s clutching his Bible with flames at his feet. The courage, the faith, and more of this man inspire me. I normally pray that God would raise up Jan Huses within this generation, now and that God would move mightly to bring deep changer here.

Last summer I drove 790 km and spent 12 hours in a car alone driving around this country helping out with AIA sport camps. In the midst of that I was once again reminded of the overwhelming need all over this country. The need is so overwhelming! As I was traveling, I again fell in love with this beautiful country! This is me in the beautiful, quaint, medieval town of Telc. Check out a zhtv from the camps! Or to read more head to my July 2008 archive.

I often pinch myself and ask myself something like, “Is this really my life?” I never could have imagined that I would live where I live, travel where I have traveled, and do what I do. It’s all unreal to me! Very unreal! Like Saint Basil’s Cathedral. in Moscow, that seemed like it was out of a book or Disney. I’m so very grateful for every bit of it! Thank you to each of you readers and ministry partners who make this possible and are part of this! Thank you so very much.

One of those “pinch myself moments” came last summer, when I had the opportunity to travel to the Olympics! It was an amazing experience and I was equally amazed by the Chinese people. Who were Olympic crazy, but were also so warm and friendly!

While I was in China it felt like a Twilight Zone episode to me, as I tried to grasp the many different time zones that I was dealing with.

To make the experience even more amazing last summer, I was so excited to take Honza Gabriel to the Olympics with me. I’m hoping that in the future I will be able to take many more guys outside of Prague to experience things like Honza got to experience! Thank you to each of you helped Honza get there!

The Great Wall – need I say more?

I felt like a rock star in China! Being a 6’3″ white man attracted some attention. I think people thought I was special, meaning an athlete, but I sadly wasn’t there to compete!

Last October, I got to meet my sister’s then boyfriend, Tom, when Megs and him came through Prague for a long weekend and an interview for Megs. I instantly fell in love with Tom – in a “hetero life mate” type of way! ;-)I’m now excited to call him my future brother-in-law, as he asked for my sister’s hand in the big “M” word! Love you two!

I love what I do with AIA, but I do have had a growing passion, that is controlled and checked, to church plant in this city and in this country. Last fall, I met another young man, Bedrich, who has a heart to plant churches in this country, and who is also a pastor! It sparked my heart and desire to see the Church in Czech grow in love for its countrymen in practical, relevant, loving ways to see the hard soil of this country burst to life!

I’m still very much committed to seeing God transform the sport of American football in this country, and Europe, for His glory and the good of the Czechs! Last fall, I loved coaching once again and being able to work with guys from other teams here in Czech. Shortly after this I was also asked to become the head coach of the junior team, which has been a blast thus far!

I still scratch my head over some of the customs of this country. They aren’t wrong, they are just different! I like that every year I have the same wondering and head scratching experience! Read about my 2007 experience here.

After I returned from my short trip to the States to surprise my family for Christmas, I noticed several pics of my sweet littlest sister, Mikaela, and I. I realized how much she loves her big sister, Megan and I. She looks up to us and reveres us and I love her dearly and pray for her often! She’s an amazing little woman!

I once again realized, my parents rock! This picture might be one of my favorites from my time back in the States! My dad is busting a move here and had a huge smile on his face! I love it! I know my goofiness drives him crazy, but there are moments where I realize where I get it from!

Quite simply – my sisters are gorgeous! I’m repeatedly moved at the things they say about and their actions towards me. I love being their big brother!

I love seeing budding love! It was at this time where Tom, in a rather gentlemanly manner, approached my parents and myself asking for permission to purpose to Megs! Classy, classy, classy…. I love you Megs and Tom and I’m excited to see how your marriage unfolds!

“SURPRISE!” One of the highlights of my 28th year was surprising my whole family for a Christmas visit! So cool. I loved seeing the faces of shock and joy! Love you Harrods, Shislers and Backs!

Here are a few of my guys at my place, while we were watching the NFL play offs on my projector (graciously provided by a supporter! Thank you!). I love the NFL season because every Sunday night we watch to games, eat pizza and hang out! So much fun!

I love my church, Faith Community Church, and the dear friends that I have that I worship and serve with. This is one of the many blessings to me here in Prague. In the midst of hard weeks, struggling to get the language, work with the hard soil that is this place and the toil I feel, I’ve continually been blessed by this growing body of believers from many walks of life.

Highlights! Megs moves to Prague to manage the hub office of Czech Inn, Miss Sophie’s and Sir Toby’s!

My director, Billy, is a Stud! He directs, leads, guides and runs…. And runs a lot. This year has presented a few unexpected challenges and I’ve had the privilege of seeing the Gospel played out between Billy and myself and amongst my AIA teammates here. It’s no secret that doing ministry is tough, especially in a place like Czech, and of course there will be hard things to work through and with. Throughout some bumps this year, I’ve learned much about myself, leadership, and ministry, while Billy has had my back and gone to bat for me.

Having the Rutgers guys here! (read a previous post) Thank you Bel, Billy, Tariq and John for giving up your spring break to come and serve and love my guys and myself here! One word to describe their time here – Momentum! Please continue to pray that this momentum increases!

While I had the Rutgers guys here, I was praying about who I would ask to translate for me and I immediately longed to have Ondra translate for me. He did great and it was so encouraging for me to here him translating the Gospel to his countrymen! I’ve written much about Ondra in the past (here is the oldest post on my blog and here are some others about my dear friend) and how he was the first guy that I’ve seen come to faith. He continually grows in his walk with Jesus and will be getting married this summer! Click here to see some engagement pics!

New Life! The newest Stewart arrived this spring, which meant that I am yet an “Uncle” again! So stoked to have little Izaak here and see the Stewart clan increase to 4!

Most recently I got some good time with another one of my dear friends, Jason, in Salzburg. Sadly in the next few weeks Jason will be leaving us and Prague for some support raising time in the States and then a move back to Europe, but unfortuanly not to Prague but to Kandern, Germany. Jason will be missed, but I’m glad we got one last little adventure in before he leaves!

Did I really do 29 of those? Really? I was thinking I would struggle! There was even one more, that I don’t need, but in honor of my 30th year, which is approaching, I’ll post it anyway!

This is my home. Well kind of. This is at the center of the city I call home. Unfortunately, I can’t get any living space in the castle!! Over the last year of life, I’ve felt my love, passion, resolve and much more for this city, it’s people, this country and it’s people increase! This has all increased in ups and downs, and I would say that I’ve never longed more for this place than I do today. Thank you for being part of what God is doing here, what He’s doing in my life and just being part of this crazy thing we call life! Here’s to 29 and bring on 20-10! Ok, bring on 30!

my travel companions…

April 30, 2009 by zharrod

…for the long weekend.

Here we go on a quick rundown, counter clockwise from the tope:

Book that I’ve wanted to read for sometime – How the Irish Saved Civilization
iPod Touch – Loaded with music, not movies, only music and the ‘soundtrack’ of my weekend!
passport
ESV Bible
Water free hand sanitizer – say no to the swine flu!
tissues
Lonely Planet Austria Travel book
Death By Love by Mark Driscoll
My new Nikon D90, Christmas present, that I will snap hundreds of pics and even do some future zhtvs? I’m also taking the manual, I just need to get over my “I don’t want to read the manualness.”

So clutch… What are your ‘normal’ travel companions? Ok, I’m out the door! Have a great weekend! I will be on Twitter, so you can follow things there as I experience life and God over this weekend! Be a revolution!

i’m watching you….

April 24, 2009 by zharrod

Ok, I know I’m a dork, but I find this interesting. When Clint did my redesign (THANKS AGAIN CLINT!), we made sure to get Google Analytics kicking with my blog so I can track and see who is reading my blog and etc. For what reason? I’m not sure why, but like I said I find it interesting. So I’m going to share 3 maps with you. Three maps of where I am getting my views from. I’m getting absolutely ZERO love from Africa, South America, Asia, or Antarctica! Sadly… But I’ve been thinking about some unique strategies to get my readership up in Antarctica, while I’ve been on mass transit here in Prague. We shall see…

The first is the good ol’ U.S. of A. (the darker shades of green indicate the highest amount of readers)

I’m not getting much love in a few States, but I was surprised to see that most of the States are some sort of green….

No surprise, I get more love in Eastern Europe than Western.

Here is what Czech looks like. Obviously, I would have far more hits in Prague, than else where in the country. But here is a shout out to the peeps who read my blog in Cesky Tesin, Brno and Ceske Budejovice!

Thanks to all you read my blog! I apologize for being quite this spring. As things get chaotic in my life, this is the first place where you see it played out (and me not folding laundry). Thanks for sticking with me! Here’s to more posts, ZHTVs and etc! Oh, I also have been told recently that my lovely sister’s blog (ZMENA) is more entertaining than mine! I’ve had to pray about this, but after much thought, it’s true her blog is more entertaining. Shoot. Should I begin a Sibling Blog Feud? Hmmmm… We shall see… Muhaha…

UPDATE Before clicking publish, I checked Google Analytics once more and saw that Germany popped up on the grid since yesterday! Hallo aus der Tschechischen Republik und vielen Dank! So here is a shout out to you peeps in Aachen and Halle! Ok, now back to trying to be productive….

apologia for the city

December 9, 2008 by zharrod

Recently, I just put up my most recent sermon preached at Faith Community Church here in Prague. We have been working through 1 Peter for the last couple months and my stud of a pastor, Phil, gave me a couple sermons! It is a blessing to have an avenue to continue to work on and grow in one of my giftings. Thanks Phil. Anyway, you can click on the podcast logo above or the podcast dude below to subscribe to my podcasts (or you can click here to listen/watch the content online), which consist of the zhtvs you see here on the blog and also little bonuses from time to time. Plus who wouldn’t want to take zach harrod around in their iPod? Haha… That could have sounded really arrogant or very odd. Well, enjoy the talk and have a great Tuesday.

evening procrastination or inspiration?

December 8, 2008 by zharrod

The answer to that, I’m not quite sure. Probably both. While I was uploading my last zhtv episode, I started clicking and this is one of the videos I loved! I’m warning you though, it will give you a serious itch to get a passport and get the heck out of your country!

Wayward from Tyler C on Vimeo.

the odd world of the blogosphere…

October 28, 2008 by zharrod

I’m at a coffee shop (yes St. Bucks again, say what you will) and I just finished two hours of Czech class, and in between learning Czech and getting back to work on a presentation, Cultural Landmarks and ‘Avenues’ to the Heart of Czechs (maybe I’ll blog about it in the near future), for our evangelism emphasis week we are having next week with AIA and I thought I would check my email quick. The first email I read was the following:

I was at Common Grounds coffee house in Lexington, KY today. A man asked me if I could take my picture, saying I looked like you, and referred me to your www. Kinda funny, right before he asked me I was sending off an email about getting involved in European missions, and it appears from a quick glance at your site that you are doing exactly that. I’m gonna give it more than a glance now, and read up on what’s going on. Maybe I’ll be talking to you about such things.

What is funny about this is, this is the second instance/situation I’ve had like this as a result of my blog or my zhtv episodes, read about the first here. This is a little strange to me (note: people knowing who I am is strange, not the people who know me). There are people in Lexington that read my blog enough to want to take a picture with a guy who looks like me!?!? First off, here is a shout out to my peeps in Lexington, whomever you are! THANKS FOR BEING FAITHFUL READERS of zACHhARROD.com! Secondly, as I told my long-lost-twin-brother, when I replied to his email, he must be an amazingly attractive, and yet so humble, man! Please sense my sarcasm! 😉 Either way, it’s another reminder of the weight of words and the power that a little blog where I blog about what God is teaching me, the people/country I love, and life can have. It makes me want to write more and create more for this blog. We shall see. (I’ve said this before haven’t I?)

So I’m going to attempt something, but it’s up to you who is reading this to do something! I’ve seen this on other people’s blogs before and I never thought I would be in a place to try it, but we are going to do a little sound off, SO PLEASE USE THE THE “RESPONSE” LINK AND LET ME KNOW WHO YOU ARE! I don’t get a ton of unique hits on each blog post, but I’m sure more people read this than I can imagine and I’d like to know who you are! So give us a shout and leave a response! Thanks for all who read zACHhARROD.com! I appreciate you! As always, be a revolution of love and radical grace centered on the greatest revolutionary of all time, Jesus, today!

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