Pray for Hungary!

We can do nothing if God is not at work. Please join my friends, students, and me in praying for Hungary.

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here..."
Exodus 33:14-15

Thank you.

Most vagy Soha

Now or Never

This phrase, seen on an advertisement on the tram, sums up a philosophy of mine pretty succinctly. When it comes to resolutions, fresh starts, or goals, the best time to begin is today. Each day--each moment even--forgiveness is real, and a second chance is possible.

"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. "
Lamentations 3:22-23

This truth is both comforting and motivating. God's faithfulness and compassion allow me to try again. His power equips me for a new effort. But I need to exert that effort now. When I know the good I ought to do, I need to do it. If I sense a change needs to be made, I should make it. Obedience has to start somewhere.

I'm in the middle of living out this idea right now. Because of some friends' gentle reminders, I've had an important conversation to take care of an issue. What a positive experience! It wasn't easy, but the outcome and relief were fantastic. Now, there are some other changes--goals, really--that I need to initiate. Time for prayer, meditation on truth, wisdom from others is essential, but now it is time just to do it.

When I was young, my family ate dinner together each night. After presenting some honestly delicious casserole that has developed my lifestyle of cooking in one pot, Mom would announce a dessert. We kids would snatch it up eagerly, but Dad would decline for the moment. "Later," he'd say as he headed to the study. In unison, the remaining Ooms family members would chime, "Later never comes," because by this time we knew that there would not be any German Chocolate Cake left when Dad decided to come back for some. The opportunity would pass.

For me, my father's daughter, the same is true of doing good or making a change.

Later never comes. Each day is New Year's Eve. Now or never.

Thank you, CBF!

The long weekend with my parents was truly a gift from God! Their presence was invigorating and the break, rejuvenating. I love life and work here in Budapest, but I've come to love and miss my family more each year away. The visit was beautiful.

Additionally, the surprise of a suitcase from the church family of Community Bible Fellowship full of groceries, gifts, and money for a much needed oven was more than I ever dreamed. What rich blessing and encouragement when I needed it! God has been my strength in weakness and joy beyond circumstances. He called me to a life that suits the personality he gave me; I get to do things I love. He is building my faith and giving me a front row seat to his glorious work in the hearts of students from around the world. He is enough, but sometimes he works through people, too. My family and friends showed immense love and generosity at just the right time.

So, here is a quick recap of my parents' visit mixed in with images from struggles and joys of work in Hungary and at the International Christian School of Budapest. The video is directed at Community Bible Fellowship, but it speaks to all my praying, loving, supporting friends, family, and ministry partners!
(Also, a new photo album of their visit is on my photo site. See link to the right.)

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:4-6


Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

And they're off!

...the ground, that is. In spite of record thunderstorms, tornadoes, and gale-force winds, my parents departed Chicago O'Hare International Airport safely and (relatively) on time. If all goes smoothly, they will be in Magyarorszag (Hungary) by noon! I'm thrilled that they are able to come for this, the first, visit.

I've certainly been reminded of the importance of family, the joys of sharing life with parents and adult siblings and the opposing loss of living far from them, as well as the significance of giving up geographical closeness for the sake of the gospel since moving to Budapest. There have been pretty hard times of feeling stressed, longing for "home," or wishing people far away could be near during these packed 2.5 years of teaching at ICSB. God's loving presence is bringing me through, and tomorrow he is bringing my parents, too!

We'll stroll through the city, stop by random places that I enjoy, spend a day at school, spend 9 hours in nearby Vienna, visit friends, go to my church, and just hang out together. Through the course of the week-long visit--brimming with conversation--I imagine there will be time for a lot of processing, thinking about God and life and faith and worship. Beyond the glorious joy of seeing Mom and Dad, a long weekend to catch my breath and think will be really important.

The fact that I haven't spent much time reflecting lately is reflected in my sparse blog archive. So much goes on every day, but I'm not slowing down enough to notice. Sometimes I miss what God is doing around me while I'm so busy doing everything else. My parents' visit, the good questions they'll ask, and a couple of days off school could be just the opportunity I need to be still, reflect, and realign myself with God's purposes.

For now, I'll spend some time in prayer, throw another load of towel(s) in my mini-washing machine, and head to bed. My parents will be here tomorrow.