this is what church looks like in Hungary

The church laborers in Hungary truly have a daunting task. First, picture a country with millions of people crammed into a landmass the size of Oregon. These people have been oppressed by the Turks, the Germans during WWII, liberated by the Americans, turned over to the Russians, and only 20 years ago were fully liberated. In fact, 20 years ago this month, the reformers in Hungary’s Communist Party started to tentatively remove the barbed wire on the border separating Hungary from Austria. By doing so, the first crack in the Iron Curtain was made, and by autumn of that year all border restrictions were removed by Hungary. So you can imagine, the people are fearful, distrusting, oppossed to leadership (even good leadership at times) and generally a very hard people group to reach! We did attend a small fellowship of believers the one Sunday we were there. We experienced worship in Hungarian, then Terry preached a short message, with the help of the Hungarian Pastor, who speaks both languages. The church service is held in a Christian Library in downtown Budapest, and is run by an American couple who live and work in the library. They open it as a church on Sundays; the adults in one room, the kids in another. It is like no other church I've ever experienced. At the end, the entire room opens for prayer, and everyone prays. The entire room softly says "amen" after each persons prayer, and it became quickly obvious nobody was leaving without a chance to talk to the living God. I can't figure out how to end this post, only to say "yes" I will be posting lots and lots about Hungary; "no" I do not care if I am boring you to tears; "yes" I am potty training two small children at the moment; "NO" I DO NOT want to say how it's going (I'd rather post about Hungary).

back...

While my heart is still in Hungary, and my baggage is somewhere in London, I am back in the South. The heat is depressing, the kids are elated, and we are exhausted. ** update - our bags are now safe and sound back home.

We now begin the difficult yet exciting time of praying and asking God if He would have us return there soon!

my favorite photo

speedos?

It has gotten A LOT warmer here in the past few days, and that has brought about some unexpected European customs. For instance, old people put on bikinis and speedos to work in their front yards. And NO, I do not have a picture of THAT! The hubs has been posting pictures every day. Today, we had street performers who were more than happy to let us photograph them (for some forints, of course). I was hesitant that asking for a photograph would be demeaning in some way, but they are mostly proud of their talent and happy to play and pose.

5 things I did in Hungary today..

1. Haggled at the market square. I mean really, why pay 5800 forints for something that is really only worth 5200 forint?
2. Rode the Villamos (tram, or above ground city train)
3. Going to see Bye Bye Birdie at the High School (in Hungarian)
4. Noticed that excessive body hair is readily accepted here (score!)
5. Had a great conversation on the bus with an older woman after giving her Grace's seat. Folks on the bus have great respect for mother's with children and the elderly, BUT making eye contact and small talk on the bus is generally not done. Only by speaking the language and offering her a seat did I even gain the right to speak to her.

And I'm eating foods like these! Honestly, can someone just bring my babies here to me so I can stay forever?!

wish you were here..

..and in case you were wondering what the littles are doing back home, click here. My first thought was how much more clean and well kept they look in someone else's care. Go Tricia! Thanks for all your prayers, we are having a wonderful time.

today, I have no control over...

- the economy;
- the 20 month old who has decided to start "flinging" herself out of her playpen, just days before I leave the country, with little or no time to transition her into a bed;
- that same 20 month old falling asleep by the door each night;
- that our VP is a raging lunatic to get on national tv telling folks not to stay in confined spaces, such as buses, planes, EVEN classrooms;
- that the VP's hair is starting to look more like Donald Trump's;
- that this stupid flu has my mother calling every day to "check on us";
- that I have a blinding headache, from 2 minutes sleep last night (see above 20month old antics);
- that the airport in Hungary is potentially going to scrutinize us more because we are from the US;
- that as I type this, the 3 yr old WILL NOT stop touching the keyboard (okay, maybe I could exert some control over that, had I slept more than 2 minutes last night).

I guess most days we comfort ourselves with the things that seem to be going well, the things we THINK we have UNDER CONTROL. I have to admit I HATE IT when people chirp "God is in Control" - 1. because I think the phrase is GROSSLY over used. 2. because I want to be in control. So today, I will search for comfort in a Sonic Coke (32oz), a nap (hopefully) and in the Scriptures. The author of all life knows all things, controls all things, and works all things together for the good of those who love Him, and who are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28)