One month ago yesterday, I left home to start this journey. I went through a week of YAGM orientation with the ELCA in Chicago, then hopped on an airplane to Budapest, and spent a week and a half at a Roma Camp by Lake Balaton. It was there that I got my first tastes of Hungarian and Gypsy/Roma culture. I then headed to Berekfurdo, Hungary along with the other non-Hungarian speaking volunteers, to undergo ten days of language training, which was a great experience…though I am far from being able to understand anything but simple words. Then, for four days, all the volunteers serving through my receiving organization (ODE) gathered for the general welcome seminar, where we worshiped, discussed the Roma situation in Europe and Hungary, and prepared for the challenges and obstacles we might face in the coming year. Now, after much anticipation, we will all set off to our different placements across Hungary today! Please pray for save travels, and blessed friendships at our placement sites, that we would all find the special place within our new communities where God is calling us to serve. Áldás Békesség! (Peace & Blessings!)
Some of my fellow German & French Volunteers, at a local Goulash festival in Town.
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