Saturday, May 19, 2012
Beautiful City Center
The Old city center is just a block from our apartment. The streets are cobble stone and only for pedestrians. We never tire of walking through this beautiful area. The flower clock is accompanied with a bed of succulents that spell out Szekesfehervar and the date. The day of the month is changed each evening. There are many beautiful churches and other buildings. One of my favorite statues is of a peasant woman with her cart of goods to sell. If you rub her nose,you will have good luck! The bell half buried in the fountain statue, fell down from the Cistercian Church during WWII was used for a memorial.
Three Months Already!
We just passed our 3-months mark here, and I had that experience of thinking of all we wanted to do here, and realizing that we have not done some of those things. We have between 7 and 9 great young adults that come regularly. Four of them are getting married this summer and they are the most regular attenders. We really enjoy working with them! The branch president has told them that they can continue to attend Young Adults after they are married, but I know that they won't count as far as the requirements for the center getting registered. I am the pianist for the branch here, but other than that, we haven't been given any responsibilities in the branch. We've offered to teach classes that don't have teachers, but the branch has declined. I also teach the english profi class one night a week, and have 10 piano students between the two cities. We've gone out with a young man in the branch and visited many less-actives. We've had the chance to invite a few back to church, but found that many of the records need to be taken off this branch list as the people have moved or died. We have a day or two a week where no one can go out with us, and we don't have much to do other than study; but other days are busy, which I love.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Chicken Noodle Soup and a Castle
4/18/12
We had a great time tonight at FHE with the Young Adults. We took chicken noodle soup and they seemed to enjoy it. The missionaries really enjoyed it! (I took a little plastic bucket so they could take some home.) Last week at zone conference, one of the elders who is going home in a few weeks talked about how much he appreciated the senior couples. He said that they had been family to him. I thought, "That's something I can do. I can be family to these elders."
After dinner, we all walked to Veszprem's city center and up to the wall of the castle. The castle is just some ruins, but the view over the city was beautiful! On the wall, there are huge statues of St. Steven, the first king of Hungary and the person who converted to Christianity. He also stopped the nomadic lifestyle and settled cities, which kept the Hungarian race from being absorbed by other ethnicities. Marcel told us that the statues of him and his queen were not to scale. He said that Steven was a very short Hungarian and that his queen, who was German, was twice his size. When I mentioned this to another young adult, he told me that it was an incorrect rumor. He said that King Steven was a big man. Now, Napoleon and Cesar were short, but not Steven. (Hungarians make Canadians look modest.) It was a very fun walk. When they found out I enjoy theater, they took me to the city's theater.
We only had five YAs attending tonight, and I felt a little down that more hadn't come. But when I looked at Marcel, enjoying himself with these other YAs, I just felt so glad that we are here to give him a ride so that he has a group to meet with.
We had a great time tonight at FHE with the Young Adults. We took chicken noodle soup and they seemed to enjoy it. The missionaries really enjoyed it! (I took a little plastic bucket so they could take some home.) Last week at zone conference, one of the elders who is going home in a few weeks talked about how much he appreciated the senior couples. He said that they had been family to him. I thought, "That's something I can do. I can be family to these elders."
After dinner, we all walked to Veszprem's city center and up to the wall of the castle. The castle is just some ruins, but the view over the city was beautiful! On the wall, there are huge statues of St. Steven, the first king of Hungary and the person who converted to Christianity. He also stopped the nomadic lifestyle and settled cities, which kept the Hungarian race from being absorbed by other ethnicities. Marcel told us that the statues of him and his queen were not to scale. He said that Steven was a very short Hungarian and that his queen, who was German, was twice his size. When I mentioned this to another young adult, he told me that it was an incorrect rumor. He said that King Steven was a big man. Now, Napoleon and Cesar were short, but not Steven. (Hungarians make Canadians look modest.) It was a very fun walk. When they found out I enjoy theater, they took me to the city's theater.
We only had five YAs attending tonight, and I felt a little down that more hadn't come. But when I looked at Marcel, enjoying himself with these other YAs, I just felt so glad that we are here to give him a ride so that he has a group to meet with.
The Bad Hair-Dye-Day
4/ 16/12
I finally dyed my hair this weekend. I bought some L'Oreal in not quite the same color I use at home, but the next darker color. I mixed my one little tablespoon, which I use around my face, and went into the kitchen to wash the bowl out. When I went back to the bathroom, the dye was black. I hurried up and washed it out, but in the 5 min. max, it took out my hair color. So I got a box of Garnier dye and it looks better. The most common hair dye color here is red. Any color of red, from crayon-red to flaming-purple-red. These reds are worn by even the elderly.
It's so exciting/daring/crazy to enter any store and shop by picture. Occasionally I will find a few words that resemble something I want. Like on the soap I got to try to counter-act the toilet paper: "Intima-Waschlotion-Extra Sensitive" It's worked pretty well.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
A Trip To Sopron
4/9/12
We had a great Super Preparation Day! Mondays are our Preparation days, or days off of missionary work, when we can get shopping, laundry and cleaning done. It is also a day when we can sightsee. Monday after Easter is a national holiday, and when that happens, our P-days are called "Super P-days". So after church on Sunday, we headed to Sopron to spend the night and day with Elder and Sister Flammer. They are from Providence, Utah, and came to Hungary a month before we came. We had such a nice time visiting with them and sharing our struggles with the language and our appreciation for the Hungarian people. On Monday we went to a place called The Picnic. In 1989, in August, 10-12,000 Hungarians and East Germans met at a park to protest the Communist guarded border. At the end of the several days gathering, 150 of the people forced the barbed wire border. Only a couple of guards had been left to guard this area outside of Sopron, and they thankfully decided to assist those escaping. (Up to that time, over 4,000 people had tried to escape that year, and only 38 were successful.) Over the next few days, more people escaped until the border was once again secured. They left their cars, their children's toys and everything they had just to get out. Only one person was killed during that time. By September, the border opened at this spot, and floods of people poured into Austria and West Germany. There are pictures and signs around the grounds, detailing the events. Many of the pictures showed whole families weeping for joy. Families who were once divided were reunited. It also told how kind the western countries were that took these refugees in. Later, it was said that this event is what eventually tore down the Berlin wall in November of that year. As I read about the events and looked at the pictures, I felt so grateful that I have always known freedom. I also had a flashback from when I was young and living in Germany. I remember our family at the border to East Germany, looking at the barbed-wired fence, and feeling some anxiety about being there. When I asked my siblings if this had happened, my brother wrote and confirmed the encounter and added that we were escorted out of that area by some military personnel.
After this, we went to lunch at a Hungarian church member's apartment. Her name is ZsuZsa, and in November she returned from a 18 month mission at a genealogy center in another part of Hungary. Like us, she is an older woman, and she was so gracious! When she found out we were coming to Sopron, she asked the Flammers to bring us to lunch. First we had a broth soup. In a separate bowl, she had some noodles. So you put those in your bowl and then poured the broth over it. I made the mistake in thinking that was the main course and took a tiny bit of a second serving. Then she served the main course which was stuffed cabbage, or Toltott Kaposzta. It was delicious! (Last night, when we were feeding the missionaries in Sekes., Elder Peterson said there really wasn't any dish with cabbage that wasn't delicious in Hungary, and he hadn't liked cabbage at home in the U.S.) Then she brought out a plate with about five different desserts on it. Soooo we had to try each kind to be polite, right? I felt like the stuffed cabbage when we left! We had a great visit with her and she talked about what it was like under Russian occupation. No one here would like to go back to that, but they all talk about the fact that everyone had a job and a little money, and that now the economy is so bad. She was the first member to be baptised in Sopron, eleven years ago.
We drove home a different route that we'd taken to get there and got to see more spring countryside. Every little village has it's white, tall-stepel church, and small country homes. It's very picturesque.
We had a great Super Preparation Day! Mondays are our Preparation days, or days off of missionary work, when we can get shopping, laundry and cleaning done. It is also a day when we can sightsee. Monday after Easter is a national holiday, and when that happens, our P-days are called "Super P-days". So after church on Sunday, we headed to Sopron to spend the night and day with Elder and Sister Flammer. They are from Providence, Utah, and came to Hungary a month before we came. We had such a nice time visiting with them and sharing our struggles with the language and our appreciation for the Hungarian people. On Monday we went to a place called The Picnic. In 1989, in August, 10-12,000 Hungarians and East Germans met at a park to protest the Communist guarded border. At the end of the several days gathering, 150 of the people forced the barbed wire border. Only a couple of guards had been left to guard this area outside of Sopron, and they thankfully decided to assist those escaping. (Up to that time, over 4,000 people had tried to escape that year, and only 38 were successful.) Over the next few days, more people escaped until the border was once again secured. They left their cars, their children's toys and everything they had just to get out. Only one person was killed during that time. By September, the border opened at this spot, and floods of people poured into Austria and West Germany. There are pictures and signs around the grounds, detailing the events. Many of the pictures showed whole families weeping for joy. Families who were once divided were reunited. It also told how kind the western countries were that took these refugees in. Later, it was said that this event is what eventually tore down the Berlin wall in November of that year. As I read about the events and looked at the pictures, I felt so grateful that I have always known freedom. I also had a flashback from when I was young and living in Germany. I remember our family at the border to East Germany, looking at the barbed-wired fence, and feeling some anxiety about being there. When I asked my siblings if this had happened, my brother wrote and confirmed the encounter and added that we were escorted out of that area by some military personnel.
After this, we went to lunch at a Hungarian church member's apartment. Her name is ZsuZsa, and in November she returned from a 18 month mission at a genealogy center in another part of Hungary. Like us, she is an older woman, and she was so gracious! When she found out we were coming to Sopron, she asked the Flammers to bring us to lunch. First we had a broth soup. In a separate bowl, she had some noodles. So you put those in your bowl and then poured the broth over it. I made the mistake in thinking that was the main course and took a tiny bit of a second serving. Then she served the main course which was stuffed cabbage, or Toltott Kaposzta. It was delicious! (Last night, when we were feeding the missionaries in Sekes., Elder Peterson said there really wasn't any dish with cabbage that wasn't delicious in Hungary, and he hadn't liked cabbage at home in the U.S.) Then she brought out a plate with about five different desserts on it. Soooo we had to try each kind to be polite, right? I felt like the stuffed cabbage when we left! We had a great visit with her and she talked about what it was like under Russian occupation. No one here would like to go back to that, but they all talk about the fact that everyone had a job and a little money, and that now the economy is so bad. She was the first member to be baptised in Sopron, eleven years ago.
We drove home a different route that we'd taken to get there and got to see more spring countryside. Every little village has it's white, tall-stepel church, and small country homes. It's very picturesque.
Easter
Easter 4/8/12
The words from one of my favorite hymns expresses my feelings about the Savior:
"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me." I am so thankful that He loved all of us enough to come to earth and teach us by word and example how to love and serve our fellowmen. By doing that, and keeping His commandments, we can show our love for Him. If we all followed His example, we would be living in 'heaven on earth'. I am thankful that He was wiling to endure the agony of the Atonement, by taking on the grief, illnesses and sins of each of us individually, and the world collectively; so that we can be comforted, have the burden of guilt lifted from us and cleansed in this life, and live with Him again some day. I am thankful for the resurrection, that the chains of death have been broken and we will all live again after this life. Christ is the light and life of the world, and I love Him and His gospel!
The words from one of my favorite hymns expresses my feelings about the Savior:
"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me." I am so thankful that He loved all of us enough to come to earth and teach us by word and example how to love and serve our fellowmen. By doing that, and keeping His commandments, we can show our love for Him. If we all followed His example, we would be living in 'heaven on earth'. I am thankful that He was wiling to endure the agony of the Atonement, by taking on the grief, illnesses and sins of each of us individually, and the world collectively; so that we can be comforted, have the burden of guilt lifted from us and cleansed in this life, and live with Him again some day. I am thankful for the resurrection, that the chains of death have been broken and we will all live again after this life. Christ is the light and life of the world, and I love Him and His gospel!
Gulash and Family Home Evening
4/4/12
We just had Family Home Evening with the young adults for the first time. We took Gulash and they liked it. When I asked them if this tasted like the traditional soup, they said that it is usually made with beef and much saltier. (I made it with pork roast because the only time we were served it in a home, it was made with pork. We were also told that the beef here is expensive and poor quality. Hungarians like a lot of salt. Glad these kids told me the scoop.) Richard assigned them all to bring a soup recipe next week. That ought to be fun. I hope that they are something I can replicate. I asked if they wanted to have soup each week or have a treat. (I refuse to do both!) They said they wanted the soup. I told them that I had served Taco soup to some Hungarians in our branch and that I didn't think that they liked it. But these Young adults said that they liked to try American soup. So, next week we'll bring Taco soup. They told me that Hungarians love "soups". They said that they even like hot soup in the summer. whew! That will take some getting used to. One soup that everyone keeps telling us about is fruit soup. It is a cold soup and everyone says it is delicious.
Afterwards we played Wink Murder and a clap game that we learned last night at a concert. It was really a fun evening. A young man from Szekes. goes to school in Vesprem, (it's about 40 minutes from where we live,) which is where the Young Adult Center is, and he's going to these events and ride home with us. His name is Marcell and he speaks english very well. The missionaries also help us with interpreting. Only a few of the other youth speak some english. It's challenging, but friendship bridges any gaps in our communication. Friendship and cookies. And now: soup.
We just had Family Home Evening with the young adults for the first time. We took Gulash and they liked it. When I asked them if this tasted like the traditional soup, they said that it is usually made with beef and much saltier. (I made it with pork roast because the only time we were served it in a home, it was made with pork. We were also told that the beef here is expensive and poor quality. Hungarians like a lot of salt. Glad these kids told me the scoop.) Richard assigned them all to bring a soup recipe next week. That ought to be fun. I hope that they are something I can replicate. I asked if they wanted to have soup each week or have a treat. (I refuse to do both!) They said they wanted the soup. I told them that I had served Taco soup to some Hungarians in our branch and that I didn't think that they liked it. But these Young adults said that they liked to try American soup. So, next week we'll bring Taco soup. They told me that Hungarians love "soups". They said that they even like hot soup in the summer. whew! That will take some getting used to. One soup that everyone keeps telling us about is fruit soup. It is a cold soup and everyone says it is delicious.
Afterwards we played Wink Murder and a clap game that we learned last night at a concert. It was really a fun evening. A young man from Szekes. goes to school in Vesprem, (it's about 40 minutes from where we live,) which is where the Young Adult Center is, and he's going to these events and ride home with us. His name is Marcell and he speaks english very well. The missionaries also help us with interpreting. Only a few of the other youth speak some english. It's challenging, but friendship bridges any gaps in our communication. Friendship and cookies. And now: soup.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Developing A Young Adult Center
3/30/12
Friday night we got invited to a Young Single Adult activity in Veszprem. We got to meet with the YA president, Flora, who doesn't speak english. She is such a nice girl and we appreciate Elder Masters, who interpreted for us. We have really got it easy with this assignment. The other Young Adult centers that we know about, are run by the missionary couple assigned to them. They do the cooking, lessons and come up with the ideas for activities. This branch is already having activities twice a month, and now it will be weekly. The Center will also have Family Night, which they haven't had. But Flora was clear that the young adults will do the lesson and activities. This is great news! She gave the spiritual thought and did a wonderful job of it. She used the George Albert Smith manuel and had parts that she'd selected read by the group members. (We've noticed that these manuals are used right along with the scriptures here, and the members use them as their reference books.)
Afterwards, they had a surprise birthday party for one of the group. We had the first cake here that we really enjoyed. It was made of a biscuit-type of cookie that is layered with yogurt and sour cream in a spring form pan. Then on the top is a clear gelatin with peaches on it. Flora had put a smiley face on it, because Bolazs is always smiling. The game we played was, "Coming From America" and had nothing to do with visiting or immigrating from America. It starts by a person announcing that they are an American Cowboy and this is my job. (This is the category that was chosen.) Then they tell the first and last letter of the name of an occupation and mime the occupation. One of the branch members told me that they played this game in school and that he thought it funny, in that the Russians were the occupiers, but they still said they were "Americans".
We're going to do the first family night next week and have soup after the short lesson, and then a game. Some centers have a dinner after FHE and after the activity night. We're just going to start with the one dinner and a treat at the activity. The reason I picked soup is because they only have a hot plate. With a 40 minute commute thrown into the mix, we are a little limited. The first soup I am going to do is Hungarian Goulash so that hopefully it will taste familiar.
Friday night we got invited to a Young Single Adult activity in Veszprem. We got to meet with the YA president, Flora, who doesn't speak english. She is such a nice girl and we appreciate Elder Masters, who interpreted for us. We have really got it easy with this assignment. The other Young Adult centers that we know about, are run by the missionary couple assigned to them. They do the cooking, lessons and come up with the ideas for activities. This branch is already having activities twice a month, and now it will be weekly. The Center will also have Family Night, which they haven't had. But Flora was clear that the young adults will do the lesson and activities. This is great news! She gave the spiritual thought and did a wonderful job of it. She used the George Albert Smith manuel and had parts that she'd selected read by the group members. (We've noticed that these manuals are used right along with the scriptures here, and the members use them as their reference books.)
Afterwards, they had a surprise birthday party for one of the group. We had the first cake here that we really enjoyed. It was made of a biscuit-type of cookie that is layered with yogurt and sour cream in a spring form pan. Then on the top is a clear gelatin with peaches on it. Flora had put a smiley face on it, because Bolazs is always smiling. The game we played was, "Coming From America" and had nothing to do with visiting or immigrating from America. It starts by a person announcing that they are an American Cowboy and this is my job. (This is the category that was chosen.) Then they tell the first and last letter of the name of an occupation and mime the occupation. One of the branch members told me that they played this game in school and that he thought it funny, in that the Russians were the occupiers, but they still said they were "Americans".
We're going to do the first family night next week and have soup after the short lesson, and then a game. Some centers have a dinner after FHE and after the activity night. We're just going to start with the one dinner and a treat at the activity. The reason I picked soup is because they only have a hot plate. With a 40 minute commute thrown into the mix, we are a little limited. The first soup I am going to do is Hungarian Goulash so that hopefully it will taste familiar.
The Horse Evolution Show
3/30/12
We just went on our first night out. A couple of days ago We found the Tourist Information office and they were able to help us find out about this event. Both the girls in the office spoke very good english and were happy to share the upcoming events in Szakes with us and tell us how to get tickets. Tonight we went to a very glitzy show called, "Horse Evolution Show". (There was nothing about evolution in it, by the way.) There were 16 beautiful horses: half were huge black stallions and the others were smaller and younger, white mares. The riders were acrobats and dancers and it was very entertaining. For part of the show, they had guys on snowboards doing stunts while being pulled behind galloping horses. They also had a dance-off between Celtic dancers all in white, and these big black horses, each taking turns doing fancy steps.
The best part of the evening was meeting a couple who sat next to us. When they first sat down, they probably asked us if anyone was sitting next to us. (This sure isn't America! We sat on the second row, in the middle, and almost immediately, people came up to us from each side and asked if anyone was sitting there. So they sat by us. There were seats available everywhere. Why in America do we space ourselves the way we do?) When Richard answered in Hungarian that we didn't speak Hungarian, the man, named Attila, said, "Oh! Of course not. Sure." He and his wife spoke very good english and wanted to visit. They were so friendly and it was nice to be able to get to know them. (It reminded me of a similar experience we had in Rome, visiting with a newly wed couple on the bottom of the Spanish Steps.) We visited during intermission and when the show was ready to start back up, the wife, Andrea, asked if we could exchange information; so we gave each other our phone numbers. She told us about her dad who was outspoken during the Communist occupation, was put in jail and scheduled for execution. That sentence was reduced to 15 years in prison, and he ended up serving 8 years before he was released. Before he was put in prison, he was planning to immigrate to Brussels. He met his wife after he was released and always told his family that he was glad he went to prison so he could stay in the country and have his nice family. We hope we get to visit with this couple again.
We have met so many nice people here. Everyone we've come in contact with has been friendly and gracious.
We just went on our first night out. A couple of days ago We found the Tourist Information office and they were able to help us find out about this event. Both the girls in the office spoke very good english and were happy to share the upcoming events in Szakes with us and tell us how to get tickets. Tonight we went to a very glitzy show called, "Horse Evolution Show". (There was nothing about evolution in it, by the way.) There were 16 beautiful horses: half were huge black stallions and the others were smaller and younger, white mares. The riders were acrobats and dancers and it was very entertaining. For part of the show, they had guys on snowboards doing stunts while being pulled behind galloping horses. They also had a dance-off between Celtic dancers all in white, and these big black horses, each taking turns doing fancy steps.
The best part of the evening was meeting a couple who sat next to us. When they first sat down, they probably asked us if anyone was sitting next to us. (This sure isn't America! We sat on the second row, in the middle, and almost immediately, people came up to us from each side and asked if anyone was sitting there. So they sat by us. There were seats available everywhere. Why in America do we space ourselves the way we do?) When Richard answered in Hungarian that we didn't speak Hungarian, the man, named Attila, said, "Oh! Of course not. Sure." He and his wife spoke very good english and wanted to visit. They were so friendly and it was nice to be able to get to know them. (It reminded me of a similar experience we had in Rome, visiting with a newly wed couple on the bottom of the Spanish Steps.) We visited during intermission and when the show was ready to start back up, the wife, Andrea, asked if we could exchange information; so we gave each other our phone numbers. She told us about her dad who was outspoken during the Communist occupation, was put in jail and scheduled for execution. That sentence was reduced to 15 years in prison, and he ended up serving 8 years before he was released. Before he was put in prison, he was planning to immigrate to Brussels. He met his wife after he was released and always told his family that he was glad he went to prison so he could stay in the country and have his nice family. We hope we get to visit with this couple again.
We have met so many nice people here. Everyone we've come in contact with has been friendly and gracious.
A Festival and Castle!
3/16/12
We started the day with another visit to an apartment we'd found and decided we wanted, to give the landlord a rental contract from the church. We'd heard from some people that many landlords don't want a contract because they don't want to pay taxes. With sales tax being about 27%, I don't wonder that they feel taxed-out. But this landlord didn't bat an eye. We left the contract for him and his wife to look over and arranged to meet again in the evening to go over it and sign it.
Yesterday was the biggest national holiday in Hungary, except for Christmas. All the stores were closed and the City Center, (the medieval part of the city) was filled with boths of food and handicrafts. 1848 as Forradalom es Szabadsagharc is the celebration of a bloodless uprising when Hungary demanded, and won, the civil rights of freedom of the press, religion, speech, their own army and parliament, a national bank and withdrawal of foreign military presence from the country. It was short won, as a year later, Russia joined Austria and musceled Hungary back into the German rule it had been under. We had a great time wandering through all the booths and watching the people. When we finally had serveyed all the food booths, and picked one; the line was about 20 ft. long. It took us more than an hour to get up to order. The kolvash, or sausages, were ordered, then cooked, then weighed, then placed on a paper plate and paid for. Good thing only two men had to make a living on that system! The sausage came with two big slices of peasant bread, and I paid for mustard and horseradish. One kind was very good and the other was not good. Live and learn.
It the afternoon, the missionaries, an investigator, (Barbi,)a new member, (Laura) and the church clerk, (Krisztian), piled into his and our cars. We drove 20 k. into the country, outside of Szekes. to the Csokakoi castle ruins. Climbing the steps up to this fortifiction made me realize what a good idea it was to build a castle on a hilltop. I would not have wanted to be the easy target while I tried to haul my armored self up that hill. There wasn't a whole lot of the castle to explore, but the view of small villages and farms was wonderful! After we hiked back down, we stayed in a park at the foot of the hill, for a couple of hours. It was sunny and warm, (I still wore my Northface ski jacket, lined with a light down jacket,) and the "youngsters" (a word a 22 year old church member always uses in reference to teenagers,) threw a football and frisbee. Elder Reme had brought a Hungarian whip and tried to teach us to crack it. He made it look easy, but it was very tricky. I finally got it down, but not without leaving a nice welt down the side of my face. The sound it made was incredible- like a gun report echoing off the hills. Next year we would like to go to the political gatherings associated with this day.
Then we met the landlord at the apartment we decided to move to and got the contract to take to Budapest. We celebrated with a dinner in the City Center. It was a great day!
Hungarian School Psychologist
3/12/12
One of the women in English class is a school psychologist. She works for the government in four different institutions, and covers from kindergarten through high school. She said that the field is relatively new here in Hungary and not widely accepted. On the 8th, it is Woman's Day here. The Communist brought it about after they put all the women in the work force. It is a day to give women flowers. Anyway, on the 8th, the same day as english class; one of her kindergarten boys that she works with, gave her a homemade card and flower. She said it was her best gift. She has good English and spent a summer in Virginia working in the kitchen of a summer camp. Afterwards she traveled to several places before she went back home. We asked her if she planned to go back this summer and she said that she couldn't for a long time because it was so expensive. She was very curious about what we thought of Hungary. In fact, everyone we meet asks us that. It's not a country that is used to a lot of visitors, especially outside of Budapest. We must be easy to spot because we hear people whispering, "Americai", even if we haven't spoken.
One of the women in English class is a school psychologist. She works for the government in four different institutions, and covers from kindergarten through high school. She said that the field is relatively new here in Hungary and not widely accepted. On the 8th, it is Woman's Day here. The Communist brought it about after they put all the women in the work force. It is a day to give women flowers. Anyway, on the 8th, the same day as english class; one of her kindergarten boys that she works with, gave her a homemade card and flower. She said it was her best gift. She has good English and spent a summer in Virginia working in the kitchen of a summer camp. Afterwards she traveled to several places before she went back home. We asked her if she planned to go back this summer and she said that she couldn't for a long time because it was so expensive. She was very curious about what we thought of Hungary. In fact, everyone we meet asks us that. It's not a country that is used to a lot of visitors, especially outside of Budapest. We must be easy to spot because we hear people whispering, "Americai", even if we haven't spoken.
Laundry
3/10/12
Great laundry product!
The front-loading washer I have is German. So since I haven't ever used a front-loader, and don't recognize any of the German words, I have no idea how to use it. One load, I thought I did the same as the rest; but the front of one pair of pants, (only the front) ended up with blue spots, about the size of a fingernail, all over them. I tried bleach and it did nothing. Then at the store, I found a little box called, "Dr. Beckmann", which showed half of a shirt with red over-dye, and half without. I soaked the pants in it and it took out all the blue spots and the grey ring that has been there forever, right around the hem, where the pants sometimes touch the ground. The product is made in Germany, but I hope they have it in the states! Now, if I could just get this washer to spin the clothes better. We have to ring them out in the tub before we can hang them to dry. Did the fabric softener cause the dots?
We have two drying racks . One doubles as a shower curtain line. It raises and lowers by the twine on the wall. The other is much nicer than the old wooden drying rack that I used before I got a dryer when I was young.
Great laundry product!
The front-loading washer I have is German. So since I haven't ever used a front-loader, and don't recognize any of the German words, I have no idea how to use it. One load, I thought I did the same as the rest; but the front of one pair of pants, (only the front) ended up with blue spots, about the size of a fingernail, all over them. I tried bleach and it did nothing. Then at the store, I found a little box called, "Dr. Beckmann", which showed half of a shirt with red over-dye, and half without. I soaked the pants in it and it took out all the blue spots and the grey ring that has been there forever, right around the hem, where the pants sometimes touch the ground. The product is made in Germany, but I hope they have it in the states! Now, if I could just get this washer to spin the clothes better. We have to ring them out in the tub before we can hang them to dry. Did the fabric softener cause the dots?
We have two drying racks . One doubles as a shower curtain line. It raises and lowers by the twine on the wall. The other is much nicer than the old wooden drying rack that I used before I got a dryer when I was young.
A Day With an Apostle
/7/12
Yesterday was so wonderful! Our meetings took place in the state center in Pest. (Remember that Buda is on one side of the Blue Danube River, and is where the mission home is, and Pest is on the other side of the river.) It is a small stake house, but you will be glad to know that the cultural hall has a full basketball court.
The meeting was to start at 2:00, and so they had everyone seated about 10 minutes before the hour. After a few minutes, they asked us not to visit, but to just listen to the prelude. We waited about another 20 minutes, with the anticipation mounting, and then we all stood as Elder Christofferson and his wife, President and Sister Kopiscke (who is the Area Representative) and Elder and Sister Schutze ( ) arrived. After the opening hymn and prayer, the first thing that Elder Christofferson wanted to do is meet every missionary; so they all lined up and we got to go tell them our name and where we were from. It took a long time and since we were the first ones to go up, because of where we were sitting; I got to sit and watch him attend to each of missionary in the room, and have the Spirit whisper to me that as individuals, we are all important.
Here are the main impressions I got from the talks:
President Kopiscke asked us to wake up one minute ealier every day and picture a young man, dressed in white, standing by the baptisimal font; and then picture a family, kneeing around the alter in the temple. Then through the day- look for that young man and that family. In every prayer, pray for Hungarian laborers. He pointed out that South America exploded in membership numbers when natives started serving missions. He had all the Hungarian missionaries in the room stand, and there were only four. He said that membership will not increase until the labor force became more self-sustaining. So when you are praying for us, will you please pray for Hungrian laborers to increase? He also asked us to baptise our replacement. I thought of this as I visited with a Senior missionary Sister and she told me that she had been serving as the Young Women's President, with a Hungarian sister serving as secretary; but that this woman was just put in as Young Woman's president. Hurray!
He also talked about prophets and how in the days of old, when the people rejected them, they stoned them. That isn't done any more with real rocks; but that the stones we use now are called, "Selection, Indifference and Rejection". When I watch this upcoming conference, I want to write those words on the top of my notes to note any thoughts I may have about the talks that would fall under those categories. I think my main stone is probably Selection. I can't ever remember thinking thoughts of rejection, but I have thought, plenty of times, that I will do that another time. Or that this doctrine applied better to someone else.
Sister Kopiscke was very perky and enthusiastic. She talked about the need to be prayerful in choosing and asking a branch member to be present at the discussions and for the need of accountability when asking members. She told of a time when she had been asked to invite an investigator to church and she found herself having to go out of town with her husband. She called the missionaries and told them that she was on the road and could they have someone else do it that could visit her and ask her face to face? They said that they really wanted her to do it and would she call the investigator. They told her that they would call her back and find out how the invitation went. She told about how nervous she was, but that she did it. The investigator told her that she had a hard time coming to church because her life was so hard and then they had a heart to heart talk over the phone. When the missionaries called her back, she reported and then told them to call her and let her know if this sister came or not. Great accountability!
Yesterday was so wonderful! Our meetings took place in the state center in Pest. (Remember that Buda is on one side of the Blue Danube River, and is where the mission home is, and Pest is on the other side of the river.) It is a small stake house, but you will be glad to know that the cultural hall has a full basketball court.
The meeting was to start at 2:00, and so they had everyone seated about 10 minutes before the hour. After a few minutes, they asked us not to visit, but to just listen to the prelude. We waited about another 20 minutes, with the anticipation mounting, and then we all stood as Elder Christofferson and his wife, President and Sister Kopiscke (who is the Area Representative) and Elder and Sister Schutze ( ) arrived. After the opening hymn and prayer, the first thing that Elder Christofferson wanted to do is meet every missionary; so they all lined up and we got to go tell them our name and where we were from. It took a long time and since we were the first ones to go up, because of where we were sitting; I got to sit and watch him attend to each of missionary in the room, and have the Spirit whisper to me that as individuals, we are all important.
Here are the main impressions I got from the talks:
President Kopiscke asked us to wake up one minute ealier every day and picture a young man, dressed in white, standing by the baptisimal font; and then picture a family, kneeing around the alter in the temple. Then through the day- look for that young man and that family. In every prayer, pray for Hungarian laborers. He pointed out that South America exploded in membership numbers when natives started serving missions. He had all the Hungarian missionaries in the room stand, and there were only four. He said that membership will not increase until the labor force became more self-sustaining. So when you are praying for us, will you please pray for Hungrian laborers to increase? He also asked us to baptise our replacement. I thought of this as I visited with a Senior missionary Sister and she told me that she had been serving as the Young Women's President, with a Hungarian sister serving as secretary; but that this woman was just put in as Young Woman's president. Hurray!
He also talked about prophets and how in the days of old, when the people rejected them, they stoned them. That isn't done any more with real rocks; but that the stones we use now are called, "Selection, Indifference and Rejection". When I watch this upcoming conference, I want to write those words on the top of my notes to note any thoughts I may have about the talks that would fall under those categories. I think my main stone is probably Selection. I can't ever remember thinking thoughts of rejection, but I have thought, plenty of times, that I will do that another time. Or that this doctrine applied better to someone else.
Sister Kopiscke was very perky and enthusiastic. She talked about the need to be prayerful in choosing and asking a branch member to be present at the discussions and for the need of accountability when asking members. She told of a time when she had been asked to invite an investigator to church and she found herself having to go out of town with her husband. She called the missionaries and told them that she was on the road and could they have someone else do it that could visit her and ask her face to face? They said that they really wanted her to do it and would she call the investigator. They told her that they would call her back and find out how the invitation went. She told about how nervous she was, but that she did it. The investigator told her that she had a hard time coming to church because her life was so hard and then they had a heart to heart talk over the phone. When the missionaries called her back, she reported and then told them to call her and let her know if this sister came or not. Great accountability!
Apartment Shopping
3/6/12
We had a productive day today. Yesterday we were planning to go apartment shopping and the branch clerk, who translated for us last Monday, didn't make any appointments and said he couldn't go. I was so frustrated with having to wait on others; so today, we called a sister from the branch and she was able to make an appointment to see a place at 5:00. While we waited, we walked to a copy shop I had seen and were able to get some music printed off from some that I had saved to a thumb drive. Yeah! (Everyone in the shop said they couldn't speak English, but one of the clerks called someone and they helped him.) I got out our iPad and asked, by miming, and saying "wifi", if they could print from the pad. The answer was "nem", (no). I then went into a realtor's office and announced that I couldn't speak or understand Hungarian and asked if anyone could speak English. (All in Hungarian.) Each person in turn said, "nem". So I left and joined Richard in looking at the postings that were in the window. (They turned out to be places that were for sale, not rent.) A couple of minutes later, one of the realtors came out and said he could speak a little English and if I would give him our phone number, he would have a friend of his call us with any listings they had. I was so excited! We then went to a store and were able to find a little mirror on a stand, (I've been using my compact to do my hair!), a toothbrush holder, and soap dish. I've felt like I was camping and it was so nice to fish my soap out of an old enamel cup and put it in that soap holder! Small pleasures....not necessities, but nicesities.
The apartment we looked at was so nice. It was remodeled last year and had new flooring, fridge (still half-size, but nice little freezer), oven with a temperature nob, microwave, dishwasher and four or five little drawers in the kitchen. (We currently don't have any of those things.) The kitchen was not furnished, but they said they could get us some things. It also had a couch and love seat in the living room and a separate bedroom. There was no bed in the room, but they said they would get one. They also said that they would get an entertainment center of some kind for the living room and another table and chairs set. (These places only have a tiny table and two stools in the kitchen.) It also had its own thermostat. (In the rest of the apartments, the heat is controlled by the building. On a certain date in the fall, the heat is turned on. On a date in the spring, it is turned off. I have been so over-warm and have had to have our windows open because it is so hot. Dad says he has loved the heat, but I will be glad to have some control over when and how much we use.) It is about a mile from the church, whereas we are about a 5 minute walk, and the front of the building faces an alley lined with storage sheds; so we are going to look at some places that the branch clerk said he'd have lined up for Saturday, and then we'll decide. I'll be surprised if we find anything closer or nicer, but at last we've really taken some steps toward settling down and settling in. It will be great to get out of our suitcases, which we've been living out of since the 10th of Feb.)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Our First Dinner Invitation
After church, we caught a train to Siofok, along with the Elders and two children from that town. The girl, 13, and boy, 9, had come up on Saturday for the Farsang party. They, and their mom, used to live in Szakes., and moved a couple of months ago. The mom has been a member for a couple of years, and the daughter for a few months. To get to their apartment, the train ride took 45 min., then a brisk 10 min. walk took us to the bus stop, a 25 min. bus ride and another brisk 10 min. walk. You can see why they don't attend much church anymore. When we first got to Siofok, we walked (15 min.) to Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Hungary. This is a great resort in the summer, but off limits to the elders after April 15th, because clothing is optional, as it is in most of Europe. I was so glad we got to see it now, at the end of winter, with the ice starting to break up. The color is very beautiful, about the same as the sky, and it is very shallow; so it is warm to swim in the summer. There are huge hotels along the shore, but it was pretty quiet while we were there, as tourist season hasn't started.
This family's apartment was part of a house in the countryside, and the mom shared that she had spent the whole day before cleaning. It had two bedrooms, an entry room with a bed and T.V., and a kitchen and bathroom. I guess it is common here to not have a living room. The missionaries said that they give many of their lessons sitting on someone's bed. Everything is very tiny, and I have yet to see a drawer that is not behind a cupboard door. Furnished apartments must come with four plates, cups and sets of silverware, so that's what they had.
The mom sat us at the kitchen table and put out a bowl of peanuts and popped some microwave popcorn. While we ate that, she made a fruit salad that consisted of a can of sour cherries poured in a bowl, with apples and bananas cut up and added to it. Then she heated meat loaf made with pork that she had prepared another day, in the microwave, and it was very good, but very salty. After that, she put out some cake that looked like a jellyroll cake. (I haven't found very many sweet things that I've enjoyed.) She told us that she had eaten before we came, and so we and the kids ate, but not her. The missionaries said that they have never eaten anywhere that the mom ate with the family. (I need to remember to remind the missionaries to leave a portion for the mom the next time we eat at a home.)
After we ate, the missionaries asked the mom what they could do for her. She said that them coming to see the family was enough. So they gave a good spiritual message through an object lesson of three knives, balancing on cups, with tips overlapping. With all three tips touching, they could support a pot filled with water. They likened those tips to scripture reading, prayer and church attendance; and told how trials could be endured if those things were in place. It was sweet. Then the mom asked if the missionaries could "shoot some hoops" with her son. We walked to the park and stayed until dusk, and the kids had a great time with Elder Remy and Elder Peterson. The family had a Turner-and Hooch dog, who chased the boy all over the playground equipment- up and down the ladders and slides, trying to eat his right shoe. It was a hoot! It was also very cold and I could hardly feel my feet by the time we left. We walked all the way back to their house, just to turn around and retrace our steps with the mom and daughter, running to catch our bus. I was surprised when they got on the bus with us. Then they walked us to the train, which didn't leave for another 45 minutes, and stayed with us. Once they made sure we were on the right platform, they left so that they could catch the bus back to their town. The missionaries said that this is a custom in Hungary, which they said was often awkward, standing around waiting for transportation in the cold. It was a great visit and I'm so glad that we were invited.
This family's apartment was part of a house in the countryside, and the mom shared that she had spent the whole day before cleaning. It had two bedrooms, an entry room with a bed and T.V., and a kitchen and bathroom. I guess it is common here to not have a living room. The missionaries said that they give many of their lessons sitting on someone's bed. Everything is very tiny, and I have yet to see a drawer that is not behind a cupboard door. Furnished apartments must come with four plates, cups and sets of silverware, so that's what they had.
The mom sat us at the kitchen table and put out a bowl of peanuts and popped some microwave popcorn. While we ate that, she made a fruit salad that consisted of a can of sour cherries poured in a bowl, with apples and bananas cut up and added to it. Then she heated meat loaf made with pork that she had prepared another day, in the microwave, and it was very good, but very salty. After that, she put out some cake that looked like a jellyroll cake. (I haven't found very many sweet things that I've enjoyed.) She told us that she had eaten before we came, and so we and the kids ate, but not her. The missionaries said that they have never eaten anywhere that the mom ate with the family. (I need to remember to remind the missionaries to leave a portion for the mom the next time we eat at a home.)
After we ate, the missionaries asked the mom what they could do for her. She said that them coming to see the family was enough. So they gave a good spiritual message through an object lesson of three knives, balancing on cups, with tips overlapping. With all three tips touching, they could support a pot filled with water. They likened those tips to scripture reading, prayer and church attendance; and told how trials could be endured if those things were in place. It was sweet. Then the mom asked if the missionaries could "shoot some hoops" with her son. We walked to the park and stayed until dusk, and the kids had a great time with Elder Remy and Elder Peterson. The family had a Turner-and Hooch dog, who chased the boy all over the playground equipment- up and down the ladders and slides, trying to eat his right shoe. It was a hoot! It was also very cold and I could hardly feel my feet by the time we left. We walked all the way back to their house, just to turn around and retrace our steps with the mom and daughter, running to catch our bus. I was surprised when they got on the bus with us. Then they walked us to the train, which didn't leave for another 45 minutes, and stayed with us. Once they made sure we were on the right platform, they left so that they could catch the bus back to their town. The missionaries said that this is a custom in Hungary, which they said was often awkward, standing around waiting for transportation in the cold. It was a great visit and I'm so glad that we were invited.
Testimony Meeting
3/4/12
Today was fast and testimony meeting at the branch. The members came well prepared, as many of them gave a talk, which included written notes and scripture references. The testimonies that touched my heart were those by the members who had helped with the art show. There were three rooms of pictures: Book of Mormon, The Restoration and Jesus the Christ. A members was in each room and there was a script to go with the pictures. The script for the Book of Mormon room took 22 minutes by itself; but one non-member who came, spent 1 1/2 hours in the room with the member, asking questions. Anyway, when she bore her testimony, it was about how glad she was that the branch had put this art show on, and what a sweet experince she had testifying of the truths of these great stories/pictures and of the doctrine. The others who had served the two days, bore the same testimony. Only four non-members came, but I think the greatest good came to those who served, which is often the case in the church. Thank heavens for a lay-ministry! I was so glad that the missionaries got to hear those testimonies so that they could feel like their time spent was productive.
Today was fast and testimony meeting at the branch. The members came well prepared, as many of them gave a talk, which included written notes and scripture references. The testimonies that touched my heart were those by the members who had helped with the art show. There were three rooms of pictures: Book of Mormon, The Restoration and Jesus the Christ. A members was in each room and there was a script to go with the pictures. The script for the Book of Mormon room took 22 minutes by itself; but one non-member who came, spent 1 1/2 hours in the room with the member, asking questions. Anyway, when she bore her testimony, it was about how glad she was that the branch had put this art show on, and what a sweet experince she had testifying of the truths of these great stories/pictures and of the doctrine. The others who had served the two days, bore the same testimony. Only four non-members came, but I think the greatest good came to those who served, which is often the case in the church. Thank heavens for a lay-ministry! I was so glad that the missionaries got to hear those testimonies so that they could feel like their time spent was productive.
Farsang: A Party!
The branch is having a party to celebrate the end of winter. It is the national holiday where people dress up, like our Halloween. I'm going to take face paints and see if the few children there would like that, but Richard is being a party poop and refusing for us to dress up. The missionaries said the members would love it if we did, but he said we could next year. My only idea of a costume was wearing garbage bags and going as California raisins. Maybe next year we'll have a better idea of what to wear.
The party was very fun. A lot of the games were familiar, like "Musical Chairs", and "Bobbing for Donuts". They had a costume parade where everyone in costume lined up and one at a time went to a mic and announced what they were supposed to be. Then they paraded around the room. The kids enjoyed the face painting and it felt very familiar, as I did face painting at our school's Autumn Carnival each year.
The party was very fun. A lot of the games were familiar, like "Musical Chairs", and "Bobbing for Donuts". They had a costume parade where everyone in costume lined up and one at a time went to a mic and announced what they were supposed to be. Then they paraded around the room. The kids enjoyed the face painting and it felt very familiar, as I did face painting at our school's Autumn Carnival each year.
Book of Mormon Art Show
3/3/12
This whole week we have been busy with a Book of Mormon art show that the elders have been working on. Here are these humble church art kit pictures, some crinkled, being shown in a city of midivil frescos. The missionaries had framed them by wrapping crepe paper, which was USED, around styrofoam panels. The tape didn't stick, so they had paper trailing off them and they looked mummified. I thought of all the framed prints in the states and these guys just doing the best they could think of, and I prayed that someone would come. Then, after a Hungarian sister said to me that she "no like"' I took off the crepe paper and spray painted the styrofoam panels, which looked much better, but still pretty humble. I also took down and washed our curtains, table cloth, and our micro fiber towels so we could drape something over the things we used to prop the pictures up on. And right at the opening time, a nonmember wandered in! It turned out that she is a student who is going to school in Budapest and has been taking the lessons from the mission secretary for about a year and a half. It was funny...she walked in with us and the branch President thought she was with us, so he didn't say anything to her. The missionaries thought she was with the branch President, so they didn't say anything to her. Finally, I asked everyone who she was, and they realized that she'd come to see the art show. Then everyone launched into gear. She was still there when we left and was visiting with everyone there. It will be nice for her to have another branch to stop in on her way to Budapest, which is about two hours from the city where she lives.
This whole week we have been busy with a Book of Mormon art show that the elders have been working on. Here are these humble church art kit pictures, some crinkled, being shown in a city of midivil frescos. The missionaries had framed them by wrapping crepe paper, which was USED, around styrofoam panels. The tape didn't stick, so they had paper trailing off them and they looked mummified. I thought of all the framed prints in the states and these guys just doing the best they could think of, and I prayed that someone would come. Then, after a Hungarian sister said to me that she "no like"' I took off the crepe paper and spray painted the styrofoam panels, which looked much better, but still pretty humble. I also took down and washed our curtains, table cloth, and our micro fiber towels so we could drape something over the things we used to prop the pictures up on. And right at the opening time, a nonmember wandered in! It turned out that she is a student who is going to school in Budapest and has been taking the lessons from the mission secretary for about a year and a half. It was funny...she walked in with us and the branch President thought she was with us, so he didn't say anything to her. The missionaries thought she was with the branch President, so they didn't say anything to her. Finally, I asked everyone who she was, and they realized that she'd come to see the art show. Then everyone launched into gear. She was still there when we left and was visiting with everyone there. It will be nice for her to have another branch to stop in on her way to Budapest, which is about two hours from the city where she lives.
Necessity Is The Mother of Invention
3/3/12
Dad found an old knitting needle in the apartment and the other day I fashioned it into a toilet paper holder. (Necessity being the Mother of Invention) It works very well. The toilets here have a shelf above water level and then when you flush, water washes the shelf off and down the little hole. It takes some getting used to as I find myself thinking, "Man! I need to drink more water!"; only to remind myself that any deposits are not diluted.
Night before last, I cut my ring finger badly while fixing dinner. When dad came in the bathroom and saw the sink, he said, "Don't you think you need stitches?" I said, "Not here!" So with several bandages I staunched the bleeding. Yesterday it just seeped throughout the day and I'm sure it will be fine. I sure wish I had brought some liquid bandage. Can you use super glue? The inconvenient part is that I can't fully compress the keys on the iPad with that finger. It's like trying to play the piano with a major key that sticks. Makes for interesting reading when I'm done.
A Conversion Story
While one of the missionaries and I were attaching two-sided tape to the pictures and other visual aides; we chatted as people do who are working side-by-side. I told him that last night, as I was praying for their work to be rewarded by visitors coming to see the show; I'd gotten the strongest impression that even if no one came, the missionaries' testimonies would be strengthened through all their consecrated work. Last night, Dad and I had gone through part of the branch list with the branch President, and it was discouraging to see how many people had been active at one time and had fallen away. I said to this missionary, "If all that happened on your mission was that your testimony was so anchored that you never fell away, think of what a blessing that would be to your posterity." He then told me that there was a time when he and his dad had become inactive. His mom had died of cancer and his older brother started going to a Young Adult ward. At the same time, he and his dad just stopped going to church. Of course, that's all it takes to become inactive is just to stop going. But this elder kept going to seminary...he couldn't even think why he did. He said that all the kids hated their teacher who was an older guy. Then the next year, they got a new young teacher. He said, "He brought the Spirit with him every day." And of course, that is what made a change in him. One day, this teacher taught a verse from the scriptures that the elder said was one of those voice of warning scriptures that was quite harsh; and that the elder felt that he was speaking right to him. He went home, and his brother, who had just left on a mission, had left the order book from the pizza place that he worked at on his desk in his room. On it was written a scripture verse and this elder decided to look it up. He said it was the first time he had looked up anything in the scriptures and it was a call to repentance. He said that since then, there have only been a handful of days that he hasn't read from the Book of Mormon. He and his dad started going back to church, and now,here he is in Hungary. What a sweet story of conversion.
I'm so thankful for the sacrament each week and for our covenant to always remember Christ.
I'm so thankful for the sacrament each week and for our covenant to always remember Christ.
Our First "Program"
2/29/12
Tonight we had our first lesson, which they call "programs", that we sat in on with the missionaries. The investigator was a girl we had met in Enlish class, and happens to be a 'Super-model'. She speaks fair enlgish, but of course the lesson was in Hungarian. Listening to a foreign language is a lot like listening to white noise. I'd recommend it for anyone who can't fall asleep. We're still jet-lagged, and Richard had to poke me in the leg every few seconds, to keep my head from rolling. After the lesson, I apologized for being so drowsy, but the missionaries were full of praise. They said it was the first program with a Greenie that the Greenie hadn't slept the whole time.
The investigator had read from the Book of Mormon, but had not prayed to know if it was true. She got out the diagram of the Plan of Salvation that the missionaries had given her the week before, and told them that she'd shared it with her parents and that "They like, very much." She seemed very open to everything that they taught and even agreed to say the closing prayer, which she had never done before. At the end of the lesson, they asked her if she had any questions for us, and she asked us why we needed the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible. We shared with her the reasons we felt it was needed and then I bore my testiony in Hungarian. I have been so thankful that learning how to say our testimony was the first homework assignment of our first language lesson. It seemed too hard at the time, but I've been grateful for it every day we've been here.
Tonight we had our first lesson, which they call "programs", that we sat in on with the missionaries. The investigator was a girl we had met in Enlish class, and happens to be a 'Super-model'. She speaks fair enlgish, but of course the lesson was in Hungarian. Listening to a foreign language is a lot like listening to white noise. I'd recommend it for anyone who can't fall asleep. We're still jet-lagged, and Richard had to poke me in the leg every few seconds, to keep my head from rolling. After the lesson, I apologized for being so drowsy, but the missionaries were full of praise. They said it was the first program with a Greenie that the Greenie hadn't slept the whole time.
The investigator had read from the Book of Mormon, but had not prayed to know if it was true. She got out the diagram of the Plan of Salvation that the missionaries had given her the week before, and told them that she'd shared it with her parents and that "They like, very much." She seemed very open to everything that they taught and even agreed to say the closing prayer, which she had never done before. At the end of the lesson, they asked her if she had any questions for us, and she asked us why we needed the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible. We shared with her the reasons we felt it was needed and then I bore my testiony in Hungarian. I have been so thankful that learning how to say our testimony was the first homework assignment of our first language lesson. It seemed too hard at the time, but I've been grateful for it every day we've been here.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Caught In An Elevator!
2/27/12
We spent the day looking for a different apartment. The first one we went to was well within our budget, but way too swank and splashy to have branch members come over. Darn it! I hate it that I saw that it actually had a clothes dryer, microwave, regular sized fridge and dishwasher! We saw two other ones that we could move into and would be nice, but not too nice. We're going to look a little more, but I'm glad that we won't be staying in our present apartment. A funny thing happened...we got stuck in an elevator for about 20 minutes today. The Landlord, a Hungarian Branch member who was along to interpret, two elder missionaries and Richard and I piled into this tiny elevator and it got stuck in between floors. When They finally got us out, we got a good scolding. I heard the Hungarian explaining that the Americans couldn't read the sign. No matter that the Hungarians were the last two in the elevator. The scolder said that we could read numbers, pointing at the sign that said only 4 people allowed. We didn't need an interpreter to understand that!
We spent the day looking for a different apartment. The first one we went to was well within our budget, but way too swank and splashy to have branch members come over. Darn it! I hate it that I saw that it actually had a clothes dryer, microwave, regular sized fridge and dishwasher! We saw two other ones that we could move into and would be nice, but not too nice. We're going to look a little more, but I'm glad that we won't be staying in our present apartment. A funny thing happened...we got stuck in an elevator for about 20 minutes today. The Landlord, a Hungarian Branch member who was along to interpret, two elder missionaries and Richard and I piled into this tiny elevator and it got stuck in between floors. When They finally got us out, we got a good scolding. I heard the Hungarian explaining that the Americans couldn't read the sign. No matter that the Hungarians were the last two in the elevator. The scolder said that we could read numbers, pointing at the sign that said only 4 people allowed. We didn't need an interpreter to understand that!
A Tour of the City
The missionaries in this area helped in an English class that is taught by a non-member, who just caught their web site advertisement on line and called them. In exchange, she offered to give them a tour of the city, since she is also a tour guide. It was set for today and so we got invited. Our tour guide had put her laundry out on her drying rack because the day started sunny and clear. But it poured during our tour and was windy. The elders had left their coats at home because of the sunny weather, and had to shiver throughout the tour, which was on foot. I only took my raincoat and will take my down coat from now on.
It was great to tour the old part of the city, and afterwards, on the way back to the church; she asked me if I was born in the church or if I converted. I told her I was born in it. Then she asked if I believed in all of it. While we walked, I was able to testify that we all must become converted and told her about my conversion and how it's blesssed my life. After she left to go home, I told the missionaries about our conversation and they shared that the first time they met her, she asked them all kinds of questions and that they basically gave her the first three lessons as they talked. Then they gave her the Book of Mormon. Today, they asked her if she had read any of the book they gave her and she told them she had. I hope she takes the lessons! During the tour, she talked about not liking churches from the Bauroque period because their art was full of the idea that we are all sinners and unable to approach God. I remember dreading every evening while I was in a Catholic hospital with Justin's birth. Over the intercom they would read a prayer that was so full of self-debasing language, and I would look at this new-from-God's-presence baby, and think how different our concepts of God were. I thought of that experiece today as she made her comments.
It was great to tour the old part of the city, and afterwards, on the way back to the church; she asked me if I was born in the church or if I converted. I told her I was born in it. Then she asked if I believed in all of it. While we walked, I was able to testify that we all must become converted and told her about my conversion and how it's blesssed my life. After she left to go home, I told the missionaries about our conversation and they shared that the first time they met her, she asked them all kinds of questions and that they basically gave her the first three lessons as they talked. Then they gave her the Book of Mormon. Today, they asked her if she had read any of the book they gave her and she told them she had. I hope she takes the lessons! During the tour, she talked about not liking churches from the Bauroque period because their art was full of the idea that we are all sinners and unable to approach God. I remember dreading every evening while I was in a Catholic hospital with Justin's birth. Over the intercom they would read a prayer that was so full of self-debasing language, and I would look at this new-from-God's-presence baby, and think how different our concepts of God were. I thought of that experiece today as she made her comments.
Our First Sunday
2/26/12
Today was our first day at church in the branch. It could have been any church meeting in the states. I'm grateful that this world-wide church is administrated the same everywhere. The pianist only played the right hand and the Branch President had to lead the singing and teach the Sunday School and Preisthood lessons. The talks were on developing talents and furthering education. The main difference I could see was that they didn't use the scriptures at all. It might have been the subject matter or lack of resources. Our iPad came in handy during the Sunday School lesson, as I could read it in English as the teacher gave the lesson and Elder Peterson interpreted for us. In Relief Society, a Sister we had met in the English class, interpreted for me. A cute thing happened before class started. All the women were visiting, (it sounded just like home,) and then one woman turned to me and said that I would have to learn Hungarian fast. She wanted me to be included in the visiting. I wonder if that will happen for me.
District Meeting
2/25/12
Yesterday we traveled about 30 minutes to Veszprem for a district meeting and saw some pretty countryside. We'll be anxious to go back there on a p-day, as it's listed as one of the most scenic parts of Hungary.
The district missionary meeting was so sweet. There were eight of us in a simple starter-chapel. It began with a hymn, (If You Could Hi To Koalob!) and I was so touched to hear those strong, male voices singing in Hungarian. The first thing on the agenda was language instruction which had been assigned to one of the elders. He did a great job and then each of the elders talked about some part of the language they had learned or needed help with. The district leader has been out for over a year and still has a tough time with the language. His companion has been out 6 months and is way ahead of the D.L. Everybody learns differently, but it was so obvious that they were all really working to learn this hard language. One missionary is from Hungary and has been assigned to the Washington D.C. mission but hasn't gotten his visa yet; so he's serving an hour from his home town until he can go to the MTC in Provo. He was struggling to learn English and the rest of the elders were helping him. He had been assigned the spiritual thought and when he had a scripture, they gave him their English set and had him read those. It took him some time but he could do it. I was so impressed! We probably won't be able to read Hungarian as well as he did the English set, when we are ready to go home! Then they talked about investigators and the Hungarian elder had some valuable insight about what Hungarians need to learn and do before they are ready to commit and stay faithful in the gospel. Elder Sabo shared some good insight from a Hungarian's point of view, about the need to study the gospel for a solid conversion to take place. He sited some statistics about converts who took years to convert and are still active 20 yrs. later. Afterwards, we took them to lunch in the mall across the street and as I looked around at the shoppers, and then at these young men serving the Lord, so far away from home; I felt such gratitude that I am able to serve with them.
When we got back, we attended the free English class that the missionaries teach.This particular class is the highest one, and there are about 9-12 members who attend regularly. At the beginning, we were asked to introduce ourselves and then the class could ask us questions. They were very open, friendly and curious. Then we asked them some questions. Each one told us how long they had studied English and how much of an opportunity they had to practice it. They'd all studied 7+ years, and none of them had a chance to practice the language. The "lesson" was an activity which involved dividing the class into a boys and girls team. Then, the missionary would give them a word in Hungarian and a member from each team would have to write the word on the board. I was amazed at their spelling, but I was disappointed that it didn't involve any speaking. All of the chatter was in Hungarian.
After the lesson, the missionaries give a spiritual thought. It is optional as to whether or not the class members stay for this portion, but everyone did. They showed a short Mormon Message by Elder Holland and then asked two of the class members, who are members of the branch, if they would bear their testimonies. There was a wonderful spirit and one of the members had brought a Book of Mormon to give to another class member who had previously had some questions about the book. It was great to see the service the missionaries give with the free classes, and with sharing the gospel. It reminded me of our setting apart as missionaries by our Stake President. Before the ordination, he taught us about service from the book of Alma, where Ammon chose to serve King Lamoni rather than become his son-in-law. Ammon's service softened the king's heart and gave him a desire to be taught by Ammon. Several of the conversions in Hungary last year were referrals that came from English classes. The principle that service to others is an avenue for the Lord's word and love to be felt by those served, is a true principle and is sweet to see in action here.
Yesterday we traveled about 30 minutes to Veszprem for a district meeting and saw some pretty countryside. We'll be anxious to go back there on a p-day, as it's listed as one of the most scenic parts of Hungary.
The district missionary meeting was so sweet. There were eight of us in a simple starter-chapel. It began with a hymn, (If You Could Hi To Koalob!) and I was so touched to hear those strong, male voices singing in Hungarian. The first thing on the agenda was language instruction which had been assigned to one of the elders. He did a great job and then each of the elders talked about some part of the language they had learned or needed help with. The district leader has been out for over a year and still has a tough time with the language. His companion has been out 6 months and is way ahead of the D.L. Everybody learns differently, but it was so obvious that they were all really working to learn this hard language. One missionary is from Hungary and has been assigned to the Washington D.C. mission but hasn't gotten his visa yet; so he's serving an hour from his home town until he can go to the MTC in Provo. He was struggling to learn English and the rest of the elders were helping him. He had been assigned the spiritual thought and when he had a scripture, they gave him their English set and had him read those. It took him some time but he could do it. I was so impressed! We probably won't be able to read Hungarian as well as he did the English set, when we are ready to go home! Then they talked about investigators and the Hungarian elder had some valuable insight about what Hungarians need to learn and do before they are ready to commit and stay faithful in the gospel. Elder Sabo shared some good insight from a Hungarian's point of view, about the need to study the gospel for a solid conversion to take place. He sited some statistics about converts who took years to convert and are still active 20 yrs. later. Afterwards, we took them to lunch in the mall across the street and as I looked around at the shoppers, and then at these young men serving the Lord, so far away from home; I felt such gratitude that I am able to serve with them.
When we got back, we attended the free English class that the missionaries teach.This particular class is the highest one, and there are about 9-12 members who attend regularly. At the beginning, we were asked to introduce ourselves and then the class could ask us questions. They were very open, friendly and curious. Then we asked them some questions. Each one told us how long they had studied English and how much of an opportunity they had to practice it. They'd all studied 7+ years, and none of them had a chance to practice the language. The "lesson" was an activity which involved dividing the class into a boys and girls team. Then, the missionary would give them a word in Hungarian and a member from each team would have to write the word on the board. I was amazed at their spelling, but I was disappointed that it didn't involve any speaking. All of the chatter was in Hungarian.
After the lesson, the missionaries give a spiritual thought. It is optional as to whether or not the class members stay for this portion, but everyone did. They showed a short Mormon Message by Elder Holland and then asked two of the class members, who are members of the branch, if they would bear their testimonies. There was a wonderful spirit and one of the members had brought a Book of Mormon to give to another class member who had previously had some questions about the book. It was great to see the service the missionaries give with the free classes, and with sharing the gospel. It reminded me of our setting apart as missionaries by our Stake President. Before the ordination, he taught us about service from the book of Alma, where Ammon chose to serve King Lamoni rather than become his son-in-law. Ammon's service softened the king's heart and gave him a desire to be taught by Ammon. Several of the conversions in Hungary last year were referrals that came from English classes. The principle that service to others is an avenue for the Lord's word and love to be felt by those served, is a true principle and is sweet to see in action here.
Szekesfehervar
2/23/12
We decided that we would leave the mission home and head down to our apartment in Szekesfehervar, (Sai-kesh-fe-hair-var) as soon as we were through with breakfast, but another couple that had been here for a month, was back to Buda to apply for their visas, and the Assistants to the president decided that we could apply for ours at the same time. That was quite a process! It took forever to fill out the forms, which they had at the mission home. Then we had to go to the mall to the photo booth to get our pictures. It's funny that you have to come with pictures because they take some at the visa office and made me pull my hair away from my face. Next month we'll have to go back to the visa office for more official business, as do all the missionaries that come here. What a big job to have to keep on top of all that!
Szekesfehervar is not as big as Budapest, but has about 120,000 people. The missionaries help in an English class and the teacher, who is not Mormon, but does tours of the city, is going to give us a tour tomorrow. This city was one of the last stands of the Germans in WWII and all but the medieval and Baroque buildings in the old town were destroyed. The rest of the city is described in our tour book as "bland" and probably refers to the huge, cement apartment buildings the Communist put up all over, during the Soviet's rule. (We live on the 8th floor of one of them.) It is in the region called Northern Transdanubia and borders with Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia. We also are on the calendar to speak in the Around Budapest region and Southern Transdanubia.
Our apartment is sobering. It was used by the young elders and is filled with the cast-offs of all the sets of elders that have lived here. After we first saw it, we went to the store to do The Grocery Shop, and I was feeling a little down. Then I kept picturing some of the places that Ryan stayed in on his mission. This is far from primitive, but it is plenty seedy. There is some problem with the pipes, so we have to be very careful to keep both the toilet room and bathroom doors shut or the place smells like an outhouse. But I woke up this morning and remembered that we can find another place and I felt a lot better. After we look around, we may decide to stay. I hope that we figure out what we are going to do quickly so we can unpack!
We decided that we would leave the mission home and head down to our apartment in Szekesfehervar, (Sai-kesh-fe-hair-var) as soon as we were through with breakfast, but another couple that had been here for a month, was back to Buda to apply for their visas, and the Assistants to the president decided that we could apply for ours at the same time. That was quite a process! It took forever to fill out the forms, which they had at the mission home. Then we had to go to the mall to the photo booth to get our pictures. It's funny that you have to come with pictures because they take some at the visa office and made me pull my hair away from my face. Next month we'll have to go back to the visa office for more official business, as do all the missionaries that come here. What a big job to have to keep on top of all that!
Szekesfehervar is not as big as Budapest, but has about 120,000 people. The missionaries help in an English class and the teacher, who is not Mormon, but does tours of the city, is going to give us a tour tomorrow. This city was one of the last stands of the Germans in WWII and all but the medieval and Baroque buildings in the old town were destroyed. The rest of the city is described in our tour book as "bland" and probably refers to the huge, cement apartment buildings the Communist put up all over, during the Soviet's rule. (We live on the 8th floor of one of them.) It is in the region called Northern Transdanubia and borders with Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia. We also are on the calendar to speak in the Around Budapest region and Southern Transdanubia.
Our apartment is sobering. It was used by the young elders and is filled with the cast-offs of all the sets of elders that have lived here. After we first saw it, we went to the store to do The Grocery Shop, and I was feeling a little down. Then I kept picturing some of the places that Ryan stayed in on his mission. This is far from primitive, but it is plenty seedy. There is some problem with the pipes, so we have to be very careful to keep both the toilet room and bathroom doors shut or the place smells like an outhouse. But I woke up this morning and remembered that we can find another place and I felt a lot better. After we look around, we may decide to stay. I hope that we figure out what we are going to do quickly so we can unpack!
We Made It!
2/21/12. We finally got to Budapest today, after traveling for twenty-some hours. The office couple met us at the airport and got us settled in the mission home, which used to be an apartment building. One floor is the chapel and classrooms, the next floor is the young adult center. Next is the President's beautiful home and the fourth floor is a bathroom, bedrooms and a living area for elders and couples who are transferring or coming to or leaving Hungary. Both the office couple, the Bagozzies, and president and his wife, the Baughmans, are very nice. The Bagozzi's showed us around the building and walked us to a nice restaurant for lunch. On the way, we saw the most incredible church. Then we finally got a chance to take an hour nap. After, we met with the mission president and got our assignment which is to serve in the Szekesfehervar Branch, which is part of the Budapest Stake. It is about one hour southwest from Budapest. We are the only couple missionaries working in the stake, as the rest are in mission areas. They haven't had Senior Missionaries and so we don't have any footsteps to follow in, or to live up to. Our assignment will include two other towns which are about an hour each from Szekesfehervar. After Pres. Baughman interviewed us, he said, "You should be able to start a Young Adult Center there." (Later, at dinner, he share this idea with his wife and said this about why he felt that way: "He's friendly, and she's musical!") He called the Stake President and the Stake President is eager to start a Young Adult Center in Veszprem, so it looks like we have a direction to work towards. We are on a calendar for speaking two Sundays a month in different branches and are to attend another area one week because it has just opened up for missionary work. We will probably just be meeting with the four missionaries who have just been assigned there. That place only has a one hour block: Sacrament meeting.
Our apartment is one that Elder missionaries have lived in. (They were the ones who were sent to open up the new area.) It will be up to us to see whether or not it will work for a couple. Right now it doesn't have a couch or loveseat. It just has two rooms with a double bed and twin bed in one room, and two twin beds in the other room. We are supposed to ask our landlord for the couches since the apartments are supposed to be fully furnished. The mission doesn't care if we find another apartment to stay in, which some of the couples have done. The thought of apartment shopping seems so daunting that I feel fully prepared to feel fine about the current one. (We'll see how I feel when we move in tomorrow. :)
This afternoon, Dad got to take, and pass, his driving test that Elder Bagozzi gives eveyone who gets a car. We found out there are speed limits and that you get a ticket from cameras, which are planted around the city. Brillant, no? The cameras take a picture of your car and you get the ticket in the mail. When we rode around the city with Pres. Boughman, last night, we just assumed that there weren't any speed limits- think "New York City cab drivers", but now we know there are.
Tonight, we went with the Bagozzies and Pres. Boughman to the castle, which is on a hill overlooking Budapest. I'm so glad we got to go at night, as it was all lit up and looked like a fairy land! The roof is done in mosiac tile and is so beautiful. Afterwards we went to a restaurant the president recommended and had traditional Hungarian food. I had a dish he suggested, which was Crisp Goose Leg with Cabbage and Dad had Duck Breast in a sauce. We also had some fresh baked Hungarian bread and they brought out a little bowl of paprika relish-like spread. We put it on our bread and it was delicious, but incredably hot! It was so tasty that I had to have another couple of pieces of bread with it, but Dad had to pass. (We thought of our family members who love hot food, and wished we could share.) Last night, after being up for 25 hours, we slept like the dead, but tonight I was only able to sleep until 12:30 A.M. before my body refused to stay in bed. I will be glad when jet lag is behind us!
Our apartment is one that Elder missionaries have lived in. (They were the ones who were sent to open up the new area.) It will be up to us to see whether or not it will work for a couple. Right now it doesn't have a couch or loveseat. It just has two rooms with a double bed and twin bed in one room, and two twin beds in the other room. We are supposed to ask our landlord for the couches since the apartments are supposed to be fully furnished. The mission doesn't care if we find another apartment to stay in, which some of the couples have done. The thought of apartment shopping seems so daunting that I feel fully prepared to feel fine about the current one. (We'll see how I feel when we move in tomorrow. :)
This afternoon, Dad got to take, and pass, his driving test that Elder Bagozzi gives eveyone who gets a car. We found out there are speed limits and that you get a ticket from cameras, which are planted around the city. Brillant, no? The cameras take a picture of your car and you get the ticket in the mail. When we rode around the city with Pres. Boughman, last night, we just assumed that there weren't any speed limits- think "New York City cab drivers", but now we know there are.
Tonight, we went with the Bagozzies and Pres. Boughman to the castle, which is on a hill overlooking Budapest. I'm so glad we got to go at night, as it was all lit up and looked like a fairy land! The roof is done in mosiac tile and is so beautiful. Afterwards we went to a restaurant the president recommended and had traditional Hungarian food. I had a dish he suggested, which was Crisp Goose Leg with Cabbage and Dad had Duck Breast in a sauce. We also had some fresh baked Hungarian bread and they brought out a little bowl of paprika relish-like spread. We put it on our bread and it was delicious, but incredably hot! It was so tasty that I had to have another couple of pieces of bread with it, but Dad had to pass. (We thought of our family members who love hot food, and wished we could share.) Last night, after being up for 25 hours, we slept like the dead, but tonight I was only able to sleep until 12:30 A.M. before my body refused to stay in bed. I will be glad when jet lag is behind us!
So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Szia!
Saying goodbye to family and friends was very hard. It started right before Christmas when we flew to Jenny's house in Homewood, AL. to attend her oldest daughter's (Ellie) baptism. We had a good visit with them, then we all piled into their minivan and drove to our Cromar family reunion at Justin's home in Spring, Texas, right outside of Houston. All of our family was able to come, except for two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Justin and Tamara were unbelievably gracious hosts to 34 people, with part of the group coming before Christmas and part staying after New Years. They pulled all their family into their bedroom and tucked each of the other families into their other bedrooms, a travel trailer and one motel room. We had a wonderful reunion which included: trips to the zoo and children's museum, a family 5k. race, a talent show, a ride to the observation deck of Houston's tallest office building, with a view of the Shell Oil buildings where Justin works. While packing up, we squeezed in a trip for Judy up to Issaquah, WA. to spend more time with Kara and Magan and their families. Then, a couple of weeks after she got back to Merced, Kara came and spent five days with us. She had a sewing project that she wanted to do for her high school friend, who was getting ready to have twin girls. Then, our good friends, the Nebekers, had an open house for us and the ward members. It was so nice to get to visit with all who came, and we were given a beautiful book of favorite Book of Mormon verses, with messages written from our friends.We also had some dinners with Ryan and Chelsea's families. And both of them helped us pack up. Ryan even went back to the house, after he took us to the airport, and cleaned out the fridge.We went to Utah a few days before we went into the MTC and stayed with Mike's family. They had a nice family dinner for us and we got to see all the Utah kids/grandkids/great-grandkids. While there, we attended Jenny's father-in-law's funeral and got to take them, and the rest of the family out for pizza. Then we had another surprise when Justin let us know that he had to fly in to SLC. for business. So the first day at the MTC, we got to leave and meet him for Chinese food. (Yes, the rules are different for seniors than for the elders.)Saying goodbye was bitter-sweet, and by the time we boarded the plane for Hungary; I was ready stop getting ready to leave, and just leave. Szia!
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