First Week

   We have been reminded many times as we walk the streets of Hungary the emptiness of life without Christ in your heart, in this culture. People appear 10-30 years older, faces lined with no hope, alcohol or other tragedies endured.  Our determination to learn the culture and language so much more focused in understanding so we can share the Good News!
 
  Evidently things just take more time to get done here, so if a couple items on your to-do list is accomplished, it is a successful day. Apparently they think we are the energizer bunnies from our first week! We looked for rentals and found one; negotiated the indoor and outdoor markets (truly - a booth that sells household cleaners and wine - that's it!); Learning that pictures really do make a difference in language assumption as we discover new things; Walked some of the streets of "our" town without getting lost (the names change at the corners); Attended worship and prayer meetings; Started our residency permits; Attended a Hungarian birthday party; Got to meet our team; Learned how to use different appliances; Kind of figured out how to understand the exchange rate; Tried new and wonderful foods - all while fighting jet lag.

  Seeing familiar faces again has been an especially encouraging joy - truly friendship is a gift from God! He is so faithful to provide. I have wondered many times this week as we greeted these sweet, joyous believers, if this is what Heaven will be like or if it is just a sweet taste of the eternal. I know we are missing those from home, but we just need to concentrate on what lies before us, and do our best to remember that His family is always only a prayer away. That alone is great gain.