Life on the Field...and Holly's birthday!

A lot of people ask us what life is like on the mission field.  Some things are of course quite different, but other things are very much the same--although it can be much more challenging here to accomplish something that would be very easy for us "back home" in our own language and culture.  We were recently asked by some Hungarian friends whether we feel totally comfortable and at home here since we (somewhat) speak the language.  We replied that at times we do, but quite often we still feel like outsiders who don't totally know what's going on since we often miss the connotations of things or don't know how to properly express our real, deep feelings.   Living that way over a long period of time is stressful, but we are extremely thankful for the opportunity to be here since we know this is the place the Lord has called us to be; we love the people and the country, and time after time have to almost pinch ourselves when we realize how incredible it is to be here. We live "between worlds" in many ways--not only because we live in another culture, but also because our real home is not of this world.  (Phil. 3:20)  We look forward to the time when we will finally be home and will never again be strangers!  We do have a lot of great times while we're here, though.  When special days such as holidays or birthdays come around, we like to kick back and enjoy the experience, sometimes combining local culture and customs with our own traditions.

Speaking of birthdays, Holly's was on April 18!  "Thank you" to those of you who prayed for her on her special day.  Secret discussions had been going on about a surprise birthday party with some of Holly's friends, but we weren't sure how it was going to turn out--one of the biggest difficulties was trying to maneuver Holly into being in the right place at the right time!  We had thought to have the party right after the youth group meeting on Friday evening, with Gary and I setting things up and grilling some food while the young people were in the meeting. But Holly was cooking up other plans, and we all thought she might not come that night--she was interested in going to the practice of a girls' American-style football team that's currently forming.  It would be a great opportunity for her to make new friends, but her birthday party would be so much more fun if the guest of honor were there! 

We were very thankful that since the weather turned cool and rainy, Holly didn't go to the practice after all--the
surprise party was a success, birthday girl and all.  Here are some photos:


(L) Holly cutting her cake during our team meeting on Wednesday.  We hoped that the "decoy cake" would help cover for the surprise to come.   (R) Gary manning the grill
  
      
(L) Holly said she hadn't suspected a thing--how could there be a surprise party if she wasn't even planning to be there? (Something all of us were pondering!)
(R) Cool friends from several countries were at the party.  At the right, Gary is talking with Vivian from the IMB Budapest Team, who was in town that weekend.