Reflection

So, this summer has definitely not had any dull or boring moments and there are plenty of things to write/post pictures of fun happenings. That will happen a later. I have had some time to think about this past year and process life abroad so I wanted to post about it. 

How do I evaluate this last year at Rainbow Hills?

I loved the kids and who I worked with. I genuinely enjoyed the people so much and I treasure all the memories that I have made and friendships that developed. The business aspect of things were a little different and not exactly what I was used too. 

I would not consider this past year my first year teaching by any means. Yes, I was a teacher but it was much different than how Americans view teaching kindergarten. Not in a bad way but I feel as though it was my first year working not my first year as a classroom teacher. 

How do I evaluate living abroad?

wonderful. hard. full of learning. a blessing that I will ALWAYS treasure in my heart. There are things that you don't think about being hard like going to the grocery store. Going to the closest store like Walmart - I needed to take two buses (one that only ran once an hour). In the city there are many corner markets which is a little more convenient but they don't all have the same thing. After arriving, I meander through the aisles looking for particular items because nothing is in English. Thankfully I had my handy list with hungarian-english translation. When you buy produce, you need to weigh it and put a sticker on it of the price. Did you know that english and Hungarian look nothing alike? Trying to find the produce on the screen is a little harder than it might sound. I would say something like sheggietek which means "help me."  I have conquered the grocery store now but it was quite an adventure in the beginning and very time consuming. 

How was your community?

It is vitally important to living abroad. Families that have welcomed me in as their own - it has humbled me greatly. To be surrounded with people and families that genuinely serve the Lord and make Christ the center of their home is incredible. Partnering with the Gibson's in their ministry serving people and missionaries from all over the world, being Mary Poppins and spending time with the Stanteens, knocking on the door at the Karas to share the dumbest Laffy Taffy joke, continually being invited by the Border's to share a meal together, going on walks, spending time together and spur of the moment adventures with Jana….i love my life. 

What about spiritually?

one thing i have definitely learned - I can't do everything on my own. 

I prayed a lot especially in the beginning. little things like that this bus i just stepped on to would take me to where google maps said it would take me or sticking out like a little american. 

God is faithful. yes, it is a simple truth but to experience learning is something wonderful. He has provided for me over and over again. 

God loves me right here and right now. not some future version of me, not when I tackle everything on my to do list but right now. 

He is continually revealing His lavish love towards me. 

Did I enjoy living in Budapest?

absolutely. I live a little outside the city but I enjoyed it. Public transportation is fantastic. This city and the country of Hungary can't be described in one word. It is beautiful, divine, remarkable (just check out the history of Hungary) and absolutely fantastic. okay so there are a few things I might not like but I choose not to remember and dwell on those things. 

Do you recommend living abroad for everyone?

No. I wouldn't recommend frozen yogurt to everyone even thought I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE fro yo. I believe everyone was created with different temperaments, desires and gifts. So, for some people living abroad may not be what the Lord is calling them too. But I do strongly believe that traveling and serving in another country is extremely valuable. We live in a very big world and step our of our home comfort zone, it's definitely worth it. 

As Americans we often evaluate our day as how much we got done or achieved. Here…not so much. I noticed that when I drove to get errands done and was able to cross things off my mental check list, I felt better and that is was a better day. 

My new nicknames that I have acquired: Mary Poppins, Tigger-dog and Nati

so there are many more things to ponder about and process through after living abroad but for now, those are my thoughts. I will get back to the red, white and blue on August 9th and I am still in the waiting game for a teaching job. I am trying to be as proactive as I can calling schools, principals and emailing various contacts but I continually remind myself, I am in the Lord's hands when I am feeling discouraged. 

SUMMMERRRRR

Well, the sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom and I am one happy camper (except when I think about how I will be leaving in such a short amount of time).

Currently, I am living at the Gibson's (my neighbor's that live in Torokbalint). Chris and Debbie are in America raising support because they are missionaries with EPC and I am staying with their daughter Bekah because she will go to Speak Out (Outreach English Camp for Hungarians) at the end of June.

In the first week of summer...
Ran errands for Chris before he left
helped a friend pack and move
Made two airport runs (soon to be three to pick up 4 very important people!!)
Continued reading a new book
Made homemade pesto and larabars
Went on a few walks and runs in the neighborhood
Hung out with the fabulous Stanteen family. I made an appearance in Chelsea's writing at school.
Ran into my neighbor, Emoke, it had been too long!
Made ice cream sundae's with Bekah and her friends that came over
Continued to work on my TESOL course
Made some smoothies
and a few other things that I can't really think of right now, haha.

oh yes, and I have been busy with teacher applications. I have applied to 40, yes FORTY school districts. The only response back is "thank you for your interest but the position has been filled...."I have lost count of how many emails I have sent out to introduce myself and phone calls I have made to make sure they received my application in full with all my references. So as of future plans, I am not quite sure but there is still time.

But on a VERY high note.... Mom, Sarah, Megan and Collin have come for a visit. They arrived JUNE 18th!! Woo hooooooo!!!!

Year End Celebration

Each year there is a little performance the children put on for the parents. The theme for our group was Mary Poppins. The songs they performed were...Step in Time, A Spoonful of Sugar, Let's Go Fly a Kite, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. I played the role of Mary Poppins during the performance.

The kids had movements for the first song, a spoonful of sugar they used spoons as props and the string of a kite to hold during the third song. Here is a picture of the backdrop that Agi drew. 

All of the parents enjoyed the performance and were so gracious to give thank you gifts to Agi and I for such a great year.

There were a few issues with the business side of things at the kindergarten and I think we (the teachers) were glad to be done and out for summer!

I wrote little notes to each of the kids and hopefully it can give you a little taste of the personalities that filled my life during the week. Needless to say, I will miss them but I am looking forward to keeping in touch with their families as much as I can.

C - Your endless hugs and kisses have encouraged me more than you could ever know. Although this year had a little bit of a rough start you have grown so much this year and I am very proud of you. You have been a wonderful blessing in my life this year. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
B - I am so thankful for you. You are very creative and I have loved getting to see how your love for art projects has grown through the year. You are one of the most loving children that I have ever met. Thank you for your hugs and kisses every single day. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Do - Your fun personality has been a gift this year. You have a tender heart and genuinely care for others. I have loved being able to communicate with you more and more this year. You are very smart and remember that I always believe in you. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Da - You are one smart cookie! Maybe in a few years we can have a match at checkers. Thank you for always making me laugh and putting a smile on my face. You are quite our little athlete from the group and I am proud of you. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
M - Do you remember at the beginning of the year when you couldn't understand anything I told you and now you know more than I do about the planets?! You grown and learned so much this year by leaps and bounds. I am thankful for you and how you have encouraged me this year. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Z - My precious little ladybug. There are not words to express how you have lifted my spirits with your imaginative stories, sweet hugs and your little accent. How can I forget the endless supply of marshmallows that you always give me?! I am so thankful for you and I can't wait to keep in touch with you in the future. I know you will go big and far places. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
L - My brown eyed beauty. I will never forget the times that you have looked me in the eyes and told me you loved me. Thank you for your random hugs and always being interested in what I have to teach you. You are such a great friend to everyone. I am so thankful for you. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
B - I am proud of you. You care deeply for others and always work your very hardest. You are always thinking of others and give gifts to others to show that you care. You have been a wonderful encouragement to my heart. Thank you for your love. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
P - Although we might have been together for only half of a year, you have made a beautiful imprint on me. You jump right in and are a friend to everyone. You have worked very hard to learn all that you needed to know in such a short amount of time. I am proud of you. You will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Sleepover

Agi promised the children that we would have a sleepover. Although I might have been a little skeptical, it was SOO much fun.

We had a little dance party as they arrived and then ate some pizza.

Treats from the parents.

After that we watched a movie and played with toys until it was dark.

Then we all went outside with our flashlights to play in the garden.

Then we all came back inside ready for our pajamas.
The kids didn't sleep but it was okay. The kids are just so precious and I loved spending the extra time with them before school ended.

Spring festivities

So here are a few pictures from Spring...

Small Group Cookout

Wonderful lunch and games with the Broders. Flat Stanley came to join us!

We had a water war with the middle school to celebrate the end of the year. I managed to stay dry since I was the photographer :)

We dominated the egg toss, even if it fell on the ground...

Day trip to Lake Balaton. Fact: It is the largest freshwater lake in Europe.

Finishing a Shutterfly book for the Gibson's and their ministry here

Picking cherries - They are ripening quite late this year. One tree gave me about 15 cups of cherries. I think I might be making some fruit soup....

Even though our Bible Study is over on Tuesday, we have continued our dinners together

We had a few guests join us the week this picture was taken. 

Field Trip

On May 10th, we went on a field trip for the morning. We took a bus to the children's railway, played at Normafa, ate a picnic lunch and headed back to the school. It was nice and simple.

A little history on the Children's Railway (thanks to visitbudapest.travel.com):

The Children's Railway (Gyermekvasút), built after World War II, and originally called Pioneer's Railway, is run by children under the supervision of adult railway workers. Children do various types of jobs, from selling tickets to traffic management. Similar projects had been introduced in the former Soviet Union in the 1940’s.

All seven stops along the Children's Railway route are popular recreation spots. Csillebérc, where the Challangeland zip-line is located; Normafa, known for its beautiful scenery; János Hill, the highest peak in Budapest; Vadaspark, home to a charming zoo; and Hüvösvölgy, the site of the popular restaurant called Náncsi Néni, are the most favorite stops.

When Children’s Railway first opened some stations were named after symbols of the pioneer movement, which were then changed in 1990. There is a museum on site (at Hüvösvölgy station) displaying some relics from the Communist/Pioneer era.

 Headed to the park...

The kids stayed at "one station" of the playground and rotated because it was just so big to keep an eye on all of them. 

We had a picnic lunch and then headed back to school.

The scenery was absolutely beautiful as we travelled through the Buda Hills. 

Field trip was a success and the kids went to sleep quite quickly once we got back. 

Mr. & Mrs. Greenwood and Mr. & Mrs. Bearden.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Alan Greenwood and Mr. and Mrs. Alex Bearden!! I wish that I could have been there to celebrate but I will use this opportunity to share my thankfulness and happiness for you both as you start a new chapter in life together. 

 From the beginning of freshman year we became friends. Two girls with curly hair were destined to become roommates. 

From many chick dinners and late night chats...

 we made many memories that I will treasure my whole life. 

The Godly wisdom and discernment you behold beyond your years amazes me. You teach me about caring for others, listening with an open heart and making others be important. 

Thank you for blessing me with your friendship. I miss and love you Mrs. Greenwood!!

My dear Sarah,

we have shared quite a few runs and races 

a few surprises

 [remember that time we got those goldfish for 13 cents and they lived too long or that "Welcome Back" sign with more feathers on it than we could count...]

and many giggles...

 But most of all, you have shared many prayers, verses and encouragement with me. Thank you for teaching me about what it looks like to have a gentle heart, taking time for the small things and loving the Lord with all your heart. I miss and love you Mrs. Bearden!!

Rainbow Hills Update

So, I have slightly be slacking but here is a little update on the Rainbow Hills side of things. 

Agi came up with this bulletin board idea and I really like it so I wanted to share it. 

I am absolutely loving the sunshine and warmer weather. The kids love playing in the sand box, especially the little ones.

The kids love to draw pictures for Agi and I. We have quite the collection.

 We had a Farm theme for Circle Time and they used stamps to make animals. Then they cut them out and put them together to make a class mural.

It is crazy how quickly time is flying by. There are only two more weeks till the year end celebration. I am amazed at how little I was able to communicate with them in the beginning and how much I can communicate with them now. These kids have grown on me and I really hope that I am able to keep contact with them in the future. I will definitely treasure all the memories and pictures I have with them. 

This year has definitely had ups and downs at work, just like anywhere. I have depended on the Lord for strength and guidance more than ever. I am forever grateful for this opportunity, the things I have learned and experienced. I considered heavily on staying in Hungary but I really want to teach in the public schools. I was very torn for quite awhile. I have a peace about coming back and gaining some experience in the States. I will miss this place a lot and especially the people. I hope to come back someday.  

#nursesarah

After spending a couple days at home (running errands to bring things back for people, doctor/dentist appts, visiting Mom's school, visiting with friends...) we went to Belton, Texas for Sarah's graduation. 

Uncle Mike and Aunt Jeanine flew in from Virginia to be apart of the fun. Aunt Melba drove in from Louisiana and we all enjoyed a delicious dinner at Dead Man's Grill, Dead Fish Grill or Dead Grill, whatever the name was - it was yummy.

It was overlooking the beautiful lake even if it was slightly windy. 

Celebrating a birthday!

Friday we enjoyed a tour of the Nursing school with a few good laughs in between.

You can plug your computer up to the internet and power while you are in class. Not to mention checking out one of the three Smartboards as the professor teaches. UMHB is steppin it up. 

Sarah found an ill patient.

Good thing she can make them laugh. 

Sarah has had quite a journey this past year and I am SO proud of her. Enduring a week in the hospital as a patient the week before the Fall semester starts, juggling appointments in Dallas and one more surgery over Christmas without skipping a beat. Not to mention that nursing school is hard enough as it is and then being a pro at all those clinicals, papers, day shifts, night shifts, etc.... The heart she has for others is captivating and I can't wait to see what the Lord has for her future as a nurse.

Enjoying a Saturday morning breakfast with family and friends...

I am so thankful that I was able to be apart and celebrate you Sarah!!