Saturday, April 22, 2006
photos April 2006
Hi All,
I' ve spent parts of the last several days getting more of my photos from
our trip online. You can use the link on www.marshalltonchurch.org or go
to webshots at http://community.webshots.com/user/nanguent
After worship this evening at Marshallton, we went to supper at Old Country
Buffet -- Katherine & I both had a flashback -- they were playing "Lean on
Me" as background music !!
Nancy
Monday, April 17, 2006
On the way home
Well, it’s Monday morning, and we are in Heathrow airport in London, waiting for them to announce our gate – weird stuff – they don’t know who’s going to be leaving? They have like 20 gates in this terminal, and they don’t announce the gate until 1 hour befor the flight.
The last time I wrote I think was Saturday night, so I’ll try to remember what we’ve done since then.
Sunday morning was a beautiful Easter morning – just what you would want – a little cloudy, but the sun breaking through in spots, and not too cold. We all met at the local Baptist church which meets in a business center. We had a joint service in Hungarian and English with Anett translating. We sang a few songs in both Hungarian and English – interesting stuff. We read the scripture in both Hungarian and English. Nancy presented a short slide show to let the church know what we had been doing all week long. Diana and her host Julia played a flute duet (Diana played in English, Julia in Hungarian – they both sounded the same, weird.) And our Hungarian team band played as well – Todd and Alex on drums, David on guitar, Jackie, Matt, Millie, and Casey sang. Freddie Kofi of Atlantic Bridge sang his song, “Kiss” which he wrote – a page from Jesus’ diary. Very interesting. Many of our Hungarian hosts came to church with us.
Then we all went our separate ways to spend the afternoon with our host families. Some actually went to other churches of the host families. A gang of us took a bus, then a delightful train to Gyor, and went to this off the wall alternative theater / coffee house. The 9 of us were the only ones in the small theater that sat only about 50 people. We watched a British movie about the Dutch artist Vermeer that had Hungarian sub-titles. The title was “The girl with pearl earring.” Quite good, actually. Some went to the castle that we had never gotten to earlier in the week.
Some of us came to the Farewell Party which was rather spontaneous – held in the student hostel. Those of us there wrote final letters to our hosts, and the hosts wrote letters to us to be opened after we left. Some actually stayed up all night – we had to get up at 3 am to leave by 4.
The bus showed up, and guess what – IT WAS THE BUS FROM HECK!!!! WITH THE SAME DRIVER!
Well, we all hugged everyone else, several times and said tearful “Goodbyes” and “Vizlats” and “See you in America in 13 months.” All our hosts are planning to come to West Chester in summer 2007 for 2 weeks – they will also spend a week in New York.
Go to the airport at 5:30 am and British Airways was totally unprepared. A very long line waiting to check in. We avoided an international incident as a group from somewhere broke in line in front of us. We let them in. They were bigger than us. Got through security with no hassles, then flew 2 hours to London where we are waiting to board a big plane to COME HOME to a hot shower and our own beds and families.
We’re all tired to say the least, but the reason for the trip, to break down walls and build bridges was accomplished. Several of the Hungarian kids asked about God, and while we saw no conversions, we got them thinking. And to a person, their parents said all our kids were extremely polite and respectful in their homes. They all did a great job.
One final note – one of our kids had a host parent say to him, “Before you came, all we knew of America was the geography, politics and government. Now, when we think of America, instead of George Bush, we will think of you.
Isten Aldjon! Kosonom for your prayers.
See you soon, don’t forget to pick us up.
Hungary Team.
The last time I wrote I think was Saturday night, so I’ll try to remember what we’ve done since then.
Sunday morning was a beautiful Easter morning – just what you would want – a little cloudy, but the sun breaking through in spots, and not too cold. We all met at the local Baptist church which meets in a business center. We had a joint service in Hungarian and English with Anett translating. We sang a few songs in both Hungarian and English – interesting stuff. We read the scripture in both Hungarian and English. Nancy presented a short slide show to let the church know what we had been doing all week long. Diana and her host Julia played a flute duet (Diana played in English, Julia in Hungarian – they both sounded the same, weird.) And our Hungarian team band played as well – Todd and Alex on drums, David on guitar, Jackie, Matt, Millie, and Casey sang. Freddie Kofi of Atlantic Bridge sang his song, “Kiss” which he wrote – a page from Jesus’ diary. Very interesting. Many of our Hungarian hosts came to church with us.
Then we all went our separate ways to spend the afternoon with our host families. Some actually went to other churches of the host families. A gang of us took a bus, then a delightful train to Gyor, and went to this off the wall alternative theater / coffee house. The 9 of us were the only ones in the small theater that sat only about 50 people. We watched a British movie about the Dutch artist Vermeer that had Hungarian sub-titles. The title was “The girl with pearl earring.” Quite good, actually. Some went to the castle that we had never gotten to earlier in the week.
Some of us came to the Farewell Party which was rather spontaneous – held in the student hostel. Those of us there wrote final letters to our hosts, and the hosts wrote letters to us to be opened after we left. Some actually stayed up all night – we had to get up at 3 am to leave by 4.
The bus showed up, and guess what – IT WAS THE BUS FROM HECK!!!! WITH THE SAME DRIVER!
Well, we all hugged everyone else, several times and said tearful “Goodbyes” and “Vizlats” and “See you in America in 13 months.” All our hosts are planning to come to West Chester in summer 2007 for 2 weeks – they will also spend a week in New York.
Go to the airport at 5:30 am and British Airways was totally unprepared. A very long line waiting to check in. We avoided an international incident as a group from somewhere broke in line in front of us. We let them in. They were bigger than us. Got through security with no hassles, then flew 2 hours to London where we are waiting to board a big plane to COME HOME to a hot shower and our own beds and families.
We’re all tired to say the least, but the reason for the trip, to break down walls and build bridges was accomplished. Several of the Hungarian kids asked about God, and while we saw no conversions, we got them thinking. And to a person, their parents said all our kids were extremely polite and respectful in their homes. They all did a great job.
One final note – one of our kids had a host parent say to him, “Before you came, all we knew of America was the geography, politics and government. Now, when we think of America, instead of George Bush, we will think of you.
Isten Aldjon! Kosonom for your prayers.
See you soon, don’t forget to pick us up.
Hungary Team.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Saturday Evening Easter íparty
Today was a free day, and everyone did something different - hung out, went shopping, went to Gyor, whatever.
We held our Easter party tonight. lots to eat (so whats new?) Freddie Kofi, an Atlantic Bridge partner, played a short concert which was fabuolous - had us singing Lean on Me with a rap and ended with Where's the Love.
After a short break to eat, we presented our play, The Empty Spot which was very well received - hopefully the message got through that our empty spots can best be filled by Godás love for us.
Then we ate some more.
Then chocolate eggs were handed out to the cutest, laziest, friendliest, shyest, most energetic, etc, Hungarians and Americans as voted on by the hosts and the American team. Alex cleaned up by winning 3 of the categories.
Then the Hungarians showed us a slide show of the week's proceedings, and gave each of us a DVD with the slide show.
Then tearful goodbyes and goodnights as we are all realizing that our trip is rapidly coming to a close. Tomorrow we share Easter services with a Baptist church in English and Hungarian, then Easter dinner and the afternoon will be spent with our hosts. Some of us are going to the movies.
As the week winds to a close, we, the American team, are very grateful for the support that all you BLOG readers have given us. We apologize for not posting more often, but Internet connections were not always available. We pray that you have been blessed by following our adventures as we have been blessed by your prayers and continuing support. This program may be over in the short term, but the relationships that have been made will last a lifteime and perhaps an eternity. There was a parent's meeting tonight about the Hungarian hosts coming to America in the summer 2öö7. All seemed to be interested. Some of the feedback from the meeting was, "canát you stay another week? We want to get to know you better." We pray that it will be possible for all of them to come, and we can continue God's work as we welcome the Hungarians to our homes and our culture, not to metnion our God and church.
I will try to post tomorrow night about our Easter service, but no promises. We have to get to bed early as we leave for Vienna at 4 am Monday morning. I will definitely post a final note sometime - either from Heathrow during our layover, or when I return home.
Br sure to continue to come back as we will be posting more photos (and hopefully some videos) here on the BLOG and at Webshots: http://community.webshots.com/album/548518876RYIehX/0
Blessings to you all.
A tired, but grateful and happy Hungary team.
PS - thanks for your prayers about our colds - everyone was feeling much better today!
We held our Easter party tonight. lots to eat (so whats new?) Freddie Kofi, an Atlantic Bridge partner, played a short concert which was fabuolous - had us singing Lean on Me with a rap and ended with Where's the Love.
After a short break to eat, we presented our play, The Empty Spot which was very well received - hopefully the message got through that our empty spots can best be filled by Godás love for us.
Then we ate some more.
Then chocolate eggs were handed out to the cutest, laziest, friendliest, shyest, most energetic, etc, Hungarians and Americans as voted on by the hosts and the American team. Alex cleaned up by winning 3 of the categories.
Then the Hungarians showed us a slide show of the week's proceedings, and gave each of us a DVD with the slide show.
Then tearful goodbyes and goodnights as we are all realizing that our trip is rapidly coming to a close. Tomorrow we share Easter services with a Baptist church in English and Hungarian, then Easter dinner and the afternoon will be spent with our hosts. Some of us are going to the movies.
As the week winds to a close, we, the American team, are very grateful for the support that all you BLOG readers have given us. We apologize for not posting more often, but Internet connections were not always available. We pray that you have been blessed by following our adventures as we have been blessed by your prayers and continuing support. This program may be over in the short term, but the relationships that have been made will last a lifteime and perhaps an eternity. There was a parent's meeting tonight about the Hungarian hosts coming to America in the summer 2öö7. All seemed to be interested. Some of the feedback from the meeting was, "canát you stay another week? We want to get to know you better." We pray that it will be possible for all of them to come, and we can continue God's work as we welcome the Hungarians to our homes and our culture, not to metnion our God and church.
I will try to post tomorrow night about our Easter service, but no promises. We have to get to bed early as we leave for Vienna at 4 am Monday morning. I will definitely post a final note sometime - either from Heathrow during our layover, or when I return home.
Br sure to continue to come back as we will be posting more photos (and hopefully some videos) here on the BLOG and at Webshots: http://community.webshots.com/album/548518876RYIehX/0
Blessings to you all.
A tired, but grateful and happy Hungary team.
PS - thanks for your prayers about our colds - everyone was feeling much better today!
Good Friday Evening
On to some serious devotion. There had been much debate about how deep to go on a Good Friday service, but God provided some answers.
After the games and discussion, about 6ö of us went for a short walk. In Tata, there is a church named Calvary at the top of a hill overlooking Tata. Also up there are three concrete crosses at the edge of the hill.
Before the steep climb up the hill, I asked them for their attention and told them that we wanted to share our faith with them. We said that Good Friday was a very Holy Day. íjesus was tried and convicted for blasphemy and sedition illegally, then tortured and forced to carry a cross up a hill several kiolmeters away. We asked them to think about having to carry a cross such a distance as they walked up the hill in silence, which they mostly did.
At the top of the hill, we gathered around the cross, and I told them of íjesus crucifixion, and how he had been crucified with a robber on his left and right. The one on the right asked for and was given forgiveness. The one on the left did not believe, but Jesus would forgive him also. I explained how we believe that Jesus died for all our sins - theirs ours, everyone's. I told them that Jesus was resurected on Sunday, and because of that, He represents new life for us, and eternal life with him.
That was it. I asked them to think on these things and to walk back down the hill quietly. At least 3 or 4 of the Hungarian teens started asking our teens some questions, and one of them stated the obvious- "Because of íjesus - we have hope!"
We have planted seeds. The íholy Spirit will water them, and God will cause them to grow. It was a short but meaningful devotion, and somehow, with a little rain, it seemed almost too real. Some of us said lightning would have been a nice touch, but we guess God thought that would be too much at this time!
We then visited the íhungarian's youth room - wonderful place of fellowship - then went home and got home late, and tired. Tomorrow is another day.
Today was a free day, and tonight we are having an Easter party - I will try to post one more time before we come home, but no promises. Please pray for us as we present our serious play tonight.
Isten Aldjon!
Carl and the team.
After the games and discussion, about 6ö of us went for a short walk. In Tata, there is a church named Calvary at the top of a hill overlooking Tata. Also up there are three concrete crosses at the edge of the hill.
Before the steep climb up the hill, I asked them for their attention and told them that we wanted to share our faith with them. We said that Good Friday was a very Holy Day. íjesus was tried and convicted for blasphemy and sedition illegally, then tortured and forced to carry a cross up a hill several kiolmeters away. We asked them to think about having to carry a cross such a distance as they walked up the hill in silence, which they mostly did.
At the top of the hill, we gathered around the cross, and I told them of íjesus crucifixion, and how he had been crucified with a robber on his left and right. The one on the right asked for and was given forgiveness. The one on the left did not believe, but Jesus would forgive him also. I explained how we believe that Jesus died for all our sins - theirs ours, everyone's. I told them that Jesus was resurected on Sunday, and because of that, He represents new life for us, and eternal life with him.
That was it. I asked them to think on these things and to walk back down the hill quietly. At least 3 or 4 of the Hungarian teens started asking our teens some questions, and one of them stated the obvious- "Because of íjesus - we have hope!"
We have planted seeds. The íholy Spirit will water them, and God will cause them to grow. It was a short but meaningful devotion, and somehow, with a little rain, it seemed almost too real. Some of us said lightning would have been a nice touch, but we guess God thought that would be too much at this time!
We then visited the íhungarian's youth room - wonderful place of fellowship - then went home and got home late, and tired. Tomorrow is another day.
Today was a free day, and tonight we are having an Easter party - I will try to post one more time before we come home, but no promises. Please pray for us as we present our serious play tonight.
Isten Aldjon!
Carl and the team.
Friday
Friday was a new day, but still no bus. We ate breakfast at the hostel, then packed up and all 4ö of us rode the tram, then switched trams and went to our tour guide's apartment to drop our luggage - then off the íhouse of Terror - a museum about the ínazi and Soviet reigns in íhungary from the 194ö's to 1991 when the Soviets left. A chilling part of history which affected us all deeply.
Then, a bit of America - what else was there to do but GO TO THE MALL and hang out. A HUGE mall in downtown, several stories. Even had a food court where most of us got a little taste of home as we went to McDonald's, Subway or Burger King. Those who shopped till they dropped said the higher you got in the mall, the pricier the shops.
Then, Hallelujah! Our bus was broke, our bus was lost, but now it's found!
We rode the bus back to our guide's flat to collect our belongings, and then took the bus trip up the hill on the Bud side of Budapest (one side of the river is flat river plain which flooded badly two weeks ago - the other side is very hilly.) We stopped at the castle which was gigantic - many buildings, some dating back to the 14öö's. A magnificent cathedral, c. 15öö, probably 15ö to 2öö feet tall, was unfortunately closed - it was Good Friday afternoon and they were having a Stations of the Cross service and we did have time to go. We walked on the Fisherman's bastion and over looked the Danube and the ípest side of Budapest from the hills of Buda.
Many went shoppng, some of us just walked around, and a couple of us had our pictures taken holding a 6kg (that's 13 pounds, folks) falcon. Ever try to hold a bowling ball with your arm straight out?
Then on the bus again and a 2 hour ride to Tata. A reformed church there had dinner for us - soup and a pastry, and we met with their youth group, one of the largest youth groups in íhungary at 35-4ö. We did our skit again, If I weren't a Christian, then we played a game which was great fun, then came time for some serious discussion - we had the Hungarian teens from the church ask our teens questions about America - our religion, where we hang out, what we thought of the Hungarian girls, and what we did in our free time.
posted Saturday afternoon 4:ö8
Then, a bit of America - what else was there to do but GO TO THE MALL and hang out. A HUGE mall in downtown, several stories. Even had a food court where most of us got a little taste of home as we went to McDonald's, Subway or Burger King. Those who shopped till they dropped said the higher you got in the mall, the pricier the shops.
Then, Hallelujah! Our bus was broke, our bus was lost, but now it's found!
We rode the bus back to our guide's flat to collect our belongings, and then took the bus trip up the hill on the Bud side of Budapest (one side of the river is flat river plain which flooded badly two weeks ago - the other side is very hilly.) We stopped at the castle which was gigantic - many buildings, some dating back to the 14öö's. A magnificent cathedral, c. 15öö, probably 15ö to 2öö feet tall, was unfortunately closed - it was Good Friday afternoon and they were having a Stations of the Cross service and we did have time to go. We walked on the Fisherman's bastion and over looked the Danube and the ípest side of Budapest from the hills of Buda.
Many went shoppng, some of us just walked around, and a couple of us had our pictures taken holding a 6kg (that's 13 pounds, folks) falcon. Ever try to hold a bowling ball with your arm straight out?
Then on the bus again and a 2 hour ride to Tata. A reformed church there had dinner for us - soup and a pastry, and we met with their youth group, one of the largest youth groups in íhungary at 35-4ö. We did our skit again, If I weren't a Christian, then we played a game which was great fun, then came time for some serious discussion - we had the Hungarian teens from the church ask our teens questions about America - our religion, where we hang out, what we thought of the Hungarian girls, and what we did in our free time.
posted Saturday afternoon 4:ö8
Thursday, April 13, 2006
If this is Thursday...
it must be Budapest.
What an adventurous day!
We left bright and early on a bus trip. The bus trip from heck (a tiny little division of ... well you know where).
The driver trained in Japan in WWII - a kamikaze. Well, he wasnt so bad, but his bus was a nightmare.
We went to the Hostel. Traffic in Budapest is worse than NYC - really! We are talking serious gridlock. So, we get to the hostel almost 2 hours late and then start a bus tour of Budapest that turned into a walking tour. We got almost to the first stop at hero's square, and the bus died in the middle of the street, literally in the middle of the street. The driver asked us for strong young men to push the bus to get it going. We did. Film at 11.
We looked around heroes square while the driver got the bus fixed. WEll, not really. The bus wasnát ready, so we started walking - about a kiometer. The bus still wasnt ready, so we stopped and had a latte or whatever. Then the bus still wasnt ready, so we walked some more.
Finally the bus ot fixed and picked us up, and then we were 2 hours late due to traffic to a Methodist church. We had the biggest pzzas I ever saw, read the resurecction story in íhungarian and english, did a skit (If íI werenát a Christian...). Then small group talked about Easter indifferent cultures.
Then the REAL adventure started. We were supposed to see Budapest at night, and man, did we! It was 9:3ö by this time and we got on the bus, and it literally died on the spot. AFter trying to fix it, we actuallz walked a little waz, got on the bus, walked some more across the danube at night and saw the parliament and castle - a beautiful sight'. Then got on bus number 2, rode some more, switched to bus number 3, walked some more and got to the hostel where we are now at almost midnight.
What a day! God is good, all the time. A wonderful adventure and we got to spend some good quality time together.
Tomorrow is more Budapest - who knows what God has in store.
Thanks for praying.
ISTEN ÁLDJON!
God Bless!
Carl and all.
Please pray for good health, as some of our team have minor colds. We are thankful we have Barb our nurse.
What an adventurous day!
We left bright and early on a bus trip. The bus trip from heck (a tiny little division of ... well you know where).
The driver trained in Japan in WWII - a kamikaze. Well, he wasnt so bad, but his bus was a nightmare.
We went to the Hostel. Traffic in Budapest is worse than NYC - really! We are talking serious gridlock. So, we get to the hostel almost 2 hours late and then start a bus tour of Budapest that turned into a walking tour. We got almost to the first stop at hero's square, and the bus died in the middle of the street, literally in the middle of the street. The driver asked us for strong young men to push the bus to get it going. We did. Film at 11.
We looked around heroes square while the driver got the bus fixed. WEll, not really. The bus wasnát ready, so we started walking - about a kiometer. The bus still wasnt ready, so we stopped and had a latte or whatever. Then the bus still wasnt ready, so we walked some more.
Finally the bus ot fixed and picked us up, and then we were 2 hours late due to traffic to a Methodist church. We had the biggest pzzas I ever saw, read the resurecction story in íhungarian and english, did a skit (If íI werenát a Christian...). Then small group talked about Easter indifferent cultures.
Then the REAL adventure started. We were supposed to see Budapest at night, and man, did we! It was 9:3ö by this time and we got on the bus, and it literally died on the spot. AFter trying to fix it, we actuallz walked a little waz, got on the bus, walked some more across the danube at night and saw the parliament and castle - a beautiful sight'. Then got on bus number 2, rode some more, switched to bus number 3, walked some more and got to the hostel where we are now at almost midnight.
What a day! God is good, all the time. A wonderful adventure and we got to spend some good quality time together.
Tomorrow is more Budapest - who knows what God has in store.
Thanks for praying.
ISTEN ÁLDJON!
God Bless!
Carl and all.
Please pray for good health, as some of our team have minor colds. We are thankful we have Barb our nurse.
Wednesday
We were planning on going to the castle ruins today, but the weather was cold and some rain so we changed plans, again, for the umpteenth time.
We went horseback riding. Even Carl (me) rode on the horse, but after the horse groaned, no one else could ride-(just kidding).
Then we went down to Hungary street, ate dinner at a cafeteria, and then split up. Shopping! Basketball! And a trip to the hot mineral spring spa. Be sure to ask Carl (or anyone) about his adventure there - not for public consumption on the internet.
Then back to our hosts home to prepare for the American Team dinner.
The dinner was wonderful - we had much Hungarian food (so what's new - we need the name of the trip to the Hungarian Food Tour.) We all shared about the meaning of the trip - be sure to ask anyone and everyone about what they shared. We were joined by John O, Freddy, Sam and Adam from Atlantic Bridge.
posted Thursday night 23:4ö
We went horseback riding. Even Carl (me) rode on the horse, but after the horse groaned, no one else could ride-(just kidding).
Then we went down to Hungary street, ate dinner at a cafeteria, and then split up. Shopping! Basketball! And a trip to the hot mineral spring spa. Be sure to ask Carl (or anyone) about his adventure there - not for public consumption on the internet.
Then back to our hosts home to prepare for the American Team dinner.
The dinner was wonderful - we had much Hungarian food (so what's new - we need the name of the trip to the Hungarian Food Tour.) We all shared about the meaning of the trip - be sure to ask anyone and everyone about what they shared. We were joined by John O, Freddy, Sam and Adam from Atlantic Bridge.
posted Thursday night 23:4ö
Wdnesday
Tuesday Afternoon
Hi everyone-
Finally found some time to post. We are in the hostel in Budapest and have many adventures to tell you about.
Tuesday afternoon we completed our classroom lessons and then had a cultural exchange. First was a quiz for both the íhungarians and the Americans - both groups of students had to answer questions about the other's culture and geography. The íhungarians got 1öö%, we don't know what the Americans did.ű
We had a demonstration of Hungarian folk dancing, slap dancing, then everyone did the bunny hop - not called that by the Hungarians, but it was the same thing.
We also had a great demonstration of hip-hop dancing and modern dance.
Then a couple of skits - one about prejudice and one that was particularly hilarious about a French restaurant with an Italian name, a German manager with a Greek name and a Spanish classical guitarist. A fun time was had by all.
Then we had a name the mystery Hungarian food contest, blindfolded by the American crew - we all got a taste, and it was great. Diana says, "Gee Whiz, it was swell." Home to host families for dinner and conversation.
posted Thursday night 11:27.
Finally found some time to post. We are in the hostel in Budapest and have many adventures to tell you about.
Tuesday afternoon we completed our classroom lessons and then had a cultural exchange. First was a quiz for both the íhungarians and the Americans - both groups of students had to answer questions about the other's culture and geography. The íhungarians got 1öö%, we don't know what the Americans did.ű
We had a demonstration of Hungarian folk dancing, slap dancing, then everyone did the bunny hop - not called that by the Hungarians, but it was the same thing.
We also had a great demonstration of hip-hop dancing and modern dance.
Then a couple of skits - one about prejudice and one that was particularly hilarious about a French restaurant with an Italian name, a German manager with a Greek name and a Spanish classical guitarist. A fun time was had by all.
Then we had a name the mystery Hungarian food contest, blindfolded by the American crew - we all got a taste, and it was great. Diana says, "Gee Whiz, it was swell." Home to host families for dinner and conversation.
posted Thursday night 11:27.
Note from Jackie
Dear Family and Friends, This is Jackie checking in with all of you. God is good and we are all doing well. I want to let you know how proud you can be of this team you have sent to Hungary! They have been awesome!! They are a blessing! The lessons taught by the younger members of the team have been well-received by the Hungarian students. (We have no weak links - each class and each of our teens and young adults are amazing in the classroom!) The adults have been everywhere at the right time and making this team run smoothly. We are all building relationships with our hosts. This morning we shared amazing moments and how we could see God working and all the hands kept going up. We are all being very well cared for our extremely hospitable new friends. God is working and seeds are being planted. Keep those prayers coming! Love, Jackie
Hi everyone is fine - we have not had internet connection for a couple days, so there have been no posts
everything is going wonderful - lots of stuff happening God stuff and other stuff - friendships are being solidified, questions about God are numerous the kids are the best evangelists we have - they are doing wonderful.
Wish I could write more, but we are leaving now to sightsee in Budapest, will not be back until minight, so you may not have another note for a day or too.
got to go love you all
everything is going wonderful - lots of stuff happening God stuff and other stuff - friendships are being solidified, questions about God are numerous the kids are the best evangelists we have - they are doing wonderful.
Wish I could write more, but we are leaving now to sightsee in Budapest, will not be back until minight, so you may not have another note for a day or too.
got to go love you all
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Be sure to check out other photos at http://community.webshots.com/album/548518876RYIehX
More Photos
Tuesday Morning
Had a great time yesterday with the arts and crafts. The schedule is constantly changing, but not as bad as it did in Holland. Today we have classes for 5 periods, then a quiz show Americans vs. Hungarians. Later, we have a surprise planned for us by the Hungarians, and we can't get anyone to talk to us about it.
Tomorrow we had planned to hike in the mountains, but the weather is going to be bad, so that plan has changed - we're going to go horseback riding inside a stable.
Weather today is gray, chilly (about 45), and some rain.
We've had many blessings along the way - most everyone seems to be connected to their hosts. Some of the girls have had amazing conversations - Dana taught her host "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and was taught a very long hungarian word that I can't even begin to say, much less write. Some of the guys played basketball yesterday, and they remarked at how sportsmenlike the Hungarians were, unlike Americans.
One thing that seems to be universal is the amount of food we've been given. I'll give you my menu from yesterday which is typical of what I've heard from everyone else.
For breakfast, they asked us what we wanted, and we said cereal is fine, and that we like orange juice. When we get to breakfast, they have the cereal (and warm milk - still trying to get used to that), and they ask me if I'd like a sandwich. I said sure. 5 minutes later, I got TWO grilled bologna and cheese sandwiches. Then they made a sandwich with sausage, cheese, and pepper for a "snack" at school (they have no lunch break they go striaght through from 7:30 to 2:05). Well, we were busy, and never really ate the snack, but they were going to take us to the restaurant for lunch (in addition to the snack). We politely refused. Then for dinner, we went into town to get a "hamburger" which was actually chicken, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, onions and only gosh knows what else was on it. And it was HUGE! Not what I expected when we told them we wanted a hamburger, but it was very good! It was actually a traditional Greek meal - we go to Austria and ate mostly Italian, now we come to Hungary and eat Greek - go figure. And our story is very similar to everyone else.
I was in the Hacky Sack class earlier today, and now I am in Potpourri - we are playing "Whisper Down the Lane" that's when you whisper a secret to the first one in line, then whisper it to the next person in line or "down the lane" - it usually gets all messed up, and that's the fun of it. As usual, Sarah picked on me and whispered the secret "Carl fought dinosaurs for food."
We're all having a blast, and we can see that a lot of people are checking the website. We covet your prayers and are so thankful for the support you have already shown us. We are planting seeds, and God is going to work miracles.
Blessings from Mosonmagyarovar!
posted Tuesday 11:10 am
Tomorrow we had planned to hike in the mountains, but the weather is going to be bad, so that plan has changed - we're going to go horseback riding inside a stable.
Weather today is gray, chilly (about 45), and some rain.
We've had many blessings along the way - most everyone seems to be connected to their hosts. Some of the girls have had amazing conversations - Dana taught her host "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and was taught a very long hungarian word that I can't even begin to say, much less write. Some of the guys played basketball yesterday, and they remarked at how sportsmenlike the Hungarians were, unlike Americans.
One thing that seems to be universal is the amount of food we've been given. I'll give you my menu from yesterday which is typical of what I've heard from everyone else.
For breakfast, they asked us what we wanted, and we said cereal is fine, and that we like orange juice. When we get to breakfast, they have the cereal (and warm milk - still trying to get used to that), and they ask me if I'd like a sandwich. I said sure. 5 minutes later, I got TWO grilled bologna and cheese sandwiches. Then they made a sandwich with sausage, cheese, and pepper for a "snack" at school (they have no lunch break they go striaght through from 7:30 to 2:05). Well, we were busy, and never really ate the snack, but they were going to take us to the restaurant for lunch (in addition to the snack). We politely refused. Then for dinner, we went into town to get a "hamburger" which was actually chicken, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, onions and only gosh knows what else was on it. And it was HUGE! Not what I expected when we told them we wanted a hamburger, but it was very good! It was actually a traditional Greek meal - we go to Austria and ate mostly Italian, now we come to Hungary and eat Greek - go figure. And our story is very similar to everyone else.
I was in the Hacky Sack class earlier today, and now I am in Potpourri - we are playing "Whisper Down the Lane" that's when you whisper a secret to the first one in line, then whisper it to the next person in line or "down the lane" - it usually gets all messed up, and that's the fun of it. As usual, Sarah picked on me and whispered the secret "Carl fought dinosaurs for food."
We're all having a blast, and we can see that a lot of people are checking the website. We covet your prayers and are so thankful for the support you have already shown us. We are planting seeds, and God is going to work miracles.
Blessings from Mosonmagyarovar!
posted Tuesday 11:10 am
Monday, April 10, 2006
Mystery Missionary
Monday Afternoon - time to see the city!
After classes and a quick lunch, we broke into groups of 4 or so, with our hosts, and we did a scavenger hunt about the city of Mosonmagyarovar: How many optic shops on the main street? What year was the ice cream parlor founded? What color was it? How many swings on the playground? How many entrances to the castle? Great fun and a really nice walk. Some walked farther than others - waaaaay farther - a couple miles, and some of us cheated and just walked a little way. The ice cream was fantastic, and I think most groups bought some. Not Dairy Queen, not Baskin Robbins, but a mixture of the two - many, many, many flavors, and a very creamy consistency!
We're back now at the school making Easter bunnies and coloring easter eggs. After this, we go to dinner with our hosts, and then collapse in our beds to rest up for tomorrow's whirlwind of more classes and who knows what - check out the itinerary - we actually follow some of it!
The kids are really connecting with their hosts and others, and I (Carl) had a chance to talk about God and religion with one of the Hungarian girls.
Nancy has posted some photos - click on the photo link at the top of the BLOG. I'm going to try to post some of mine here.
Keep those cards and letters coming, folks! We'd love to hear from all of you - click to leave a comment, or send us an email to hungarytrip@comcast.net
Blessings!
Carl
Posted Monday 6:27 pm
We're back now at the school making Easter bunnies and coloring easter eggs. After this, we go to dinner with our hosts, and then collapse in our beds to rest up for tomorrow's whirlwind of more classes and who knows what - check out the itinerary - we actually follow some of it!
The kids are really connecting with their hosts and others, and I (Carl) had a chance to talk about God and religion with one of the Hungarian girls.
Nancy has posted some photos - click on the photo link at the top of the BLOG. I'm going to try to post some of mine here.
Keep those cards and letters coming, folks! We'd love to hear from all of you - click to leave a comment, or send us an email to hungarytrip@comcast.net
Blessings!
Carl
Posted Monday 6:27 pm
Monday morning - time to go to school!
We all met really, really early, for school. There was a lot of chatter as we all exchanged notes on how wonderful our hosts were - most of the comments were about the food! They keep stuffing us with wonderful food - and so much of it. Most of us had some sort of soup and a meat dish last night - far more than we can eat. This morning we had cereal and ham and cheese sandwiches - they are big into sandwiches here. Then they made sandwiches for us to take to school to eat during breaks - they have no lunch break. Our hosts (Barbara, Carl, and Nancy) made us sandwiches for snacks, AND they were going to take us to lunch after school - and our teacher hosts brought us snacks during the day. Too much food!
We met in the library, Rich prayed for us, we watched a movie about Hungary, then broke up and went to our classes. The first classes were shortened for some reason, and things started a little slow, but as the day progressed, the Hungarians got less shy and started asking more questions. We discovered a method to get them talking about things by splitting them into small groups and asking them to write down the questions - they apparently feel more comfortable with their English by writing it down. I can hardly believe that the day is already over - we have some other activities this afternoon, and I will try to upload some photos.
Blessings!
posted Monday 2:06 pm.
We met in the library, Rich prayed for us, we watched a movie about Hungary, then broke up and went to our classes. The first classes were shortened for some reason, and things started a little slow, but as the day progressed, the Hungarians got less shy and started asking more questions. We discovered a method to get them talking about things by splitting them into small groups and asking them to write down the questions - they apparently feel more comfortable with their English by writing it down. I can hardly believe that the day is already over - we have some other activities this afternoon, and I will try to upload some photos.
Blessings!
posted Monday 2:06 pm.
Sunday - meeting the Hungarians
We arrived in Mosonmagyarovar about 4 PM at the town cultural center. We were actually in a cellar - sort of like a catacomb, maybe a wine cellar - it was really cool. It was a little quiet at first - the Hungarians sat at one end of the room, the Americans at the other. The Hungarian girls sang a song about friendship, and things got a little easier. They had snacks for us - outstanding food - they are stuffing us with wonderful baked goods and great food. More about that later.
We then played some games to get us matched up. Each person had to draw pictures to describe themselves - what they liked, about their hobbies and such. Each of the hosts and our kids had been told a little about one another, and so we each tried to pick out the pictures that represented their partner. We had several matches - some were easy, like Diana and her partner both play the flute, and each of them had drawn a flute.
Then we played a silly game where partners walked down the middle of two lines of people who tried to make them laughed.
Finally, we played a game similar to speed dating. Hungarians lined up on one side of a table, and the Americans on the other. Then you spoke to the person opposite you for 1 minute to learn as much as you could about them, and then you switched. It was a great way to meet a lot of people in a short period time.
Then we cleaned up the room and we had organized chaos as everyone gathered their luggage and left with their host families. Hugs all around, as the kids (and adults) were a little nervous to be going off by themselves, but it was all good stuff.
thanks for reading, and thanks for the emails.
Blessings from Hungary!
posted Monday 1:50 pm
We then played some games to get us matched up. Each person had to draw pictures to describe themselves - what they liked, about their hobbies and such. Each of the hosts and our kids had been told a little about one another, and so we each tried to pick out the pictures that represented their partner. We had several matches - some were easy, like Diana and her partner both play the flute, and each of them had drawn a flute.
Then we played a silly game where partners walked down the middle of two lines of people who tried to make them laughed.
Finally, we played a game similar to speed dating. Hungarians lined up on one side of a table, and the Americans on the other. Then you spoke to the person opposite you for 1 minute to learn as much as you could about them, and then you switched. It was a great way to meet a lot of people in a short period time.
Then we cleaned up the room and we had organized chaos as everyone gathered their luggage and left with their host families. Hugs all around, as the kids (and adults) were a little nervous to be going off by themselves, but it was all good stuff.
thanks for reading, and thanks for the emails.
Blessings from Hungary!
posted Monday 1:50 pm
Our Sunday afternoon
Hi everyone!
We finally got connected, for real. High speed wireless is available at the school. I don't even know if it is the school's or someone else's, but it's working, and I'll take it.
I last wrote yesterday morning. We had a short meeting to check where we are and then we went to church at the English speaking United Methodist Church of Vienna. We were recognized in the service - Jackie shared, and Alex shared. The church was nice enough to make us lunch - we had soup and sandwiches and some great fellowship. The church is international in scope - over 30 different nations are represented, and God and English bring them together.
After lunch, we met up with some other Atlantic Bridge folks and discussed our purpose on the trip. Joining us are John Oostdyk, the president and founder of Atlantic Bridge. We also are working with Freddy, a Christian singer from England who travels around Europe speaking in high schools about sharing. Travelling with him (and us) are Sam and Adam from Connecticut.
We then prayed about our trip, and loaded up the bus for the drive to Mosonmagyarovar. Once we got out of the city, we travelled through farm lands, rolling hills, beautiful countryside. The road was good - like an Interstate. I was particularly interested in the windmills - we saw maybe 1,000 electric generator windmills scattered in the farm land. Lots of small villages in the distance.
posted 1:17 Monday afternoon.
We finally got connected, for real. High speed wireless is available at the school. I don't even know if it is the school's or someone else's, but it's working, and I'll take it.
I last wrote yesterday morning. We had a short meeting to check where we are and then we went to church at the English speaking United Methodist Church of Vienna. We were recognized in the service - Jackie shared, and Alex shared. The church was nice enough to make us lunch - we had soup and sandwiches and some great fellowship. The church is international in scope - over 30 different nations are represented, and God and English bring them together.
After lunch, we met up with some other Atlantic Bridge folks and discussed our purpose on the trip. Joining us are John Oostdyk, the president and founder of Atlantic Bridge. We also are working with Freddy, a Christian singer from England who travels around Europe speaking in high schools about sharing. Travelling with him (and us) are Sam and Adam from Connecticut.
We then prayed about our trip, and loaded up the bus for the drive to Mosonmagyarovar. Once we got out of the city, we travelled through farm lands, rolling hills, beautiful countryside. The road was good - like an Interstate. I was particularly interested in the windmills - we saw maybe 1,000 electric generator windmills scattered in the farm land. Lots of small villages in the distance.
posted 1:17 Monday afternoon.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Sunday Morning 10 am CEST
Hi All-
Busy busy day yesterday. We got up, walked to the YMCA for training.
We heard from Jochen, who works at the YMCA.
Anett, an elementary teacher from Mosonmagyarovar told us about her home, and family life. An interesting fact is that women get 3 years of leave after having a baby, earning 7% of their normal salary from the government.
We also learned which language would be spoken in heaven - the answer is Hungarian - because it takes an eternity to learn.
We also heard from Jeremy from Houston who works for Campus Crusade in Budapest. He told us some Hungarian history He also brought Gabor, a Hungarian teen who shared a little with us.
We all split up yesterday afternoon and went sightseeing - gorgeous architecture, buggy rides, an art museum.
Then a late dinner where we celebrated Vienna, and Dana's birthday. Got home late.
Four of us got up and went to Mass at St. Stephen's, we think 500 year old church.
more later when we can get to the Internet
Busy busy day yesterday. We got up, walked to the YMCA for training.
We heard from Jochen, who works at the YMCA.
Anett, an elementary teacher from Mosonmagyarovar told us about her home, and family life. An interesting fact is that women get 3 years of leave after having a baby, earning 7% of their normal salary from the government.
We also learned which language would be spoken in heaven - the answer is Hungarian - because it takes an eternity to learn.
We also heard from Jeremy from Houston who works for Campus Crusade in Budapest. He told us some Hungarian history He also brought Gabor, a Hungarian teen who shared a little with us.
We all split up yesterday afternoon and went sightseeing - gorgeous architecture, buggy rides, an art museum.
Then a late dinner where we celebrated Vienna, and Dana's birthday. Got home late.
Four of us got up and went to Mass at St. Stephen's, we think 500 year old church.
more later when we can get to the Internet
Friday, April 07, 2006
Heathrow, Friday 8 am GMT
Someone stole our night. Hopefully, we'll find it again next week.
We're waiting for our flight to Vienna. We flew on a Boeing 777 back in the cattle car.We haven't lost anzone zet, except mayzbe for some of the adults who wondered off by themselves, but they were severly chastised. We also had to take a bus from the plane to the terminal, and wound up on 3 different busses... Then we had to go through security again. Somehow, British Airways had assigned us a block of seats, but since we all checked in at different agents to check our bags, we didn't all wind up in the block.
Heathrow airport is interesting - it actually is a shopping center in amongst the gates. They took american dollars - boy did they! Two 10 ounce cokes with about 2 cubes of ice each cost me 7 bucks - high even for an airport.
Everyone is still in good spirits, but very tired.
Everyone said "Hi America"
______________________
Vienna, a few hours later. 7 pm Central European
Took another bus to the terminal. Got our passports stamped, got all our luggage but were missing the guitars. They had somehow found their way to the "bulky" luggage section. And we left a camera on the first plane, and we're still trying to track that down.
Had a minor glitch - our Atlantic Bridge contact said she couldn't get a bus, so hired 3 (count 'em 3) taxis for 21 people and about 60 bags. We thought we'd never fit, but they were BIG taxis and handled us fine. Traffic was a mess, and we finaly made it to the hostel about 4. Got settled and then took the subwaz to St. Stephen's, the center of town, a 13th century cathedral. We lit a candle for everyone prazing for us. Gorgeous. Ever try to ride the subway with 21 people during rush hour? What an adventure.
After we saw the cathedral, we split into 3 groups for dinner, shopping, sight seeing, and get back to the hostel. Everyone is ready for bed... For some of us, it still seems like Thursday.
Thanks everyone for the prayers!
Carl, aka Papa Smurf
Haven't figured out how to upload pictures yet - still working on that.
Someone stole our night. Hopefully, we'll find it again next week.
We're waiting for our flight to Vienna. We flew on a Boeing 777 back in the cattle car.
Heathrow airport is interesting - it actually is a shopping center in amongst the gates. They took american dollars - boy did they! Two 10 ounce cokes with about 2 cubes of ice each cost me 7 bucks - high even for an airport.
Everyone is still in good spirits, but very tired.
Everyone said "Hi America"
______________________
Vienna, a few hours later. 7 pm Central European
Took another bus to the terminal. Got our passports stamped, got all our luggage but were missing the guitars. They had somehow found their way to the "bulky" luggage section. And we left a camera on the first plane, and we're still trying to track that down.
Had a minor glitch - our Atlantic Bridge contact said she couldn't get a bus, so hired 3 (count 'em 3) taxis for 21 people and about 60 bags. We thought we'd never fit, but they were BIG taxis and handled us fine. Traffic was a mess, and we finaly made it to the hostel about 4. Got settled and then took the subwaz to St. Stephen's, the center of town, a 13th century cathedral. We lit a candle for everyone prazing for us. Gorgeous. Ever try to ride the subway with 21 people during rush hour? What an adventure.
After we saw the cathedral, we split into 3 groups for dinner, shopping, sight seeing, and get back to the hostel. Everyone is ready for bed... For some of us, it still seems like Thursday.
Thanks everyone for the prayers!
Carl, aka Papa Smurf
Haven't figured out how to upload pictures yet - still working on that.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Weather Report for Hungary
Here's the long term weather forecast for our trip, conditions, Hi/Overnight Lo
Vienna
Friday Sunny 51/32
Saturday Sunny 59/34
Sunday Cloudy 62/41
Mosonmagyarovar
Monday Cloudy 66/46
Tuesday Rain 57/42
Wednesday Rain 58/40
Budapest
Thursday Cloudy 56/40
Friday Cloudy 56/38
Carl
Thot for the day:
“Any sufficiently developed technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
Arthur C. Clarke, author of 2001: A Space Odyssey
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Hungary Dedication Service and Team Meeting Tomorrow
Hi Gang,
Daylight savings tonight. Spring forward one hour. Be in fellowship hall at 10:45 am to get your tee and hoodie to wear in the service.
The meeting will be as short as possible. PLEASE do not detour to buy food, heat up food, etc. Bring your meal with you and be ready to start right after the service. I hope to have you all out at 1pm if not sooner.
Remember your lollipop money.
Remember to bring what you need packed in the extra suitcases.
See you tomorrow.
Love, Jackie
