Making an Impact in Hungary! (just not the one we expected...)

(story told by my roommate, Paula)

This was too funny not to share right away.
So Heather has a huge 9 passenger van to use while the family that owns it is in the States. We decided to take it to our HS soccer match today and cheer on the Bulldogs. Just before we left, the beautiful weather shifted dramatically to cold, wind, and rain. After a few minutes of braving that, we decided we could best cheer on our team from the warm confines of the van. So we began the process of turning around the giant van to move it to a higher location from which we could watch in comfort.
The road is tiny. I brilliantly suggested turning off into a little driveway so we could avoid driving all over Diosd to get up the hill. This was a great plan -- except for a) the steepness of the hill b) the sand/gravel combo on the road. Heather, who was driving, tried to reverse it up the hill, but it just slid. We then tried the emergency brake - clutch combo -- and succeeded in sliding into the large stone wall before us. Huge chunks of rocks went flying. People came out of the house to see what in the world these crazy American girls were doing.

We were so embarassed.

I went and found a very nice Hungarian man and a parent at the school who is fluent in the language. They couldn't get it out either, which made us feel much better, and succeeded in sinking the car into a very large rut.

Fortunately, they were able to call the vice-mayor, who promptly showed up with his 4x4 (rare in Hungary) and cables. With the help of some of my students (who will certainly be receiving extra credit), we were able to finally get the van out of the freakin' drive.

Thankfully, there was no real damage, other than to the wall. And even that worked out well, as the owner told us, via a translator, "I've been trying to tear down that wall for years, and they wouldn't let me because it's a historical landmark!" So he was happy, we met the vice-mayor, students got extra credit, and everyone got to laugh at us. All's well that ends well, I guess!

I love living in a place where a minor incident brings out the politicians in their work gloves. and it actually was really funny. Hungarian people are great; they just shrug, laugh, and do what needs to be done!

Sorry, I was also going to put up the pictures of my house, but now I will wait until tomorrow when I figure out how to do more than 4 at a time. Can you handle the suspense?

Tour of Budafok 5 (Last One!!)

I didn't realize there were so many pictures until it separated them into like 5 different posts. Sorry. Scroll to the bottom for the explanation from the first post.

Tour of Budafok 4

And...some more.

Tour of Budafok 3

Tour of Budafok 2

Tour of Budafok

This past week it got pretty cold here, down to the 40's I think, which is sort of depressing considering it's only September. Today though, it warmed up a bit and the sun came out. So after church, and the traditional Sunday afternoon nap, I went for a walk around Budafok. i took a few pictures of the new hood. Sorry if they are sort of boring, but I love walking around here and the character of the streets.

It's been 8 months...

But I'm back! I didn't update for such a long time, many factors contributing to why, but I am committing myself to actually keep up with it this year. I have my very own computer now, plus Internet connection at my house (neither existed last year), so it should be a much easier job to update.

I am back in Hungary now. I arrived about a week and a half ago, on Tuesday Aug 22, and started back to work on Wednesday. If was tough at first with the whole jet lag thing, but getting better now. It was a little strange coming back this time. I knew what to expect and things were familiar, as odd as those familiarities still are. :) I'll give you a list...10 Reasons I Know I'm Back in Hungary.

10. I'm drinking lots of hot tea again.
9. I've seen lots of men in short shorts!
8. Also in carpi's, white ones. Why?!!
7. At the cafe, it took 30 minutes for the waitress to bring the bill after we asked for it.
6. A van drives around my neighborhood on Saturdays with a bull horn on top selling potatoes. A little frightening the first time when you don't know what they are shouting at you about. Then you realize it's only potatoes.
5. Still no clothes dryer.
4. There are, literally, hundreds of dogs barking every minute of every day.
3. Delicious fresh bread, pastries, and fagi (ice cream)!
2. A random man tried to kiss me last night as I was walking down the street.
1. I still can't understand what the heck anyone is saying!

Actually, that last one is not completely true. I am surprised by how much I really can understand, and am really proud of myself when I can communicate without ridiculous hand gestures, pointing, and shouting. Somehow you think that if you speak louder they will understand you. It doesn't work.

So this year is a little different. I am not living in Diosd (the town where the school is located) anymore. My roommate from last year, Paula, another teacher friend, Lisa Bloomquist, and I moved into a house about 10 minutes away. The town is called Budafok. It's about halfway between Diosd and Budapest. We are really enjoying our neighborhood so far and everything it has to offer. Amazing views of the city and the Danube River, cobblestone streets, and best of all... our incredible house. We are so blessed to be living in this house. I will post some pictures of it later, but it is so much more than we needed, or wanted. The owners are an older Hungarian couple whose daughter-in-law works at the school with us. At the end of last year, when we began looking for a place for this year, she told us her in-laws had just finished renovating a house and were looking for renters. So we met with them, saw the house, and immediately fell in love-with the house and the owners. They are the sweetest family, and truly love the Lord. They gave us such great deal on the house, that we wouldn't otherwise be able to afford, and have taken such good care of us. They don't speak English, so when they come they bring either their son or daughter and their spouses to translate. We met with them yesterday to sign contracts and go over details and stuff, and found out that they purchased the house six years ago and Gabor (the owner) has been restoring it, almost completely by himself. God's timing is so perfect. It took him six years to finish the house, and it was ready exactly when we needed a place. I love that I serve a God who loves to give me more than I expect or need. Anyway, all that to say, I love where I am living this year.

Another difference this year is that Mary Grace is in fifth grade...which means I am too:) I'm getting so smart! Fifth grade is a big step up from fourth. The work load and expectations greatly increase, which means, it is going to be tough. Please keep Mary Grace and myself in your prayers as we try to adjust to changes and differences this year.

Well, it's 12:30 here now, so I should go to bed since I have school in the morning. Tomorrow I'll post some pictures. Goodnight, and thanks for reading.