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.