Christmas in January

As the last of the Christmas decorations and lights are removed from the Budapest cityscape and the harsh winter weather finally sets in (and at the request of my dear friend Andy), I thought I'd spread a little cheer by finally sharing some photos of life here at Christmas time.

A special thanks to Kristen and Paula for their beautiful pictures! I don't seem to have any photographic skill besides "point and shoot", and even then things are fuzzy.



Christmas on the körút (ring road of Bp)


The Christmas Market complete with traditional gift items, baking bread, mulled wine booths, and sizzling meats.




The Advent calendar on the facade of the famous Gerbaud's Coffee House

And we're back!

After a lovely Christmas break, classes have resumed at the International Christian School of Budapest. It is great to be back, though my sleep schedule is not on target yet. My kids were glad to share a little bit about their holiday, and I am pumped to dive into the curriculum for this semester because it includes my beloved Shakespeare. My 8th graders are studying nonfiction, and the senior communications class is delving into debates.

Outside of class, I'm looking forward to some home basketball games ("away" games are really away...like Bratislava, Slovakia or Vienna), the 9th grade girls' Bible study, and a book club for adults in the area.

Ultimately, I'm always thankful for the idea of a fresh start: compassion from God that is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). A new semester offers great opportunities for starting again, but I'm glad that the Father in heaven offers forgiveness and grace each day and love in abundance. We don't have to wait for New Year's Eve or a new semester to be clean before and so close to God. Recognizing our failure, being honest with God, accepting his mercy--and we're back!

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
It is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:22-26

Velunk az Isten

God with us

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus as he entered the human world in a humble setting but with a powerful purpose: to save us. The One True God put himself among us to understand us, to take on our punishment for sin even though he was faultless, to die in our place, and to beat the power of sin and death once for all by rising from death.

And he is victorious today and with us . The events that were determined before the creation of the world and that played out in Bethlehem and Jerusalem are relevant to us today, because--wonder of wonders--God is still with us. He will not abandon us in the midst of our busy lives or shortcomings. Jesus still offers himself as the savior and advocate for you and for me.

Who would make a better advocate than one who has been there and understands? This part of God's character and love is always so special to me; perhaps it is even more significant as I feel separation from many whom I love. Immanuel. Amazing. So, merry Christmas! Celebrate during this festive season and all year through, whether you feel close to God or drifting. Take heart: our God is with us.

Here's to You

You are amazing. Really.

This is a shout out to my dear friends in the States who have been my encouragers, examples, sounding boards, prayer warriors, hosts, package-senders, YouTube-posters, partners in this life and ministry. Daily little moments on the street, in the classroom, or at home will spark countless memories of YOU and your kindness to me. I miss you but am thankful for our friendship that spans the ocean.



This gratitude overwhelms me so often, but I've not expressed it enough. So, today's entry is just for you. THANKS!


Love always,
Audrey