Before the MBCC teams get here, I would like to write a bit more about what God has taught me during this first month here. I think a major theme has been trusting Him. Not only has that been shown through the literal moments of great fear where I had to trust Him (i.e. the ropes courses and the minaret), but many aspects of life here have forced me to look at trusting God in a new way.
Reading the biography of Darlene Deibler Rose really changed my perspective. I'm so glad I read this book at the beginning of my time here, because I was challenged to approach God in a new way. I've always processed things with the Lord, particularly the things in life that really impact me or make me think. But Darlene's story caused me to pray in a different way. In the hymn "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," it says, "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer." Well, I've started to view things this way. It is difficult, because I don't always think to pray about everything, but I'm learning to go to Him with those foolish emotions, the little happinesses, the greater struggles, the miscommunications, etc. And it hasn't completely changed me, but it is deepening my relationship. God is trustworthy, and He loves me, and He doesn't find my many conversations with Him boring or annoying or meaningless. As much as I am learning to share more with Him, I am learning to listen to Him and to expect great things from Him.
This next story is one of countless others I could tell. It may seem unbelievable or silly or weird, but I want to share it anyway. The other morning, I woke up before 5. For some reason, the birds were chirping extremely loudly. In fact, it sounded like an army of birds singing against the other army of birds. I was lying in my bed, covering my ears with my pillow, and I prayed, "Lord, please make them stop!" Sure enough, a minute later, I couldn't hear a single sound coming from outside. Now you may be thinking, "Sara Beth, do you really think that God stopped the birds from chirping so you could go back to sleep?" And I have to answer, "Yes, I do." Whether the birds stopped or God allowed me not to hear them anymore, I truly believe that was His provision for me. I know that God answers prayer, whether it is the way we want or expect or in some way different. I have seen Him answer prayer many times before in many different ways. But I'm learning to trust Him with those small things, like birds keeping me awake, and watching to see how He provides. Truly, I have countless stories of things like that happening. Some may say it is coincidence, some may find ways to argue around my thinking (heck, even as I type this and think of some of these stories, I am arguing with myself!). But I do believe that God provides. I believe He loves to give to His beloved children. And I believe that He honors our faith.
So all this to say, I am learning to trust God in a new way, with many new things. I'm nowhere near good at it yet, but I'm practicing, and I know He will keep guiding me.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Summing Up
Last Thursday was a very fun and relaxing day for me. After work, I went to Lilla's dance performance and then to Beni's soccer party for a little while. I love my little siblings here! It was fun to see them in the things that they love.
On Saturday, I had an easy restful morning (much needed!), and then I joined the Roswell team for sightseeing! We went to Heroes Square, St. Stephen's (I hadn't been there since my first time in Hungary, so it was great to go back. Unfortunately, the palce where you can see St. Stephen's preserved hand was closed), and the castle district. Once we made it to the Fishermen's Bastion, I led the way to the best ice cream in the world. It seriously is so good. Members of the Roswell team agree with me! That night, we had a celebration dinner for the Roswell team at a wine cellar. It was fun to get to spend time with them and with the Paulus staff!
Sunday morning, I got up and headed to church! There was no translation, but it was a really nice time of reflection over the past couple of weeks. That afternoon, I ended up taking my laundry to the Kazars' house (they have a big washer and a drier). They invited me for dinner, and then Esther and I decided to watch Singing In The Rain because we had been talking about doing that for weeks. Since we didn't start the movie till 9:30, I spent the night at their house. It was so fun to be back with them!
Now it is the week that the first MBCC team comes! I cannot believe it is already here. They are actually leaving the USA Tuesday, but they won't get here till Wednesday. That's so crazy to me! I'm finishing up some work for Converse, but really my "internship" job is finished; now it is just helping with Converse and the next English camp (which are great things, and I'm very excited about them!). This first month has absolutely flown by. I never feel like I am 5,000 miles from home. I cannot believe the things that I have done this first month, from ropes courses to English classes to scene painting to financial reports (yes, Mama, I prepared a financial report. Trust me, I never thought I'd be doing that either!). I am very excited about Balaton (the youth retreat) and Converse in the next week and a half. I'm also very excited for Nova (the church retreat) and the other English camp! So there is still much ahead, for which I am very thankful!
On Saturday, I had an easy restful morning (much needed!), and then I joined the Roswell team for sightseeing! We went to Heroes Square, St. Stephen's (I hadn't been there since my first time in Hungary, so it was great to go back. Unfortunately, the palce where you can see St. Stephen's preserved hand was closed), and the castle district. Once we made it to the Fishermen's Bastion, I led the way to the best ice cream in the world. It seriously is so good. Members of the Roswell team agree with me! That night, we had a celebration dinner for the Roswell team at a wine cellar. It was fun to get to spend time with them and with the Paulus staff!
Sunday morning, I got up and headed to church! There was no translation, but it was a really nice time of reflection over the past couple of weeks. That afternoon, I ended up taking my laundry to the Kazars' house (they have a big washer and a drier). They invited me for dinner, and then Esther and I decided to watch Singing In The Rain because we had been talking about doing that for weeks. Since we didn't start the movie till 9:30, I spent the night at their house. It was so fun to be back with them!
Now it is the week that the first MBCC team comes! I cannot believe it is already here. They are actually leaving the USA Tuesday, but they won't get here till Wednesday. That's so crazy to me! I'm finishing up some work for Converse, but really my "internship" job is finished; now it is just helping with Converse and the next English camp (which are great things, and I'm very excited about them!). This first month has absolutely flown by. I never feel like I am 5,000 miles from home. I cannot believe the things that I have done this first month, from ropes courses to English classes to scene painting to financial reports (yes, Mama, I prepared a financial report. Trust me, I never thought I'd be doing that either!). I am very excited about Balaton (the youth retreat) and Converse in the next week and a half. I'm also very excited for Nova (the church retreat) and the other English camp! So there is still much ahead, for which I am very thankful!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Party!
On Wednesday, I had an easy morning. Endre was at a conference, so we ordered pizza for the team. Lunch preparation was easy, and I got to spend some time with Sara afterwards. I love Sara so much. She has so much wisdom. I want to soak up every word she says! Anyway, after we talked, I went to home to prepare for my party! I invited the girls from the youth group over. I cleaned my house, prepared some food, and then I met Alexa, Regi, and Esther, who came early to work on the Converse skit. The skit practice went really well, and before we knew it, other girls started arriving! We had so much fun. We ate tons and tons of food (everyone brought something, and there was so much! Fruit, Greek salad, veggies, not to mention brownies, muffins, and a strawberry dessert Ildi had taught me to make), and we played The Best Game Ever, one of my very favorite games. If you don’t know it, that may be because there is another name that I don’t know about, but it truly is the best game ever! Afterwards, we had a little Bible study time. We talked about the Greatest Commandment (To love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself) and what it meant. My sweet friend Dori translated for me – she did a wonderful job and I am so thankful for her! After the Bible study time, Eni brought out the nail polish! Eni is the queen of nail polish. She has 80 different bottles, and she brought all the supplies needed! It was so fun. Before long, people started leaving as it was getting late. I had so much fun, and I was so glad we were all able to get together!
The girls!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
More Heights
On Tuesday, I had a very eventful day! After preparing and serving the lunch for the Roswell team, I had the afternoon free to join them in some sightseeing. We went to a Turkish minaret, left over from the days when the Turks inhabited Hungary. The minaret is in Erd, the city next to Diosd. It was used to call the Muslim Turks to prayer five times a day. I was particularly interested in the tower because I took two courses on Islam last year. It was very interesting to see the minaret.
Three to five people could climb to the top at a time. I debated and finally decided to go up with Sara Kazar. I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself! The uneven stone stairs go up in a steep and tight spiral. They are not evenly spaced, and there are only two tiny windows (when my foot was next to the window, no light came in). I slowly made my way up, holding the wall as best I could. I made it to the top (thank the Lord!) and pretended to enjoy the view. It was a nice view, but when you don’t like heights…
Well, when we headed back down, I made Sara go in front of me (I’m a terrible person…). Going down was much worse than going up because at least going up I had the stairs directly in front of me to catch me if I tripped! I eased my way down, clutching the wall and the “column” made by the spiraling stairs. I slowly dropped my foot to find the next step. Sara chatted the whole way down, “Oh, this isn’t bad at all! What’s all the fuss about? Its just kind of dark, but there’s no problem!” She heard me gasp when one step was a little farther down than expected. “Sara Beth?” I heard. “Are you all right?” “Hmm mmm…” I answered, too busy trying to breathe and feel my way down. We both started laughing at that point (well, somewhere in my mind I was laughing at the absurdity of the situation…I was too tense to actually laugh out loud at that point). Then Sara continued talking, guiding me the rest of the way down, distracting me. When we got to the bottom, I stopped and said, “Thank the Lord!” It was like the ropes course all over again! Why I keep doing this to myself, I have no idea. I know that I don’t like heights, and if anything, I only grow more nervous every time! But in a way, it has taught me that trusting God doesn’t mean not being afraid. It does mean stepping in faith, praying all the way, confident that He will see me through. Which He does, no matter what! I don’t have to fear, because He is faithful, but even when I am afraid, I am learning to trust Him even more. “When I am afraid I will trust in You.”
The Minaret
Three to five people could climb to the top at a time. I debated and finally decided to go up with Sara Kazar. I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself! The uneven stone stairs go up in a steep and tight spiral. They are not evenly spaced, and there are only two tiny windows (when my foot was next to the window, no light came in). I slowly made my way up, holding the wall as best I could. I made it to the top (thank the Lord!) and pretended to enjoy the view. It was a nice view, but when you don’t like heights…
Well, when we headed back down, I made Sara go in front of me (I’m a terrible person…). Going down was much worse than going up because at least going up I had the stairs directly in front of me to catch me if I tripped! I eased my way down, clutching the wall and the “column” made by the spiraling stairs. I slowly dropped my foot to find the next step. Sara chatted the whole way down, “Oh, this isn’t bad at all! What’s all the fuss about? Its just kind of dark, but there’s no problem!” She heard me gasp when one step was a little farther down than expected. “Sara Beth?” I heard. “Are you all right?” “Hmm mmm…” I answered, too busy trying to breathe and feel my way down. We both started laughing at that point (well, somewhere in my mind I was laughing at the absurdity of the situation…I was too tense to actually laugh out loud at that point). Then Sara continued talking, guiding me the rest of the way down, distracting me. When we got to the bottom, I stopped and said, “Thank the Lord!” It was like the ropes course all over again! Why I keep doing this to myself, I have no idea. I know that I don’t like heights, and if anything, I only grow more nervous every time! But in a way, it has taught me that trusting God doesn’t mean not being afraid. It does mean stepping in faith, praying all the way, confident that He will see me through. Which He does, no matter what! I don’t have to fear, because He is faithful, but even when I am afraid, I am learning to trust Him even more. “When I am afraid I will trust in You.”
This makes it look taller than it actually was, I'll be honest.
Anyway, that night I went to some friends home for dinner! Bea and Tibor are very kind, and I love their three children, Anna, Balint, and Nori. We had so much fun talking and laughing and playing. We ate a delicious meal, followed by skipping rope, a basketball game, and even tossing the football around for a while! By the time we went inside, it was very late. Bea put Nori to bed around 10:45, when we came in, and then she asked if I wanted to just spend the night. I thought to myself, Sure, why not? So we stayed up late, played some more games, and had a great time. I really love this family, and I’m so glad I got to spend time with them! When we go to the retreat at Nova, Bea has promised to teach me goblien (again, I have no idea how to spell this, but it is a type of sewing). She showed me some of her work and some that had been given to her. It is all very beautiful, and I am excited to learn! Tibor took pictures that night, and when he sends them to me, I will post them! Thanks, Bea and Tibor, for a wonderful night!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Ahh, McDonalds!
First I need to apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors. I know speak in this strange "Hunglish," as I call it. I talk with people who only know English as their second language, and I know that my prepositions and phrasing have been affected! So I apologize...I'll have to relearn English when I get home to the States!
I wrote about helping Ildi on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Friday, I got to work with Sanyesz again! Sanyesz is great. He is very funny, and I always enjoy talking with him. He has such a great heart for the youth group teens. It is very encouraging to see his love for them.
Anyway, that morning there was a staff meeting. Zoli's wife Edit has an injured finger that she has to protect, so she has not been able to do housework or change diapers or anything for about a week. I was able to help her with the kids during the staff meeting so that Zoli could attend. It was so fun to look after their two girls. I really enjoyed spending time with them.
Aftewards, I headed to Paulus to meet with Sanyesz. We went over things about the youth group and details for Converse. It was a very good meeting, and I felt like we accomplished a lot. At 3, Sara Kazar took me to get ice cream. I love Sara so much and I'm so thankful that she is here to talk with. She has so much wisdom to offer, and I love listening to her! It was great to get ice cream and just talk for a little but. She is American, and she first went to Hungary in the 80s when it was still part of the Soviet Union. She ended up staying, meeting Andras, getting married and having her family in Hungary, as she and Andras served as missionaries, eventually starting Paulus in 2001 and building it up from there. Anyway, she had loaned me a book (actually Viki loaned it to her and Sara loaned it to me) about a missionary, Darlene Deibler Rose. The book is called Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II. This book is incredible - I urge you to go get it right now and read it! I find Darlene to be such a great example of what it means to follow the Lord, no matter if you are a missionary or not. So Sara and I talked about the book, Paulus, etc. It was very nice and restful for me.
When we got back to Paulus at 4, I loaded up with Endre and Zoli to pick up a team from the airport. This group came from Roswell, GA. This is their third year teaching an English camp at Paulus. It was nice to talk with Americans! Ahh! Familiar accents! It was very strange at the same time, to talk to people from home. After they dropped their stuff at the hotel, we took them to Campona for dinner. Campona is a mall, and the food court has lots of options. The group all got gyros or traditional Hungarian food. I saw the McDonalds, and since talking with these Americans had made me miss home a little, I had to go for it! The Diet Coke even had some ice in it! And the french fries were perfect. I never thought there would be a day when I would actually really want to eat McDonalds over anything else, but it happened. My excuse was that I am becoming Hungarian (all of the Hungarian teens and kids LOVE McDonalds. Its a rare treat here, and its always the first choice in fast food). I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Plus its kind of a tradition for Melicks to eat McDonalds in other countries...I know that Daddy and my aunt would be proud!
Today I went to the Paulus meeting with the Roswell team. I really learned a lot from that about how Paulus handles the incoming groups. I'm glad I went to the meeting. Endre and Zoli asked me to go with the team to Balaton for the day, but I'd already made plans with some girls from the youth group. I'm really glad I stuck with my original plans, because I had a nice relaxing day off! It was fun to spend time with the girls, and then I got to spend some time with my Hungarian family, Janos, Ildi, Benedek, and Lilla!
I wrote about helping Ildi on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Friday, I got to work with Sanyesz again! Sanyesz is great. He is very funny, and I always enjoy talking with him. He has such a great heart for the youth group teens. It is very encouraging to see his love for them.
Anyway, that morning there was a staff meeting. Zoli's wife Edit has an injured finger that she has to protect, so she has not been able to do housework or change diapers or anything for about a week. I was able to help her with the kids during the staff meeting so that Zoli could attend. It was so fun to look after their two girls. I really enjoyed spending time with them.
Aftewards, I headed to Paulus to meet with Sanyesz. We went over things about the youth group and details for Converse. It was a very good meeting, and I felt like we accomplished a lot. At 3, Sara Kazar took me to get ice cream. I love Sara so much and I'm so thankful that she is here to talk with. She has so much wisdom to offer, and I love listening to her! It was great to get ice cream and just talk for a little but. She is American, and she first went to Hungary in the 80s when it was still part of the Soviet Union. She ended up staying, meeting Andras, getting married and having her family in Hungary, as she and Andras served as missionaries, eventually starting Paulus in 2001 and building it up from there. Anyway, she had loaned me a book (actually Viki loaned it to her and Sara loaned it to me) about a missionary, Darlene Deibler Rose. The book is called Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II. This book is incredible - I urge you to go get it right now and read it! I find Darlene to be such a great example of what it means to follow the Lord, no matter if you are a missionary or not. So Sara and I talked about the book, Paulus, etc. It was very nice and restful for me.
When we got back to Paulus at 4, I loaded up with Endre and Zoli to pick up a team from the airport. This group came from Roswell, GA. This is their third year teaching an English camp at Paulus. It was nice to talk with Americans! Ahh! Familiar accents! It was very strange at the same time, to talk to people from home. After they dropped their stuff at the hotel, we took them to Campona for dinner. Campona is a mall, and the food court has lots of options. The group all got gyros or traditional Hungarian food. I saw the McDonalds, and since talking with these Americans had made me miss home a little, I had to go for it! The Diet Coke even had some ice in it! And the french fries were perfect. I never thought there would be a day when I would actually really want to eat McDonalds over anything else, but it happened. My excuse was that I am becoming Hungarian (all of the Hungarian teens and kids LOVE McDonalds. Its a rare treat here, and its always the first choice in fast food). I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Plus its kind of a tradition for Melicks to eat McDonalds in other countries...I know that Daddy and my aunt would be proud!
Today I went to the Paulus meeting with the Roswell team. I really learned a lot from that about how Paulus handles the incoming groups. I'm glad I went to the meeting. Endre and Zoli asked me to go with the team to Balaton for the day, but I'd already made plans with some girls from the youth group. I'm really glad I stuck with my original plans, because I had a nice relaxing day off! It was fun to spend time with the girls, and then I got to spend some time with my Hungarian family, Janos, Ildi, Benedek, and Lilla!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Walking By Faith
This week, I helped Ildi with children's ministry work. I could (and should) devote a whole post to Ildi. In fact, she deserves her own blog! I've never met a woman who works as hard as she does without complaining, genuinely wanting to serve, saying "yes" to every request because she loves to give to others, praying faithfully for everyone on her heart, longing for salvation for those she meets. I cannot say enough about her. It has been such an example to me to get to live next to her and work with her. I've been able to watch her closely, and I am truly amazed at how willing she is to be used by the Lord. Her husband is the same way. I've never met people with servant hearts like this.
On Wednesday, Regi and Bea joined Ildi and I in preparing for the kids camp they are holding in a few weeks. We cut a bunch of things, ripped wrappers off baby food jars, and then painted some styrofoam to create scenes for the camp. It was a very fun day! That night, I babysat for another home group. I love those kids - Endre and Viki's kids (Christian and Liza) and Sanyesz and Esy's kids (Zoe and Joachim). It was lots of fun!
On Thursday, instead of working on children's ministry stuff, we took the Jr. High kids to Adventurepark! Adventurepark has lots of different things to do, such as rock walls and laser tag and slides. The biggest part of the park, though, is the ropes courses. These ropes are high off the ground, strung between trees. You probably already know this about me, but I am terrified of hieghts (just ask my parents, the youth group at MBCC from a few years ago, and Katie, whose poor hands probably still bear the marks of when we rode the ferris wheel). I have many stories of being up high and being overwhelmed with fear. Each time, the Lord has taught me something, but my fear has never lessened. I decided to at least try the kids course. There was one part where you walked on this single rope holding onto a trapeze bar. You have to walk sideways and lean forward (face towards the ground) in order to get to the other side. I prayed with every step, let me tell you! Some of those courses were so scary. But I did it, and in fact I did it 2.5 times.
The biggest thing, though, was the "slides". There was a course where you climbed a ladder, walked across a wobbly wire ladder, and then hooked your connector to the top wire and with nothing underneath you took off to the next tree, probably 15-30 feet away. Ildi convinced me to try it. I climbed the ladder, but the next part was very very scary. I almost started crying. I made it to the end, and then it was time to go on the slide. I had to go on the slide, because I knew that I didn't want to go back down that wire ladder! So I started praying, and off I went. I made it, and I just said, "Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus!" When it was time to go again, I kept saying, "Jesus, You got me this far. Please just get me to my next stop." I completed the entire course! Afterward, I went back to the kids one, and if anything I was more scared than ever, but I did it.
Afterwards, I was talking with Ildi about what an example of walking "step by step" it was. I began my journey with a prayer and a leap of faith, and I ended it with great thanksgiving! Then it started over again, from stop to stop, until I finally reached the end of my journey. Isn't that what life should truly be like? I pray that is so of me! I want each step to be committed to the Lord in prayer, just as each slide was. I know that probably sounds trite and phony, but that lesson was very real to me as I went down each slide. I know what it is like to go to where He has called one leg of the journey at a time. I want to learn to trust His leading with each step of the way.
Painting for Kids Camp
Working with Ildiko this week was wonderful. I learned so much! On Tuesday, we went to a school to tell them about a kids camp Ildi wanted to have the next week. She had advertised, but no one signed up. So she, Zoli, and I went to the school. They played a game and sang a song, then told them about the camp. I was just there to pray and hand out the fliers. Even though not enough people signed up for camp (in fact, only two kids total), that morning was a success. I know that the Lord planted seeds that day, and I pray along with Ildi that someday those seeds bear fruit. Even if its so that kids will want to go to the camp next year! No matter what it is, Ildi and Zoli showed those kids the love of God and the joy of the Lord that morning. 
We took the wrappers off all these baby food jars
Afterwards, I actually babysat for a family from Paulus. The mom is from Iowa, so that was neat to spend time looking after her children and talking with her. Then Ildi and I went shopping for some supplies.
All of the painted scenes
On Wednesday, Regi and Bea joined Ildi and I in preparing for the kids camp they are holding in a few weeks. We cut a bunch of things, ripped wrappers off baby food jars, and then painted some styrofoam to create scenes for the camp. It was a very fun day! That night, I babysat for another home group. I love those kids - Endre and Viki's kids (Christian and Liza) and Sanyesz and Esy's kids (Zoe and Joachim). It was lots of fun!
Regi, me, and Bea after working
On Thursday, instead of working on children's ministry stuff, we took the Jr. High kids to Adventurepark! Adventurepark has lots of different things to do, such as rock walls and laser tag and slides. The biggest part of the park, though, is the ropes courses. These ropes are high off the ground, strung between trees. You probably already know this about me, but I am terrified of hieghts (just ask my parents, the youth group at MBCC from a few years ago, and Katie, whose poor hands probably still bear the marks of when we rode the ferris wheel). I have many stories of being up high and being overwhelmed with fear. Each time, the Lord has taught me something, but my fear has never lessened. I decided to at least try the kids course. There was one part where you walked on this single rope holding onto a trapeze bar. You have to walk sideways and lean forward (face towards the ground) in order to get to the other side. I prayed with every step, let me tell you! Some of those courses were so scary. But I did it, and in fact I did it 2.5 times.
The Group Outside Adventurepark with "Outlaw Joe"
The biggest thing, though, was the "slides". There was a course where you climbed a ladder, walked across a wobbly wire ladder, and then hooked your connector to the top wire and with nothing underneath you took off to the next tree, probably 15-30 feet away. Ildi convinced me to try it. I climbed the ladder, but the next part was very very scary. I almost started crying. I made it to the end, and then it was time to go on the slide. I had to go on the slide, because I knew that I didn't want to go back down that wire ladder! So I started praying, and off I went. I made it, and I just said, "Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus!" When it was time to go again, I kept saying, "Jesus, You got me this far. Please just get me to my next stop." I completed the entire course! Afterward, I went back to the kids one, and if anything I was more scared than ever, but I did it.
Hannah, Lilla, and I at the park
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Pentecost
So a fun fact: Monday was a holiday in Hungary! For those uninformed (like me), Monday was Pentecost. I had the day off (as did everyone else...seriously. Not even grocery stores were open!), and I really enjoyed it!
The holiday really started on Sunday. After church, Janos and Ildi (and Beni and Lilla) took me to a festival in the Hungarian countryside. There was traditional dress, folk music, and folk dancing. We rode to three parts of the village, and the dancers preformed after handing out these buscuit-like things (called something that starts with b....I love them!) and wine or water. It was a long day, but we got to ride on the same wagon as the dancers because Beni's friend Martzell's parents were dancers. It was very interesting, and I really enjoyed it! I ate langos for lunch - yum. It was a very fun day!
On Monday, I had lunch with Janos and Ildi and their kids, and then Esther, Alexa, and Regi came over! We read through the skit for Converse that I had prepared, and then we got to hang out and talk for a while. It was so nice! After a while, the girls left, and Esther and I went to a cookout that a family from the Kazar's hoem group was hosting. It was truly a cookout! Instead of hot dogs and hamburgers, they cooked bacon and potatoes. Instead of chips there were cherries. And there was some cole slaw-esque salad. There was this brownie-type dessert (nothing is exact, thus all these vague comments) that was delicious. I was a little overwhelmed at the event, so I spent a lot of time with Esther and Enni. We ended up walking Enni to her class reunion, so I got to see another part of Diosd!
It was a really fun weekend, and I'm glad that I got to experience all that I did!
The holiday really started on Sunday. After church, Janos and Ildi (and Beni and Lilla) took me to a festival in the Hungarian countryside. There was traditional dress, folk music, and folk dancing. We rode to three parts of the village, and the dancers preformed after handing out these buscuit-like things (called something that starts with b....I love them!) and wine or water. It was a long day, but we got to ride on the same wagon as the dancers because Beni's friend Martzell's parents were dancers. It was very interesting, and I really enjoyed it! I ate langos for lunch - yum. It was a very fun day!
On Monday, I had lunch with Janos and Ildi and their kids, and then Esther, Alexa, and Regi came over! We read through the skit for Converse that I had prepared, and then we got to hang out and talk for a while. It was so nice! After a while, the girls left, and Esther and I went to a cookout that a family from the Kazar's hoem group was hosting. It was truly a cookout! Instead of hot dogs and hamburgers, they cooked bacon and potatoes. Instead of chips there were cherries. And there was some cole slaw-esque salad. There was this brownie-type dessert (nothing is exact, thus all these vague comments) that was delicious. I was a little overwhelmed at the event, so I spent a lot of time with Esther and Enni. We ended up walking Enni to her class reunion, so I got to see another part of Diosd!
It was a really fun weekend, and I'm glad that I got to experience all that I did!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Brief
I have so many things to blog about (seriously, I have a running list of things to post)! But at this moment, what I really want to do is thank the Lord for a few minutes.
I am learning so much. I'm learning what it means to be "in ministry", to love people as God does, to hurt for them and laugh with them. I've heard a few stories that break my heart, about people who I love, who I am praying for even as I type. It hurts a lot, loving people this way. But at the same time, I feel encouraged and hopeful. I am so thankful that in these situations, some of which seem completely hopeless, I have hope because of Jesus. I know that He can take the worst of situations and turn them into His glory. I know that He can redeem those furthest away. I know that He can resue those caught in tangled traps and draw them to Himself. I know that He can put a new song in the mouths of those shouting in anger. I know these things, and I am confident that He will do it! Its hard, and long, and a toiling process. But deep in my heart, I know that it is worth it. And its interesting, because I'm only here for a short time, yet I see how invested you have to be. You have to, otherwise this thing called evangelism doesn't work.
Things are going well, I'm really loving my time here. I have so many other things to share, but for now, please pray that I runt to the Lord in everything, that I learn to love as He does (even when it hurts), and that I find my source in Him. I can feel your prayers, and so I say thanks. I miss everyone and send my love back home!
I am learning so much. I'm learning what it means to be "in ministry", to love people as God does, to hurt for them and laugh with them. I've heard a few stories that break my heart, about people who I love, who I am praying for even as I type. It hurts a lot, loving people this way. But at the same time, I feel encouraged and hopeful. I am so thankful that in these situations, some of which seem completely hopeless, I have hope because of Jesus. I know that He can take the worst of situations and turn them into His glory. I know that He can redeem those furthest away. I know that He can resue those caught in tangled traps and draw them to Himself. I know that He can put a new song in the mouths of those shouting in anger. I know these things, and I am confident that He will do it! Its hard, and long, and a toiling process. But deep in my heart, I know that it is worth it. And its interesting, because I'm only here for a short time, yet I see how invested you have to be. You have to, otherwise this thing called evangelism doesn't work.
Things are going well, I'm really loving my time here. I have so many other things to share, but for now, please pray that I runt to the Lord in everything, that I learn to love as He does (even when it hurts), and that I find my source in Him. I can feel your prayers, and so I say thanks. I miss everyone and send my love back home!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
My First Home
I am now living in the "small house" or "little house" as it is called! The house is indeed small, but its the perfect size for me! I'm including some pictures in this post so you can actually see it.
From the street, you know it is my house by the bright pale green gate. Everyone here has gates to their homes - in fact, people were shocked to hear that in America, most people don't have gates and fences surrounding their front yard!I will say, it makes the parable where Jesus calls Himself the Gate make a lot more sense, since gates are so much more common here!
Anyway, once you come through my gate, you go up a little path past the sour cherry tree (another thing to note! In Hungarian, there is a seperate word for sour cherries. It is its own fruit here! I don't like them very much, but I love the sweet cherries! Nearly everyone here has a cherry tree, so that fruit is in abundance!) and up to my front porch!
I like my little porch. I wish I had a chair for out there, but I can move my chair from inside out there if I want to. After opening the door, you walk into my living room/bedroom. There is a cabinet (I can't think of a better word, although I know there is one...) for my clothes. The couch pulls out into a bed (you store the blankets and pillows in the couch during the day), and I really like this room!
I had to be a little ingenius with somethings. You see, the owners took out most of the furniture, but they left some random things here. For example, above my wardrobe for my clothes, there are these lounge chair cushions and some tools and things. On one of the shelves in the living room, there was a stack of nuetral-colored cushions. I didn't like where they were, and I didn't like the view above the wardrobe, so I put the cushions standing up around the cabinet top to hide everything up there.
Its not perfect, but its better than it was! A makeshift block, but I don't mind it. I think it looks nicer than it did before, and it looks better in person. Most of the things on the shelves in the living room fit in the top cabinet (the owner had left stuff in there, so I added more). I now have these empty shelves, and one that holds a TV that doesn't work (and that I wouldn't understand anyway! Haha!), so I'm still figuring out what to do with that space. You know, its a work in progress! Anyway, I really like my "first home" and I'm very glad to be living here.
From the street, you know it is my house by the bright pale green gate. Everyone here has gates to their homes - in fact, people were shocked to hear that in America, most people don't have gates and fences surrounding their front yard!I will say, it makes the parable where Jesus calls Himself the Gate make a lot more sense, since gates are so much more common here!
My Gate
My House!
Front Room
Other View
Couch
Now its my bed!
The next room is the kitchen/dining room. I have a stove top, a refridgerator, and a sink. Then I have a shelf with a microwave, and a rolling "island" (it is very small, but you know what I mean!). There is a round table and two stools. Its the perfect size for me to fix my meals and eat in. 
Kitchen
Dining Room/Kitchen
The final room is the bathroom! It has a toilet, a sink, a mirror, and a shower. I really like the light tile in it. The shower is a great size. 
Bathroom!
Wardrobe (with hidey cushions) and shelves
Its not perfect, but its better than it was! A makeshift block, but I don't mind it. I think it looks nicer than it did before, and it looks better in person. Most of the things on the shelves in the living room fit in the top cabinet (the owner had left stuff in there, so I added more). I now have these empty shelves, and one that holds a TV that doesn't work (and that I wouldn't understand anyway! Haha!), so I'm still figuring out what to do with that space. You know, its a work in progress! Anyway, I really like my "first home" and I'm very glad to be living here.
My View
Friday, June 10, 2011
"Faith Without Illusions"
On my flight over to Hungary and in the days since then, I read a wonderful book by my college pastor at Mountain Brook Community! I would really encourage you to go buy a copy of Faith Without Illusions by Andrew Byers. It is excellently written, easy to understand, convicting, and refreshing. Truly, it was exactly what I needed to hear! As I have been dealing with the sin that God is revealing in me, He has really used Andy's book to speak to me.
I really love the topics Andy writes about. At first, I wasn't sure if I fit the bill of what Andy describes, but after a few experiences, I quickly found that this book was very applicable!
I could write about any number of things that Andy wrote on, but this is what really spoke to my heart in the last few days of reading.
A few times, Andy mentions about how God does give us more than we can handle. He writes about Job, and then he says this:
I really love the topics Andy writes about. At first, I wasn't sure if I fit the bill of what Andy describes, but after a few experiences, I quickly found that this book was very applicable!
I could write about any number of things that Andy wrote on, but this is what really spoke to my heart in the last few days of reading.
A few times, Andy mentions about how God does give us more than we can handle. He writes about Job, and then he says this:
Contrary to the aphoristic and vapid theology of Job's idealistic friends, God presents Himself as One who defies all attempts at domestication, as One who knows no limits as defined by human conenience. The God of the book of Job is free,that is, free to act as He deems appropriate on the basis of a wisdom too profound for mortal minds. And this divine freedom can sometimes seem to impinge on human existence. ...God is sovereign over all these [wicked and monstrous] characters and forces, but there is a complexity to the exercise of His soereignity over them that will ever mystify and perplex us (Byers, 147-148).
I love that. God is so beyond whatever box I want to put Him in. But its more than that too. Andy writes about how sometimes we like to create a God in our own image (when in reality, we are created in His image, although He is still so completely other than us). I cannot do that to God. I cannot force what I want Him to be onto Him. (Does that make sense?) "I AM WHO I AM" is what He calls Himself. God is! His nature is so entirely seperate and often incomprehensible, and I can only sit in fear of the Lord. How often do I get caught up in the struggles of my faith (its hard to have faith, or its hard to trust, or I want to do it on my own) that I forget Who I actually serve? Who actually chose to suffer and fight for me? Who left glory to come after me so that He would be glorified even more?
I know that God does not belittle the struggles of faith, I know that He is patient and understanding, but I am realizing how often I become selfish in my faith (somewhat of an oxymoron, really) and make it about me instead of the One Who is the reason for faith at all.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Stone Pillar
Today I praise God because He is at work in me.
I will confess this. I have been struck by my conceit and sin. I still find myself time and again trying to prove that I don't need the Cross, that I don't need the work Jesus has done for me. How dare I? How dare I try to save myself? I know, I know that I am desperate for the Lord, for His mercy and salvation. Yet time and again I try to do it on my own.
Yesterday and today, God has bringing sin after sin to mind. I have a lot of time to think as I walk back and forth from the Paulus House each day. At first, it was crushing me. I was wondering if it was Satan discouraging me, so I prayed about it. And while it could have been Satan discouraging me, God is using it for HIS good. I'm kind of overwhelmed with my sin right now. And its pretty constant, how they come to mind. I'm being convicted (which if you have read my other blog, you know I love even as it hurts), and it is hard. It isn't fun. Shouldn't saying yes to the Lord mean light and joy? Absolutely not! And I have to remind myself of that. God doesn't promise us what we want - He promises His plan. And He promises to make us new.
That is what my heart is longing for, that is where I am finding my peace and rest. Despite my depravity, despite how completely far from the Lord I truly am, He is making me new and making me more like Him. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. ...I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more...O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you" (Isaiah 43:18-19, 25; Isaiah 44:21b-22).
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and movve you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws...I will save you from your uncleanned. ...I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign Lord" (Ezekial 36:26-32).
And of course, 2 Corinthians 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
These verses on some Band-Aid, to cause me to forget my sin and feel better about myself. No, God isn't making me new for my sake. Far from it! He is making me new because it brings Him glory! And I know confidently that I want nothing else than to bring Him glory. I know that in my very core.
I like to share what God is teaching me because it is like the stone pillars that Joshua instructs the Israelite leades to put up after they cross the river Jordan. He tells them to put up these twelve stone pillarss so that when they children and grandchildren ask about them, the Israelites can proclaim what the Lord has done (Joshua 4). It is a way to remember. So this is one of my stone pillars.
I will confess this. I have been struck by my conceit and sin. I still find myself time and again trying to prove that I don't need the Cross, that I don't need the work Jesus has done for me. How dare I? How dare I try to save myself? I know, I know that I am desperate for the Lord, for His mercy and salvation. Yet time and again I try to do it on my own.
Yesterday and today, God has bringing sin after sin to mind. I have a lot of time to think as I walk back and forth from the Paulus House each day. At first, it was crushing me. I was wondering if it was Satan discouraging me, so I prayed about it. And while it could have been Satan discouraging me, God is using it for HIS good. I'm kind of overwhelmed with my sin right now. And its pretty constant, how they come to mind. I'm being convicted (which if you have read my other blog, you know I love even as it hurts), and it is hard. It isn't fun. Shouldn't saying yes to the Lord mean light and joy? Absolutely not! And I have to remind myself of that. God doesn't promise us what we want - He promises His plan. And He promises to make us new.
That is what my heart is longing for, that is where I am finding my peace and rest. Despite my depravity, despite how completely far from the Lord I truly am, He is making me new and making me more like Him. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. ...I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more...O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you" (Isaiah 43:18-19, 25; Isaiah 44:21b-22).
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and movve you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws...I will save you from your uncleanned. ...I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign Lord" (Ezekial 36:26-32).
And of course, 2 Corinthians 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
These verses on some Band-Aid, to cause me to forget my sin and feel better about myself. No, God isn't making me new for my sake. Far from it! He is making me new because it brings Him glory! And I know confidently that I want nothing else than to bring Him glory. I know that in my very core.
I like to share what God is teaching me because it is like the stone pillars that Joshua instructs the Israelite leades to put up after they cross the river Jordan. He tells them to put up these twelve stone pillarss so that when they children and grandchildren ask about them, the Israelites can proclaim what the Lord has done (Joshua 4). It is a way to remember. So this is one of my stone pillars.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Jetlag, New Friends, and Lots of Fun
I would say it is time for an update!
So far, everything has been wonderful! Everyone has been so nice and welcoming (not that I expected anything different!), and I've loved my three(ish) days here.
On Thursday, when I got here, I wasn't able to function much. For these first few days, I'm staying with the Kazar family (they started Paulus), and the youngest daughter, Hannah, invited me to play Wii on my first day. My jetlagged brain didn't do too well, but it was still fun. That night, I ate Hungarian chicken noodle soup (delicious!) and then went straight to bed.
The next morning, I had a slow morning. Then Sanyesz and Endre took me to lunch at the Spar. When we went back to Paulus, Endre went over my schedule with me. I'm very excited about everything I am going to be doing! Sara Kazar came and picked me up, and then I helped her make these gift boxes for the next day, a family fun day outreach event. Hannah helped us, and before we knew it, the boxes were complete! Hannah and I then repainted a few signs for the family day, and then it was time for me to head back to Paulus and sit in on Zoli's advanced English class. I really enjoyed that (thankfully, because I am going to be in his English classes all this week!), especially the discussions of elderberry flowers. That story is probably not funny to anyone who wasn't there, but basically Tunde, a woman in class, brought elderberry juice, Zoli's favorite drink appparently. He went on and on about it, and then I asked how it was made. The lady explained that she picked the flower, put it in a mixture of water, some kind of acid (I don't remember what kind...), and lemon, then you let it soak for a few days. Before you know it, you have elderberry juice! I asked more questions, and then Peter, the man present, claimed that elderberry flowers smelled like sweat. Then Tunde exclaimed that it smelled like cat pee (I later heard a story about her four cats, perhaps explaining why her elderberry flowers smell like cat pee...). Anyway, it was a very funny conversation (I'm writing it down so that I remember it because it is a good memory), but I tried the juice, and I liked it!
Anyway, after English class, I went to youth group! It was so good to see friends again (like Eni, Fanni, Dori, Alexa, Regy, etc), and I really enjoyed the discussion. When we got back to the Kazars, Esther, Hannah, and I watched the Narnia move, Voyage of the Dawn Treader (in one scene, the boat goes through flowers on the water, and I found myself wondering if that was what elderberry flowers looked like. Ha!), which was a great movie!
On Saturday morning, we had the family fun day. I helped set up a little, but then I sat with Sara at the welcome desk. Since I don't know much Hungarian, I wasn't very helpful, but I enjoyed watching the toodlers go through each station with their parents. Afterwards, we ate lunch at the Kazar's, and then Endre wife Vicki (that is probably not how it is spelled, but that is the American pronounciation! In Hungarian it is Vee-ki) took me to Statue Park! I've been wanting to go to Statue Park since my very first visit to Diosd, and I finally got to go! It was very interesting (to me, since I love history and especially affects of communism...weird, I know), and I really enjoyed getting to know Vicki and hear her perspective. Then we went back to Endre and Vicki's condo, where we talked while their kids were napping. After their children, Christian and Liza (Leeza), woke up, we ate dinner (asperagus, fish, and rice - yum!) and then took a walk. When I got back to the Kazar's, Christine was home! I heard about her trip, and then Hannah and Esther and I played guitar hero (I was terrible, so I watched Esther go through her "career"). It was a very fun and funny night (my jet lag combined with Sara's humor made for some very funny discussions/comments).
This morning, I went to church early to help set up for the Lord's Supper. Church was fun (it was in Hungarian, so I followed along when I knew the verses and motions), and then I went back to Endre and Vicki's for lunch. I returned to the Kazar's around 2, and then some guests from St. Louis came to visit. Afterwards, Christine, Hannah, and I had a water gun fight.
So that is my update on what I've been doing! Sorry it is so long. But I've been having a blast. In regards to homesickness, it hasn't been bad because I've stayed busy. In regard to jetlag, this has been my worst day, but the third one always is. Hopefully tomorrow I will be on track for Hungarian time! The transition is going well, I think. There have been some difficult moments, but there always are. In all, I'm learning a lot and I'm loving my experience!
Please be praying for my transition (still). I am helping with Zoli's English classes this week, so I am very excited about that.
So far, everything has been wonderful! Everyone has been so nice and welcoming (not that I expected anything different!), and I've loved my three(ish) days here.
On Thursday, when I got here, I wasn't able to function much. For these first few days, I'm staying with the Kazar family (they started Paulus), and the youngest daughter, Hannah, invited me to play Wii on my first day. My jetlagged brain didn't do too well, but it was still fun. That night, I ate Hungarian chicken noodle soup (delicious!) and then went straight to bed.
The next morning, I had a slow morning. Then Sanyesz and Endre took me to lunch at the Spar. When we went back to Paulus, Endre went over my schedule with me. I'm very excited about everything I am going to be doing! Sara Kazar came and picked me up, and then I helped her make these gift boxes for the next day, a family fun day outreach event. Hannah helped us, and before we knew it, the boxes were complete! Hannah and I then repainted a few signs for the family day, and then it was time for me to head back to Paulus and sit in on Zoli's advanced English class. I really enjoyed that (thankfully, because I am going to be in his English classes all this week!), especially the discussions of elderberry flowers. That story is probably not funny to anyone who wasn't there, but basically Tunde, a woman in class, brought elderberry juice, Zoli's favorite drink appparently. He went on and on about it, and then I asked how it was made. The lady explained that she picked the flower, put it in a mixture of water, some kind of acid (I don't remember what kind...), and lemon, then you let it soak for a few days. Before you know it, you have elderberry juice! I asked more questions, and then Peter, the man present, claimed that elderberry flowers smelled like sweat. Then Tunde exclaimed that it smelled like cat pee (I later heard a story about her four cats, perhaps explaining why her elderberry flowers smell like cat pee...). Anyway, it was a very funny conversation (I'm writing it down so that I remember it because it is a good memory), but I tried the juice, and I liked it!
Anyway, after English class, I went to youth group! It was so good to see friends again (like Eni, Fanni, Dori, Alexa, Regy, etc), and I really enjoyed the discussion. When we got back to the Kazars, Esther, Hannah, and I watched the Narnia move, Voyage of the Dawn Treader (in one scene, the boat goes through flowers on the water, and I found myself wondering if that was what elderberry flowers looked like. Ha!), which was a great movie!
On Saturday morning, we had the family fun day. I helped set up a little, but then I sat with Sara at the welcome desk. Since I don't know much Hungarian, I wasn't very helpful, but I enjoyed watching the toodlers go through each station with their parents. Afterwards, we ate lunch at the Kazar's, and then Endre wife Vicki (that is probably not how it is spelled, but that is the American pronounciation! In Hungarian it is Vee-ki) took me to Statue Park! I've been wanting to go to Statue Park since my very first visit to Diosd, and I finally got to go! It was very interesting (to me, since I love history and especially affects of communism...weird, I know), and I really enjoyed getting to know Vicki and hear her perspective. Then we went back to Endre and Vicki's condo, where we talked while their kids were napping. After their children, Christian and Liza (Leeza), woke up, we ate dinner (asperagus, fish, and rice - yum!) and then took a walk. When I got back to the Kazar's, Christine was home! I heard about her trip, and then Hannah and Esther and I played guitar hero (I was terrible, so I watched Esther go through her "career"). It was a very fun and funny night (my jet lag combined with Sara's humor made for some very funny discussions/comments).
This morning, I went to church early to help set up for the Lord's Supper. Church was fun (it was in Hungarian, so I followed along when I knew the verses and motions), and then I went back to Endre and Vicki's for lunch. I returned to the Kazar's around 2, and then some guests from St. Louis came to visit. Afterwards, Christine, Hannah, and I had a water gun fight.
So that is my update on what I've been doing! Sorry it is so long. But I've been having a blast. In regards to homesickness, it hasn't been bad because I've stayed busy. In regard to jetlag, this has been my worst day, but the third one always is. Hopefully tomorrow I will be on track for Hungarian time! The transition is going well, I think. There have been some difficult moments, but there always are. In all, I'm learning a lot and I'm loving my experience!
Please be praying for my transition (still). I am helping with Zoli's English classes this week, so I am very excited about that.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Safe and Sound
I'm here! I'm too tired and jetlagged to write a real post, but let me just say that it is wonderful to finally be here. I'm staying with the Kazars for a few days, and I just ate one really great meal. I'm getting ready to head to sleep, because my own thoughts aren't making sense anymore. But thank you for your prayers! Please keep them coming, specifically for recovery from jet lag and an easy transition to life here in Diosd.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Hungary, Here I Come
I am currently sitting in the international terminal of JFK! Everything has gone smoothly since I left, and I haven't had any problems (well, except for the bathroom being closed when I got off my plane from Atlanta. Thankfully there was another one right around the corner). I have a few hours before I board for my plane to Budapest, so I'm just enjoying the international terminal and all the interesting accents/languages/attire/characters that come with it.
Traveling alone has actually been enjoyable! I really don't mind it. Not that I don't like traveling with people I know and love, but traveling alone isn't nearly as bad as I expected! The international part of the airport has some nice food options, as well as some shops. I found a quiet area, and I'm just passing the time until my flight.
I cannot wait to arrive in Budapest tomorrow! I'm so excited to get started with Paulus. Obviously, I'll be a little jet lagged and tired the first few days, but I'm ready to get settled into the swing of things. I miss my family and home already, but I could not be more excited about what God has for me in the next seven weeks.
Anyway, I just wanted to post a quick update. Please pray that I will sleep on this next flight!
Traveling alone has actually been enjoyable! I really don't mind it. Not that I don't like traveling with people I know and love, but traveling alone isn't nearly as bad as I expected! The international part of the airport has some nice food options, as well as some shops. I found a quiet area, and I'm just passing the time until my flight.
I cannot wait to arrive in Budapest tomorrow! I'm so excited to get started with Paulus. Obviously, I'll be a little jet lagged and tired the first few days, but I'm ready to get settled into the swing of things. I miss my family and home already, but I could not be more excited about what God has for me in the next seven weeks.
Anyway, I just wanted to post a quick update. Please pray that I will sleep on this next flight!
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