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!
Friday, July 23, 2010
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
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