Less computer, more God

Since arriving in Hungary two weeks ago, I have spent minimal time on the computer. At home, I normally spent the entire day doing school on the computer, checking emails on the computer, and all-around just wasting time on the computer. In Hungary, however, I have gone several days at a time without checking email or even opening my laptop... and the amazing thing? It's not that bad. Actually, I'm rather enjoying it. I have been able to spend more time with the kids, more time relaxing, and more time with God. My mind is not racing with information I just read on Facebook but rather I am focusing on what is right in front of me: an amazing opportunity to serve God, experience another country/culture, and get to know a wonderful family. Sure, I'm on the internet right now blogging about not being on the internet; after I post this, though, it could be two or three days before I even check my email again (versus two or three hours like at home). It is quite refreshing to stop feasting my eyes upon a computer screen but instead to focus on God.

Renewed in Him,

Mary Kate

"'Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'"
-Isaiah 40:28- 31

Easter weekend in Budapest

On Friday, the Ridgeway's took me to the Castle District in Budapest. There are many beautiful buildings and lovely views of the city from there. It was fun and I took some great pictures.

As I said last week, the Ridgeway family currently attends Calvary Church in Budapest, Hungary (their website is http://www.golgotabudapest.hu/). During worship Nola and Weston performed on stage -- they did a great job!

Soon after church we loaded up the van and headed over to Hollókő which is a village about two hours outside of Budapest. There is an Easter festival every year in Hollókő which includes Hungarian folk dancing, Hungarian food, and lots of Hungarian Easter eggs. Hollókő also has a beautiful castle and a little Catholic church. It was a great way to spend Easter.

St. Matthew's Church in the Castle District... 

A view of the Hungarian Parliament building from the Castle District...

Fishermen's Bastion (in the Castle District)...

At the festival in Hollókő...

The Hollókő Castle...

We all enjoyed the beautiful view from the Hollókő Castle...

The Catholic church in Hollókő...

The kids were still on spring break yesterday but went back to school today. I watched Landon this morning; we did puzzles, dug in the sand box, and he rode his bike around the neighborhood while I walked alongside. 

Happy Easter, everyone! He has risen!

Mary Kate

"While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen,'"
-Luke 24:4-6a NASB

Margit Island

On Jacob's birthday, the Johnson family met us on Margit (Margaret) Island which is located on the Danube River. We enjoyed a picnic and then played, visited, and fed the ducks.

Madison and Nola put flowers in my hair...

Landon, Nola, and Madison watching the ducks...

 The kids also found a hedgehog in the Ridgeway's (empty) pool this week. They captured it for everyone to see and then set it free. In Hungary, a hedgehog sighting is supposed to mean good luck. Although some "good luck" would be nice, I think we are all continuing to ask the Lord for assistance.






The kids have been on Spring Break all week (they start back to school on Tuesday). Once the kids are back in school, I think I'll go to the library a little more to help out there. There are three rooms available for books and sitting/reading at the library. Only two are used right now, however, as the third room needs to be cleaned out. The Ridgeway's want to clean out the third room and turn it into an area where kids can read and play while their parents browse, read, and relax in the library. I think I'll be assisting with that project while I'm here. Other than the library, I will be at the house helping out with Landon. The Ridgeway's are a great family and I'm enjoying my time with them!

Mary Kate

Church in Hungary

The Ridgeway's go to Calvery Chapel Church in Budapest which is about 40 minutes from their house. The church meets in an old movie theatre. The sanctuary holds around 300 people and is full for all of the four services! The entire sermon was preached in English. After every sentence or two a translator would say the words in Hungarian.

I'll try to add pictures of church next week!

Mary Kate

My first few days in Hungary

I've had a bit of trouble getting connected to the internet here and it's pretty late in Hungary right now but here are a some pics of what I have been up to the past few days. I'll add more details soon!

Leaving San Antonio...

My room...

Little Landon...

Stylish Nola...

 Sporty Weston...

Joyful Jacob...

Jacob and Nola playing a game...

Having fun after dinner...

The Budapest Christian Library entrance...

The library...

Hero's Circle...

My first few days in Budapest consisted of getting to know the Ridgeway family, seeing the library, going to the Ridgeway's fellowship group, getting a quick tour of Budapest, riding the public transportation, going to church, trying a bit of Hungarian food, and playing with the kids.

This week the kids are on Spring Break and it is Jacob's 13th birthday!

Mary Kate

Weighing in at...

43lb! The weight limit for my bag is 44lb and after weighing it today it is 43lb! Thank goodness for my one pound bag... 

This bag is about the size of a foot locker... it holds so much and (did I mention?) it only weighs one pound! The downside: it doesn't have wheels. 

Don't let my smile deceive you! That bag is not going to be fun to carry around the airport. Oh well, I'm just thankful for this opportunity to go to Hungary. If carrying around that bag is my only problem then all I have to say is "God is good!". 

Thanks again for all the prayers, encouragement, and support! I can't believe I leave tomorrow... 

Mary Kate

Packing. . .

I finally started packing today! But I haven't packed any clothes yet, just books. My carry-on is going to consist mainly of books for the Budapest Christian Library. Here are most of the books I am taking on this trip:

A few classics, a few abridged classics for kids, a few biographies about Christians written for kids, a few toddler books, the Chronicles of Narnia series, "Authentic Beauty" by Leslie Ludy, and two copies of "The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus" by John R. Cross. They all fit in my carry-on and weigh 29lb (the max is 40lb). I'll take another suit case of books in the fall. 

Mary Kate