tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9525575931733834632024-03-19T02:56:15.282-07:00Hungary4JesusKurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-74612637487754144392018-10-30T10:58:00.003-07:002018-10-30T10:58:56.788-07:00Hard Goodbyes - <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxJAjns1Vr6UEUDDFXLVPhojWZpYOHxeZM8mpE_Co8ugWG4nMu4p7tOKBM6QCHWifg2W2NWPp_JjSL2gCG-xMu0jhyphenhyphenhAJdacpxD4DTZNg45jVGQgD5EWIk1zo0NIevS-dXgmeZDdArIup/s1600/Moonlight+on%253Aover+fisherman%2527s+bastion+%25F0%259F%2593%25B7+%2540moncsodiaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1080" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxJAjns1Vr6UEUDDFXLVPhojWZpYOHxeZM8mpE_Co8ugWG4nMu4p7tOKBM6QCHWifg2W2NWPp_JjSL2gCG-xMu0jhyphenhyphenhAJdacpxD4DTZNg45jVGQgD5EWIk1zo0NIevS-dXgmeZDdArIup/s320/Moonlight+on%253Aover+fisherman%2527s+bastion+%25F0%259F%2593%25B7+%2540moncsodiaz.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ph</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">oto courtesy of 📷 @moncsodiaz</span></div>
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Hard Goodbyes</h2>
Garage Sales are happening right now - us selling our stuff that have helped us make so many memories in the past 6 years... our place is starting to feel naked. Our emotions are very much the same, yet we press on, trusting God will push His divine plan through for us. We have known less than 3 weeks & many of our emails telling everyone have gone to spam, probably long deleted.<br />
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Tonight we were able to help more people through some of the abundance of clothing we brought here - not only a lady's husband, but also a homeless, orphaned young man she tries to help out - so some of our favorites will live on and God willing, become some of his favorites! That great Camano Island coat will be greatly appreciated yet again, just in the Budapest area.<br />
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God has ordered these steps - ahead of the curtain that has pulled aside for our reveal. Many different things all came together at similar times - only God-incidence could coordinate that! So, we trust Him with each step even more now than we have in the past. We covet your prayers!!<br />
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You know our hearts want to continue to serve and minister, no matter where we are. That could be here, in Macedonia, in the US, in China, in Costa Rica, in your neighborhood, or one of your neighbor's former neighborhoods...<br />
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Thank you for continuing to pray for us - you have no idea how helpful that is - our marriage is under attack, our languages, our confidence, our thought processes, our joy. We are leaning into HIM as we stalwartly hold onto our faith in the Living One and boldly press on, irregardless of how we feel and what is happening around us.<br />
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Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-49125889895561474012018-07-11T03:29:00.002-07:002018-07-11T03:29:23.512-07:00Great news!!<br />
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<b><i>Great News!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooUZwogDlKrFY8xX-vtWf-TLwQaMQhuAcNRhwKU0Z6s3OPBZP3LctwZAN-bxxPYq3tdPUy38T38SskaK3Uwb9bNYBzH5Z6lIGSCkuR8ZghAmdwaYv9QOWMp5n392F4jMRx0hfdYTyHrMY/s1600/Bibles+for+Campers%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooUZwogDlKrFY8xX-vtWf-TLwQaMQhuAcNRhwKU0Z6s3OPBZP3LctwZAN-bxxPYq3tdPUy38T38SskaK3Uwb9bNYBzH5Z6lIGSCkuR8ZghAmdwaYv9QOWMp5n392F4jMRx0hfdYTyHrMY/s320/Bibles+for+Campers%2521.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPzPfACGbbOs22kOrTtKARSgj-mJF1DCRG2NQz9bkrEFoYI1YK341nOYRa-6hGckhCamkORTG4-Vuxori_MjwbXTVg2h6TRmVnyTrhyphenhyphen7uKoFEH5xJGzfWyD2B5LAoBQK3ICoTJzKCyKHY/s1600/C+%2526+O.+Zoli+with+16+Hungarian+Bibles+to+hand+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPzPfACGbbOs22kOrTtKARSgj-mJF1DCRG2NQz9bkrEFoYI1YK341nOYRa-6hGckhCamkORTG4-Vuxori_MjwbXTVg2h6TRmVnyTrhyphenhyphen7uKoFEH5xJGzfWyD2B5LAoBQK3ICoTJzKCyKHY/s320/C+%2526+O.+Zoli+with+16+Hungarian+Bibles+to+hand+out.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jaC6CEb-pqoygDK0pM-gXM9KaU9hbxHSWuB_l1rD61sYFwLCoj9PZbzBI63xhrLO62T8Q37J8RiX5bYltrq87HhIlaue2he_fKNpIMqvKqRlznUfBwuGN5l0qKwjDCjtIg_AurcGTv86/s1600/Carrie%252C+Pastor+Dorin+%2526+his+wife+with+Hungarian+bibles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jaC6CEb-pqoygDK0pM-gXM9KaU9hbxHSWuB_l1rD61sYFwLCoj9PZbzBI63xhrLO62T8Q37J8RiX5bYltrq87HhIlaue2he_fKNpIMqvKqRlznUfBwuGN5l0qKwjDCjtIg_AurcGTv86/s320/Carrie%252C+Pastor+Dorin+%2526+his+wife+with+Hungarian+bibles.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>First: housekeeping info we <b>must</b> share with you from Google blogs:</u><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9edbe; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">European Union laws require you to give European Union visitors information about cookies used and data collected on your blog. In many cases, these laws also require you to obtain consent. </span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9edbe; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">As a courtesy, we have added a notice on your blog to explain Google's use of certain Blogger and Google cookies, including use of Google Analytics and AdSense cookies, and other data collected by Google. </span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9edbe; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You are responsible for confirming this notice actually works for your blog, and that it displays. If you employ other cookies, for example by adding third party features, this notice may not work for you. If you include functionality from other providers there may be extra information collected from your users. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9edbe;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Also, This link can be viewed in a secured feature by using HTTPS:, rather than the http....!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u style="background-color: lime;">Now onto the great news!!</u></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u style="background-color: lime;"><br /></u></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">In this last year, thanks to many many people, we have been able to help provide<u> over 200 bibles to people who WANT them!!!!</u> How awesome is that?? These photos are just a few of the recipients getting some bibles either for themselves or for others. The pastor in S. Hungary just broke down in tears when he was given these for some of the people in his church! (bottom photo) We had the honor of also giving him a NEW bible for himself, as well as one in English. He has a number of 'congregations' as he travels around to minister to people, PTL.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">There are <i>two bible funds</i> you can help give to, should you choose. One is a fund through International Ministries (whom we are </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">seconded to) that helps not only provide modern translated bibles but also scholarships for campers. Here is the link:</span></span></h3>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://portal.internationalministries.org/project-support?sfcampaign=7011N000000OUUqQAO">https://portal.internationalministries.org/project-support?sfcampaign=7011N000000OUUqQAO</a></span><br />
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This other link is for bibles for Central Europe (where we are), in order to help provide bibles in more modern translations in different languages in this area, as the needs arise:<br />
<a href="http://ww3.pioneers.org/donate/Bibles%20for%20Central/Eastern%20Europe/150944">http://ww3.pioneers.org/donate/Bibles for Central/Eastern Europe/150944</a><br />
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So, those are some other helpful causes where you can make a difference, where you are! Many thanks ahead of time to you!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcewhQIPSsw3DJOuy3jnrCzLm4v81AjWgjQMusfKnPJ1Tw2D06gcAhz6ZDtuQCzVmLJ0xq2soJ76rjhf1Bg1MjsAXOtmWbZKkvvbvaekvRMhc4bXLSq2RSUTMMjm2COr_lMruOLViBPgU/s1600/on+the+way+to%253Afrom+Bekes+-+HU+architecture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcewhQIPSsw3DJOuy3jnrCzLm4v81AjWgjQMusfKnPJ1Tw2D06gcAhz6ZDtuQCzVmLJ0xq2soJ76rjhf1Bg1MjsAXOtmWbZKkvvbvaekvRMhc4bXLSq2RSUTMMjm2COr_lMruOLViBPgU/s320/on+the+way+to%253Afrom+Bekes+-+HU+architecture.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the interesting Hungarian architecture we encounter</td></tr>
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Our Newsletter:<br />
Many of you know we are technologically challenged, so when we try to put out a web based emailed newsletter, we try our best, but sometimes it needs to be re-tweeked. Hence, if you have received 2 emailed newsletters (non printable, as far as I know), this was due to my need to modify it. I apologize if it was a frustration for you.<br />
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Email addresses: When we are on the road in the states, we try really hard to input all the email addresses we receive in a timely manner - but, we get snagged up with time & energy (who needs sleep, anyway?) as well as internet connections. If we have missed you somehow, or you have changed your email address & would like our updates, please feel free to email us! Our email is located within this blog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ovbscEiBBYotFgltm9Ao9MokvNCksC_6iX7BKzq7GoUrBJR-ziZLDyMHR-wxf5U0XrR0ONgTD_b_pHE7wUkL8dQKazjv3W_j_33n3OQkeZzOQC3K7lbw9jvCAV4vGNLe7pW_wtWSkBYr/s1600/poppies+blooming+in+the+Trsat+castle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ovbscEiBBYotFgltm9Ao9MokvNCksC_6iX7BKzq7GoUrBJR-ziZLDyMHR-wxf5U0XrR0ONgTD_b_pHE7wUkL8dQKazjv3W_j_33n3OQkeZzOQC3K7lbw9jvCAV4vGNLe7pW_wtWSkBYr/s320/poppies+blooming+in+the+Trsat+castle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Camp season is in full swing - Kurt is currently at a Grain Game camp in Péteri. Last weekend I was teaching at a Patchwork Camp here in Vecsés. Next week will be the beginnings of English Camp and after that, more Grain Game camps through August. "Never a dull day at Smalley Bay"!<br />
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For those who may not know, Grain Game is a fun camp for kids between 8-14 yrs., and they play games as well as demonstrate biblical concepts. The kids LOVE it! This is an easy way to talk about God and to demonstrate some of His attributes without being 'preachy'. It's all about loving the kids for who they are, no other expectations. PTL, one young man a few weeks ago in a neighboring country asked Jesus to come into his heart!! We have a new brother, thanks to this outreach! (he was also given his own, newer translated bible!)Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-4027762854662344502018-03-10T02:11:00.000-08:002018-03-10T02:11:16.479-08:00Challenges - Friend or Foe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdhvNB9CNLMsdiXLsf-MUSRG3uReTuP43y1vaoWRNeuu4pkII5nhdMgpzv4s2SoFgYYURt0kl2KONLn2TQ9VFv-73r0w14iOiJ1OXu3lVFcTSdajC43iRg5BYCa7Dk73adLULA-5Ir1lG/s1600/grades...jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdhvNB9CNLMsdiXLsf-MUSRG3uReTuP43y1vaoWRNeuu4pkII5nhdMgpzv4s2SoFgYYURt0kl2KONLn2TQ9VFv-73r0w14iOiJ1OXu3lVFcTSdajC43iRg5BYCa7Dk73adLULA-5Ir1lG/s320/grades...jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was reading a passage today speaking about challenges God puts in our path. It was pointing out that some of these are to get us OUT of our comfort zone and to TRUST God.... Yet there are those who distrust the Almighty God, Creator of the heavens, the universe and all that is in it. So much so that they need to just keep with the flow, continue with their easy life - or difficult one - because what is 'known' to them is so much more comfortable than the unknown.<br />
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All I could think of was, "Really? Distrust God so much that they wouldn't follow what He was asking them to do?" Distrust seemed like a really strong word, yet when I thought about it, it was actually a spot on description. Does anyone think of the JOY of following the Lord?<br />
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When Peter and the disciples were flailing about in the storm on the lake - think of it! The waves SO high that you just see the bow of the boat nearly over you or the side of the boat you are not on be taller than yourself & the boat was nearly sinking. Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat . The disciples shook him awake and said, "Master, don't you care that we are perishing??" Jesus commanded the storm to stop - and it did! Flailing about to calm in less than a second.<br />
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Another storm on the lake, again flailing about, when they see something strange in the distance. As it got closer, Jesus is just strolling along towards them. Wind & rain pulling at your hair and clothes, ropes from the sail hitting you in the face, the groans and creaks of the wood as it moves within the structure of the boat, boxes smashing into toes as they are unleashed from the ropes that held them there in calmer weather..... and Jesus is just strolling past them. Peter called out to Jesus, and Jesus encouraged him to walk on over to him. <br />
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Have you ever wondered if Peter thought twice about it, or just was so in awe that Jesus was walking in calmness that he wanted the same thing?<br />
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Peter got out and started walking in this storm on the lake, not seeming to think about it for at least a few steps. Yet, as soon as he thinks about it, realizing the utter contrariness of the situation, he starts to sink and asks for Jesus' help. We have all been in that state - for instance, learning how to walk, and then watching a young child walk - nearly the same (without the storm). Until you get your head around the fact you are actually walking, all is fine. It's the FEAR of walking on your own, without holding someone's hand that gets to us. Jesus was right there, just like our parents or other reliable people were with us.<br />
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Jesus was right there!<br />
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Jesus was right there!<br />
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Jesus was and is right there!<br />
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Peter desired that calmness, that inner Joy that Jesus had within him more than sinking in a boat on the lake. He KNEW that the joy of following whatever Jesus had planned was SO much more than what was behind him. Think about it - for the rest of their lives, who would have regretted that situation the most? Peter, who got out and followed, walking on the water? Or the other disciples, 'safely' back in a boat that was having a tough time of it in the storm?<br />
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If God is asking us to do something, even before the storms of life, what is making us so hesitant?<br />
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Jesus is right there! Let's start 'practicing' our steps with him, our faith IN him to trust and walk in the path he is calling you to so that in the storms that will come (and they will!), we can get out of the boat, walk to him with confidence or call to the storm to obey, because Jesus is right there.Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-26210904885461585142017-11-18T12:12:00.000-08:002017-11-18T12:12:27.101-08:00God-Incidents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PmKiGQ6bL9j4BOE6k0VKR2nZh96D9jk-EHN_t214j571s86FQLc2R1KMal91H5HDZqPg_nYS5-G1wmLMCu3djwqU_AgUx-3GbMcD2bwbRLLnmnzibYMme6kjxT2VSfYpSpnV2WIM46DT/s1600/some+of+our+peppers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PmKiGQ6bL9j4BOE6k0VKR2nZh96D9jk-EHN_t214j571s86FQLc2R1KMal91H5HDZqPg_nYS5-G1wmLMCu3djwqU_AgUx-3GbMcD2bwbRLLnmnzibYMme6kjxT2VSfYpSpnV2WIM46DT/s320/some+of+our+peppers.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><u>God-Incidents </u></b> <br />
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Sometimes we see God working in normal life, but often it is within what would seem like funny, inconsequential 'chances' that add up to one big miracle, and then when those add up further, it is enough to blow your socks off!<br />
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Today was one of those days, yet it started over 7 years ago, far, far away in a crowded food court at an airport with less than 20 tables, (2 chairs per table) in a space for <u>hundreds</u> of people ordering, at one time.<br />
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><b>Incident #1:</b></span></i><br />
We were one of the 'fortunate' few who were able to grab a table and two chairs, yet we were so close to our neighbors that when they blinked, you nearly felt their eyelashes!<br />
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In this so humble a setting, a couple got up from the table next to us & before I could breathe, a gnarled hand plopped down a passport to 'reserve' the table and vanished! Well, this idea may have worked years ago, but it is NOT the safest or most recommended manner nowadays...<br />
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Nevertheless, we were thankful that we were sitting there and not some scoundrel who would have taken off with the passport and sold it on the black market! When the owner of the gnarled hand came back, it was to our great relief, and we expressed that this isn't the best way to reserve a table now. Clearly, she hadn't been thinking along those lines... so starts our conversation with Mrs. X, who had previously been living in a certain nation for a number of years & had recently moved back to where she had been born.<br />
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As we spoke about what she had been doing in that country, it was really amazing. When she moved back 'home', she was rather upended & trying to find a balance in a place that wasn't the same, didn't have the same 'type' of people living there, and her church was dwindling with those who had grown up in it, but those who had gone on to reside in the cemetery were more than the congregation.<br />
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I had asked the Lord for some inspiration to help Mrs. X, and He gave it! She went to catch her plane with a bounce in her step.<br />
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><b>Incident #2:</b></span></i><br />
<b style="color: purple; font-style: italic;"> </b>A few months later, we were on a different terrain & during the break of a conference were speaking with some of the other attendees. When I had asked if they had ever tried some of the methods spoken about with the conference, they had affirmed that they had where they used to live, in a different country, and were now trying the same thing where they lived now. <br />
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I have always been curious to know more about others, so after finding out what country they had lived in, I asked if they had ever known Mrs. X. "YES!" was their reply. "Do you know her? How do you know her?" so started the story I briefly stated above. In fact, they had worked with her for quite a while & had been genuinely concerned about her, but were thrilled that she had found more purpose again.<br />
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What are the chances, to meet two people, who lived on the other side of the world from the one we met months earlier on happenstance and conversations were struck up with these strangers, who ended up knowing each other??? Pretty high, I would say. But GOD can orchestrate anything!!! He made platypus' didn't He??<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><i>Incident #3:</i></b></span><br />
<i style="color: purple; font-weight: bold;"> </i> Fast forward now to today...<br />
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We live fairly close to the airport, so often we are called to help with what we term as 'airport runs' which consist of driving people from one place to or from the airport. That's fine, we like to drive, and it really helps out people, and we get to meet many people we otherwise never would have.<br />
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So I left the house this morning about 6:30 am to pick up some people from a meeting a couple hours away to bring them to the airport.<br />
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As we are driving along, I feel God telling me I need to tell this perfect stranger about Mrs. X... "Really?", I think. Did I do it immediately? No, but I asked the Lord to tell me when it should come into place. As the conversations were proceeding, one of the people I was driving used to live in a certain country, and I bet you can guess which one? Yes! "Ok" I thought, "this is my time....". So I just casually asked if this person would have ever heard of Mrs. X.<br />
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"Know her? No, I didn't get to know her, but I took her place when she left!!" God incident #1.<br />
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"Do you know 'Y' & 'Z'?" She asked. It ends up they are dear friends!<br />
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"Well, let me tell you about a story God wanted me to tell you..." and I began to tell the tales.<br />
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"Wow, just the fact that you would have even MET Mrs. X is a complete miracle!" they said. "And now here we are, connecting the dots even further!"<br />
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Ahhhh, so, this is a life with God-incidences, and yet I think the stories have only begun! :)<br />
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Go ahead, dear ones, seek the Lord while He may be found, ask of Him to help you find His plans and stories that will unfold! You may be the only witness, other than God, but He will reveal them!Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-49743022351573674912017-10-16T13:01:00.000-07:002017-10-16T13:01:29.091-07:00This box isn't just for shoes....<br />
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On a very chilly December evening, we helped unload sugar. We also unloaded potatoes and cans and LOTS of boxes. Some boxes were small, some were large and some were banana-sized, which went to a different part of a church.<br />
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Then people unknown to us started coming in. Fear, mixed with hope and confusion in their eyes. There was astonishment as well because of the warmth and encouraging greetings. Then the spirit of oppression settled back down upon their heads, shoulders and hearts. Each adult coming in responded in much the same way. Some men offered to help, grateful for something to do to combat the feeling of awkwardness, yet still that oppression came settling back down.<br />
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This was just months after we arrived in Hungary, yet I didn't need to know the language to understand that lack of hope. Children would come in with their parents - all would look longingly at the Christmas tree decorated (still a pretty new thing to have here), and the growing stacks of boxes under the tree. Nearly all would then seem like they did a self-correction and you could nearly hear them thinking, "What am I doing thinking that we might be getting something like that? Who am I? We are always looking, yet never obtaining, trying to work, but nothing works out. Someone lucky will be getting those lovely packages. Maybe someday I can get one/provide one for my child..."<br />
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Some came in with coats on. Some came in with heavy sweaters. Some came in with many layers of shirts. All the 'guests' were beaten down by life. Eyes would glance around. Children's eyes would glance again to the tree, to the presents, to parents, then back down to the floor. The church was filling up. It was also warming up more with all the bodies, and people were taking joy in just that alone. It was becoming apparent that people wore their best to this event. To a person from the 'west' it wouldn't necessarily seem like it, but they were.<br />
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Then the 'service' started. Some were actively listening. Some were looking longingly at the tree and some were looking but not seeing, just trying to pay attention, because that's what you do.<br />
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Songs were sung. The spirit of oppression was rising and falling as one would breathe. Bit by bit it was going away.<br />
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I kept glancing at one particular family, seated on the side wall. Glancing at the tree and the gifts, then looking at each other as though, "That will never happen to us!" . Sometimes, I would see the dad look on and dreamily see him thinking, "Oh, if only I could provide something like that for my family!" The older girl with them would look at the tree and the gifts, but you could tell she was trying really hard not to get her hopes up.<br />
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A brief sermon was given about the reason for Christmas & the hope that it brings. A few people were really interested, but we are in a nation of VERY contemplative people & it can take years for decisions to be made like that - or a moment!<br />
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Then names were being called out - each family was on high alert. I glanced over at the family I had been watching. They looked, then looked down. The girl's first glance was filled with hope, then realize that younger kids were getting some of these boxes. It looked like she was thinking, "Oh, that will never happen to me, there are lots of people here in the room and lots of kids. They will probably run out before they get to me." Yet there was hope, though dwindling.<br />
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Other families whose wee ones did receive a shoebox (many from local donors, often wrapped) would gasp with delight. Sometimes you could hear a bit of the paper being torn, however most were just savored (they received one of those boxes!) or set aside by the parents to avoid temptation.<br />
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With each age group, more anticipation was felt. Once again, with a glance to the girl on the side I would see hope, then the thought of "They will run out before they get to me." I was praying for this family, and for many others in the room, that God would speak mightily to each one of them.<br />
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All of a sudden the family on the side sat up as though they got a brief jolt - HER name was called!! Could it really be?? "OH, HURRY!" They seemed to say to each other. "They may change their minds! Go get your box!" She tried to look as calm and collected as befitting her age, but the edges of a smile couldn't be denied! She meekly took the box and hurried back to her seat.<br />
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As she sat down, the parents ooh'd and aaahhh'd over the wrapping. Each person of the family touching the box and the paper and ribbon as though they couldn't believe it was real. The parents glanced at each other in awe and you could tell that a joy and relief washed over them while they watched their daughter gently stroke and touch each and every part of that box. Hope did NOT die! She <i>really</i> received a box!! This box had HER name on it!<br />
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A look around the room revealed many smiles (a rarity here), and a lightening from the oppressor's hand being lifted off. There were bits of giggles around from some of the younger ones that you could hear.<br />
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The service closed with another song or two, along with an announcement that men were needed to help bring in boxes of clothing that were being given to each and every member of the family, as well as some foodstuffs for the families as well. Boxes and boxes of clothes and shoes were pouring in, filling every pew in the building and then the stage as well. Some boxes were put on the floor in front of pews. Each shoebox given was preciously guarded by at least one member of the family while all the rest of the family started looking for items of clothing or shoes. What surprised me the most was while people could take all they wanted or needed of the clothes, these people, who needed these items more intensely than you or I, took only one or two items for each member of the family! It was as though they had mutually agreed that there were others who needed some of these more than they did.<br />
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Later, arms full of clothes, boxes, bags of sugar, flour & canned goods, sacks of potatoes, the people started walking out of the church, placing the treasures on the family bicycle to be pushed home. Hope walked out the door with them as well. God willing, it will continue to encourage them along life's way, remembering this special night when their family in its entirety, was thought of by the Father through others.<br />
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Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-58984645297539465962017-10-09T03:44:00.001-07:002017-10-09T03:54:04.053-07:00Difficulties of Living Somewhere Else<h2>
<b><i>Difficulties of Living Somewhere Else</i></b></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZkdjtOTNnGzw8NHupNXLJImMhNLNGel2N0rbJET4U09sJtP59JGQB1GClvzQuTas_YSWqHfYxJcBPg_j82XUyEfUPGFiRYBECipjvCrV5ot4Q-LURHzn5wuR7kR0xabGaB5CRTGs8yTX/s1600/GG+Conf.+Oct+%252717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZkdjtOTNnGzw8NHupNXLJImMhNLNGel2N0rbJET4U09sJtP59JGQB1GClvzQuTas_YSWqHfYxJcBPg_j82XUyEfUPGFiRYBECipjvCrV5ot4Q-LURHzn5wuR7kR0xabGaB5CRTGs8yTX/s320/GG+Conf.+Oct+%252717.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K & C at a Grain Game Conference preparing to speak</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpWBsiLBTRjI3I9kUlGGRnJSPY9_lNPCleHK_PKLFGONjaR-oJzUtA1Vj1GtIjYYeHi9cGXcg3KT9YBjkU27Ir328hyphenhyphenVRJdyNXh__CWargV2vhhiVuYIKy3s626iyHS5C1TOQ8HdKzXaQ/s1600/Kurt+packing+down+so%25CC%2581der.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpWBsiLBTRjI3I9kUlGGRnJSPY9_lNPCleHK_PKLFGONjaR-oJzUtA1Vj1GtIjYYeHi9cGXcg3KT9YBjkU27Ir328hyphenhyphenVRJdyNXh__CWargV2vhhiVuYIKy3s626iyHS5C1TOQ8HdKzXaQ/s320/Kurt+packing+down+so%25CC%2581der.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kurt helping a colleague with some house improvements</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: small;">Don't take life for granted! That has been a resounding call to us all this year. Many of our friends & friend's families have passed away without any warning. Between that & natural disasters & other newsworthy items - God's word remains clear, </span><u style="font-family: -webkit-standard;">"Choose YOU this day whom you will serve"</u><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"> </span><br />
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<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+24:15&version=NIV" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: yellow; color: black;">Joshua 24:15</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">But if serving the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps;">Lord</span> seems undesirable to <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</b>, then <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">choose </b>for <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</span>rselves <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">t</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">his</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">day</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">who</span>m <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">will</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">serve</span>, whether the gods <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</b>r ancestors <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">serve</span>d beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">who</span>se land <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</b> are living. But as for me and my household, we <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">will</b> <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">serve</b> the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps;">Lord</span>.”</span></div>
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So many people will say, "Oh, I have plenty of time. I will take care of that when I get to that point" If you haven't all ready chosen, WAKE UP!! There may NOT be time before you die! Others may say, "Well, you can have your way, and I will have mine." That is true, but I would much rather serve the Creator of the universe, THE ONE who spoke the stars into being, Who breathed life into man, than a belief in a possibility or the opposite of God!</div>
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Grief is difficult anytime, but it's especially difficult when you aren't living close to the ones you want to run to, to wrap your arms around them and help console them, to love on them as best you can, to sit with them in quietness and let them BE. <u>That </u>is one of the most difficult things about living away!</div>
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We can pick up the phone and call someone - even get to see them but the lack of touch, of personally being there is so hard! It happened again yesterday - I have no wonderful, consoling words, other than, "I am SO sorry to hear this!" Yet what I want to do each time is get on a plane and BE with them. Yet I am called to be here. </div>
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However, one of the strongest, most powerful weapons is in my hand - my Bible and prayers!! I can help be on the other side of the world and cover the 24 hour prayer vigils! I can pray and <u><b>God</b></u> can be there to soothe the aching hearts and minds. HE hears our prayers, HE hears our thoughts HE knows my heart and mind want to be with those I care about!!! What a mighty, wonderful God we serve!</div>
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Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-22581999877897066132016-02-12T02:17:00.002-08:002016-02-12T03:40:00.891-08:00Practical Differences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIK3Ww2ueG78HCkmY0Cd-DL8Z-W9P73uppRU0devgGb2f3TuvUyhAujR6n1GOT3dNJbvkM54ISExkAHWwie7RcWZbTeb9oy6BHBV8hyphenhyphen0CKrenfyMT5y57GTtSexAsfUNrkNaOX2sAqDvW/s1600/Beautiful+color+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIK3Ww2ueG78HCkmY0Cd-DL8Z-W9P73uppRU0devgGb2f3TuvUyhAujR6n1GOT3dNJbvkM54ISExkAHWwie7RcWZbTeb9oy6BHBV8hyphenhyphen0CKrenfyMT5y57GTtSexAsfUNrkNaOX2sAqDvW/s320/Beautiful+color+cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There are times when you wonder...."Did they say what I think they did?" Really, everyone goes through that at one time or another, right? Have you ever been embarrassed by what you THOUGHT you heard and what was actually said? I certainly have! Both of us have! <br />
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Yesterday here is what is called, "Torkos Csütörtök" (I know, easy for you to say!) but it is a 'holiday' of sorts when restaurants who participate offer a great deal on their cuisine, so many people summon up the courage and try something different. One lady I spoke with yesterday who goes to the Patchwork Klub was going to try Mexican food (maybe for the first time ever). Kurt and I went out - a rare occasion!<br />
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This morning, after helping some friends with a car problem, he learned that the basis of this 'holiday' with the restaurants was because it was right before Lent started, and the restaruants needed to use up the food and supplies that may not be<br />
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used until after Lent. Very practical, these Hungarians!<br />
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So, if you know us, you are aware this probably led into another conversation of silly things - for example, when I was growing up in a Presbyterian household, I had always heard about people giving things up for "Lint". This concerned me and I would ask my mom about it & she just stared at me or poo-poo'd the idea. I remember being at the laundromat with her one time and she was going to throw the lint away... "But Mom, we need to save that!!" "Why?" she asked. "We need to save that for the springtime!" (I am sure she thought I needed to make a project out of it)... but you see, I thought the lint needed to be saved for "Lint" in the springtime!<br />
It wasn't until high school or so when I really found out what "Lint" was all about... <br />
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I also had a best friend next door growing up ('till I moved across town when I was 8), whose mom was Puerto Rican. The mom's name was Hilda (I'll get to that in a minute), and when Hilda would go to the store, she would invite me along with her daughter. No problem. We were on a special trip called "arrinds" (and you MUST roll those r's!!!) again, it was years later when my mom and I were headed to the store (which is what we called it) and she said something about other errands. I asked what that was - again, a look from her like I just crawled out- and she said that it was when you go other places other than the store..."Oh, 'arrinds'! Like Hilda does!" Bing! The light came on in my mom's head of what I had culturally grown up with and what things really were.... <br />
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Then I took German in high school & was thoroughly confused. Mom was wondering what I was so confused about. "Mom, why do they have a Puerto Rican name as one of the main people in this story?" (My German teacher hadn't understood my confusion.)<br />
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"What do you mean dear?"said my mom.<br />
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"Well, they have Hilda doing this and Hilda saying this...". <br />
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Bing! Mom cracked up! "I was wondering when we might get to this conversation!" (Really, is it a wonder she has had white hair for so long with me around??)<br />
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SO - now we are in Hungary... and learning a new language.... LOL! I am SURE God is laughing at many things about this! "Sure, I'll just send off these two - it will be great! You guys are gonna laugh so hard! (God is speaking to angels in heaven) ... "He is praying for healing in his left ear since he can't hear well out of it and she has a wild imagination and sense of humor!" We will all have a great time! To top it off, it's nearly impossible to lip read what Hungarians say!"<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong - I don't think God has a mean or nasty streak in Him, but I DO know He has a terrific sense of humor! He made platypus' for heaven's sake!! He made us!! I think He just gets a kick out of some of the stuff that happens that truly is funny.<br />
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So here in Hungary, we have the word for carpet, which is "szőnyeg". There is the word for mosquito which is "szúnyog". They sound VERY similar! A couple summers ago, we were at a next door neighbor's house for a bograc (like a grill party) and the mosquitos were terrible because of all the rain we had had.... I remembered that I had some Cutter wipes at home, so I ran to get them. As I brought them back, I figured it would be good to show what they do (since they don't have anything like that here), so I had started wiping the insecticide onto my skin, clothing and hair. I was asked what these were and so I explained (in Hungarian) as I passed around the container offering them <br />
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one, that these were wipes to put some repellant onto your body so the mosquitos don't bother you. As if orchestrated, everyone's head leaned over to the left at once and a curious look came over their faces... I thought, "Uh oh, what have I said?" (see photo to the right:)<br />
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One of the younger people there said, "Carrie neni, were you trying to speak of the little insects?"<br />
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"Yes, I was - OH!!" So I replied once more in Hungarian, " Oh well, mosquitos OR carpets...either way, these will work to keep them off you!" to the laughter of them all as they grabbed the wipes.<br />
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So, as you are working/shopping/ listening today, please, for the sake of others, enunciate well:) We will try to do the same. Food for thought: (If a child looks at you strangely, perhaps you are introducing a new word into their vocabulary.)Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-10014025339430179952016-01-06T04:51:00.001-08:002016-01-06T04:51:42.689-08:00Updates from us!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kurt helping to deliver Shoebox presents</td></tr>
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Happy New Year!<br />
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Wow, we can't believe it has been so long since we posted anything! Please accept our apologies. We had a flurry of events happen and departed the states a week after we received our needed funding. To say it was a whirlwind is mild! PTL and thank you for all of you who helped get us back to the field!<br />
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Since we got back at the end of September, we have been leaping back into ministry that normally happens here ( Bible Studies; Patchwork Club; Men's Club; Team Meetings; Assisting pastors; Serving at the Barka) plus some fun extras like helping with donations for the refugees; Friendship evangelism; Grain Game days; Men's outreaches and helping some other people. We have moved into a small apartment (first time we have ever lived in an apartment! God provided a large European fridge and an inside dryer!); Celebrated our 30th anniversary; Renewed friendships here; Carrie had her knee replacement surgery; Re-started language lessons - this time with a private, Christian tutor; Re-started physical therapy; Joined our team with some of the puppet ministry events; Skyped with a few of you; Helped with some of the Christmas Shoebox deliveries, and quite frankly, <i><u>our return (thanks again to you), reassured the Hungarians that we were true to our word in saying we wanted to come back and we are committed to working with them</u></i>. This says something <u>huge</u> in a culture that is quite suspect of what others say and do and how they act. Does this help you understand what it means to support missionaries?? See? You not only help us serve, <i>but you are serving as well through us</i>!<br />
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During our 10 months in the states raising more support, we drove over 30,000 miles, Spoke at 61 <i>specific</i> functions we were invited to in order to tell about what God is doing in Hungary; met up with hundreds of you personally to talk about ministry, flew at least 10,000 (including trainings and conferences), met literally thousands of new people, revisited with many of you, renewed old friendships, prayed with many strangers and for many truckers, celebrated with 5 new couples at their weddings, celebrated Christmas with Carrie's mom AT Christmas-time, got to spend some great times with all of our sons and their wives, met new family members, said good-bye this side of heaven to many others, and EVERY single day God gave us an opportunity to tell someone about what God called us to in this new adventure in life. On the average, we had a different place to sleep at least two times a week for the entire time!<br />
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We also had the privilege of having God direct our steps more than once. Often to us it looked like we were to go to one place for one reason... then God stepped in and a flurry of other opportunities bloomed because we were willing to trust Him with the one thing. Such is a life wholly depending on God, wherever a person is. God calls each of us to obedience, step by step and it is a process every day, no matter how old you are. There is never one way continually to do something, other than expense reports! Our God is SUCH a God of creativity! What a joy to live for Him daily and rejoice in how He designs each day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our economical dryer outside... but as you can see from the icicles hanging from Kurt's sweater, it has some drawbacks at times!</td></tr>
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<br />Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-77583302007448002172015-08-25T11:15:00.000-07:002015-08-25T11:15:38.396-07:00"Keep Calm and Kiss"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are wanting to post our latest thermometer of support funding, however, we <i><u>continue</u></i> to have technical difficulties with it being scanned/loaded/cropped to our computer, so we just have to wait further… but we have good news in many ways!<br />
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Our first item of Good News is that Jesus Loves YOU and wants you for His own!! Many view the Gospel as exclusive. Please know that it is NOT exclusive, but SO INCLUSIVE that it is really quite astounding!! Only the enemy (satan - yes, he does exist) twist this truth into people thinking that the complete inclusiveness of God coming to earth to save us (i.e. Christ would love to have everyone sincerely accept Him and go to heaven) twists so that man thinks that this means that God doesn't want anyone to come to heaven. Scripture blatantly says, "<b style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.bibleontheweb.com/bible/NASB2/1%20John-4?highlight_verse=9#9" style="border: 0px; color: #012ff3; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="1 John 4:9">1 John 4:9</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> Our second item of good news is that our MINIMUM amount of support has been raised, PTL!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Now we are encouraging people to help support us to go BEYOND MINIMUM into the "Suggested Amount" of support to get back to Hungary and not only continue with the outreaches, but also get back to language school! We are nearly to the amount required for many one-time costs (language school; tickets to fly back; money for deposits on a rental place again…) So, there is still help needed - is God calling you to help support us through monthly gifts and/or through gifts for departure costs? If so, you can just click on the either of the links to the right of this page with Pioneers or International Ministries and help, starting TODAY!!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #373737; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> Our third item of good news is that we may be able to go back to Hungary as early as mid or late September! We don't have the official word yet, but we are anticipating that any day! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #373737; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><b style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><i><u>Thank you</u></i></b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> to so many of you who have housed us, hosted us, planned a meal or event for us to meet others, loved us, give generously to this ministry (we view that EVERYONE who gives, gives generously!), PRAY for us and tell others about what we do!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #373737; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"> We will be speaking on the 13th of September to a church in Pasadena, CA, so if you are close by, or know someone who is who would like to be there to hear what God is doing in Hungary, please email us @ Hungry4Jesus@hushmail.com or reply with this blog and we will give you more details.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #373737; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-31891560403391208432015-07-03T21:36:00.000-07:002015-07-03T21:36:12.439-07:00God Incidences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, we are still here in the states. God has allowed us to be invited to South Dakota. It has been over 100 degrees so far on our way over to the Dakotas - some place new to both Kurt & I.<br />
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Thankfulness fills our hearts for all the people who have offered to host us for different periods of time - such a blessing! (yes, it can be stressful moving every week at least once… we appreciate your prayers!) We love having the chance to truly catch up in the midst of our days with our hosts & it continues to strengthen and reaffirm our friendships.<br />
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Well, this morning, after spending a very brief night at one of our hosts' homes, we were on the road again. At about 7:30 we were following verbal directions (always a danger when you are bleary) and we got to an intersection in the middle of nowhere, quite literally. Kurt stepped out to find a map when I heard him speaking loudly after a car turned….. then I heard him say, "Oh MY!"<br />
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It turns out that we met up with a great friend on the side of a road in the middle of nowhere~ Isn't God GOOD?? The brief visit encouraged us greatly:)<br />
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2-3 weeks ago, we stopped at a rest stop out of Leavenworth, WA after speaking at a church & who should we see but yet some more friends! God is so GOOD! More encouragement from that visit, too.<br />
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Last week, we were in the airport in Kansas City - and we see one of our pastors and his wife! Love seeing people we know in unexpected places! Yes, it is great encouragement when you have interactions with those you care about.<br />
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We also love getting mail from friends - especially when we live outside of the states!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">{Like} cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land. Proverbs 25:25</span><br />
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<br />Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-40041951132888392592015-06-18T22:18:00.002-07:002015-06-18T22:18:17.369-07:00Smalley's Early June Update '15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We wanted to give you an update of how 'life' is going for us - currently, unless a miracle happens we won't be able to leave by the end of June…<br />
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As you can see we are still short in our monthly support (<i>one of the MOST important ways you can help</i>), as well as in our Language school support.<br />
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Since we CANNOT LEAVE until both of the financial thermometers are filled, we remain in the US. We pray that we can be back in time for English Camp, to help with the staffing, since often it is on the lean side.<br />
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Lately I have been hearing and reading nearly the same continual theme - "Using your resources for God, rather than for man" - I often think about how this applies to our exact situation.<br />
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So, as the month of June wanes - what we hoped would be our departing month, we are trying to not be too depressed as this time of waiting extends.<br />
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If you know anyone who would like to help get us back, or to hear what we are doing in Hungary, we would love to chat with them! Email us back:)<br />
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Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-38705979488691003322015-05-18T12:38:00.000-07:002015-05-18T12:38:25.838-07:00Unexpected Breakthroughs I love surprises - good ones, that is. Being on the field has been one of those, even though it can be difficult, there are many great surprises. Some fun surprises are in the midst of hard things, Kurt will do something fun and unexpected, like the photo below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPTQAWId3YYPDm2_URVKTLYV9YaYzfHbb3ckevO9z4UPcZTstAQ1RRvtZnhA94q4Cl_swv1hxA4vbIiRlba3HCPc-s9TPsLHJ1jr4pkyy3pGxNXgdHKyKMfg3VxwXnDraT_faQk9lSvHt/s1600/Now+THAT's+a+cup+of+coffee!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPTQAWId3YYPDm2_URVKTLYV9YaYzfHbb3ckevO9z4UPcZTstAQ1RRvtZnhA94q4Cl_swv1hxA4vbIiRlba3HCPc-s9TPsLHJ1jr4pkyy3pGxNXgdHKyKMfg3VxwXnDraT_faQk9lSvHt/s1600/Now+THAT's%2Ba%2Bcup%2Bof%2Bcoffee!.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now THAT's a cup of coffee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other fun surprises are when we get blessed with boxes of love from the states - fresh coffee beans, mugs, encouraging books and notes, twist ties, bits of everyday life we used to take for granted, but no longer do. We love sharing some of those gifts, like the fresh coffee, with friends, so they can understand more fully what we also like and enjoy. The Hungarian people (usually) are more than willing to at least try something they are unaccustomed to, just like you and I.<br />
<br />
Some things are possible to obtain, but often at a great price, or in a different country.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHJ6VR6rJKlvZ_3JCulg-jYCs3-NnO4cOtF7n_xuH1JHx8zK595bS8CuVfARtkh38s0u8yHVf9DpWE4aY7y7opNnL4kVY43l1wkno81n_mWzrHaLsHbjrEHYWArANgr3ublVBQVjdqSAa/s1600/Thankful+for+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHJ6VR6rJKlvZ_3JCulg-jYCs3-NnO4cOtF7n_xuH1JHx8zK595bS8CuVfARtkh38s0u8yHVf9DpWE4aY7y7opNnL4kVY43l1wkno81n_mWzrHaLsHbjrEHYWArANgr3ublVBQVjdqSAa/s1600/Thankful+for+coffee.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Camano Island Coffee Roasters! Heavenly coffee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Other breakthroughs can happen during unexpected times. We just heard about a couple in a different country who are now expecting twins & she has been astoundingly sick with morning sickness. This has become a huge change for both of them, but also for the community as the men are seeing how he cares for his wife during this time. The husband is loving, helping, ever careful and gentle with her - far different than what is expected of men there… and it is changing the way men are looking at life!<br />
<br />
When I had my knee replaced in Budapest, (thanks to many people helping me gain back my mobility!) the way Kurt took care of me, loved me, spoke volumes to others. He was trying to stay busy and there was an abundance of fruit in our yard, as well as at the local market which is called a "Piac" (pee-yahtz). So, Kurt asked how to make applesauce, jams, etc… & then did them! Did that ever surprise the people we knew! "What? YOU made this, Kurt???? How can that be? Ok, because YOU made this, I will try it…" Kurt became an amazing canning/cooking machine! People looked at him differently, nearly reverentially.<br />
<br />
After I could move around more and more, I wanted to get back to the piac as well to see people I had been interacting with, getting to know, plus, I just love seeing what is locally fresh and available. Kurt and I slowly made our way there, me with my crutches and Tylenoled up… (Painkillers aren't very prevalent there, so I was using some I brought from the states). As I spoke to the man who sells eggs, there was something within the crowd that was like a disturbance. Then speaking to the honey seller, more disturbance, then a vegetable saleswoman who understands me better. She asked how my time in the states went.<br />
"I didn't go to the states." I replied. "Yes you did - was it good?" she said. "I didn't go anywhere." I said.<br />
"Yes, for your surgery." She said.<br />
"Oh, I had that done here, in Hungary."<br />
<i> "HERE?? You had gone to a hospital HERE??"</i> Now there was a real disturbance in the people as it seemed to sweep through the crowds & people whispering. (It's not like people hang on every word we say. There are a lot of people in this farmer's market area & it's a great way for people to catch up with each other, but I was getting the feeling somewhat of jungle drums, or the equivalent).<br />
"Yes" I replied. "No, in America, or maybe Germany" she said.<br />
"No, right in Budapest, on ____ Street" I said.<br />
(Now the swirling sensation in people really took off)<br />
"Wow" she said, then carefully asked, "Are you pleased with it (your surgery)?"<br />
"Yes, I am. It is a difficult recovery, but it is good" I said.<br />
<br />
I tell you, I couldn't have paid people for the looks of awe as we hobbled back to the car parked a block or so away. (I was used up, tired beyond tired & in pain - but it was SO good to get out after being cooped up at home!) The breakthrough that God provided through needing a new knee continued on - people treated me as though another wall was broken down - I was respected more, but allowed to be more of "Hungarian". Even a year after surgery, people would still ask me about my knee and how it was doing - and I had never seen them that I know of!<br />
<br />
There is a bonding in our surprises, quite often. You think of some silly or tragic things that happen, and those that are with you are drawn in to a deeper understanding of life together, something that needs to be nurtured a bit, but can last a lifetime.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to get back, to gather together over coffee or tea and talk about what God is doing, what happened with each other, and greet people with kisses on each cheek again (but rarely hug each other!). I am ready for the grumpy lack of customer service in stores, but the camaraderie of the piac…<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PQyS7kBP-7NxQjBFmYlTH4lM9wluODCuWBmQLjFO4zyfqrKKPpWtyhNu_JsM-hi5qfoBC0A2VcAc3yj4XjXg99hZR7S9o3oElCfj-q39GxgyUTdRTK7yEwYvR532Q_K0J8-h2ZZZP4xX/s1600/Sm+Wreaths+&+nuts+&+fruit+for+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PQyS7kBP-7NxQjBFmYlTH4lM9wluODCuWBmQLjFO4zyfqrKKPpWtyhNu_JsM-hi5qfoBC0A2VcAc3yj4XjXg99hZR7S9o3oElCfj-q39GxgyUTdRTK7yEwYvR532Q_K0J8-h2ZZZP4xX/s1600/Sm+Wreaths+&+nuts+&+fruit+for+sale.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuts, grapes, wreaths, dried fruits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA9LkwAraaiCdD40cbIv1m1QitdeveBDkg0Npln5d_f6eJVhz0u-eM7p2lNuJFWUReTh9MHbFqMwJ-y7xTt6A33Outrv-3CBHNCgO0VAoGFCs97DWJvlGEWz6iBhSpHlygi04oxs2QRR_/s1600/Creative+Saurkraut+marketing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA9LkwAraaiCdD40cbIv1m1QitdeveBDkg0Npln5d_f6eJVhz0u-eM7p2lNuJFWUReTh9MHbFqMwJ-y7xTt6A33Outrv-3CBHNCgO0VAoGFCs97DWJvlGEWz6iBhSpHlygi04oxs2QRR_/s1600/Creative+Saurkraut+marketing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vecses Kaposta (sauerkraut that is sweet/sour) - yummy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are some sights you might see at the local markets held outside, twice a week, all year long, no matter the weather!<br />
<br />
Again, most is seasonal, and if you don't get it that day/week, it may not be back! So, you learn to shop well, often and figure out a way to preserve it with little/no freezer space or fridge space! (Maybe this was the reason I started canning over in the states - was to get ready to can over in Hungary?!) God may be preparing you for something new, too!<br />
<br />
My quilter's heart loves all the colors, as well. Maybe someday I can convey this into art, too:)<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvvw2I_vU97XP0LOQCbV8upb6BrjMxyI6NlGFdtjp2Arf3ugvwGHmEXMDWUtII0IeoSbIu_hzzEm80M_7R_k4j_HwJEvMKYV1tLg62rouIIPrsVLz-YSMruTUMIHxravLdTh3iUrh5EAi/s1600/2013-08-31+08.14.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvvw2I_vU97XP0LOQCbV8upb6BrjMxyI6NlGFdtjp2Arf3ugvwGHmEXMDWUtII0IeoSbIu_hzzEm80M_7R_k4j_HwJEvMKYV1tLg62rouIIPrsVLz-YSMruTUMIHxravLdTh3iUrh5EAi/s1600/2013-08-31+08.14.07.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ever present beautiful peppers - the heart of Hungarian cuisine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-17542856015992116272015-04-22T15:06:00.002-07:002015-04-22T15:06:42.193-07:00Spring '15 $upport Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kFYNfFWVQ0EVSF46o2dfEv4MdKaxt7nKxJrZYWCMkUUW2acNmHDJvnBQbeuM_s7zOZ4ZSt0ev7Wvhaj-dhMDEii7nAydnL50Ha3CXgrg19BNyQ8VwDF8ogpmO-DlszTIpP2unF82aOuG/s1600/4:15+Mo+Supt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kFYNfFWVQ0EVSF46o2dfEv4MdKaxt7nKxJrZYWCMkUUW2acNmHDJvnBQbeuM_s7zOZ4ZSt0ev7Wvhaj-dhMDEii7nAydnL50Ha3CXgrg19BNyQ8VwDF8ogpmO-DlszTIpP2unF82aOuG/s1600/4:15+Mo+Supt.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a></div>
Praise the Lord!<br />
<br />
We are getting closer to going back to Hungary!<br />
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Many Hungarians have said, "We need you back! Please come back to Hungary!" Believe me, we would love to - especially with the great exchange rate right now!<br />
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The thermometer to the right is the MINIMUM we need to raise - we would love to go back with extra - it would help others in so many ways!<br />
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So far, we have spoken to 31 groups; hundreds of individuals and traveled 9000 miles in 5 months. Why? Simply for the fact that WE CANNOT GO BACK UNTIL MORE SUPPORT IS RAISED!<br />
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<b><i>Less than 2% of Hungary are evangelical believers. </i></b><br />
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<i><u>Why travel so far?</u></i> We go wherever we are invited and speak to whom God has opened a door. We are doing the best that we can and pray that those with whom we have spoken and those whom we know would understand the lengths we go to tell about church planting, building relationships in a hard land with people that continually ask us why we are there. Would we like to speak to a group you know? Sure! <u>You are the easiest way your group will listen to us.</u> They don't know us, but they DO know YOU!<br />
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<u><i><span style="color: #38761d;">How do you get funded for support?</span></i></u> We ask people to invest with us in reaching the Hungarian people, you yourself can right now - if you feel a 'nudge' that is from God - go ahead, answer that nudge! Just click to the right on one of the links and sign up for monthly support. Maybe the reason it is taking so long is because people are thinking, "Oh, someone else will do that" - You ARE the someone else! Could you invest $50/monthly? More? Less? Great! Sign up on that link! That's ALL you need to do!<br />
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Our language fund isn't going as fast as we would like it to, either but we know that the monthly support is the most important. Next is the language school fund. Before we left we had people sigh and say, "Oh, your Hungarian is SO much better than it was earlier!" <i>Help us get back so we don't lose what language we have learned.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6KJcsZinNMBxWmJuJspQwmJt8Kye71tElkKFs4jsrP1W6Ep1ErTeevxoubVzFHKKOQ24kGpiYct4P3cvG31tyRMWCII5piRfxcNeD6hHYAfto5hqwudHYnct87ZEQQ3036NjC8Vd4HXw/s1600/4:15+Language+Supt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6KJcsZinNMBxWmJuJspQwmJt8Kye71tElkKFs4jsrP1W6Ep1ErTeevxoubVzFHKKOQ24kGpiYct4P3cvG31tyRMWCII5piRfxcNeD6hHYAfto5hqwudHYnct87ZEQQ3036NjC8Vd4HXw/s1600/4:15+Language+Supt.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;">It is understandable that times can be difficult, but we also see and hear of many people who go on more than one vacation or getaway. What if you just helped further the Gospel with what you spent with 'extras' you bought in one day, like the coffee(s), lunch (instead, brown-bag it that day), dinner (fix it at home rather than going out), and picking up 'a little something' can be from $10-100 - This way, in reality, you could have just invested that money into a month's worth of support - and it was only one day out of a month! Not a huge sacrifice for God, but <i>something</i>.</span><br />
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Less than 2% of Hungary are evangelical believers. Those are people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and are making a stand for Christ. ALL of Europe is back to being an unreached people group! Not just people in China, Africa and Muslim countries, but where many of our own ancestors came from, where the Gospel in our language came from!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">In two short years, we have seen changes happen, worked with some who have made those changes and set our neighborhood where we lived on it's ear through friendship evangelism. <u>We were the only native English speakers in a city of 20,000</u>! Would you do that? No?</span> <b><i><u>Then send us back so we can!</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
Our team, our church and our friends are praying for us to come back….<br />
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<br />Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-77750990613357642382015-02-18T18:52:00.000-08:002015-02-18T18:52:13.237-08:00Our 1st Home Assignment…Questions Asked Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP5Ym3Qr6Cal6dYqJTAdOUZv8dTAyBereVo7-8-VI3nllaO8TV7OdPyYGRawYDstnXzeO6vGM_72oJi_ULFcCfDgmy0lMP0yaxurUf_Ju6imN_-Au4hkF0rLQilBP3BjiYuG4zJRU197S/s1600/2.15+Mo+Suppt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP5Ym3Qr6Cal6dYqJTAdOUZv8dTAyBereVo7-8-VI3nllaO8TV7OdPyYGRawYDstnXzeO6vGM_72oJi_ULFcCfDgmy0lMP0yaxurUf_Ju6imN_-Au4hkF0rLQilBP3BjiYuG4zJRU197S/s1600/2.15+Mo+Suppt.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hooray!! It's building up!! Thank you to all who are helping to increase our funding so we can stay on the field!! <div>
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<div>
<u>Question:</u> "How are you supported? Does a 'mission' finance you or what?" </div>
<div>
<u>Answer</u>: We are supported primarily by monthly support - most of what is given by individuals, like you. A few churches elect to support us monthly as well, usually through their missions committees, but the majority of the funding for us is through individuals. Gone are the days when an organization would just self-support people, since many people currently don't want to just support a fund, they want to know the people who are receiving the money.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Question:</u> "Can anyone support you?" </div>
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<u>Answer</u>: YES!! You can do so today - just click on one of the 'give' highlighted areas to the right on this blog and it can be set up in less than 5 minutes:)</div>
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<div>
<u>Question:</u> "Are you planning on going back to Hungary?"</div>
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<u>Answer: </u>YES!! We are spending an awful lot of effort to learn this language and the hearts of the people through immersing ourselves in the culture. God is still calling us there.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Question</u>: "Do the Hungarians feel like you are making an impact?"</div>
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<u>Answer:</u> YES! Many were telling us as we said good bye …<u>"<i>PLEASE</i> tell the Americans we want you back! You are needed here! Please come back!!</u></div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<u>Question</u>: Why Hungary? Why not someplace that has such obvious physical needs as well? (Africa, Haiti, India, Mexico, ETC?)<br />
<div>
<u> Answer:</u> God is reaching out to a lost world. Some cultures lack the message/hope of salvation as well as food, water, and healthcare. Others appear only to be lacking the Good News of salvation through "Christ Alone". Jesus calls <u>all believers,</u> you and I, to spend ourselves on behalf of the expanding Kingdom of God. God is just as concerned about a well dressed/fed person going to hell as He is a person who has enjoyed nothing good in their entire lifetime. <u>LESS THAN 2% of Europe are evangelical Christians! </u> Hungary is right there with them. <u><i>All</i></u> of Europe is back to being considered an Unreached People Group(s)! God directed us to have a heart for the Hungarians, so there we are.</div>
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<div>
<u>Question:</u> "How do you find places to speak?"</div>
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<u>Answer</u>: YOU! Most places have no interest in having someone just come and speak unless they have a personal recommendation from someone they KNOW. That is where you come in - they know you! So, if you think it would be a great idea for us to come speak to your group/church/service organization, ask them! We can make time, but often we can't make the connection that you can. You can be our best resource!</div>
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There are many more questions we are asked, so we will give those and our answers in another blog later. Meanwhile, feel free to contact us with any of your questions! </div>
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Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-3171512498229080532015-01-05T12:37:00.001-08:002015-01-05T12:37:50.781-08:00Life back in the USA & Reverse Culture Shocks<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Reverse Culture Shocks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, since being
back in the States, we have had a number of things to adapt to. Probably the
hardest one has been all the <u>customer service</u> that is available
here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">SO used</i> to the feeling that I am bothering people when I come into
their stores in Hungary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when I
enter a store here in the states, we are nearly accosted by someone welcoming
us and asking if they can help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes I just start looking for a grumpy clerk to feel ‘more at home’
with!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another thing that
is so surprising - but yet it’s wonderful - is that I can have a complete load
of <u>laundry</u> done in one day, and it’s DRY! Wow! How cool is that??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am used to getting a load from the
Hungarian washing machine (an American ¼ =1/2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>load) done in the washer,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then
hanging it up to dry. A day or two later it is dry enough so I can take it down
and put it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shouted with glee the
other day getting three complete loads taken care of at my mom’s house!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Physical homelessness</u> has really hit
both of us as we came back to the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have no actual home here in the States anymore, and no actual
house/apartment to go back to in Hungary, yet, since we moved out of where we
were because we don’t know when we will be back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Spiritual
homelessness</u> has not really been an issue – we celebrate each day with God,
no matter where we are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has taken some
getting used to <u>driving</u> over here in the States again – people take the
driving thing WAY too personal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
used to people passing us either because they are in a hurry or they need to
turn off, no biggie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was expecting
stores to completely overwhelm me with the <u>choices</u>, but that has rarely
been an issue. What has overwhelmed me was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how
Much </i>of each choice there is, and why it may be necessary to have that
many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am starting to understand my
husband’s more pared down approach to choices that he has always had, though.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all, it feels like we are adjusting fairly well. Isten jo, mindenkor! (God is good, all the time!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J_1DLf2r-MgSWhqAkHulhawlWv3No2OAapGYvGGE3piCAJqS9THblkN2dvYyKLot48_UXPManpx_PUOtVq_fiG4zZsC44byQbkMIdFdWJT_Zb_pfGM2eiiJnNwU0tpLdXVJKXErhDlqX/s1600/Kurt+smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2J_1DLf2r-MgSWhqAkHulhawlWv3No2OAapGYvGGE3piCAJqS9THblkN2dvYyKLot48_UXPManpx_PUOtVq_fiG4zZsC44byQbkMIdFdWJT_Zb_pfGM2eiiJnNwU0tpLdXVJKXErhDlqX/s1600/Kurt+smiling.jpg" /></a></div>
Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-6346353278842239582014-10-29T11:09:00.001-07:002014-10-29T11:09:18.208-07:00So, what do you DO during the week????<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoFJgDN-z6FFfiyppPj8CcLErHHRyzk84tNbJcm694BsYefSB79-Flo1Kl6gJVH2m2CGm21eJih_YoUY2uTK-ju7oKETZJYbTuSg_8uiIHEaG3uuW6XkGmW5_Tciq7WbfD8uLXtcM17O1/s1600/Bus+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoFJgDN-z6FFfiyppPj8CcLErHHRyzk84tNbJcm694BsYefSB79-Flo1Kl6gJVH2m2CGm21eJih_YoUY2uTK-ju7oKETZJYbTuSg_8uiIHEaG3uuW6XkGmW5_Tciq7WbfD8uLXtcM17O1/s1600/Bus+view.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of a bus in Budapest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwpuwsIk6_dTQXamw-eDQ1GBizZOotBy_KYfNd-xS_rdwulz7jo8dD1LN54LbDNzU0GS2vLA3f4Po1EUa8gXphOzYdr07C1dEfhPlAgiVLyCft3uAM2mWcZ7MZXOb2u9Wgtd1xbmu5sAj/s1600/Bence's%2Bgroup%2B'14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwpuwsIk6_dTQXamw-eDQ1GBizZOotBy_KYfNd-xS_rdwulz7jo8dD1LN54LbDNzU0GS2vLA3f4Po1EUa8gXphOzYdr07C1dEfhPlAgiVLyCft3uAM2mWcZ7MZXOb2u9Wgtd1xbmu5sAj/s1600/Bence's%2Bgroup%2B'14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting with others - this is at English Bible Study</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb43xFv52shW-ajdHvGBtSBeI1-ff3zBioncqdtmbUyAmk3lKa18M9W393rJ2dCkS7MTt3K3YWUWRB6QmA-k50kEpvokReCnHWlWRxaUpizFFyaPmRQiNozpvNQtxibwQ2PIXllMLLPzY/s1600/guess+what+it+is%3F%3F%3F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb43xFv52shW-ajdHvGBtSBeI1-ff3zBioncqdtmbUyAmk3lKa18M9W393rJ2dCkS7MTt3K3YWUWRB6QmA-k50kEpvokReCnHWlWRxaUpizFFyaPmRQiNozpvNQtxibwQ2PIXllMLLPzY/s1600/guess+what+it+is%3F%3F%3F.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somethings aren't as easy to figure out what they are...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19h1cCdyhoVjJ7py6RahZBQhx8HwM9Z19y0zVxsNM9VvVf1_rhpQX1OOY8lWA4zcm4ffOWags6RgBlJ9wxTv_Wv4PzVidaLliKpDGry07Kh7wmB_M9RfC8bGZdgi5Ryt6cT-Vx_3caQD6/s1600/Villamos+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19h1cCdyhoVjJ7py6RahZBQhx8HwM9Z19y0zVxsNM9VvVf1_rhpQX1OOY8lWA4zcm4ffOWags6RgBlJ9wxTv_Wv4PzVidaLliKpDGry07Kh7wmB_M9RfC8bGZdgi5Ryt6cT-Vx_3caQD6/s1600/Villamos+view.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of a street car - some are newer, others aren't</td></tr>
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Well, often our weeks are filled with meeting people - on the street, in the shops (we need to shop 3-4 times a week here since there aren't preservatives in foods or sprayed on the veggies and fruits), and in many of our outreaches. There are ministry events at least 2-3 times a week, every week, and each one lasts a minimum of 2 hours +.<br />
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When people come to visit, we serve as guides to Budapest and beyond (bring your walking shoes!) We are often out for 8-10 hours a day on those days!<br />
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It is said that here in Hungary (in the city), if you get two (2) things accomplished, that's a really successful day! Things take longer here. Sometimes you have to go from one building for meat, another building to buy milk, another building to get something made of plastic, another store (in another building) to buy twine…. you get the idea! There are more and more supermarkets/markets coming up all over, but many are small little mom/pop stores that may have a great variety of items, or may not. Having owned a mom/pop business, we try to help them out as much as possible. At the piac (pronounced Pea-atz, which is a farmer's market), there are many of these small mom/pop places in one area. Some will just sell plastic bags for trash, some will sell kitchen items, others sell flowers, others may just sell what they have - random things, but you can feel the oppressiveness of poverty around them. God sometimes nudges us to get something from them, or something from some other vendors. In many ways, the piac is like a regular farmer's market, too, though ours has a few booths of our famous Vecsesi Kaposta - YUM!! (It is a sweet/sour sauerkraut with many veggies in it - gorgeous and delicious!)<br />
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Maybe another reason that things take so much longer is that if people have a job, they aren't in a real hurry to serve you most places. The markets may have up to ten people in a line, and only one or two check stands open. Customer service desks are incredibly slow on the average. One time it took me an hour to get a warranty validated! Other reasons may be the travel between where you need to go, and how to get there. Main streets in the states are usually full of stores with advertisements drawing you in. Not the case here - often you will find a store in the middle of a neighborhood with a small sign. If you didn't know that store was available, you never would have found it!<br />
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Today, we were true overachievers! We got five things done! We had the privilege of mailing our ballot at the Posta (Post office); going to the ATM; Shopping for some things we needed; Arriving at our team meeting; and Kurt is even now helping a brother in Christ with a car while I am working on this blog.<br />
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That also brings up more things that we do - paperwork/ computer work and LOTS of acts of service! Kurt has been enjoying the chance to change up the way neighbors look at one another. Normally, everyone takes care of his own sidewalk/lawn. Period. Don't step over the line of the property. Well, when we moved in, I baked cookies to take around and Kurt started shoveling snow for neighbors; sweeping snow; weed whacking for them… all sorts of things! Now it is kind of a game - see if you can beat the neighbor trying to pay you back for your help! The help is tremendously appreciated, even though many don't want to say, you can tell.<br />
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Kurt has also been able to be a blessing to others with some vehicle problems they may have, or to help mow the lawn at the Barka, as well as regularly set up chairs while I (Carrie) am often making coffee for the people that will be coming and setting out snacks.<br />
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So, weekly our goals are to be a blessing to others - maybe in ways that can surprise them or just to lend a listening ear. Even though we may not understand everything, many heart issues can be understood, and prayer requests encouraged. We are here, after all, to show others <b><i>through your help</i></b>, what a wonderful, tremendously loving God we have and we try to do that nearly any way we can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfdZs1Kw5uKrVYBHE0m5mt1J34lB3QcDwlk1bRjoT55hqAHCtC8tm0N8vDUMCQBx20_7XIWColVVSqj038QfYx7jiihU1dwOZbJsQmh5kP1qxW7nBGnog8hb2_5kKqyZntTi-v9jzoD3B/s1600/Missions+Sunday+@+CamChap+'14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfdZs1Kw5uKrVYBHE0m5mt1J34lB3QcDwlk1bRjoT55hqAHCtC8tm0N8vDUMCQBx20_7XIWColVVSqj038QfYx7jiihU1dwOZbJsQmh5kP1qxW7nBGnog8hb2_5kKqyZntTi-v9jzoD3B/s1600/Missions+Sunday+@+CamChap+'14.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the informational tables you may have seen for us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-dSMRyekT631vYrRuKoHl-DCSLrMVqchpY2UYjJ3pHPRWDOKjlYLl27uGdRS_OLvKoN01FB-QXdxbUjUR_ggwLstp9KRsCAxrGLFZyoQTZLm3zPuJc5jkW_npnUpmpwa9PH_GLbKG6oU/s1600/K+mowing+at+Barka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-dSMRyekT631vYrRuKoHl-DCSLrMVqchpY2UYjJ3pHPRWDOKjlYLl27uGdRS_OLvKoN01FB-QXdxbUjUR_ggwLstp9KRsCAxrGLFZyoQTZLm3zPuJc5jkW_npnUpmpwa9PH_GLbKG6oU/s1600/K+mowing+at+Barka.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kurt mowing at the Barka</td></tr>
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<br />Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-42851601791094832522014-10-15T12:07:00.000-07:002014-10-15T13:51:42.030-07:00Dancing with the Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SQy_mmItvCjle2B8GMbh285BotiujQZ8yf0DErpNh5uTCB30y97hFsz1_bp2nT6dDl8qAbOgKI49pwqIq772rpY89y9JfGbu4zmZc6HnDU2ELUvkxEdcl_9CUE7pgdQRZtxNzvopQgs7/s1600/DSCN2952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SQy_mmItvCjle2B8GMbh285BotiujQZ8yf0DErpNh5uTCB30y97hFsz1_bp2nT6dDl8qAbOgKI49pwqIq772rpY89y9JfGbu4zmZc6HnDU2ELUvkxEdcl_9CUE7pgdQRZtxNzvopQgs7/s1600/DSCN2952.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
The fall here has been beautiful. The other day I was off to encourage some friends & after I spent some time with them, I drove up the road a bit towards one of my favorite places that reminds me of being in the mountains, somewhat. On the way there, the road twists and turns on itself quite a bit, (which is another reason it is my favorite), and with every bend, the trees were lined up alongside the road, one color after another - some plum, some yellow, some red, some still green, some brown and nearly bare. It was like watching a fancy ball with all the ladies' dresses passing by as they swung around the room!<br />
The sun kept playing hide-and-seek, highlighting first one tree, then another with no rhyme or reason, other that to have a special show of the glory of God for me as I drove along the road.<br />
Curving around another bend, I slowed as I came upon a gorgeous red fox with it's big, bushy tail straight out behind as it crossed the road. The colors of the fox picked up the color of the trees on either side of a yellow one it had just passed, making the fox look like yet another decoration for this beautiful autumn day.<br />
Up a hill, down into a hollow, a thatched roofline over an old, long, house - a style they call "peasant house" that has a long covered porch along the side. The place offers food and a place to sleep as the owners try to make ends meet on a road that tourists or locals living there drive along, yet don't often stop until they get to their destination. Hope still lights the man's eyes as he walks out, hearing a car coming up the road, then passes on like so many others. People don't stop like they used to - stop to breathe the air, stop to take photos from certain places, stop to just gaze at valleys or hillsides or just to give thanks to the One who created it all. I am guilty of that, though I gave plenty of thanks as I drove along looking at the colors of the hillsides changing and the way the light played and the structures of the trees really starts to show again after the leaves fall.<br />
How many of us are those who hear and hope with anticipation, yet once again others are too busy to stop and talk to us? Or are we the ones who have the Hope of Christ within, yet zoom by, 'too busy' or too afraid of being rejected, or too afraid to try? People are stopping, people are noticing that we have something NOTICEABLE within us... and hope....will you take time to stop?<br />
Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-23928822393897131672014-10-07T04:22:00.000-07:002014-10-07T04:22:02.549-07:00Pathways We Are Leaving<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr39hXrcGXodHKKY6rwbLUEqP9w7M3hqGTL38FlRrMP35mFvsKMT3eJ4mWZvQQylVvxH6szyJvUZ0VdgUrVnbs8zhjJyy8KVASyT3wO4-lwOOVXxlo71fNltcVeQUtSH-JIXjr8FbhzyHc/s1600/Gate+from+Renaissance+in+Zadar+HR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr39hXrcGXodHKKY6rwbLUEqP9w7M3hqGTL38FlRrMP35mFvsKMT3eJ4mWZvQQylVvxH6szyJvUZ0VdgUrVnbs8zhjJyy8KVASyT3wO4-lwOOVXxlo71fNltcVeQUtSH-JIXjr8FbhzyHc/s1600/Gate+from+Renaissance+in+Zadar+HR.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renaissance era gate in Zadar, Croatia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZD_kpSTMlscsOL_YaY6AVZXHSvS0UpLEUse0dIzUwxewfg8uP41WDpcV27BCtW725cTVJRyjeoOKyaHiAY1p9aq1WO6T0461ih_b0-4ofdoqcReKcVL3o1bCtvliRmqNKLmUeNjnrgD2/s1600/old+brick+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZD_kpSTMlscsOL_YaY6AVZXHSvS0UpLEUse0dIzUwxewfg8uP41WDpcV27BCtW725cTVJRyjeoOKyaHiAY1p9aq1WO6T0461ih_b0-4ofdoqcReKcVL3o1bCtvliRmqNKLmUeNjnrgD2/s1600/old+brick+road.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old brick road in Zadar, Croatia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCcRolbx8TXaNBKY4hENnpiZC7NjZRLyEKz1EJX-bJ_Anl0TP695cS-j-3qXYaIYKyTKwNZYaivzHmrYiQvizNV_v5E5Wr2M7IheEDmHDAE3ceWY3_VJrhXsDDXXfVua0Jjnz96T25lex/s1600/slick+marble+street+in+Zadar+HR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCcRolbx8TXaNBKY4hENnpiZC7NjZRLyEKz1EJX-bJ_Anl0TP695cS-j-3qXYaIYKyTKwNZYaivzHmrYiQvizNV_v5E5Wr2M7IheEDmHDAE3ceWY3_VJrhXsDDXXfVua0Jjnz96T25lex/s1600/slick+marble+street+in+Zadar+HR.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slick-worn marble streets in Zadar, Croatia</td></tr>
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Working and traveling this summer with camps and supporters gave us many chances to thank God for good roads and sidewalks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZGMVOwyXsAMsCpI0OMEzWiLTiC7WtkMugP2XmCF11u6ljAjJuli2tsGDpBXtVkBCB1zNkBDLpSpVjHhaSA3txei9vcIh7c1KwtJaIR-gwmwE7wo_iIJBJoy42xJVzxqDyLnydKuMZk2-/s1600/Chas.+Jones+gets+to+meet+the+Barka+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZGMVOwyXsAMsCpI0OMEzWiLTiC7WtkMugP2XmCF11u6ljAjJuli2tsGDpBXtVkBCB1zNkBDLpSpVjHhaSA3txei9vcIh7c1KwtJaIR-gwmwE7wo_iIJBJoy42xJVzxqDyLnydKuMZk2-/s1600/Chas.+Jones+gets+to+meet+the+Barka+9.jpg" /></a></div>
Looking at all these photos (Believe me, there are thousands!), I was thinking about the paths that we are leaving - and you are leaving- for others… Will they be straight? Will they be strong? Will others easily be able to follow them, or would they have to look through a lot of debris to even find such a path, hunting for the bent twig, or a fiber on a piece of grass?<br />
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What kind of path do you want to leave? I know there are those who want to live 'under the radar'. But, is that truly LIVING?<br />
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Jesus calls us in Matthew 4:19, "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">and in Mark 1:2 "</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">" (of course, he is speaking of Jesus here)</span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">…</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">But how many people helped to prepare your way? it may be through a business, it may have been through the donations for grants or </span><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">scholarships, it may have been through our Veterans (THANK YOU, ALL!!), or even as 'simple' as our parents, friends, relatives and mentors.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> When we were on those very slippery streets in Zadar, streets of marble that millions of people, horses & other animals have trod - not only was I very thankful it hadn't rained or was icy - but I was astounded at the realization of HOW MANY feet it took to get the marble so smooth! Imagine if you will, the cement sidewalks where you live so worn down and slippery that they look like glass, yet there is a lot of wear in them to go! This is one of many times it has occurred to me that we live in an old place, not new like the USA. (By old, I am meaning the thousands of tribes, cities, civilizations, wars, etc over a relatively small part of the world).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> Then, I think of the millions of people who have gone before us with the Torah, then the Old Testament and then the New Testament - wow, what a HUGE, precise road they have prepared for all of us now! The Bible is still one of the most accurate and concise history books in the world! So many scientists, archaeologists and scholars have discovered new things, thanks to the words contained in the Bible.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> So, now this challenges me - what kind of path do I want to leave?…. (You can help us leave a great path! Do you know others who would be interested in hearing what we have to say? Who would like to know how people here think, or what they are thinking? We will be back in the States and available to speak starting in January. We would love to speak to a group of people you know!! Could you help arrange a time and place for us? It is only through <b><i>your</i></b> recommendations that it could happen...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span>Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-23552182277579516202014-08-02T08:15:00.002-07:002014-08-02T08:18:13.961-07:00Whew!! Wow - July flew quickly! We had lots of camps, a conference, a too quick visit with one of our sons and his wife and back for more camps! Plus, we did our normal ministries of 'helps/service' and hospitality in-between.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEe9wEnVMSRLekAX39IVQZV8e7r2KcGscR9jyJsRfKU43mNj9FEXeZi_rdA49teDfey2bTt7hSMIBDy9dXJjzm6NRb0spw-JBuWZhWH20LU4gdoGS-CWyf8A09cr38pztLobLH-ftdgjz/s1600/Angol+Tabor+'14+Ladies'+mtg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEe9wEnVMSRLekAX39IVQZV8e7r2KcGscR9jyJsRfKU43mNj9FEXeZi_rdA49teDfey2bTt7hSMIBDy9dXJjzm6NRb0spw-JBuWZhWH20LU4gdoGS-CWyf8A09cr38pztLobLH-ftdgjz/s1600/Angol+Tabor+'14+Ladies'+mtg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies' "Chat" at English Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchwork Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Camp</td></tr>
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Now, Kurt is off for more kid's camps - minus a couple of soccer balls that only lasted two camps - the kids love to play SO much, and the chance to play with an actual soccer (futbol) is so rare, that they just plain old wore out in 3 days from all the use!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kurt helping to rotohammer out some walls at a friend's home.</td></tr>
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Now, off to do some laundry before we head to more adventures! We covet your prayers and thank you for your financial support!!! (If you would like to help - we could really use it! There are two links on the right:)<br />
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<br />Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-49133755849229098902014-07-16T19:59:00.001-07:002014-07-16T19:59:06.766-07:00What Joy to be Gathered with the Brethren! We have been astounded and encouraged by meeting together this last week with other servants in many lands at a conference with International Ministries. There are SO many God stories that we have heard and shared. Life that God has worked His heart into, weaving His compassion into compassion for others; Calling unbelievers into the Kingdom of Heaven; Special 'interruptions' into God appointments; Normal life into Life Everlasting; encouraging some who came for a music seminar into looking deeper into their lives and presenting different opportunities to allow them to catch a glimpse of what it's like to serve overseas. Plus, just thinking of the International Ministries' 200th year gathering celebration….. 200 <i>years</i> of missionaries being sent out from the US! Wow!<br />
This was just a small glance at this past week. Now we head back early to serve with Hungary's largest national outreach (English Camp), with people from Pioneers. It is a bittersweet leaving. We made a commitment to assist them, but we are leaving this conference at a tremendously crucial time for us. Next week is THE WEEK to be here at this conference at Green Lake! We would be able to mingle and meet many people from many churches and regions around the US and Puerto Rico, places that could provide vital prayer support and possibly financial support for us - and we have to leave, trusting God (once again) that He will provide places for us to speak, people for us to meet this coming December through March. This is frustrating, but we are called to honor our first commitment we made.<br />
Will you pray for us and with us that God will provide fabulous, miraculously wonderful appointments for us? We are below our minimum support, so you can see why this is so important. Language school has come out of our own salary for this last year, we need to upgrade old computer equipment when we go back among many other things, and it looks like Carrie will need to move up a time for her knee replacement. So, please pray!<br />
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Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-7639380827350060332014-06-30T03:33:00.001-07:002014-06-30T03:33:39.037-07:00Things We Are Getting Used To (Part 1) There are some anomalies that occur when you live anywhere. Some are colloquialisms, like "skosh" from the Pacific NW; "fixin' to" from the South; "Pahkin ya cah" from Boston. There are other things you scratch your head and mutter, "Well, this must be what it's like here…." such as perfectly good roads where you stop every few miles, throw in change to a funnel and proceed on (or off) & thank Heaven you have saved up your change! Or, driving miles and miles without having to do that… now what do you do with all that change?? Or, espresso stands on nearly every corner….. or not, and you haven't seen them for days & are going through withdrawals… Or going into a really popular restaurant that is 'local' and nearly everything is fried but the coffee… or nearly everything is fresh and says whether it is vegan, Gluten Free, Lactose free, Free Range, Politically correctly raised/grown, or helps keep small insects from being annihilated from the planet.<br />
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Well, there are things to get used to here as well. Like saying "Hello, szia, szia "(pronounced, see-ya) when you say 'good bye' and saying "Szia!" when you say 'hello'.<br />
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Then there is getting used to cars being dirtier after it rains than beforehand… this is due to the Sahara as it ever encases the continent of Africa & the prevailing winds suck up some of the sand to deposit it elsewhere in the rain… like Hungary. It is also taking some getting used to when there isn't sand deposited on the windshield after a rain - I find my self thinking, "Hmm, something's odd here…. oh yeah!"<br />
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Then meat shopping is quite different here - and also different than many other places even around Budapest - they all have their 'local cuts' which may be totally different than somewhere 10-20 km away! (These are in large, supermarket- type stores) There are neighborhood meat stores as well…<br />
I never really expected to find chicken feet (cleaned) and other odd bits as a marketable item. So, sometimes, as a mostly spur-of-the-moment-cook, we have mostly vegetables and rice… other times, I have been able to guess what this part of meat could be, so we give that a go, or pass.<br />
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You get used to stocking up when you can - an oddity here…. especially when it is something on sale during "English Days" at the store, or, "Italian Days" or "Asian Days". Sometimes the items just aren't in, even though they are advertised to be so…<br />
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You get used to being looked at as though you have grown three heads all of a sudden - especially when you are asking for an item at the pharmacy or the store that you thought was carried everywhere!<br />
(This is after the 'victory' that they actually understood your Hunglish!)Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-51529385194624426422014-06-03T10:31:00.002-07:002014-06-03T10:31:38.318-07:00God is So GoodHello!<br />
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Sikerül! (Success)!- Our latest half year of language classes was very helpful, whether that was from the way things were taught or that the initial culture shock of the last year has worn off - only God knows, but we are done for now. Continuing on will be determined by costs. We have been paying this last 6 months out of our own salary, since the extra money allocated for us was used up with last year's classes.<br />
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We have also been able to complete the purchase of our vehicle, thanks to many of you helping out in that matter. It is a 2000 Opel Zafira and is easily adaptable to our many ministry uses that we employ.<br />
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(This weekend, it will be used to help move it's former owners to their first house that they purchased).<br />
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Thanks to some of you as well, Carrie's knee replacement surgery last fall has been very helpful. Recovery has been daily improvement.<br />
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We covet your prayers for:<br />
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There are lots of camps coming up this summer - The Bárka's retreat; Patchwork Camp (quilting); English Camp; and many smaller day camps around for Hungarians and it's speakers in nearby nations. The latter type of camps are day camps where children may have never had a chance to go to a camp. They are served breakfast and lunch, with lots of activities and teaching about God's word. We will be assisting our local friend and brother "P" with these camps in word and deed.<br />
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We will continue to host a number of people coming through the Budapest area - some we have never met before… all daily life!<br />
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We ask for prayer for "Bones" and "Non"- two young men Carrie saw on the metro last week. Both extremely lost. Pray also for "Double Crosser" and continue in prayer for "Blackbird", "Upside Down" and all the people who 'hang out' with these mentioned. God is at work here, but so is the enemy. The more Jesus makes an impact, the more the enemy's cage is rattled - especially since the enemy knows it's a losing battle!<br />
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<tr><td class="s" style="background-color: white;"><b>...</b> Pray at all times in the Spirit with every <b>prayer</b> and request, and stay alert in<br />this with all <b>perseverance</b> and intercession for all the saints. <b>…</b> " Ephesians 6:18</td></tr>
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Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-44850721577855115972014-05-22T06:17:00.000-07:002014-05-22T06:17:08.467-07:00Life 102<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine lends a hand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends from Hungarian class learn how to make US pizza</td></tr>
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Making pizza - I had no idea it would be of interest to others! Well, one rainy April day I decided it would be a good time for a second cooking 'lesson', and this time there was more than one student:)<br />
Our language class has had people literally from all over the world. This leads to many interesting conversations, topics and ideas. One is food, another is customs.<br />
So, when I asked one of the ladies what she would like to learn how to make, pizza was the first thing that came to mind.<br />
We had such a fun day, and it was a great break from classes, yet continuing to spend time and enjoying our growing friendships with each other.<br />
We had the added blessing of one of our guests from 'home' join us while we learned from each other.<br />
I think we have all acutly missed some special occasions from our native lands that have made life more special, but we try not to think of them too long, lest the longing for home overtake us. There is a bravery that comes from living overseas along with special flexibility and adaptability that must take place. I have learned from "N" that no place is really the same - ingredients you get in one country may not be available at all in another, or at a very high price. "G" has taught me the privilege of keeping some traditions alive at home. "I" has encouraged me with finding joy and life by delving into the culture. "T" has taught me that it's ok to miss home and some of the people & to let them know as well as others around you. "V" has taught me the value of the time spent in one place (these traveling shoes may learn yet). "N" has taught me the emphasis of maintaining what you believe, even if others may disagree. "P" has taught me that life is precious, and freedom is even more so.<br />
"and do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you." Luke 12:29-31<br />
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<br />Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-36870941981455841982014-04-15T08:44:00.003-07:002014-04-15T08:45:58.420-07:00Thoughts to ponder and pray over<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> We have had a very mild winter here in Hungary & lo ‘tis now spring. It seems like everything is trying to bloom at once, nearly out of order with when plants normally do so. As I write this, I am in our backyard near the garden area in the sun (with a sweater on) and swinging on the bench swing.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Horse and Wagons in many places still</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> This year has been one of many trials - not just language, but in our relationships with those here and those at home as well as with each other. It has been an excruciatingly lonesome year for me, especially since phone calls (even with a local number in the states) have been few and far between. Messages have been left, but it’s tough to keep a time change in mind. Letters have been even fewer. Of the many we sent ‘home’, we know of three that made it. In this world of ‘instant’ communication, I guess I expected more chances to talk with many here as well as at home. Life goes on and I try to wade through as best as I can & keep trying to reach out, whether anyone listens or not.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> It reminds me of sitting on this swing - if I just push with one foot, the swing goes crooked, out of kilter & eventually you crash into a post if you push hard enough. If I swing with both feet pushing, it goes straight and trouble free, mostly. Relationships take pushing together, even for introverts. If one is always pushing, eventually they are tired and give up.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I had also never expected to go through such an intense grief process this last year. There has been a grief of letting go of EVERYTHING we have ever known. Allowing God to keep us pushing forward for His kingdom. When you follow, there is a price to pay. There are pray-ers, nay-sayers, supporters, scoffers, listeners, doubters, encouragers, false accusers, people who think you are downright crazy, prayer warriors, false friends; prayer warriors, supporters, those friends who stick by you anyway, prayer warriors, new people you have the privilege to meet and more supporters. It’s not an easy road, but you see the value of those who are <i>truly</i> praying for you, for those who are your supporters and the people who are true friends.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Homemade GF Pogacsa (special biscuits)</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> People can be some or all of the above at different times - including us as we kept challenging ourselves before heading to the field (Is God really calling us out there?), which is a good thing because there have been times this last year for both of us when we would have packed it in if we didn’t KNOW that we were <i>called</i> to be here.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> We have seen fruit of our efforts and those of others, even in our first year, though, PTL! We feel blessed because we know some have been on fields where it was 10, 20 years or a lifetime with NO visible evidence that they were making any difference for the Kingdom. <u>Thank you prayer warriors for your help! Thank you supporters, for your help! </u>Without <b>ALL </b>of you, (every single one of you), nothing we have done/learned this year would have been accomplished!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I will update you more in our newsletter, which I am also working on at this moment, but I also knew there are those of you who follow this blog, and for that, we are also grateful and humbled! If you would like to get our emailed newsletters (or snail mail ones), just let us know your email address and we will include you.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Still trusting in Him and others.....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHogmZjQlSjqcDQkkBlCz9GjDFfj0MDZ6N4dSzuibsRuOeEpJWRupTW0ZSIKV5nMMv2S_GOGZI5IB8Yorl5SOUhmF3EZ8KKzAd5zVDHSjyIg3f4Bw2YDFYJm9UOgcqssa6WChMxLBCq2dm/s1600/Homemade+Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHogmZjQlSjqcDQkkBlCz9GjDFfj0MDZ6N4dSzuibsRuOeEpJWRupTW0ZSIKV5nMMv2S_GOGZI5IB8Yorl5SOUhmF3EZ8KKzAd5zVDHSjyIg3f4Bw2YDFYJm9UOgcqssa6WChMxLBCq2dm/s1600/Homemade+Broom.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Broom in Ukraine</td></tr>
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Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952557593173383463.post-12742168559502113612014-03-08T09:26:00.000-08:002014-03-08T09:26:27.603-08:00Those Wild Bikers! One of the first days we were here in our little town, I saw a mother and daughter riding their bikes through the town and they proceeded to shop. The daughter was in her 50's, I suppose, and the mother was in at least her 70's. "How cute! "I thought, "Good for her!" (the mom) to be riding a bike so late in life…<br />
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What I once thought was an anomaly - it certainly would be in the States- is more the norm here! People have been riding their bikes or walking everywhere for a very long time, especially during the times of socialism and communism, when having a car was only for the very privileged. It also makes great sense in a country where gas is at least $7.50/gallon. No need to use all that gas if you are only going a little way. You will often see people of all ages - especially 'older' people- riding their bikes many places.<br />
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The variety of bikes is also quite astounding! When I was a kid, my folks refitted an old Schwinn to make it look pretty new… gold with a gold banana seat and those high wing handlebars with gold handle grips. I swear, that bike is over here by the thousands, but the seat has often, though not always been changed out! There are also old rusty contraptions that have been pieced together from many a dead bike, new bikes (though they get stolen quite easily), bikes with a lower to the ground gearing, and electric bikes.<br />
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It is nothing to see a number of older people riding along to/from the local market [called the piac (pea-ots)], local woven baskets on the handlebars, and a sturdy plastic/fiberglass bag in the holder over the back tire. They wave to the ones they know and say, "Jo napot kivánok!" (Good day I wish you)<br />
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and sometimes may even stop in the street or off to the side to chat.<br />
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You can tell we are still foreigners from 'the sticks' here, we say "Jo napot kivánok!" to everyone! Sometimes we get people to say that back, or sometimes we try to strike up a conversation about the weather or whatever. Thank Heaven more and more people are responding to us as though we really know what they are talking about! We get glimpses into the conversations, but we have a long way to go with the language.Kurt n Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016092842573228069noreply@blogger.com0