I have a reason to sing…
I’ve been listenting to a lot of Brooke Fraser lately, in particular the Hillsong song, “The Desert Song,” because of the lyrics. ( http://www.6lyrics.com/music/hillsong/lyrics/desert_song4.aspx )No matter what’s going on in our lives, we still serve a good God. :) We always have reason to worship him.
I finished my language training! And considering that 2 weeks ago I honestly thought I might have to quit because I felt so far behind, I never would have thought I would finish on top…. I got the equivalent of an A on the final exam! I am truly thankful that God helped me persevere. Going through this language school was such a good experience for me in more ways than one. This past week was bittersweet, I was relieved to finish this intense course, but sad that I will no longer be seeing my new friends on a daily basis. But to be honest, this week was a huge breath of fresh air compared to the week before.
The week prior I was on an intense emotional roller coaster!!!! Having been here nearly a month I was at the point of severely missing my loved ones back home, and the familiar comforts I was used to.
I began to feel extremely isolated. I felt isolated from my loved ones back home (obviously… they’re thousands of miles away, and without the internet, it was very difficult to contact them), the other missionaries here (being in language school I wasn’t seeing other OMers nearly as often as I will be now), and everyone else I encountered (because of the language barrier). For instance, I was already having a rough day because I felt like I was failing language school, and I wasn’t able to get in touch with the people I care most about, it was cold and rainy out, my feet were numb, and all I wanted to do was go home and go to bed. (at 4 in the afternoon), and then I realized i couldn’t even go into a McDonalds and order one of my MAIN comfort foods because I haven’t learned how to say ‘ice-cream” yet…. It was all I could do to not cry the entire bus ride home. And I knooooooow there are kids starving in Africa, and I’m crying because I can’t get some ice-cream?!?! It sounds ridiculous, and it is, but in the moment, I honestly felt like giving up and coming home. Thankfully, each day has gotten better and better since then. I have a renewed sense of curiosity, excitement about being here, and confidence that I’m right where God wants me.
So enough about the gushy stuff.
What have I actually been DOING?
•Language school, Mon-Fri for 4 hours, and then approximately 2 hours of homework/ studying. In addition to that, I have been exploring this city and figuring out how to get around.
•Every Wednesday I help out at a local ‘Bazzarre,’ and old house that’s been transformed into a center where people can get clothing and other things they need for EXTREMELY cheap (almost free). There a couple people I want to mention: Páli Bácsi, an older man who lives down the street who comes in EVERY week, and tries to get something for free (…everyone that comes every week tries to get something for free ) the last couple weeks we’ve been communicating without language. This week he brought me a couple presents…. He made me a lamp shade, and a picture of Jesus in a hand made frame. You should see them. They’re so cute. (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31289275&l=33dfd&id=58300392 ) Another lady is Olga. She comes in every week for free stuff as well. She collects blankets and large clothing to burn as fuel because she can’t afford to heat her home. She wants me to teach her English, and every week she comes in and uses all of her English vocab with me (which consists of about 5 words). She is quite the spitfire.
•3 days ago I helped out at a local school. We taught an English lesson, played some games, led a little worship, and did a bible study and activity. It was SO MUCH FUN. There were 5 little girls extremely eager to learn from us and play with us. It was the first time I’ve had the chance to work with kids, and it reminded me how much I love it :)
•I found an English speaking bible study, and a church! (http://www.golgotabudapest.hu/index.php?lang=en) I will attend both when I’m not on the road, I met a group of girls who are my age who teach at the International Christian School of Budapest. I really hope to build friendships with these girls.
•Last weekend I helped out at a drama/ pantomime conference outside of Budapest. I had the privelage of watching local groups who use drama/ pantomime as a ministry tool. I was able to make connections with others who are skilled and trained in this area, which was FABULOUS! These are such great tools to use to captivate a large variety of people, and can be effective regardless of language.
•Today I helped out at a conference dedicated to train and educate others about the bus4life ministry. One thing I have learned to love about OM is that they emphasize that missionaries must train and equip local believers to step up and serve/ disciple in their own community. So today I got to meet with a bunch of people from around Budapest who are interested in helping out with local bus outreaches. I loved it.
•In my free time I’ve spent a lot of time with my friends from language school, having dinner in one another’s homes and exploring the city together.
What’s next on the agenda:
•Road trip to Germany for a couple days to pick up supplies. I’m so excited!
•On March 15 I leave for Romania for 2.5 weeks! Jill, Ego, and I will be partnering with OM Romania and a bunch of rural churches doing a variety of things. I don’t know many more details than that…. Haha…. OM doesn’t seem to know the details of outreaches until the day before we leave.
