Half way!

Well, I'm just over half-way through my time here in Nyirtelek and have almost exactly 5 months to go. That feels about right. I know I have learned a lot so far (about the Hungarian language and culture, about voluntary service, and about myself). I also know that I have a lot yet to learn. One of the major lessons that God continues to impress on me time and time again is the importance of giving without expecting anything back. Giving respect to people who won't respect me, serving those who do not understand my needs and desires, and loving those who do not love me. This is really hard! How do I respond when I feel hurt, belittled, and ignored? Do I put a wall around myself to stay protected from a potentially painful relationship? Do I strike back with the same words and actions that have stung me? Or, do I push forward, shrugging off perceived insults and reaching out in Christ's love? More and more, I pray that God will create a heart in me that consistently does the last option.

Now, for some fun stuff! I spent last weekend in southwest Hungary, seeing some sights and visiting with other volunteers. On Thursday, I took the train to Budapest, where I met up with Trazy (another RCA volunteer here in Hungary, if you're new to this blog; her blog is trazylyn.blogspot.com, if you would like to hear about her experience so far). On Friday, we arrived in Pecs, a large city about 3 hours southwest of Budapest. We visited an ancient Christian burial complex, which was very interesting, and which also housed a very cool collection of Christian images from a couple hundred years ago.

Later that afternoon, we caught a bus to Magyarmecske to meet with Livia, Emilie and Simon. Livia is a native Hungarian speaker from the Ukraine, Emilie is an American from New England, and Simon is from Germany. On Saturday, we explored Magyarmecske with the help of two young boys who Livia and Emilie work with at the elementary school. We spent a good amount of time talking about the various difficulties that come with working with young children. Of course, there are very rewarding moments too, but they're just hard to remember when, as Emilie and Livia recalled from Friday, kids are throwing chairs and hitting their classmates.

On Sunday, Trazy, Emilie and I went to Mohacs, a town on the Danube River, which was holding its annual Busojaras festival. I think I can say that this was the most amazing, distinctly Hungarian thing I have seen so far! I'm not absolutely sure I have the story straight, but I believe it celebrates the successful defense of the town from Turkish invaders a few hundred years ago. When the people saw the foreign army approaching, they covered themselves in sheepskins and wore terrifying masks. When the Turks saw them, they ran away thinking the people of Mohacs were demons. Now, during the Busojaras festival, some men dress up sheep skins and masks and parade down the street. Others wear different costumes, from old military uniforms, to (presumed) Turkish style clothing to dressing like witches. It felt a lot like Halloween, except that it was on Valentine's Day! It also served to celebrate the coming end of winter. There was a white casket that was labeled "Winter 2010" which was thrown into the river, and a large bonfire where a large strawman was burned up. All in all, it was a great time, and I have a ton of pictures to show when I arrive back in America this summer!