VACATION!!

My father so nicely reminded me of my lack of writing! So here I go!!

Vienna!!

So far I have finished the first quarter, started the second, gone to Vienna for a weekend, and started my holiday break! For this break, because I am not going home to California, I am staying at the assistant dean of women's home about a five minute walk from campus. I am really having a great time there. We watch movies, make food, walk to the castle for internet and just really enjoy each other's company. Although I cannot be home for the break, I still feel very much at home where I am  at. I have a bed to sleep in. I have a kitchen to clean. I have a regular-sized bathroom to shower in. I'm certainly a happy camper these days.

Last Thursday I went into Budapest with one of the girls from Quebec, Noemie, into Budapest to meet with my cousin Doctor Caleb Roberts(: Noemie and I took the 11:24 bus and then the metro to Kossuth. From there we took the tram to Sofitel Hotel right on the Danube River. It was a gloomy, rainy, wet, cold day. We met up with Cousin Caleb and his friend Jener (from San Fran!!!) and walked across the Danube to a cable car that took us up to some museum/castle/historical place. (I don't really know what it was because well, I don't speak Hungarian.) Up on the big hill looking East was the Danube down below and the Parliament building and, of course, Caleb and Jener's beautiful hotel. It was a great day talking to Caleb about everything under the sun, or as we saw it, under the clouds. We went back across the Danube eventually and walked to the Christmas market and had some hot drinks while listening to Michael Buble. (Who would have thought that Hungarians liked that guy?!!) It was such a marvelous day for me! Just walking and talking and seeing part of my family made me oh so happy!


Plans for this week: get over this annoying cold thing. But that might be difficult since I'm so obsessed with even the little bit of snow that fell last night!!!!

Thursday morning I take a flight at like 7:00 into Amsterdam!! That should be pretty cool. I'll actually keep it updated, I think.

I miss my family. I am so grateful to God that He has given my sister, Mary, and her husband, Victor, a healthy baby girl. What a blessing. Wish I could see little Beatrice Grace!

raking leaves, a campfire, and thanksgiving

"I know that everything God does will remain forever; 

there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it." 

Ecclesiastes 3:14

another great 9 days have passed since i've written. 

what have i done since then?! hmm...

this past friday morning was a morning full of practice with Sing Team. friday afternoon was filled with leaf raking!! the whole campus, including staff, were required to rake leaves either in the morning or the afternoon. my time was bitter cold. thank God for the Parrishes that gave me gloves about a month ago for the bitter cold. 

Sing Team made the half hour trip to Pánd saturday after lunch to put on a concert for one of the churches there. the mayor introduced us and we sang. Andrís Tóth gave his testimony during the set. i realized while he was talking (because I couldn't understand three words in a row) that someone had to give the good news of Jesus Christ to those that are lost. i was so uncomfortable during this ministry because of the setting and because of the distractions going on in the crowd. i was so preoccupied with how i felt instead of remembering about how these people need the Word and salvation. from now on i don't care how i feel but will remember that it's the difference between life and death for some people. 

sunday morning i filled in at sunday school for felipe at danube international church and then went shopping with a couple of girls at the Arena mall. monday was regular school with a new professor teaching 1 & 2 Thesselonians. i also practiced with two separate groups on two separate songs for a special thanksgiving chapel that took place on tuesday. i sang a song about blessings. it was fun, fun, fun! and then i sang backup to a song about...more blessings and praise to a faithful, wonderful God. 

immediately after this special chapel the whole campus (including students, teachers, teachers' families, and maintenance workers) all had a great meal together in the castle. what a precious time of fellowship to be had there! 

it's thanksgiving this coming thursday. i'm so thankful for my family. increasingly so for my parents. i see how wonderful they are even from way far away. i am so grateful for what they have done for me and for the marvelous example they have shown to me throughout the years. the love that comes out of them for everyone is so overwhelming and pure. i am thankful for the hard work my parents put in so that i may be over here. i am thankful that they have never given up once on any of the eight kids. i am thankful for them in so many ways it's insane. serio.

twin castles, Penn State football, and Szolnok

whoa wow whoa.
this past week has been craziness. i'm reading like there's no tomorrow and all that good school stuff. it's great!! yesterday, Sunday, i went with the Sing Team to Szolnok about an hour and a half away from home. the founder of the baptist church that we sang and attended is american! in fact, he has family and connections back in California <3

part of Sing Team <3

sing team packed up the van and left home at about 7 in the morning. Alex Konya, the director of WOL, drove us as he was going to be the guest speaker for the baptist church's thanksgiving sunday. we got to the church and started unpacking. as i walked inside i was surprised to see how tiny the room was. along the back wall was a long table. the middle of the room had three tables parallel to one another but perpendicular to the long table. all tables were set up with plates, utensils, napkins, cups and drinks. it was so clean and neat and wonderful! the front of the room had a little podium and a little area for the Sing Team. we made do and set up with  joyful hearts. as the time neared for us to start women came in with plates of food. one of the woman, Eva, came in with a huge sheet cake!

And I watched Penn State with Nate Street
before going to Bela and Ildiko Dobos's home

Lelkipasztor Dan Peters presents a first-time visitor
with a brand new Bible!

Anywayyys! this day was all about thanksgiving to the Lord for what He is in our lives and for what He has done. three people gave their testimonies in the first service. i didn't understand, of course. but there were 14 unsaved people there that clearly heard the gospel. the gospel was stated through each testimony and again by the preacher and Alex Konya. directly after the first service was meal time!!!!! yummy it was. and there was plenty of dessert to last even through the second service.
as i sang our Sing Team songs, i looked up into the crowd a few times and noticed a couple of the women wiping their cheeks. i have no idea what i was singing about but it truly touched them. right before we left, after the second meeting and a time of fellowship with everyone, i said goodbye to the women working in the kitchen. one of them gave me a hug and had Pam Konya translate that i should come serve in Szolnok again very very soon or else she was just going to have to come to WOL and be with me there. It was an absolutely amazing day. the people are so hospitable. the food was absolutely scrumptious. and singing for them was an absolute honor.

Oh! and I went to a ruined castle about 10 minutes away
with Nate Street

Early in the Morning...

No Prague, but Budapest indeed! This past Sunday I woke early and went to Budapest with the Sunday School teachers. We walked into Tóalmás to catch the bus that goes clear into Budapest. From the bus I totally saw California poppies in someone's garden!!!!

Finally we arrived at Danube International Church 30 minutes early so Nate Street and I went to Burger King for ice cream. Only 150 forints. Score. Then church where a Jews for Jesus representative preached about being in the midst of a storm. Sometimes the Lord doesn't take us right out. Sometimes the ship totally crashes and breaks apart. He always keeps us though. 

The rest of the day was so weird. Nate Street, three Brazilian girls, and myself wandered around Budapest after eating at Burger King (so not authentic Hungarian food!!!). We walked the back streets; we rode the subway the wrong way; we rode the right way; and accidentally saw the Parliament building. Eventually we made it to the mall for a little bit of shopping only to miss the train back into Tóalmás. Then we hung out a bit only to miss the 7:15 train because it really came and left before 6:50. MAL. So we waited around for the 9:15 train that actually came at 9:50. We got back onto the WOL campus at 11:00. Good times. 

Now this has been an interesting week! No school Monday and Tuesday but we made up for lost time by having school on Friday and Saturday. This week we went through the book of Galatians with a pastor from Jerusalem. It was really awesome being in his class. Plus, he gave chocolate to the whole class like...every day!! :-)

Today, Sunday, is the students' only day to rest before another week of classes. We will be going through the book of Psalms and are required to read the book before we are through with the class. That sounds like a big task, but I'm excited to dive into this wonderfully written, oh so poetical book. 

mal

Lies. I didn't get the chance to go to Prague for this five day weekend. There are three more days left for this break but I literally have nothing to do. I've studied my brains out, played football with nine guys, and sat in my room for more hours than I would ever like to do again. I Skyped with my mother on Thursday like three times for 6 minutes each. And then on Friday morning I Skyped with her again because she was up at 1:30 her time or something crazy like that. So when she got tired she gave the computer to my sister so we Skyped til her time 3:30 in the morning!! Crazy Irene(:

The good thing about this weekend is that I am going to Budapest Sunday to go to Danube International Church in the morning and then shopping with a group of people after!!! Sight seeing is in order as well, I'm sure. 

Really, I'm just bored this weekend and writing to fill in time. Cause the only set things I have to do is breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mal. And I learned some more Portuguese this week! I learned how to say "I'm pretty" in kind of a sneaky way. José, Felipe and I were hanging out Monday night after we took our exams and they kept telling me to say "Eu sou bonitinha." They didn't tell me what I was saying so apparently I've been walking around saying "I'm pretty!!"

Also, I say "mal" too much. In Portuguese you say it "mau." It's a fun word to use for anything! haha

I also have learned how to say something to the effect of "I'm a kitty." Você é gatinho. But apparently its more like "I'm cute like a little kitty." Kevin taught me that one.

beautiful Hungarian weather we are having

As I wrote previously, we went through the book of 1 John this past week in our studies. It's all about fellowship and being bonded with the brethren. Also, it talks a lot about being in the light and the fact that God's love is perfected through us. We have to learn five memory verses for our exam on Wednesday so I should get on that. But now that I think about it, I probably know more than I think I know. It's a really encouraging book to study and I'm so ready for the exam(:

And I really want a Teddy Bear to sleep with. 

Amelia Sent me Socks!!!!

So many crazies after lunch(:

A whole eleven beautiful, magnificent, marvelous days have gone by since I have written. I promise I'll get good at this at some point in my life.

Last Thursday, the 20th, was a day without school for us here at the BI. Instead of being at school for five hours I spent my whole day practicing six Hungarian songs for about six and a half hours. Although they were two very long practices (with a lunch in between, of course), I am grateful for the time the group spent together. My throat was giving out on me because of the freezing cold and from the singing. Friday was a three hour practice and Saturday as well. Sunday morning at about 6:45 in the morning I headed over to the meeting hall 15 seconds from my dorm to meet the rest of the "Sing Team" and drive out to a little town about an hour away from Toalmas called something with a V. We made it safely there but when I was helping unpack the car I realized our tire was flat. Mal. But thankfully we were already there and someone from the church helped fix it. For the first service we sang three songs throughout the time. Then we had lunch. YUM. For the second service at 2:30 I sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and then we sang two other Hungarian songs. After the service we packed up and ate some more (YUM) and had fellowship with the people there and then made it home before dinner on campus! Monday started a class on the study of 1 John. Our teacher is from Long Beach but works at the Dallas Seminary and is quite entertaining at times.

This weekend I am planning on going to Prague and Vienna with the Brazilian girls and boys. Gotta love them!!

Delight yourself in the Lord, 

and He will give you 

the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

When asked during devotionals last night what this meant to me, my first thought was just obedience. I thought, "Bam! Done! Bingo! I got it." As we went through the rest of devotionals, everyone had something a little different to say. I was brought to a lovely conclusion. As we delight ourselves in the Lord, our desires become conformed to His desires. When time is spent with God-whether in prayer or worship or just in awe of how amazing, wonderful, and gracious He is-our desires change. We begin to desire what our Lord and Savior desires for us. After all, His way is always the best way. Our desires conform to His desires and being us to the best possible place in life. This place is full of joy and happiness in knowing that God is with us. This is my latest discovery and I'm living it out(:

doing nails with Jess(:

And I'm learning a lot of Hungarian songs for Sing Team! So cool.

Here's two of them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StsJTnu7ywc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjPkgVHkoqo

Have a blessed weekend, all my California Loves(:

Freezing.

So it's like...super, duper, mega cold already. How am i ever going to survive this winter?! Aunt Nancy gave me an umbrella and I've used that once. So I have that covered. But I'm pretty sure some nice thick wool socks are needed ASAP!!! Or else I'm just never ever going to leave my bed again until it's warm again. 

Everyone says that California's weather is unpredictable, but really? Nobody ever took into account the fact that it was nice and hot here one day and the next I was freezing? No transitions; no warnings. On that note, I wrote my very own psalm for class today.

Oh man-the sky was gorgeous tonight!

ALIVE!

Swinging at a campfire fellowship(:
photo cred: Felipe

Wow. I'm really bad at keeping up with this.
Life here is grand, of course! Getting used to the different schedules and way of life here at Word of Life. Time here is precious as we have classes, set meal times, ministries, homework, study hours, and jobs to complete. There seems like so many things to do and so little time. Also, we have to be in bed by 11 -__- So there's a bit of a struggle with that.
During chapel Monday through Thursday, at 10:00 a.m., we went through a short, short series focusing on Biblical Principles. We went through what it means to think, behave and live biblically. When one doesn't have principles upon which decisions are made, there is danger of being swayed from the truth. The foundation that was once strong becomes eroded and easily washed away. There are many influences that can create this. We need to build our foundation upon absolute truth-God's Word. So firstly, we have principles that are taken from the Word. Upon those principles we create a purpose (kind of a statement). WOL's purpose is to be a "biblically based discipleship program that will enable Christians to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ able to duplicate themselves in the lives of others." Here comes the best part-the plan. Upon the principles and the purpose we can start planning. Contrary to how we usually do things in life, we should make a plan last. That plan will have the purpose and principles to success. The homework assignment for each first year student to this particular branch of WOL was to create biblical principles, a purpose, and a plan for the music that we put in our ears. Needless to say, I was the first to turn my assignment in so that I could get it checked off by the deans and start listening to music again(:

Walking to the ATM in town on a hot, hot day

The rest of the week has been kind of...blah. No not really. We studied Angelology (the doctrine of angels), Anthropology, and Harmartiology (the doctrine of sin). Hartmiotology could have very well been very depressing because we talked over and over again how we are sinful and bad people and there is nothing we can do about it and the fact that there is always something deceitful going on in our hearts and that we are born with sin because of Adam and Eve (how's that for a run-on sentence). However, the class just reminded me once again that I cannot do anything on my own. Jesus died so that I would not be alone. Yes, I'm sinful. No, I shouldn't give up trying to be like Him. But ultimately, yes, He is in control and will make all things work together for good. It was so wonderful!

Chili Night at Nancy's

Tonight was an absolutely marvelous Wednesday night! Carlos Pinto from WOL Brazil has been in town teaching the first year students dispensationalism. Boy, do I love his class! He is interactive, fun, uses great illustrations, and is clear to the MAX! I think that I am going to do really well on his text this next Tuesday night.






Traditionally, Aunt Nancy had all the Brazilians on campus over to her house. (I realize that no, I myself am not Brazilian. However, I'm awesome.) What a great evening it was. At six we had super yummy chili with homemade cornbread. All eighteen of us smashed in the couches, in random chairs, and around the table. I helped serve and clean up, of course(:
It was a great night full of food, fellowship, and Portuguese. It's a beautiful language but I can only pick up the most minute bits! Music was played. Songs were sung. (Dishes were cleaned by Nancy, Artemis, and myself.)

The Lord has put me with some absolutely wonderful people here at WOL Hungary. I think it's been only three or four weeks and already I see the impact that they are having on my everyday life. And Aunt Nancy makes some mean chili. So good!

Today started another busy week. But I definitely do not want to ignore the great weekend I had. Friday night started the youth conference here at WOL Hungary. Teams from the Czech Republic and Poland came to our campus to enjoy time together and focus on "No Excuses". It was really a great time together for the students attending WOL Hungary from either of those two countries. 

Friday I was asked to prepare a song for a church service on what I thought was going to be Sunday morning. Kevin Cox and I prepared a piece only to find out on Saturday that the service was to be Sunday evening. So that gave us a bit more time. Sunday morning I attended the church service here on campus. It usually is in all Hungarian but because there were so many guests they decided to do it bilingually. The pastor talked, and almost scolded, the church as a whole about dedication. He kind of said that he appreciated the fact that people were dedicated to so many things but as a church, as a whole, everyone needed to redirect themselves to the Word of God and be excited in falling in love with Jesus again. It was a great, great morning. 

Kevin and I found out after church that we were going to actually do two songs so after most everyone was gone from the meeting hall we practiced together for about an hour or so. We worked through out first piece and scrounged up a second. He came up with "Shout to the Lord" and I followed along. So absolutely fun to sing with him while he played with all his heart...and shoulders(:

Gabor (spelling?!!), Kevin, Eszter, and myself left the WOL campus at three in the afternoon traveling to Eszter's hometown about an hour away. As we traveled, I tried staying awake to do my homework but totally knocked out as Gabor raced down the roads and through the villages. 

Long story short, I had an amazing night at that Baptist church. The whole service was in Hungarian, of course, but I knew ahead of time what Gabor was going to speak on. He spoke on the unfathomable love of our Lord and how His love is everlasting-Psalm 136. After he read the passage, with the congregation reading aloud, "For His lovingkindness is everlasting," Kevin and I rose up to the platform. I sang "I Will Rise", of course. About six people in the whole church understood my english but the love of God was in the room. I could feel that they knew what I was singing about. I put every single ounce of my being into that song and not for my glory. I sang because I meant what I was singing. 

Gabor preached. People from the congregation shared what they were thankful for. And then it was my turn again to sing. Once again nobody knew my version of the song. However, they all knew the song in Hungarian! As I sang, "Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing, Power and Majesty praise to the King", they sang along with me in their native tongue. I am not lying when I write and say that this was probably the greatest moment of my life so far. To hear and see the two worlds collide like this-little Cali girl with Hungarian baptists-made me want to keep going on and on. The glory was all the Lord's and His lovingkindness flows so freely. He is unfathomable and so gracious.

After the service, there was much food. Much, much food(:

Prayer Week

View from the Danube River

This week at chapel here at Word of Life Hungary has been our prayer week. Everyone has been getting together in the meeting hall/classroom everyone morning at about 10 to come together. Through this week I have come to appreciate my Lord Jesus Christ so much more (if that is at all possible).
As I bowed my head Monday morning, people were praying in Hungarian, Czech, Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Some prayed in Polish and French while others simply prayed in English.
So I thought to myself,
"Wow! God understands all these languages! Not only does He understand, but He listens. God is not overwhelemed by the whole student body lifting up requests to Him continually. He does not turn His head when it seems there are too many requests. "
Here at Word of Life there are people from all over the world. We have students and staff from many parts of Europe. There are many Brazilians ruling the sound waves throughout campus. And finally we have North Americans from Quebec, Indiana, Michigan, Connecticut, and a few more places that have slipped my mind. (Guess who's the only person from California, though? ME!)
So as we lifted our request up to our Savior, I thought it was just so absolutely awesome that we all come from different walks of life, enjoy different activites, and speak different languages.  Despite all these obvious differences, we have all come here with one purpose-Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior.
He is the theme of our hearts and no barriers like language or culture can tear that down(:

Starting Up!

Hmm...seems like I've neglected writing for a bit. It's really cause the internet here doesn't actually work in my dorm room very well! I haven't yet decided if that's a bad thing or a good thing.

Last Friday evening was the Opening Conference here at the Bible Institute. All students and staff gathered in the Word of Life castle for a formal dinner and fellowship, many of us just getting to know one another. Shortly after dinner was the first meeting of the weekend. A guest from Michigan came for the weekend to speak on Psalm 119 and to get everyone ready for the wonderful year of learning the Word of God. After his message, an overview of what was to come for the rest of the weekend, everyone stayed in the hall. I got on stage and sang with a bunch of people while the piano was played by a few people and guitars were banged on by Felipe  and Chicky. I even sang "If I Ain't Got You" while Yana occasionally did some harmonies. This was the night I realized that I was going to love being here. There are many wonderful musicians that the Lord has brought here and they are so open to playing and jamming all night! I love it!

Saturday was filled with conferences as well.  Guest Pastor Thomas Teall spoke about the different names given to the Word. Each meeting was full of life and sincerity. Meal times, of course, are just as full of life and rejoicing. We ended the weekend with some school orientations concerning the handbook we were to read, schedules, and whatnot. Most orientations were filled with information that was self-explanatory. Much was stuff that everyone knew and can easily follow. However, the point of those orientations, I think, was for the staff and deans to establish themselves and to show the Biblical reasoning behind all 4,479,358 rules.

Monday morning classes started at nine instead of the regular time of eight o'clock. For the first week, it seemed all laid back. First year students went through a course called Personal Evangelism all week while the second year students went through Open-Air Evangelism. Both were to get each of us ready to come out to the streets of Budapest and share the love of Jesus Christ with whoever would listen.

While getting ready for Thursday and Friday, we students also had a study hour every night from [like] 7-8. During that hour every night I started doing my chapter reviews. These are where I have to, in ten words or less, title each chapter of the Bible. I started in the Psalms and then somehow worked my way back to Genesis. I have much, much work to do on these.

So anywaaays! After the week of classes concerning evangelism, today is the second day in Budapest. I write this on the charter bus taking us in to the city. Yesterday's evangelism was a bit difficult for me because of the lack of English speakers. Just when I was about to throw it down and give up, which is what Satan wants exactly, I got the chance to sing some worship songs with Chicky. He played much too fast and a bit too high for my liking, but I stuck with him. I felt that this was the way for me to evangelize even though the crowd and myself didn't speak the same language. After all, music is international!

So now I'm in the bus on the way to the second day of street evangelizing. I was told that where the "Blue Team" is headed has many English speakers. II am very excited about that because I want to share the gospel and His everlasting love with everyone I meet!! Also, I want to sing(:

Walks on Campus

Good morning to you over there in California! By the time you are starting your day I have had breakfast and lunch! After my breakfast I went on a walk throughout the campus. Everything is very green here and quite beautiful! I walked and walked just enjoying the clean air and my surroundings. I went all the way to the back gate and looked out to find a...I guess a highway. I continued on around the campus and found a little bench and sat there for a bit just taking in what great things the Lord has given us here on earth! I eventually ended up in my dorm room and knocked out. Apparently I'm not over the time difference just yet.
Psalms 25:4-5

                Make me know Thy way, O Lord; 

                Teach me They paths. 

                Lead me in They truth and teach me, 

                For Thou art the God of my salvation; 

                For Thee I wait all the day.

As I go through this year at Word of Life, I am praying that the Lord shows me His way. I want to walk His way-whichever way that may be. I want to be lead by him in all that I do. At lunch I sat and talked with Ivan again, an RA from Serbia. We talked about much, but what really stuck with me was that I need to ask Him to give me a yearning for the Word. With knowledge of the Word comes appreciation and closeness to our Lord. So after lunch I took my Bible and took another walk out to the soccer field where there is a weird sort of post with three steps. I sat there for an hour or so reading, praying, and being encouraged. 

                                                                               
Dear Lord, 

Thank you for bringing me safely to Hungary and to Word of Life. May you instill in me a love and yearning for not only you but for your word. May my thoughts be set on you, my heart desiring only you. Grant me mercy with my studies as I hear they can be overwhelming. May you show me your ways and paths. Help to differentiate between what I want and what you want. In everything I know you are by my side.

                                                                                     

so glad for carry ons!

one word: SURREAL.

i left LAX Monday morning at 6:50 a.m. i arrived in Budapest this Tuesday morning at about 11 a.m. 

i have a strong urge to curl up on a bed and just sleep for hours. however, i will never get used to the time change if i do that! so i'm toughing it out(:

when i arrived in Budapest, Hungary, i waited for luggage that never came and then met up with my dearest Auntie Nancy. she drove me to the Word of Life Bible Institute in Toalmas. it's about 45 minutes outside of Budapest-an absolutely lovely drive! everything is so green and the trees so thin and tall all so tightly packed together or in perfectly straight rows. we got to the campus and went straight to Nancy's house. after a bit i got to see Bela and Ildiko Dobos and enjoyed a lunch with them before i took off to go back to the airport with Laci to pick up a student and inquire once more about my one piece of luggage. 

dinner consisted of bread, salami and other meat...things, tomatoes, and hard boiled eggs. shortly after, most of the students walked over to a house to have a lil' bonfire. 

flying united

exhausted as i am, i'm going to stay up.

keep me in your prayers as this adventure unfolds!