I think I may have posted this photo before. It is of the yellow castle at Elet Szava in Toalmas, HU--formally known as the Andrassy Castle built in the 1880's. The wooden staircase at the main entrance (on the opposite side of the castle) is a replica of the one in the Paris Opera House.
This photo is of that staircase--definitely not the best photo...but it gives you an idea of what it looks like. Up the stars are rooms that guests stay in while serving at Elet Szava...or visitors during the school year. Through those doors is the Gold Room...so named for the golden painted bits around the ceiling.
The reason I am reminiscing is actually two fold...The first is that this time last year I was at Elet Szava with my two team mates preparing for the end of week banquet.
This was both a fun time and a sad time...it was great fun to get 'dressed up' and to have our supper tables all decorated. It was sad since the kids would depart early the next morning--as would we with most of the other Camp Volunteers from the States for a day of sightseeing in Budapest and Szentendre. Too bad...I blew up my camera charger that morning, so I cannot share any photos from Szentendre...but I can give you one of our supper table from banquet!
The second reason these things have been on my mind is because my good friend Talitha and I are hoping to return to serve at Elet Szava next summer. 
Tentatively we would leave on 10 July 2009 for another two week adventure! We will be serving again by helping with the English classes offered at the summer camp. Rather than working with the middle school kids, this time we'll be with older kids. The things we would be working on would more likely be sentence structure and conversation rather than simple vocabulary and basic conversation skills. I know that I am super excited to see what the Lord has in store for Talitha and I. She is in a time of transition as she continues her schooling in AZ as well as working full time. I am struggling with discipline and balance. God is good...and faithful. We both know that if God wants us to return to Elet Szava in 2009...that is exactly where we will be!
5 comments:
I understand your wanting to go back and if the Lord wants you to it will happen with your being able to stay on your budget. I think of how he has been there for me time and time again throughout the years. He has always been there. I sincerely feel he walks with me every day.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's always nice to meet others who have a heart for Hungary and WOL in particular. My husband and I have been there twice and look forward to another return soon. Maybe next year! :) We will have a 3 year old and a 6 month old though so that may be a little more difficult. I am really missing it right now as the time is getting close where we would have gone this year again and I know our friends are going back in just weeks. It was lovely to see pictures of Elet Szava on your blog!
Both times we've gone we have actually worked with junior high aged kids. I'm assuming you want to work with the older kids who speak good English. Our friends, the Gerbers, have worked with that group everytime we've gone so they might be a better resource for you to talk with.
What I know they have done though is mostly the kids who speak English just want to do that, speak English with native speakers. They like to just sit in a large group and ask questions and do conversation. I've always noticed them playing American games. Really, it all comes back to them wanting to speak English with an American as much as possible. They also like to find out about American culture and so forth.
If you would like my friend's email, I'm sure they would be happy to answer any questions you have. Just let me know, and best wishes learning the language! We are just proud of ourselves saying please, thank you, squirrel and trash! LOL
Have a good day!
Wow. I can't believe I found you. I hope you remember me from your days in Phoenix ... visit my blog if you need a reminder.
Funny--now the three columns come up along with all the new posts. I was only able to view the June 12th post in the the two column format up through Monday or Tuesday (the last time I checked). Maybe a glitch with my browser??? Who knows. Looks good.
:) Hey, we have mutual friends! (other than a heavenly Father) Dave and Karen who are preparing to move back to the US also after 12+ years in Toalmas.
It is a beautiful place God secured for His people in Hungary and I was privileged enough to have stayed in a guest room in the castle.
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