Every tongue and tribe and nation

     Vásárnap este is the Sunday night service at Calvary Chapel Budapest. From time to time, the service is quiet, unplugged, candlelit as young Hungarians--a new generation of believers--worship together.

     Click the link to hear a familiar song in a strange language that reminds us that one day every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

From the Midwest to Central Europe to the ends of the earth!

Man and Wife

Part Two.

Five years ago, I attended a wedding here in Hungary as a contented, single woman. I saw the value of a life in which marriage was given up "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven", in which--for me--my kids would be found in my classroom and my family would be of the eternal sort. I even made a joke about not coming to Hungary to get married.

 I still do brazenly tell my students to seek God's best instead of automatically asssuming and seeking a married life, but now I can add a bit more grace and understanding for those who hope for marriage. Now, I'm married, myself.

Shocking, but true! Eric and I are into month five of married life and see already how God uses not only the single people but also the married ones to live bold lives of faith "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven". My heart of hidden selfcenteredness shows up more clearly in marriage; my pride rears its head as I live in such close fellowship. But bringing such sin into the light is a relief and a challenge. There will be eternal ramifications and rewards for this life as well as results in the meantime.  I'm learning to love my classroom kids in wiser and deeper ways, and now I get to love my husband, too.

God is using marriage to change my heart.

This growth is a marvelous gift to me as I see more clearly that things "for the sake of the kingdom" are all for God's glory and also my good.  I get to benefit from God's goodness and his kingdom work.

These thoughts are still in formation as this life stage is quite new and frenzied, but I wanted to let you know that I am loving being "man and wife".

Bridal Shower

The ladies of ICSB and the surrounding community amaze me. Last night, the middle school principal and the school director's wife hosted an "Around the Clock" bridal shower for me, and 40 people came. On a school night. For two hours. They brought with them the encouragement and love of four years, as well as gifts, laughter, and prayer. It was quite a night!

Eric stopped by to load all the loot into the car and couldn't help but make lots of shower jokes. Even today at school, he's thanking everyone for all the soap. In spite of showers being oddities to men, he, too, is so grateful for the ladies' generosity and amazed at the strong turn out.

Thanks, dear Budapest friends! I'm certainly feeling more bridal.

With love and gratitude,

"You don't have to pay."

Simultaneous generosity from a new landlord and failure with a student taught me about grace that is costly and free.

First, as Eric moved into what will soon be our new home together, the landlords made the most unexpected and generous of statements. Regarding rent for the first month, "You don't have to pay." Instead, this school family wanted us to buy things that the apartment needed. "Go to IKEA. Maybe buy some curtains." Really?? A month's rent worth of curtains and fixtures and fixings? What generosity!

I was actually taken aback by the gracious offering. It seemed too good. I didn't want to misunderstand or offend our landlords, who happen to be from a culture different from my own. Surely they didn't mean a month in an apartment for free. But they did. This is the rich abundance of grace.

At the same time, back at school, I was not living in quite the same thankful euphoria. A student had asked me to help with an important task as she applied to a prestigious university. I was determined to get it right for her. Instead, my portion was drawn out and the deadline passed without it reaching completion. I failed, utterly. My reaction was disbelief, mortification, and regret. How could I let her down? This moment demonstrated the reality of my sin.

But God (don't you just love that phrase?) took care of the situation and taught me an important lesson. The student had other teachers also working on the application, and she forgave my hurtful blunder. It cost her something, though. My mistake had consequences. Her forgiving response wasn't easy. This is grace.

 God's favor is more abundant than I can really grasp, and he lavishes it on me in love through Jesus. When I actually notice grace, I'm amazed by the power of it to redeem, loose, and equip.  At the same time, such grace isn't without great cost. Christ himself  faced the utter rejection, the horrible punishment, the agony of my sin.

Grace is costly, but it is freely given to me.

"Time and the hour run through the roughest day"

and God is always good.

Regardless of circumstance, a right perspective is that focused on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith (Heb. 12). In the midst of countless details and difficulties, who am I to question the magnanimous magnitude of God (Job  38)?

The hours and days pass. We are but dust (Ps. 103). "Time and the hour run through the roughest day." These truths make it all the more wonderous that God shows love and kindness to such as I (Eph. 2).

Praise the Lord.

A New Mode




Eric loves a good boat ride. He wanted to help the captain dock a few times.



Since we returned to Budapest from a summer of meeting family, planning a wedding, and renewing my teacher's license, the city has added a new mode of transportation to the BKV system: boats on the Danube. Now, Monday through Friday, the regular bus/metro/tram pass is accepted on a series of boats floating up and down the river.

The famous Chain Bridge as seen from the water.

This is not an express route. It is, however, extremely picturesque and relaxing. So, one afternoon on our way back from the US Embassy, Eric and I waited at an old, dubiously constructed dock and hopped on a BKV boat headed south. We weaved our way through the people sitting or ordering snacks on the main level and climbed up to the top deck for a shaded, breezy view of Budapest.

Not to stretch the metaphor, but this semester has found me--us-- in a new mode of life as well. I'm teaching my normal classes, grading piles of essays, mumbling in Hungarian, and enjoying the time to invest in students here. In addition to all that, Eric and I are navigating the slow waters of our engagement period (or "relationship purgatory", as it has been affectionately dubbed) until the New Year's Eve wedding. These months are not the express route. They are, however, a lovely time of preparation and celebration as well as adjustment. Everything works a little differently when it directly affects another person. Everything moves a little more slowly as compromises are struck and prayer is communal. Everything is in a bit of upheaval as we combine two well-defined lives into one. And it's a beautiful ride.

Parliament in the glorious sunshine.

The heart of my students

After two and a half weeks (with nearly a half interrupted by a migraine) of school, I'm enjoying the steady pace of a newly-formed schedule. Yes, life is a little--gloriously--hectic as Eric and I try to share as much time as possible while maintaining two different homes and teaching loads, but we'll hit our stride, too.

In this new school year, I have some new students as well as many returners. As I get acquainted with my pupils, they offer sweet glimpses into their hearts. Without betraying any confidences, here are a few such glimpses for you to appreciate:

"I've lived in America, England, Croatia, Bosnia, and now Hungary. I'm a little concerned about this new, awkward environment."

"A lot of preachers seem to tell me that I need to do something for God in exchange his 'free' gift. I just learned about Mary and Martha. Spending time with Jesus and enjoying Him might be more important than doing missions."

"I'm concerned about what my future holds. I have big dreams that I feel insecure about."

"I wish everyone understood that I love God really much."

"I wish everyone understood that though I couldn't speak actively because my English is not good, but I want to have fun with [classmates]."

"Everyone thinks that I try too hard to be different, but really I'm trying to be me."

Aren't they dear?

Gifts from my students

A few gifts from my generous middle school and high school students during our first week at the International Christian School of Budapest:

1. A 12th grader, knowing my love of coffee, brought me a rich sampling from her mission trip to Costa Rica.
2. Another senior offered joyous enthusiasm upon hearing some wedding plans and renewed my frazzled spirit.
3. A young lady who faces various challenges in the classroom and with the complexities of life reminded me that simplicity is worth seeking. And brevity is the soul of wit!
4. One family with whom I've had the delight to interact for several years now brought "Teacher Appreciation" cookies...on the first day of school, before I'd done anything to appreciate.
5. A sophomore whom I've gotten to teach for two years but who is in a different class now ran across the street to give me a warm hug.
6. Hilariously and genuinely, a 17-year-old boy gave wedding venue advice that he'd recently heard-- "The top of Trump Towers would be an awesome place to get married. You should do it."--as he passed me in the gym.
7. And a recent graduate gave me the best gift he could. He complimented my "swag" because I'm now engaged to "a baller". (Translation: your fiancé is cool, so you can't be too lame.)

Our students at ICSB are a crazy, brilliant, loving lot. Though we teachers feel called to give of our comforts, families, paychecks and lives to God and to the kids, these teenagers give right back to us every day.

They are quite a gift.

Video Update! A Day at the Zoo

After a summer of planning a wedding, traveling to meet future in-laws, taking recertification classes for the State of Illinois, and preparing my flat for an eventual move--whew, let's pause for just a moment--my fiancé, Eric, and I headed to the Budapest zoo. I've been to this place before with my other family, the Yaikos, but Eric needed to check it out for the first time. He's hoping to take a field trip there with one of his middle school science classes.

While we wandered around among the throng of young families, we made a video update for Eric's blog series.

The new school year will start in a little over a week. Our new teachers are currently in orientation while some of us veteran teachers are preparing our rooms and curriculum. In addition to Eric's science classes and field trip prep, he is reviewing his ancient history in order to add a new class to his schedule. I'm reviewing and will continue to review my writing curriculum this year. All of us hope to educate, prepare, and inspire our students to know Christ, to think independently, and to become effective and relational citizens in this world.

We have quite a charge! Eric and I are looking forward to this transitional time together. Pray for us!

In and with love from Budapest,

Citizens Elsewhere

Yesterday, I was reminded of both the fallen and the beautiful characteristics of nationality.

First, I had a bit of immigration frustration. Every three years or so, I must renew my residence permit at that stalwart bastion of Hungarian government and culture: the immigration office. Because of the excellent service of my mission agency, the process of stopping by to pick up the completed permit is a smooth one. I can briefly relax and enjoy people-watching in this very international place. Not so this time.

I came into the 11:45 "pick up" appointment feeling flustered as I rushed back into the city in the middle of a busy school day. I was also antsy to get going, because I was to meet a couple of my senior girls afterward. My stomach was tied in knots and my mind was whirling, but the crowded room was air conditioned (!) and there was an open seat next to unexpected friends of mine. These friends are headed to a new country soon, so I was thankful for the time to talk with them. Not too shabby.

 As the two little boys played at our feet and Juci from my mission agency worked with the immigration officials on my behalf, my friends and I had a nice talk. Slowly, numbers were called and various parties of expatriate types walked through the double doors. One at a time, my friends, too, were called back while the other stayed with the kids and me. Occasionally, I caught a glimpse of Juci as she scurried back and forth doing all sorts of productive and official Hungarian things. Or so I thought until about 1:00.

Time passed, and I had to contact my student to let her know that I would be late. I was stranded at Immigration. More lucky parties disappeared successfully through the double doors. My friends loaded up the kids. The final cluster of strangers came and went. Silence settled over the rows of empty chairs. A stern guard with a huge ring of keys locked the front door and stood there staring me down. But no Juci and no residence permit.

Finally, at 1:45, I was called through the double doors for the brief interlude with an immigration official. "Sign here, and here, and here. Your residence permit has been approved by the judge, but we don't have the card for you. Come back in another ten days. Goodbye."

While I must keep in perspective the comfort and safety in which I waited, the relative ease with which US citizens can get through immigration processes like this one, and the faithfulness of God in all situations, I was frustrated because of the futility of today's efforts, my missing school today during the busy end of the year, the prospect of missing again, and the dangerously last minute nature of "ten more days" as I leave the country in twelve.

In case I had any doubt, I am not a citizen of Hungary. I don't really belong here.

 Quick as I could, I ran through a sudden thunderstorm to catch a bus and meet my students across the river. These senior girls were going to take me around the Asian Market in a totally new neighborhood of Budapest. We all had odds and ends to find before our senior trip!

What a fascinating place! In the area of about two city blocks, hundreds of wholesalers hawked their wares to Chinese and Vietnamese businesses in the city. Down the other side of the street sprawled tents and sheds selling individual items to the public. Colors, fragrances pleasant and off-putting, and languages spiraled up into the now-clear afternoon sky.

My lovely senior girls confidently navigated the crowded shops and met friends from their youth group here and there. We laughed and chatted in a mixture of English, Chinese, and Hungarian.  (Well, I mostly listened.) We negotiated with vendors from all sorts of faraway places who had somehow come to Budapest, Hungary.

I was sorry to realize that I had never seen this part of the girls' lives in the four years I had taught them, but I was so thankful for the chance now. Qian Lin, Bai Jia, and Claudia, too, were sweetly thankful that I joined them on a shopping trip in an area of town into which few ICSBers venture.

In this moment, my earlier frustrations with international living and the complicated nature of nationality faded for a moment as I enjoyed time with these lovely girls. I marveled, though, that even while they seemed so comfortable here, they, too were oddities. Qian Lin and Bai Jia have grown up here in Hungary. Claudia has an Italian passport, is of Chinese ancestry, and lives in Hungary. Citizenship, nationality, residency, and identity are strangely fluid ideas to Third Culture Kids like these.

We are all a little odd and don't really belong here. We do have a permanent home where our identities are clear, though.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,"
Philippians 3:19-21

Vocabulary Versifiers

This is how my freshman boys remember their vocabulary words! They put this together in a few minutes during a May English class.

"Vocabulary, English 9. Vocabulary, English 9."

Kedvencek

Favorites

During these slightly slower days of Christmas break and in light of this Advent season, I'm reflective and thankful. These are a few of my favorite things, or at least my favorite things that happen to be caught in photos (and in no particular order).

Szabadság híd (Liberty Bridge) makes a great impromptu cafe

with no cover charge and a fantastic view

Visiting friends from the U.S. (more dear ones not pictured)

Kate and Seth Yaiko, both of whom I've met before their respective births, are my little darlings.
Here, they are making "cheese" faces.

My students hard at work and having fun. I have few joys greater than when they make important
 connections between the Creator God who loves them and our literary discussions.

Time and space to commune with my Heavenly Father in glorious nature (and with coffee)

Not eternally significant, but a really cute car on my street, nonetheless!

To me, Starbucks' Gingerbread lattes harken back to my university term abroad in London: a time when so much of that to which God has since called me first became understood.

The square near my flat: Kosztolányi Dezső tér is beautiful year round and especially at Christmas

These people are pretty great.

Happy New Year to one and all!

A Parody and Prayer

In watching my seniors lives this semester, I've had a few specific prayers for them. As they came from Calculus or Discrete math and sat for their British literature exam, I penned a poem: half parody, half prayer. Though the poem is a rough draft filled with inside jokes, it might prove applicable to you as well as to me and my students.

'Twas the Night Before Finals

Twas the night before finals, and all through Bp
All the students were studying—from ICSB.
Notes and study guides lined on the desks with great care
In hopes that the teachers’ exams would be fair.

We students were reading, so close to our beds
While visions of Christmas Break danced in our heads.
With coffee fresh-brewing, I’d turned down my jam
And just settled in for a long, drawn out cram

When all of a sudden, there arose such a thought
That I slipped from my seat, “Brit Lit ‘scholar’ I’m not!”
Easing out of my bedroom, down the stairs I did slink,
Grabbed a cold can of Red Bull, threw my mug in the sink.

How I needed some energy, chugged the last drop,
Then wandered around and stared at my laptop.
What could bring to my watering eyes motivation?
But a message, a red tag, a notification!

People chatted ‘bout “Timeline” and tagged my new pics.
It’s just what I needed: a quick Facebook fix.
But my eyes got so blurry; caffeine makes me berserk.
I knew that I needed to get back to work.

Now vectors! Now limits! Now Chaucer and Caedmon!
On truth tables, integrals, dramatic conventions!
My brain started throbbing; brought my hands to my head.
“Shakespeare, leave me alone! ‘Something’s rotten,’” I said.

We’ve had so much to do: tests and projects galore.
Building lots, calling businesses—I still need two more.
College apps, obligations, the rushing around.
As we’re students and seniors, the tasks, they abound.

Where’s the peace and the joy and the hope for the world?
As I pleaded, the Spirit’s clear answer unfurled:
“Come away, come to me, sit and ponder the manger.
I have come. I’m true life; stop and enjoy me, your Savior!

You have done a good job; I’ve been pleased with your worship.
Now be still; stand and wait. I am faithful; I’ll do it.”
So I mused to myself as my heart came awake,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good break!”

You know you are an international school when

The hallways are quiet this Friday morning. The record-high enrollment of the year seems a fantasy. Most desks sit empty in the high school wing. 

No, the bus drivers haven't gone on strike again. We've been spared serious bouts of sickness so far. Today is not a national holiday. Why the dramatically low attendance at ICSB?

In this case, kids are missing because "I" stands for International. For a small, international school like ours, sporting opponents are hard to come by. Clusters of schools form quick and busy tournaments so that more teams will come and play.  An away game is away. The girls' volleyball teams along with coaches, parents, and siblings are driving 5 hours west to Salzburg, Austria for a Friday-Saturday tournament.

Because we are an international community and many of us long for rare English-language events, another huge group of students and staff has driven eastward to the city of Debrecen, Hungary. The draw this time is a seminar and concert led by Hillsong Australia and Darlene Zschech.

All this travel sounds glamorous.  In reality, driving to Salzburg from here is not unlike my drive from Dallas to Little Rock last weekend (for my brother's wedding). The trip to Debrecen compares to the Chicago day-trips of my childhood. Fun, but no big deal. Such is the nature of an international school in the heart of Europe.

I'll tell you, though, that just like the village-view out my classroom window, the ordinary and day-to-day of life here is still pretty special.

Facing the Tanks

October 23 is a national holiday in Hungary as we commemorate the revolution of 1956 that began on that day. The rest of the story is that on November 4, 1956, more than 2000 Soviet tanks rolled though the streets of Budapest, firing into crowds of citizens, shattering the structures of buildings, and subduing the revolution.

But the national Hungarian heart had been stirred, and revolution would one day succeed. During that time, Hungary would become a gateway for East Germans, Hungarians, and others from behind the Iron Curtain to freedom. For more of that story, I recommend that you read James Michener's book, The Bridge at Andau.


Happy November 4th, everyone!
 

Thanks to Dr. Gabor Gyori for the photo and reminder.



On the street where you live

This past weekend, Budapest glowed with autumn sunlight. Walking down my street, I noticed how--in the right light--common scenes were especially beautiful. These moments prompt me to talk to God about how thankful I am for this life and how concerned I am for the dear people of this city. Join with me as I pray not only for my school out in the village but also for the city where I live.

Trams crammed with people

The elderly visit this pharmacy a lot



This square, Kosztolányi Dezső ter, is serene. Many homeless persons rest on the benches.



Sirens wail as emergency vehicles rush down Bocskai street to (often) limited medical facilities.

A tension exists between accepting traditions, styles, (Starbucks) and values from beyond our borders
and maintaining a rich heritage.

Budapest's municipal government has high hopes for public transportation expansion
and a growing economy, but the reality is not quite so rosy.



Thanks for walking and praying down my street. You are welcome to join me in person anytime!

 Just buzz #31.



A kick in the head

Migraines have attacked my poor head each Sunday for several weeks now. Some of them have been so severe that the usual medicine and sleep course of action isn't enough and they remain in the morning.

Like today's.

Besides the pretty uncomfortable symptoms themselves, these migraines are terribly inconvenient as life grinds to a halt in my little flat. Other people don't understand--and rightfully so--why I can't fulfill certain obligations during the weekend or even attend church. How frustrating for them and for me.

While I take more note of triggers, food or activities that prompt these headaches, I would really appreciate prayer. Because I become isolated from fellowship and teaching on Sundays, I'm sure there are spiritual repercussions as well as physical.

Thanks

P.S. Sorry to those of you who, excitedly, thought I was going to blog about love. I was referring to the pain in my head quite literally. :)

That Slaves We Shall No Longer Be

October 23rd is a Hungarian National holiday commemorating the 1956 Revolution. I'm reminded again of the struggle for freedom, autonomy, and hope that lasted through a thousand years of oppressive regimes. A new struggle for real hope persists even today.

Here is a look back at the 1956 Revolution through the eyes of Time Magazine in January, 1957:

I'm humbled every time I consider the fortitude of my dear friends here. Let's continue to pray for those in power and for nations that are seeking peace and freedom today and for eternity: Hungary, Tunisia, and so many more.

In my anguish I cried to the Lord,
and he answered by setting me free.
Psalm 118:5

Amazing Surprise

After a truly wonderful and a bit stressful high school retreat, I walked into my classroom last Saturday to discover this:

My classroom now contains a projector and screen! I'm so thankful for the supporters of our school and the administrators who carefully dole out the resources. I know this classroom has been on the list for a projector since I've tried to incorporate more and more technology into my classes, but I had no idea that I would actually get one. Wow. 

God has provided for a need for which I didn't think it was important enough to ask. What a delightful surprise. 

It takes a village.

This weekend, it took a village to care for "the little American girl" and I am certainly feeling the love.

 First, my sweet, diligent, and concerned landlady, Zsuzsanna, sent her brother-in-law to fix my water heater and rewire the light fixture in the living room. Not only do I now have hot water for bathing and washing dishes and clear light over my sitting area, but I also have a sparkling tub and sink. Apparently, every 8 months or so when repairs are needed, Gabor brings a professional strength cleaning agent that he and Zsuzsanna don't want me to touch. They certainly don't need to clean my bathroom, but I appreciate their extra labor.
  Later the same day, Zsuzsanna came to collect several months' rent. She explained some country-wide hikes in electricity costs as well as some other unfortunate price changes of which I was already aware. While my rent will be going up, I'm confident that she is giving me the best deal she can. At the same time, my dear landlady informed me that she had taken it upon herself to complete the confusing census forms that are circulating Hungary. Long story short, I was frantically trying to get a new internet code in order to comply with the law and complete the census; I'd tried to explain my situation to a census worker who stopped by but to no avail. (Everything is trickier when one doesn't speak the language.) The fact that Zsuzsanna is taking care of everything is a weight off my shoulders.
  Today, workers came to read the water and gas meters. I was happy to work with the meter readers myself and felt quite competent speaking basic sentences as they walked into the flat. The village of helpers came through later, though, when the super unlocked the gas meter in another part of the building. She has a deal with my landlady to take care of such things on my behalf.
  Finally, I got to meet another neighbor in the elevator. He and his son rode up with me, and, when my Hungarian ran out and he discovered I spoke English, Joseph was all the more delighted to make my acquaintance. He was baffled as to why I would choose to live here (common response) but glad to know me. He hopes I might be able to teach his little boy English from time to time. While the added time commitment seems daunting to me, and I'm choosing not to start now, I'd love to interact more with this sweet family in my building! Before saying goodbye, the little boy who "doesn't speak any English" held out his hand and stammered, "I-I am Joseph." What a darling pupil he would make. The elder Joseph also offered his services if I should ever have questions or need help. How thoughtful.
  I might be the oddity in my building, and the super might continue to give me such strange looks as I greet her, but everyone is very helpful to this "little American girl".  There are situations for which I am ill prepared and moments when life here seems quite complicated, but God has built this little village on Bocskai street to take care of me.