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!!

#wadewedding

So, I made a quick trip back to America. I was SUPER blessed with a cheap roundtrip airfare ticket and a very understanding boss. At the time of purchasing my ticket I was unsure when I would be coming back to the states and I just didn't want to miss out on some very important events.

Here is a picture in the Amsterdam airport riding a bike to charge my iPod. I thought it was funny. It was nature themed and had benches like logs and birds singing over the speaker.  

My friends Kathryn and Jon were on my same flight from Budapest to Amsterdam and we spent a little time in the hands on science section of the airport.

I flew into Dallas on Wednesday and Thursday I drove to Arkadelphia for Nate and Liz's wedding! Thursday night we had a bridal shower at the beautiful Teed home.

Some of us gathered at the table for dinner. 

The future Mrs. Wade and her gifts. 

Off to Refuge (student led worship service for students) at Second Baptist.

KenKen bringing the Word.

Audrey!

Thank you to the Teeds for hosting all the bridesmaids and making us feel right at home. There are not enough words to express the blessing the Teed family is to me in my life. 

Friday lunch together before we go decorate for the reception.

My Leigha!

At the rehearsal dinner.

finally together again. 

And the wedding day...

The future Mrs. Bearden!

Mr. and Mrs. Nate Wade

Congratulations to Nate and Liz Wade!! I am forever grateful for the friendship I have with you both. Being apart of the celebration of your wedding was absolutely priceless and wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else in all the world.