Waiting...

"I am sure that God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait." - C.S. Lewis

So, I've been in Hungary for a total of three weeks now. I think one of the most significant differences between Hungarian culture and American culture, at least to me, is that things are usually left undone until the last minute, even if it means more stress and less sleep. I'm usually the type of person who will do an entire project in one weekend when I have three weeks to do it. I just think, "Well, I have the time now, what if I don't have it later." I can do whatever I want without worrying about getting something done before a due date. I know some people out there can relate to me. Others, not so much. And that's okay, people work differently than me. I have no hard feelings toward people who function in such a way, but it's a change for me that I should get used to in others.

This is especially true for the beginning of the school year. It has been an adventure becoming a resident of Hungary and spending some time in the immigration offices. Don't worry, where I am, people coming from the south have not been a problem as of yet. Although, many train systems have been shut down for the time being. I am waiting to get a Hungarian bank account and phone and to be able to know which classroom I am supposed to be in for the next lesson. Hungarian schooling has been an experience in itself. Many of the kids are very intelligent and are eager to practice their English. This drawing was completed by a second grade boy who enjoys computers.

Many people that I find myself around at the Lajos Kossuth Lutheran schools seem very stressed, but I know it will soon pass with time. It doesn't help that the Hungarian government has put several more restrictions and requirements on the teachers. These include, I am told, the fact that many of the secondary school teachers need two masters degrees, or at least some more schooling. Teachers in the secondary and primary school need to be able to produce lesson plans down to the minute and

could be visited at any time by someone to see if they're following these rules. Teachers need to spend a longer set amount of time in the school each week and the students are also required to spend a longer amount of time in classes. I've noticed that many of these changes are typical already in any American school, but these are big and inconvenient changes for the school system in Hungary and are rubbing many people the wrong way. If you could pray for my colleagues, that would be wonderful. The picture on the left if the courtyard of the secondary school. It's rarely empty of soccer players and bustling students.

The waiting isn't all bad though! I know it's for a good reason and I have many things to divert my

attentions. I find myself enjoying the pleasant weather, being around fellow christians at church and school and experiencing the lively Hungarian festival atmosphere that dominates the month of September. During the last few weeks, the Vidor festival had been in full swing. The town featured several bands from around the world. Honestly, this was the first time I had ever heard of any of them, but it was extremely interesting. Some of the more popular bands included Ocho Macho, Cimbalikum (their dancers were on Britain's Got Talent!) and Supernem. The square was packed every night.