Home and luggage-less

I made it back to Hungary....my luggage didn't! At least I was coming home and had clothes here! :-)

I did some figuring on the flight yesterday. I figured out that since my first trip to Europe in 1999, I've crossed the Atlantic Ocean 19 times! That's 9 1/2 round trips! I don't know about you, but that seems like a lot. I was amazed at the fact that 10 years ago, I didn't even have a passport, and here I am...LIVING in Europe!

Coming back to BP has been like coming home. I slept in my own bed (not to say the beds in America weren't more comfortable). Soon, I'll be back into my own routine. And I'm speaking Hungarian again! Other than a few language teaching sessions at training, I really didn't speak Hungarian all summer. I'm not sure how much I've lost, but it can't be that bad. I'll find out more when I go to school on Monday, and try to tell my colleagues about my summer (many of them don't speak English.)

So, here begins year number 4 at Gundel School in Budapest. I'm going to have all the same students as last year, plus 2 new groups of 9th graders. I'll be teaching 22 hours, seeing each group 2 or 3 times per week. Our school is still looking for 5 new English teachers. They've added some new classes and programs, so there's more demand for teachers of English and other subjects.

I'll leave you with some prayer requests:
1. For the beginning of school.
2. English teachers!!!
3. Health for me and Catherine and protection of our flat.
4. The new teachers as they adjust to life in Hungary and Central Europe.
5. For me to be balanced in personal, spiritual, and professional areas.

Thanks for reading! God Bless, e.

Summer 2008

Well, it's almost over. I just finished packing my last big bags. I leave in about 18 hours. Here is a slide show of some of the highlights of my summer.



For explanations of the photos go to my facebook album.

If you're in Hungary...I'll see you soon! If you're in the US...I'll see you next summer (I hope.)

God Bless!
Erin

Training

Hi all...Hope you're still reading. I'm in Pasadena, CA at William Carey International University at TeachOverseas annual training. Since I'm considered an "alum" I get to help train and equip the new teachers just starting their journey teaching overseas. I've taught lessons on teaching, and I've even had the opportunity to teach some Hungarian! Those are the funnest lessons! The new teachers are grasping the language so well! I'm really impressed.

I'm also moving into a new role this year. In addition to teaching and ministry to my students, I'm going to be a Central Administrator for Hungary. As a Central Administrator (CA), I will have 4 teachers that I will support and oversee in country. Two of the teachers are brand new to teaching and life overseas, and two started the same year I did! I'm excited about taking this journey with them. Please pray that I will be a caring, loving and effective leader for them. I'm receiving some very good CA training myself. Today was the training session.

I'm going to be at training for another week. On Tuesday (8/12) I'm flying to Seattle to spend time with my family before flying back to Hungary on the 22nd! Then I'll have a week to prepare for school to start.

So that's the latest on me. The server here at WCIU is a bit tricky, so I'll post some pictures when I can.

Blessings,
Erin