This week has been beautiful, and has passed far too quickly.
As Wendy wrote about below, Monday was the start of our English classes. We loved getting to meet our kids that morning and adults that evening.
We were able to begin Tuesday with a much better understanding of our students' abilities, needs, and desires for the week of classes. Wendy and I both loved getting to love on the youngest beginner-level kids. Sharon and Jackie rocked at addressing each intermediate student at their level, which proves to be very difficult when your students are on very different levels of understanding. Becky and Haley invited their teenage students into a higher lever of understanding and challenged them with conversation and new vocabulary. We ended the morning classes encouraged and excited, already becoming very attached to our students.
Tuesday afternoon, we drove to the minaret overlooking Diosd. Many of the team were brave enough to climb it and take pictures from the top (I was not one of those brave ones). We then got to see a few sections of the roman road still in place. Becky and Haley, along with Danny and Megan, took on the challenge of the beginning adults. They expressed joy in their interaction, showing their students genuine interest in their lives, and invited questions about life in America and the English language. Matthew, Wendy and I had a great time with our students, discussing statistics reflecting comparisons and differences between life in Hungary and the United States. Jackie, Sharon and Tyler played games and had in-depth discussions with their advanced students, challenging their vocabulary, and teaching them new concepts and idioms.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Today, we began our English classes…
I was kind of nervous. Doubt tried to creep in. “Will I be able to communicate past the language barrier?” “Will they like me right away or will I feel like I have to win them over?” “Do we have enough materials?” “Will our videos work?” Mostly, I could keep my fear silenced, remembering in whose hands I had placed the day, but there were times when I just wanted everything to get started so I could stop all of the wondering.
After downing two cups of Nescafé (yes, that is an easy coffee/caffeine substitute), the kids started trickling in and all of my fears started to subside. Smiling kids, apprehensive kids, and talking-it-up-with-friends kids – they came in and joined our journey.
Lizzy and I had the youngest, beginner group. We spent some time with introductions, numbers and family descriptions. It went very well, Lizzy and I bouncing back and forth with the teaching, Ildy interpreting some of the newest concepts, and Alexa being the extra set of hands to keep things moving. We were impressed by the kids’ interest and knowledge of the English language already, and we were so grateful for their interactions. We came away with a good sense of where we needed to go with them next. Being 7-11 years old, they LOVED seeing Liam and Lily in the videos. I felt content and thankful as we finished up and sent them off to play group kickball with everyone before their parents picked them up.
And that is when it happened.
God reminded me why I came.
I was late getting up to watch the kickball game after cleaning up and talking with a few people. So, as I was headed to the field, the kids started coming back. It was only about 30 kids headed my way. I felt kind of bummed that I missed the game, but I thought I would at least smile at everyone on their way back in and maybe say “Hi” to a few. And that’s when one of the small ones from our class flashes me a big smile and says, “Hi” so confidently as if she had spoken English her whole life. But, I know in an instant it isn’t just because she learned the word from me. It isn’t just because we practiced greetings out loud in her group. It’s because she felt the connection. We connected. Here I am, half way around the world, not even speaking her native tongue, and this little Lola already knows we are going to have fun speaking English and there is something different about me. It’s so cool. In that instant, I know it, and she knows it, and I am thankful.
And oh won’t it be so amazing if one day this little girl who comes from a post-Communist, post-Christian culture, and possibly an atheistic home will one day know Jesus Christ, the Savior who made that connection possible, and the One who made me different! I’m so excited that He is working!
It’s late now and so I will be brief about the rest of my day, but nothing really tops that moment in my heart. Though there were some other great times:
Okay, now off to bed for me, and love to all of you.
Love,
Wendy
(pictures to come)
After downing two cups of Nescafé (yes, that is an easy coffee/caffeine substitute), the kids started trickling in and all of my fears started to subside. Smiling kids, apprehensive kids, and talking-it-up-with-friends kids – they came in and joined our journey.
Lizzy and I had the youngest, beginner group. We spent some time with introductions, numbers and family descriptions. It went very well, Lizzy and I bouncing back and forth with the teaching, Ildy interpreting some of the newest concepts, and Alexa being the extra set of hands to keep things moving. We were impressed by the kids’ interest and knowledge of the English language already, and we were so grateful for their interactions. We came away with a good sense of where we needed to go with them next. Being 7-11 years old, they LOVED seeing Liam and Lily in the videos. I felt content and thankful as we finished up and sent them off to play group kickball with everyone before their parents picked them up.
And that is when it happened.
God reminded me why I came.
I was late getting up to watch the kickball game after cleaning up and talking with a few people. So, as I was headed to the field, the kids started coming back. It was only about 30 kids headed my way. I felt kind of bummed that I missed the game, but I thought I would at least smile at everyone on their way back in and maybe say “Hi” to a few. And that’s when one of the small ones from our class flashes me a big smile and says, “Hi” so confidently as if she had spoken English her whole life. But, I know in an instant it isn’t just because she learned the word from me. It isn’t just because we practiced greetings out loud in her group. It’s because she felt the connection. We connected. Here I am, half way around the world, not even speaking her native tongue, and this little Lola already knows we are going to have fun speaking English and there is something different about me. It’s so cool. In that instant, I know it, and she knows it, and I am thankful.
And oh won’t it be so amazing if one day this little girl who comes from a post-Communist, post-Christian culture, and possibly an atheistic home will one day know Jesus Christ, the Savior who made that connection possible, and the One who made me different! I’m so excited that He is working!
It’s late now and so I will be brief about the rest of my day, but nothing really tops that moment in my heart. Though there were some other great times:
- After lunch and a devotion, some of us went to the Communist Statue Garden. It was very interesting. Sanyesz, one of the missionaries was our tour guide, and he did a fantastic job painting the picture of what it was like to grow up in a communist, and then now, formerly communist country. It was a bit of a history lesson, and I loved it. But, especially the statues moved me. They were strong and symbolic and powerful in their own right. The looks on the faces were very striking – somehow gentle and fierce at the same time; very interesting.
- And then the adult class was fascinating. We are going to have a blast with lots of conversation. I’m blown away by how passionate the Hungarian people are about learning other languages! It is very much the norm for people to speak 2 or 3 languages. I could so get on a soapbox here…LOL! But don’t worry, I am ready for bed and can’t type anymore.
- Tonight was the beginning of the homemade dinners for our group. Homemade Hungarian Food – YUMMERS!! Enough said, except again, we are all truly grateful!
- Please do pray for stamina! The days are long and full. We need to stay healthy and somehow rested in all of the excitement. Your prayers would be appreciated.
Okay, now off to bed for me, and love to all of you.
Love,
Wendy
(pictures to come)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
To the Church in Budapest
Hungary this morning was chilly and gray. The temperature won’t crawl out of the mid-60’s today. It’s brisk and everything seems to be moving a bit slower than yesterday. A day of rest.
We attended church in a school building. Everything was brought in fresh that morning: the chairs, speakers, projector, instruments, and soundboard. The experience was nearly a déjà vu– this is my church! – and yet it was utterly different. The details were the same – music played in the background as people greeted each other, announcement slides rotated on the screen while a countdown clock let everyone know “we’ll be starting in five minutes,” during the service there was sharing and prayer, songs and the reading of Scripture, and a sermon about the Gospel from Ephesians 5.1-2. The only real difference methodologically between this church service and the one happening thousands of miles away in North Atlanta was that we didn’t end with communion – an element that many of us sorely missed. But of course all of the similarities couldn’t compensate for the great difference between us – we can’t speak Hungarian. God really did a number at the tower of Babel. Still it was beautiful and inviting to try to join with our Hungarian family members in singing songs to our common Creator. The ten of us sat in the back with two translators whispering the service to us in English. Andras preached a wonderful sermon where he called us to be children, imitating our Father, as His beloved ones.
After church we ate lunch and rested until our preparation meetings for tomorrow’s English camp. We shared curriculum, practiced children’s songs (“I’ve got a river of life” Boo-ya!), and spent time praying for the children by name. Each of us were given a slip of paper with a few names on it for us to be praying for this week. Most of the kids who come to this do not have parents who will step foot in a church. This is a strategic and significant week in softening the hearts of whole families to the good news of God’s love for them.
We left the planning meeting feeling energized and prepared. Tomorrow will be a great day! We’re ready to begin. This preparation time has been significant in our team and in binding us to the Paulus team, but we are eager to begin the classes tomorrow. I’m amazed at how gracious and excited our hosts are about our time here. The missionaries see a value in our presence that is hard for me to grasp but there’s no doubt in my mind – we are able to support them in a way that they feel is crucial to their mission by coming here to teach English for a week. The Body of Christ.
As a great treat at the end of the day, we were able to drive in Budapest for the first time. The city is magnificent. It lies like two jewels on either side of the broad and blue Danube – Buda and Pest. Both sides are distinct in architecture, topography, and history, but both sides are elaborately beautiful. Ornate domes and Gothic spires cast large shadows over the ancient sprawling capital of Austrian-Hungarian empire. It houses two castles. In one of them sits the second oldest crown in Europe. But high above this historic and majestic city sits a citadel, built in 1851 by the Habsburgs but claimed by the Russians in 1948 and turned into a monument broadcasting communism’s triumph and it’s lavish “liberties” for all people who live under her iron rule. The citadel is large, imposing and spectacular. Unfortunately for the communists you drive by a statue of Stalin’s boots on your way up the mountain. The Hungarians tore down the rest of the statue during a revolution in 1956 leaving only his giant boots planted in the brick platform – a sign of Hungary’s eventual freedom.
It was a wonderful day. I hope that each of you will be given the chance to see this city and meet these people in your life. Tomorrow we will begin the camps and will be quite busy for the rest of the week. Please be praying for us – that we would remain healthy, energetic, and unified. Pray that God would love these kids and adults through us. Pray that we would be a real and helpful support to the missionaries. And pray that because of the seeds planted this week that eventual fruit for the kingdom of God would bloom in Hungary.
Peace, Matthew.
We attended church in a school building. Everything was brought in fresh that morning: the chairs, speakers, projector, instruments, and soundboard. The experience was nearly a déjà vu– this is my church! – and yet it was utterly different. The details were the same – music played in the background as people greeted each other, announcement slides rotated on the screen while a countdown clock let everyone know “we’ll be starting in five minutes,” during the service there was sharing and prayer, songs and the reading of Scripture, and a sermon about the Gospel from Ephesians 5.1-2. The only real difference methodologically between this church service and the one happening thousands of miles away in North Atlanta was that we didn’t end with communion – an element that many of us sorely missed. But of course all of the similarities couldn’t compensate for the great difference between us – we can’t speak Hungarian. God really did a number at the tower of Babel. Still it was beautiful and inviting to try to join with our Hungarian family members in singing songs to our common Creator. The ten of us sat in the back with two translators whispering the service to us in English. Andras preached a wonderful sermon where he called us to be children, imitating our Father, as His beloved ones.
After church we ate lunch and rested until our preparation meetings for tomorrow’s English camp. We shared curriculum, practiced children’s songs (“I’ve got a river of life” Boo-ya!), and spent time praying for the children by name. Each of us were given a slip of paper with a few names on it for us to be praying for this week. Most of the kids who come to this do not have parents who will step foot in a church. This is a strategic and significant week in softening the hearts of whole families to the good news of God’s love for them.
We left the planning meeting feeling energized and prepared. Tomorrow will be a great day! We’re ready to begin. This preparation time has been significant in our team and in binding us to the Paulus team, but we are eager to begin the classes tomorrow. I’m amazed at how gracious and excited our hosts are about our time here. The missionaries see a value in our presence that is hard for me to grasp but there’s no doubt in my mind – we are able to support them in a way that they feel is crucial to their mission by coming here to teach English for a week. The Body of Christ.
As a great treat at the end of the day, we were able to drive in Budapest for the first time. The city is magnificent. It lies like two jewels on either side of the broad and blue Danube – Buda and Pest. Both sides are distinct in architecture, topography, and history, but both sides are elaborately beautiful. Ornate domes and Gothic spires cast large shadows over the ancient sprawling capital of Austrian-Hungarian empire. It houses two castles. In one of them sits the second oldest crown in Europe. But high above this historic and majestic city sits a citadel, built in 1851 by the Habsburgs but claimed by the Russians in 1948 and turned into a monument broadcasting communism’s triumph and it’s lavish “liberties” for all people who live under her iron rule. The citadel is large, imposing and spectacular. Unfortunately for the communists you drive by a statue of Stalin’s boots on your way up the mountain. The Hungarians tore down the rest of the statue during a revolution in 1956 leaving only his giant boots planted in the brick platform – a sign of Hungary’s eventual freedom.
It was a wonderful day. I hope that each of you will be given the chance to see this city and meet these people in your life. Tomorrow we will begin the camps and will be quite busy for the rest of the week. Please be praying for us – that we would remain healthy, energetic, and unified. Pray that God would love these kids and adults through us. Pray that we would be a real and helpful support to the missionaries. And pray that because of the seeds planted this week that eventual fruit for the kingdom of God would bloom in Hungary.
Peace, Matthew.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
A Trip to Lake Baraton
After a 1 1/2 days of travelling we were all happy to get sleep last night (some of us better then others). We started our day off with a delicious breakfast together at the Romatika and then headed to the Paulus Community Center for an introduction to the ministry and our week.
At the Paulus Center we were all able to be reunited or introduced to the missionaries and their families. Andras started us off with some information about Paulus and prayer. It was amazing to start the trip off with such community and by spending time together in prayer. Zoli followed with a brief overview of our week and some cultural and professional pointers to teaching English.
During Andras' intro he also shared a specific request we can all be praying for this week (you may have seen Tyler's post on The City). The large Catholic and Reformed churches of Hungary put together a bill/law and sent it to Parliament that places restrictions on what can be considered a church for tax purposes. Only churches that are at least 20 years old and have a 1000+ members are "technically" churches according to this bill, therefore they are the only ones that receive large tax breaks. If the bill passes (which right now it looks likely that it will), the Paulus movement would need 50% more financial support than it is receiving right now. The vote is Thursday, so please be praying this week that Parliament will be swayed to vote down the bill.
We were excited and surprised to find out that we would be having a short lesson on Hungarian to model teaching and help us understand how difficult it is for our students. Edit, Zoli's wife, taught us some basic words (Hello, my name is... etc.). It really allowed us to see what it is like to be a student.
Right after our time at the Paulus Center we headed off to Lake Baraton (the largest lake in Central Europe and a popular vacation spot). We stopped for some authentic Hungarian food on our way at McDonald's and learned that even in Hungary men do not read directions (Endre paid to use the bathroom when all he needed to do was read the sign that told him to show is receipt to use the bathroom for free).
After a scenic ride through the Hungarian countryside we made it to the lake. We were able to spend all afternoon and evening walking around different parts of the lake. We started in Tihany, a small town on a hill above the lake. The town was filled with the amazing aroma of lavender and was centered around a beautiful Baroque church.
Then we drove down and walked along the shore spotting fishermen, sunbathers, and speedoes along the way. Finally, we drove into a another popular town on the lake with a giant garden and shops lining the shore. Here we were able to split into small groups and venture around the town, taking everything in that we could. We finished our day with dinner on the water (most enjoying a Hungarian favorite, Langos) and then headed back to the hotel for the night.
It was really amazing to spend time together as a team and with Zoli and Endre, who were out tour guides for the day. Being able to see more of this beautiful country and learn more about its people will help us as we form relationships with our students throughout the week.
We are all going to bed excited about church tomorrow morning. We are looking forward to worshiping together with our extended church home and hearing God being glorified in English and Hungarian.
At the Paulus Center we were all able to be reunited or introduced to the missionaries and their families. Andras started us off with some information about Paulus and prayer. It was amazing to start the trip off with such community and by spending time together in prayer. Zoli followed with a brief overview of our week and some cultural and professional pointers to teaching English.
During Andras' intro he also shared a specific request we can all be praying for this week (you may have seen Tyler's post on The City). The large Catholic and Reformed churches of Hungary put together a bill/law and sent it to Parliament that places restrictions on what can be considered a church for tax purposes. Only churches that are at least 20 years old and have a 1000+ members are "technically" churches according to this bill, therefore they are the only ones that receive large tax breaks. If the bill passes (which right now it looks likely that it will), the Paulus movement would need 50% more financial support than it is receiving right now. The vote is Thursday, so please be praying this week that Parliament will be swayed to vote down the bill.
We were excited and surprised to find out that we would be having a short lesson on Hungarian to model teaching and help us understand how difficult it is for our students. Edit, Zoli's wife, taught us some basic words (Hello, my name is... etc.). It really allowed us to see what it is like to be a student.
Right after our time at the Paulus Center we headed off to Lake Baraton (the largest lake in Central Europe and a popular vacation spot). We stopped for some authentic Hungarian food on our way at McDonald's and learned that even in Hungary men do not read directions (Endre paid to use the bathroom when all he needed to do was read the sign that told him to show is receipt to use the bathroom for free).
After a scenic ride through the Hungarian countryside we made it to the lake. We were able to spend all afternoon and evening walking around different parts of the lake. We started in Tihany, a small town on a hill above the lake. The town was filled with the amazing aroma of lavender and was centered around a beautiful Baroque church.
Then we drove down and walked along the shore spotting fishermen, sunbathers, and speedoes along the way. Finally, we drove into a another popular town on the lake with a giant garden and shops lining the shore. Here we were able to split into small groups and venture around the town, taking everything in that we could. We finished our day with dinner on the water (most enjoying a Hungarian favorite, Langos) and then headed back to the hotel for the night.
It was really amazing to spend time together as a team and with Zoli and Endre, who were out tour guides for the day. Being able to see more of this beautiful country and learn more about its people will help us as we form relationships with our students throughout the week.
We are all going to bed excited about church tomorrow morning. We are looking forward to worshiping together with our extended church home and hearing God being glorified in English and Hungarian.
Friday, June 17, 2011
We made it!
Hey everyone,
We all safely made it to Budapest and met up with Zoli and Endre. In general we were blessed with uneventful flights and more than enough time at Amsterdam to make our connection; thank you for your prayers.
Zoli and Endre got us checked into the Romantika and then took us over to the Campona (mall) for dinner at the food court. The team ranged from Hungarian cuisine to some more familiar flavors from home.
To try and keep us awake for a little longer, we took a short stroll around an old rock quarry not far from the Paulus Community Center and Romantika. The team spent a short time in prayer thanking God for the safe travels and asking for plentiful rest this weekend so that we are ready for the busy week ahead.
After a short orientation tomorrow morning the team is heading out Lake Balaton. This is a popular vacation destination for the Paulus families since it is only a an hour and a half away from Diosd.
I have included a few pictures from the rock quarry (remember that both the models in the pictures and the photographer have not slept since Thursday morning). It is one of Janos' favorite places to take the youth to hang out. (Also, though not clear from the pictures, this place was definitely an inspiration for a multi-player location for Halo.)
-- Danny and Megan
We all safely made it to Budapest and met up with Zoli and Endre. In general we were blessed with uneventful flights and more than enough time at Amsterdam to make our connection; thank you for your prayers.
Zoli and Endre got us checked into the Romantika and then took us over to the Campona (mall) for dinner at the food court. The team ranged from Hungarian cuisine to some more familiar flavors from home.
To try and keep us awake for a little longer, we took a short stroll around an old rock quarry not far from the Paulus Community Center and Romantika. The team spent a short time in prayer thanking God for the safe travels and asking for plentiful rest this weekend so that we are ready for the busy week ahead.
After a short orientation tomorrow morning the team is heading out Lake Balaton. This is a popular vacation destination for the Paulus families since it is only a an hour and a half away from Diosd.
I have included a few pictures from the rock quarry (remember that both the models in the pictures and the photographer have not slept since Thursday morning). It is one of Janos' favorite places to take the youth to hang out. (Also, though not clear from the pictures, this place was definitely an inspiration for a multi-player location for Halo.)
-- Danny and Megan
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Prayer for Catching Connection
Hey everyone,
If you look at the previous post you can see that our connection in Amsterdam is pretty tight. Please pray that our flight arrives on time or early and we can quickly get through any customs (if we need to) and to our departure gate. We'll be in Amsterdam 7:00a to 8:30a EST. Thank you!
Danny
If you look at the previous post you can see that our connection in Amsterdam is pretty tight. Please pray that our flight arrives on time or early and we can quickly get through any customs (if we need to) and to our departure gate. We'll be in Amsterdam 7:00a to 8:30a EST. Thank you!
Danny
Monday, May 23, 2011
First Post
Hello everyone!
The day has finally come. We will be leaving tonight for Budapest. Here is our travel information. Please be praying that we make our connection in Amsterdam because we have little time in between flights.
Delta flight 9375 leaving ATL at 10:40pm EST
Arrive in Amsterdam at 7:05am EST
Delta flight 9697 leaving AMS at 8:35am EST
Arrive in Budapest at 10:35am EST
Thank you all so much for praying for our team and safe travel. We will update you and let you know when we land in Budapest.
The day has finally come. We will be leaving tonight for Budapest. Here is our travel information. Please be praying that we make our connection in Amsterdam because we have little time in between flights.
Delta flight 9375 leaving ATL at 10:40pm EST
Arrive in Amsterdam at 7:05am EST
Delta flight 9697 leaving AMS at 8:35am EST
Arrive in Budapest at 10:35am EST
Thank you all so much for praying for our team and safe travel. We will update you and let you know when we land in Budapest.
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