Craving Adventure: A Year in Hungary

    One philosophy I have adopted for this year has been “Just say yes.” Anytime I am asked to go somewhere or participate in an event, unless I have a scheduling conflict, I say yes. Even if it sounds like something I may not enjoy, I give it a try, because my time here is short, and I may never get some of these same opportunities again.     This has led me into some situations that turned out to be wonderful, joy-filled times. By saying yes, I have had chances to see live music, explore festivals, experience holidays at a traditional Hungarian household, dance with children, play music in a live show, participate in an English club, and so much more. Every time I have said yes to an opportunity, it has turned out wonderful.     One specific “yes” I enjoyed was when an older couple from my congregation invited me over for a meal. I was hesitant because I had never spoken with them before, they told me their English is not good, and goi...

One of my favorite lines from a movie is when Ian’s father says “it’s all Greek to me” in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. This line is iconic as takes an idiom and makes it literal as those around Ian’s father were actually all speaking Greek and he truly did not understand what was happening.     I like to think I am, occasionally, extremely funny, which has led me to saying “it’s all Hungarian to me” when I do not understand what is being said. I have said this to fellow YAGM as well as to members of my communities when I have been asked if I understand what is being said. I say it with a smile, but usually receive a strange look as if to say, “yes, it is all Hungarian, that it the language they are speaking.”     Despite being here eight months (crazy!), I still struggle with the language. If I can pick up on context clues of a conversation, I may be able to piece together what is being said around me, but often times I just nod and smile. When ...

The 4th Sunday of Lent was also the 4th English Speaking service. The Gospel of the day was the story of the Prodigal Son, a fantastic story that has multiple lessons within it. Readings: Joshua 5:9-12 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 The story of the Prodigal Son is a popular story. It is one that pops up often, at confirmation class, church camp, bible studies, and at service. But what is so amazing about this parable is that it has something new to be discovered every time it is read.     The story of the Prodigal Son is one of love and forgiveness, and illuminates the different characters we can be in life. At times, we may be the father, the older son, or the younger.     Sometimes we are the younger son. Sometimes we mess up, and we need to admit we messed up, and ask for help. Sometimes our environment leads us to be in a bad situation, and we have to admit we need help. There is never any shame in needing help, we just have to ...