Spring has arrived in Budapest. It’s so beautiful here when the weather is warm. In the winter, there is a grey cloud that hangs over the city for four months and makes everyone sick and depressed. That cloud has now dissipated, and things are looking bright again.
It’s funny to me that this happens here. People actually have to take Vitamin D pills because there is a lack of sunlight in the winter. The whole attitude of the country changes. I can see it in the faces of people on the trams and busses, the kids in the school are different too. Whereas a month ago, no one wanted to be there, and they were all counting down the days till the end of the year, now, students are coming in every day smiling, happy to be here. I feel the same way. I do get down sometimes living here. I miss my friends in America, I miss Walmart, I miss driving, but then I have to remember why I’m here. I didn’t move to Budapest to sit by the Danube and sip coffee. I moved here to be a part of the work of Christ that is happening. I moved here to minister to Hungarians and students from different countries. There is no other reason I live in Hungary than to do that.
At times, this is a disturbing thought for me. It’s very easy to get sucked into the culture, to become depressed and only want to live for myself all winter, but I can’t live like that. Number one, that’s not who God has created anyone to be, and number two, what good am I if I become just another person who lives here? I constantly have to remind myself of my purpose for being here.
There is nothing greater than being in God’s will and serving Him. When you are in that place, new worlds open up all the time. People come into your life that you would have never gotten to know otherwise and it’s all part of God’s plan. I am so privileged to minister in Hungary, and you are so privileged to minister where you are. Let’s not forget this! Keep going forward! Don’t forget that God uses those who are available, no matter where they are.
I have been approved by the Missions Board in Baltimore to come back for another year! I’m so happy and looking forward to what God will do in the next twelve months.
I will be returning to the US for about 6 weeks this summer to visit family and friends. I can’t wait to see all of you.
The school year is coming to a close, please pray for those staff members and missionaries who are returning next year, as well as those who have decided to leave. Our principal and his family will be returning to the States this summer and a new principal will take his place. Please pray for this transition time and all the little details of housing, transportation, finances, etc. for these amazing missionaries both coming and going.
