I can't believe it's been over a month since I asked you guys to give me something to write about! I have thought about posting over the weeks, but it seems something always stopped me. Well, not tonight! Not that my posts are all that exciting anyway. So, to answer the first of my two Top Five of Anything questions....

starpushasked me what were the top five things I missed about the US when I was away. It was actually a little difficult to pinpoint five exact things.. but here they are.

1. Food -  Europe has some amazing food, and for the most part, I was most often happy with what I ate, but two things I really missed. MILK, in a gallon jug, and CHEDDAR CHEESE. They of course have milk in Europe, but it is most often bought in boxes, boxes that are stored in closets until they're opened. I am someone who really enjoys a nice cold glass of milk, and a warm box of milk just doesn't cut it. And cheddar cheese? Well, you can find it every now and then, but it's pretty expensive. I must say though that France does indeed have the best cheese.

2. Niece and Nephews - Seven months is a long time to be away from growing children. I don't like to miss my niece and nephews growing up. In the times I have been away, I have someone managed to never get too homesick, and I'm very grateful for that, but I sure loved to see as many new pics of the kids as I could. That certainly helped.  

3. Familiarity - I think the most difficult thing about this trip was traveling to eight countries in two months. We took in different cultures and languages, one after another and in short time periods, and at times it made me just want to be HOME, surrounded by what's familiar.  I think it's different when you travel just to travel. When you travel for the specific purpose of missions, whatever that entails, It requires more from you emotionally and spiritually, and you've really got to take care of yourself in that regard, otherwise, you could burnout. Overall, I really loved seeing new places and meeting new people, and learning about those places and people, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

4. Driving - I can't drive stick, so that means I can't drive in Europe, or most any other place in the world. :) I like to drive, listen to music, and take in my surroundings. Was glad to do that again. I know I should learn to drive stick, and I will try to do so AGAIN, and hopefully one day I will be successful at it.

5. Being able to talk to anyone I wanted to - I missed being able to understand those around me, and being able to talk to them if I felt led to. I don't know how many times I would normally just have turned and said something to someone, but couldn't do it, or did, forgetting for a second they couldn't understand.

There were other things I missed. I missed the "American Spirit", whatever that is exactly. It's something that you just know is there, that you notice more in the absence of it. I missed The Food Network, and I may have even missed the cats a little. I missed my parents and siblings, and I missed what was going on back here, in the lives of those I love.

I am glad to say that I am not wishing I was back in Budapest, with my friends there, though I do miss them, and would love to see them again. I'm glad that I am OK with being home this time. Last time, it was different, This time, I'm looking forward to what comes next. In the time being, it has been difficult, for different reasons, but that is life. Always something to work through and overcome. I suppose that's another entry. Look for it in the year 2011. ;) 

This is a meme taken from starpush 

It goes like this: Ask me my Top Five. Top Five of anyting you want to know.

This will give me inspiration for another post, where my answers will be. I love to answer questions. :)

looking out the window. Always loved the view, even on overcast days. The weather is cool now, and I think it's here to stay, for the next 8 months or so. But, Autumn is beautiful. Looking forward to it.

Still hoping to be able to move to Lynchburg, sooner than later, but also realize that realistically, that may not happen before Spring. Hard to wait that long for the things there, that I don't have here. But, it will be fine.

I'm working at my old job again, and that kind of work has always made me feel happy. Though it can be difficult, I love working with the people.

A lot of exciting stuff coming up in the next couple of months. First, I am planning a trip to a little town an hour outside of Toronto in Oct, and will be there for the Canadian Thanksgiving. Very excited to see my friend, and to see Toronto, and Niagara Falls, and whatever else she thinks I should see.

And then a few days after that, I will be going to a Ray LaMontagne concert! My friend Suzanne bought the tickets for us to go, her treat, and I can't wait. Haven't seen anyone in concert in ages, and it's something I want to try to do more of. Ray is a good place to start.

And I think now is a good place to pause, and get ready to head out. Going to my favorite Mexican restaurant for the first time in eight months. :)

Cya

Tomorrow I will be home.

I'm so excited to see my family, and to stand on my homeland's ground. Still a little strange to be leaving, and I have that butterfly feeling in my stomach, thinking about leaving, and closing this chapter of my life. But this chapter adds to and prepares me for the next.

Life is beautiful. It truly is. And the hand of God, tender, to the overflowing of my heart.

I don't know where to start in this entry, having not written in ages. I haven't been processing my time here in Europe in writing, which would probably be good, being that it has been a long six months.  It has been good, but also very tiring.

So many things to share. Traveling to eight countries in eight weeks is crazy. Eight cultures, and eight languages, new every week. I look forward to sharing pictures, and stories to go with them. I accidentally left my camera cord in Romania, so I can't post pictures until I get that back. Not fun to wait, especially since I will have almost four week here with not much to do.

I just moved into a tiny little apartment, right by the Danube, and a short walk to the city market. It's nice to live there, although a bit quiet, especially after living in Community for the last six months. It's on the first floor, and with this heat, it is wonderful to be where it's cooler. But, being on the first floor has it's not so fun things. Like the water coming up from the floor when you let the water out of the tub. But, it's altogether nice.

My mother has been here since the 26th of June, and leaves in a few days. It has be great to show her Budapest, and to experience Romania with her. She wants to come back.

I miss home, and things familiar. Things here have become familiar in a way too, but it's not home.

Just a few weeks, and then I will be there. :)

I have really been enjoying Jon Foreman's music lately.  I didn't realize that the lead singer of Switchfoot had gone solo, and his music is far better than that of the band, in my opinion anyway. It is mellow like I most often like my music. Here is a beautiful song from Psalm 23.

Happy Birthday joyfulmelody !



Many blessings to you forever more. :)

Things are getting pretty exciting around here. :) 

In just a few weeks, we will head out on our outreach through eight European countries. Hard to believe the time has come so fast. To help raise money for our outreach, this and next week, we will be recording a CD, with each of us nine students recording one of our own songs.
It was originally going to be done in a professional recording studio, but the funds for that did not come in. So, instead we will be recording it with our own equipment, and though it won't sound absolutely perfect, it will be from our hearts, and we will have fun recording it. We will make five-hundred copies of the CD, and also, hopefully, put it on iTunes.  It would be so nice for it to go to iTunes.  I would really love to share my song, and everyone's, with my friends and family.

Well, I gotta get going. Been a beautiful relaxing day here in Budapest.

Now it's almost time for dinner.

Yesterday in our class, we were asked to write a "psalm", and I wanted to post mine here. I have been so blessed to feel free to write... and feel good about what I have written. I know editing is necessary , but it's just so nice to express myself, my heart, in words, and in music. I am so thankful.

My Psalm

Today I am tired, Lord
My weakness displays itself before me
at times it's all I see
Burn brighter, so that I may see
You in me, You beside
You behind, You before
My sight is weak, My heart searching

But, You have displayed Yourself,
for all the world to see
The heavens declare the works of your hands
Your Son, your love for mankind
Beauty lays before me
In the ones I see, in a mirrors reflection
I see You, and I am humbled
I am lifted up, and in my weakness
I see all you want for me
All that I have been given
I see Redemption, Restoration
Hope in every moment.......

It's True

by Sara Groves

In your heart you
know it’s true
though you hold no expectation
in the deepest part of you
there’s an open hesitation

but it’s true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it’s true
Angels on high
sing through the night alleluya

heard it told you
think it’s odd
the whole thing fraught with complication
the play begins with
baby God
and all His blessed implications

but it’s true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it’s true
Angels on high
sing through the night alleluia

alleluia, alleluia

Oh it’s true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it’s true
Angels on high
sing through the night alleluia

Merry Christmas..

I am determined to do Christmas shopping today, even if it does feel like -20 outside.  And for a treat, I may go see a movie!

Watching the cows out in the field reminds me of the California Cheese commercial. Poor things.

Just re-read Blue LIke Jazz, and I must say it was just about what I needed to be reading. Reminds me of things I knew , but forgot to live. Living what we know always seems to be the hardest part. Oh how His grace is sufficient for me.

Last night I felt like I was beginning to come down with a cold/flu, but this morning I woke up early feeling good, and feeling thankful. Started my day in prayer, then got back into reading a book about prayer. I wish I started every morning this way, but sadly, that doesn't happen. But, thankfully, His grace is sufficient.

I just got a call to see if I could work a few hours this morning, and that in itself is an answer to prayer. So off to work I go. :) 

OH.. and another answer to prayer, joyfulmelody  has adopted the precious little kitty I posted pictures of. She is with Melody now, and I hear all is well. That makes me very happy.

Here are the pictures, just for you joyfulmelody :) Wish I had pictures of the others, but I ran out of time fast before our friend took them for us while we went out of town.

This little girl is one of five kittens that we took in for a little while. Three of her siblings have already gone to rescue, and she and another will be going on Sunday. We were hoping to find a home for her ourselves, but as of yet, it just hasn't worked out. This little one was the sweetest one to hand feed for me... I will miss her and I really hope she finds a wonderful home.

Blah depressing days are the worst days.