This is it. This is my last post in this blog (for at least a little while). If God sends me somewhere new, I will begin posting again. God is always sending me somewhere new, but I feel as though my adventures in Grand Rapids, MI can best be expressed in person since most of my readers have the opportunity to speak and connect with me here. One year ago today (September 1, 2009 at 2:55p local time), I landed in Budapest. Today (September 1, 2010 at 8:55a EST-ish), I begin working again at Home Acres Reformed Church... and attempt to resume the life I left although I'm not the same person.
My dearest friends and family, I THANK YOU. It seems so cliché to say that I couldn't have done it without you, but it's so completely true for me. A million "thank yous" could not express my sincerest gratitude. My true prayer is that God is blessing you in innumerable ways, for you have all blessed me. Thank you, again.
As a way of closing it out, i bring you a "De-briefing Survey." Enjoy!
What were the high points and the low points?
high points: Thanksgiving, New Years Eve, dancing at the Tanoda, Christmas at the Tanoda, Mohács, Auschwitz, couch-surfing, the city and its beauty, the Hungarian countryside, Bible study with some gypsy women in Uzd, hanging out with the other volunteers,
low points: the Tanoda closing, saying "goodbye"
Who most encouraged you on the trip?
from home: my mom gets major props, Home Acres Church, Shawn, Ang, Mike, Chris, Jay...
in Hungary: Dick and Carolyn, Pastor Aaron, Emese, Judit, Njeri, Teri, the other volunteers
Did you accomplish your goals?
I didn't go with any goals except to experience everything I could experience... and learn enough Hungarian to survive. In these ways, I think I did accomplish my goals.
What did God do?
God provided. God healed. God reigned. God guided. God held. God loved and lifted up. God showed Himself in unique and awesome ways.
What stories can you share?
I have 318 stories (that's how many days I lived in Hungary).
What pictures did you like best?
my absolute favorites are a mixture of the ones taken of Budapest from the Citadella... or the pictures of my friends/fellow volunteers and I on one of our many adventures.
Describe some of the relationships you made.
my roommates and I became (i think) like sisters - living together with four different cultures in an even different culture was a struggle at times, but we came to love each other in ways that only sisters can. I can't wait to see them again.
Emilie, Jeff, Kristy and Matt (and Sepp and Emily) became my closest friends.
Pastor Aaron became a mentor and friend.
Dick and Carolyn became like my "Hungarian" parents.
there were so many more relationships, all formed quickly and all very hard to leave.
What did you find most challenging?
My most challenging moments, as many of you could tell, came in the instability I experienced. Instability in social life, instability in work placements, instability in schedules, instability in maintaining contact with loved ones back home... stability has always been something I took for granted and finding peace during instability was definitely something that challenged me, but also forced me to grow a bit.
Were you well prepared? What else could you have done?
I tried to go in without a "map" of sorts. I didn't spend much time learning Hungarian before I left. I didn't spend much time researching my placement. I am thankful for both of those. I feel like all the Hungarian I learned before I went got stomped on during our language course... and my placement changed after only 2 months. I'm quite pleased with my lack of preparation for arrival, actually.
How are you doing physically?
Well, I miss walking everywhere. I miss 3 balanced meals a day and fresh fruits and veggies that were cheap. I miss loose jeans (i've gained back all the weight I lost during the year... grrr!) I smile a lot. I like that.
How are you doing emotionally?
It's been rough, not gonna lie. I'm not sure I understand how I feel so it's therefore hard to have others understand. There are days I'd rather just stay away from everyone to avoid questions and stress. There are other days when I need to be surrounded by people, because I am struggling at finding a place here again. Then I find myself in the middle of people, lost (in my "happy" place)... trying to figure out what is going on and where I go from here. My patience is short and I feel apathetic about much of my life at the moment.
How are you doing spiritually?
I feel like God and grew closer this last year. Trying to abide in Him and allowing Him to abide in me and truly shine. There are times when it was a test, but truly believe that my faith has grown to new levels... and I'm so excited to show this to others.
Did anything disappoint you about yourself?
Oh yeah. I'm pretty good at disappointing myself. I probably could have tried better to experience Hungarian culture/language/people. I probably could have tried harder with my placements to make them all work. I probably could have done more to make the youth group work. I probably could have enveloped myself in the "here and now" aspect of service. I probably could have done so much more...
What surprised you about the culture?
The strong dislike toward gypsies. I couldn't imagine it before I got there. I could NOT imagine that I would get hateful looks for just saying I work with them. I could not imagine people in 2010 with such prejudice.
What ministry skills did you sharpen?
I can make itty bitties smile and laugh... I can have a theological conversation with simplified English and simplified Hungarian... I can love people without words.
Did you find fulfillment in your ministry time?
I definitely felt like there were good days and bad days in this aspect. At some points, it's a source of disappointment for me and I wish I could go back and find fulfillment at those moments. At some points, I truly wish those had been the last moments of my life because each second of those moments felt God-ordained and God-designed and I felt as though I was truly a part of expanding the Kingdom.
What did you learn about ministry?
I learned that ministry, especially missions, is anything BUT a job description.
Did you experience any miracles in your ministry time?
Somehow I communicated, even though I didn't speak the language very well. To me, that was a miracle.
What comes next for you in life?
Well, I'm back in Michigan. I'm looking into options for going back to school. I would love for God to call me elsewhere, but if this was the only opportunity to go overseas, then I'm okay with that as well.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
I want to get enrolled in school (so I'll have to make some decisions). I'd love to travel somewhere (probably Japan to visit Katharine and see her work there). I want to be able to actually play my guitar.
What is your plan to get there?
Gotta make the decision about school - gotta save money for the trip - gotta actually practice the guitar :)
What changes do you want to make to your life?
Health and simplicity are pretty big ones. They're also the hard ones to make. And... I don't want to live a mundane lifestyle.
What concerns do you have as you go back home?
Well, I am already back home and I've been home for 6 weeks. I'm still concerned about my general apathy toward things, but it's getting better.
Who can help you keep the flame alive back home?
My church family has rocked for that. I wish some of my friends would show more interest, but oh well. Most are pretty cool, but others seem like they'd rather not fan the flame.
What ministry will you continue to do in the community?
well, CHAOS... but I also feel like there are a TON of bridges to be built around our community. I'm rolling up my sleeves, let's get busy building!
Who will you reach out and minister to?
I feel like there's a huge cultural gap between our church and our community. I also feel like we could bridge the gaps between all the churches that use our church building. And... there's still so much work to be done with outreach. Sooo much need!
What can you do to go to the next level spiritually?
I'm sitting here thinking that this should be easy. This is just about me and Jesus going one step further. Question is: what is that next step? I don't know. Going to the next level spiritually will entail trusting Him and trusting IN Him completely... no doubts, no turning back, no regrets... one day at a time, one foot in front of the other... take each person and circumstance into loving consideration that God has ordained each moment, and from one moment to the next all we can do is trust and obey.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Picture-viewing / Speaking
I am in the process of writing my final entry here, but I wanted to get a quick update out.
My pictures are organized and ready for perusing and story-telling. Many of you have stated an interest in this, please know I wasn't avoiding you... just getting things organized before I sit down with you. Please give me a call (616-328-3749) or email (trazylyn @ gmail.com) if you're interested.
Also, I am available to share my story with any group willing to listen. My only request is that (unless you are a previously supporting group) a donation of any size be made to continue the work in Hungary.
My pictures are organized and ready for perusing and story-telling. Many of you have stated an interest in this, please know I wasn't avoiding you... just getting things organized before I sit down with you. Please give me a call (616-328-3749) or email (trazylyn @ gmail.com) if you're interested.
Also, I am available to share my story with any group willing to listen. My only request is that (unless you are a previously supporting group) a donation of any size be made to continue the work in Hungary.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Things I miss...
After being home for more than a month, I've started making mental lists of things I miss about life in Hungary. Enjoy.
* my roommates - i nearly cried at church in the morning as I realized that i don't know when I'll see them again, and they grew on me like little sisters...
* my city - walking out the door and seeing Parlament, along the river, the castle across the river, the islands, the public transport
* St. Columba's Church - the puppets, the social time (with CAFFEINATED coffee), the after-church meals that were always so yummy!, the leadership that genuinely asked how I was doing and accepted me into their family as though I'd been there forever
* speaking Hungarian. I miss this a lot more than I thought I would.
* soup at every lunch. vajkrém. slicing my own bread (that's not shaped like a square... and THICK pieces of soft, chewy goodness). ketchup chips. 3-in-1 instant coffee. espresso everywhere.
* public transport - in Budapest and throughout Europe in general. we tell people that we are an independent country, but yet I def. felt more independent while living in Europe. I understand that those are two different meanings of the word, but still... i can't help but put the two side-by-side.
*sigh*
someday I hope to go back, that's all I gotta say right now.
* my roommates - i nearly cried at church in the morning as I realized that i don't know when I'll see them again, and they grew on me like little sisters...
* my city - walking out the door and seeing Parlament, along the river, the castle across the river, the islands, the public transport
* St. Columba's Church - the puppets, the social time (with CAFFEINATED coffee), the after-church meals that were always so yummy!, the leadership that genuinely asked how I was doing and accepted me into their family as though I'd been there forever
* speaking Hungarian. I miss this a lot more than I thought I would.
* soup at every lunch. vajkrém. slicing my own bread (that's not shaped like a square... and THICK pieces of soft, chewy goodness). ketchup chips. 3-in-1 instant coffee. espresso everywhere.
* public transport - in Budapest and throughout Europe in general. we tell people that we are an independent country, but yet I def. felt more independent while living in Europe. I understand that those are two different meanings of the word, but still... i can't help but put the two side-by-side.
*sigh*
someday I hope to go back, that's all I gotta say right now.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
BREAKING (down while buying) BREAD
So, I've had some days to do some reflection on this and I thought it was worth sharing with you all.
On Wednesday, August 4th, I went grocery shopping for myself and by myself for the first time since back in the US. Before I left, it was honestly one of my favorite things to do. When I was in Hungary, it was a great way to end my walk home everyday. On last Wednesday, it horrified me.
Not only did I need to plan out food for the next three days (I am back to working my customer service/dispatch job on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for 13 hours each day - so all three meals can be eaten during that time :P), but I needed to decide how to carry and store it all.
I did fine buying some healthy-ish frozen foods, fruit, crackers, and sandwich toppings. However, as I walked toward the bakery, I had one goal: bread. I stood there looking at the choices... and after 20 minutes, I was stressed out and still holding a basket without bread in it. I couldn't make this decision.
In Hungary, buying bread was a simple process. I either wanted 1/2 Kilo (1.1 lbs), 1 Kilo (2.2 lbs) or bagged "American style" bread. Aside from that, there were only 2 other choices: half-brown or white... and sliced or not sliced.
For me it was always an easy decision - if I wanted square sandwiches, I bought the "American style" bread and there was only one type of it. It came in a yellow wrapper and didn't squish when I put it in my basket. If I wanted real bread, I always bought a 1/2 kilo of half-brown bread. It wasn't difficult at all because once the decisions were made, there was only one option. On Wednesday, once I decided that I wanted brown bread that was already sliced, I still had 389,493,249 options.
...
Bread and food is mentioned a lot in scripture. It seems that much of the time when true relationships were being pursued/formed/matured, food was involved. It's not surprising when you think about today's society - we love to meet up for breakfast or lunch or dinner... or coffee ;) Food just seems to invite conversation. I am very much looking forward to sharing times with people these next couple weeks. If you're at all interested in hearing about my year or asking questions on a personal level, let me know. We can break some bread and share stories together someday :)
On Wednesday, August 4th, I went grocery shopping for myself and by myself for the first time since back in the US. Before I left, it was honestly one of my favorite things to do. When I was in Hungary, it was a great way to end my walk home everyday. On last Wednesday, it horrified me.
Not only did I need to plan out food for the next three days (I am back to working my customer service/dispatch job on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for 13 hours each day - so all three meals can be eaten during that time :P), but I needed to decide how to carry and store it all.
I did fine buying some healthy-ish frozen foods, fruit, crackers, and sandwich toppings. However, as I walked toward the bakery, I had one goal: bread. I stood there looking at the choices... and after 20 minutes, I was stressed out and still holding a basket without bread in it. I couldn't make this decision.
In Hungary, buying bread was a simple process. I either wanted 1/2 Kilo (1.1 lbs), 1 Kilo (2.2 lbs) or bagged "American style" bread. Aside from that, there were only 2 other choices: half-brown or white... and sliced or not sliced.
For me it was always an easy decision - if I wanted square sandwiches, I bought the "American style" bread and there was only one type of it. It came in a yellow wrapper and didn't squish when I put it in my basket. If I wanted real bread, I always bought a 1/2 kilo of half-brown bread. It wasn't difficult at all because once the decisions were made, there was only one option. On Wednesday, once I decided that I wanted brown bread that was already sliced, I still had 389,493,249 options.
...
Bread and food is mentioned a lot in scripture. It seems that much of the time when true relationships were being pursued/formed/matured, food was involved. It's not surprising when you think about today's society - we love to meet up for breakfast or lunch or dinner... or coffee ;) Food just seems to invite conversation. I am very much looking forward to sharing times with people these next couple weeks. If you're at all interested in hearing about my year or asking questions on a personal level, let me know. We can break some bread and share stories together someday :)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Hungarian Food and an Update
Today I'm making a Hungarian dish for a 4-H international dinner. It's Cabbage Pasta and about the easiest thing ever to make for a huge crowd. If you don't have anything to do, stop by the Ionia High School tonight from 5-7p. It's a donation for entrance, and all donations go toward Heifer International. HELP THE 4-H KIDS BUY A COW!!!
In other news, I start working on Thursday. I was invited back to my old job at Multiband. It's not exactly what I want to do with my life, but it's good hours, I'm familiar with the place/people/job and it comes with insurance in a few months. I would LOVE to have my Saturdays free, so I'm still keeping my options open.
Also, Ang and I are looking at apartments. I am hoping to call one of the landlords tonight and tell him "we'll take it!" Just waiting until a reasonable hour (since I think 8:40 is waaay too early to call anyone).
...
Looking back on my year, I was thinking about ways that I grew... and someone asked what skills I could take back to my job. For Multiband, I bring back Hungarian because it's in high demand (just kidding!). For youth work, I bring back the knowledge of cross-culture ministry and the experience of working with teens in Hungary who were Hungarian and many other nationalities. Also, some bridging the cultural gap experience working with the American teens that came and the Hungarian/Iraqi/Kosovo(an?) teens that helped at the Day camp.
I also picked up some experience working with elementary kids (at the school and tanoda) and even PRE-PRESCHOOL! Woah! That's crazy coming from someone who's only changed one diaper in her life :P
And, I taught English. This could be extremely useful in the future, including helping me realize that I might like to take a few TESOL courses when I'm back in school.
And... many of you may have heard my dream: to have a place in an area that's doing cross-cultural ministry that welcomes groups on a regular basis (like a remodeled church or retreat center). The original dream was to do this along the USA/Mexico border, but this year has even expanded this :) Well, not only did I get a lot of experience hosting individuals, I even hosted a work team (not in my apartment, but in Budapest) from Ohio. One step closer, friends... one step closer.
In other news, I start working on Thursday. I was invited back to my old job at Multiband. It's not exactly what I want to do with my life, but it's good hours, I'm familiar with the place/people/job and it comes with insurance in a few months. I would LOVE to have my Saturdays free, so I'm still keeping my options open.
Also, Ang and I are looking at apartments. I am hoping to call one of the landlords tonight and tell him "we'll take it!" Just waiting until a reasonable hour (since I think 8:40 is waaay too early to call anyone).
...
Looking back on my year, I was thinking about ways that I grew... and someone asked what skills I could take back to my job. For Multiband, I bring back Hungarian because it's in high demand (just kidding!). For youth work, I bring back the knowledge of cross-culture ministry and the experience of working with teens in Hungary who were Hungarian and many other nationalities. Also, some bridging the cultural gap experience working with the American teens that came and the Hungarian/Iraqi/Kosovo(an?) teens that helped at the Day camp.
I also picked up some experience working with elementary kids (at the school and tanoda) and even PRE-PRESCHOOL! Woah! That's crazy coming from someone who's only changed one diaper in her life :P
And, I taught English. This could be extremely useful in the future, including helping me realize that I might like to take a few TESOL courses when I'm back in school.
And... many of you may have heard my dream: to have a place in an area that's doing cross-cultural ministry that welcomes groups on a regular basis (like a remodeled church or retreat center). The original dream was to do this along the USA/Mexico border, but this year has even expanded this :) Well, not only did I get a lot of experience hosting individuals, I even hosted a work team (not in my apartment, but in Budapest) from Ohio. One step closer, friends... one step closer.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Life since I've been home...
trazy lyn richter.
you have been a true gift from god this year. thank you for the place you have had in my life. sitting at your kitchen table talking about whatever was necessary, countless nights spent in your flat, multiple trips to the airport, a tour guide for budapest, so many things this year will stick with me even as i go from here. my life has been better because you are in it and i hope that you know (both in your head and in your heart) that whenever you are anywhere near me, you will have somewhere to sleep and something to eat.
as you go "home" you will be in my prayers. i don't know what you came here with and how you've changed, but i do know (some of) what you have. you have love. love for others and for god's creation. you have the gift of generous hospitality for all who come to your door looking for a place to lay their heads and some food to eat. you also have a way with words. though it may be hard to articulate exactly how you feel, what you experience, you are able to articulate a LOT in ways that can help others understand and provoke them to deeper thinking.
thank you. please come to chicago some time. don't forget to breathe. don't ever be sorry for crying; it's about the most honest thing you can do.
god's peace and blessings,
šťastnu cestu,
emily
*~*~*
I'm sorry. I've been home since July 15th. The circumstances regarding my return were all kept secret for various reasons and if I offended any of you by not disclosing details, I am sorry.
Our flights were good and despite a little delay at Chicago O'Hare, we were home in good spirits though tired. Families met us at the airport and then some most wonderful friends were waiting at Wendy's to welcome me home. Thank you to Taco Bell for providing me delicious goodness en route back to my parents' house.
July 16th was the wedding. The beautiful Jane James and handsome Nick Claus were married that evening. I wasn't supposed to be able to make it. Nick and Jane's mom knew that I was coming, but all details were kept secret to Jane. I do believe she had absolutely NO idea and the joy that came from this surprise is soemthing I pray I'll never forget. Mad props to Mike for taking the time to be my "date" and allow me to crash on his couch that night.
July 17th was cell phone shopping and other random errands. This last year, I've been using a cell phone from the 1800's. I have a touch screen now !? which means I will probably "pocket dial" you all at some point. And, since I can't find my old phone, I'm in the process of inputting everyone's number as they call me. So, why don't you text me with your name so that I can get your number?
July 18th was a quiet Sunday. I did nothing. It was good.
July 19th was high speed internet and coffee at an Ionia café. It was nice to do some things that require the high speed finally (my parents have dial-up!). Because my mother was there with a 4-H Group, it involved saying "hello" to many of her friends which is a good step toward how my end of July will be overwhelmed. We also came home and had AMERICAN BURGERS (that don't involve a box or wrapper of any sort!) Afterwards, we participated in a clean-up for the 4-H buildings that will be needed at the Ionia Free Fair.
July 20th was a fairly quiet day filled with farmers' market, meat market and visiting my brother and sister-in-law.
July 21st was a job interview and then helping with the judging of the 4-H stuff at the Ionia Free Fair. It was fun and interesting to be on the other side of things.
Yesterday was a completely LAZY day. I don't think I changed out of my pajamas until dinner time just because I had nothing to do and no way to get anywhere on my own. Being here, in Saranac, without a car and without a way to get anywhere without my mom is driving me nuts. In Budapest, I ran my schedule - I did things on my own terms. Here, I can't. I'm stuck here with nothing to do but sit on dial-up internet and wait for friends who end up ditching plans. Ughi.
Today I'm finally able to access some high speed internet and get some things done, but i'm still not on my own time. My mom's sitting across from me and will be there waiting for me until I'm ready to go.
Okay. Sorry this sounds like a rant... and it is. After living in a city of over 3 million people, I've been jailed in a village with less than 2,000.
must. get. out.
Tomorrow we begin our road trip.
Baldwin, MI to see my grandfather and great aunt.
Then up to Northern Wisconsin to see my sister and the Otterness'.
A break from village life will be good, but I am also looking forward to Thursday, when I will be back into a life that's FAR more my thing.
In other news, this blog will end on September 1st and then I'll figure out the next step. I like the idea of having a themed blog, so maybe I will take some suggestions from you in the meantime. Let me know if you have any ideas. Cheers, mates!
you have been a true gift from god this year. thank you for the place you have had in my life. sitting at your kitchen table talking about whatever was necessary, countless nights spent in your flat, multiple trips to the airport, a tour guide for budapest, so many things this year will stick with me even as i go from here. my life has been better because you are in it and i hope that you know (both in your head and in your heart) that whenever you are anywhere near me, you will have somewhere to sleep and something to eat.
as you go "home" you will be in my prayers. i don't know what you came here with and how you've changed, but i do know (some of) what you have. you have love. love for others and for god's creation. you have the gift of generous hospitality for all who come to your door looking for a place to lay their heads and some food to eat. you also have a way with words. though it may be hard to articulate exactly how you feel, what you experience, you are able to articulate a LOT in ways that can help others understand and provoke them to deeper thinking.
thank you. please come to chicago some time. don't forget to breathe. don't ever be sorry for crying; it's about the most honest thing you can do.
god's peace and blessings,
šťastnu cestu,
emily
*~*~*
I'm sorry. I've been home since July 15th. The circumstances regarding my return were all kept secret for various reasons and if I offended any of you by not disclosing details, I am sorry.
Our flights were good and despite a little delay at Chicago O'Hare, we were home in good spirits though tired. Families met us at the airport and then some most wonderful friends were waiting at Wendy's to welcome me home. Thank you to Taco Bell for providing me delicious goodness en route back to my parents' house.
July 16th was the wedding. The beautiful Jane James and handsome Nick Claus were married that evening. I wasn't supposed to be able to make it. Nick and Jane's mom knew that I was coming, but all details were kept secret to Jane. I do believe she had absolutely NO idea and the joy that came from this surprise is soemthing I pray I'll never forget. Mad props to Mike for taking the time to be my "date" and allow me to crash on his couch that night.
July 17th was cell phone shopping and other random errands. This last year, I've been using a cell phone from the 1800's. I have a touch screen now !? which means I will probably "pocket dial" you all at some point. And, since I can't find my old phone, I'm in the process of inputting everyone's number as they call me. So, why don't you text me with your name so that I can get your number?
July 18th was a quiet Sunday. I did nothing. It was good.
July 19th was high speed internet and coffee at an Ionia café. It was nice to do some things that require the high speed finally (my parents have dial-up!). Because my mother was there with a 4-H Group, it involved saying "hello" to many of her friends which is a good step toward how my end of July will be overwhelmed. We also came home and had AMERICAN BURGERS (that don't involve a box or wrapper of any sort!) Afterwards, we participated in a clean-up for the 4-H buildings that will be needed at the Ionia Free Fair.
July 20th was a fairly quiet day filled with farmers' market, meat market and visiting my brother and sister-in-law.
July 21st was a job interview and then helping with the judging of the 4-H stuff at the Ionia Free Fair. It was fun and interesting to be on the other side of things.
Yesterday was a completely LAZY day. I don't think I changed out of my pajamas until dinner time just because I had nothing to do and no way to get anywhere on my own. Being here, in Saranac, without a car and without a way to get anywhere without my mom is driving me nuts. In Budapest, I ran my schedule - I did things on my own terms. Here, I can't. I'm stuck here with nothing to do but sit on dial-up internet and wait for friends who end up ditching plans. Ughi.
Today I'm finally able to access some high speed internet and get some things done, but i'm still not on my own time. My mom's sitting across from me and will be there waiting for me until I'm ready to go.
Okay. Sorry this sounds like a rant... and it is. After living in a city of over 3 million people, I've been jailed in a village with less than 2,000.
must. get. out.
Tomorrow we begin our road trip.
Baldwin, MI to see my grandfather and great aunt.
Then up to Northern Wisconsin to see my sister and the Otterness'.
A break from village life will be good, but I am also looking forward to Thursday, when I will be back into a life that's FAR more my thing.
In other news, this blog will end on September 1st and then I'll figure out the next step. I like the idea of having a themed blog, so maybe I will take some suggestions from you in the meantime. Let me know if you have any ideas. Cheers, mates!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I'm Home.
Dear friends and family,
I am writing this post to signify that I am home.
After being gone for nearly 11 months, God has safely brought me back to my base camp, back to MY ground zero, back to my roots and my family... back to Saranac, Michigan, USA.
If you'd like to contact me, please email trazylyn@gmail.com or call (616) 328.3749
Through good and bad, this year has changed me. Looking back on this year, I am reminded of the traditional wedding vow:
to have and to hold from this day forward
from this day, I begin holding onto my experiences in a new way. While being away, I could only hold onto them in the present and look at them as a flashlight allows us to look at only one part of a dark room. Now that I've come out from this year, I hope to start turning on more lights and start realizing what it was that God taught me this year.
for better, for worse
it's easy to think things are better on the other side of the ocean. For 11 months, I often found myself thinking I would be doing so much better at this if I were back home. Now, I will be telling myself that I would be doing so much better if I were back in Hungary. Comparisons are inevitable at times, but very very unfair.
for richer, for poorer
In Hungary, it was often thought that I was just another "rich American" on vacation. Now, I go back to my life as a "rich American." I will be living in a society where it's not just normal for a family to have ONE car, but to have one car for EACH PERSON over 16 years old. I know what it's like to ATTEMPT a simple lifestyle in a city that seems far from simple. I've seen real riches and real poverty in both a financial sense, but also in a mental/emotional sense.
in sickness and in health
My mother will agree that this was the year for sickness for me. I never seemed to get used to Hungarian air. Between migraines, head-colds and tooth infection, there were moments when I wondered how I could survive for a whole year with only using maybe HALF of a bottle of aspirin prior to this year... but looking back, there were no real injuries or major health issues that couldn't be dealt with on a local level.
to love and to cherish
I truly believe this year has been one to love and to cherish. Each moment that I spent on the balcony chatting with Silvia, each pajama party with Silke, each chance to meet with the other volunteers... each placement's kids and the smiles they brought to my face or the smiles I brought to their faces...St. Columba's Church and the family they provide for those without family... each Hungarian that impacted my life - the ÖDE office, Judit (the language teacher), each foundation director, the ex-volunteers and the future volunteers... each memory will be one of fondness and love.
till death us do part
I pray that this year stays in my memory until God calls me home, where I will surely meet some of these people again.
Thank you, Hungary.
I am writing this post to signify that I am home.
After being gone for nearly 11 months, God has safely brought me back to my base camp, back to MY ground zero, back to my roots and my family... back to Saranac, Michigan, USA.
If you'd like to contact me, please email trazylyn@gmail.com or call (616) 328.3749
Through good and bad, this year has changed me. Looking back on this year, I am reminded of the traditional wedding vow:
to have and to hold from this day forward
from this day, I begin holding onto my experiences in a new way. While being away, I could only hold onto them in the present and look at them as a flashlight allows us to look at only one part of a dark room. Now that I've come out from this year, I hope to start turning on more lights and start realizing what it was that God taught me this year.
for better, for worse
it's easy to think things are better on the other side of the ocean. For 11 months, I often found myself thinking I would be doing so much better at this if I were back home. Now, I will be telling myself that I would be doing so much better if I were back in Hungary. Comparisons are inevitable at times, but very very unfair.
for richer, for poorer
In Hungary, it was often thought that I was just another "rich American" on vacation. Now, I go back to my life as a "rich American." I will be living in a society where it's not just normal for a family to have ONE car, but to have one car for EACH PERSON over 16 years old. I know what it's like to ATTEMPT a simple lifestyle in a city that seems far from simple. I've seen real riches and real poverty in both a financial sense, but also in a mental/emotional sense.
in sickness and in health
My mother will agree that this was the year for sickness for me. I never seemed to get used to Hungarian air. Between migraines, head-colds and tooth infection, there were moments when I wondered how I could survive for a whole year with only using maybe HALF of a bottle of aspirin prior to this year... but looking back, there were no real injuries or major health issues that couldn't be dealt with on a local level.
to love and to cherish
I truly believe this year has been one to love and to cherish. Each moment that I spent on the balcony chatting with Silvia, each pajama party with Silke, each chance to meet with the other volunteers... each placement's kids and the smiles they brought to my face or the smiles I brought to their faces...St. Columba's Church and the family they provide for those without family... each Hungarian that impacted my life - the ÖDE office, Judit (the language teacher), each foundation director, the ex-volunteers and the future volunteers... each memory will be one of fondness and love.
till death us do part
I pray that this year stays in my memory until God calls me home, where I will surely meet some of these people again.
Thank you, Hungary.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Part 10 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
Go easy on yourself and go easy on me.
Understand that reverse culture shock is not an exact science and it manifests itself different in every person.
Expect good days and bad days. It was the same when I got here and had complete culture shock - even in my last months, I was surprised to still experience culture shock.
Don't be afraid to ask for help (even pharmaceutical) if necessary. Don't be shocked if I ask for help.
Pray.
Laugh.
Cry.
This too shall pass and in the end, we'll all be better for it :)
***
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Péter 5:7 - Minden gondotokat õ reá vessétek, mert néki gondja van reátok.
Understand that reverse culture shock is not an exact science and it manifests itself different in every person.
Expect good days and bad days. It was the same when I got here and had complete culture shock - even in my last months, I was surprised to still experience culture shock.
Don't be afraid to ask for help (even pharmaceutical) if necessary. Don't be shocked if I ask for help.
Pray.
Laugh.
Cry.
This too shall pass and in the end, we'll all be better for it :)
***
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Péter 5:7 - Minden gondotokat õ reá vessétek, mert néki gondja van reátok.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Part 9 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
Perhaps you had hopes, dreams, and aspirations for me that were interrupted by my year of service. I know that I had hopes, dreams and aspirations that were, seemingly, interrupted by this year.
Well, toss those things in the trash. A large percentage of people returning from a year of mission work will make significant changes to their long-term goals and plans. I haven't QUITE decided what that route is, but I'm in the process of figuring it all out.
For me, I realized that I could very easily see myself working in missions for a long-term goal, but not just in Latin America. I can't rule out Europe anymore. I have had a fire reignited for bridging gaps between people groups, no matter where they are located on our beautiful Earth.
Also, I've realized a spiritual gift: hospitality. I LOVED hosting people here in Budapest and taking them through my city as well as teaching them about my various positions here and the work going on. I've also made the decision that I WILL return to school, although time and place are still very undecided. I will pursue education in Ministry and Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Regardless of what I decide to do from here, rejoice! This year hasn't changed WHO I am; it has simply made me better at discerning God's call on my life :)
***
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Korintusi 12:9 - És ezt mondá nékem: Elég néked az én kegyelmem; mert az én erõm erõtlenség által végeztetik el. Nagy örömest dicsekeszem azért az én erõtelenségeimmel, hogy a Krisztus ereje lakozzék én bennem.
Well, toss those things in the trash. A large percentage of people returning from a year of mission work will make significant changes to their long-term goals and plans. I haven't QUITE decided what that route is, but I'm in the process of figuring it all out.
For me, I realized that I could very easily see myself working in missions for a long-term goal, but not just in Latin America. I can't rule out Europe anymore. I have had a fire reignited for bridging gaps between people groups, no matter where they are located on our beautiful Earth.
Also, I've realized a spiritual gift: hospitality. I LOVED hosting people here in Budapest and taking them through my city as well as teaching them about my various positions here and the work going on. I've also made the decision that I WILL return to school, although time and place are still very undecided. I will pursue education in Ministry and Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Regardless of what I decide to do from here, rejoice! This year hasn't changed WHO I am; it has simply made me better at discerning God's call on my life :)
***
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Korintusi 12:9 - És ezt mondá nékem: Elég néked az én kegyelmem; mert az én erõm erõtlenség által végeztetik el. Nagy örömest dicsekeszem azért az én erõtelenségeimmel, hogy a Krisztus ereje lakozzék én bennem.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Part 8 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
Even though I've been living in a capital city that's very westernized, I've still had to live rather simply.
Don't take it personally if I seem horrified at certain aspects of "American" life - showers every day, getting in the car to drive to the corner store, or buying a new laptop instead of patching the broken one back together with tape... yeah, my laptop is being held together by tape. Now, if only I could get it working again! :P
Recognize that there are certain things you could and should change, but also that adjusting to what may now feel incredibly extravagant will simply take awhile. I hope to make permanent changes toward a simpler lifestyle. Recognize this as a good thing :)
***
Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Máté 11:28-30 - Jõjjetek én hozzám mindnyájan, a kik megfáradtatok és megterheltettetek, és én megnyugosztlak titeket. Vegyétek föl magatokra az én igámat, és tanuljátok meg tõlem, hogy én szelid és alázatos szívû vagyok: és nyugalmat találtok a ti lelkeiteknek. Mert az én igám gyönyörûséges, és az én terhem könnyû.
Dear God, give me rest today. This is the first Monday in a long time that I've had nothing to do. Help me to just BE and reflect on the past year.
Don't take it personally if I seem horrified at certain aspects of "American" life - showers every day, getting in the car to drive to the corner store, or buying a new laptop instead of patching the broken one back together with tape... yeah, my laptop is being held together by tape. Now, if only I could get it working again! :P
Recognize that there are certain things you could and should change, but also that adjusting to what may now feel incredibly extravagant will simply take awhile. I hope to make permanent changes toward a simpler lifestyle. Recognize this as a good thing :)
***
Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Máté 11:28-30 - Jõjjetek én hozzám mindnyájan, a kik megfáradtatok és megterheltettetek, és én megnyugosztlak titeket. Vegyétek föl magatokra az én igámat, és tanuljátok meg tõlem, hogy én szelid és alázatos szívû vagyok: és nyugalmat találtok a ti lelkeiteknek. Mert az én igám gyönyörûséges, és az én terhem könnyû.
Dear God, give me rest today. This is the first Monday in a long time that I've had nothing to do. Help me to just BE and reflect on the past year.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Part 7 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
Please tell me stories about your year as well. You'll need to speak up and be assertive because we'll both think that my experiences are more exciting than yours, but it's NOT true!
Things have happened on both sides of the ocean. People have lost jobs and gotten jobs. People have gotten married or engaged or broken off a relationship. People are having babies or adopting puppies. People got promoted or went back to school or graduated or dropped out.
These things are just as important as my experiences, so please don't feel like I don't want to hear them. Even though I may be excited to talk about my year, I also want to hear about yours. Don't be shy!
***
Luke 18:27 - Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Lukács 18:27 - Õ pedig monda: A mi embereknél lehetetlen, lehetséges az Istennél.
Dear God, my future is unknown. It's so unknown that You witnessed my sleepless nights, my nervous nausea and my tear-filled prayers. Teach me Your ways and help me to trust that You hold me in the palm of Your hand and You have plans for my life. Help me to remember that You are the conqueror of the "impossible." You showed this to me by bringing me over $12,000 during a terrible recession. Help me to continue to see the impossible things that only You have made possible.
Things have happened on both sides of the ocean. People have lost jobs and gotten jobs. People have gotten married or engaged or broken off a relationship. People are having babies or adopting puppies. People got promoted or went back to school or graduated or dropped out.
These things are just as important as my experiences, so please don't feel like I don't want to hear them. Even though I may be excited to talk about my year, I also want to hear about yours. Don't be shy!
***
Luke 18:27 - Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Lukács 18:27 - Õ pedig monda: A mi embereknél lehetetlen, lehetséges az Istennél.
Dear God, my future is unknown. It's so unknown that You witnessed my sleepless nights, my nervous nausea and my tear-filled prayers. Teach me Your ways and help me to trust that You hold me in the palm of Your hand and You have plans for my life. Help me to remember that You are the conqueror of the "impossible." You showed this to me by bringing me over $12,000 during a terrible recession. Help me to continue to see the impossible things that only You have made possible.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Part 6 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
At least half the things that come out of my mouth in the next few months will begin with "In Hungary..." This will probably start to annoy the crap out of you after a couple weeks (Sorry, Mom, you gotta put up with me!)
I'm going to apologize right now...
I'M SORRY.
Just... don't tell me it's annoying. It will prove to be far less effective than listening and asking INTERESTED questions. And if I've already told you this, stop me and tell me. I'm sure there will be some other silly story that I can pull out instead :D
The faster I run out of stories, the faster you get off the hook, right?
***
Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatákhoz 6:10 - Annakokáért míg idõnk van, cselekedjünk jót mindenekkel, kiváltképen pedig a mi hitünknek cselédeivel.
Dear God, sometimes I have been unkind this last year. Sometimes I have been cranky or angry or selfish. Sometimes I have been hurtful through words or deeds. Please forgive me for those moments, help me to forgive myself, and help those whom I hurt to also forgive me. Mold my heart, Lord, to make it more like Yours. Help me to do good and be loving toward all people, just as You are.
I'm going to apologize right now...
I'M SORRY.
Just... don't tell me it's annoying. It will prove to be far less effective than listening and asking INTERESTED questions. And if I've already told you this, stop me and tell me. I'm sure there will be some other silly story that I can pull out instead :D
The faster I run out of stories, the faster you get off the hook, right?
***
Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatákhoz 6:10 - Annakokáért míg idõnk van, cselekedjünk jót mindenekkel, kiváltképen pedig a mi hitünknek cselédeivel.
Dear God, sometimes I have been unkind this last year. Sometimes I have been cranky or angry or selfish. Sometimes I have been hurtful through words or deeds. Please forgive me for those moments, help me to forgive myself, and help those whom I hurt to also forgive me. Mold my heart, Lord, to make it more like Yours. Help me to do good and be loving toward all people, just as You are.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Part 5 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
I have over taken over 1000 pictures of my year.
Please ask to see my pictures because I took them all for a reason, but also know that I plan on printing 200 of them. I don't know if you've ever sat and looked through 200 pictures that aren't your own, but I promise you that you probably don't want to do that.
I'll get frustrated because if I'm only printing 1/5 of my pictures, I'm only picking the best ones. You'll get frustrated because it will take an entire day to go through them because each one will tell a story.
My suggestion is to scan through my blog and Facebook - there are different pictures in each place (or just look at one of them and that way you don't see ALL of my pictures) or set up several coffee dates.
You know I love coffee and if you want to hear the good stories, this will be the best way to do it. We can go through as many as we can in any amount of time and then next time, we'll start where we left off.
Or ask to see pictures of a certain time during my year. Christmas, Easter, my birthday, other volunteers, my work places, my church family here, my apartment, etc.
***
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Efézusiakhoz 2:10 - Mert az Õ alkotása vagyunk, teremtetvén [Általa] a Krisztus Jézusban jó cselekedetekre, a melyeket elõre elkészített az Isten, hogy azokban járjunk.
Dear God, everything I did that was good this year was prepared in advance by You. Everything that I will do in the future that is good will be prepared by You. These good works aren't always easy or full of recognition, but they are the reason that You created me. You made me to do good deeds. Don't let me forget this. Don't let me lose sight of that purpose. Open my eyes and allow me to SEE the good works You prepared for me, that I did through You, this past year. Ease my mind about the future, knowing that You have already prepared my path.
Please ask to see my pictures because I took them all for a reason, but also know that I plan on printing 200 of them. I don't know if you've ever sat and looked through 200 pictures that aren't your own, but I promise you that you probably don't want to do that.
I'll get frustrated because if I'm only printing 1/5 of my pictures, I'm only picking the best ones. You'll get frustrated because it will take an entire day to go through them because each one will tell a story.
My suggestion is to scan through my blog and Facebook - there are different pictures in each place (or just look at one of them and that way you don't see ALL of my pictures) or set up several coffee dates.
You know I love coffee and if you want to hear the good stories, this will be the best way to do it. We can go through as many as we can in any amount of time and then next time, we'll start where we left off.
Or ask to see pictures of a certain time during my year. Christmas, Easter, my birthday, other volunteers, my work places, my church family here, my apartment, etc.
***
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Efézusiakhoz 2:10 - Mert az Õ alkotása vagyunk, teremtetvén [Általa] a Krisztus Jézusban jó cselekedetekre, a melyeket elõre elkészített az Isten, hogy azokban járjunk.
Dear God, everything I did that was good this year was prepared in advance by You. Everything that I will do in the future that is good will be prepared by You. These good works aren't always easy or full of recognition, but they are the reason that You created me. You made me to do good deeds. Don't let me forget this. Don't let me lose sight of that purpose. Open my eyes and allow me to SEE the good works You prepared for me, that I did through You, this past year. Ease my mind about the future, knowing that You have already prepared my path.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Part 4 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
I packed one time for a 5 day trip in just my backpack. I'm not talking hiking backpack. No, my orange backpack that I had at home - it's your standard size padded (for a laptop) backpack.
I fit everything I needed in there and managed to find room for three books and a Bible. Granted there was no towel and I use a crap-ton of hair products when I feel like doing my hair... but still.
Most people say they could do it. Go try. I'll wait.
You probably only fit 5 days of undergarments, all your toiletries, your pajamas and either one or two outfits depending on what you chose. Now grab 4 books. Yeah, take out one of the outfits if you've got two in there...
No, there won't be a washing machine. Yeah, go grab that extra deodorant.
See where I'm going with this?
I'm looking at the jeans I'm wearing and I know I did the sniff test this morning, but I can't remember when I last washed them. I promise I'm wearing clean underwear and socks, but I really can't promise that my shirt's clean.
I brought waaay too many clothes to Hungary. I'm starting to look at what I brought and thinking... "why?" Anything I haven't worn yet - is there any point? There are some things that I brought that I realized I'll never wear because I'm not in any sort of professional position - that suit coat, for instance. I've only worn one of the two dresses and one of the three skirts - there just wasn't any reason to really dress up. BUT it would have sucked if I got here and didn't have dress up clothes if teachers dressed up like they do in Japan (remember, that WAS my original job description).
Luckily, I got rid of most of my clothes before coming here... but I'm really curious why I still have what I left there. What DID I leave at home? If I don't remember it, why am I keeping it?
At any rate, I'm coming home with less clothes than I brought...
I'll probably never consider a dryer a necessity again...
and I'm probably in the mood for rewearing jeans until they stand up on their own, then wearing them ONE MORE TIME before I wash them.
***
Romans 16:19 - Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
Rómaiakhoz 16:19 - Mert a ti engedelmességetek mindenekhez eljutott. Örülök azért rajtatok; de akarom, hogy bölcsek legyetek a jóban, ártatlanok pedig a rosszban.
Dear God, this year was a year of growing - spiritually, mentally, and well... around the hips. As I prepare my heart for my return, there are some things that I have walked away from that were evil in my life. By removing me from the situation, walking away was easy. When I return, Lord, help me not to fall into those ways again. Help me to remain innocent and also wise through the good that You have shown me. Do not stop revealing Yourself and Your Goodness to me.
I fit everything I needed in there and managed to find room for three books and a Bible. Granted there was no towel and I use a crap-ton of hair products when I feel like doing my hair... but still.
Most people say they could do it. Go try. I'll wait.
You probably only fit 5 days of undergarments, all your toiletries, your pajamas and either one or two outfits depending on what you chose. Now grab 4 books. Yeah, take out one of the outfits if you've got two in there...
No, there won't be a washing machine. Yeah, go grab that extra deodorant.
See where I'm going with this?
I'm looking at the jeans I'm wearing and I know I did the sniff test this morning, but I can't remember when I last washed them. I promise I'm wearing clean underwear and socks, but I really can't promise that my shirt's clean.
I brought waaay too many clothes to Hungary. I'm starting to look at what I brought and thinking... "why?" Anything I haven't worn yet - is there any point? There are some things that I brought that I realized I'll never wear because I'm not in any sort of professional position - that suit coat, for instance. I've only worn one of the two dresses and one of the three skirts - there just wasn't any reason to really dress up. BUT it would have sucked if I got here and didn't have dress up clothes if teachers dressed up like they do in Japan (remember, that WAS my original job description).
Luckily, I got rid of most of my clothes before coming here... but I'm really curious why I still have what I left there. What DID I leave at home? If I don't remember it, why am I keeping it?
At any rate, I'm coming home with less clothes than I brought...
I'll probably never consider a dryer a necessity again...
and I'm probably in the mood for rewearing jeans until they stand up on their own, then wearing them ONE MORE TIME before I wash them.
***
Romans 16:19 - Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
Rómaiakhoz 16:19 - Mert a ti engedelmességetek mindenekhez eljutott. Örülök azért rajtatok; de akarom, hogy bölcsek legyetek a jóban, ártatlanok pedig a rosszban.
Dear God, this year was a year of growing - spiritually, mentally, and well... around the hips. As I prepare my heart for my return, there are some things that I have walked away from that were evil in my life. By removing me from the situation, walking away was easy. When I return, Lord, help me not to fall into those ways again. Help me to remain innocent and also wise through the good that You have shown me. Do not stop revealing Yourself and Your Goodness to me.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Part 3 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
Expect some feelings of jealousy and resentment.
These will come from both sides - from me and from you.
From me - While I was stripped away from all those close to me, all of you remained and only lost me. While I can claim to be a huge part of your lives, I know the reality is that I am only a small part. You moved on with your lives and I will be trying to find my place in it as I return. I expect this to be one of the most difficult parts of my re-entry because as much as I want things to go back to the way they were before I left, I know that they won't ever be completely the same.
From you - The relationships that I formed were formed quickly and deeply. The fact that I will talk non-stop about my friends from Hungary doesn't mean that I don't love you, too. It simply means that I am in mourning - mourning the loss of those meaningful relationships that helped me survive this last year. For some of them, I realize that I will probably never see them again, even in Paradise. In this regard, I ask you to treat me as you would treat anyone in mourning.
***
Exodus 3:2-4 - There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up." When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
2 Mózes 3:2-4 - És megjelenék néki az Úr angyala tûznek lángjában egy csipkebokor közepébõl, és látá, hogy ímé a csipkebokor ég vala; de a csipkebokor meg nem emésztetik vala. S monda Mózes: Oda megyek, hogy lássam e nagy csudát, miért nem ég el a csipkebokor. És látá az Úr, hogy oda méne megnézni, és szólítá õt Isten a csipkebokorból, mondván: Mózes, Mózes. Ez pedig monda: Ímhol vagyok.
Dear God,
You have shown Yourself in many ways. To Moses, You appeared as a burning bush. To me, You have appeared in the faces of Hungarians, Roma, refugees and many others. Thank You for appearing to me. Thank You for calling my name. Thank You for giving me the strength, support and desire to say "Here I am." Father, as I continue to follow You, continue to appear to me. Help to keep looking for You. Continue to call my name so that I may answer You and follow You.
These will come from both sides - from me and from you.
From me - While I was stripped away from all those close to me, all of you remained and only lost me. While I can claim to be a huge part of your lives, I know the reality is that I am only a small part. You moved on with your lives and I will be trying to find my place in it as I return. I expect this to be one of the most difficult parts of my re-entry because as much as I want things to go back to the way they were before I left, I know that they won't ever be completely the same.
From you - The relationships that I formed were formed quickly and deeply. The fact that I will talk non-stop about my friends from Hungary doesn't mean that I don't love you, too. It simply means that I am in mourning - mourning the loss of those meaningful relationships that helped me survive this last year. For some of them, I realize that I will probably never see them again, even in Paradise. In this regard, I ask you to treat me as you would treat anyone in mourning.
***
Exodus 3:2-4 - There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up." When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
2 Mózes 3:2-4 - És megjelenék néki az Úr angyala tûznek lángjában egy csipkebokor közepébõl, és látá, hogy ímé a csipkebokor ég vala; de a csipkebokor meg nem emésztetik vala. S monda Mózes: Oda megyek, hogy lássam e nagy csudát, miért nem ég el a csipkebokor. És látá az Úr, hogy oda méne megnézni, és szólítá õt Isten a csipkebokorból, mondván: Mózes, Mózes. Ez pedig monda: Ímhol vagyok.
Dear God,
You have shown Yourself in many ways. To Moses, You appeared as a burning bush. To me, You have appeared in the faces of Hungarians, Roma, refugees and many others. Thank You for appearing to me. Thank You for calling my name. Thank You for giving me the strength, support and desire to say "Here I am." Father, as I continue to follow You, continue to appear to me. Help to keep looking for You. Continue to call my name so that I may answer You and follow You.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Part 2 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
I haven't watched real television in the last year. I haven't gone to the movies. I haven't gone to a mall (even though shopping would have been a cultural experience of its own).
Living in Budapest means I did a lot of the same things that most people living in the city would do in the US, but I did them differently.
Please - spend time with me.
Be assertive and invite me to hang out (because I'm going to assume that if you don't invite me, I'd be imposing), but let me take the lead on where we go and what we do. There will be things I've missed (Taco Bell and Boba Latte) and want to do... and things I just can't handle.
Going to Meijer or Walmart would be one of those things. For a year, I haven't really gone to a one-stop supermarket unless you count the two Tesco visits and it was only in their food section for the church lunch.
There will also be things that I did here that I probably won't want to do again (getting receipts for reimbursements, which can be a long process)...
and things that I've done here that I wish I could do more of when I return to Michigan (night walks, fresh bread)...
Let me take the lead and don't probe with questions the entire time :) Time is the most valuable thing to me at the moment.
***
Hebrews 10:24 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Zsidókhoz 10:24 - És ügyeljünk egymásra, a szeretetre és jó cselekedetekre való felbuzdulás végett...
Dear God,
I pray that my time here was able to be used to move other peoples' hearts. Hearts in the USA. Hearts in Hungary. Hearts in Slovakia, UK, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Mexico, Thailand, Japan, Turkey, Israel, France, Italy, Canada... and any other countries I have had contact with this last year.
I pray that my year was indeed a year of love and good deeds, that the seeds I have sown may grow and come to bear fruit.
I pray that as I return to the USA, you will guide my heart, my mind and my steps to continue to love others and do good deeds. I also pray that you allow me to spur others to follow Your calling on their lives.
Living in Budapest means I did a lot of the same things that most people living in the city would do in the US, but I did them differently.
Please - spend time with me.
Be assertive and invite me to hang out (because I'm going to assume that if you don't invite me, I'd be imposing), but let me take the lead on where we go and what we do. There will be things I've missed (Taco Bell and Boba Latte) and want to do... and things I just can't handle.
Going to Meijer or Walmart would be one of those things. For a year, I haven't really gone to a one-stop supermarket unless you count the two Tesco visits and it was only in their food section for the church lunch.
There will also be things that I did here that I probably won't want to do again (getting receipts for reimbursements, which can be a long process)...
and things that I've done here that I wish I could do more of when I return to Michigan (night walks, fresh bread)...
Let me take the lead and don't probe with questions the entire time :) Time is the most valuable thing to me at the moment.
***
Hebrews 10:24 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Zsidókhoz 10:24 - És ügyeljünk egymásra, a szeretetre és jó cselekedetekre való felbuzdulás végett...
Dear God,
I pray that my time here was able to be used to move other peoples' hearts. Hearts in the USA. Hearts in Hungary. Hearts in Slovakia, UK, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Mexico, Thailand, Japan, Turkey, Israel, France, Italy, Canada... and any other countries I have had contact with this last year.
I pray that my year was indeed a year of love and good deeds, that the seeds I have sown may grow and come to bear fruit.
I pray that as I return to the USA, you will guide my heart, my mind and my steps to continue to love others and do good deeds. I also pray that you allow me to spur others to follow Your calling on their lives.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Part 1 of 10 --- Re-entry Preparation
Over the next 10 days, I will fly back home. The specifics of when I fly have not been made public, in fact, I want to urge those of you who DO know to please not make this information known. Reverse culture shock is very real and I certainly would appreciate time spent alone with my family and re-acquainting myself with being back in Michigan.
I can say in all honesty that I am NOT home now. After these next 10 posts, you will see a post that tells you that I am home and if you wish to call, you will find a phone number where you can call or text me.
*~*~*
The next 10 blog posts are taken from a list posted here. Andrea is the coordinator for ELCA's Young Adults in Global Missions in Mexico. Matt, Emilie, Kristy, Sepp, Lisa and Emily are all YAGMs in Hungary and Slovakia and while the post was made for them, it also applies to my year. In the next 10 posts, I will take each topic and expand on it a bit toward my specific re-entry.
*~*~*
DON'T ask the question, "So, how was it?"
It's simply not possible to sum up the entire year in one word or even one paragraph. In fact, the best way to describe the year would be "try it someday if you get the chance. you'll see..."
For those of you that have followed my blog, you've followed a huge range of emotions. You've also followed a huge range of experiences. You've even followed my many excessively worded blogs only to come to no conclusion about what life here is really like.
Ask me specific questions.
"What did you do in your free time?"
"Who did you find yourself confiding in?"
"What was the food like?"
"Where did you travel?"
Ask about seasons or holidays or specific moments in history... (I had just left Poland the day the Polish president died! Can't forget that memory!)
or, since I won't update on my last days here, ask about those. Ask about the big bash right before I left. Ask about the flights home.
Concrete questions with concrete answers are what I'll be able to properly answer without having a swarm of emotions flooding through me all leading to different conclusions.
I can say in all honesty that I am NOT home now. After these next 10 posts, you will see a post that tells you that I am home and if you wish to call, you will find a phone number where you can call or text me.
*~*~*
The next 10 blog posts are taken from a list posted here. Andrea is the coordinator for ELCA's Young Adults in Global Missions in Mexico. Matt, Emilie, Kristy, Sepp, Lisa and Emily are all YAGMs in Hungary and Slovakia and while the post was made for them, it also applies to my year. In the next 10 posts, I will take each topic and expand on it a bit toward my specific re-entry.
*~*~*
DON'T ask the question, "So, how was it?"
It's simply not possible to sum up the entire year in one word or even one paragraph. In fact, the best way to describe the year would be "try it someday if you get the chance. you'll see..."
For those of you that have followed my blog, you've followed a huge range of emotions. You've also followed a huge range of experiences. You've even followed my many excessively worded blogs only to come to no conclusion about what life here is really like.
Ask me specific questions.
"What did you do in your free time?"
"Who did you find yourself confiding in?"
"What was the food like?"
"Where did you travel?"
Ask about seasons or holidays or specific moments in history... (I had just left Poland the day the Polish president died! Can't forget that memory!)
or, since I won't update on my last days here, ask about those. Ask about the big bash right before I left. Ask about the flights home.
Concrete questions with concrete answers are what I'll be able to properly answer without having a swarm of emotions flooding through me all leading to different conclusions.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
a poll and highlights
well, kids - it's about that time - time to ask the question that all bloggers ask at some point in their blog: To continue or not to continue.
I am thinking that my blog will continue through August 1st, but I am debating a few questions:
a) do I continue the blog or start a new one?
b) what will I write about? I don't really know my next adventure yet, so I don't want to take up your time with a blog about, well, nothing :P
c) what will you want to read about?
if you could take a few moments and post a comment on my blog, that'd be great - I'd love to know your thoughts.
***
highlights from my last week:
(running the St. Columba's Church Day Camp 2010)
* 55 kids from 10 different countries
* 20+ leaders and helpers from 7 different countries
* American style coffee every morning
* being awake at 7a and being already on my way by 7:30 - it made me feel like I was actually doing something (believe me, I WAS doing something!)
* translating :)
* complete understanding of all the kids (in English and Hungarian)
* leading "Te Vagy a Mindenem" (All In All) singing every morning
* games that went well - human foosball was a HIT! (emberi csò-csò)
* leading small group lessons in English and even using my Hungarian (although Marika's translating was also a highlight - she was my GIRL!)
* getting to know Marika
* the Vorosmarty School lunches and the joy that the lunch break brought
* laughing at the thought of actually trying to do hard crafts with kids that don't understand the leaders (bead buddies weren't exactly a FAIL, but they probably won't ever be repeated)
* teaching kids how to play "Spoons"
* Photo Scavenger Hunt (although I never participated, the pictures were CUTE!)
* hugs every morning and every afternoon
* laughter
* smiling faces
* falling asleep each night with some sense of accomplishment and peace - which is more than I could say for most of my year
I am thinking that my blog will continue through August 1st, but I am debating a few questions:
a) do I continue the blog or start a new one?
b) what will I write about? I don't really know my next adventure yet, so I don't want to take up your time with a blog about, well, nothing :P
c) what will you want to read about?
if you could take a few moments and post a comment on my blog, that'd be great - I'd love to know your thoughts.
***
highlights from my last week:
(running the St. Columba's Church Day Camp 2010)
* 55 kids from 10 different countries
* 20+ leaders and helpers from 7 different countries
* American style coffee every morning
* being awake at 7a and being already on my way by 7:30 - it made me feel like I was actually doing something (believe me, I WAS doing something!)
* translating :)
* complete understanding of all the kids (in English and Hungarian)
* leading "Te Vagy a Mindenem" (All In All) singing every morning
* games that went well - human foosball was a HIT! (emberi csò-csò)
* leading small group lessons in English and even using my Hungarian (although Marika's translating was also a highlight - she was my GIRL!)
* getting to know Marika
* the Vorosmarty School lunches and the joy that the lunch break brought
* laughing at the thought of actually trying to do hard crafts with kids that don't understand the leaders (bead buddies weren't exactly a FAIL, but they probably won't ever be repeated)
* teaching kids how to play "Spoons"
* Photo Scavenger Hunt (although I never participated, the pictures were CUTE!)
* hugs every morning and every afternoon
* laughter
* smiling faces
* falling asleep each night with some sense of accomplishment and peace - which is more than I could say for most of my year
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Days Go By...
... and still I think of You.
I've been the busiest in the last week than I've been all year. I don't think I've slept past 7a since July 1st and golly gee, I can't wait for Saturday, when I can sleep in again!
So now you're all asking the question: "What have you been doing?"
Well, on July 1st, a work team from Ohio arrived in Budapest and putting aside some of my own selfish desires (like sleep!), I chose to be Miss Budapest for them. Every evening has been some adventure or another, whether it's a super walk through the city or an evening "hike" or just a stop at a grocery store so that they can spend a quiet night in. Tonight is actually the first night that we didn't leave the church together. It was weird to walk out by myself and turn the opposite direction that they did.
next question: "Why were y'all at church?"
Well, this week is a DAY CAMP at the church. This is an "English Language Day Camp" which basically means that all of the adults speak English, and while the goal would be to do the camp in English, there's a lot of translating happening and a lot of blank stares when we read Bible stories. At least I can relate to the kids after having experienced an entire year like that :P
There's only one day left and I remain hopeful that we'll end it well. With 60 kids, 20 adults and 7 hours to fill each day... it can get a little long. I am praying that we make it through the last 7 hours and have a blast (and some sadness) saying "goodbye!" The kids have really been great with only silly minor things that we forever nitpick at because we crazy adults expect kids to be perfect. Each day, when some of them come in and greet me with a smile and hug, it makes me feel more useful than I've felt all year.
So funny, I often find myself laughing and thinking "I have worked more in the last 2 weeks than I have the entire year combined..." and I love it. The feeling of hard work and crashing on the pillow at the end of the day (with a happy sigh) is the sign of a servant and a job well done.
I've been the busiest in the last week than I've been all year. I don't think I've slept past 7a since July 1st and golly gee, I can't wait for Saturday, when I can sleep in again!
So now you're all asking the question: "What have you been doing?"
Well, on July 1st, a work team from Ohio arrived in Budapest and putting aside some of my own selfish desires (like sleep!), I chose to be Miss Budapest for them. Every evening has been some adventure or another, whether it's a super walk through the city or an evening "hike" or just a stop at a grocery store so that they can spend a quiet night in. Tonight is actually the first night that we didn't leave the church together. It was weird to walk out by myself and turn the opposite direction that they did.
next question: "Why were y'all at church?"
Well, this week is a DAY CAMP at the church. This is an "English Language Day Camp" which basically means that all of the adults speak English, and while the goal would be to do the camp in English, there's a lot of translating happening and a lot of blank stares when we read Bible stories. At least I can relate to the kids after having experienced an entire year like that :P
There's only one day left and I remain hopeful that we'll end it well. With 60 kids, 20 adults and 7 hours to fill each day... it can get a little long. I am praying that we make it through the last 7 hours and have a blast (and some sadness) saying "goodbye!" The kids have really been great with only silly minor things that we forever nitpick at because we crazy adults expect kids to be perfect. Each day, when some of them come in and greet me with a smile and hug, it makes me feel more useful than I've felt all year.
So funny, I often find myself laughing and thinking "I have worked more in the last 2 weeks than I have the entire year combined..." and I love it. The feeling of hard work and crashing on the pillow at the end of the day (with a happy sigh) is the sign of a servant and a job well done.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Final Month
well... the countdown has started.
Today I bought my last monthly pass... and rode my last real train (metro doesn't count).
As much as I'm looking forward to going home, I'm going to miss a lot of things.
* Budapest transportation and my mastering of it.
* Hungarian transportation and the ability to go from one tiny village to another tiny village across the country completely without bothering friends for rides.
* Hungarian language. As much as I hated it to begin with, I am falling in love with it more and more each day. KOMOLYAN! (SERIOUSLY!)
* colorful money and being about to know how much money i have just by looking at the colors of the bills.
* carrying around thousands of forints and having it not be enough to go grocery shopping or buy a monthly ticket.
* the happiness and sadness that comes from sweet lunches.
* soup every day
* Turo Rudis
* seeing the Hungarian Parliament every time I leave my flat
* saying the word "flat" instead of "apartment"
* Castles
* Roman ruins
* greeting and saying goodbye with kisses
* wishing a good meal to each person you see eating
* half price
* jumping from an Italian keyboard to a German keyboard to a Hungarian keyboard to an American keyboard within one day in computer land
* having a courtyard
* being only a few hours away from other countries
* Surprising Hungarians with my amazing Hungarian pronunciation
* wine in a castle overlooking such a beautiful city
Today I bought my last monthly pass... and rode my last real train (metro doesn't count).
As much as I'm looking forward to going home, I'm going to miss a lot of things.
* Budapest transportation and my mastering of it.
* Hungarian transportation and the ability to go from one tiny village to another tiny village across the country completely without bothering friends for rides.
* Hungarian language. As much as I hated it to begin with, I am falling in love with it more and more each day. KOMOLYAN! (SERIOUSLY!)
* colorful money and being about to know how much money i have just by looking at the colors of the bills.
* carrying around thousands of forints and having it not be enough to go grocery shopping or buy a monthly ticket.
* the happiness and sadness that comes from sweet lunches.
* soup every day
* Turo Rudis
* seeing the Hungarian Parliament every time I leave my flat
* saying the word "flat" instead of "apartment"
* Castles
* Roman ruins
* greeting and saying goodbye with kisses
* wishing a good meal to each person you see eating
* half price
* jumping from an Italian keyboard to a German keyboard to a Hungarian keyboard to an American keyboard within one day in computer land
* having a courtyard
* being only a few hours away from other countries
* Surprising Hungarians with my amazing Hungarian pronunciation
* wine in a castle overlooking such a beautiful city
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord
i got hit with a pretty big rock today as I spent my remaining savings on some dental work.
I heard it said once that "We make plans and God laughs."
I made plans.
I made plans to go back to Saranac, spend time with family and friends, travel with my mom and just... take time be.
I made plans to return to Home Acres and Grand Rapids on August 1st. While working 25 hours each week, I would also be searching for another job.
I made plans to couchsurf my way through Grand Rapids because I'm going back extremely broke and won't be able to find housing right away, but thank goodness I have a job because I'll be able to use that money to find housing in September.
I made plans to start doing some "back to school" stuff with the kids, have leadership meetings, dig into what's been done this last year and learn from it while trying to maintain continuity.
I made plans to find a place with Ang starting the end of August and be roommates with her.
I made plans.
Today, if God is laughing, I'm not joining Him.
I need a job.
hey - I have a joke! Hey Michigan, anyone hiring?
I heard it said once that "We make plans and God laughs."
I made plans.
I made plans to go back to Saranac, spend time with family and friends, travel with my mom and just... take time be.
I made plans to return to Home Acres and Grand Rapids on August 1st. While working 25 hours each week, I would also be searching for another job.
I made plans to couchsurf my way through Grand Rapids because I'm going back extremely broke and won't be able to find housing right away, but thank goodness I have a job because I'll be able to use that money to find housing in September.
I made plans to start doing some "back to school" stuff with the kids, have leadership meetings, dig into what's been done this last year and learn from it while trying to maintain continuity.
I made plans to find a place with Ang starting the end of August and be roommates with her.
I made plans.
Today, if God is laughing, I'm not joining Him.
I need a job.
hey - I have a joke! Hey Michigan, anyone hiring?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Matthew 20:28
... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Máté 20,28
Valamint az embernek Fia nem azért jött, hogy néki szolgáljanak, hanem hogy õ szolgáljon, és adja az õ életét váltságul sokakért.
...
I have been spending a lot of time in quiet, meditating on Scripture in my spare time. Tomorrow begins another leg of my service here and I'm looking forward to it, but I'm going to miss these very special "God times."
I'm beginning to make preparations for where I'll be staying in August and I am pleased to announce that I'll be couchsurfing in my home city! So excited to meet other couchsurfers and get to know new people in this time of transition. I'm also excited to crash on some of my friends' couches or in their spare rooms. I could probably do this for two months, but I think I'll stick to just one and hope for permanent housing in the beginning of September.
I have a few prayer requests for you in these final weeks:
a) moments of joy with those I'll miss so much - Silke, Silvia, Matt, Timothee, Janos, Janos, Zoltan, Evelyn, Jozsi, Emese, Aaron, Njeri, Judit... and many more.
b) peace of mind about each item I pack, ease for the process, and the ability to part with things that don't need to be brought back
c) a smooth week of camp - that it is fruitful, fun and full of God's abounding love
d) a rockin' time with the group from Ohio
e) readiness - to go, to come, to serve, to hold on, to trust, to obey, and to be
Máté 20,28
Valamint az embernek Fia nem azért jött, hogy néki szolgáljanak, hanem hogy õ szolgáljon, és adja az õ életét váltságul sokakért.
...
I have been spending a lot of time in quiet, meditating on Scripture in my spare time. Tomorrow begins another leg of my service here and I'm looking forward to it, but I'm going to miss these very special "God times."
I'm beginning to make preparations for where I'll be staying in August and I am pleased to announce that I'll be couchsurfing in my home city! So excited to meet other couchsurfers and get to know new people in this time of transition. I'm also excited to crash on some of my friends' couches or in their spare rooms. I could probably do this for two months, but I think I'll stick to just one and hope for permanent housing in the beginning of September.
I have a few prayer requests for you in these final weeks:
a) moments of joy with those I'll miss so much - Silke, Silvia, Matt, Timothee, Janos, Janos, Zoltan, Evelyn, Jozsi, Emese, Aaron, Njeri, Judit... and many more.
b) peace of mind about each item I pack, ease for the process, and the ability to part with things that don't need to be brought back
c) a smooth week of camp - that it is fruitful, fun and full of God's abounding love
d) a rockin' time with the group from Ohio
e) readiness - to go, to come, to serve, to hold on, to trust, to obey, and to be
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Let's... do this.
Jeff and I lead the morning reflection today.
A brief look at the things going on in my mind without much explanation because I haven't been given much.
-
I have a heart for:
* teenagers/young people
* un mundo sin fronteras / egy határok nélküli világ / a world without borders
* providing a place for others
* loving those in poverty/homelessness
-
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiás 29,11 - Mert én tudom az én gondolatimat, a melyeket én felõletek gondolok, azt mondja az Úr; békességnek és nem háborúságnak gondolata, hogy kivánatos véget adjak néktek.
-
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Efézusiakhoz 2,10 - Mert az Õ alkotása vagyunk, teremtetvén [Általa] a Krisztus Jézusban jó cselekedetekre, a melyeket elõre elkészített az Isten, hogy azokban járjunk.
-
Ecclesiastes 7:14 - When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
Prédikátor 7,14 - A jó szerencsének idején élj a jóval; a gonosz szerencsének idején pedig jusson eszedbe, hogy ezt is, épen úgy, mint azt, Isten szerzette, a végre, hogy az ember semmit [abból] eszébe ne vegyen, [a mi] reá következik.
-
What's next, God?
A brief look at the things going on in my mind without much explanation because I haven't been given much.
-
I have a heart for:
* teenagers/young people
* un mundo sin fronteras / egy határok nélküli világ / a world without borders
* providing a place for others
* loving those in poverty/homelessness
-
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiás 29,11 - Mert én tudom az én gondolatimat, a melyeket én felõletek gondolok, azt mondja az Úr; békességnek és nem háborúságnak gondolata, hogy kivánatos véget adjak néktek.
-
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Efézusiakhoz 2,10 - Mert az Õ alkotása vagyunk, teremtetvén [Általa] a Krisztus Jézusban jó cselekedetekre, a melyeket elõre elkészített az Isten, hogy azokban járjunk.
-
Ecclesiastes 7:14 - When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
Prédikátor 7,14 - A jó szerencsének idején élj a jóval; a gonosz szerencsének idején pedig jusson eszedbe, hogy ezt is, épen úgy, mint azt, Isten szerzette, a végre, hogy az ember semmit [abból] eszébe ne vegyen, [a mi] reá következik.
-
What's next, God?
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Above All
When have I felt it was important for me to be here?
This was the opening question for our final seminar... and I had no answer, no story to tell at the time. I bided my time as much as I could until I was the last one to share a story. As Kristy urged me to share something, I shared the story of how Alen had been so interested in my work... and how the numbers of Hungarians NOT wanting to do volunteer work with gypsies had surprised me.
But, it stirred something in me. I can be so negative toward the year and can be rather quick to point out times when I was unhappy, or things that could/should/would have gone better, or even times when I disappointed even myself. But to take a moment and think of when it was important for me to be here... that's something I haven't done much of.
-English classes
Sadly, this was an endeavor that I only started to embark on later in the year. However, being one of the few native English volunteers hosted with ODE in Budapest, it wasn't just something that I felt I SHOULD do, it became the only thing that I wanted to do each week. I found myself looking forward to my lessons and the thought of ending them was something that came rather sadly to me.
-St. Columba's
I really wish that I could have given my heart and soul to this congregation as I have with my home congregation in Michigan. However, between travels and work and illness, my attendance to Sunday morning services has been sparse in the last couple months. Unfortunately, we were still unsuccessful in getting a youth group off the ground, but I did make some contacts with some teens and hopefully the few moments we spent together were still moments of great impact.
-office
Again, as one of the few native English speakers in Budapest, there was something that I was asked to do that was something that started as an "I SHOULD do" but became something I looked forward to doing. I had the unique honor of inviting all the incoming volunteers that aren't native Hungarian speakers to their placements for next year. I also got to help with some of the interviews and the processes involved in hosting and sending volunteers. It was a great chance to see the innerworkings of such an organization. It was also nice because what took me 5 minutes to write would have taken anyone else in the office 30 minutes (at least) because of the non-native translation struggle, so it helped in making me feel needed.
-flat
As much as I don't ever want to admit what I'm about to admit, I will. I enjoyed feeling needed in the flat. This was the first time Silke and Silvia had really LIVED away from home. This is the first time they were responsible for things like making sure that there's always some toilet paper or clean dishes. Also, they both had/have to take English exams before going to university and by practicing with me, they're going to totally ACE them :) w00t!
-letting go and holding on
It was important for me to be here, because it was important for me to learn how to do this. Life is a balance of doing both these things. However, even as I may have faltered in doing these things along the way, I also know that I matured in this matter.
-personal
It was important for me to grow in personal ways. For me to be here, I was further removed from people/lifestyle choices/surroundings that inhibited my previous opportunities for growth... and enabled through the circumstances of the year. This will probably even be revealed more as I get back to the states. I just pray that I don't easily fall away from the strength I've found in the last year.
-hospitality
I have discovered a new spiritual gift. As I actually said in the Tuesday morning chat which brought up the question, "I had a really hard time finding a place this year, so I set out to make sure that others could find a place." I LOVED opening my apartment, my life, my time, my expertise and anything else I could offer to those who were stopping in Budapest for a night or a week. Other volunteers or Couchsurfers or friends of friends... it didn't matter. The joy of re-experiencing Budapest through them renewed my love of the city each time. I don't think I could ever grow tired of washing sheets or making sack lunches for travelers and I have realized that this enjoyment can sooo be used to further the Kingdom.
-tea lady
Sometimes if things aren't currently affecting me, I tend to forget until someone brings them up. This was the case on Tuesday morning, until a fellow volunteer helped me to remember this moment in the year. I want to preface this with a statement: I am a coffee drinker, NOT a tea drinker. I never drank much tea before coming here. However, one cold winter day at the Tanoda, the boys asked me if I could make a tea. I start to go get one of the other teachers and realize quickly that it would be silly for me to do that when I could just make it myself. So Krisztian, one of the boys, follows me into the kitchen and tells me to boil water, take 2 tea bags, a LOT of sugar and a little lemon and put it into the pitcher. I do all this and make the tea. When it's finished, I bring it to the boys who exclaim with sincere smiles that it's the BEST TEA they've ever had and that from now on, I need to make the tea for the Tanoda. This is how I became known as the "Tea Lady."
-
I'm leaving one blank because you never know what might come up later as somewhere I found importance in retrospect... but I'm already amazed at how long the list is now. Looking back with a quick glance, I don't see these things at all. It was so good to reflect on them :)
This was the opening question for our final seminar... and I had no answer, no story to tell at the time. I bided my time as much as I could until I was the last one to share a story. As Kristy urged me to share something, I shared the story of how Alen had been so interested in my work... and how the numbers of Hungarians NOT wanting to do volunteer work with gypsies had surprised me.
But, it stirred something in me. I can be so negative toward the year and can be rather quick to point out times when I was unhappy, or things that could/should/would have gone better, or even times when I disappointed even myself. But to take a moment and think of when it was important for me to be here... that's something I haven't done much of.
-English classes
Sadly, this was an endeavor that I only started to embark on later in the year. However, being one of the few native English volunteers hosted with ODE in Budapest, it wasn't just something that I felt I SHOULD do, it became the only thing that I wanted to do each week. I found myself looking forward to my lessons and the thought of ending them was something that came rather sadly to me.
-St. Columba's
I really wish that I could have given my heart and soul to this congregation as I have with my home congregation in Michigan. However, between travels and work and illness, my attendance to Sunday morning services has been sparse in the last couple months. Unfortunately, we were still unsuccessful in getting a youth group off the ground, but I did make some contacts with some teens and hopefully the few moments we spent together were still moments of great impact.
-office
Again, as one of the few native English speakers in Budapest, there was something that I was asked to do that was something that started as an "I SHOULD do" but became something I looked forward to doing. I had the unique honor of inviting all the incoming volunteers that aren't native Hungarian speakers to their placements for next year. I also got to help with some of the interviews and the processes involved in hosting and sending volunteers. It was a great chance to see the innerworkings of such an organization. It was also nice because what took me 5 minutes to write would have taken anyone else in the office 30 minutes (at least) because of the non-native translation struggle, so it helped in making me feel needed.
-flat
As much as I don't ever want to admit what I'm about to admit, I will. I enjoyed feeling needed in the flat. This was the first time Silke and Silvia had really LIVED away from home. This is the first time they were responsible for things like making sure that there's always some toilet paper or clean dishes. Also, they both had/have to take English exams before going to university and by practicing with me, they're going to totally ACE them :) w00t!
-letting go and holding on
It was important for me to be here, because it was important for me to learn how to do this. Life is a balance of doing both these things. However, even as I may have faltered in doing these things along the way, I also know that I matured in this matter.
-personal
It was important for me to grow in personal ways. For me to be here, I was further removed from people/lifestyle choices/surroundings that inhibited my previous opportunities for growth... and enabled through the circumstances of the year. This will probably even be revealed more as I get back to the states. I just pray that I don't easily fall away from the strength I've found in the last year.
-hospitality
I have discovered a new spiritual gift. As I actually said in the Tuesday morning chat which brought up the question, "I had a really hard time finding a place this year, so I set out to make sure that others could find a place." I LOVED opening my apartment, my life, my time, my expertise and anything else I could offer to those who were stopping in Budapest for a night or a week. Other volunteers or Couchsurfers or friends of friends... it didn't matter. The joy of re-experiencing Budapest through them renewed my love of the city each time. I don't think I could ever grow tired of washing sheets or making sack lunches for travelers and I have realized that this enjoyment can sooo be used to further the Kingdom.
-tea lady
Sometimes if things aren't currently affecting me, I tend to forget until someone brings them up. This was the case on Tuesday morning, until a fellow volunteer helped me to remember this moment in the year. I want to preface this with a statement: I am a coffee drinker, NOT a tea drinker. I never drank much tea before coming here. However, one cold winter day at the Tanoda, the boys asked me if I could make a tea. I start to go get one of the other teachers and realize quickly that it would be silly for me to do that when I could just make it myself. So Krisztian, one of the boys, follows me into the kitchen and tells me to boil water, take 2 tea bags, a LOT of sugar and a little lemon and put it into the pitcher. I do all this and make the tea. When it's finished, I bring it to the boys who exclaim with sincere smiles that it's the BEST TEA they've ever had and that from now on, I need to make the tea for the Tanoda. This is how I became known as the "Tea Lady."
-
I'm leaving one blank because you never know what might come up later as somewhere I found importance in retrospect... but I'm already amazed at how long the list is now. Looking back with a quick glance, I don't see these things at all. It was so good to reflect on them :)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Also, another note:
You have until Thursday (June 24) to send anything else that you want to send.
Please don't send any mail after this date - keep it until you see me again.
You have until Thursday (June 24) to send anything else that you want to send.
Please don't send any mail after this date - keep it until you see me again.
Packing
I don't know how many of you remember the last month before I left for Hungary, but in case you missed it, it was filled with things like:
Goodwill trips, Freecycle giveaways, Craigslist sales, trips of stuff to my parents' house, and the slow process of weeding out stuff that I needed and stuff I didn't need... and packing into boxes for storage and suitcases for the year.
Well, friends, I am happy to announce that the process has begun again.
This last week, I set my boots outside, office supplies and some other random things down by the trash cans. Basically, it's acceptable here to put things you don't want by the trash. Anyone in the building picks through it (Kristy and I even went dumpster diving when someone was getting rid of a bunch of vintage clothing in May!). Then, when the trash is pulled out to the street, it's pulled too and the night routes (homeless or really poor people) pick through it before the trucks dispose of it. There aren't any Goodwills here and I just haven't the time and energy to go to the shelters and explain that there are some donations. It's easier to just put it out and let someone pick it up.
Also, I set down there a bunch of money that I've picked up throughout the year. Polish zlotys and British pounds (idk how I got these actually) that don't add up to any grand amount, but the change places don't accept coins... so, what am I going to do with them. With any luck, by the time I would ever go back to those places, they will be on the Euro or, to be honest, I probably won't go back to Poland... and it's silly to transport money. So, maybe somebody in the building is going to one of these places and could use it. Both of my roommates even got 10 Euro cents because Germany and Italy are both on the Euro (€).
I have also started packing. My GIANT suitcase is almost full. Throw in a few more clothes and it'll be ready to weigh. I'm hoping that the group from Ohio is bringing some suitcases that they won't want to take back and I'll be able to gank one of them to get the rest of my stuff home. I'm still faced with the issue about the saxophone, but I decided that I'm just going to wait and see.
What does this mean? Well it means that I'm starting to also pack myself. Starting to figure out my life when I get back (where to live, where to work, school?, other commitments?). Starting to think about presentations at churches. Starting to figure out where the next path leads. Slowly but surely, I'm starting to transition back to my home. Not transitioning back to my "old life" because that would defeat the purpose of the entire year, but back to a place that will always be HOME home. Plus, so much has changed, I don't think life CAN go back to the way it was.
Anyway, in the midst of all this, I'm realizing that I still have a month HERE. I am still expected to work and there's the group from Ohio and the day camp at the church. It's been a little crazy planning these things, so it'll be nice once they start... but I also know that once the day camp starts, I will have NO time to myself. NONE. But I'm totally looking forward to it :)
PS - Seminar/retreat until the 27th (I'll be back on Sunday afternoon)
Goodwill trips, Freecycle giveaways, Craigslist sales, trips of stuff to my parents' house, and the slow process of weeding out stuff that I needed and stuff I didn't need... and packing into boxes for storage and suitcases for the year.
Well, friends, I am happy to announce that the process has begun again.
This last week, I set my boots outside, office supplies and some other random things down by the trash cans. Basically, it's acceptable here to put things you don't want by the trash. Anyone in the building picks through it (Kristy and I even went dumpster diving when someone was getting rid of a bunch of vintage clothing in May!). Then, when the trash is pulled out to the street, it's pulled too and the night routes (homeless or really poor people) pick through it before the trucks dispose of it. There aren't any Goodwills here and I just haven't the time and energy to go to the shelters and explain that there are some donations. It's easier to just put it out and let someone pick it up.
Also, I set down there a bunch of money that I've picked up throughout the year. Polish zlotys and British pounds (idk how I got these actually) that don't add up to any grand amount, but the change places don't accept coins... so, what am I going to do with them. With any luck, by the time I would ever go back to those places, they will be on the Euro or, to be honest, I probably won't go back to Poland... and it's silly to transport money. So, maybe somebody in the building is going to one of these places and could use it. Both of my roommates even got 10 Euro cents because Germany and Italy are both on the Euro (€).
I have also started packing. My GIANT suitcase is almost full. Throw in a few more clothes and it'll be ready to weigh. I'm hoping that the group from Ohio is bringing some suitcases that they won't want to take back and I'll be able to gank one of them to get the rest of my stuff home. I'm still faced with the issue about the saxophone, but I decided that I'm just going to wait and see.
What does this mean? Well it means that I'm starting to also pack myself. Starting to figure out my life when I get back (where to live, where to work, school?, other commitments?). Starting to think about presentations at churches. Starting to figure out where the next path leads. Slowly but surely, I'm starting to transition back to my home. Not transitioning back to my "old life" because that would defeat the purpose of the entire year, but back to a place that will always be HOME home. Plus, so much has changed, I don't think life CAN go back to the way it was.
Anyway, in the midst of all this, I'm realizing that I still have a month HERE. I am still expected to work and there's the group from Ohio and the day camp at the church. It's been a little crazy planning these things, so it'll be nice once they start... but I also know that once the day camp starts, I will have NO time to myself. NONE. But I'm totally looking forward to it :)
PS - Seminar/retreat until the 27th (I'll be back on Sunday afternoon)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
János 1,14
És az Íge testté lett és lakozék mi közöttünk (és láttuk az õ dicsõségét, mint az Atya egyszülöttjének dicsõségét), a ki teljes vala kegyelemmel és igazsággal.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The WORD became FLESH -
I've been working my way through the Bible chapter by chapter. I'll be honest, I haven't gotten as far as I'd like for 2 reasons. One is that sometimes I'm lazy. The second is that sometimes it takes 2 or 3 readings to really grasp what the chapter is trying to tell me. Even with a devotional Bible, it's hard to discern what God is teaching me through His words. What would it mean if each of those verses became flesh - became REAL, tangible things. I can look in a store once to know what I can buy and can't buy (even now in Hungary) because I can see, touch and smell what they are. If I could see, touch, smell, taste or hear the words of Bible, how much more could I learn from it! But it DID become flesh. it DID and it became something i can grasp. it DID and now my job is to carry out that flesh to those who cannot grasp it.
We have see His GLORY, the glory of the ONE and ONLY -
IT happened. the moment I've been waiting for... the discussion in Hungarian about why I believe God exists. First question "Where is God?" There are so many textbook answers to that, it was easy to throw one out there. "God is not in Africa. He has forgotten them." I think my missionary friends in Zambia or Sudan can attest otherwise, but I heard him out. Explaining the problem that "God's heart is in Africa, but OUR hearts are not" was a little more difficult, but I think I got it. This young boy (17 years old) hasn't been to Africa and he has been taught not to care about others above himself - the ways the world has taught him. Trying to explain in my less-than-fluent Hungarian was a struggle, and I'm not sure I made much of an impression on my own beliefs. I believe that some of God's most amazing glory can be seen in some of the financially impoverished places. I have seen those with nothing raise their hands in worship. I have seen those without homes cry while receiving the elements of the Lord's Supper. I have seen the beaten and abused, persecuted, disabled, and weary teach others about the joy they hold in their hearts.
full of GRACE and TRUTH -
grace is a funny thing because it's something that doesn't exactly come naturally to humans. To freely give favor and love upon someone is extremely hard in this world. I used to think I had it down. Love everyone. Yet here, in some of my darkest struggles, I find myself unable to give love to some. If they're not going to receive it the way I think it should be received, then why bother? (Anyone else hear that alarm sounding?) NO. That's not grace. And truth - it's not so funny because we often shy away from it. I have found myself taking the "easy way out" in many instances when it was harder to express what I thought was truth. If I was the only one who believed a certain thing, shut up and tolerate. If the conversation was in Hungarian and I didn't really know how to express myself, agree and move on. (these silly alarms are driving me nuts!) NO. I kick myself again and again because they're things I notice so often in hindsight and yet, they repetually come up.
Lord, let me grasp Your words, Your flesh so that in the next instance, I can be a beacon of Your Glory and display Your grace and Your truth. Amen.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The WORD became FLESH -
I've been working my way through the Bible chapter by chapter. I'll be honest, I haven't gotten as far as I'd like for 2 reasons. One is that sometimes I'm lazy. The second is that sometimes it takes 2 or 3 readings to really grasp what the chapter is trying to tell me. Even with a devotional Bible, it's hard to discern what God is teaching me through His words. What would it mean if each of those verses became flesh - became REAL, tangible things. I can look in a store once to know what I can buy and can't buy (even now in Hungary) because I can see, touch and smell what they are. If I could see, touch, smell, taste or hear the words of Bible, how much more could I learn from it! But it DID become flesh. it DID and it became something i can grasp. it DID and now my job is to carry out that flesh to those who cannot grasp it.
We have see His GLORY, the glory of the ONE and ONLY -
IT happened. the moment I've been waiting for... the discussion in Hungarian about why I believe God exists. First question "Where is God?" There are so many textbook answers to that, it was easy to throw one out there. "God is not in Africa. He has forgotten them." I think my missionary friends in Zambia or Sudan can attest otherwise, but I heard him out. Explaining the problem that "God's heart is in Africa, but OUR hearts are not" was a little more difficult, but I think I got it. This young boy (17 years old) hasn't been to Africa and he has been taught not to care about others above himself - the ways the world has taught him. Trying to explain in my less-than-fluent Hungarian was a struggle, and I'm not sure I made much of an impression on my own beliefs. I believe that some of God's most amazing glory can be seen in some of the financially impoverished places. I have seen those with nothing raise their hands in worship. I have seen those without homes cry while receiving the elements of the Lord's Supper. I have seen the beaten and abused, persecuted, disabled, and weary teach others about the joy they hold in their hearts.
full of GRACE and TRUTH -
grace is a funny thing because it's something that doesn't exactly come naturally to humans. To freely give favor and love upon someone is extremely hard in this world. I used to think I had it down. Love everyone. Yet here, in some of my darkest struggles, I find myself unable to give love to some. If they're not going to receive it the way I think it should be received, then why bother? (Anyone else hear that alarm sounding?) NO. That's not grace. And truth - it's not so funny because we often shy away from it. I have found myself taking the "easy way out" in many instances when it was harder to express what I thought was truth. If I was the only one who believed a certain thing, shut up and tolerate. If the conversation was in Hungarian and I didn't really know how to express myself, agree and move on. (these silly alarms are driving me nuts!) NO. I kick myself again and again because they're things I notice so often in hindsight and yet, they repetually come up.
Lord, let me grasp Your words, Your flesh so that in the next instance, I can be a beacon of Your Glory and display Your grace and Your truth. Amen.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Big Pictures
There are big things happening in Europe right now.
1) Flooding. It has rained a LOT in the last two months. The Danube has flooded out roads, entire islands, villamos (electric trams/above-ground subways) and even the metros. People have started sand bagging in NE Hungary. I saw yesterday the results of flooding and traintracks... and how the water just wiped away the built up part under the track, leaving a funny picture... picture the ground and then three feet above, picture the iron tracks and wood planks suspended until they can rest on the built up rocks again in a place the water DIDN'T wash it away. I had pictures... but they're on my computer and it's currently inaccessible. Not gone forever, just temporarily inaccessible.
2) VB - világbajnokság... aka the World Cup. I know that many of you Americans have no idea that this is even happening, so allow me to enlighten you for a few minutes. This is the biggest sports related event in the world (NOT the Superbowl or World Series or Indy 500 as we've come to believe in Smalltown, USA). It's even bigger than the Olympics (check out the viewer ratings 4 years ago!) The World Cup takes place every 4 years and this year, it's in South Africa. Here's what's funny: If you're a place of business with a television in Hungary, then you are playing every single game of the World Cup. There's even a giant screen set up in a park not far from my apartment!
Sadly, Hungary wasn't in the final 32 teams that are chosen to play, but you'd never know it by the number of people at each of these games. So far, I've had three memorable games.
--- #1 - USA vs. England - I watched this in a bedroom at camp with Gyuri, a "crazy gypsy man" as he calls himself. Watching it in Hungarian, in the dark, with a guy that kept jumping up to fix the antennae that were working just fine... only to constantly adjust to a terrible spot and then readjust to the exact place they were in the first time.
--- #2 - Germany vs. Australia - Memorable as I watched it with Simon, my German friend in a restaurant in Hungary.
--- #3 - USA vs. Slovenia - As I went back to Budapest for a few days, I got a phone call from Matt about meeting up. Apparently some major showdown was happening at 3p and I should be there. We decided to meet at our favorite American food joint: Burger King. Over a cheeseburger and iced coffee, we watched a silent tv play the game. I think about how sad Matt is at this moment (he's such a soccer fan, he has an official US jersey!) because he actually had the option of going to South Africa for his year... and the volunteers in South Africa have gone to/are going to at least one game. However, I know he thinks that watching it with his favorite person from Saranac, MI in his favorite Burger King in Hungary has got to be a close second, right?
Anyway - keep watching, kids!
Two of the following teams can advance and of course, the two with most points.
Right now it's:
Slovenia - 4
England - 2
USA - 2
Algeria - 1
USA will play Algeria on Wed., June 23. Don't miss it because I'm HOPING that USA will come back from today's sad performance and pull ahead of England.
For that to happen, the USA has to win. If they win, they're in no matter what. If they tie, as long as Englad ties or loses, they're fine. If they lose... well, we won't talk about that. k?
1) Flooding. It has rained a LOT in the last two months. The Danube has flooded out roads, entire islands, villamos (electric trams/above-ground subways) and even the metros. People have started sand bagging in NE Hungary. I saw yesterday the results of flooding and traintracks... and how the water just wiped away the built up part under the track, leaving a funny picture... picture the ground and then three feet above, picture the iron tracks and wood planks suspended until they can rest on the built up rocks again in a place the water DIDN'T wash it away. I had pictures... but they're on my computer and it's currently inaccessible. Not gone forever, just temporarily inaccessible.
2) VB - világbajnokság... aka the World Cup. I know that many of you Americans have no idea that this is even happening, so allow me to enlighten you for a few minutes. This is the biggest sports related event in the world (NOT the Superbowl or World Series or Indy 500 as we've come to believe in Smalltown, USA). It's even bigger than the Olympics (check out the viewer ratings 4 years ago!) The World Cup takes place every 4 years and this year, it's in South Africa. Here's what's funny: If you're a place of business with a television in Hungary, then you are playing every single game of the World Cup. There's even a giant screen set up in a park not far from my apartment!
Sadly, Hungary wasn't in the final 32 teams that are chosen to play, but you'd never know it by the number of people at each of these games. So far, I've had three memorable games.
--- #1 - USA vs. England - I watched this in a bedroom at camp with Gyuri, a "crazy gypsy man" as he calls himself. Watching it in Hungarian, in the dark, with a guy that kept jumping up to fix the antennae that were working just fine... only to constantly adjust to a terrible spot and then readjust to the exact place they were in the first time.
--- #2 - Germany vs. Australia - Memorable as I watched it with Simon, my German friend in a restaurant in Hungary.
--- #3 - USA vs. Slovenia - As I went back to Budapest for a few days, I got a phone call from Matt about meeting up. Apparently some major showdown was happening at 3p and I should be there. We decided to meet at our favorite American food joint: Burger King. Over a cheeseburger and iced coffee, we watched a silent tv play the game. I think about how sad Matt is at this moment (he's such a soccer fan, he has an official US jersey!) because he actually had the option of going to South Africa for his year... and the volunteers in South Africa have gone to/are going to at least one game. However, I know he thinks that watching it with his favorite person from Saranac, MI in his favorite Burger King in Hungary has got to be a close second, right?
Anyway - keep watching, kids!
Two of the following teams can advance and of course, the two with most points.
Right now it's:
Slovenia - 4
England - 2
USA - 2
Algeria - 1
USA will play Algeria on Wed., June 23. Don't miss it because I'm HOPING that USA will come back from today's sad performance and pull ahead of England.
For that to happen, the USA has to win. If they win, they're in no matter what. If they tie, as long as Englad ties or loses, they're fine. If they lose... well, we won't talk about that. k?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Házamegyek Budapestre (I'm going home to Budapest)
After working hard, long days at the camp... and having some long, hot days of relaxation... I'm going back to Budapest, probably tonight.
I have a crap ton of laundry to do and I woke up to a bedroom filled with water after the night's storms.
Tomorrow, I have another adventure to Gönc, but that's a discussion for another day.
The camp is officially open with currently 11 kids here. On Sunday, 70 more will come (which is a roundabout figure, since we were told there'd be 30 in this group :P) There's still a lot of work that could/should be done, but no one seems really worried about it. Emilie, Livia and Simon are here now and I know that even if they're not excited about being here, they are hard workers.
And I'm looking forward to going back to Budapest for now.
*~*~*
Just a couple pictures for you today.
These are some signs around the Jewish Quarter. This first one says (allow me to translate) that this was the former gate to the ghetto, until the Soviets freed them on January 18, 1945.
"Whoever saves a life is considered as to have saved the entire world." - Talmud
This plaque is placed near a memorial for Carl Lutz, a Swiss man who saved thousands of Jews by getting them fake Swiss passports and paperwork.
I have a crap ton of laundry to do and I woke up to a bedroom filled with water after the night's storms.
Tomorrow, I have another adventure to Gönc, but that's a discussion for another day.
The camp is officially open with currently 11 kids here. On Sunday, 70 more will come (which is a roundabout figure, since we were told there'd be 30 in this group :P) There's still a lot of work that could/should be done, but no one seems really worried about it. Emilie, Livia and Simon are here now and I know that even if they're not excited about being here, they are hard workers.
And I'm looking forward to going back to Budapest for now.
*~*~*
Just a couple pictures for you today.
These are some signs around the Jewish Quarter. This first one says (allow me to translate) that this was the former gate to the ghetto, until the Soviets freed them on January 18, 1945.
"Whoever saves a life is considered as to have saved the entire world." - Talmud
This plaque is placed near a memorial for Carl Lutz, a Swiss man who saved thousands of Jews by getting them fake Swiss passports and paperwork.
Monday, June 14, 2010
A Community...
I've been doing a lot of thinking about what makes a community, where and how do we find community, how we maintain community, what happens when we're taken from our community and how communities respond to struggle.
It's a lot to handle, but especially here at the camp, I tend to work on things alone - not exactly community-driven, but sanity driven.
What makes a community? Sometimes a community is a geographical base. Balatonlelle, and all the people that don't want the camp here, is a community. Sometimes a community is likeminded people, brought together by a similar cause/goal/hobby/interest/etc. All of the volunteers with ÖDÉ have formed a community - a piece of my heart jumped today when I saw Simon walking down the path toward me because I hadn't seen him since March and we're part of the same community. A community can also be formed by circumstances. I hate to say this, but even in my short jail time, I witnessed community. I found myself bargaining with my bunkmate for some coffee if I promised to put a couple dollars in her account when I left. As crazy as it sounds, I bonded with a few people in there and was a little sad to leave, wondering what would be next for them.
Where and how do we find community? This isn't always as easy as it sounds. I may be a part of the Saranac community, but I never really feel like I fit in there. I may have several communities here in Hungary, but haven't exactly found many that I'll be sad to leave in a couple months. This takes planning. What do I like to do? How do I find a group with those same interests? Are there other volunteers here doing this for the same reason I'm doing this? That's probably why I've bonded with the other Americans so well - not only do we have the common language, but we also all seem to have a semi-common purpose, which is very different from those of the "fresh outta high school Europeans."
How do we maintain community? Sometimes you can leave your best friend and not speak for a few weeks... and pick up exactly where you left off. This is a manifestation of the incredible bond you've developed because you've WORKED for it. Community doesn't just happen - you need to get involved in other peoples' lives - because you're willing to make that step, others will also be willing to make that step. If someone asks me where I'm from, I have two choices "Amerika" or "Michigan, egy állam Amerikai" - if I go with my first option, it's easier, but unless they ask "Where in America?" I could be from Florida or Alaska and they wouldn't know the difference (or God forbid, Kentucky :P jk!) If I go with the second, it opens me up to a little more - first that I speak a little Hungarian, second that I'm aware that if I say "Michigan" they might not know where it is, much like if they said "Pécs" or "Debrecen", most of you get blank looks until they say "a city in Hungary."
Anyway, long story short, you have to make a choice to maintain community. You need to be more proactive than you expect others to be in order to show your openness.
What happens when we're taken from our community? I feel like this is the question most people can relate to - in the fact that we don't even realize the great communities we have until we're removed from them for some reason. Many of you may have even witnessed this in my year. If we don't build a community where we are, we know that we never have to worry about this... but for those of us who long for that sense of community, this is simply not possible. We need to mourn, but we also need to move on and seek to build new communities in each new path God puts us on.
How do communities respond to struggle? This one, as I've witnessed, varies by community and struggle. True communities come together and work through it as a team, knowing that in the end, everyone will benefit. Many communities, when faced with a particular struggle, will disband or divide themselves. I've never seen an instance where this has benefited everyone involved. If someone in your community is facing a rough season, you help them. Community in the best sense is like karma - give when others need and when you need, you'll get.
*~*~*
Memorial Garden at the Dohány St. Synagogue
Behind the largest synagogue in Europe is a memorial garden set aside for those who perished during the Holocaust. It is said that Hungarian Jews account 1 out of every 6 people murdered in Auschwitz and 1 out of 10 people to die during the Holocaust (about 600,000 Hungarian Jews were lost during this time).
This is a memorial to Raoul Wallenberg and other "Righteous Among the Nations," including Carl Lutz, Giorgio Perlasca, Angelo Rotto and others who used fake passports and paperwork to save tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II. They are memorialized by a fake grave. Wallenberg was arrested in 1945 and detained in the Soviet Union, where he later died, but details regarding his death (dates and cause) are still disputed today.
It is a Jewish tradition to place a stone on the grave of one who passed. Unfortunately, these are graves that will never be dug because they are bodies that were never recovered. Instead, stones are placed in these boxes to remember and carry on the tradition.
This is also a memorial and a beautiful colorful one. The snake you can see in the picture represents the Nazis and the consuming fire represents the Holocaust.
This is the entrance to the former Jewish Ghetto of World War 2. Conditions were terrible in the ghetto and many died. However, because no one was allowed in or out, they needed a place to bury those that passed. Here are 27 mass graves and it is estimated that a total of 3000 people are buried here, all of whom died in the ghetto within the 18 months of confinement. Those whose names were remembered had a gravestone placed and the death year is always the same: 1945.
This is the Memorial of the Hungarian Jewish Martyrs. Made by Imre Varga, it resembles a weeping willow whose leaves bear inscriptions with the names of victims.
"In memory of our mother and grandmother who perished in Auschwitz."
"So our children will never forget."
It's a lot to handle, but especially here at the camp, I tend to work on things alone - not exactly community-driven, but sanity driven.
What makes a community? Sometimes a community is a geographical base. Balatonlelle, and all the people that don't want the camp here, is a community. Sometimes a community is likeminded people, brought together by a similar cause/goal/hobby/interest/etc. All of the volunteers with ÖDÉ have formed a community - a piece of my heart jumped today when I saw Simon walking down the path toward me because I hadn't seen him since March and we're part of the same community. A community can also be formed by circumstances. I hate to say this, but even in my short jail time, I witnessed community. I found myself bargaining with my bunkmate for some coffee if I promised to put a couple dollars in her account when I left. As crazy as it sounds, I bonded with a few people in there and was a little sad to leave, wondering what would be next for them.
Where and how do we find community? This isn't always as easy as it sounds. I may be a part of the Saranac community, but I never really feel like I fit in there. I may have several communities here in Hungary, but haven't exactly found many that I'll be sad to leave in a couple months. This takes planning. What do I like to do? How do I find a group with those same interests? Are there other volunteers here doing this for the same reason I'm doing this? That's probably why I've bonded with the other Americans so well - not only do we have the common language, but we also all seem to have a semi-common purpose, which is very different from those of the "fresh outta high school Europeans."
How do we maintain community? Sometimes you can leave your best friend and not speak for a few weeks... and pick up exactly where you left off. This is a manifestation of the incredible bond you've developed because you've WORKED for it. Community doesn't just happen - you need to get involved in other peoples' lives - because you're willing to make that step, others will also be willing to make that step. If someone asks me where I'm from, I have two choices "Amerika" or "Michigan, egy állam Amerikai" - if I go with my first option, it's easier, but unless they ask "Where in America?" I could be from Florida or Alaska and they wouldn't know the difference (or God forbid, Kentucky :P jk!) If I go with the second, it opens me up to a little more - first that I speak a little Hungarian, second that I'm aware that if I say "Michigan" they might not know where it is, much like if they said "Pécs" or "Debrecen", most of you get blank looks until they say "a city in Hungary."
Anyway, long story short, you have to make a choice to maintain community. You need to be more proactive than you expect others to be in order to show your openness.
What happens when we're taken from our community? I feel like this is the question most people can relate to - in the fact that we don't even realize the great communities we have until we're removed from them for some reason. Many of you may have even witnessed this in my year. If we don't build a community where we are, we know that we never have to worry about this... but for those of us who long for that sense of community, this is simply not possible. We need to mourn, but we also need to move on and seek to build new communities in each new path God puts us on.
How do communities respond to struggle? This one, as I've witnessed, varies by community and struggle. True communities come together and work through it as a team, knowing that in the end, everyone will benefit. Many communities, when faced with a particular struggle, will disband or divide themselves. I've never seen an instance where this has benefited everyone involved. If someone in your community is facing a rough season, you help them. Community in the best sense is like karma - give when others need and when you need, you'll get.
*~*~*
Memorial Garden at the Dohány St. Synagogue
Behind the largest synagogue in Europe is a memorial garden set aside for those who perished during the Holocaust. It is said that Hungarian Jews account 1 out of every 6 people murdered in Auschwitz and 1 out of 10 people to die during the Holocaust (about 600,000 Hungarian Jews were lost during this time).
This is a memorial to Raoul Wallenberg and other "Righteous Among the Nations," including Carl Lutz, Giorgio Perlasca, Angelo Rotto and others who used fake passports and paperwork to save tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II. They are memorialized by a fake grave. Wallenberg was arrested in 1945 and detained in the Soviet Union, where he later died, but details regarding his death (dates and cause) are still disputed today.
It is a Jewish tradition to place a stone on the grave of one who passed. Unfortunately, these are graves that will never be dug because they are bodies that were never recovered. Instead, stones are placed in these boxes to remember and carry on the tradition.
This is also a memorial and a beautiful colorful one. The snake you can see in the picture represents the Nazis and the consuming fire represents the Holocaust.
This is the entrance to the former Jewish Ghetto of World War 2. Conditions were terrible in the ghetto and many died. However, because no one was allowed in or out, they needed a place to bury those that passed. Here are 27 mass graves and it is estimated that a total of 3000 people are buried here, all of whom died in the ghetto within the 18 months of confinement. Those whose names were remembered had a gravestone placed and the death year is always the same: 1945.
This is the Memorial of the Hungarian Jewish Martyrs. Made by Imre Varga, it resembles a weeping willow whose leaves bear inscriptions with the names of victims.
"In memory of our mother and grandmother who perished in Auschwitz."
"So our children will never forget."
Friday, June 11, 2010
counting down the days
One month from today, I will start my re-entry preparation posts. NO this doesn't mean I'm coming home in a month - it just means I'm going to start preparing you (and me) for my re-entry. You shouldn't be too surprised to hear that these have already been written and scheduled. I'm still me, eh? :P
I want to encourage you to do 2 things:
a) subscribe to my blog so that you get daily updates during that time period. this is VERY important for my friends, family and supporting churches. They may be some of the most informative and thought-provoking posts I've made. Each time *I* read them, i have to sit and meditate. It's for my preparation as well as yours. I promise that receiving me back home won't be as easy as everyone wants.
b) tell others that may not be reading this to subscribe. it's really easy - there's a box on the side where you put in your email address and it will automatically send you updates.
In other news, slightly related - I am loving this 2-3 hour "siesta time" after lunch! :)
Oh, AND the mandatory soccer breaks every day - yesterday it was for South Africa and Mexico... today we're going to watch USA vs. UK - weee!
*~*~*
A visit to The Dohány St. Synagogue - the world's second largest synagogue and the largest one in Europe. (the biggest one is in NYC and is only bigger in size, not capacity) aka - one of the biggest tourist traps in Budapest.
The outside. The cost: 2000ft (or $10) - includes the synagogue, memorial garden and museum. everything except the museum can be viewed (some sneakily) from the outside... oh well. it was something I wanted to do, so I grabbed a few couchsurfers and we headed out. We paid a few hundred more forint (400) for a tour, which was worth it because there's not much written in Hebrew, Hungarian OR English about the history of the synagogue. So, it's worth it in two ways - I learned... and now you will learn :) Aren't you lucky?!
The synagogue was built (a long time ago - can't remember the years) by Christians, so it doesn't look like most synagogues, but it was built with the original temple (the one Paul wrote about that was destroyed in 70AD) in mind. See the numbered pews? People could actually purchase a pew seat for themselves, or as gifts, or for their heirs.
The Torah scrolls are back there. They survived the war (when Nazis destroyed most other Torahs) because Catholic priests took them and buried them in a Catholic cemetary. After the war, they were returned when the restoring process began. This, of course, was all done anonymously and the synagogue remains forever grateful to those priests.
Also note the organ: because there is an organ, you can automatically assume it's not an Orthodox synagogue because they are strongly against anyone (Jewish or not) working on Sundays (including organ tuners and players). Even this branch of Judaism believes that Jews shouldn't work on Sundays, and so a gentile plays the organ for them every Sunday.
This prayer rug was in the museum and I found it really interesting. I don't think I'd like to pray on a rug with animals dying all around me.
in the next couple posts, I'll show you the memorial garden and some other sights around the Jewish Quarter...
I want to encourage you to do 2 things:
a) subscribe to my blog so that you get daily updates during that time period. this is VERY important for my friends, family and supporting churches. They may be some of the most informative and thought-provoking posts I've made. Each time *I* read them, i have to sit and meditate. It's for my preparation as well as yours. I promise that receiving me back home won't be as easy as everyone wants.
b) tell others that may not be reading this to subscribe. it's really easy - there's a box on the side where you put in your email address and it will automatically send you updates.
In other news, slightly related - I am loving this 2-3 hour "siesta time" after lunch! :)
Oh, AND the mandatory soccer breaks every day - yesterday it was for South Africa and Mexico... today we're going to watch USA vs. UK - weee!
*~*~*
A visit to The Dohány St. Synagogue - the world's second largest synagogue and the largest one in Europe. (the biggest one is in NYC and is only bigger in size, not capacity) aka - one of the biggest tourist traps in Budapest.
The outside. The cost: 2000ft (or $10) - includes the synagogue, memorial garden and museum. everything except the museum can be viewed (some sneakily) from the outside... oh well. it was something I wanted to do, so I grabbed a few couchsurfers and we headed out. We paid a few hundred more forint (400) for a tour, which was worth it because there's not much written in Hebrew, Hungarian OR English about the history of the synagogue. So, it's worth it in two ways - I learned... and now you will learn :) Aren't you lucky?!
The synagogue was built (a long time ago - can't remember the years) by Christians, so it doesn't look like most synagogues, but it was built with the original temple (the one Paul wrote about that was destroyed in 70AD) in mind. See the numbered pews? People could actually purchase a pew seat for themselves, or as gifts, or for their heirs.
The Torah scrolls are back there. They survived the war (when Nazis destroyed most other Torahs) because Catholic priests took them and buried them in a Catholic cemetary. After the war, they were returned when the restoring process began. This, of course, was all done anonymously and the synagogue remains forever grateful to those priests.
Also note the organ: because there is an organ, you can automatically assume it's not an Orthodox synagogue because they are strongly against anyone (Jewish or not) working on Sundays (including organ tuners and players). Even this branch of Judaism believes that Jews shouldn't work on Sundays, and so a gentile plays the organ for them every Sunday.
This prayer rug was in the museum and I found it really interesting. I don't think I'd like to pray on a rug with animals dying all around me.
in the next couple posts, I'll show you the memorial garden and some other sights around the Jewish Quarter...
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Sometimes we question our world... and get answers the next day
So, you know how I wrote about the feeling of not working?
Well, actually before I even posted it I got the answer. I just couldn't bring myself to delete the whole post.
Reason people didn't want to work? They weren't seeing any signs of getting paid.
In fact, as I sit here tonight, there are only 5 of us at the camp now. Me, Ricsi (volunteers)... Tibi (paid staff who HAS gotten his paycheck)... Mama, Gyürika (the 'grandma' and '8 year old grandson' team who are making sure they wish us a good night about 10 times. :P
the young people I was hoping to learn more from and hang out with? gone.
the 3 and 5 year old girls who didn't care whether I spoke Hungarian or gibberish, as long as I gave them hugs and let them sit by me at dinner, i was cool? gone.
apparently word got around that the Roma Self-Government wasn't going to pay them and they didn't want to work for free. So, the Roma Camp, in turn, told them that they couldn't just stay here for free... and so they left.
There are many things which transpired over the course of a couple hours that caused me to think:
a) why?! the camp needs to be fixed up and it cannot be done by Tibi completely. If Ricsi and I weren't here, what would happen? What is the Roma self-goverment thinking? If they really want a camp, this is NOT a good way to start.
b) I saw them pack up their stuff and one has to wonder what's next for them. You see, I brought three bags of stuff (plus a purse) for three weeks. I'm not sure how long they planned on staying, but the family packed up winter coats. Is this the only place they had for the time? Do they have no home, no job, NOTHING to go to? I was watching them pack up EVERYTHING they own and couldn't help but be sad that this was a really frustrating moment in their lives...
c) there's no way we're going to get all the work done now. Awesome. Oh well... Frustration, annoyance and apathy hit at about the same time, which was a very strange sensation.
*~*~*
Random pictures...
excuse me, sir. what IS this instrument? and is the face necessary to make it play?
just a random house in the Jewish Quarter that I think is cute
Hello, Budapest :)
technological injuries
I told you about my camera yesterday.
Today, I want to introduce you to my sad looking computer.
Let's start at the top. Yes, that's tape holding in the power cord. It's not duct tape, but if I were in the US, it would be. Not sure what happened except that one day I noticed it was plugged in and not registering a charge. hmmm...
I'm missing a control key. Also not sure what happened there. One day, while talking to my mom actually, I wanted to copy something and hit control and it came with my finger. Needless to say, I spent the rest of the phone call distracted and trying to put it back on. Sorry, mom!
then you see the bottom corner... My computer tried to commit suicide by jumping off the desk. Srsly. Maybe i pushed it, maybe not. The world will never know. :P
Well, actually before I even posted it I got the answer. I just couldn't bring myself to delete the whole post.
Reason people didn't want to work? They weren't seeing any signs of getting paid.
In fact, as I sit here tonight, there are only 5 of us at the camp now. Me, Ricsi (volunteers)... Tibi (paid staff who HAS gotten his paycheck)... Mama, Gyürika (the 'grandma' and '8 year old grandson' team who are making sure they wish us a good night about 10 times. :P
the young people I was hoping to learn more from and hang out with? gone.
the 3 and 5 year old girls who didn't care whether I spoke Hungarian or gibberish, as long as I gave them hugs and let them sit by me at dinner, i was cool? gone.
apparently word got around that the Roma Self-Government wasn't going to pay them and they didn't want to work for free. So, the Roma Camp, in turn, told them that they couldn't just stay here for free... and so they left.
There are many things which transpired over the course of a couple hours that caused me to think:
a) why?! the camp needs to be fixed up and it cannot be done by Tibi completely. If Ricsi and I weren't here, what would happen? What is the Roma self-goverment thinking? If they really want a camp, this is NOT a good way to start.
b) I saw them pack up their stuff and one has to wonder what's next for them. You see, I brought three bags of stuff (plus a purse) for three weeks. I'm not sure how long they planned on staying, but the family packed up winter coats. Is this the only place they had for the time? Do they have no home, no job, NOTHING to go to? I was watching them pack up EVERYTHING they own and couldn't help but be sad that this was a really frustrating moment in their lives...
c) there's no way we're going to get all the work done now. Awesome. Oh well... Frustration, annoyance and apathy hit at about the same time, which was a very strange sensation.
*~*~*
Random pictures...
excuse me, sir. what IS this instrument? and is the face necessary to make it play?
just a random house in the Jewish Quarter that I think is cute
Hello, Budapest :)
technological injuries
I told you about my camera yesterday.
Today, I want to introduce you to my sad looking computer.
Let's start at the top. Yes, that's tape holding in the power cord. It's not duct tape, but if I were in the US, it would be. Not sure what happened except that one day I noticed it was plugged in and not registering a charge. hmmm...
I'm missing a control key. Also not sure what happened there. One day, while talking to my mom actually, I wanted to copy something and hit control and it came with my finger. Needless to say, I spent the rest of the phone call distracted and trying to put it back on. Sorry, mom!
then you see the bottom corner... My computer tried to commit suicide by jumping off the desk. Srsly. Maybe i pushed it, maybe not. The world will never know. :P
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Balatonlellen vagyok.
So... i've found internet to steal from my cabin. Awesome! Not sure how reliable it is, but it's good for now. I have been here for two days now and while I see some progress, it's been interesting for me to be a part of this.
First of all, it's a family affair. I'm here with Emese's husband's ex-wife's mother (haha!), her other daughter and boyfriend and two little girls, a friend of Gyuri's and two ex-volunteer and one of their girlfriends. One guy lived in Canada for a few years, and his Canadian and my American are similar, so we're able to communicate :) (i joke, i joke!)
Anyway, this could be taken as a very racial thing, but I assure you that I mean nothing racial: i cannot get these guys to work. First, we took a break yesterday because the guys needed beer. Then after lunch, Gyuri called to tell us it was too hot to work (it's about 85* here). Then in the evening, it was still too hot to work and they're a little upset about a money situation.
Everyone else here is Roma. So, one of the things I'm faced with is the fact that Gadje (non-Roma) expect them to not want to work. So, if I am trying to get them to work, it MAY appear to them that I think less of them for not working (it may also appear to them that I'm just crazy and they'd be more correct... but not being able to completely communicate means my actions DO speak louder than my words). Last night a few of them stayed up a little late and it's now noon and I haven't seen three of them yet. Hmmm...
However, they also have the knowledge of the time frame we have - we have a week. With this many people, it's completely possible to have gotten everything done in 3 days (if anyone were in 'slave driver' mode). However, in this heat (which is really NOT that bad), they feel it necessary to take it easy for a few days. Oh well, the work WILL get done, because when we did work yesterday, we worked hard.
This has already been a great cultural experience. There are young people my age here, which is great - haven't met many Roma that are at the same "place" in their lives. They keep commenting on how great my Hungarian is after only 10 months (just wait until they meet Simon on Friday or Saturday - they'll be blown away!). They also asked the questions that I love being asked: "What do you think of gypsies?" and "Why are you working with Roma?"
Answering in Hungarian is a bit hard, but once I find some words I can use, it's easy to convey my thoughts and feelings to them. Sun up to late night, I am using only Hungarian and it's easy to see how those in a completely Hungarian environment have come so far this year. I don't regret living in Budapest as it's been a great time, but I am sad that I haven't learned to really speak in Hungarian (although I truly do understand about 90-95% of what people say).
Anyway, it's almost lunch time and I would like to go back out into the sunshine. Have a great day!
*~*~*
Horses took over Budapest at the Nemzeti Vagta (National Gallop!) It's kinda like the Kentucky Derby... only better costumes for the riders, less costumes for the audience. Oh! and if you want to watch, it's free to stand.
sorry about the terrible photo quality... I haven't written about this, but one of my technological injuries has been to my camera. Riding the trollibusz home from the homeless shelter earlier this year, I was greeted by a big, drunk, angry man who proceeded to push a few lucky people while trying to get on the bus. I had my camera (in it's protective case, even!) in my pocket and I was pushed so that my thigh hit a bar HARD. My leg hurt a lot, so I was worried to take my camera out and look. Well, it still works (obviously), but I can't really see the screen. The best part is that it doesn't have a manual viewfinder so my camera has literally become a "point and click" and hope. When I put my card in the computer, things either look amazing or like crap. This even, unfortunately, it was the latter. Oh well.
First of all, it's a family affair. I'm here with Emese's husband's ex-wife's mother (haha!), her other daughter and boyfriend and two little girls, a friend of Gyuri's and two ex-volunteer and one of their girlfriends. One guy lived in Canada for a few years, and his Canadian and my American are similar, so we're able to communicate :) (i joke, i joke!)
Anyway, this could be taken as a very racial thing, but I assure you that I mean nothing racial: i cannot get these guys to work. First, we took a break yesterday because the guys needed beer. Then after lunch, Gyuri called to tell us it was too hot to work (it's about 85* here). Then in the evening, it was still too hot to work and they're a little upset about a money situation.
Everyone else here is Roma. So, one of the things I'm faced with is the fact that Gadje (non-Roma) expect them to not want to work. So, if I am trying to get them to work, it MAY appear to them that I think less of them for not working (it may also appear to them that I'm just crazy and they'd be more correct... but not being able to completely communicate means my actions DO speak louder than my words). Last night a few of them stayed up a little late and it's now noon and I haven't seen three of them yet. Hmmm...
However, they also have the knowledge of the time frame we have - we have a week. With this many people, it's completely possible to have gotten everything done in 3 days (if anyone were in 'slave driver' mode). However, in this heat (which is really NOT that bad), they feel it necessary to take it easy for a few days. Oh well, the work WILL get done, because when we did work yesterday, we worked hard.
This has already been a great cultural experience. There are young people my age here, which is great - haven't met many Roma that are at the same "place" in their lives. They keep commenting on how great my Hungarian is after only 10 months (just wait until they meet Simon on Friday or Saturday - they'll be blown away!). They also asked the questions that I love being asked: "What do you think of gypsies?" and "Why are you working with Roma?"
Answering in Hungarian is a bit hard, but once I find some words I can use, it's easy to convey my thoughts and feelings to them. Sun up to late night, I am using only Hungarian and it's easy to see how those in a completely Hungarian environment have come so far this year. I don't regret living in Budapest as it's been a great time, but I am sad that I haven't learned to really speak in Hungarian (although I truly do understand about 90-95% of what people say).
Anyway, it's almost lunch time and I would like to go back out into the sunshine. Have a great day!
*~*~*
Horses took over Budapest at the Nemzeti Vagta (National Gallop!) It's kinda like the Kentucky Derby... only better costumes for the riders, less costumes for the audience. Oh! and if you want to watch, it's free to stand.
sorry about the terrible photo quality... I haven't written about this, but one of my technological injuries has been to my camera. Riding the trollibusz home from the homeless shelter earlier this year, I was greeted by a big, drunk, angry man who proceeded to push a few lucky people while trying to get on the bus. I had my camera (in it's protective case, even!) in my pocket and I was pushed so that my thigh hit a bar HARD. My leg hurt a lot, so I was worried to take my camera out and look. Well, it still works (obviously), but I can't really see the screen. The best part is that it doesn't have a manual viewfinder so my camera has literally become a "point and click" and hope. When I put my card in the computer, things either look amazing or like crap. This even, unfortunately, it was the latter. Oh well.
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