What Happened In Europe

Notes from my trip
While I was traveling I did some writing which I couldn’t get up on my blog until I got home. So here’s what happened with me.

Paris, Ireland, London
My travels with Susan and Katy through Paris, Ireland, and London were great. We got connected with Katy’s favorite people and places in Paris. We heard some great traditional Irish music and had many adventures in driving while in Ireland. I had a lesson at a music school to learn Bodhran (Irish drum) and Pennywhistle. Driving on the wrong side of the road and the wrong side of the car was interesting. Shifting with the wrong hand was maddening. Driving 100 kilometers per hour on curvy, narrow roads was invigorating, (Susan may have a different descriptor) until we met buses and trucks coming the other way at which point the experience became a little more intense. Ireland is absolutely beautiful, and the Irish are amazing – witty, friendly, welcoming. We hope to go back! We did a little looking around in London, and saw a musical, “Wicked.” Then to the train through the Chunnel back to Paris. I have wiped the 36 hour trek from Paris to Dallas from my mind, and will not speak of it again, so don’t ask.

John and Zsofi
I spent the last few days in Hungary at John and Zsofi’s house. They are living with their parents in a suburb of Budapest. It was great to see them again. I can’t spend time with John and Zsofi without growing in my faith. They stretch me every time. They are so thoughtful and intentional in their faith, and so wise. As you know, I have loads of questions and mental struggles with God. John and Zsofi don’t try to convince me of their point of view, but they are such great listeners and conversationalists that I always come away with answers, and am more sure of my faith. Humble and wise. As a matter of fact, I think we should throw democracy out the window and appoint John and Zsofi king and queen. If anyone could run the world, they could.

Overall I wasn’t a great guest. I don’t know how many times I arrived late at night, only to leave early the next day for some far point on the map. But, in the end, I did stay put long enough to experience their wonderful extended family. As I said, they live with their parents. They also have a beautiful daughter Eszter about 8 months old. Zsofi’s sister Kristi lives there this summer, and her grandmother was there too – four generations in one home.

They organized a party for long-time friends who had a common connection with the mission organization International Messengers. Many of my trips to Hungary were with International Messengers so I knew everyone who came, and hadn’t seen some of them for 10 years. I knew them as high school or college kids, and now they have families and careers. Most of them have spent some time in full or part time ministry. If anyone ever had a doubt about the effectiveness of short term missions, they should have been in the house that day. There are a few dozen Hungarians who came to faith, grew in faith, discipled others in the faith, and now are continuing on in faith all as a result of short term missions. These are Hungarians molding the Hungarian church. Very cool.

At Helga’s House
We had a great visit. What a beautiful family. Rebeka is 12 and Laura 10. They picked me up from the train station in Pecs and we spent the drive to Mohacs catching up on old times. Helga fixed spaghetti like mom used to make, I taught Rebeka a duet on piano and Laura a few chords on guitar. Helga and Zoli showed me around the town and the Danube River. Jus writing down what we did doesn’t really capture the experience.

Let me try again.

There is an experience I’m sure you’ve had but I don’t know the word for. Remember, for example, how good it is to come into a warm house after being outside in the cold, or flopping down on the sofa after a long day’s work, or a shower after hours of yard work under the August sun. Spending time in Zoli and Helga’s home is like that. It’s like being covered with a warm, peaceful, friendly blanket.

Zoli and Helga are church planters, and they work with two groups – one in Pecs and one in Mohacs. Both are going well. Zoli told me there are more than a dozen small town close by in which there are no churches, and he hopes someday to work there too.

Lia and Zoli
I “moved” from Hajduboszormeny to Debrecen to stay with Lia and Zoli while I finished up the film. It was so great to see Zoli and Lia, and to meet Aron. I felt so at home there, and it was great to experience their family. Their home is full of peace and happiness. Lia is a great mom. She is so perfect with Aron. She creates this beautiful environment for Aron, and he obviously feels completely secure and loved. Aron is bright eyed and never stops moving. He is remarkably friendly. We walked to downtown Debrecen, and Aron was a people magnet! Everyone was smiling and waving at him, and ladies would come over and play with him.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Seeing Aron helped me understand why Lia’s ministry has been so fruitful. She is so outwards focused! Add that to being capable, dedicated, servant-hearted and it’s no wonder God has used her so effectively in ministry!