Start of New School Year

At times, our girls seem to be growing in front of our very eyes! We are always amazed as we look at Sarah and Hannah's first day of school photos-compared with the previous years. This year, Hannah and Sarah continue with Hungarian school in the art and music programs. Sarah was excited to move upstairs with the older students AND get a locker this year. Hannah was thankful to have her same kind, soft spoken teacher from last year. (In Hungary, elementary students keep their teachers for two years in a row.) At home, Sarah enters 6th grade and Hannah 3rd.

At the Hungarian School opening ceremony, the headmaster announced, much to the dismay of students, "Only 55 days until your first holiday!" I think we'll be ready before that!

Summer Camps at Lake Balaton

For several summers now, we have enjoyed being with our Hungarian fellowship friends for "gyüli tábor" - church camp. Cornerstone Church has now had their 4th annual camp, and this August we were able to take Zion Church for the first time to our CRM Barnabas Group retreat house near Lake Balaton, the largest fresh water lake in the region. It is a beautiful setting, and everyone enjoys the extra time for fellowship, ministry discussions, and just hanging out around the retreat house or by the lake.

Northern Neck, VA Travels

Time on the Northern Neck of VA with friends was a special blessing this summer, connecting with Bethany Baptist and Baliles, walking on the beaches, boating, eating great crab cakes, and finding a huge horseshoe crab (we didn't try to eat him)!

Summertime in Canada

One of the most restful places in the world is Loon Lake, Ontario. It's now been 40 years since my Aunt and Uncle with my Grandparents had the little cottage built. We love going up there each summer with my Mom, brother Chris and family. I have many good memories from my childhood and am so glad to share new 21st century memories with our girls in this special setting.

The girls have a great time playing with cousin Elizabeth, swimming, and catching lots of little fish in their nets. I always ask them if they want to fry up a few, but we always throw them all back!

Summer Highlights from NC

Time in NC at Sunset Beach is a big highlight of the summer, especially for Sarah and Hannah, when they get to play in the sand and surf with cousins. Building sand castles is important and of course making new friends is part of the package. Hannah still occasionally asks in America......"So, will they speak English at this next place?" She's used to having language changes everywhere we go - Hungary borders 7 different countries!

We go early to the beach and Sarah claims a circle for us, which then turns into a little fortress or castle against waves and " beach intruders!"

"I'm the good Hannah George"

The bad Hannah George is on the NO FLY LIST! Yes, that's right. Somewhere out there, there is a Hannah that cannot fly in the USA. After one look, and birthdate proof, the lady at the check-in counter agreed that our soon to be 8 year old is not a terrorist. This same name, however, prevents the entire family from checking in on-line or at an easy kiosk.
Hannah didn't seem too bothered by the whole thing. Of course, she doesn't know about all the history that goes with the NO FLY LIST. She now greets all security personnel with the same line, "I'm the good Hannah George."

A Mother's Pride

As a Mom, I feel so blessed to have two very talented daughters. Sarah is now 11 and Hannah almost 8.
Sarah is gifted with a beautiful voice. Not only does she sing in 4 languages, she writes her own songs as well. Most of her songs are about God and His great love for us. Recently, her choir came in first place in a regional competition.
Hannah entered the Art Program at her school last September. She has greatly enjoyed her 4 classes of art each week and learned many new techniques. Some of her best work, according to the teacher, was hung in the school hallway for everyone to see. These pictures are some of my favorites--posted with the permission of the artist!