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.
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