Zion Church Friends' Wedding

I had the privilege of being chauffeur (our 10yr old Opel Vectra was shining with pride!) for the Molnár-Mórocz wedding, a special day of celebrating with István, Veronika, family and a few friends. Mayor of Kübekháza, Robi, led the "civil" section, and Zion Church pastor, Botond, led the "religious" section. Both gave very good challenges and messages. Béla and Bea were the "witnesses" - they don't use "best man" and "maid of honor" titles. Their daughter Regi helped with the video. Botond's son Zalan (standing below by my car) was the official photographer. What a special day together!

Zion Church Leaders' Gathering

In our flat in early January, we had a special gathering of 12 church leaders for a 2010 planning event. Plus their 11 children came and our girls kept them busy for 3 hours! We are very thankful that Sarah and Hannah are willing to participate in the ministry too.
We are thankful for the men and women who are stepping up to lead more as Zion Pastor Botond and his wife Sarolta need to pass on more of the ministry to the younger leaders.


Popcorn is a favorite at our gatherings. Denes loves it! Hannah loves playing with little Greta!

Christmas!

The stoneware pot given to us by Robi Molnar--mayor of Kubekhaza.

The night before Christmas we opened new pjs from Grandma George.

Sarah loves her new music from Janet and family!

Look, Grandma Turner--more Barbie furniture from you!

Sarah shows off her new pocketbook and jewelry bags!

Hannah was really excited about her new paintbrushes and drawing set.

One of my very BIG surprises! Now, where will I put them???

Rob shows his new shirt from Grandma George.

The girls gave us this framed collage. On it is written, "Families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts."

Our big gift from Sarah and Hannah--a gift certificate for a whole day of servitude!

Blueberry Cheesecake for dessert!!

Rob, in his new Grandma T. shirt, putting paprika on the deviled eggs.

Rob and I couldn't finish the shrimp--there were too many!! We needed you, John!

Christmas Visits

Hannah and Lilli wait for Hungarian pancakes! Vanilla and chocolate pudding were the favorite toppings!
Sarah and Panni pose for the camera.
Boldi and Zsuzsi had some very special news to tell us!!
We enjoyed a nice visit with our neighbor, Maria-néni.

Rob and Gábor (Baptist pastor) wait for the Kubekhaza Christmas program to start. Sarah sang a beautiful solo in Hungarian and English.

The program was held in the UNHEATED Catholic Church.
The kids enjoyed seeing the live animals that were part of the Nativity.



Sarah and Hannah enjoy hanging out with Regi and Kristi just before the program.

Regi opens her Christmas gift while the girls watch with joy.

Béla, Bea, Regi with their "House Blessing" gift from us.

19 degrees in a Blizzard Outreach

More than 50 people showed up at Bela's outdoor worship tent, in a blizzard! The snow was falling so heavy, and accumulated almost 4 inches in the 3 hours we were there. (Of course this Virginia "born and bred" girl KNEW we weren't supposed to be out after the first snowflake fell!!) However, we had a great time!! Bela performed a skit with the help of 9 children, we sang several Christmas songs with the band, ate fresh donuts (Bela made more than 150--delicious!), and made crafts by candlelight. Some of the visitors commented on how comfortable they felt--and that it was such an encouraging time. Praise God!

Bela plans to have more events in the worship tent--only when it's warmer!!


Singing with the band!

The snow was beautiful!


More than 150 donuts--made from scratch, rising in front of the house stove.

Sarah and Hannah welcome some neighborhood girls, while Laci acts silly behind them.

Sarah sang in Hungarian and English.

Christmas Preparations!

Snow has come and Christmas is coming to Szeged!

We have decorated the apartment, put up our tree, and started to have friends over to celebrate. Béla and Bea, András and Erzsi and their families came over for a fun evening. Hannah and Anna had a Christmas cookie baking afternoon, with Donna's supervision.

Pre-snow, we had a nice visit out to Béla's for daughter Regi's 14th birthday party. What a special chocolate cake, with fireworks on top!

Big planning is underway on the strawberry farm. Tomorrow is the Christmas outreach in the new Fellowship Tent (High of 19 degrees!-we're wearing lots of layers!) Béla has even built outdoor bathroom facilities for the event. See the last picture with door open to the women's special spot!