Hmmm...it really is pretty amazing the folks God brings into my life.

Really.

I'm so grateful for the friendships I have...and so aware of how often I take them for granted.

I was just reading over a friend's blog (see photo above). She is currently working at Word of Life in Toalmas, HU...and next month will be heading over to my continent to serve in Mexico for nine months. To see her spirit...and how the Lord is working in her life is humbling. ...and encouraging.

She mentioned these verses at various points:
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
...and...
Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers. When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul, I will make myself available to you,’ says the Lord. ‘Then I will reverse your plight and will regather you from all the nations and all the places where I have exiled you,’ says the Lord. ‘I will bring you back to the place from which I exiled you.’

It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord uses everything to get His point across. These verses hit me in my core and reminded me of some very important truths.

First of all...it isn't about me-at all, in any way-nothing is about ME. It is about Christ...and His glory. The only thing that is about me is my trusting the Lord...and seeking Him.

Second...the Lord wants me to cry out to Him in prayer, seeking Him with all of my heart and soul.

God's promises are clear--repeatedly. I'm the one with the clouded vision.

My inability to remember truth on a regular basis sure gets me into a lot of holes. ...heh... God is faithful...in spite of my failures.

Are these truths comforting? Yes. Now to let go...and do some apologising.

: )

Stateside...

Well...I'm here in Woodinville, WA, U.S.A. Since my return from Hungary we've been blessed with rainy weather-overcast and cool. I love it!

The photo here to the right is of the castle at Godollo...Queen Erzebet--or Elizabeth--or Sisi as the people commonly referred to her. She was one of the most beloved royals in Hungary.

Hungary is a small country with huge history. I am continually fascinated by the culture that has been formed here with so much influence from others yet with such independence and national pride.
This shot to the left is of 'the yellow castle' at Word of Life Hungary. There is much renovation that needs to be done...but it is an amazing place as well. It is apparently a historical place and renovation will not only be costly...but require going through a lot of red tape.

I also heard tales of WoL Germany...where there are TWO castles and beautiful trees and other examples of creation all about. Someday...someday...

I was bummed not to have more access to the internet while in Budapest...and will be better prepared next go 'round! So many thoughts to share...and photos!

I do pray I'll be able to return to WoL Hungary...and if possible to spend some more time exploring and learning even more of the history and language of this fine country.

Looking to the past, I wonder what the future holds as this place yearns to be fully a part of the European Union...

Honestly so many adventures to tell of...perhaps they will spill out over time. I don't want to bore with silly history lessons or ramble on with my feeble musings :) I did procure some little tid-bits along my journey to assist in learning a bit more of the language...and as always in leaving, I have added at least three things to my "must do in Hungary" list.

Home is nice too.

I've begun publishing some new things on my googlepages. All the Hungary stuff can be navigated from the main Hungary link on my homepage. I'll have to find a new moose to put up front...and I'm still thinking of adding at least one Disney page.

I hope everyone is well...thank you for your prayers. Please keep Word of Life (everywhere, and especially Hungary) in prayer...and the possibility of my return to assist Elet Szava once again. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up with everyone soon!

: )

T-10 and counting...

29 June 2007 is the departure date for our little team headed to help Word of Life Fellowship with their last week of children's summer camp. They are located in Toalmas, Hungary (check out the link for more details on camp and WoL). During the school year this is the location of Word of Life Bible Institute, Hungary. The camp we will be working with offers special instruction in English, Soccer and Disc Golf! We will assist with the English classes as well as have the opportunity to get to know the kids and staff throughout the days and evenings we are there.

The other members of our fine team are Eric Hegybeli & Talitha Obards. They both attend Baruch Hashem in Anthem, Arizona. The photo here is of our meeting in May with Dara (on the end) who has been great in helping us keep organised as we prepare for our journey! Thanks are due to Baruch Hashem for being our 'sponsor' and Eric for heading things up.

I will be flying out of SeaTac at 1100 to meet up with the team at Sky Harbor later in the day. We then head straight over to Heathrow Airport in London where we have a little layover before embarking on our last leg of the journey which lands us at Budapest Ferihegy Airport about 2300 local time. After our week of camp we will spend some time touring about the country. We're planning to visit Budapest, Esztergom and Pecs...

In this fine technological age we have been informed that wireless connectivity will be available at most every stop. Hopefully I'll be able to post some updates, some fun photos (probably more photos in my google pages than here) and I'll share what I am blessed to see the Lord doing in and around us.

In preparation for this wonderful opportunity to return to Hungary, I've been in prayer and scripture as well...God is ever faithful in revealing truth, for which I am grateful. I really do not see this as a "missions trip", but rather a continuation of the ministry we are called to daily-to serve and glorify our Lord. I continue to pray that in all things, word and deed, that I may glorify Christ...and each of the others on the team as well.

Until next time!

: )