Boxes to go....

 Well, the time is drawing closer to leaving! We just took up most of the stuff to ship off to the field today. There will be a few more things, but most of what we own that is left is right there. From nearly 2500 SF house to this... and we are SO excited!!

 If you told us five years ago that we would be excited to get rid of almost everything we owned and leave everything behind, I think I personally would have fainted.  Yet, when Christ is the One leading your heart, your life, your view on how to impact the world, it is tremendously motivating.  Yes, I suppose we could take less than this, and may end up doing so, but as it is we won't fill the 190 cubic foot container completely.

  How about you? Who is leading your heart? Where does He want to take you, if you are only willing? It may not be as drastic as moving around the world - it may only be walking out your front door to greet a new neighbor down the street.  Would you be willing to take a chance? He is the Great Gentleman, if you will only let Him.

Soon...

  Wow - nearly a month from now we will be hearing Hungarian 24/7!  We are looking forward to learning this most difficult language so we can understand the people's thoughts as well as their hearts.

  How will they relate to us? Will  they want to? Will we be just "those rude Americans - just like in the movies", or will they think we are "those dumb Americans - just like in the movies"?

  Our goal is to be "those Americans - they aren't like what we have heard of or seen before! "  How? Well, we want to get to know Hungarians as people, as neighbors, as mothers, fathers, people with joys and sorrows. Maybe they have had a bad day at work, or a really great day at the market. Maybe they have decided that there cannot be a God, since they have never known a nice gesture that didn't have a price tag of some kind attached to it, or that God doesn't have time for them, so they don't want time for God.  Maybe they have never even heard of God.

  Well, soon we will find out. Soon we will be able to share our discoveries with you. As always, we covet your prayers and support.

  Merry CHRISTmas - though we have to confess, we haven't thought much about Christmas in the western sense of the word - our nation has been blessed with SO much.

  We are celebrating the simplicity of Christmas - Jesus, our Savior was born to this fallen world.  Come! See! The joy of knowing Him and loving Him, accepting Him in your heart. Jesus doesn't demand that we clean up our life before we come to him.  He knows we are incapable of doing that. He asks that we confess our wrong doing and trust in His ability to form us into the likeness of His only son Jesus.  The cost is high, but the reward is far greater. Ask Him. The King of Kings is waiting for you to do so. He is right there, loving you as you are. Just ask and be free.

...And NOW to FURTHER downsize!!

    God is SO good! He has allowed us to stay at a friend's place during this interim before leaving and after selling our home. A further blessing is that many of you have offered a room or part of your home to us & we feel SO blessed. Thank you, Thank you, Thank You!

   So, here we are - further eliminating "stuff" out of our lives. We thought we had everything fairly pared down, until we moved!  Papers are the bane of our existence, I think!  We all ready have shredded a 55gal container of papers just since moving a week ago. More to come, oh joy!

  We were at Bible Study last night & they were talking about meeting during the holidays. I looked at my calendar to see if there would be a conflict - and there is only two weeks till Christmas!(approximately)  Where did the time go? Then I thought, "Oh wow! That means we get to leave sooner! Hooray!

   Sometimes it feels like we are Joseph and Mary as we embark on this journey with not a lot of accoutrements (for Americans).  We have been discovering the freedom this allows to be more and more unencumbered.  Jesus came down from Heaven FOR US - imagine what He could have brought with Him, yet chose not to. Yes, some women would argue that He was a man, and they tend to travel more lightly. When I try to wrap my mind around the thought of the GLORY of Heaven, and the SPLENDOR of lights, colors, voices, JOY of those there, and the WORSHIP that continuously goes on - then I am reminded of the sacrifice Jesus chose to make for our sakes in coming as a humble king to this earth. This earth is just a minute detail of beauty compared to the majesty of Heaven. Maybe that was a greater sacrifice than even the cross?

The Shadow of His Wings

   I worked my way through college with various jobs. One occupation that isn't my gifting is waitressing! However, for 5 months, customers and I endured. I loved the people, and I tried my hardest, but I think it is truly a gifting to be a competent and effortless server in restaurants.

  Well, one afternoon before I went into work for the closing shift, I was reading His word and soaking up the lovely summer sunshine. I came across the verse in Psalm 17:8 "Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me under the shadow of thy wings" and I remember thinking, "Wow, what do you mean by that, Lord? Would you teach me?"  Then a few hours later I needed to leave on my bike for work.

   I did all right that night for a Friday night, got through "the bar rush" fine w/ no obnoxious customers. After cleaning up & prepping for the breakfast shift, I started biking home about 4am. I am singing to myself praise songs as I headed home when a convertible came up along side me filled with young men. They started hooting & hollering, I just kept biking. I took some unexpected turns, and the carload of young men just kept following me. Hmmm, not a great situation. After a few more turns, I was starting to panic and asked the Lord for some help. 

   The carload was going around the block, since a bike is a lot slower, even though I was pedaling like crazy.  Then the Lord answered my plea by saying, "turn here, go this way, ok, now stop!"
  "What do you want me to do with my bike?"  "Just leave it and stand right here by this tree"  "But Lord, I am right on the edge of the curb! The reflectors of my bike..." "STOP! Don't breathe, don't blink, don't look anywhere, just stare straight ahead." So I did, and the car turned the corner and drove right past me and my white legs, white shirt, dark shorts (I wanted to be visible, just like they teach you in school...). "Ok, now breathe" said God.  The tires on my bike were still spinning. I looked down and my toes are nearly at the curb's edge before the street. "Stop! Don't breathe, don't move, don't blink"  and I didn't for what seemed like an eternity.. though no car came by, I thought I heard someone walking or running quietly.  "Ok, now breathe" "Stop!...." and the car drove s-l-o-w-l-y past. "Ok, now breathe again."  "Can I itch my nose?" "No - don't breathe..." and someone walked by on the other side of the street.  
   When the person turned the corner, He let me breathe briefly, then I needed to stop again. Once again, the car drove slowly past & this time it was nearly against the edge of the curb! "Lord!" "It's okay, I have you my child, just think of me and don't move." Well, my eyes were somewhat downcast all ready, so I left them there - only to see the people driving by looking right past me and my white legs - and now there were only three people in the car instead of a bunch. I heard them saying, "Wow man, it was so weird - she was there pedaling, and then she wasn't there when we came back around. It's like she VANISHED!" They stopped, and spoke to a couple people coming down the alley, then the people walked on and the car drove on.
   This kept happening for what seemed like hours. I would hear the car circle further and further out, yet still be commanded at different times to stop breathing and moving. Finally, God gave me the "OK" to move away from that spot, yet He gave distinct directions as I rode home.  I could still hear the car and the young men talking as they continued to try to find me, but God was with me as I rode my bike to my doorstep. He cautioned me to bring my bike inside the door and quickly turn off the light, so I did. The car drove up our driveway, right on the other side of the door where I was standing, and then on into the alleyway & away!
   My roommates were up and frantic that I hadn't gotten home from work earlier. I was just so tired I told them I would explain when I woke up later. As I pulled down the covers to my bed and moved my Bible, my eyes fell upon the verse once more, "Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me under the shadow of thy wings" - and then I KNEW HE HAD! God had protected me, hiding me in the shadow of His wings, blinding my pursuers! Oh, what a good God we serve!

"Thank you for going to the people I love"

  This phrase has been expressed tearfully many times to us by different Hungarians we have met who are believers. They have been trying to have their people see "the light of Jesus" and now have hope that others may have an effect. It reminds me of the verse when Paul was speaking to the Corinthians, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 1 Cor.3:6.  
   This happens not only overseas, but anyplace people are. We are to speak into others' lives. You and I. Parents use the method to bring across a point to their children by having the children hear it from another person whom they respect. Leaders, officials, friends, all use different ways for some people to hear. God allows this to work in ways we cannot fathom, but it works. 
  Other Hungarians we know (who are not believers) have said, "Why go there? Just stay. There is nothing over there Americans would want to have anything to do with." God has prompted us to speak of why we are drawn to the people of Hungary. They still scoff, but we know we are compelled to go. You see, they are in the spiritual dark just like their countrymen.
   When we were in Hungary and were going to be seeing some famous places, we were warned, "Do NOT smile! The people will think you are either crazy or drunk." Then we were told it was best to not make eye contact whatsoever. We noticed as we walked down the street in Budapest the somberness of people. No Joy, no Hope, no Peace or anything of value to look forward to.  
   Then we arrived at the Barka for Sunday service - people were Smiling! They were Joyful! There was Hope in their eyes and hearts! Jesus Christ makes all the difference in people.
    


  

UPDATE!!

     Wow! Thank you to so many who are helping with our support! We are so much closer to being able to leave, Praise The Lord! There is STILL time to help get us out of here so we can start writing about our culture shock, funny stories of faux pas and all the great experiences coming up as we work with the people in Hungary.

    So, the link you can click to help start monthly support or one-time gifts is:   http://ww3.pioneers.org/donate/Kurt and Carrie Smalley/111493

  Kosonom Szepen! (Thank you)
    The Smalley's

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

  We are SO close! We only need $600 more in additional monthly pledges before the end of next  Wednesday, November 28th (this month!).  If we miss this deadline, we will lose $3600 towards our departure funds. Our donor has all ready graciously given us extensions & we are working hard to honor our commitment to them, the rest of our supporters AND to begin our ministry in Hungary.
Our goal is to land in Hungary and start serving its people by December 23.

  Will you please help us? Gifts and pledges can quickly be made here: http://ww3.pioneers.org/donate/Kurt and Carrie Smalley/111493

Seeing Jesus?

  This lovely painting was done by a young girl at the age of 8. She had died, then was resuccitated and has been painting ever since.

  Early this morning, Kurt's father passed away. We don't know if he was a believer or not, though we DO know that we both presented the gospel to him in many ways and many times. Evidently, he had a peace about him when he did die - what this really means we will only see in Glory.

  Viewing Kurt's father's body today was interesting and confirming - I was reminded that it truly is only a shell for the spirit within.  After preparation for viewing, there was what looked like his father, but the "personage" was gone.  Our spirit inside us is but a breath away from eternity. We are just earthen vessels that God has foreordained for us to be in from the beginning of time!

"But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay, in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God, and not to originate in us." 2 Corinthians 4:7, Weymouth New Testament

   Yet He also says through Isaiah:  
"Woe to those who hide deep from the LORD their counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, 'Who sees us? Who knows us?' You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay; that the thing made should say of its maker, 'He did not make me;' or the thing formed say of him who formed it, 'He has no understanding'"? (Isaiah 29:15-16)

   Isn't that the way the world views things? "Who sees us?" "I can make my own destiny!"

   Kurt and I are called to go forth into the world and preach the gospel - anyone who is a believer is called to do this, wherever they are.  Kurt's father disowned us for committing to do this very thing. He didn't want to talk to us or see us after that. We obeyed his wishes, but also chose to keep on praying for him.

   We are going to Hungary once our monthly support is in (we are only 8% short!), so we can also share the good news to the nation that people can choose to have LIFE within their earthen vessels, rather than the hole in their souls that they are trying to fill. There is a God-sized hole in everyone's heart, and once you invite Him in, it is filled with joy and life everlasting... but you also need to nurture that with fellowship with other believers and reading His book for yourself. It is like becoming friends with Almighty God! WOW! God desires a relationship with you, a speck of dust on this earth! How cool is that??   Will you help us share this with Hungarians and those that come across our path?

 We can only hope that Kurt's dad did finally accept Christ into his heart the last few moments he was here.  Wouldn't you like to KNOW you have? 

(To help get us on our way, just click the link on the right of this blog.)

Catch or Splat

  One set of Carrie's great great grandparents came over to the US from the Czech Republic and homesteaded on the prairie of eastern Colorado, building a house out of chunks of sod since there was little or no wood. They were called "soddies". Life was hard, but they were seeking out a life in a free land where they could do anything they set their sights on, including having their own land.

  One set of her great grandparents came from Switzerland to settle in bleak western Kansas - a far cry from the Alps that was home, but for the same reasons.

  One of Kurt's grandparents was "encouraged" (i.e. forced at gunpoint) to leave the lowlands of the Netherlands (aka, Holland) to join the Kaiser's army in WWI. He jumped ship at the Panama Canal and basically walked to Alaska seeking freedom.

  Now we have sold our house in this land of promise, sold some treasures from these dear relatives and their children.  Treasures that were entrusted to us and we took good care of.

     God has set our eyes and hearts on Him, changing the way we view "stuff" - even these treasures- to sell them so we can follow Him without encumbrances.  We had a successful "Living Estate & Antique Sale", but we may need another, since not all is gone.

  A lot of Kurt's tools sold. The business is closed. We soon are moving out & into a friend's garage. Only two chairs are needed, one small table or two, our bed, clothes and computer. Waiting. Waiting for the rest of our monthly support to come in so we can leave.

   We have jumped off the cliff and now are free falling. No parachute - just waiting to either be caught by God or splat.  We choose to be caught, but it isn't our choice. What little control we thought we had is now all gone and it is only up to the Almighty as to what should be done.

  I find it quite ironic that these great grandchildren of immigrants have chosen to leave all behind that is familiar and head back to the continent our forefathers willingly left for a better life.  Our choice is different though. Our choice to go is in order to help show there is a better life that ALL can choose to have without immigration. A life where freedom is for your soul - not monetary gain, or politics, not fancy cars, or jobs, or any of the many other reasons that are worth nothing in the end.

In the end it only matters what you have chosen - to take up the offer that Jesus Christ makes to all who hear, "Follow me, die to yourself and have eternal life".  It is completely free and joy-full even in hard times when you give up all to follow Him.   What will YOU choose? To be caught or splat?  He WILL catch you! He is the best catcher you have ever seen. Will you join His team?

80%!! Can we hit 90% this month, too?

  Hooray! We are just over 80% monthly support, PTL!  Thanks to so many individuals in nearly a year, we are almost there... can we make 90% before the cut-off for the month? (It's early this month due to Thanksgiving in the U.S.) - we could be in Hungary before the end of the year if that happens, and that would also let us use a substantial amount that expires at the end of December.

Can we do it? Can we actually reach Hungary before the end of the year? We covet your prayers, your help, your prayers for the Hungarians who so desperately need to know the love of Christ, who could realize that Christ is the only one that can fill the ache and the longing of their souls. Winter is dark, often lonely and cold - let's help them know that they are not alone. Their creator has surrounded them by a "great cloud of witnesses" - here on earth and in heaven.

 If you would like to help us reach 90% in two weeks or less, click on the link to the right and set it up today. Many thank you from Hungary in advance.

Preparing for Good Bye, house..

   This is our front porch where we have spent many fun times laughing, dancing, enjoying the sun and the shade, shelter from the rain & snow, as well sharing many conversations and cups of coffee with friends, customers, acquaintances, parts drivers, family & some who are lost - spiritually, emotionally, boundary, or truly, physically lost.  We built this house, meaning to retire here, had it planned and worked out for wheelchairs/walkers, etc... but God has a great sense of humor, no? We make our plans, but God is still in control of all of our future.

   Feeling the urging of the Holy Spirit, and being over 80% with monthly support (Thank you ALL!), we are getting nudges from God we need to start packing and "defragging" what remains of our earthly belongings. We will be selling the belongings, it just makes sense, rather than to store indefinitely. Oh, some things we will keep (enough to fill an old fashioned phone booth), but the majority goes. Family heirlooms, everyday necessities - they all have a story or two with them. Now they are being prepared to make stories in someone else's house.

Family

Family is a joy & delight to cherish when you get along well. If you don't, it can be a bane.  Fortunately, we have the family that is a blessing not only to us, but many. Currently, my mom & "papa" are here to visit us, so I will post more later:) (Should have some fun pictures by then, too!)

UBUNTU

An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that who ever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself they said: ''UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?''
'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means: "I am because we are"


Well, we often feel that way because of you - "we are because you are".  We are here on this journey because God led us, but without your help and your prayers, serving for you in Hungary won't happen.
Humbly we ask, humbly we thank you!

Your Carriage Awaits....

 How many times have little girls dreamt some handsome man coming up in a splendid uniform and saying, "Your carriage awaits, m'am" ?  Probably more times that one could count.  Still, the little girl would dream that she is regally escorted up and into the carriage for a splendid occasion... maybe a ball, or a parade, or a wedding.  Of course, one must include THE dress. An everyday dress just wouldn't do. It must be special, just right in color, sheen, fit - one to make you feel tremendously splendid. Bodacious, even.  And the prince you will meet... oh, he will be most handsome, gracious, charming and fall madly in love with you.... sigh.

  So, fast forward to now.  What if there is still a carriage awaiting? What if that "prince" is still there  - as gracious, charming and handsome - and is ever the gentleman? What if.... you missed it?  What if, the whole reality is still there waiting for you?  It is.

  You see, the Prince of Glory is still waiting for you.  He is ever the gentleman. Waiting at the door for you to knock, and he is on the other side to answer.*  Waiting for you to invite Him into your life, your heart.  The clothes? It was written about over two thousand years ago!** All YOU have to do is ask Him into your heart. One day He will transport you in His special carriage to the great celebration coming up.  It's only a matter of time, but meanwhile, you can feel cherished right here on earth!

*"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

** "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10

A True Story....

  This season is becoming a bit intense, so I thought I would share a true story that happened to a couple people some of our friends know.......


   A lady was late for her hair appointment. Leaving her subdivision in her convertible, she swerved to avoid hitting a cat, but unfortunately hit it anyway.  Feeling terrible and unable to recognize the feline right off, she grabbed an empty Nordstrom's bag out of her car, put the cat in it & placed it in the backseat of her car so she could locate the owner later.

   While sitting in the salon, she and the stylist were looking out the window, enjoying the lovely day and having her hair cut.  Suddenly, a lady walked through the parking lot, looked into the convertible, saw the Nordstrom's bag, and took it.  The lady had just been telling her stylist what had happened on the way there, so they watched to see what the woman did with the "stolen" merchandise.

  The woman sauntered out of the parking lot holding the bag, walked across the street and down a ways. Then she opened it - and promptly fell into a dead faint!

  Someone saw the woman fall, so they called 911.  The ambulance shows up, loads the woman onto the gurney, saw she had a bag with her, so they put it on her chest & loaded her up into the ambulance & took her to the hospital.

  Well, the people in the salon were now curious what was to happen, so they made up all sorts of endings to the "story".

  A few days later, they all found out when a friend of theirs who is a nurse in a hospital came in to get her haircut.  It turns out that the doctors were having a hard time trying to figure out what caused this woman to pass out on the street like that - her heart rate  was fine, etc...  When the woman came to, she saw the Nordstrom's  bag on her chest & started screaming hysterically, so they had to sedate her....

Have You Missed Me?

  Hooray!!  It has been a long time between 65% and 70% monthly support, but we have finally reached it!  Have you missed our handmade thermometer? Yeah, sure, I bet you have!!!  Do you know that support is essentially our salary for on the field? This is why it is crucial we raise our support. 

Normally, we are more than happy to work to earn our keep, but our wise area leader said "NO!"  You see, most Europeans view all Americans as "filthy rich" - so, if we are working in Hungary, most Hungarians would think, "Why are you stealing MY job (or MY Friend's) job?" Consequently, they would be closed to any further conversation, on any subject.

Less than 2% of Hungarians are evangelical believers - this is why we are going, why God has put them on our hearts.  Will you help fill the rest of the gap? Can you cut out a latte' a week to send that money to further God's Kingdom? Can you commit to investing $100/month for Him?  Click on the link to the right:)

The Goal Changer

   Some friends of ours headed out of their home to attend a local event with excitement and anticipation of what they would see, meeting friends there, marveling at the beauty of outdoors in the summertime.  Closing the house door, finding keys to starting the car, all the normal things we do everyday.

   While they were checking out some of the booths and seeing the activity in the center area, a breeze came up & helped to cool off all the people in the hot, intensive burning sun. The breeze got stronger and a bit gusty. So, the booth owners may have to tighten down some of their lines and weight down items to keep from blowing around a bit.

   Through the sounds of the music and voices of people enjoying a beautiful day in the mountains, some heard a siren in the distance.  Walking around and chatting, another siren was heard. And then another.  Then another.  By this time, people were starting to wonder what some of the sirens were all about, so looking in the direction they were headed, dark black smoke was billowing up in the distance.

"Oh wow, there is a fire over that way. I am so glad the fire department is so close by." This thought probably ran through many people's minds.

  The wind picked up and really started gusting. Hats were flying around, jackets, shirts and skirts were tight against one side of a body and flapping on the other side. Papers flying, dust swirling, backs being turned to the wind so eyes don't get berated by sand.  Most eyes turned towards the smoke in the distance, now roiling blacker, bigger within moments. Mumbles of concern, undoubtably some prayers were being said to keep people safe.

  Our friends were all ready on the way to their car. The smoke was in the direction of their home. Summer had been so dry, and with a drought that has been going on for at least 30 years, no fire is a good one.

  "Probably everything is all right, but I would feel better to just make sure."  Was one thought passing through their minds.

  Traffic is stopped quite a ways from the entrance to the housing development.  Not good - it is police and firemen who are monitoring the roads, meanwhile the smoke continues to pour out & they KNOW it is their housing area, but where?? Identifications shown, with trepidation, they finally enter their "subdivision" (a loose term in the mountain community).
 
  Approaching slowly, mud, soot, debris and smoke permeate all around them and there is..................



 nothing left of the abode they left an hour ago.

Well, no covering to keep out the elements, other than a melted furnace and what used to be a stove..... Later, as Samaritan's Purse helped carefully sift through the ashes, there were laptop batteries and broken dishes found.  "We always find laptop batteries" they said.  Passports, guest books (popular place, it was!), so many memories. Gone.

A neighbor wandered over, also surveying the devastation from her own home across the street.  She told my friend that from inside her home, she saw the fire ignite a tree. As she was dialing 911,  her own curtains on the inside of her home. Not getting a response from the phone (phone lines were down), she grabbed what she could, dashed to her car in the garage, hit the garage door opener (thank Heaven THAT still worked), started the car, backed out & before she could put the car in drive to take off, her entire home was engulfed! Wow - there before the grace of God...! 40 years of memories and life, gone.


Now, what was the problem you were dealing with today? Does it really matter that your co-worker only uses a tissue once before throwing it away?  Life happens - let's live it for God today!

Aches, Apathy & Crazy Americans

  This past Tuesday, we had a  Skype call with our team in Hungary. Oh, how I long to be with them, helping them plant churches in the field!! I was ready to just get on the plane and leave!  I could smell the beginning of Fall over there. I could feel the anticipation of what God is preparing to do for His Kingdom! Bags? Who needs them, just let me GO!! Let me get on with what I am called to do! Send me - your hands and feet- to work for the Kingdom, to love on the Hungarian people, to learn the language, to teach, to forge friendships, to let them know there is a Mighty, Omnipotent Creator who wrote their names on His hands - and He HASN'T forgotten them!  Let me GO!!! Send ME!!!   That is my heart cry, that is Kurt's heart cry.... SEND US!  We are SO close!

  About an hour after the Skype call, as I was packing to move out, I received word that the buyers for our house backed out.  No specific reasons were given (they don't have to).  I admit, I grieved for a while - the closer we get to depart, the further away the goal moves, it seems.  But then, Kurt and I both looked at each other, smiled, and said, "Let's see what God does now!" There is a timeline ticking down... what will happen? Stay tuned!

  Then yesterday I had the privilege to attend a Beth Moore simulcast at our church. People around the world were gathered via the miracles of technology to listen to teaching and to worship together - what a blessing that was! Hungary wasn't mentioned, but my heart thought, "Oh, NEXT year! We will gather together with you next year in Hungary joining you!"

   Later on in this simulcast,  as I was worshipping along, I found my heart breaking further for these Hungarian people...  for their hearts that have given up on finding the hole in their heart filled with something that will last (Jesus Christ), to be given HOPE, LIFE, GOALS.  To dream again...

  You see, when we were there, we were specifically told, "Don't smile as you walk down the street."  When we asked why, we were told, "Because they will either think you are drunk or literally crazy!"  Wow - what re-training we will need to do!  This is the world we are moving to - a world where people are suspicious of each other (the gulag mentality is still there), where we need to remind ourselves to not be so happy.  Yet, in the freedom of Christ there is abundant Joy and Life!

  When we gathered with believers at the Hungarian church, the Joy and Life is flourishing! It's like walking from a desert into a lush garden behind a door. The humidity pours into your parched lungs and skin.

    So many of the people we have only been able to see and know from a distance of 9,000 miles, have come to know the Savior as we have joined with you in praying for them. Lives are changing, the church is growing, new people are being drawn in to be healed, to be changed in a way that only Christ can..... and yet, we still proclaim Christ because we are here.  Trusting to be the fragrance of eternal life and examples of His great mercy.  Jesus has drawn our hearts to another land that is living in great darkness, to a people who are blinded by the god of this world. We are straddled between two continents.  We are here, waiting with bated breath to RUN with them, side by side.  To come alongside and share their hearts, to let them know there are many who care, many who are praying, many in this family they can join. To gently place a hand on their shoulder, lifting off a strap of this enormous load they carry in order to share the burden, taking it to the foot of the cross and leaving it there.... left in His care.   To trust.     Finally.

An Ending and a Beginning...

  We knew that the changes we are called to do in order to follow God's heart are going to be bittersweet in many ways.  One of the biggest is to be saying good bye to some dreams that we had in using our home for many years of ministry in our community.  Although we have used it for ministry in many ways (housing families in transition, game nights, hospitality, Bible studies, events, etc...), we are now needing to say "good bye" to this dream as we sell our home and move out, selling all we have, closing our business and our vehicles for the sake of sharing the gospel and planting churches in Hungary.

  The joy is knowing that although more of our memories won't be made here, the ones that were made are in our hearts and our minds, as well as the lives that we touched.  

  Now we look to the future, to not knowing where we are going to live here in the states - (rooms and garages have been offered - thank you all!), during this time of transition as we raise the last of our support so we can get onto the field.  

  When do we leave? No clue  - hopefully soon!  It ALL hinges on raising our monthly support. We could leave as early as October. Click to the right & help us get on our way:O.-------------->

Apologies and grace - Part 1

  Apologies and grace - part 1

  Wow, this season of time is going so quickly - season of time, you ask? Yes! We are in the season of time where the house is getting ready to close, need to pack up or sell the rest of our stuff and move..... to....we have no idea!  Friends have offered some spots - but it could be a bit dicey with timing.    So we invite God into the whole plan, and that is where the grace comes in. His mercies ARE new every morning and He is faithful to the end.

  "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." - Deuteronomy 32:4

  I am trying to keep up with this blog in the next few weeks - but in case things get a bit crazy with timing through moving, please be patient & pray for us - we WILL be back:)

“Why Would God Care About Us???”

“Why Would God Care About Us???”

Towards the beginning of this journey, I  (Carrie), knew I had to give some of my lifelong passions over to God, sacrificially. Not everyone must, but I figured that my love of sewing & working with fabric may not be accessible all over the world. 

You see, I have had such a joy all of my life “playing” and creating with fabric – from the time I was three, I was making clothes for my dolls with my sisters. I love to sew, quilt, and use my quilting as art (I have designed a number of patterns, have spoken internationally, taught color classes and even worked quilt humor into a business!)

So I, literally, in tears, sacrificed this to God, asking Him to take away my passion of working with fabric.  I figured it would be much easier to willingly give it to Him and then not sew, rather than have this passion yanked  - fingernail rips in the fabric as it is pulled away unwillingly out of my hands.

God is such a gentleman – he received this paltry sacrifice of mine…. But only diminished it greatly, rather than take it completely away.

Then a few months later we were having a garage sale & a lady came up & said, “You’re a quilter, right?”  “Yes” I answered.  “Do you have any fabric for sale?” Oh my word – I hadn’t even THOUGHT of that! “I will be right back down with some!” Off I went.  As I piled my arms with fabric, I was ready to leave the room & I heard God say, “Wait!” 

“Lord, I have a buyer… “

“Wait!”

“But…”

“Wait!”

So, I put the fabric down, went back out to the lady waiting (thinking all the while, “What am I going to tell her???”) I saw her and out came the words, “I’m sorry, but I just can’t sell it right now.”

She replied very empathetically, “Oh, honey, I understand!”

I thought, “Well, not for the reasons I am privy to!”

A bit later in the process for being willing to be called out, we had a call from a leader who was wondering if I would be willing to speak to a group of women for an outreach.  I asked the Lord, He said “Sure”, so I did too.  Then I asked if there was a subject they would like me to speak upon. “No”, was the answer from the leader. “Ok,” I said.  I am not an expert, but I have spoken to enough groups that I thought of some ideas I could be speaking about.

  Well, the time came… we are in the air, headed to a country where many don’t know English and I am going over my notes when I heard God say, “So what do these women want to know, Carrie?”  I quipped off my answer & then asked, “Will this still work or do You have something else in mind?” God answered & said, “How about a question and answer time?”  “Ok, Lord.”  Done.

  We arrive & on the way to where we are staying, the leader asks me if I am prepared for the next evening’s outreach. I confirmed that I was. 

Then they asked, “What will you be speaking about?”

I replied, “Well, it will be a question and answer time.”

“Oh, GREAT idea!”

“Well, God changed it up on the way over here.  What kind of outreach is it?”

“I’m not going to tell you!”  (Did I mention this leader is a bit ornery??)

The outreach time draws near.  We are driving there, enter the building & you could hear the excitement and fun coming from the women. The leader indicates that I should head first up the stairs, so I comply.  When I get to the top of the stairs, I burst out laughing…..30-40 women are all quilting!  I thought to myself, “Well, at least I know where I can send my fabric when I move overseas!”

Eventually, they finish with their quilting for the evening and are requested to sit in a circle for the guest speaker (me).  The translator is seated on one side of me and the leader on the other. I am introduced, they announce it is a question and answer time & a hand flies up in the air.

“WHY ARE YOU HERE??” Comes out of this woman’s mouth like angry machine gun fire and precision.  So, I explain briefly about God caring for each and every one of them.

Another hand flew up, “WHY WOULD GOD CARE ABOUT US?” is sprung forth with similar precision and hostility. (Maybe it is cultural??)

The questions kept coming, each one with more & more depth requested. After about 30 minutes, the final question arrived, “Who IS Jesus, anyway?”  I looked to the leader to see if an assigned “answerer” would be used.

“Go ahead, it’s your gig.” Came the answer.

“Lord, where do you want me to start?” (Each culture is different regarding how to approach history) “Genesis” was the answer He gave, so I asked Him for a Reader’s Digest Condensed version! He amply supplied, and when I was done, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room! Some women were sobbing. The leader leans over and says,

“Carrie, you’re witnessing a miracle. These people HATE to show emotion. If they HAVE to, it is only in front of family.  Carrie, NONE of these women know each other!”

I thanked the Lord for speaking through me and my translator.  On the way home, I learned that the ONLY believers in the entire room were the four of us that came in the car & the three pastors’ wives!

Strong Bones & Spirit

   The experts say that in order to build strong bones, there must be not only an adequate source of calcium, but also stress and strength to add density to your bones and sinews.  I can't help but think this is often the case as well with a person's prayer life and spirit life.

   If you know some prayer warriors or people who really are tight with God, chances are they have been in some very deep & difficult circumstances in their lives.  Just like those who have lots of life experiences have tremendous wisdom you can glean from, so you can with those from deep spiritual experiences.

  Life is a balance. Balance comes from strength.

  "With God our intentional sacrifices become more than just sacrifices; they become expressions of love and trust that draw us closer to Him,. It's a kind of 'losing' strategy in which our losses pale in comparison to our gains... the riches of intimacy with Christ and increased strength to pursue holiness in every aspect of our lives."  - excerpt from Made To Crave Participant's Guide, pg.142

   I don't know about you, but we are in the process of getting REALLY strong for God through all of these losses and stresses. I have found through many situations if I ask the Lord, "Could you just show me later  - why - so I know it wasn't for naught."  He will. Sometimes it hits like a 2x4 on my head. God delivers.  Sometimes I can glean wisdom from others without having to have the difficulties - but it is less personal unless I can apply it to something I am going through.  How about you?

Challenges and blessings

  We all have challenges and blessings in life - which one do you concentrate on?

  We try to concentrate on looking at the blessings in the midst of challenges.  Probably our biggest challenge is that have closed our business after 12 years. Kurt has SUCH a great heart, and still wants to help others, but we can't do that and still speak to possible supporters as we try to raise up the few percentages of our support.  Praise the Lord, we are SO close to 70% monthly support and over 1/2 way with our departure costs!  (If you are prompted to help, there is a link on the right that can directly set you up:)

   Some of our friends have health challenges, but God is working lots of blessings in the midst of their trials. Keep looking for the positives in life - it is a sanity saver and (I personally think) a health saver.  There have been "surprise" payments for some of their bills, they have been healing sooner than expected, or the friends have been able to speak into others' lives that they have come into contact with. Those are all blessings!

  Another friend of mine was going through chemo & she was part of a group that went into chemo at a certain time.  A gentleman in the group was absolutely despondent & speaking of euthanasia. My friend had requested prayer for this man. I told her I would pray, then God prompted me to tell her to tell him, "There are youth in Asia - and there are old people too!"   We laughed and prayed for her friend.  The next day she went into chemo & her friend kept going on about euthanasia, so my friend quoted what the Lord told me.  The man laughed and laughed!  From that day on he started turning towards the better in mental and physical health, PTL.   

  So, where are your blessings in the challenges?  Sometimes you need to uncover a lot of dirt in the challenge to find the blessings, but they are there! Look up to Jesus, dear friend!                                   

The Cheesecake Miracle

  We have lately been under tremendous attack by the enemy of this world.  Often it is by recalling the great things the Lord has done, which helps not only encourage us but others as well. Friends have recommended that we speak of some of these.  Here is one today...

  Years ago, while in college, one of my friends wanted to host a surprise birthday party for her finance'.  A number of us offered to help, including B who offered to take care of the food.  Many of us had also offered to bake cakes or whatever, but B kept assuring us it was all taken care of & under control.

  The day came for the party.  The place was decorated, guests started arriving and arriving and arriving. The hostess popped in & said, "Oh good, it looks like most of the people are coming!"

  We looked out from behind the serving area & thought, "Wow, that's a lot of people!" (Anytime you have free food w/ college students there will be extras).  So, we counted... 150 people.  "Hey B, when does the cake get here?"  B looked at us, and said, "Well, I thought you were all going to be bringing some too.  I brought two Jello cheesecakes. What did you bring?"  We looked at each other & said, "You said it was taken care of & we didn't need to bring anything."  Everyone looked at the two 9" cheesecakes, and at the growing crowd.  B was starting to feel quite hostile towards us.

   Meanwhile Birthday Boy entered & was so surprised we thought he was going to pass out. Everyone was laughing and having a great time, except for those of us behind the curtain...

   I was thinking, Lord, please help this whole situation work out well.  Then I spoke up, "Well B, let's pray.  We have been wanting to put our faith to work lately, so now's the time.  You said it was all taken care of. Maybe He has taken care of it!"  We prayed, reminding God of the feeding of the 5000, & asking Him to intervene in the lives of some hungry & not wealthy college students.

  B was recommended to start serving the cheesecake, since she had brought it.  Fairly large pieces were cut & served. We made sure the first pieces went to the Birthday Boy & his girlfriend, the hostess.  While B was serving up the pieces, I started asking people around what some of the faith builders were that they had experienced lately.  We were having so much fun hearing about "God-incidences",  joys, struggles during the weeks past which ended in victories and humorous things that happened, we forgot about what we were doing until someone came back and said, "Well, we only need two more pieces!"

  At this point, we all looked down & watched B cut another large piece of cheesecake, serve it up on a plate & get ready to cut again when she yelled, "It's NOT getting ANY smaller!!!" There was panic in her voice and joy & laughter in our shouts!  Another friend came back who was helping to serve with extra pieces in her hands.  God had met our needs and our faith!

  Do you need to recall times God has miraculously helped you? If you have not seen the miracles, you may want to pray for your "blinders" to be taken off!  We would love to hear some of your "God-incidences"!  Blessings to you.

Isten Hozott!

   Isten Hozott! Literally "God has brought you" is a traditional welcome in Hungarian.  Unfortunately, the meaning doesn't really occur to the Hungarian people, according to the people we have spoken to.
This will serve as a great opening question to many people we meet when we get to Hungary.

   Our Language Acquisition Training classes are now completed.  We had the opportunity to practice learning some other languages as a 'test' of how we can learn our new language as a learner directed instruction. We are getting more confidence in how we could be directing our current language teacher in our town, of which I am sure she will be relieved!

  What we learned was how children learn languages and how to expand our American "box" of hearing and pronunciation. Children aren't burdened by the conjugation of vowels, etc..., they just LEARN what things mean (comprehension & context through repetition and kinesthetic learning), then later is the conjugation.  So, we are excited to put some of these tools into practice.
 
  After having our brains, ears and pronunciations twisted & expanded, we found ourselves worshiping at church & being aware of where & how these sounds are being pronounced! (Gosh, was that a glottal stop aspirated "g"?) Yes, we learned if it was or not!! Again, we covet your prayers as we try to keep all of this fresh  & in the forefront before we get to Hungary.