Hungry in Hungary

Wow, I'm seriously surprising myself at the fact that I'm able to sit down and actually write something on my blog. This week has been crazy. Fun, but crazy. We're talking no sleep, jr. high girls screaming in Hungarian, and interesting food combinations that I have never even dreamed of. Food Network, boy do I have some tips for you!

I'm here in Aszod, Hungary teaching English and Jesus to jr. high schoolers. We have so many different ranges of English speaking abilities here at camp. Our little 5th graders have only had one year of English. So, think about my level of Hungarian abilities and adapt that idea to their level of English abilities. Not a whole lot of verbal communication going on with them, but they are absolutely precious and have a heart to learn, which is incredible!

We also have the older kids who know a lot of English, but are "too cool" to speak up in class. They sit there, just like American jr highers and twiddle their thumbs, pretending not to care. However, these girls are wonderful leaders and I think we've finally had a break through with them. They are starting to participate in Bible study and class. It's so exciting when they start showing signs of human life and intelligence!

Hungary is a very different place. The people are very "solid" emotionally. Not a whole lot of warmness radiating from them. But, once you get to know them and begin to build a relationship with them, they can be wonderful and supportive people. Ria, the Hungarian teacher who's been helping my Team (White Lightning!) is absolutely amazing! She is quiet, but she wrote me such an encouraging note the other day that I broke down in tears. Me (who shows enough emotion for the entire country of Hungary) crying in front of Ria (who lacks emotion, but is still a passionate girl)...Quite the scene, let me tell you. Wonderful, wonderful people.

Tonight, we're having a Disco / Dance. The kids are excited and so are we. I don't know if we'll have to break up the "dirty dancing" like in the States, but we'll see what happens.

Tomorrow is the last day of camp and the 4th of July! Then, off the Vienna on Saturday with the Concordia group.

Things have been great, but I'm exhausted. Gotta' run and sing some songs!

Blessings!