Shalom & Shema in Hungary

We are flying' fast and furious over here in Hungary.  Tamara keeps us on our toes with a schedule, while John, the amazing host that he is, keeps us fed and happy : )  Hungarians know how to enjoy themselves.  Long, deep conversation.  Plenty of coffee, tea and desserts at every turn.

We left the US last Wednesday and things did not slow down at all until Sunday night.  As Tamara said, the first GAT training was interesting and amazing - fascinating how God connects you with people you can't actually talk to.  

My host for Saturday evening was Gerda.  A single Hungarian woman who is transitioning from professional world to the life of being a missionary.  She was amazingly hospitable - even giving up her room for me to sleep in.  You take your shoes off when you enter another person's home.  She shared her slippers with me so that my feet wouldn't be cold : )  She spoke English well so we had a fun evening talking, just the two of us.

Sunday was a hoot!  Blake and I attended the Shalom Pentacostal Church of Debrecen.  They were the most warm and welcoming community.  Since there had been a last minute invitation Saturday to come share more with them, we really had no idea what we were getting into.  The church meets in a regular building they have converted into a church - a worship area with a crib and prayer room in the back.  A floor beneath the worship is a great room for meals/book stahls, etc.  

They had a rockin' worship team.  Blake and I had to laugh and just be at peace - as they started to worship we immediately felt like we were at home with Riverside.  "Where the Spirit of the Lord is - there is freedom" was the scripture that immediately came to mind.  God's spirit was in that place so we felt free to worship and be with them.  Our English translator sat beside us filling us in as they proceeded to share personal testimonies, have offering and pray.  It is humbling and overwhelming to hear a familiar song sung in a different language.  You could feel unity and commonality as we worshipped together.  There worship time was a total of 3 hours but it flew by!  Apparently they also post their services online so maybe we will be will be able to track down a clip.  We taught them the Shema - ya'll!  Hebrew, English & Hungarian - what fun!

That afternoon we had a good-bye luncheon with our GAT Debrecen team and host families.  It felt quite sentimental to leave a few of them we had connected with.  I guess you form a quick bond with people when you are serving with a common heart and purpose.  Many of the younger students and adults could speak some English.  They are hungry to share the gospel with their people and were so appreciative for our coming to help.  Precious people.  Amazing hearts.

That evening we drove back to Budapest and to our hotel where we will be staying the rest of the trip.  

Monday was a beautiful, break kind of day where we walked all over Budapest hearing history lessons from John and enjoying the amazing scenery.  Their Parliament building is quite amazing and sits along the Duna River.  Their is also a Castle District and the most beautiful palace.  We are walking around this ancient city, jaws dropped, at the views Hungarians get to enjoy every day.  You walk into history. 

Highlight of the day was visiting John, Zsofi and the kids in their flat.  Someone will write more about that soon.  Tons of picts to post of kiddos too!  We finished our day with coffee & dessert at the New York Cafe - a coffee house that looks more like a palace.  It first opened in 1854.  Can you imagine all the conversations that have taken place in that space?!

Our warmest love to everyone back home.  

Cathi