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)
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