New Year's Eve here is called "Szilveszter." Not sure why or what it means, but that's the local name for this celebration. People go to the streets with wigs, masks, paper horns, firecrackers, and lots of alcohol. At midnight, there are fireworks throughout Budapest. Also, the President, currently László Sólyom (family name last), gives a speech which is televised around the country. We volunteers celebrated in the girls' flat until 11:30p, at which point we wandered to the riverbank by Parliament to watch the fireworks. Sadly, it was very foggy and went, so they weren't as enjoyed as one might hope... but it made for some interesting memories. :)
Today is "going home" day - everyone who is in town leaves today... Sepp just left (which is why I'm awake - had to take him to the train station), Emilie and Simon leave at 11a, Isabel and her visitors will leave... and Jeff will leave after church.
Tomorrow, things go back to normal and I have one day to decide what my future in Hungary will look like (placement-wise). I'll let you know what I decide.
For now, though, I leave you with a year-in-review via pictures :) enjoy!
New Year's Eve 2009 - New Year's On the Grand in Grand Rapids, MI with Jodi and Ben
some CHAOS Sr. girls and I in February... Home Acres Church - Kentwood, MI
Kevin's 30th birthday party in March... Mojo's - Grand Rapids, MI
sister birthday celebration in April - I turned 26 and Shawn turned 21!... Buffalo Wild Wings - Kentwood, MI
hung out with friends in May... Kevin's house - Wyoming, MI
Hungry for Hungary benefit dinner and concert in June (thanks again Brenden, Karen, Nikki and Mr Flowers!), being presented by Mr. Flowers... Home Acres Church - Kentwood, MI
danced at the free outdoor dance concerts in Chicago while there for our missionary training in July... Millenium Park - Chicago, IL
spent my last night with CHAOS for a year by shooting my kids with paintballs on the 'Reverse Mystery Trip' that my amazing friends/volunteers organized... Resurrection Life Church - Grandville, MI
climbed to the top of the cliff near Lake Balaton with the Hungarian School class... Monoszló, Hungary
traveled home to celebrate Randy and Nikkie's wedding in October... wedding reception - Hastings, MI
Hiked down Gellert Hill in November... Gellert Hegy - Budapest, Hungary
celebrated Christmas/Karácsony with St. Columba's Church... Budapest, Hungary
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