71 days to go. But who is counting?

First, I am going to post a few pictures and then add my paragraph! ENJOY!!!! Check out my facebook page for complete pictures. Check out my blog for complete journalism. THANKS.

Anna & Mariann singing in the Praise Band at a worship service in Veroce, Hungary.
This is just part of my class. They are changing their shoes for recess.. and by the way.. you see the little boy directly in the center.. that's cheesing at the camera...well he's the little trouble maker i fell in love with the first day... and I'm still in love with him.. & i think he loves me too!! :)

GYORGY- he is one of the smartest little boys. He sits at the front of the room and always pays attention and works hard.

FONNI- She took first place in a horseback riding competition and since they know I love horses..she had to bring in her trophy and show it off!!!!

& THIS... this is my first pot of homemade veggie soup! I am very proud..!!!


Journal Time:

"If Life Throws you Lemons, Make Lemonade," was our quote from our Valedictorian of my high school when I graduated in 2005. It's funny how sayings can really stick and this one always has. Lemons have been tossed my way almost everyday. Fortunately, this far I have been able to squeeze them, add sugar and taste the lemonade.

One of the biggest concerns I have at this moment is the bilingual program and the teachers that already teach at the schools. Since I began here, there are only a couple of teachers that I am truly able to talk too. Sometimes it is a uncomfortable situation to me because the language switches all the way back to Hungarian and I feel like the odd ball! Now, don't get me wrong... I was expecting this to happen! Recently, I had a lemon thrown at me when one of the teachers told me to not speak English in the staff room and that it made them uncomfortable. Well at first, I wanted to shout, "You feel uncomfortable, HELLO! I am in a place of confusion.. road signs, buildings, railroad stations, TVs everything is written in a different language." I refrained from doing so. When Monika (the lady that heads the program-and a really sweet lady) sat down and talked to me about the issue... it seemed to be more hidden under that "no English in the staff room issue."

This bilingual program is saving this school. If they did not have it with a native speaking person then this school would no longer exist. It is an agreement between the government and the school system. The teachers feel that they will be let go or taken out of the school system because they are bringing people from outside into their classrooms. Now don't get me wrong, the Hungarian teacher has nothing to worry about, hence we wouldn't have this problem. So last night I came home and I really thought about the issue. At first I was upset and mad at the situation. As I began to think about things, I came to the realization that I would have made the same comments. I, too, would be upset. Therefore, I took it upon myself to try my best to find a solution. So this is what I came up with. I went to the Headmaster (we know him as the principle) and asked him today if I could start a language course for teachers on Monday nights. This way, the teachers can learn the normal basic English skills. They would at least be able to communicate with me and any other American that showed up to do this job after me. I feel that it could be a really good gesture and it could also, help them realize that I am not here to take their job... I'm here to keep their jobs (so the school can stay up and running!)

So my week has been good. I should really post more because I am sure people are tired of reading this by now. I had my first full week of teaching the kids (all by myself) and it went really well. The first day, I was a basket of nerves but in the second day... the children started really understanding me. It was a blessing.

I live on a school ground where orphans live. The other night I had to get out and do something. I decided to go walking. I walked to the garbage can and on the way back... I saw these kids that were trying to play soccer with a ball that had already been destroyed. So this is my idea... I buy a ball.. I go out there and talk to the kids and play ball with them and bring the ball back with me at night.. just so i know i have it in the future. I think that.. I have felt like I am not ministering as much as I thought I would and I have all of a sudden realized... HELLO! You can still minister... it just may realllly be outside your comfort box.

One last thing. I took my computer with me to work the other day and wanted to show my co-workers what I had been doing in Ukraine. Showing them the pictures really touched some of their hearts. I am praying that they realize these people are at their back doors. I hope they realize that these kids don't have an education, no money to buy groceries, etc. These people are Hungarian just like they are. Maybe that is apart of my ministry too... to allow them to remember the gypsy people that are not out of the poverty like they are.

Well that's it for tonight folks. Please keep me in your prayers. Some days are really hard... and some are just a joy in itself. Love you!