Today was yet another great day in the city of Budapest, Hungary. It was in the 90’s, which for most would be a bad thing, but for our team was great because we spent the afternoon at the pool. It was so refreshing to be in a cold pool on a warm day and to be able to get more connected with the kids. We raced downs slides, splashed, and dunked each other all afternoon. We also had an epic pick-up game of soccer, and the US (led by yours truly) won 2-1 against the Hungarian National Team.
I know it sounds like we are just having a lot of fun, but we are doing lots of work. Things have been going better and better in our English classes and the students have begun to become more active in our classrooms.
One of the coolest things for me to see today was at the end of the day. Camp went 3 hours longer than it normally does, so we came back from the pool and ate dinner with the kids and then had a little time to play a game. We played until 7 o’clock, but when we announced that kids could leave if they want, no one moved. It was so cool to see that the kids wanted to stay around and hang out with us. It shows that God is truly using us as examples to them.
I would ask that all of you to continue to pray that God would be using each of us to minister to these kids, whether we can actually talk to them, or just show them through our actions. I would also ask that you pray for our chapel time, where the kids are presented with Christ, in most cases for the first time. They each are have a small group so please pray that they continue to learn more about God and continue to ask questions.
- Love the best kid on the trip (and the humblest),
Dillon Mack
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
English Camp - Day 3
Hello All!
It has been another fabulous day in the beautiful city of Budapest. I feel like we are starting to fall into a routine: teaching English in the mornings, developing relationships with the Hungarian kids in the afternoon, dinner out with our team in the evening, and considerable amounts of laughter before bed.
Speaking for the intermediate class teachers: Jason, Katie, and myself, today was the first day that it felt like we knew what we were doing. We are getting to know our students, beginning to understand their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. All of this has helped us in developing lesson plans and activities. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our class was without an interpreter today. While this was anxiety producing for me, I was also able to see God's sovereignty in action. Every single thing in class worked out perfectly today. The kids understood our directions, we understood their questions, and I think we all had a good time doing it!
It has been exciting to see the relationships developing so quickly between our students and the Hungarian kids. The love of Christ is shining so clearly through our team, and it is really exciting to see that happen.
Tomorrow we are off to the pool in the afternoon, it will be an extra long day. Please be praying for strength for the team so we can finish our first week strong!
Lots of love to my family, I miss you all like crazy!
In Him,
Mindy
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
English Camp - Day 2
Hello avid readers,
Something that has remained in my mind from Friday morning is how crazy this all is. I still cannot believe it is all happening. Its something I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of and it is simultaneously the greatest and most challenging time of my life so far. It goes without saying that God has chosen the exact people he needs for this plan and He is going to fulfill it. And then some.
Day one tested our nerves to what I saw as a new level for all of us. Meeting a bunch of new people in a short amount of time is a crucible for some, exhilarating for others. But add in a language barrier and the scenario is heightened. To my surprise, however, many of the teens spoke comprehendable English. I was able to have relatively fluid exchanges with most who I met. Above all else, body language coveys the strongest message and a smile was what everyone shared instantly. I was stunned to sense a seemingly instant bond that had birthed and was growing rapidly. It felt like dozens, if not all of the kids came with open ears and minds primed to learn English. The first lesson went so well that my group ended up with more than enough material. I think the classic condition of the Americans anticipating the Hungarians and the flip side played to everyone's advantage. The first day also illustrated the timeless lesson of nothing is ever truly how it seems.
Day two proved steady yet considerable growth from Day one was at work. Acquaintances had already been made and friendships were well on their way. I have established some solid foundations as well. Sometimes it seems like all you need to begin a friendship is a common interest or the mutual appreciation of a joke.
Everything from games, to the classroom, meals, singing, discussions, and good ol inside jokes have been more than enjoyable. God has answered so many prayers and He continues to stump me with His sovereignty. No trip is perfect, but things are honestly so good I'm having a hard time describing it all. My thoughts are paced at light speed so hopefully I remembered everything I wanted to mention.
Thank you so much for reading this, thank you for supporting our trip - without you it wouldn't have commenced - and thank God for all He has done and is doing and will do.
Yours Truly,
Bradley 'Stanley' Johnson
P.S.
"If everything's relative, then why the emptiness, in our souls?
Trying to untie, the knot, we thought we were untying, our entire lives, we're busied up and burnt out.
For we are known by what we seek."
Monday, July 19, 2010
English Camp Day Camp! :)
Hola!
Hungary is a beautiful place and the team and I have had a chance to explore Budapest the past few days!
More importantly, today was the first day of camp! I have the privilege of working with Sharon and Dillon *cough* (mission trip magic) *cough* in the beginner class. Bahaha... anyways, our first day with our campers was great! We started out with introducing ourselves with many of the Hungarian teens and then transitioned to playing the NINJA game, which was a big hit! During the English lesson later, our topic was family, so our class played games and did activities that helped improve their English. Although the task of teaching beginners is very challenging, Sharon and Dillon are great co-leaders and we all work well together. Our ultimate goal is to share Christ with the teens and glorify Christ with our words and actions. Overall, today was a very successful day, sometimes a little rough with a language barrier, but the whole team developed valuable relationships with many of the kids.
It's amazing to see how God plans every moment for His glory, even of we may thing we mess up, He is so gracious and His love is so visible at camp. It is also very humbling to realize that I am a very small part of His huge plan. I'm psyched to see what He's going to do in the next two weeks!
Love you Mom, Dad, Jackie and Marie! and I miss you all! xoxo
Emily
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Finally over the jetlag...
Today was orientation at the church for working the summer camp, and I'm so incredibly excited to start serving tomorrow! Brad and I are paired together for the advanced group, so that should be a fun. Definitely a little scared, though. But anxious at the same time to get started.
I think the biggest challenge for all of us so far has been the jetlag. It was brutal, to say the least. but close behind is the heat. Apparently this summer has been recorded as one of the hottest in Europe's history (of course) but it was cool and breezy today, so that was very much appreciated.
The best part so far is the food. Our first meal here was cold cherry soup, a very common summer meal here, and it was reeeeeeeeally good. I'm predicting the gain of a few pounds here. :)
Serving starts tomorrow and I don't know about the rest of the team, but I'm a little nervous for the first day. Pray for us! I miss everyone!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
We're here!
Hello Family & Friends!
I'm happy to let you know that we've arrived safe and sound here in Budapest, Hungary.
We had good flights from O'Hare to Brussels and then Brussels to Budapest.
With the 7 hour time difference, we are certainly feeling a bit out of sorts physically.
Most everyone is calling it a day and heading to bed around 8pm tonight, and hopefully we'll be on track with Budapest time beginning tomorrow (Sunday).
But even with adjusting to our new time zone, we've still had a great day getting to see where we'll be living and serving the next two weeks and getting to see some sights around Budapest.
The picture above is at a famous statue called, "Anonymous", that is downtown inside a castle.
Tomorrow we visit the international church, go through orientation for English Camp, and make our final preparations for our first day of teaching!
Thank you for your prayers - we are so grateful for them and in need of them!
In Christ's love,
Tom
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