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.
