An Exciting New Adventure

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Lord willing, in just three days I will be arriving in Central Europe for a month of adventure.  I await with great expectation what the Lord will do in this time.  Such a privilege to be able to go and see some of his marvelous creation, both in the cities and the people of the countries I will be visiting.

The first stop will be Wisła, Poland for a meeting with missionaries from all over Central Europe.  Along with a team from my church, I will have the opportunity to assist in leading worship for the meetings and to teach Bible School music to the MKs.  I was able to go last year on this same STM, and was so blessed by the time there.  The best part is getting to spend time with these dear people and to hear what God is doing in their various ministries around Central Europe.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to return and am looking forward to more blessings!

Lánchíd

Following the meetings in Poland, I will be returning with some missionary friends to the beautiful city of Budapest. Even as I write this, I can hardly believe it is true. Last year I had the privilege of a short visit to this gorgeous city. This year I am blessed to return for nearly two weeks!  I'm so excited to again wander the streets of this amazing place.  I remember such a joy at just being in this city.  I can't really describe it.  The culture, history, language, food, everything about it is really just fascinating to me. What a blessing to be allowed to return and to experience more of this city.

Váci Utca

While I'm there, I'll be staying with some new friends in the smaller city of Diósd, on the outskirts of Budapest. (For any Diction students out there, that is pronounced [di-oʃd].  For non Diction students, "dee-oshd") These friends, along with others from nearby Budafok will be holding English camps for Hungarians, and I will get to help teach both music and things about the English language.  Should be great fun. I'm sure the Hungarians will teach me just as much.  In addition to the new friends from Diósd and Budafok, a team from North Carolina will be coming to teach and help with the camps as well.  Members of this team have served in Budapest before and are just as excited to get back there as I am.  Can't wait to meet these new brothers and sisters in Christ.

Some of the city's gorgeous tile work

I'm really excited to have the opportunity to spend time with the Hungarian people.  Last year I certainly enjoyed my time as a tourist.  But nothing is more interesting and rewarding than spending time with the locals.  What a gracious gift the Lord has afforded me with this opportunity.  

Please pray that I might be used of the Lord in some way while I'm there.  I want to be open to his leading constantly, and just to revel in his plan for me, both in this trip and for my life.  

At the end of the time in Budapest, I will have another amazing opportunity to travel as a soloist with a choral tour of Budapest, Bratislava, Slovakia, Vienna, Austria, and Prague, Czech Republic.  I have been to all of these cities before with the exception of Bratislava, and am thrilled to be able to return.  I can hardly believe that God would allow me the pleasure of singing in these historic places.  My cup overflows.  

Surprise fireworks over the Danube

Psalm 25:10 says, "All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness."  I can see in so many ways how God has shown me his faithfulness and great love in the way this trip has come about.  I pray that he will continue to change me through his love, to prepare my heart and mind to serve him, and to ready my spirit for the opportunities he has set before me.  Most of all, I pray that he will use me for his glory in whatever way he sees fit.