July 5-14th we were back in our "hometown" with many Hungarian friends and ministry partners. Szeged will always have a special place in our hearts. Our connection to the city stems back to 1992, when we first went to teach English in Hungary until 1995. The 7 years (2003-2010) there with CRM made it much more special, particularly for Sarah and Hannah who have spent the majority of their growing-up years in Szeged.
So, you can imagine coming into the city on the train after one year away, there were many emotions that overwhelmed us. Hannah cried and said, "Why can't we just move back here?!" The great blessing is that we were received so warmly by all of our friends, and at times it felt like we had never left. But it was also important to see that the churches and God's work continues on without us. God's leading is certainly not dependent on us!
We were thrilled by the big gathering of about 70 people out at Bela's farm, where Bela and family had organized a "welcome home party" for us with music and testimonies and great food, including paprika gulyas. The small dilemma was that it was 102 degrees outside for this 5 hour outdoor party! Lots of cold fruit tea was drunk by all, but of course no ice because Europeans do not like their drinks "too cold" on their throats! But what a special day together celebrating friendship and partnership. Thanks be to God - "Isten" in Hungarian!
We helped Bela set up for the party - special homemade teas available on the farm!
Tents helped beat some of the heat, and the music was a gift, with a new English praise song they prepared!
Sarah and Hannah had a great time re-connecting with lots of old friends and younger kids who missed them very much.
Donna got to hold one of the new babies!
Rob got to catch up with village mayor and evangelist, Robi
It was special to be back in the fruit and vegetable store - and see Bela's display from their March trip to be with us in Virginia!
So, you can imagine coming into the city on the train after one year away, there were many emotions that overwhelmed us. Hannah cried and said, "Why can't we just move back here?!" The great blessing is that we were received so warmly by all of our friends, and at times it felt like we had never left. But it was also important to see that the churches and God's work continues on without us. God's leading is certainly not dependent on us!
We were thrilled by the big gathering of about 70 people out at Bela's farm, where Bela and family had organized a "welcome home party" for us with music and testimonies and great food, including paprika gulyas. The small dilemma was that it was 102 degrees outside for this 5 hour outdoor party! Lots of cold fruit tea was drunk by all, but of course no ice because Europeans do not like their drinks "too cold" on their throats! But what a special day together celebrating friendship and partnership. Thanks be to God - "Isten" in Hungarian!
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