Hello from Budapest! I finally arrived safely in the city last Thursday, October 11. I can't believe that I've only been here a week! It seems like I have been running from the start! I haven't even taken the first picture yet! For those of you who know me, just breathe. Yes you read that correctly, I haven't taken any photos. No, my body has not been taken over by aliens (or so they'd have you think....). I promise, they will come - the photos, that is, not the aliens.
Seriously though, my trip could not have started better. There were no issues with my flights, and no problem getting through customs or finding my welcoming party at the airport. THANK YOU, for all of your prayers for safe travel! Your kind words were just the pick-me-up I needed after a few very long flights.
Last weekend, I was able to do a little sightseeing with a coworker who has graciously taken me under her wing and volunteered to be my main means of communication while I get started in Budapest. I honestly wish everyone could visit this city. It is truly breathtaking! My pictures, when they come, will assuredly do Budapest an injustice. However, I will try my best to represent it to you!
I am beginning to understand the city a little better, and have finally grasped the metro routes I need to get home, to work and to my language school! I am here to state for the record, that public transportation is wonderful. Louisiana, you don't know what you're missing. My longest commute takes about 25 minutes, which in the scheme of things is not so bad. Plus, I've sat on 1-12, countless times, for an hour without moving more than 10 mph - I consider a 25 minute tram/bus ride a piece of cake.
Monday was the beginning of my Hungarian language course. I am taking a four week, intensive class that meets every weekday from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. It is a small group, with only four students in my class. We cover a chapter a day and attempt to retain the details of this very complex language.
After class, I head to work. I am quite lucky because I get to cross the Danube River every day during my commute from school to the Reformed Church of Hungary's Synod Office! Thus far, as far as work is concerned, I have only done a little proofreading of English text translated from the original Hungarian. At first, proofreading a few documents did not seem like a big deal, but now I am seeing things differently. My coworker, Dóra, was so excited after I finished my edit of a Synod Office brochure, she kept saying, "Yes, yes, yes! This is so good! It is so good to have you here!" And I realized, I was really helping. Hungarian is a difficult language, and English is terribly complicated as well. This combination can mean disaster for translation. However, now we have each other, and the problem is suddenly manageable!
It's been refreshing to take a back seat in things. I'm no longer out in front leading. Instead, I am sitting patiently in the back listening. Being unable to communicate effectively has forced me to close my mouth and listen to the wisdom, faith and strength of other people. It has given me a chance to listen, so that I may hear God in each person. Last night, I attended a prayer meeting for the Roma (gypsy) ministry of the Reformed Church in Hungary. I spent nearly two hours at a table with six people that spoke in a language I did not understand. Yet at the same time, I heard and understood every word. I could see the joy, humor and dedication that each person brought to that group. I heard the effect God had on their lives as we concluded the meeting with prayer. I knew them and respected them through Christ.
Before I left Louisiana, I was given a daily devotional, written by Sarah Young, by the members of my home church in Baton Rouge. The devotion for today, October 17, struck me.
"Remember to listen, as well as to speak, making your thoughts a dialogue with Me."
Let us all remember that in our busy, hectic lives, it is easy to drown out that dialogue with God. Take some time to hear someone. Maybe, you'll hear God in them too.
Hungarian is one the most difficult European languages (such as Finnish and Basque). You are a trooper to study it. Hungry is the birthplace of important physicists and philosophers. You have a splendid opportunity. As a person who struggles with French, I am in awe of you.
ReplyDeleteAt seminary, I had a German, Greek, and Japanese on my floor as well as folks from other nations. You recall the moments you live with those from other places.