"American Style" House in Szeged!

Just this month, our Szeged friends Boldi and Zsuzsi completed their American-style (wood-framed house) in a nearby suburb. This is a big deal here. First, they built a house, which very rarely happens (about 90% of city-based Hungarians live in apartments). Secondly, they chose not to use the big European block to build the house, mostly because it is much more expensive. They invited us out to see the almost finished product and have pizza dinner with them. We were honored to be one of the first families to visit.







Sarah enjoyed playing games ( their favorite is Hungarian version of Monopoly - "Get Rich Wisely") with Panni, and Hannah and Lili love to play "Ponies" together. Yes, My Little Pony toys are here in Hungary too!

The Easter Egg Hunt

The hole in our backyard fence to next apartment complex



Waiting for the hunt to begin

The George family neighbor Easter Egg hunt finally happened on Friday. It was a beautiful spring day and everyone was happy to be outside. Sarah and Hannah helped stuff 86 plastic eggs with stickers, chocolates, balloons, and candies. They were excited to be helpers--hiding the eggs and then assisting the preschoolers with the FIND. This was the first "hunt" for Manna, Laci, Matte, Marci, and Petra--all neighbors of ours.

Not only did we hide eggs in our backyard, but thanks to a large opening in the fence, we hid in the next door neighbors' yard as well. Kids (and parents) can now travel freely back and forth. This makes it easier to find someone to play with in the afternoons.

The HUNT didn't last too long, but what fun it to see the kids enjoying themselves so much. Opening the eggs and discovering the surprises inside brought squeals of delight. Chocolate was quickly eaten--and balloons blown up (and popped!). The adults had fun conversation and hung out for several hours. Our family really enjoys these times of building relationships with our Hungarian neighbors. We feel blessed to have such friendly ones.

Szöreg Outreach Event

We had a special Zion Church Outreach event this weekend, across the river in Szeged in the suburb of Szöreg. The hosts were the Mihalecz family - Béla, Bea, Regina, with Béla's sister Ibolya - and what an exciting thing to see so many of the Zion Church family participate. Picture at left is Bea and Béla in front of the community center we rented.

The church band was the biggest ever, and they did a great job leading us. Several new, younger church members are serving, which is fun to see.



The biggest joy was Béla and Ibolya's other sister, Edit, making a commitment to Jesus at the end of the event. We have been praying for Edit for a long time, and it was a great celebration when she asked Pastor Botond to pray with her, then she announced her commitment to everyone. Amen! She needs further encouragement and prayer as she raises 2 young sons alone. We hope she will be able to join one of the church small groups and build more relationships. Picture is of Mom, Edit and Ibolya. Below are also short videos (20, 30, 60 seconds) from the event.

Entering 21st Century in Hungary

Yes, we are starting our first blog (actually short for weblog I have discovered) to try a George family "personal online journal." We hope some friends and family will enjoy and respond.

Szeged, Hungary, 15 minutes from the Serbian border, is where we have lived since 2003. It is a very interesting place to see East meet West, see Old Europe and New Europe intersect.

We count it a privilege to serve here with Church Resource Ministries, and God has given us special friends and ministry partners.

Here attached are some pictures - with Sarah, we did a photo shoot with "Flat Stanley" - class project where Stanley was sent to us from cousin Jacob in Virginia to see life in Hungary. We know he had a good time here!

You can note the very old postal building, new EU standard train arrival sign, and up above a newer apt building with a 500 year old church in the background.

A Freezing Spring Break trip to the Budapest Zoo

We braved 40 degree weather, along with 50 other people from around the world, to visit the Budapest Zoo. The highlight was the aquarium (it was warm inside) and the beautiful pink, blue, and yellow fish. The girls loved the playground with its myriad of tunnels. Giraffes, elephants, and hippos were fun to see. There was lots of construction on many new exhibits. The Zoo is sure to be world class when it's finished.

My first blog

I'm not sure what I've just created. I really need the help of my younger friends!