Questions

How is culture shock?

Honestly, I haven't had a problem. I am still in the vacation stage, ready to discover all that is around me. I was given an article about the different stages of culture shock, read a book about Hungary and researched about this adventure that I am on to help mentally prepare myself for the world around me. I am really trying to keep an open mind and I desire to see everything through gospel centered lenses. No matter where we are in life, where we are, we all need love. 

Have I seen a lot in the city?

I am trying, it is a work in progress. There is SO much to do and see, it is impossible to do everything. There is caving, Challenge Land, market hall, museums, house of terror, national theatre, libraries, squares, castles and the list is growing....

Do I miss home?

More than anything, I want to experience this with my family and dear friends. I honestly feel like I am simply living life in a new city. I do not feel over 5600 miles away especially with technology these days. I am so blessed to be welcomed here with open arms of families and new friends that have taken care of and loved on me. 

Do I get bored in the evenings?

No. I will read, go walking or a jog, fix dinner, talk to family and friends or prepare for school (which is not time consuming). I have gone to nearby stores like IKEA, Decathalon, Auchan (grocery store similar to Walmart) or Bible study which is on Tuesday evening. I am also tutoring a fourth grader to practice English and help with studies twice a week. One night I spent the night with Fruzsi at her home in Budakesi, which was so fun! Fruzsi, her dad and I went on a run together that evening and ate her favorite pasta dish. She is a native Hungarian and graduated from college in the states last May just like me. 

Street in the neighborhood

Map of my neighborhood

Missing American Items?

Many items are still available here. I have seen peanut butter, corn tortillas, marshmallows, canned pumpkin, salsa, tortilla chips, Rice Krispies, Ben and Jerry's.... Yes, they are much more expensive so I will likely not buy them but they are here if I felt I couldn't live without it. 

Gluten Free?

I have been blessed with people who are very understanding, aware and accommodate for me. It is much different here because they are not required to write on labels if items are processed in the same facility as wheat. I am trying to read labels but is a little difficult with it being in Hungarian.  My coworker, Dia, knew of a gluten free store and she gave me a flyer about it. There were many options like pasta, pizza, rolls, loaves of bread, frozen items, cereal, bars, muffins, desserts... When I walked in I must have written on my forehead "not Hungarian" because a lady started speaking to me in English. I think I might have been in awe from the new store and I was quite glad to have found it. The lady was so sweet and showed me her favorite items and baked goods. Turns out she has been GF for 2 and a half months and lives in my neighborhood. She was So sweet and glad to have met me. We quickly exchanged emails. She helped me to communicate with the store owners. I am thankful to try "Hungarian style" breads and danishes that are GF. Prices of GF items are naturally more expensive but reasonable. A loaf of bread is about $3 and in America they are $5 and up, pasta is around $3 - $4 for a package (which will last me quite awhile). 

There is also a "bio" store in walking distance to me that has some GF items too like pasta, brownie mix, oats and various kinds of flour.

                           

What I've been listening to:

Sermons from the Village Church

Louie Giglio "How Great is Our God"

Current playlist includes Bryan and Katie Torwalt, Audrey Assad, Shane and Shane, Kari Job, Cory Asbury, Matthew and Lizi Bailey, Meredith Andrews