Embarrassing Moments

One of the things I'll probably never get used to is how many times I embarrass myself through language misunderstandings. Today was a prime example.

The other day I was talking with a girl in my language class and she asked where I lived. So I told her the names of the cross streets and she didn't seem familiar with them. So I then told her that I live near Peter's Bridge (Petőfi Hid). Then she named a common store and said near the church? Well I live close to one of those stores and a large Catholic Church, so the answer was yes.

Well today as we were leaving school it was raining and she told me her husband had come to pick her up and that they would like to give me a ride home. She confirmed, you live near Petőfi and I said yes, near Petőfi Hid. Well all was fine until he started driving another direction into Buda. I was so embarrassed to tell them that obviously I hadn't understood her (and she hadn't understood me). Petőfi is a common name and there is a street near her house by that name. So after making them understand that I was sorry and had misunderstood I asked if they would drop me at the bus stop, but they were very kind and brought me all the way home instead.

It's hard not to get really frustrated with my limitations and mistakes. As we left she was also apologizing and I hope she doesn't end up frustrated with herself as well. It is nice when people are so understanding, but at the same time it is so hard to realize that this won't be the last time that a misunderstanding happens and that I need to just roll with the punches, get up and try, try again.

Journey, an update 11-17-06

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith,...Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:19a,22a,23

This section of verses in my Bible has been titled "A Call to Persevere." It captured my attention this week. Because of who Jesus is and what He has done for us we can draw near to God in FULL ASSURANCE. What a blessing to not have to hover in the doorway of the throne room wondering if we will be invited in. Because of the blood of Jesus we are not only accepted, but we are welcomed. And because we have this assurance, because we have this great salvation, we should hold to the hope we have with perseverance. We should unswervingly hope. Why? Because the one who has promised, the one who has redeemed, the one who loves us - He is faithful.

Zwieback Anyone?

Tonight we had a baby shower for Angelika at our English Home Fellowship group and I made Zwieback for the occasion. The thing that amazed me was that three people came up to me right away and said "Wow, Zwieback!" Then they asked what my Mennonite connections were.

It was kind of fun for me to realize the many ways in which we have things in common with others. Since moving to Hungary I have met people who have lived in places that I have lived, know people that I know and even recognize Zwieback when they see it.

It's a small world after all. :)

Why I Don't Like Going to School

What are the common reasons for not wanting to attend class? I have better things to do. I don't feel like it. I'll never use that material. It's too hard. It's too nice of a day to be inside. The list goes on and on. But I think my reason is fairly unique. I hate coming home reeking of smoke!

Of course they don't smoke in the classroom, but the whole morning there is someone, usually several people, standing in the hallway just outside the classroom door smoking. It's winter now, all the windows are closed and the CLOUD of smoke makes it's way into the classroom where it attaches itself to my clothes, adds it scent to my hair and makes my eyes water.

I love my class and learning. And I've gotten used to the fact that smoking is the norm here but when the smoke lingering in the room is thick enough to be easily visable then I find myself wishing they would take their smoking to the inner courtyard instead of the hallway by my classroom. I'd even take the cold from an open window. It is kind of comical that no one in my class smokes and we have attempted to open the window but since they are running the heat it can't stay open long. Oh well. It's a new reason to add to the list of excuses of why not to go to school.

Favorite restaurant?

Today after church I went with a couple of friends to one of my favorite restaurants. It has great food and is really inexpensive. The problem is, we got there and the restaurant was closed, boards on the windows and one of the two signs has been taken down. It was always busy, not sure what's up with that. I am hoping it is just for remodeling (hope springs eternal, right?). Seriously, it is so sad. When I'm thinking about my budget I have a hard time trying a place and spending money, wondering if I'll like the food. I like to try new places but I like having someplace tried and true that I know will be worth the expense. Oh well. We ended up at another restaurant that was really good, but wasn't as wonderfully priced. How about you, do you have a favorite restaurant?

Journey, an update 11-10-06

Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles....When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. Acts 13:46b,48

I've been reading from Acts this week and paused over these verses. The thing that jumped out at me was that when the Jews addressed here rejected the Gospel, Paul and Barnabas told them that they didn't consider themselves worthy. I wonder if this was the case because they still felt they had to earn God's favor through works, not believing that God could really be offering them a free gift? Sometimes I also feel like I am "not worthy" because really, I'm not. That is the beauty of the Gospel of grace. I can never be worthy. That is why Jesus came and died. I can't earn favor with God. My part is to be glad, to honor the word of the Lord and to believe.

The Problem with Loving Fall

Fall is my favorite season but this year it could hardly even be called a season at all. It was still quite hot until mid-September. Then we had six weeks of beautiful weather and now winter has arrived.

This morning as I was waiting for the bus it began to snow. Just a light flurry of small flakes, but definitely snow. I guess that is just the problem of loving Fall: it is way too short.

PS - the pictures, of the horse on my last post and the leaves on this post, were both taken at our team retreat at Szepalma.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 11-1-06

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10a

This was one of the verses from our Team Retreat last week. I have so many reasons to delight in my Lord! His giving me such a precious salvation and covering all my sins and flaws with His blood, His righteousness are only the beginning!