Jen in Budapest

Officially moved site but not "unpacked"

2009-02-08T00:02:00.001-08:00

Soon to come, I'll be blogging again, no doubt. This time from another continent but hopefully we'll keep it interesting! Life is interesting and amazing.

New blogspot:

http://thissimplyamazingworld.blogspot.com

Moving my blog again....

2009-02-05T06:04:00.001-08:00

So with a week left in Budapest, I'm planning to move my blogspot as well.

Thank God this part of my world is containable within cyberworld. No papers to sort, files to throw away, or things to stress about fitting into a suitcase. Oh I love this world.

Although I'd love to keep running this current blogspot, the URL name is jeninbudapest and that will be a lie after next Friday. In choosing a new URL, I decided I should steer clear of naming blogs by location as I may be in several in the years to come and I don't want to do this again.

I think I found one I can live with for a long while. If you know how to import my old blog to here, that would be amazing and I would be grateful for the help.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to writing just as much as last year.

http://thissimplyamazingworld.blogspot.com

Golden Gate Half

2009-02-04T02:27:00.000-08:00

I started worrying about the Shamrock Half that I planned to do mid-March. Not only has my training been completely thrown off course during this transition, but I was realizing I probably need to give myself more time to prepare for the change in altitude before jumping into an event. It will take me double time to get miles up in Reno.

So, the next event in sight that looks doable and incredibly fun as I'll be taking in some scenic routes, which I love, is the Golden Gate Half....

http://www.envirosports.com/events/event.php?eventid=2562

I have a new goal! April 4th.

11 days...

2009-02-02T07:57:00.001-08:00

Each time I get home and look at my apartment, I'm worried. How am I going to fit things in two bags? I've already downsized so much. Hmmm. Oh well and off I go to check facebook, watch a movie or eat some more of this delicious garlic concoction that has become my main stay. It's difficult to take down all the wall hangings when I still have guests coming over through the weekend. I guess Monday and Tuesday of next week will be the time I really hanker down, take down all the stuff off the walls, clean the corners, etc. It truly is not an easy task when you can't just throw everything into your car and move to the next spot. I mean oversized baggage is costly not to mention another bag. Lord, help. This is rough. With exactly 11 days and counting, wow. I'm just hoping with high school, hosting, cleaning, packing, I get out of here alive :) haha.

Oh and workouts this past week have been almost completely thrown out the door. I'm actually reconsidering the Shamrock Half because of many reasons, but one of them is that the change of altitude is going to take a while to adjust to and because it's so darn cold here in Budapest, I haven't had the nerve to freeze myself to death for a workout. So, I've got some aerobic video time done and some pilates, but I can't wait to get on a schedule when I get back to Reno. :)

Thanks for your prayers in this transition.

Matthew 5:6

2009-01-30T21:40:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning thinking about a variety of things while looking at a very cluttered apartment. There are piles with categorized items (what to throw away, what to give away, what to fit in suitcases) and the general mess of papers and miscellaneous crud lying around that I have yet to sort through. With the state of my external world in major transition, my life feels out of sorts at the moment. I actually wouldn't expect things to be any different. Moving back across the Ocean after almost 3 years is going to take some adjusting - emotionally, culturally, environmentally (and I'm sure in some other -"lly's" ways too.) I'm not exactly bothered by these things yet, just making the observation.

What has bothered me more are things going on inside, on a personal level. In the midst of a messy external world, I found myself reaching inside to find order in the private world of my thoughts, my intentions, my inner dialogue. Alas, there's been a lot on the brain, I won't lie. It's not all bad or good, it just is what it is.

Deep inside as thoughts have tossed between joy and sadness, fear and faith, excitement and a general state of "blah", I was reminded of Matthew 5:6. What I really need right now in that inner world that will order my private world is to hunger and thirst for Him -- for more of the one who actually defines living, who anchors me, who refines, molds and shapes the essence of who I am. Without Him I can do nothing and even more real to me these days is the fact that without Him, His perspective, His way of viewing people and life in general, I AM nothing.

Jesus said He is the way, the truth and the life. If I want to find out what it means to fully come alive, to be fully living, then He is and always will be my starting point. He is all things perfectly wonderful and genuine. He alone makes all things in life perfectly wonderful and genuine. And in this journey across the Ocean, I'm finding my one and only anchor is to remain hungry and thirsty for all things HIM. He makes sense out of things that I can't even begin to understand. He alone fills the deepest parts of me in truth. He alone fills me up.

two weeks

2009-01-30T11:51:00.001-08:00

I can hardly believe that in two weeks I'll be returning to the USA and not just for a "home" visit. I'm definitely excited and looking forward to being reunited with family and friends. It's been 1.5 years and way overdue.

I wonder how much of Hungary I will miss. I know I'll miss the people and the laid back lifestyle. But it's time to be home. I'm excited about that too.

So much to write....where to start.

2009-01-19T01:36:00.000-08:00

I've got so much I'd love to write here but at the moment, I don't know where to start. Not only that but I've been preoccupied and loving it. I'm waiting for the moment when it's overflowing and then perhaps I'll take those extra moments late at night and blog. For now, all is good. I thank God for friends, family and the future which is bright because He's in it. He's in all my days and that makes all the difference. Sometimes life can just be "life." No excitement. No real adventure. Just living your days. But Jesus said He came to give us life more abundant and I'm convinced that part of this translates into finding those moments and creating those memories that bring forth abundant living. Another thought I've had recently (or actually it's a re-occuring thought) is how life is about maintenance - from relationships, cars, taking showers, health, gidgets and gadgets -- everything in this world has to be maintained and that includes the inner place of my heart and soul before God. So much more I want to write on this topic. But I'd like to do it thoroughly and as of now I have no time.

Hope you're having a great week!

Setting Goals.....

2009-01-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

So most people are tired of making new years resolutions. One thing I love to do is set goals and think about the future and what i really want to accomplish in life. The thing is, we only have one life to live and oftentimes if we're not purposeful about living, the days will pass by. That's not all bad. Of course if you have family and great friends and you're spending that time with them, maybe that's purposeful enough.

I guess for me, I enjoy setting something in my sights and then working towards accomplishing it. It can be in little things or in big things. I've been trying to clean out my email inbox and we all know how tedious that can be. I just found an email about setting goals and thought I'd post it.

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To give a broad, balanced coverage of all important areas in your life, try to set goals in some of these categories (or in categories of your own, where these are important to you):

Artistic:
Do you want to achieve any artistic goals? If so, what?

Attitude:
Is any part of your mindset holding you back? Is there any part of the way that you behave that upsets you? If so, set a goal to improve your behavior or find a solution to the problem.

Career:
What level do you want to reach in your career?

Education:
Is there any knowledge you want to acquire in particular? What information and skills will you need to achieve other goals?

Family:
Do you want to be a husband/wife or a parent? If so, how are you going to be a good husband/wife or parent? How do you want to be seen by a partner or by members of your extended family? If you are a husband/wife/parent, how can you improve the quality of these relationships?

Financial:
How much do you want to earn by what stage? Are you weighed down by debts? What plan can you create and do that will help you get free of those debts?

Physical:
Are there any athletic goals you want to achieve? Do you want good health deep into old age? What steps are you going to take to achieve this?

Pleasure:
How do you want to enjoy yourself? - you should ensure that some of your life is for you!

Public Service:
Do you want to make the world a better place? If so, how?

Spend some time brainstorming these, and then select one goal in each category that best reflects what you want to do.

Then consider trimming again so that you have a small number of really significant goals on which you can focus.

As you do this, make sure that the goals that you have set are ones that you genuinely want to achieve, not ones that your parents, family, or employers might want (if you have a partner, you probably want to consider what he or she wants, however make sure you also remain true to yourself!)

Thank you Dick

2009-01-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight I found out that an 80 year old friend, Dick Dankworth, died on Christmas Eve. As I sat here with tears in my eyes mainly for his high school sweetheart Carla ( that tender but beautifully strong woman) who spent the past 60 years with one man, I’m reminded again just how short this life really is for all of us.

Although we don’t think about it much when we’re young, it’s true nonetheless. And behind the wrinkled faces of men and women we barely notice anymore as they age away, there are stories and lives that have been lived that we could really get a lot from if we'd stop long enough to listen.

As I think about Dick’s life, my heart is rich and full and sad and happy all at the same time. Being over 50 years married these days is a novelty. Dick and Carla were a novelty but in the most beautiful terms. Some would take issue with this idea but being married that long (after even the slightest observation of this statement, you’d have to agree) you could definitely call it the adventure of a lifetime! Of course I wouldn’t know but someday I hope to test all my theories out on the fun and obliging fellow whose up for that lifetime adventure with me…..

The Dankworths have served God wholeheartedly in adventures of another kind too. Dick was always actively investing his time, his talent, his energy in an organization called Youth With A Mission. I think he was on the board or something. But he actually got out and did things even in these senior years. Dick was always traveling or speaking or giving away something of the things God so richly and deeply gave his family. Last summer he was telling me of a trip he took to Asia where he set up youth sports camps. The man was 78 at the time! Not only that he was a community builder. He was a coach and administrator at the University of Nevada for years and was also really involved with starting one of the first Christian Business Men’s group in the area in the 70’s. I found all this out by listening to his stories. They weren’t elaborate. He never was a bragger. It was more a brief statement about being a part of this or that as it applied to our conversations.

I can hardly imagine 60 years of breakfast, lunch and dinner and the ups and downs of raising three boys, of acquiring daughter in laws and grandchildren and life spent with your best friend coming to a complete stop in one day. Of course life goes on but I think all of us know what I’m trying to say here. This part of living really sucks!! And so God I pray for Carla, that her heart would be strengthened now during this time of being separated from her best friend by this thing called death. Yet in the long term I guess that’s what the Bible meant when it said, “Death, where is your sting?” The pain now will not always be there. Jesus conquered death’s final sting and we are the beneficiaries.

I remember the first time I met the couple in Reno. I think it’s the only time I’ve ever eaten brunch at the Nugget in Sparks. We went after church and over lunch they shared so openly and richly about the adventures they experienced coming from Southern California and moving to Reno in the 50’s. Oh to take the time and listen to a story. It’s so worth it! They told me of their high school romance and their days living in Southern California, practically in the same neighborhood where I lived when I was in LA. You can read about his life in the Reno-Gazette tribute but even these words don’t really do the heart of the man justice. Eighty years is a lot of living. (http://www.legacy.com/RGJ/Obituaries.asp?Page=Notice&PersonID=121875710)

The last time I saw Dick and Carla was two summers ago when I was visiting them in their home outside of Reno. A perpetual source of encouragement, Dick gave me a book to read called “The Book That Changes Nations” by Loren Cunningham. Now with his passing, I wish I wouldn’t have passed the book along so freely after reading it. For inside that book lies an inscription penned by Dick and I’d like to read it now and wallow in my own sadness for a minute. (If I gave it to you can I now ask for it back? Haha)

Sadness. Really how can we talk of that when there have been 80 really good years? Yes, it’s the sadness of those who are left behind. But then last summer as we sat on their patio overlooking the creek that runs by their house, I was strengthened in this journey called life, invigorated by the life of this couple – their love, their challenges with Carla’s health yet they were moving on. The last thing I would ever be in their presence was sad. I was well aware of their aging and with Carla’s health problems, I prayed specifically for God to sustain them in these times. But sadness was not the operative word.

I guess I'm writing this now as my own tribute. I just want to say thank you to Dick for living such a beautiful life, for loving one woman for 60 years, for raising three boys and for being committed to His Lord, Jesus Christ and letting that shine until the end. Thank you Dick for giving us all something beautiful to hang onto. In a world that holds very little for those looking for a moral compass, thank you for being one to so many people. Thank you for being one to me. My prayers are with your beautiful wife now but no need to pray for you. I’m sure you’re doing just fine. With tears in my eyes but a heart of joy, I want to ask you, how’s that new body of yours? And is it as good as Jesus said it would be? I imagine so.

2009; it sure looks fine!

2009-01-03T01:35:00.000-08:00

So what are some of the things I'm looking forward to doing in 2009??

1. READ
A stack of books I want to read are piling up beside my bed. Hungarians are known for being avid readers and a few of the books that are bedside were Christmas gifts, which I surely appreciate. I hope to make 2009 a year that I read more books than I have in the past. It's difficult to keep on this task and time consuming but such are the best things in life to some degree or another. Someday I am going to write a blog all about maintenance -- how everything good and worthwhile in life must be maintained. I've started this blog months ago, just need to finish it.

2. SEW
Yes, I have been thinking about this economic crisis and how cool it would be to actually have some skills that you could survive on with less. For example, I'd like to have a garden someday. Seeing that I'm not the best with living plants, this could be a problem but I'm willing to give it a shot. My mom had a small garden growing up and I remember I thought it was really cool. Strawberries and tomatoes mainly, but cool nonetheless, especially since it was grown in Nevada of all places. So back to this whole idea of sewing. If I could be handy with this wouldn't that be cool? You could make clothes from just about anything, maybe even go into fashion design. Seeing that I won't be in Europe forever, maybe I could make my own European style clothing line when I get back to the States.

3. SPRINT TRIS AND HALFS
Yes, I'm officially addicted to training for these events. I love having a training program to guide me through workouts towards a goal. When there is a goal in sight, I do much better. So, I'm planning to complete atleast one, maybe two Sprint Tri's and atleast one 1/2 marathon. I really enjoyed the Sprint Tri in London and I'd like to do a few more this year.

4. GUITAR
Thanks to Justinguitar.com and Renea, I've been slowly learning a few things on the instrument. I'd like to get better. I'm not going public with it, I just want to be able to play worship songs and sing my heart out to God in the quiet of my own room. it's pretty cool to think about being able to play better so I'm planning to put new strings on my guitar back home and get back to playing.

5. DANCE
I'm excited to continue taking dance lessons in 2009 and having fun with it! To get your groove on sure is fun! I'm looking for a fun dance partner too!

6. ART
I'd like to get more involved in an art community and meet new people who are artistic. i think it's a lot of fun to cultivate and develop this side of life and I want to do it more in 2009. I'm not the best painter, but I'd like to learn sketching. It's all good.

7. OUTDOORS
I might try snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, rock climbing. I just want to spend more time outdoors.

8. MY JOB
I am very excited that included in some of the changing fixtures to my job, I will have the opportunity to continue working with youth, focus on missions, and travel to various locations both in the US and abroad. Very very excited about this.

9. MY FAMILY
Last, but not least, I'm looking forward to being closer to my family! We will make some new memories in 2009. Being away from family for the last 2.5 years and limited to the occasional skype call has been tough. I'm sure all my neices and nephews are completely different people because a lot changes in just one year. My parents are getting older, a fact that I lament but realize I have an opportunity to make some memories with them as well.

10. THE OCEAN
I have a love relationship with this massive body of water, specifically the Pacific Ocean. I hope to make trips to see this beautiful creation. I thank God all the time for the ocean and ocean views and anything oceanic - it's a gift.

The Passion

2009-01-02T23:42:00.000-08:00

Watch. Pray. Stay here. Pain. Agony. God’s love. God’s calling. The tempter’s voice. Deceptions call to turn away. His destiny. An unseen burden carried. The world on his shoulders. Souls saved. My soul saved. Great expense. Another way? No, Your will be done. Evil’s question “Who is your father?” The snake sent to bite. The snake crushed. Death, where is your power? Betrayal for coins. No fear in His eyes. The kiss. Confusion. Fights. One pair of eyes in flaming fire. Healing a bloody ear. Will you have ears to hear? Not by the sword. Love alone conquers. Conquered and beaten. A man of strength and love. No angels rescue. A crown of thorns. No father’s intervention. Pain at the hands of man. Demons taunting. Judas remorse. It’s not a party. Prince’s death begins. Unlawful questions. Unfair treatment. A son’s childhood memories but now a man or more than a man? Questions revealing. “Are you the messiah, son of the living God?” Only one answer. “IAM.”

Roaring crowds. Peter’s betrayal. Confusion and anger in the city. Beatings survived. Demons taunting Judas. Cursed to death over innocent life. Pilates questions. Jesus answers “My kingom is not of this world.” Pilates solution. More beatings. Herod mocks. Pilate’s wants to release Jesus. Barabus gets a new life instead. Jesus’ sustaining love. Road opens. Blood-stained and heavy cross. People taunting. Mary weeping. Disciples remembering. Life blood. Life words. Pondering it all. Will you carry my cross with me? Darkness covers. A hill above the city for all to see. Hands are pierced. Feet nailed too. Cross is lifted. Earth’s gift is His love. Dark clouds gather. Hopeless thief on the cross gets second chance. Lightning flashes. Left alone. Rocks split. Sword pierces. Graves open. Jesus dies.

All is still. Lifeless earth.

Heaven welcomes. Celebration. Good will towards mankind. Wonderful God. Counselor. Prince of Peace. Peace on earth. Mighty God. Resurrection crowns Him. Words remembered. New life imparted. Words carried like a torch. Pain forgotten. Fires lit by the love in His eyes. A people set ablaze. Every generation seeking His heart in a heartless world.

The Passion.

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My soul is stirred with a noble theme - the God of all wonders made life possible through His purposeful plan in Jesus. In 2009, I'm asking God to etch this story on my heart in a fresh way. I am needing a fresh sense of passion in my heart towards God. When I stop long enough to ponder His work, the renewal comes. Lord, help me stop and ponder in 2009. I want to know you.

A Perfectly New Year

2009-01-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

As the Elf says, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loudly for all to hear

And I say the best way to spend New Years Day is lounging quite lavishly in your bed all day....!!

Happy New Year!

He's Always On Time

2008-12-27T01:20:00.000-08:00

Walking the streets of Budapest recently, I began to marvel at the really cool street clocks as pictured here. These clocks are atleast 100 years old and brought an element of modernization when placed on the streets of Budapest at the time. Today, I captured their look because they look like something out of antiquity.

As we stand on the brink of a new year with new possibilities, what will be written in this next chapter? I came across this remarkably simple but encouraging quote and was reminded that there are times and seasons for everything.

Take courage that God holds your life in His hands. And although not everything is clear today for your future, these 70 plus years, if blessed with that long, belong to Him. He is in control of our days. He gives us breath to breathe. So shouldn't we trust Him with all our tomorrows? I think so. Our times are in His hands.

"The time came for the baby to be born." Luke 2:6 NIV

Jon Walker writes:
"We manage, waste, spend and save time. We wish it would come...we wish it would pass..we see it fly and we feel it drag. We watch clocks and carry calendars, creating the illusion that somehow we control it. God controls time.... Do you think He was surprised that 'while they were there, the time came for the baby to be born'? We're surprised by unexpected developments...God's never surprised, even by the most disastrous turn of events."

How would your faith be, if you knew God wasn't surprised by your circumstances and is working towards a holy and healthy conclusion?

George Mueller once waited on the dock for a special chair to be delivered because he had a bad back and needed it for his ocean voyage. When departure time came and it still hadn't arrived his friends offered to buy him one, but Mueller said,
'Either God will provide...or...give me grace to do without.'

Then, just like a Hollywood ending...the chair arrived...right on time!

How would you act, think, and live differently if you were absolutely certain God was at the end of your deadline...even if there were only seconds left?

The Bible says, 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8 NLT).

Time doesn't diminish His love, or His power to work within your life.

He was there in the past; He's here now, and He will be there in your future. A thousand years are like a few hours to Him.

He's interested in bringing you into eternity, not just getting you through until the weekend." When you see it like that, it changes the big picture, doesn't it?"

While In Reno today....

2008-12-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

ha ha ha. Well, I actually did go inside the store. So, technically, I was in Reno today - a Hungarian shoe store. I'm missing the PEOPLE aka MY FAMILY I love so much in Reno, so I thought I'd take a picture :D

Here's me in Reno. :D Boo hoo hoo.

Merry Christmas ya'll.

Jen

Seeing Red in Romania

2008-12-21T21:49:00.001-08:00

I thought you might get a kick out of this news.

Bucharest (not Budapest) set a Guinness record, representing for the Holiday season. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7794716.stm

I was in Bucharest in October and I'm excited that this nation organized this event. There was so much poverty it was really tough to be there and see it. The darkness of Nicolae Ceauşescu's rule and reign over that country until he was murdered by the people is seen in the high level of poverty surrounding the "Palace of Parlaiment", the 2nd largest building in the world next to the Pentagon. Anyways, what a great way to hand out presents to people and set a record. Kind of fun for them.

Here in Budapest I've seen Santa in a VW and a Hummer. Both were pimp my ride nice. In a time of economic decline that's hitting the auto industry, it seems Santa upgraded his sleigh for a sleeker ride in Budapest.

Rest is the best

2008-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

All day long I've been lounging around my house resting without much of a care in the world. I made an incredible thing of Texas chili and can't stop chomping on it. I pulled out some books I have been wanting to finish, one of which is called "The Scottish Chiefs" by Jane Porter. Although it's a novel, it has been said that she was a true historian of this time period in Scottish history and that this book is one of the more accurate. One biography on her life notes that for this book "She took the cold facts of history and warmed them with the flame of her genius to a warm, throbbing story describing the intimate lives of her characters."

The primary character in the book is Sir William Wallace. Books have been written on his life and many tales have been passed down about him as well. Of course there's the famous "Braveheart" movie (which has some inaccuracies) that live on to tell the story of a noble Scot who rescued Scotland from the hands of England. I'm enjoying the read and of course all of the wonderful honor and nobility that these men portrayed in rescuing women, defending a country and living out great adventures for a nation that had been pillaged and raped of its destiny. Something in my soul cries out to live in more honorable times or atleast among honorable men and women that made up these hard times in the late 1200's. Believe me. I'm not saying I'd like to go back to those rough times. I much prefer the comfort of internet access in my living room and grocery stores down the street but hopefully you get the picture that it's nobility I'm after, a sense of honor and duty when living life.

Call me idealistic but I do believe in the nobility and honor of men and women. Many things have been lost along the way and robbed if you will of our identity and our capacity to live this way. That doesn't mean it isn't true and real and worth cultivating. I'm on a bit of a soap box for this maybe because I'm all caught up in the moment reading this delicious book but honestly I'm quite tired of the stuff that Desperate Housewives and Sex in the City is made of. Where's the fun in that? Such base living. There's got to be more.

And these are the thoughts on a restful day....Resting and reading is the best.

Well, here's to living and living well, laughing often and loving much.

Sifting through stuff and other random thoughts

2008-12-16T05:15:00.001-08:00

As I look ahead to some exciting changes for 2009, I sit here in Budapest looking at all the "things" I've collected that will no doubt be a part of the New Year clean out sweep for me. I'm excited to give away a lot of things that I really hold no attachment to anyways and downsize so that perhaps everything I own can fit into three suitcases when I travel back to the US in February. Is it possible? Well, I tell myself I've become a minimalist but we'll have to see how this goes. I'm hopeful though. Truly hopeful.

I'm learning something about myself. I like flexibility in life. I like being open to new things. Although I hold many traditional values, I'm not a traditionalist. I enjoy the surprise of the unknown, on most good days.

When it comes to this workout plan, I like being able to mix up the workouts and don't get too caught up if I'm not able to get everything done for the day that's on my workout list. I can always scratch it for that day and add it to another day. I'm talking about a training plan which includes 30 minute bike rides here and there and 4 and 5 mile runs. I'm trying to be ready for a 1/2 marathon in March and a Sprint Tri in April.

This holiday season is usually a bit reflective for me. I enjoy looking back over the past year and thinking about things. I enjoy praying and looking to God for his encouragement about the future and I enjoy living in the moment, realizing this is life. And I am fully living it and enjoying it!

Government bailouts the same as socialism?

2008-12-16T05:08:00.000-08:00

I haven't put an incredible amount of thought into this, but I'd like to consider how government bailouts on a federal level are basically another term for socialism. In a free market society where things either sink or swim on their own, you have to decide the levels of supply and demand and provide goods and services that people are willing to either save up their money to purchase at a later time, or spend their money in that moment to buy. The point is, people's wants and needs in a relatively afforded society give them the ability to manage their money and be responsible for what they want to purchase or not purchase and what they can pay for. They're not going to get in over their heads.

Unfortunately, corporate America has begun a spiraling process since the 1970's of thinking bigger, spending bigger, and producing bigger than what can really be afforded. Some things in history are interesting and understandable perhaps. Take for instance the bailouts of our national railway in the 70's. Airlines were just beginning to really take off and business nearly collapsed for supply and demand. However, national railways are somewhat of a connecting point for the nation and so the government chose to bail out the railway But when you get to the place where you're bailing out the car industry just to save jobs when there isn't a demand for cars, what's happening? This is beginning to look a lot like socialism. Not sure I like it or agree.

http://www.thetakeaway.org/stories/2008/sep/17/the-long-history-of-federal-and-corporate-bailouts/

2008-12-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

Lara (in the middle) recently moved back to the United States from Lithuania. She's the first to touch down. Lara and I have been friends for years and were once roommates in Los Angeles. She was living and working in Lithuania for a Christian church and ministry there and she finished her time last week.

Anna (on the left) is leaving tomorrow morning and I'm sure going to miss her. We were also roommates here in Hungary and we've had some incredible memories. It's so awesome to have someone who can share with you the memories you've had in a foreign land. I will miss her tomorrow. I will miss the laughter, the tears, the hilarious. She leaves at 3 am in the morning and my last act of friendship this side of the continent is to help her get out the door and to the airport with all her crap. Someday that will be me and I hope someone has mercy on me and helps me get my stuff to the airport too. Oh yeah, I am a minimalist and have become even better at this over the years. (Yeah, who am I kidding!)

I just have to say something about friendship. There's nothing like genuine, authentic friends who you can live with and encourage and have fun together and also follow Christ together!

Take care.

beautiful Budapest

2008-12-13T13:27:00.003-08:00

As things are winding down on campus and in the high schools for Christmas break, I've had a little time to do some things this past week. I've really enjoyed spending time with my friend Anna who is staying with me for her last week in Budapest. I'm so glad we became friends and were roommates for six months. She wanted to do a few things before moving back to Texas on Tuesday. One of my absolute favorite nights was earlier in the week when we went to the Christmas market downtown, got a glass of hot wine, which is a traditional Christmas wine with cinnamon and cloves, and then walked down by the Danube River. We took this picture while sitting by the Chain Bridge. She will be one person who will always understand the best and worst of Budapest and we'll be able to understand this experience, the people, the culture, the language when we move on from this place.

Anyways, this is the most famous bridge in Budapest. We've had some incredible times of laughter and nostalgia while walking the city. I will always think that Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Garlic dip addictions

2008-12-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

I can't explain to you the absolute and complete transformation that I've had in my attitude towards garlic. I am a mincing queen really. It doesn't matter what time of the day, I will eat almost any vegetable with this incredible garlic concoction that my friend Anna introduced me to. I absolutely LOVE it and I'm absolutely addicted.

Try it. See if you like it. Here's what you do.

Get a bowl and mince or chop into little pieces 3 cloves of garlic or more if you'd like.

Add olive oil - lots of it

Put 3 or 4 shakes of salt and 3 or 4 shakes of pepper

Wash some fresh broccoli or cauliflower or zucchini (or almost any veggie for that matter...It's great with tomatoes too.)

Happy dipping!! Make sure you get the chunks of garlic in each bite for the full affect.

All I have to say is that this is probably not the best way to get a boyfriend, but man is it ever delish!! :D

December's cold in Budapest

2008-12-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's been really cold in Budapest the last few days. Every time I get out and run or bike I'm absolutely and ridiculously freezing. I don't like the cold weather at all and I'm trying to find a face mask that I can wear to keep my cheeks from freezing off. It's actually really funny but I want to stay on track with training and if this cold weather continues like this, I don't see how I can do it without a face mask.

is it really December?

2008-12-04T22:52:00.001-08:00

I keep pinching myself when I realize it's December 5th. The colder weather is an indication for sure but I can hardly believe it. My favorite part about Budapest at Christmas are the lights that line Andrassy utca and the quaint, old Christmas market downtown. I also need to make my way over to the Danube and see the lights of the city that way because it's always beautiful around this time. I will have to take some pictures and post them very soon. Anna is coming to stay with me for her last week in Budapest and we are going to try and do all her favorite things before she moves back to the motherland.

Other than that, I'd rather be spending my nights and weekends with family.

Finding strength in His shadow

2008-12-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

"If you say, 'the Lord is my refuge' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.......Because they love me,' says the Lord, 'I will protect them for they acknowledge my name." Psalm 91: 9,14

You can say He is your refuge but you must make Him your dwelling.

What does that look like? How do you do that?

Dwelling - Not only is a dwelling the place you live or dwell, but when you dwell upon something - you think, speak, write at lenght about it. You linger in your thoughts on whatever it is you're dwelling upon.

What are you dwelling on these days?

My mind needs renewal and I find strength in His dwelling place.

A Noble Man

2008-12-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

In an effort to understand the opposite sex and to continue trusting God for a noble man, I came across this article that really encouraged me. All of us have our stories and I have mine too. In the end, I'm determined that the noble man exists and will pursue. It's only right and biblical. Unfortunately today I don't think men or women are being schooled in Biblical truths of pursuit. Instead most of what I see going on in the church is either entirely non-existent or looks like a dumbed down version of Sex in the City. What's happening? Well, call me naive or blindly hopeful, but I am trusting God to instill within the men of this generation a desire for nobility, to be men of intention, to stand out from the crowd and pursue.

The Noble Man by Carolyn McCulley, Author & Contributing Writer
Once when I was praying about a man I liked, the Lord
brought to mind the Scripture address of Isaiah 32:8. I
looked it up eagerly, and read: "But the noble man makes
noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands" (NIV). I had no
idea how to apply this Scripture to my prayers, so I waited
and watched. Over the course of time, I came to see that
this man was not being purposeful in our friendship, that
noble plans were not being made and the deeds I observed
were careless, not intentional. However, as I later studied
this passage, I saw several ways to evaluate whether a man
would be commended by the Lord as a noble man. This verse
concludes a passage about the kingdom of righteousness that
reads:
"See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will
rule with justice. Each man will be like a shelter from the
wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in
the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.
Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and
the ears of those who hear will listen. The mind of the rash
will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be
fluent and clear. No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected. For the fool speaks
folly, his mind is busy with evil: He practices ungodliness
and spreads error concerning the LORD; the hungry he leaves
empty and from the thirsty he withholds water. The
scoundrel's methods are wicked, he makes up evil schemes to
destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy
is just. But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble
deeds he stands." (Isaiah 32:1-8 NIV)
I realize this is a prophetic passage about the Messiah, and
not anyone's husband. But because here in Scripture we find
the characteristics of a noble, godly man contrasted with
those of a scoundrel, this is a useful passage for women to
study to understand what God calls godly.

A noble man (The scoundrel)
Is a shelter from the wind (Speaks folly)
Is a refuge from the storm (Mind is busy with evil)
Is streams of water in the desert (Practices ungodliness)
The shadow of a great rock (Spreads error concerning the Lord)
in a thirsty land (Makes up evil schemes)
Makes noble plans (Does nothing for the hungry, thirsty)
Does noble deeds
A noble man is a hiding place from the rough elements of
life, a man who offers protection and shelter. He does not
leave you exposed - either to ridicule or to harm. He is
refreshment in a dry place, bringing much encouragement. He
flows with streams of living water because he is a man of
the Word. He is shade in weariness - reflecting the strength
of the Rock, Christ. When a man is making noble plans toward
you, he wants to offer you covering. He will offer to serve
you, help carry your burdens, and pour the Word into your
dry soul. His deeds will be noble, not common. He will show
evidences of cherishing you, protecting your boundaries and
standards. He won't touch you like a common object, and he
will exert himself to care for you and to notice your needs.
Most importantly, a noble man is a submitted man himself. He
serves his King wholeheartedly and makes himself accountable
to other men. In my opinion, this should be one of the first
characteristics we look for in any man who pursues us. In
the happiest marriages I've seen, the husbands have other
men in their lives who observe them, offer correction, and
ask them how they are doing serving their wives and
children. Without that community of accountability and
authority, a couple has no one outside themselves to appeal
to for help in unresolved conflict. Author and pastor Andrew
Farmer writes:
"A woman should evaluate a man's respect for authority. In
our society, the godly man is most distinct from the worldly
man in the way he has put away prideful independence and
pursued humble submissiveness. A man who is independent in
his faith and does not seek the counsel and oversight of
pastors and other mature men, will be a failure as a leader
(and therefore as a husband) as defined by Scripture. See
the story of Abigail and Nabal for a sad example of an
arrogant man not worthy of his virtuous wife (1 Samuel 25)."

The Intentional Man
If you are fortunate, you know a few tested, noble men. What
remains is whether or not they are being intentional toward
you. The "problem" with godly men is that they are so
markedly different - gentlemanly, kind, attentive - from
most men in our culture that it's hard not to receive it
personally. I see that over and over again in my church as
new women join. Inevitably, one of the guys will offer to
walk a woman to her car after a meeting. These women usually
have one of two reactions. Either they will refuse the offer
because they think the guy is interested, or they will light
up like Times Square because they think he is interested.
What they don't know is that there is a third option: he's
not interested, he's just extending gentlemanly care.
Because they don't know the culture, it's easy to be
confused.
The point is, an intentional man makes his purposes known.
He tells you what he's doing, and where he's leading. He is
clear about where he wants the relationship to go. When he's
not clear, when he's not saying anything, when he's enjoying
the friendship but not moving forward - he's not being
intentional. Period. You don't see noble deeds because he's
not making those noble plans. You may have the greatest
friendship in the world, but he's just hanging out in it. In
fact, one man called this half-hearted testing of the water
"the buddy approach."
I know how tempting it is to hang out in these undefined
friendships, where the best you can get is a blurry,
part-time boyfriend. At least some attention is better than
none, right? Nope, sorry, I'm no longer convinced of that.
For one, I find it challenging to guard my heart and keep my
peace before God in these "hopeful friendships." I'm always
in danger of closing my fist-of-demand over the friendship,
instead of leaving this friendship in open hands before the
Lord. Second, it tempts the men to passivity, in my humble
observation. It provides them with the out of "Oh, maybe you
misunderstood me, we're just friends." If we women would be
better about guarding the amount of time and attention
invested in these close friendships, we might see our
reserve rewarded with pursuit instead of passivity. After
all, we don't want to manipulate the situation and then live
under one of the three things the Bible says makes the earth
tremble: "an unloved woman when she gets a husband"
(Proverbs 30:23).
When is a man interested? When he says so, and his actions
back up his words. Anything less is at best merely friendly,
and possibly even uncertain or inconsiderate. If he's a
noble man who's made noble plans, one of his noble deeds is
letting you know about it!
(A shout out to the guys still reading this column. See? It
really does come down to those three little words: Talk. To.
Her. I also hope you are not discouraged by the points
above. It's worth stating again: Perfection is not the
standard. We only want to see you taking biblical standards
seriously and attempting to apply them in your lives. I
often receive letters from guys saying there's not much
material out there for cultivating godliness as a single
man. Yes, it does seem that most materials are for single
women. Though I do not presume to fill that void - it's
better that you are equipped and discipled by other godly
men - I do hope that by eavesdropping here you've derived
some benefit and have some points to discuss with the guys.
We women are praying for you!)

Back in the Pest

2008-11-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

We arrived tonight around 5 pm from Slovenia where our team went for a team holiday over Thanksgiving. My Thanksgiving meal included vegetable soup that had no taste, a salad from a salad bar where the red beets were the best part, and a Margarita pizza with garlic that actually was very delicious. Turkey and stuffings aren't a big part of this last week in November over here in Europe. Darn it all. That's alright though, we had some very memorable times in Slovenia at this indoor water park, sauna, pool facility. I was sick the entire time and basically just slept on a long beach chair inside the indoor park or read books or listened to music.

I picked up a book by Ravi Zacharias, one of my favorite authors of all times, called "The Grand Weaver". I wouldn't say this book is the best of what he's written, but I definitely enjoyed it. There was one part that was absolutely amazing, In a chapter called “Your Disappointments Matter,” Ravi writes “at the end of your life one of three things will happen to your heart: it will grow hard, it will be broken, or it will be tender. Nobody escapes. Your heart will become coarse and desensitized, be crushed under the weight of disappointment, or be made tender by that which makes the heart of God tender as well.” Hoping and praying your heart is tender to what God is doing in your life these days.

I finally feel much better health wise and I'm looking forward to starting the training program again for a 1/2 marathon and a sprint triathlon - 2009 schedule is drawing near.

Sickness...yuck

2008-11-26T01:15:00.000-08:00

I really hate being sick. I hate it for several reasons but the most frustrating thing for me is not having energy to do what I want to do. I'm fighting this thing with all my might and this afternoon we leave for Slovenia. Just hoping I'll get better in the process. Lots of OJ, garlic, menthol cough drops, water. What else can a girl do?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Eat lots of turkey for me.

Pushin through

2008-11-21T02:46:00.001-08:00

The girls event is tomorrow in Budapest and it's going to be great. Lara and I have been pushing for the past two weeks to see these events come to pass and although I'm exhausted and a cold is trying to latch onto me, I'm fighting back with all my might. Lots of fresh OJ and fresh garlic and broccoli. Nothing like garlic breath to keep all the nasties away.

Last night was a lot of fun as a group of girls came over to wrap gifts and help set things up for Saturday. Because we can't get into the venue the night before, we are having to do set up for breakfast, decorations, registration and then sound and room set up all in an hour and a half tomorrow morning. Im hoping all will go smooth and I'm sure it will. It won't look anything like Lithuania. This one is in a small coffee shop and maybe 30-40 girls.

It's been so great to come to this point though. I'm very excited. I'm hopeful that as the girls hear a different message about beauty and as they hear messages, dances, dramas, interviews on dreams and relationships, their lives will be impacted and their hearts turned to Christ. Relationships with the girls will of course continue after the event but its in moments like these when things culminate into a special day that girls will remember and refer to as they continue on their path in the world. Praying they will see Christ differently and embrace His love. Thanks for your prayers most specifically for my health and my friend, Lara's health.

Good times in Bungary

2008-11-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

Anna has come up with a new name for Budapest, Hungary called Bungary. Anna, Lara and I have had a few funny moments traveling around the city this week. Excited about Saturday but no time to write. It's a dream come true to have Lara here and to host this event in Bungary for young women. I'll write more later. :D

Lithuanian treasures...

2008-11-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

With American friends Chey, Naomi and Lara on a bus to the children's center this week in Lithuania

Tonight I can't sleep but it's my fault. After the Straight Up Beautiful conference, we went back to Lara and Austra's apartment where Agne joined us for dinner and I made the crazy mistake of drinking two cups of coffee.....But our conversations were rich, deep, spiritual.

Over 250 Lithuanian girls came to the conference! Amazing. But some stand out --- like diamonds. Agne is one of the Lithuanian treasures I've met here in Kaunas. I'll have to post a picture of her later because I haven't uploaded all my pics. She has a powerful story of how she ended up where she is today. At 21 years old, she's seen a lot. Both her parents were severe alcoholics growing up -- the kind you find laid out on the side of the road. She said she has memories of being 6 years old and trying to get her mom up from outside a bar across the street from her house. Now, she's dating a great guy in Lara's church, leads worship, works with youth and is just powerful. At 5 feet, she's a powerhouse! Today she was our translator and she did an incredible job. Such a different experience from my time in Romania. I'm starting to get the hang of this.

The conference was truly incredible and I have to brag on my friend Lara a little. She is amazing to me! This entire thing is her brainchild, but actually I'm convinced it's something in the heart of God and she has found a way to make it real. The whole purpose behind straight up beautiful is to help define beauty differently according to God's truth, talk about the power of a dream and encourage healthy relationships. It's fun, girly, inspiring, and grass roots. Lara's dream is to see local girls get involved with the development and production of the event.

Here in Lithuania a group of girls found their place and expressed themselves. Such creativity and it was fun to see! Lara also invited a team of "models" to model "Street Fashion", and she invited a team of young dancers from the modern school of dance in Lithuania to perform. There was also a girl band who came and sang a powerful song about God's love. There were topical messages, times for questions, gift giveaways.

Can you believe that one girl from the states organized her church in New York to buy 150 MAC lipglass and 50 Laura Mercer finishing powders? There were other lip gloss, fingernail polish and a ton of other things sent for the cause. Amazing. The girls were given such a treat and so excited about it. Before we gave out the gifts, it was fun for me to get up in this bigger venue and talk about the three mirrors that will soon be a chapter in Lara's book. The three mirrors include pop-culture, self-judgment and God's word. By the end of the day, some girls were really being touched. After one talk on God's heart toward them as a father, almost 20 girls came up to receive Christ. It was so amazing! There are new Lithuanian treasures here now....

Jenna is another treasure who has been here for awhile. She volunteers with Lara in an after school program that the church sponsors three times a week in one of the poorest neighborhoods. Lara was teling me some of the really sad stories. Jenna also helps Lara at the womens rehabilitation center. That will break your heart! But wow, we had a special time there too, praying for these women and watching God heal their hearts. Jenna called Lara the next day to say that in their counseling times with their counselors the next day, everyone was crying and something was different in the girls. These girls are tough. They've lived a hard life.

My final treat was running with Austra, the Olympian. We ran for over 3 miles together through a foresty area near her flat and she took me on part of a trail that was....hilly. I was dying. Austra is Lara's roommate, and the Olympic athlete I blogged about earlier in the summer when I asked you to root for her during the Olympics.

Austra also shared at the conference and was interviewed about pursuing her dream to be in the Olympics. One of the questions was about how she handles success and failures since in 2004 she won silver and in 2008 she didn't. She talked about how she spends time looking in the mirror of God's word to get her self-confidence. She knows she did her best and that's all she can go by is God's opinions of her.

This week has been incredible! It will forever be a treasure for me. Tomorrow Lara and I will rest and then we fly back together to Budapest where we will host a smaller, but hopefully just as impacting, conference. Thanks for praying for that!

Following the plan, except for the swims

2008-11-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

So training is going well except for the swims and when I get to Lithuania, there's a track behind Lara's house and she said it's safe to run laps. Excited about that. As much as I'd love to be able to say I did it, I would be dying if I asked Lara's roommate, Austra to run with me. If she suggests it, that would be cool. I'd try and go for it and if I totally suck and she leaves me in the wind I'll just realize I've got a long way to go, but I won't give up.

Beautiful in Lithuania and Hungary

2008-11-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.unitytm.lt/

Early tomorrow morning, I'm airport bound once again and flying to Vilnuis, Lithuania. I'll be staying with my friend Lara and her roommate Austra. We will spend this final week getting the final details together for the Straight Up Beautiful conference next Saturday. Two American girls I know from Lawrence Kansas will also be coming. Can't wait to reunite with them too!
I'm very excited to see where Lara has been living this last year, to support her in this big production, and to see her roots. Both her parents are Lithuanian and moved to Chicago before Lara was born. So it's really cool to see her roots. Also, I'm really excited to meet Austra, the Olympic athlete I was telling you guys about in August. I just think that is so inspiring to be able to even make it to the Olympics. She holds two silver metals and has been three times, I believe. She'll be speaking at the conference about pursuing your dreams. I'll be talking about which mirror are you looking into -- the mirror of pop-culture, self-judgement or God's word to get your identity. It will be translated into Lithuanian and I just hope it goes smoothly. Amazing to think I'd have anything to say, let alone that what I would say would be translated into Romanian a few weeks ago, Lithuanian this week and Hungarian the following week. Thank God for translators and the fact that everyone speaks the language of love and kindness. I hope to extend all of that to the girls I meet this week.

Then, Lara will fly back with me and we will do it again in Budapest. There will be lots of things to tie together that last week when I return, but I met with a few of the girls involved today and I think we are on track. I'm excited about it.

I'm excited, nervous, still feel all over the place but i'm going to bed....after I do just a few more things. I leave my flat at 6:30 am and I'm getting really really excited about getting this message to young women in the nations.....

Is Obama the European Union's President too?

2008-11-05T13:11:00.001-08:00

By the looks and sounds of it, you would think that Obama just won the seat for EU president too. Everyone here in Europe is absolutely thrilled that Obama is our new president. I feel for the guy, personally. I've seen how he hasn't even taken office yet and he has notably started to turn grey. Why is it that the presidency causes men to go grey? Could it be the stress of the job? I mean the poor guy hasn't even taken office yet and Russia is threatening to cause problems in Poland and Lithuania, trying to "bully" the new guy and see if he moves. Add to that the global issues of the environment, things in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Middle East, not to mention the very personal events in the US regarding financial crisis....and yeah. It's enough to turn anyone grey. My thought is this. I need to remember to keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
-------------

So, I'm a little overwhelmed with details for Straight Up Beautiful in Lithuania and in Hungary but I'm sure it will all get worked out. Excited about it and excited about seeing friends in Lithuania. Better get back on the details for that....

In the meantime, the training plan is going great. I'm out the door this morning for a bike ride. Getting the swims in is the toughest thing for me at the moment. I've had a hard time getting back in the pool. But i"ll get there. I have to if I'm going to follow the plan. I have some events I'm looking at in 2009 and getting excited about it. I love having a goal to prepare for! That's the way I roll....:D

It's 5 am

2008-11-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

It's 5 am Budapest time and apparently still too early to tell?? I think it's around 7pm on the West Coast. I'm up and ready to find out who the next Prez will be.

One thing I find so interesting is the way our founding fathers created the Electoral College specifically as a check and balance for the smaller states. It hasn't failed us yet, but it is quite interesting when you actually realize that the 538 electors, who have mostly been appointed by our elected senators and representatives, are the only ones whose actual vote really counts in voting for president. But a lot of their decision is based on the popular vote of the people and the general feel of the political landscape of our country. I just find it interesting and I think it's actually another brilliant check and balance in our system.

I have a feeling Obama is going to win. If he does, my stance is this. I will support whoever becomes president and look for ways that I can get involved in my country. Right now that's a little harder since I'm living in Eastern Europe, but I can pray and I can get involved in the future. I'm sure I won't be here for another four years. In fact, it's becoming very clear that my departure back to the US will come in the next year. So, if I feel strongly, lets say, about abortion, I will find a way to volunteer at the CPC, which I've done in the past. If I feel strongly about some other social cause that I don't feel the president elect shares my views, I will look to get involved.

I really like this article by Breakpoint - a reminder that voting is just one of many ways to get involved.

http://www.breakpoint.org/listingarticle.asp?ID=5775

Ahhh, life.

2008-11-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Things have been really busy here preparing for two upcoming conferences, one in Lithuania and one in Hungary for Straight Up Beautiful. I'm excited but also very nervous about all the details coming together. I know it's going to be impacting and powerful in both nations, but I'm just believing all the little details will fall into place. I'm sure they will but you know how that goes when everything seems so scattered.

So far so good on the Hal Higdon training program. Granted, it's only day two on the new plan but I hope to keep it up. In three months, according to this plan, I'll be ready for a half marathon -- but I also added the components to train for a sprint tri so that the cross training days are days I'm training for sprint tri. I think it's going to work well -- if my back doesn't give out. I was starting to have a little back pain this weekend but I think it's because I ate so much and Hungarian food is SOO rich it just sits in your stomach. I had a great time in Northern Hungary with Nori and Peter. We visited an amazing cave called Aggtelek which is on the Slovakian/Hungarian border. As we were driving home, Peter and Nori tuned into the news to find out that a football match between Hungary and Slovakia that took place in Slovakia turned into a disaster when Hungarian fans went ballistic on Slovaks. Apparently there are animosities between the two countries. Then again, I'm finding that there are a lot of spoken and unspoken animosities between all these European countries. Interesting for sure.

So, I wanted to stay up and find out about the elections, but i have to meet someone at 7:30 am tomorrow to get some things printed for the Straight Up Beautiful event. That being the case, I opted for early bedtime and early rise. Also, that way I can wish BOTH my parents "Happy Birthday" since Nov 4th is their day. They are four years apart.

Revisited Hal Higdon's Half Plan

2008-10-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a city bike from a guy here in Budapest for $15. It's not Triathlon training style but nonetheless it's a bike and since I haven't been able to make it to spin classes with Lisa (which is an hour away -- in the boon-docks of Budapest), this bike was a perfect fit. I've been lamenting over the fact that it's not reasonable to buy a nice bike and then worry about shipping it over to the US. II didn't want to worry about returning with a bike, but other than borrowing Chris' mountain bike, I didn't see any options. So this was the perfect thing and it fell into my lap, not literally.

When I leave, I will bequeath it to Peter who has wanted a bike for a long time and will finally get his wish. In my mind, its a win win situation. The cost of the bike will be easily recovered n the equivalent of three hours of riding as three spin classes would cost $15 or more.

I also got inspired again to start training for a half and for another sprint tri this Spring. Since running the 5k in September, I've been hit and miss with training. I realized something about myself. If I don't have a goal in front of me and a training plan, forget it. Although I don't have any event in mind for the next several months, I pulled out Hal Higdon's Half training plan and added the cross training workouts from a Sprint Tri plan. Hope it works and I hope I'm not overdoing it. We shall soon find out. So far, so good. Needless to say, I'm excited about getting back on track and having a new plan, a new goal to shoot for.

Old and full of years....

2008-10-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I opened my Bible to the last few chapters in Job. I found some interesting and noticeable things in Job 40-42. To paint a brief backdrop of Job's life, He had just experienced the loss of everything that was meaningful to him in life. And, I think because of those circumstances and the pain of it, his vision of God was small. Even his friends who tried to help him understand what was happening had a small vision of God and didn't speak with understanding.

So in this chapter, it's as if God is contending with Job's mind to consider how incredibly great God is, despite his circumstances. I don't think Job lost complete faith in God but he was obviously curious about where God was in the middle of it all. It seems that his eyes were drawn lower, to the base realities that faced him on a day to day basis. And who can blame him? I've done the same thing for lesser losses. Job lost everything. He had nothing and his friends were quick to find out why this was happening to him. It seems to me in the final chapters of Job God wants to make a few things clear.

In chapter 40, God reminds us to look at even a few things in creation -- for example, the Elephant, which may be what is being referred to in 40:15, and its strength, its power, even visible in the tail and in verse 19 God says, "Yet it's Maker can approach it with his sword." Even though no one can easily capture it, God is no match for the strength of an animal we might fear. He goes on and talks of other animals in chapter 41.

What I find interesting is this is enough to remind Job of who God is. Just look at a few things in creation and it becomes clear. Our sights are low. Our view of God is low. And we need to see things clearly.

After this conversation, Job takes his eyes off the painful circumstances where he wonders where God disappeared to and instead see things from God's perspective. And I think that's the point. Sometimes our view of God is so little, so incredibly small, so dumbed down to the lowest common denominator. We have no idea of His majestic state, though we might get a glimpse here and there.

Job 42:1-6
"Then Job replied to the Lord: I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge? Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you and you shall answer me. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

As I read verse 12-16, I was amazed. "The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the former part.....
"Job lived....and died, old and full of years."

Sometimes I find myself going through circumstances that bring my eyes lower and I need to see things clearly once again. One of the responses will be the reality that we have been foolish in our thinking. Job realized this and repented or turned from this thinking in the hopes of being restored to a greater vision. Not only will God do it but every loss we sustain, He will multiply in blessing. I want my future days to be greater than what I've experienced and known this far. I want to die old and full of years of incredible stories and memories of God's goodness. I'm thankful for this little treasure this morning that reminded me no matter what I face, God is greater.

thank you DHL

2008-10-28T08:19:00.001-07:00

I don't like to complain, but I just need to vent.

Today was the last day to turn in your election ballot at the US Embassy here in Budapest where they would securely mail it for you free of charge. One of the benefits, I guess. Being a good American citizen, I researched a lot, especially for local candidates in Nevada that I had no idea about and I had my ballot filled out and ready to go this morning. It's a good 20 minutes to get to the Embassy and I made it there this morning. The Embassy is gated and guarded so you have to show your passport when you get there. So, I said "Good Morning" and showed him my US passport. The guard said, "You must come back between 1 pm - 4 pm for American services." I was a bit frustrated, but this is the day I'm using my voting power so I was also excited. I didn't really pursue the matter because he's a guard and I figured the Embassy was closed until 1 pm and I would figure out a way to get back during those hours.

I was able to come back later in the afternoon. I passed the guard, went through security, got a number and only waited a few minutes before seeing the attendant. When I took out my ballot, she said, "I'm sorry but our last package of ballots was mailed off this morning. We won't be mailing any more ballots."

"This morning? I was here this morning ready to turn it in but I was told to come back between 1-4 pm. Are you serious?"

"Yes, but the guards were instructed to take ballots this morning so I don't know why they didn't take yours."

"Are you serious? You won't be able to take my ballot and mail it? There's no possible way you have one last group going out?"

"No, maam. We sent the last one this morning."

This morning. I was at the US Embassy this morning. I showed the guard my US passport. The guards were instructed to take our ballots. Here's where government offices and administration goes bad. The US Embassy in Budapest is there to serve US citizens, right? All those who work for the Embassy should have this as their primary desire, atleast at a base level. Civil service, public service, just service.

It would have been obvious for me, I think, if I were a guard, knowing that elections are next week and a US citizen came to the gate to say "American services are from 1-4 pm unless you have a ballot. I can take your ballot." Instead, he led me to believe that all American services would be provided during that time and, as a civil servant, he had nothing further to say that could help the situation.

Are my expectations too high??

Oh, I was livid inside. Tears started to well up and I explained to the woman how important it is for me to vote and again asked if there would by any chance be anything she could do. Could she fax it? We looked up the State of Nevada, and they don't allow it to be faxed. So, she suggested I go down the street and send it DHL. It's really probably not the biggest deal in the world. But I ended up paying $50 to have my ballot mailed to Carson City, Nevada and I just need to vent because when I think of government entities such as the US embassy, I think of it as a refuge, a place to serve US citizens living overseas. Unfortunately, that didn't happen today in Budapest. Frustrated but I'm over it! Atleast I voted and now have a clear conscience going into the elections. Thank you DHL.

Romania 2008

2008-10-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

This was my first time in Romania. I flew to the Southern part and stayed in Bucharest, the capital. I remember before ever living over here that I used to get Budapest and Bucharest confused. There is no confusion once you've seen these cities. Budapest is absolutely stunning. Bucharest is quite impoverished still, thanks to the communist leader Nicolaeu C.

I went to Bucharest this weekend to meet with Ryan, the international director for a student missions organization that I am looking to work more closely with in the future. Romania has a swelling move of young people who are passionately loving Jesus and also feel called to go to nations in His name. So, Ryan and I stayed at the Pentecostal Theological School Dorms. That was cool. We met a group of great students there who are in their 2nd and 3rd year of study and had a great time hearing their passion.

The Christian culture in the Romanian church where the event was hosted was interesting. I'm always conscious of cultural differences and wanted to be sensitive to that. I'm glad I brought a skirt. I had to wear it when I spoke at the meeting on Saturday because ladies wear dresses and don't normally speak in church. Apparently it was a big deal to have me speak. But this pastor, Immel, was a bit more progressive. The pastor invited us to come and talk on Sunday in his church too and it was four hours long!! Wow. It was hard not to just people watch or work really hard not to take a snoozer, especially since the entire service was in Romanian except when Ryan spoke for 40 minutes and when I gave a brief five minute introduction to the work in Hungary- both of which were translated into Romanian. I think the pastor wanted me to speak longer because when I finished, he sort of looked stunned and brought up someone to do a special song -- I think the special song was a bit impromptu.....oops -- but I didn't have anything else to say. We had already been there for 3 hours. I'm a fan of quitting when you're ahead. I was sort of done. :D

In between the college conference and Sunday service, there were meetings with pastors and leaders across denominations who are working in Romania all talking and meeting together to see about advancing student mission work in Romania. That was cool and it was interesting to watch Ryan work graciously with these men from different organizations and churches. Loved that. Well, I basically had a throbbing headache the entire trip. I"m not complaining about it because I absolutely enjoyed my time there but I just have to explain why I think I had this ongoing headache. There were many reasons for this.

First, the language. It's SOOO different from Hungarian obviously and your brain just has to work overtime when you are in a culture that is not English-speaking. I appreciated the fact that some words in Romanian were familiar just because Romanian is in the same family of languages as Italian and Spanish but my head was still.....spinning.

Second, we ate at random times and really never very well. We started the days early and ended late eating in a way I'm not used to... It just wasn't the best scenario. But, our final afternoon, pastor Immel gave some of the guys from the school money to take Ryan and I to Pizza Hut, sort of as a thank you, so that was awesome!

Third, I realized my complete addiction to coffee. We were completely on our hosts schedule and so whatever they did, we did, wherever they were going, we were going. And no one really seemed to think about coffee. Well, we did ask one morning so we could get through the headache craze and the early morning and so I had a cup of.....coffee. No cream. I don't like sugar normally but I put it in there just to help a bit.

When I got off the plane late Sunday night, it was SOO good to hear Hungarian. And that's just not normal. But on this trip, there were Romanian and Spanish speaking young people and my head was spinning. I kept wanting to respond in Hungarian but that helped no one. Fortunately, many of the Romanians spoke English.

I'm glad I decided not to bring my running shoes. There's really nowhere to run in Romania. It was quite depressing to see the streets, building, everything. Lots of poverty and I actually found myself a little depressed about that one night when we were driving back to the gated campus. That was rough.

I really enjoyed the trip. Part of this was somewhat like a "scouting" trip for me as well - to talk with Ryan about future plans to work together. It looks like I will be working more and more with Ryan and his wife Kelly and this organization. I'm excited about it and the potential of seeing young people across denominational lines come together and live for Christ in the nations.

On my way out the door

2008-10-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

In just a few minutes I'll get on public transportation and travel about 45 minutes to the Airport. Not going to spend extra money this time to get to the airport quicker. I will use the time on public to finish a few things I had to do with my notes.

This weekend I'll be in Bucharest, Romania speaking at a college "Ignite" conference and meeting up with Ryan Shaw from SVM2. Very excited about this weekend but also a bit nervous. Not sure that I'm prepared completely but I'll just go and be myself. I guess that's all that God wants anyways.

My friend Anna and I were talking about whether I should go running. We both decided NO. Romania is not known for being the safest place. I have no idea what to expect, but one thing I'm excited about is that Ryan will be at the airport when I arrive. He is coming from Turkey. Not sure if I will get to meet his wife and kids, not sure if they are coming. We are staying in some dorms at a Pentecostal Center or something? Actually, I have no idea.

Oh the adventure of it all. I'm going to try and take lots of pictures. I appreciate your prayers!

Jen

A few highlights on London

2008-10-21T01:36:00.001-07:00

I've been to London four times in the last three years -- (but that's counting a long layover in 2005 on the way to South Africa when my friends picked me up and took me to Windsor Castle and back). So, I think that this is the first time I really got to see the sites. Other than Windsor Castle, Eton College and Imperial College in the past, this was the first time I stayed downtown, which made it so easy to hop on the underground and go anywhere. For example, one afternoon I met up with a Hungarian girl, Luca, who is living as a nanny in London. Her and I are pictured with the London Eye in the background. We visited all the sites around the Westminster tube stop, which included places like Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Big Ben, Parlaiment, and the River walk there.

Highlights for me on this trip were reconnecting with old friends and making some new ones. In two years time, there are a lot of things that can happen! People got married, had children, and some have moved around a bit throughout Europe. New people have moved into new places. Of course I really enjoyed the music. One of the pastors from Sweden had a kickin' band and they played one morning. They had the Scottish team play another time and then the London team. I was loving the variety and the music, period. I so miss that part of our services here in Budapest. We usually do one song or two but nothing in depth.

Another highlight was reconnecting with two girls, Liga and Inta, whom I met in Latvia two years ago when we did a Straight Up Beautiful event there. Since then, one of the girls has gone through an incredible amount of difficult thing. She's living in London now and found out I would be in town so we visited. Being able to speak life to her and encourage her felt sooooo good. We spent a whole evening together and I missed that nights session because I really felt it was important that we talk. Overall, the trip was great. I was really pleased this time and felt like I can actually say I saw London.

I also got a neighborhood run in one morning and ran past a building with a plaque dedicated to Winston Churchill as apparently he had lived in that building for 9 years of his life. That was awesome. Speaking of working out, I have been such the slacker since the 5K race. Nothing consistent, just hit and miss for me so I need to kick it back into start mode but I need a race or something to start training for. The next races I have planned aren't until 2009. I need something before December I think. If not, maybe I'll just create one in my head so that I have something to train for. I seem to work better that way.

London

2008-10-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not exactly sure what to expect while I'm in London but I'm excited about it. I'm not terribly excited about the tube, though.

The first part of the week, there will be Christian teams from all over Europe that gather for a time of encouragement, reflection, perhaps a bit of direction. Recently, a pastor in Europe who was battling cancer passed away. I'm sure this will be something we atleast acknowledge, if not bring into focus. Then over the weekend, we will have tons of students and campus leaders from all over Europe gathering together. I'm excited to see old friends and meet new people.

I'm bringing my running shoes but I'll have to feel it out. Not exactly sure what the neighborhoods will be like or where I'll be staying. This time, I decided not to stay outside the city with my friends who offered to stay in their home. I want to be closer to our venues and I'm just not ready to be on the tube that much every day.

In addition to the conference, I'm hoping to see a few places I have yet to see in London that are historical. Honestly though my highlights will be seeing Inta, a girl from Latvia I met two years ago at a Straight Up Beautiful conference and Luca whose Hungarian and moved over in the Fall to be a nanny.

I doubt I'll have much internet access but that's actually quite a nice thought.

Have a great week!

My blanket's in the dryer

2008-10-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

"Change is inevitable, except from vending machines." Unknown

I agree completely.

Growth, on the other hand, is not.

"We do not grow absolutely..... We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially..... We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations." Anais Nin

When I look back at the "layers" of growth in my life I think I've found that most of the time the catalyst was change and I usually fought it in the beginning.

As Marilyn Ferguson once said, "It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between that we fear . . . . It's like being between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to."

Right now my blanket is in the dryer. I've found myself with little to hold on to.

Periodically, I build these layers of reflection while in the midst of living my life. It's usually not real deep. It's more about the highlights for me. In between these thinly padded layers of contemplation and reflection, I'm busy spending my time actually living life-- up on the citadel; back down again. I've been to the mountain tops-- where hope, faith, joy, confidence and encouragement were my companions. I've also been to the valleys; where fear, doubt, discouragement and pain were stalking me. This life is much like a roller coaster I'm not sure I agreed to get on but it's one I don't think anyone has successfully avoided. There are ebbs and flows in life and the trick is -- don't let it allude you.

Why? Call it a chapter in a book, if you will. But there will be many, many changes for every single individual - both internal and external changes, controllable and uncontrollable, expected and unexpected -- until the day of death. The truth is you may have nothing to hold onto, but your answer is warming up. It's in the dryer. I'm not so sure that's the best analogy but let's just say, for the point of conversation, that every one of us needs a blanket or atleast something secure to hold onto -- and for the point of conversation, this would be like Charlie Brown's good friend Linus's beautifully blue blanket.

My blanket's in the dryer. It's warming up and although I'm excited, I feel a bit uncovered as I'm sure Linus would without his blue pal.

The last few years in Budapest have been rich with purpose, people and challenges as well. As I look at returning to the West Coast in 2009, I'm looking through a photo journal filled with glimpses of a life I've built here in a land that is far from home. Two and a half years is a long time. When you leave the things you've invested your life into, there's a part of you that realizes you are walking into a new place with nothing. No blanket. No experience to define you. Don't get me wrong. I actually despise the thought of needing an experience to define me. But how much will I carry back with me in that blanket? The people I've known, loved and carried in my heart will return with me but it will be different, just as it always is different when you leave one place for another. That, to me, sucks sometimes. I don't think I like that part of change.

My point of growth came this summer when I had to ask myself a very difficult question. As much as I love it here, did I truly forsee myself building and living in this place for a lifetime? No, I did not see myself living here for a lifetime, atleast not now. And staying any longer would only prolong the inevitable and be harder to tear away. When I look back to the time I first mentioned moving to Budapest, I casually said 2-3 years. And that's exactly what it will be - 2.5 years.

Yet, like a child, this is where I want my candy bar before dinner. I left my native born country to live among a people I'd only seen glimpses of in my dad's mom. Yet now I want to take them back with me. I was and still am brimming over with hope for a people I somehow feel connected to after almost three years. Letting go is never easy to do.

And then I realized something.

Because I'm leaving, there are Hungarians who will also be moving -- moving forward, moving on. Forward in their faith and in their weight within the context of our small Christian community. Anthony J. D'Angelo once said, "Become a student of change. It is the only thing that will remain constant." And I find I'm learning that this might be good. And then these words ring true. So the choice is mine. I must choose to look at the situation honestly and realize that not only my life but those I had hoped to build with here will be affected in a good way. This is how character is built, right?

It was Harriet Lerner who said, "Although the connections are not always obvious, personal change is inseparable from social and political change." It's here that I resolve myself to realize what once was understood to be merely a flat world later became clearly round. And the place that seems like the end of the road, at least in some of my moments of reflection, may also be the beginning of spectacular things. Yep. My blanket's in the dryer.

The responsibility of being an American citizen

2008-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Although I haven't lived in Nevada for over two years, I am registered as a permanent resident in Carson City thanks to the parents address. When I received the absentee ballot here in Budapest, I realized I had a lot of work ahead of me by way of researching and understanding what's going on in my nation -- not only on an international level, but within Nevada. I've been listening to the presidential debates and forming my opinions, doing some research on key issues, but having a harder time with state politics. Voting for a Representative in District 2 - Dean Heller is the only familiar name on the ballot, but I need to find out what his track record is in Nevada. Assembly District 40 - Barbara Parnell has been a long time leader, but has it been good? Couldn't tell you. There are two supreme court justice seats, the Carson mayor, board of education and school trustee positions. Without having the constant barrage of media coverage on the presidential election, let alone local politics, I've been left to my own research for facts about the issues facing our nation and Nevada. It's a bit overwhelming, actually, but I count it a privilege that I am a citizen of a relatively free nation.

So, I'll be spending the next few evenings doing some research. Anyone who has opinions and ideas about the Nevada seats, I would be interested to hear those or if you have good websites I can visit, even better.

Mobile Home.

2008-10-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

The light of dawn has yet to hit the pavement. My jazzy phone alarm goes off. I set the new ring tone for early mornings like these. Guess I was hopeful that the crisp sound would leave a nice imprint on my mind and wake me from my groggy state of being and plunge me into the new morning.

But alas, I fumble out of bed, longing for a few more hours of sleep. I head to the kitchen, flick on the hot water heater and prepare a few scoops of my favorite Italian espresso in a French Press -- I really enjoy that morning cup of java.

Morning always comes much earlier than I’m ready for. But it’s a new day. A new chance to love people and to keep my heart near home.

Home. Where is home?

Surely I am far away from home and family. Across the ocean and on the eastern side of Europe is not home to me. As much as I love it here, not much looks, smells or acts like home. I don’t speak the language and I don’t undersand the cultural innuendos. Something about home implies a comfortable familiarity with your surroundings. Their jokes are not my jokes and I often find myself thinking, "What's so funny?" Ways of thinking, ways of living. This is not my home.

The birds outside chirp enthusiastically. This is the sound I was looking for with my alarm. A simple reminder that I too have been given a voice to sing. Sweet and clear on this cold morning in Budapest, I embrace their sounds and hope that I too will be a sweet and clear sound. Sounds and sights in the morning. Sweet, crisp, fragile, fresh, innocent and ready to face the day are all those little birds I hear outside my door. And, as crazy as it sounds, I too am a bird. Birds may have nests, but do they have homes? -- a bird without a home. Birds fly south in winter. I too am finding myself looking for direction -- and I'm going west as the weather gets cold in Budapest.

On the Western side of the US, will I truly be at home? Familiar sights and sounds make life much easier. The sense of comfortable familiarity is strength for the day. But my soul finds little rest in an undefined place. There are old memories sweet to the taste and some bitter on the pallet of remembrances. What a mixed reaction when I consider going west. Anxious to embrace the familiar yet not wanting to get stuck in the drones of a place that has, so many times in the past, taken me far from home. I find in this melancholic moment a truth that I'm not always quick to admit. This place is also not my home.

And then I realize I will find my home wherever I find my heart.

Lord, I worship you. My heart is yours and in you alone do I feel at rest. And because of this, I sing like those birds. I sing and you hear me. Lord because you are my home, you also prepare a place for me wherever I go and whatever I do. I will never be satisfied looking to external circumstances and possessions for a sense of domestication. I'm your bird. And if sparrows are cared for with such detail, how can I worry about a home?

I can be anywhere, go anywhere, do anything – and you will always be my home. There's a sense of mobility that comes when I stay close to your heart - a mobile home in the essence of the word - that I can go anywhere, do anything, and I'm at home. You are my home.

My name is Johnny...

2008-10-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

Last night Anna came over again and we decided to make dinner. I had tons of veggies with fresh garlic which I'm really into sauteeing recently and I made my famous pasta pesto. Anna wanted us to eat raw broccoli bushes with her olive oil, salt, fresh garlic dippage and all I have to say about fresh broccoli in Budapest is that it's really bitter. Talk about organic girl, that would be Anna. I don't have anything against it, but I like steamed broccoli with lots of melted cheese on it. Much more my style, but since broccoli is a good source of fiber and you have to keep village earthy girl happy, we did try her dippage thing. I felt like I was eating little trees live with those broccoli trunks. I also had some chocolate chip cookie dough left over from Wednesdays high school english group and so we made a batch of cookies. Sometimes, I just love being able to stay inside and enjoy the simple things in life. Yet in those moments, it's all about your company. If you have good company it's a lot of fun.

Anna has become a great friend. She's great company. We chatted, practiced guitar and laughed at our personal jokes and antics. Then I got in the mood to watch a movie. Walk the Line was our best option as we have both really been in this guitar practicing, rock star mode, and decided a good dose of Johny Cash and June Carter was the answer. I love to read biographies and autobiographies so its no wonder that I love movies based on people's lives as well.

Watching the movie, two things came to mind. First, oh God save me from ever becoming like Johny's first wife. She didn't believe in him, always tore him down and I actually wondered - did she love him? I'm sure she did and that's a terrible thing to say but I guess I just realized that life does get hard and things happen and people change and pursue dreams and I would hate to ever be the woman in a man's life who tore that guy down or didn't believe in him, inspire and encourage him.

Second, I loved the part when Johny first went into the recording studio and the guy basically said that music should be about passion -- and what would you sing if it were the last song you had to sing?

Sometimes I get so sad about my musical inabilities but I don't have nearly enough time to put into learning guitar. I want to though. Isn't it amazing how much an instrument can stir the deepest crevices of your soul, especially when you're creating something from nothing? Anna and I had fun with that aspect of the guitar and we've been information sharing.

Jersey Girl with Ben

2008-10-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight I started watching Jersey Girl when Anna came over from her Russian lesson. The Russian consolate is just around the corner from my house so now on Fridays she comes down from her neighborhood which is about 45 minutes from where I live to study Russian. So I put the movie on pause and we went for Pizza at Pizza Hut. All I have to say is that Pizza lovers is the best! All that delicious pepperoni that tastes like real pepperoni. So great. Then we walked back down Andrassy street talking and laughing. I came back and finished watching Jersey Girl with Ben Afflack. So sweet! What a sweet movie.

Anyways last night we "sort of" went to the Opera. She was given tickets by one of the parents to see "Gone with the Wind" but we were gone with the wind after the first act. I had seen it a year ago and she wasn't that interested to sit through the whole thing so we were hasta la vista.
Everyone needs a fun friend like Anna.

Unexpected.

2008-10-10T03:48:00.001-07:00

UNEXPECTED AND UNPLANNED FOR - Temper tantrum. Yep. That's right. I had one as a grown up this morning. Although I withheld myself from flailing on the floor, tears were not beneath me on this one. So unexpected too.

UNEXPECTED AND RELIEVED - London trip is paid. I was really stressing about the next few months and all the traveling responsibilities that are no my plate. Just like that and unexpected, my London flight is paid for. Unexpected blessing.

UNEXPECTED AND WIERD - Reconnecting with high school friends. Blast from the past for sure. So unexpected.

What other unexpected things are just around the corner?

quadrangular

2008-10-09T04:19:00.001-07:00

Quadrangular. Yes it's a word. Just came across it while studying an online personal trainers course. Basically, this is the shape of tissue in your muscles surrounding your heart. Interesting fact, no?

Music is the latest adventure I want to conquer.....

2008-10-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Renea is giving me guitar lessons and letting me borrow her electric guitar to practice on. So cool! I feel like a rockstar but at this point I'm so bad that I'm practicing basic chords and rhythm. My first lesson was basically just learning how to play the G,Em,C, and D chord with some rhythm. I clipped my nails and started building up callouses already. So thankful that she's letting me use her guitar. It's funny but over the past two years, I've used their guitars, their bikes. They sure are going to get a lot less use when I'm gone!! ha ha.

On Saturday night I had a get together at my house with some friends and invited my new middle eastern/italian friend to come and bring some entertainment with his setar. What an interesting instrument. It was amazing to hear him play. I felt like I was right in the middle of the middle east as he effortlessly played this amazing Persian instrument. I started thinking once I get to a good place with the guitar, maybe I will look into getting a setar. They are incredible both in sound and this particular one was hand crafted and gorgeous. I fell in love with its rivets and strings. The sounds this instrument plays! Amazing.

In a great place

2008-10-06T04:16:00.001-07:00

This morning I woke up so thankful for everything, not wanting to take anything for granted in this life.
Thankful -
-for breath in my lungs
-good health
-family
-friends
-travel
-music
-worship
-a heart to love others
-eyes to see others
-ears to hear others
- a mind to think, consider
-hands to paint with, try to play guitar, cook, enjoy life
-feet to walk, run, bike
-food in my fridge
-clothes on my back
-words of life spoken directly from God's heart to mine
-new perspective
-renewal of the soul
-that pain brings us closer to the things that are most important
-that God is sifting through my heart and bringing forth the most important things

I'm in a great place.

Ghoulish or Goulash

2008-10-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

You know you've been in Hungary too long when you get an email that says "100 Days of Holidays - 30 Ghoulish Halloween Recipes."

No Jen, that's not 30 different goulash recipes ok?

Have you that quickly forgotten that in your home country right now in possibly every grocery store and gas station Halloween paraphernalia is in every corner? Yes, this would be the ghoulish holiday called Halloween.

thoughts

2008-10-01T13:06:00.001-07:00

With little time to write, I just want to say three things.

1) Salsa lesson tonight was a lot of fun. I have a new dance partner and its so great when you can lose all dignity and just step out and do something that is uncomfortable but enjoyable. That's what makes a great dance partner is someone who doesn't take the whole thing to seriously, can laugh when I step on his toes, but stay focused enough to figure out and enjoy the dance. Anyways, I went directly after English conversation club tonight, which was also a lot of fun. We had about 10 people and although the topic was deep on the origin of man, there were some great discussions after watching some video clips and interviews on the topic.

2) Reno was recently in the news for their homeless "tent community". I had no idea. Did you?
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/09/19/tent.cities.ap/

3) I'm still fighting head congestion and have left a workout plan I had in the dust. It's time to revamp and regroup. I will say that I am---mostly---eating healthier. Do banana muffins count?

the $700 billion bailout

2008-09-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

I'm just now starting to get in touch with the western world as I read this article. It's so strange not being in the US to hear an American perspective on it all. At the same time, it makes our economic situation that much more of a global issue as I sit here in Budapest reading about what's happening in the US and the world.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26876718/

banana muffins and cinnamon

2008-09-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

I just made THE most PERFECT banana muffins I've made in a long time. I'm going on my 3rd one right now and I feel very little shame about it. Actually, I'm even debating a 4th. These suckers are so good and they are beautiful. I had to capture it for you so you'd have a mental picture. :D

Anyways, the recipe I semi-follow is Bree's Banana bread recipe and it calls for cinnamon. I ended up putting way too much in there but they turned out great. And then I just learned there are medicinal properties to cinnamon. Did you know that ---

Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.

In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

So, I think I'll be adding a bit more cinnamon in my food and I was thinking about it earlier today while sauteing veggies that I think I want to take a few professional cooking lessons. How cool would that be to learn how to cook a few really nice meals. I'd like to do that. I think I'm a fairly decent cook but I want to expand my horizons and learn a few cooking techniques. That would be so cool.

These are my thoughts -- all inspired by cinnamon.

Goodbye to Texas

2008-09-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Last night we said goodbye to the Texas team at Jeff's house. We had chili and cornbread and our new student friend in a red sweater from campus joined us too. He's a muslim and was observing Ramadan until the sun went down. He's a really great guy and I'm really hoping and praying that God does some amazing things in his life in the future. It got me thinking of how much dedication many muslims have and something was stirred inside of me. Where is my passion? Where is my dedication to Christ? I want a fresh passion, a fresh love, a fresh devotion to the greatest God and creator of all. As soon as that sun went down, he was chili chompin' with the rest of us. He told us he's not one to observe the meat restrictions.

Anyways, we had a great week. Lots of awesome things happened and I can't wait to see what takes place in the future here in Budapest. One of the songs that Tyler sang over and over again was a song by Chris Tomlin called "God of this city." So awesome. I'm going around singing it and when I think of any nation in trouble these days, this song comes to mind. Here's the you tube clip.

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Can't wait to get back into a normal schedule. Hope you have a great week.

Coldplay in Budapest

2008-09-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I started making plans to see Coldplay in concert with some of the Hungarian students. About a month ago we went to the ticketing offices and there were no standing tickets left. I didn't care and I was more than willing to get a seated/assigned ticket but none of the students wanted it so they were going to check on iwiw (the Hungarian affiliate to facebook) and see if they could locate some extra tickets. It never happened and I figured since Coldplay was going to be here the week that the Texas team was here that maybe it just wasn't meant to happen and I'd have to catch them another time.

Well, Tuesday night, at the last minute, a handful of the Texas team really wanted to go see Coldplay. We finished the evening, were grabbing a bite to eat and then some people started talking about it. Of course I was all over that! But the question was whether we could get tickets. We were 10 minutes away by metro and the concert had started a half hour earlier. Seven of us took the chance and went for it. Here's a quick video shot and some great pictures! I LOVE the picture of Ali, Nathan and Andrew after we got tickets and were running to get in. I tried to upload a quick video from the camera, but it wasn't happenin'. You probably would have got sick by all the moving around I did in the first minute anyway. :D

Listening to the Presidential Debate

2008-09-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

So tonight I chose to stay behind and rest and not join up with the Texas team for a Hungarian pancake dinner. I've been at everything all week, so I figured it was fine to bail out tonight. I was exhausted and had the chance to sit in bed, read a bit, and listen to the presidential debate from last night.

All I have to say at this point is that I really like McCain. I like him a lot. He's the man. He's solid. I think my vote is starting to cement.

The week

2008-09-27T04:46:00.000-07:00

It's been great to be in the city of Budapest with the Texas team. We've met so many interesting people and I truly believe that some of them are going to be around for awhile. I think one of my highlights was Tyler playing at Erzebet Ter where tons of kids- and street kids hang out. We were giving away free pepsis and waters and doing a survey. It was a lot of fun to engage with people and just enjoy the music in the background. We were going to try and set up Guitar Hero the last afternoon but I guess they were having technical difficulties. I had a chance to connect with some university girls and we had some great conversations. One girl lives in London and I'm going to try and connect her with another Hungarian girl I know there when I go to London next month.

It's interesting to me how universal music is and how it opens so many doors in life. We had a lot of fun with Tyler playing in a few pubs and a cafe and at one point we were the vagabonds because after Tyler played at one pub, the next band that followed had a cover charge so our group decided to walk the streets for a place to eat. We had some university students hanging out with us and I was amazed that after walking for 15 minutes, we still had a crowd. Finally, we settled on this pizza place and by that time only a few students remained, but we had a great time and some good relationships were created.

If you get a chance you can check out his music on my space (Tyler Dodds) and if you like it, download from itunes.

Have a great week!

It's 6:41 am

2008-09-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

and I'm contemplating a quick run. I've got running earmuffs on, doubled up on the pants and I'm wearing a few layers. This would officially be my first run in the cold since I didn't make it out yesterday.

Had a great time with the Texas team. They are such a great mix of people and ages. I love having teams that are not just college aged. This is a good mix with a few couples too and they are great. We went to an italian restaurant last night called "Viapanos" where they have this really cool card they give you when you first walk in and that's your pay card. Then, they have three lines, one for pizzas, one for pasta and one for salads/antipasta dishes. Everything is fresh - all the pasta is made right there that day. You can see it happening. Same with pizzas. I want to open a few of these in the states. i really think it would do well. The tables are wooden blocks and in the middle of the table are small plants with baisley, parsley and other spices that you can pick off the tree and add to your food. They grow the mini-plants in the back of the restaurant in a greenhouse. It's soo cool.

Today is going to be a lot of fun. We're actually going to get out on the streets and meet people, do surveys, talk to students on campus and in some of the city center squares. Tyler Dodds is going to play his kickin' music and a few of us are going to share our stories of how we came to Christ -- on a loud speaker. Can't believe I'm actually doing it but I'm excited about it.

It's so good to have Jodi and Emery and Andrew and Ali back. They are such great people and I love getting to hear their stories of life, how they met their spouses, how they became Christians, etc, etc. The Texas team rocks. They are from the town that George Bush grew up in (Midland, TX) and apparently, his house where he grew up is a tourist attraction now.

I'm out the door for another eventful but fun day.

my goal

2008-09-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

i can make it out the door and start running by 6 am tomorrow. it's my goal. i'm going to do it. training for the next event must start now.

music, guitars and Tyler

2008-09-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

I had the strangest but coolest dream this morning. Don't know if I can fully describe it -- simple but powerfully encouraging.

My sister and I were laying on a bed, talking and singing. She was singing a worship song that, I could tell, was a song everyone knew. It was something I knew enough to sing along and as it came to one part, I sang the song so loud and so strong and then I began to sing words that were not part of the song but fit with the song very well. I woke up wanting to have my babysitting job back -- I miss the guitar and learning some chords. I want to write music that expresses my soul to God. I know SO little about it, it's ridiculous, but I want to develop it. This would take a lot of discipline. I don't know that I have what it takes or that I want it that bad. I sort of just want to piddle around on it and have fun.
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Funny and revealing story. My friend Anna and I were talking yesterday about guitar. She's starting guitar lessons and I actually asked Renea to teach me guitar. Then Anna asked me about a picture I posted to facebook and she goes "So how did you play the guitar left handed?" I laughed so hard because although I have one picture of me playing normally -- which is right handed, I took a few of me playing but I just grabbed the guitar and wasn't playing----truth is, I'm a poser. I was posing. :D The truth is I had been playing earlier normally but at that brief moment I wanted a picture. I know....

We laughed so hard and then all night long while listening to music and talking we kept playing everything left handed. Yes, I'm a big dork and I have a lot to learn when it comes to guitar. Oh well.
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Tonight the team arrived from Texas and we went for dinner and introductions. I got to talk to Tyler and Chris, who have been friends since college and used to play in a band together. More recently, Tyler is doing really well. It was great to hear how he writes music and how he had to be disciplined, practicing 6-8 hours a day at one point. Wow. That's discipline. He's going to be playing in some pubs and cafes here in Budapest and I'm really excited about it. All of this in light of my dream last night. I'm inspired, but I have no guitar to practice with. Bummer. Wish I could transport my guitar from Nevada over here to practice for awhile.

Check out Tyler's music. Should be great to mix it up on the streets of Budapest.
http://www.myspace.com/tylerdodds
http://www.tylerdodds.com/v4/

today in Isaiah

2008-09-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

I've been the biggest of slackers for working out this past week but I keep telling myself that the long walks I took last week to show Liz the city will have to make up for it. We did hike up Gellert Hill and walk ALL over the city.

Next week is going to be crazy walking and hosting and early mornings/late nights too. Not sure how many workouts I'll get in unfortunately. Now that I don't have a bike and finances are low making it difficult to get to the swimming pool, my training consists mainly of running. Have I mentioned it's my least favorite? But, stuck in this corner of only being able to run, maybe that's a good thing as the next few events I'm looking at are running events.

All this has shown me that there will always be seasons in life and sometimes you do better than others with different things. Right now I'm feeling unmotivated to run, run, run. I would much prefer to have a bike and mix it up on that or get to the pool. Well, enough complaining. For the next 5 months I just need to focus on running and quit complaining. I think I'll still be able to get a swim or spin class in here and there but it won't be consistent and I like consistency in training plans :D
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This morning I read a scripture I’ve read a thousand times before in Isaiah 54:10-11.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed says the Lord who has compassion on you. Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels and all your walls of precious stones.”

What noteably struck was the strength and tone these words deposited in my soul.

Have you ever felt as though the mountains of life were shaking around you, things about to come tumbling down? Sometimes when you’re left with yourself, it looks a lot like an afflicted city. Houston comes to mind at the moment. In my soul, there are times that Hurricane Self reaks havoc inside and I realize what’s deep within.

William Law once wrote, “We may justly condemn ourselves as the greatest sinners we know because we know more of the folly of our own heart than we do of other people’s. Therefore every sinner knows more of the aggravations of his own guilt than he does of other people’s, and consequently may justly look upon himself to be the greatest sinner that he knows.”

I’d like to say that I experience more of these times of self-reflection because it always leads me back as part of life’s journey to a place of faith. I'm not one of those people who gets stuck in it all....I find my way back to a good place but the process of recognizing where I am and where I want to be is good for the soul and that’s where I came this morning.

“….yet my unfailing love.”

Unfailing – constant, reliable, dependable, steadfast, endless, undying, unfading, inexhaustible, indefatigable, boundless, tireless, ceaseless.

I realized how quickly I come to the end of my reserves on my own. I get frustrated, irritated, overwhelmed and tired. My love for others is not constant but actually quite particular and picky. I’m not reliably full of genuine concern for others 24/7.
The past two days I found myself absolutely exhausted. Fatigue was high and personal reserves were low. It's amazing how different the world looks in these moments. Everything becomes dark and you wonder, where is the light? Things that would normally not even rock you tend to set me into a spiral of negative thoughts and emotions. And then I get to this place.

What kind of love is this that actually strengthens my frame and builds me up? I can only imagine in a relationship when both people are really in tune to each other and "on it" -- there to encourage and build each other up. It's that kind of encouragement to the soul that I found this morning from God and His word to me. What I found particularly striking is that as much as I've tried in the past, I cannot get this fuel “within myself” or even from my greatest friends and family. God alone holds this unfailing love and its in the face of this relationship that I’m strengthened. He is the architect of my life, designing, creating, inventing and building my life as I let Him. He is my companion, my partner in life. And it’s his unfailing love that I’m anchored to deeply and knit to that place of strength. I cannot get away from it, as hard as I may try or as long as I may go from it. He is there. He is strong. And I’m thankful. I’m thankful for his constant, reliable, dependable, steadfast, endless attention and love. No one else could ever take His place but together we can walk towards Him in life and encourage one another to go to Him as the source of life. I am so thankful today and actually refreshed as I bathe even just an hour in these truths. Amazing.

today in pictures

2008-09-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

INDIA
A vehicle windscreen is left shattered after a grenade explosion in Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir.
ENGLAND
Supporters want to save this giant oak chair in Dartmoor, England, which is under threat of demolition.
CHINA
Paralympic marathon competitors race through the Chinese capital, Beijing.
FRANCE
Workers harvest grapes in the wine-producing district of Herault, southern France.
ISRAEL
A group of anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Jews take part in a protest against Israel's construction of a separation barrier in the West Bank town of Nilin.
USA
The largest power failure in Texas history continues to leave thousands without power thanks to Hurricane Ike.

the next prez

2008-09-17T03:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend:

We don’t know who it will be, but I know one thing, in this, the greatest country in the world, whoever is elected President in November will need our prayers.

Shortly after taking office, President Harry Truman said to reporters: "Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now.” Truman understood the importance of prayer to the presidency.

Our new president will face a huge job and will bear the weight of incredible responsibilities including:

303,824,640 residents—each with an opinion
A budget of $2.568 trillion in revenuesand $2.73 trillion in expenditures
A debt of $ 9,697,453,381,850
3,537,438 square miles of land
12,380 miles of coastline and 7,476 miles of borders with Canada and Mexico
The world's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India)
A government constituency of 50 states, over six time zones and an additional five territories, coordinating efforts with 55 governors
A Congress of 435 representatives and 100 senators, some members of his party, some not
1,436,642 members of the Armed Forces of which he is Commander-in-Chief
A workforce of 153.1 million
An unemployment rate of 6.1% and 12% of the population living below the poverty line
Don’t you agree—our new president will need prayer? We have an opportunity to give that support in prayer right now, knowing that God hears our prayers and will work, in His sovereignty, to prepare all things for the next occupant of the Oval Office.

Will you agree to pray for the next president in the coming days? There may be no greater act as a citizen that you could perform.

Sign up HERE, and join your efforts with millions of caring Americans.

Be sure to forward this email to as many people as you can. We want to build the committed group praying for the Oval Office’s next occupant. Thank you for your care, concern and for your prayers.

Sincerely,

John Lind
President/CEO
The Presidential Prayer Team

I couldn't post the link but you can go to the Presidential Prayer Team website and sign up if you're interested.

the weather

2008-09-16T23:14:00.001-07:00

Two days ago, there was a dramatic change in the weather. Cold rain and wind seemed to sweep through Budapest. It hasn't gone away and neither has the cloud cover. Fall/winter is here and although I don't mind it, it came on quite suddenly. A lot like all the things I keep reading about that are happening in the US right now -- from Houston's Hurricane Ike to the mortgage and financial markets. Like I said before, I'm a bit nervous that I'll be overseas while we elect a new president.

just peachy

2008-09-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Having lived overseas in Budapest for 2 years now, there are a number of words I've discovered along the way that mean things that are quite ironic. Other words sound terrible in Hungarian because the English counterpart is aweful.

This morning I learned that Barack means peach. Is Barack Obama a peach? I'm thinkin' NOT. The most frustrating story I recently heard and read about was when Obama wouldn't wear a pin with the American flag. That wasn't frustrating but his comments were something like "We show our patriotism with real actions, not by wearing a pin." Fine enough. Then, when he had the opportunity to visit troops, he opted instead to go where the press would follow which was him working out since they weren't going to film him with the troops. I find that ironic and not too peachy if you know what I mean.

Hungarians try Mexican food

2008-09-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

So after our high school events today, I made my way with laptop in hand to Arribas where there's free wireless and I can enjoy a bit of semi-American (albiet Mexican-American) culture while getting things done. It beats going home and getting distracted with the things I need to get done there especially when I had emails and posters and administrative details to catch up on this afternoon.

I'm such a people watcher and today it brought such a huge grin to my face as I watched an older Hungarian family make their way into Arribas. Two daughters (probably in their late 20's) were obviously treating their parents (in their early 60's) to a night of Mexican food. The girls introduced their parents to everything, including large horchata milks, the chips and salsa and the burritos. As they awkwardly looked at and ate the Mexican food, I heard "finom" "finom". This means "delicious." They were engrossed in the food and it was adorable.

Adorable.

Hungarian meets Mexican.

Arribaaaa!!!!

House guests

2008-09-13T01:31:00.000-07:00

This morning I said good-bye to Nona, my two week house guest who taught me everything there is to know about being a vegetarian, although this is something I could never do. I love meat too much. But, I did learn to cool lentils, and they are mighty tasty, I must say. As she left me this morning at 6:30 am, I told her i would carry on the tradition of healthy eating. I really do hope to do that. It was great to learn and watch her in the kitchen all the time. As we were leaving she said, "I'll miss you" to which I replied, "No you won't. You'll just miss my kitchen." I can see how rock stars kick their booties into shape. If you had a personal trainer aka personal chef aka personal Nona, you'd be doing just fine. Nona's the one who taught me some other things about Sprint Tris and bicycles. I still have a lot to learn. Wish her well and pray for her as she jumps back into the world of all things hard core in NYC. That lifestyle is DEFINITELY not appealing to me anymore. I once thought I wanted to live in New York. Now that Nona has informed me as an insider, no thanks.

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My next house guest arrives in a little over two hours. Just enough time to clean up Nona's mess and get on with living. (If you're reading this Nona, don't kill me but you left a mess, especially in the juicer!!)

Liz is a girl from Carson City where I grew up. She's actually my little sisters age and went to school at St. Theresa's with her. I don't know her well at all but she asked to stay here and I feel so thankful and fortunate to have the place I do that it's no problem to give up my couch now and again. Although I must say I haven't had any "couchsurfers" I've definitely had a wide open door to friends and acquaintances recently.

Liz leaves on the 18th but promises to be self-entertained which is a good thing because this week will be busy. Then I have two days to rest before the Texas team arrives. That's going to be a week of non-stop awesomeness in Budapest.

I do love this city and the people. I wish I spoke the language more fluently but that will never happen. I've given up hope and lessons.

the power of punctuation.

2008-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

confusion and irritation

2008-09-10T23:56:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I was telling someone else about the ipersonic test and how fun it is. Well, after going through the four steps my results came back as a Laid-Back Doer. In an attempt to get back to the Groundbreaking Thinker I really thought I was, I took the test once again and my result was the Spontaneous Idealist.

I'm confused.....and irritated.

I'm glad I know who I am but come on people. These tests are supposed to give you a little more insight into your soul and apparently I have the soul of three. All three descriptions fit in their own ways. That's a bit confusing and irritating, actually.
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Yesterday on my 4 mile run, I took in the beauty of the changing seasons. Leaves were scattered everywhere along the path and a cool breeze met me along the run. I love this change in weather.

learning English

2008-09-10T01:19:00.000-07:00

I meet with a high school girl every week for an english lesson. She's preparing to take an intense intermediate course for English in November. She has to be prepared to talk on 26 different topics and she's not sure which one they will pick. As I'm correcting one of her essays on housing/living arrangements, two new English words appear. I've never heard or used either - masionette and larder. Before you look up their meanings, have you heard of these words? Can you guess what they mean?

Oh yeah! Let's Hear it for the Red Sox Nation.

2008-09-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080908&content_id=3439344&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos

Indian summer

2008-09-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Apparently, an Indian summer is "a period of unusually dry, warm weather occurring in late autumn" and that's exactly what's taking place here in Budapest at the moment.

The result is that the streets smell worse than normal, people are irritable, hot and sticky and all around it's miserable. I took a shower this morning before church and was out of the house until around 2 pm. When I got back to the flat, I felt like I smelled so bad and wanted another shower! My friend Anna has OCD because she won't touch anything and gets sort of freaky-deaky about touching things. I figure just always have hand sanitizer in your bag. Nona, the girl who is staying with me until Saturday, had the right idea and had the light off in the kitchen when I got back while checking internet. I moved my bed back up to the loft a week or so ago, thinking it was finally cooling off as there were a few cool mornings but it's not about to cool down. Apparently not. :D

I just took a shower again and I'm out the door to meet Nori and Dori. We are going to transition all the responsibilities Nori used to have for the Foundation to Dori. Dori just got back from working for the summer in Yellowstone Park and I'm looking forward to hearing about her adventures in the USA. But I'm not looking forward to stepping back outside into the hotness. I walk and take public transport so vehicles with air conditioning are not an option for me. Oh well. This is the price I pay. It's really not that bad. I just wanted to let you know we're experiencing a very hot Fall at the moment. Maybe it's global??? I'm ready for the cool Fall breezes to blow through Budapest.

The elections

2008-09-06T06:56:00.001-07:00

Although we are not fully through the gauntlet of interesting political games, I got this sinking feeling in my stomach this afternoon as I started thinking that in less than two months the American people will have elected a new president. Less than two months! As the world looks on (and don't kid yourself people, they are looking), so much will be determined even on an international level through this.

On the one hand, why should we care what people think of Americans? On the other hand, we hold a certain level of responsibility -- first and foremost to our people -- and second to those places on the globe where our decisions influence regional societies and governments. Here in Europe recently, there has been quite a bit of talk about Americans, some positive and some not so positive.

I'm still quite undecided in all my thoughts on candidates for both major parties. And what if I just decide to vote independent? I've always felt that was throwing away a vote. Not exactly sure I want to do that either. It's tough thinking about who will be best on both a national and international level.

Tonight

2008-09-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight after teaching English to Lilli, I met Anna (aka village girl) in Ujipest and we tried to find a place to eat dinner. Other than the dirty gyro stand on the side of the street, things were looking pretty slim. Finally we asked a lady in a mini-mart and she recommended this place a few blocks away called the Old Fisherman in Hungarian. It was actually delicious food -- buttery potatoes and breaded fish. Something about village girl -- I always find myself laughing when I'm with her. This girl has pretty much mastered the Hungarian language, and is now talking about taking Russian and Italian while she's here in Budapest. Who is she? She's trying to rope me in as well, but I'm not convinced at this point in my life that I want to start studying a language I will probably never use, although Italian is sort of romantic and would at least be in step with my Italian roots.

Tomorrow morning I'm running the Breakfast Run on Margaret Island. Although I'm a bit disappointed in my lack of preparation for the half marathon I was planning to run on Sunday, I'm excited about the 5k. I actually roped a few others in with me. It will be nice to get out to Margaret Island again before the weather gets really bad.

This morning's musings

2008-09-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

I woke an hour earlier than the alarm, which is a good thing as I am trying to get a lot done so I can go and enjoy some time with a few of the ladies on our team who have infants and wanted to hang out together today. Since my love language (Five Love Languages, Gary Smalley) is quality time, I enjoy being with people...period. So, I'm going to try and get a few things done and still enjoy time with them this afternoon.
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I'm still a bit disappointed that I won't be doing the 1/2 marathon this Sunday but I just wasn't prepared. I didn't have the mileage I was expecting and I don't want to face injury. Instead, on Saturday morning I'll be running a 5 k and atleast I feel as though I'm getting out there and moving forward a bit.

I realized that I'm not as good at following the running plan as I was with the Sprint Tri plan. I much prefer training for a Sprint Tri but at this point I don't forsee myself doing another one on this side of the world anytime soon. Nothing is happening nearby and I think I'm going to wait. I'd like to get another one into my experience portfolio (hehe) before I see if I want to jump into Olympic distances.

One thing besides running that I dislike is strength training but I've been doing great with the strength training program that my friend Lisa developed for me. So, I'll just need to continue that. I also posted a full marathon training plan that would prepare me to be ready to do one (which I'm not planning to actually do, I just want to get my miles up there) by the Spring. I definitely need new tennis shoes but I'm waiting until I head back to the States in February before getting a new pair - if I can wait that long.

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"Leprosy yielded to no human remedies but it fled at once at the Lord's "I will"' Sometimes there are things in my heart that feel a lot like leprosy and I am asking God to touch those places. He says, "I will" and they flee. Thank you Jesus for being such a real part of life.

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Last night I found "Dan's Treehuggers" bookstore in Budapest and I met Dan. He is from the East Coast but has been living in Budapest for 16 years. He started his bookstore/organic cafe almost 3 years ago. I asked him how he got the idea and how it got started. He said that his girlfriend at the time wanted 4 kids so he realized he would need some income to sustain that. He said his girlfriend didn't survive the start up of the business, but now he has two bookstore/cafe's in Budapest and one in Vienna. I sold a bag full of books to him and then ended up purchasing a book later at another bookstore.

I ended up buying a paperback by the author Paulo Coelho called "Like the Flowing River." I've heard a lot about him recently and all of his books are here in Budapest in English. This story from his book caught my attention and I thought I'd share it with you.

"A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point, he asked:
"Are you writing a story about what we've done? Is it a story about me?"

His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson:
"I AM writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I'm using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up."

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn't seem very special.

"But it's just like any other pencil I've ever seen!"

"That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on to them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world."

'First quality: you are capable of great things but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God and He always guides us according to His will.'

'Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he's much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.'

'Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.'

'Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.'

'Finally, the pencil's fifth quality: it always leaves a mark. In just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action.'
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Labor Day

2008-08-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

Although somewhat celebrated as the end of the summer and a day off for all workers, it's funny to me that this holiday is called "Labor Day" when no one works. Well, it's not celebrated here in Hungary so I celebrate with you from a distance, imagining the BBQ's and family gatherings no doubt taking place. Enjoy your day off, the end of summer there in the states.

I've got a busy day of meetings. Can't I protest and say I'm an American? Oh well. Hungarians have enough other holidays to make up for it.

Give thanks

2008-08-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

The cool, crisp morning air came wafing through the open window this morning and greeted me in the loft, reminding me of the early mornings in Nevada where mountain cold morning air is enough to keep you under the covers a little longer.

It's 6:45 am and I stumble out of bed, 15 minutes before the alarm. This is my mode of operation. Usually on time, but sometimes early. I haven't quite yet figured out how to get things to work in sync -- not so much in real time, but in my dreams and desires.

Making some hot oatmeal and coffee is just the right combination of hot for this morning. I grab my Bible, an old journal to thumb through and my journal for today's thoughts. Yesterday while cleaning, I found "Our Daily Bread" daily reading guide and now have it conveniently stuffed in the back of the Bible. Slippers on the feet, hot coffee in hand, I read 2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God."

In a changing world, I can trust God's unchanging word and it's here this morning while reading that I remember to "Give thanks" and "Give praise".

Give. What do I have to give a God so vast in His expanse of understanding and wisdom, so far beyond my reach yet reachable because He chooses to come near each day? I have so very little to impress Him.

What does it mean to give God something anyways? These are intangible words and I live in a tangible, visible world.

Give: freely transfer the possession of something to someone; hand over; bestow love, affection or other emotional support; commit, consign, entrust, freely devote, set aside, sacrifice for a purpose.

Of all these former definitions, the one that grabs my attention most this morning is to "set aside."

It's as if God knows we need the encouragement when it was penned to set aside thanks and praise for Him. Not because we aren't thankful or full of praise, but maybe because we are so busy we forget the one who stands by our side day and night tirelessly loving us through everything every day.

God I have so much to be thankful for! And of all the things I'm passionate about and express my delight in or the approval and admiration of others, of all the things I write about, love to do and see and be, it's you I praise the most. God I so admire you. I respect you for being such a holy God yet choosing to come close to sinful me. I am thankful for your constant love and purpose guarding and guiding my way. I give you my praise, my thankful heart. I give you me.

Thank you for giving me you. I praise you God! I give you thanks!

Fall cleaning

2008-08-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today after church I came back to my flat and had an overwhelming desire to clean my room, straighten things, throw things away, and ultimately rearrange the room. Call it Fall cleaning but I had to jump on it while I had the urge to clean so thoroughly. I still have some papers to sort through and figure out what I want to keep and what I need to get rid of.

I found out there is a bookstore here in Budapest called 'Dans Tree Huggers' that buys used English books and then resells them. I need some extra cashola and need to downsize in all areas so sometime this week I hope to take a load of books and unload. Excited about that!

The nights are getting cooler and I figured now is a good time to move the bed back up into the loft and give myself a little room at the bottom. So, I rearranged my room and things so that I now have a workout area in my room.

Nona (New Yorker friend who married a Hungarian) is staying with me and has taken the living room, which is fine for me right now. I enjoy the company and told her she can stay here until she sorts things out in Budapest with her husband (long story) or until the Texas team comes September 20th. If you think of Nona, please pray for her.
Nona is a vegetarian, which I think is really interesting. I've always loved meat and hearty food so I doubt I could ever be a vegetarian but I'm curious to learn about eating more foods that are healthy and natural. She made these delicious soups and other things with lentils and rice and I'm just fascinated.

My room feels great now and I feel so organized as I head into a busy Fall schedule. It's nice to get organized.

The Soxers...

2008-08-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Now that the Olympics are over, I've reset my internet open page to the Bo Sox team page. I have to be honest. I'm much more into the team because it's a family thing and because I love baseball in general but if someone were to start asking me about players and stats and rattle off other things, I get lost. I find it really funny that most men who do follow baseball know the stats. My dad does on a lot of things, even the history of it all. For me, I'm much more "Go Bo Sox!"
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This morning I was relatively encouraged as I woke up and read a few things and contemplated the future. As much as I live in the here and now, I'm also a dreamer and a big picture person. It's just how this soul rolls. I guess I'm encouraged to know that God truly does hold my life in His hands and directs my steps, even when unclear.
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Have you ever had a friend who helps you get those gut wrenching laughs out? That would be Anna. You can see who she is in the previous post but the girl is hilarious even when she's not trying to be. I guess what makes it a great friendship is the fact that she thinks I'm just as funny. I like it when people like me.
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I realized something about my personality over the past several months and I don't think it's something I need to completely change although I do need to learn and change somewhat on how to handle conflicts better. I don't like conflict. I will brush things under the rug to avoid arguments. Now that I read all about ENFJ's it makes sense. It makes a lot of sense as to why I hated so often the conversations that would start great and go deep with my dad and then turn into conflict. I don't like conflict. I like peace. I get personally affected by it deeply. Well, I read somewhere in the bible that the peacemakers inherit the earth so its a good quality in some way, I believe. But in an intimate relationship, there are conflicts so I will definitely need to grow in how to resolve conflict in a good way. Conflict sucks. I hate them but they are also a part of life. People cross your will. People make you mad and you have to handle it in a way that brings life. So, I'm working on that. In the meantime, I think I realized that I want to be in a relationship with someone who also has a high appreciation for peace. I don't want to have a lot of conflict in that most intimate of relationships.
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Tonight I'm going out to meet "village girl" Anna and we're going to chill at her house, watch a few movies and work while we do it. She's got lesson plans and I've got admin stuff I've been avoiding. She's become a good friend. Thankful for her company.

My babysitting job is over :(

2008-08-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

When Anna went to the states, I told her I would babysit her lonesome guitar.

It's been a great few months with her...such a good lil' girl. Such a low-maintenance job really. Now, unfortunately, her mama wants her back.

I have to admit though. The only song I re-learned is by Crystal Lewis called "Only Fools." It's an all time favorite of mine. Maybe because of the lyrics.

only fools follow gold
only wise men know
i’m no fool,
you’ve changed my point of view

to be kind is quality
that i richly desire
it is better
to be poor than a liar

i no longer see
things controlling me
you have spoken,
i have listened
only fools believe in
only what they see
the wise are rich indeed

what a friend we have in Jesus
he hears all our cries
if you listen, you’ll hear him crying too...

i no longer see
things controlling me
you have spoken,
i have listened
only fools believe in
only what they see
the wise are rich indeed

Over good Mexican food in Budapest earlier tonight, Anna and I talked about some good times we've had together. Hmmmm. Village girl. One of a kind!

Bernese Mountain Dog

2008-08-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

To whoever helped correct me on this information, thank you. Dorca's dog was a Bernese Mountain Dog and this is the dog I would consider, although the other dog has less hair. I'm SO not a dog snob but I do like big dogs and they must be friendly. :D This one meets the qualifications. Look at the markings! So adorable.

The Swissy

2008-08-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

I think to have an animal besides a fish you sort of have to have an established life somewhere. If you're going to have a dog you should be prepared to walk it and care for it like a child. Well, I'm not there in my life right now as I'm obviously galavanting around Europe. Not really, but you know what I mean.

I have decided in the past that I really like Retrievers and Labs. I just added a dog to that list. He's called the "Swissy". Someday, I hope to have a big dog. It would obviously have to be child friendly because I also hope to have children and as I've researched the Swissy, apparently they are very loyal dogs and good with children. :D

I absolutely love the colors of the Swissy. It's called a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and I'm loving it. Dorca's parents had this dog and she was awesome! The cool thing is as I read about it the last few days I found out that ancestrally this dog is linked to the St. Bernard. I always loved St. Bernards but realized I could never get one because of the nasty drool factor. But Swissys are drool free so this is a very positive thing. Who knows but I do hope someday that I'm established enough to have a dog. A big dog. My philosophy on dogs: Go big or go home :D

Personality Test

2008-08-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

I love studying people, figuring out why they do what they do and how God created each one of us so uniquely.

Here's a really brief but amazing online test you can take. Just four questions and it will give you a description of your personality. Then, at the bottom of the page, if you're married or have a significant, you can read about compatibility. These things always intrigue me.

Maybe that's why I'm a GT - Groundbreaking Thinker. :D If you take the test, let me know your results. I love learning about people.

www.ipersonic.com

Regrettably no 1/2 marathon for me

2008-08-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

So after missing three days of training this weekend and not getting my miles in the past few weeks (I can only run 8 non-stop), I decided I'm going to bail out of the 1/2 marathon and keep training for the October event. I'm not disappointed at all. I hate running but I know I need to keep on it so I'll shoot for October. I would still like to do a 1/2 marathon sometime soon. Just not sure where and when. Oh well.

A Roman Festival....oops. :D

2008-08-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

The quaint place we stayed at near Sombathely is Dorca's parents vineyard cottage with just enough room for the four of us girls and Dorca's younger brother, who has his drivers license and was our chauffeur. We could see the Austrian Alps from the porch. Talk about amazing. It truly was.

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Oh, and the festival was Roman not Renaissance. And there was a good reason for the Festival. This quaint town once was a part of the Roman Empire and the XVth Roman Legion was stationed here. I guess it was also a place for Veteran legions to retire. We enjoyed the parade and the events on Saturday and Sunday. I had a great time with Linda, Eszter and Dorca.

On Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a traditional Hungarian dinner (lunch) at Dorca's parents house in the village where Dorca grew up. There are only about 400 people in this village and apparently, their mayor comes out to water the flowers that line the town. Oh and there are TONS of Sunflower fields. Noel, you would have loved it. I posted a picture of one from her mom's garden for you. I should have taken more pictures. It was truly beautiful. Also, I decided after hanging out with Dorca's dog, which is a greater swiss mountain dog, that I now LOVE this breed. One day I want a big dog and now this swiss mountain dog will definitely be in the finals with the lab and the retriever.

Back to the village -- it's definitely a different lifestyle than busy Budapest and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. Actually Dorca mentioned how she's not looking forward to coming back in a week for college because being almost 4 hours from family is rough. I told her she can hang out at my place anytime she wants to get away from the dorms and I hope she does. These girls are great. Please be praying for them -- I'm trusting God to do great things in their hearts this Fall.

A Renaissance Festival

2008-08-22T02:36:00.000-07:00

So I leave this afternoon for a weekend near Sombathely in another part of Hungary. I'll stay with one of the university girls and we'll go to a Renaissance festival. She just emailed this morning saying that we will stay in her parents summer home where her dad has a vineyard and we get to taste their wine. What an incredible one time experience to go to a Hungarian vineyard. So cool! I'm looking forward to it. I'll post pictures soon.

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Anna just got back from the states and we spent St. Stephen's Day celebrating together. This holiday celebrates the day that Stephen became the first King of Hungary and made it a "christian" nation around 1000 a.d. There are events throughout the nation to celebrate and across the street from my flat in the city park they had all sorts of events, including a wine tasting festival. We ended up perfectly situated in Hero's Square in the evening when the fireworks went off. We couldn't have planned it better if we tried! We had a lot of fun and great conversations. Here's a few pictures of our time Aug 20th.

2008-08-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

With four days left of the Olympic games, it's interesting to see that although the US has won significantly less gold medals than China, we are in the lead for overall medals among gold, silver and bronze. Should be interesting to see how the next four days play out. I love the Olympics :D

Big Hungarian Holiday

2008-08-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow is a big Hungarian holiday here and everyone gets the day off. There will be events across the street from where I live and fireworks in the evening celebrating how St. Stephen made Hungary a nation around 1000 a.d. I found a few you tube clips on Hungary. This one was kind of fun because it's some video clips of the famous Andrassy street from Oktogon to the Opera House. It gives you a taste of life in Budapest. The pictures of the underground metro are pictures of the first underground built in all of Europe, even before the first one was built in London. It's barely below ground but the work inside is beautifully restored and probably the cleanest of the three metros. So that's fun for you to see.

Anna just got back from the states today so she will come tomorrow night and stay over so we can catch up, eat chocolate, play her guitar, probably watch a movie and laugh a lot. That's usually what we do when we hang out. I'm sort of bummed to be giving her the guitar back. Maybe she'll let me keep it a little longer. I re-learned the chords to one of my favorite Crystal Lewis songs called "Only Fools".
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This weekend I'm going to a Renaissance carnival in Hungary called the Savaria Karneval. I'll stay at one of the university girls homes in a rural part of Hungary and two other girls that used to come to English club will join us too. I'm really excited to spend time with these girls, see another part of Hungary, go to this fair which will no doubt remind me of the Shakespeare Festival at Lake Tahoe, and just build with these girls. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post.
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I was recently invited to consider a job opportunity in the US which would allow me to work with young people, missions training, travel and teach. I'm still in the interview process but I'm very excited about it. Although it still has to be confirmed, the greatest part about it is that I can be mobile -- setting up near family in Northern California/Northern Nevada. Offices are in Pasadena, California and somewhere else in the midwest, but from what I've been told so far, with what I would be doing, I could set up anywhere. This might just be the next step. I'll find out soon and I'm excited about that.

How to get a girl

2008-08-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Here's some advice from Ill Mitch. Not sure you should take it, but funny nonetheless.

Water, Sports, Phelps, Hungary

2008-08-18T01:49:00.000-07:00

With all the commotion and duly deserved attention given to Phelps for being the human dolphin and winning 8 gold for the USA, one bright star in Hungary has been in his shadow, literally.

I didn't get to see Phelps win the last and 8th gold medal but I did see the race where he barely won the 7th medal by a second. If not for the touch pads and his long arm, it's doubtable whether Phelps would have taken the 7th, I think.

But being here in Hungary, I realized that Hungary won its first two medals at all in the swim events, thanks to this man, Laszlo Cseh. He came in second, taking silver for the 400 meter medley, the 200 meter butterfly and the 200 meter medley. Considering he was in the pool with the human dolphin, maybe a few of these silver shine at least as bright as the gold that Phelps holds. He was only 60 seconds faster than Cseh in the butterfly. Amazing.

Hungary has had a long history of doing well in the water. They are most famous for water polo, a sport I now fully admire and respect. Watching teams practice and play at Margaret Island has definitely given me a new love and appreciation for this sport. It's amazing because they have to have full body strength, swimming the entire time, not touching the bottom and swimming to make and throw it to the goal. I love watching water sports. So much fun. I used to love being in Reno and watching the swim team practice and compete at UNR. Those were good days. Now I watch the water polo team here in Hungary. It's nothing like Marco Polo......;D

Tennis ball massage & other musings

2008-08-18T01:02:00.000-07:00

I went for a long run on Saturday -- a long run for me. I broke the 7 mile mark and I'm working my way up to be ready for the 1/2 marathon in September. I know I need to get new shoes but it's a dilemma of being in a foreign country. Trying to get a fitted pair is nearly impossible. I'd prefer to wait until I'm stateside and really invest in a good pair versus just buying a pair that may not necessarily be fitted. So, I guess I have to use the old shoes until February. Not too terribly happy about that, but it is what it is.

After the run I had some pain near the hip reflexors and hip bones. My friend Lisa said the best thing for it is to get a tennis ball and massage the area. Last night I went to Tesco and got a thing of cheap tennis balls. Wow! Can I just say she was right? This morning it feels great and I'm ready to get out there again today for a 4.5 mile run.
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We begin our new schedule of programs and plans for the Fall next week. I'm excited to get back into a busier schedule. Otherwise life becomes too ordinary and I just get bored. I need the challenge of the next thing. I'm also hoping to finish this online course I've been taking for personal training. The material is interesting on a personal level and I'm toying with the idea of taking it further in the future, perhaps getting certified for it. We shall see.
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Personal thoughts the last few days.

1 Chronicles 28:9 "if you seek Him He will be found."

I am looking for God to direct my steps. I'm looking for him not only in my personal life and decisions when it comes to direction, purpose and future but I'm seeking Him to order all my relationships.

One thing I was absolutely encouraged by -- not only through this youth camp but also in some conversations I've had with a male friend recently -- purity is possible in this day and age and its not something to be concerned about just when you're single. It's something to live by when you're married too. In my conversations with this single guy, I have realized that men are not just out for one thing. Men have feelings/emotions, thoughts, dreams and ideals for the future. I know that may sound really strange, but I have been honestly very disappointed by what I've seen in the men here in Hungary. And when I say very disappointed I mean that my soul has really been grieved to see how the men treat women here. But somehow hope has been restored in the male gender as I've talked with this guy. I am convinced and I know that there are men who are faithful, loyal and committed to their wives for a lifetime. I'm holding out for that. There are men who once they fall in love with their wife, they are going to love her until the end. Divorce will never be an option for me and so I want to marry once and make the right choice. I will choose wisely and I'll choose well. No mistakes. :D So, I'm seeking God in all of this and He will be found. I will find God in the midst of my decisions, my life, my future and ultimately my family.

It's a tough thing being single in this world today. I'm not a game player and I want the real deal. So I've had a fun and wonderful single life. That's not the point. I know I can do that forever if I had too. The reality is I don't want to do that forever. I'd like to purposefully meet, get to know and build a life with someone who is going in the same direction, is filled with purpose too. Hasn't happened yet but I'm not terribly worried about it. I know it will when the time is right.

The Last Few Days

2008-08-16T05:09:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we had a going away party for Luca who leaves tomorrow for London for six months where she will be a nanny and make a lot of money.I met a bunch of her friends and it was just nice to hang out in my flat and not actually have to be the one entertaining everyone. Luca brought a hockey table game and we played that and talked and listened to music.

We had fun playing around with Annas guitar. One guy was really good especially since he apparently has only been playing for two weeks. They asked me to play and I played the one song I know by Jennifer Knapp -- such basic chords but fun. One cool thing is that it looks like Coldplay is going to be in concert in September and some of Luca's friends want to go to that together and invited me. I'm excited about that.

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So yesterday was my birthday and although I missed all 18 calls from family and friends in the states, I did get a chance to celebrate here in Budapest. First, Nori called in the morning to see if I wanted to go to the "Venice" Lake that is about 45 minutes from here. What a treat! I've been landlocked for so long. We had a great time playing in the water although it's nothing like Lake Tahoe's beautiful mountain spring (and cold) water in the summer.

That night I went to my pastor and his family's house for dinner. They made me Lasagna, fresh salad and garlic bread and a birthday cake! We had so much fun and afterwards I finally got to see the movie "Cars". Love this family and I'm so thankful for them in my life. Tonight I'm finally going to go see the newest Batman movie with my friend Lisa. I keep hearing its dark but good. So I'll be adding my opinions to this matter soon. In the meantime, I have two long runs I have to get in this weekend and I really just don't feel like it. But, I'm about 3 weeks from the 1/2 marathon and I have to stay on track. Looking forward to getting through the 1/2 and seeing how I do.

Weightlifter turns elbow

2008-08-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

You may or may not have seen how 24 year old Janos Baranyai's first Olympic try for Hungary in the weightlifting event ended tragically. You can read the story here. That's the second Olympian this year in Hungary that something terrible has happened to. I'm not aware of other athletes from other nations but I'm probably more aware of Hungary because I'm here at the moment. So very painful not only for this man but for the Hungarian people who truly believe they are a laughing stock to the world. It's not like that though. Most of us are cheerleaders and we want to see this nation do well. Atleast I know I do.

Love watching the human dolphin

2008-08-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

I had my first glimpse of the Olympic games a few nights ago when I babysat for some team members who have access to the games (with Hungarian commentary of course.) Watching Michael Phelps in the water is a complete inspiration. That man truly is the human dolphin!! It's early this morning and I'm actually going to go to Margaret Island to work out -- I have a 7 mile run (yuck), which is about twice around the island and a 30 minute cross training,so I'm going to get in the pool in his honor :D

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This morning I read in Genesis 9:15 "And I will remember my covenant." I'm so glad that this thing of being a Christ-follower is not dependant on me. Of course I understand that I must daily choose to walk it out but God himself has based this thing on His faithfulness, His covenant. That's good news to a heart that sometimes finds itself wandering.

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I'm reading a book by JP Moreland called "Love Your God With All Your Mind; The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul" and I'm more convinced than ever that somehow the Christianity of today has taught believers to leave their mind at the door. Perhaps by accident, perhaps by coincidence. I think it is obviously and absolutely important to teach people the disciplines of Christian life -- reading your Bible, prayer, fasting, giving and being missions minded - global in our thinking. Yet at the same time, we must engage --actively engage in culture -- from art, music, science, philosophy, anthropology, etc. Maybe that's why I like Ravi Zaccharias so much.

Freedom

2008-08-11T23:29:00.001-07:00

"Freedom was traditionally understood as the power to do what one ought to do." JP Moreland. I'm reading a book right now by JP Moreland called "The Role of Reason In The Life of the Soul: Love Your God With All Your Mind." And getting inspired by the content. Reason and thought is not separate from faith. It never has been and never will be. Our minds were created to capture glorious things.

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My body hurts from running 4 miles and doing a 50 minute spin class yesterday. But, I have to push on. Today I have another 3.5 mile run scheduled. I need to remember to do lots of stretching.

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Although we have a long staff meeting today, I'm excited about making plans for the next six months. It's going to be great.

A long blog (with lots of pictures).....so get some coffee

2008-08-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I met one of the youth leaders (Kolos, in red/white shirt) and a team of teenagers at the train station so we could travel together to a Hungarian youth camp. This year's theme was "Purity. Do you want it?" The camp was jam-packed with events from early morning to late at night -- activities, sports, workshops, morning and evening sessions and daily leadership meetings.

My Hungarian friend, Anett, who is a high school teacher and one of the six leaders for this Christian teenage ministry in Hungary, invited me to come and be a small group leader for a special English group, teach a workshop on Pop-culture and self-image and represent the USA for "Day of the Nations". There were over 30 youth leader workers and atleast 200 kids. Most of those who came were from Christian backgrounds but some were invited by their friends. The atmosphere of the camp somewhat reminded me of the camps I used to be a part of in Reno/Carson with Power Surge Youth Ministry.

My small group of girls were 16 and 17 years old. Our group was "special" in that it was the only "English speaking" small group. This definitely presented some challenges, but it was also great. Every morning after the morning session we would get together and talk about the topic. We had to grapple with the words and their meanings in Hungarian and English. Although we managed, it was difficult at times and I think God used it to stretch this particular group of girls to work outside their comfort zone. I think it was good.

One of the key highlights for our group was on Tuesday morning when we realized that almost all of the girls were on some kind of church worship team. I got inspired and decided to take our scripture for the day from 1 Corinthians 6:20 "You were bought with a price...therefore honor God with your body" and work with the girls to write a song. They got so excited and I just knew it was going to be a great way for them to express the truths they were learning in Hungarian and in English.

One of the girls suggested The Police song "Every Breath You Take".

We re-wrote the lyrics, Hannah played the piano and we had a lot of fun. As the song developed, a few of the girls asked some guys in the worship band to play electric guitar and drums. They joined us for a few practices, helped make the song come alive and joined us for the final production. By Thursday, the girls wanted us to ask Anett if we could perform it on the last night of the conference. Anett was excited about it too. We ended up being the closing act for the week long youth conference and it was a big hit. So much fun!

On a personal level, I have to say that some things were rekindled in my soul during the camp. Living pure in an impure world is possible. Fires were restoked and a vision renewed for the future. I'm looking forward to see how this plays out in the future. I had a great time. Although the camp itself had a sub-culture of its own, I know the hearts of those leading the camp are genuine and desiring to see God move among this generation and it was refreshing to see so many young people grappling with this topic of purity and how to walk it out in the real world. That was exciting to see.

I also met two different girls -- Abigail (on the left) and Evka -- and we connected in a way that I have no doubt we'll be linked together in the future in life and in ministry.

Abigail was my translator for the workshop and Day of the Nations. Even though she's American, she's fully Hungarian and has spoken the language since she was like - - 2 years old! So cool. And Evka came with a team from Bratislava. She is an amazing woman, loves the Lord and has a vision for Slovakia. We had so many great conversations and times together. I loved it!
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I'm glad I brought my running shoes because I did get my 5.5 mile long run in and I unexpectedly got the cross-training in playing volleyball. Unfortunately, I was so exhausted that on two mornings when I could have run, I slept in that extra 45 minutes. So, I have a few runs to make up this week!

Although we had a power team for volleyball we lost on both days and that was really discouraging, but I think we gave it our best and had a lot of fun.

One afternoon I decided to go for a walk around the camp with my camera and just get some time to enjoy rural Hungary. I had found a really cool road a few days prior on my run and decided to walk that route. Here's a few pictures I took along the way.

I'm very glad to be home and to be able to get back to a normal routine. Although I'm young at heart, I can't do 1 am to 6:15 am sleeps. It's rough. There's no place like the place you lay your head down and call home. :D

Bringing workout clothes

2008-08-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Not exactly sure what the camp grounds will be like at the youth camp I'm leaving for in the morning, but i'm taking running shoes and 3 pairs of workout clothes. I guess I'll have to scratch the two days of cross-training unless I get in on some handball or volleyball or something going on. Guess we'll see. Won't have internet access and I'm excited about that. I like unplugging from the modern world once in awhile and escaping to a place where no one can reach you.

Ta ta for now!

Jen

Last minute

2008-07-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

At the last minute, my friend Anett asked me to do a presentation on pop-culture and self-image and another workshop on the USA. She just told me yesterday and we leave on Saturday morning. I'm just now hearing that I need to bring a sleeping bag (which I don't have) and some other things I am going to need. I figured she would let me know sooner than this, but that's what I get for not asking. Feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment and having to put together one power point on the USA from scratch. I'll get to talk about how I ended up in Hungary for these last two years. Looking forward to most of this camp, but also a little overwhelmed.

Excited to see what the camp is like. Not looking forward to not understanding half of it. Interested to see how translation will go in the meetings when I talk. Excited to see about their ropes course that apparently is a big hit. Excited to look for running trails in an unknown and new part of Hungary.

Have a great week everyone, whatever you find yourself doing.