Hey everybody!

Thanks for your continued interest in Hungary for Love and the work we are doing in Hungary. It means a lot that you’re still here, invested in the mission and the people. As many of you know, I moved to Hungary in August 2015. It had been a long-term personal goal of mine, plus having a board member in-country is an asset to HFL.

For the past year and a half, I’ve been teaching at a primary school (grades 1-8) in a small town in western Hungary called Pápa. It’s been an incredible experience. My Hungarian language skills have greatly increased. I talk in Hungarian every day- to store employees, my co-workers, and my neighbors. I still have a long way to go, but I have made much more progress than I ever would have in America. Working in a school allows me to learn firsthand how the Hungarian education system operates. Even more, I get to participate in the cultural traditions that make Hungary so uniquely wonderful. We recently celebrated Farsang (“carnival”), where we dress up in costumes and throw a party with a ton of food and games. Fourth graders are brutal at musical chairs, in case you were wondering. I dressed up as a flower garden, the students were very impressed. There were also princesses, a waiter, a ballerina, and many soccer players. Another favorite holiday is December 6th- Santa Day. It’s where Santa comes to visit and brings chocolate and sometimes small gifts. Sometimes he even brings me chocolate.

When I first moved here, I had grand plans to visit present and future potential partners quite often. However, I underestimated my adjustment period and overestimated how easy it would be to travel by bus or train. Fortunately, I often get the chance to visit Kaposvár and Vése, where we worked in summers 2013 and 2014. Other groups and churches frequently visit that partner of ours as well, and I’m often invited to join them in their work. As a result, I’ve made many new connections and met some of the kindest and most authentic people. I’ve also learned how to adapt to different teams and schedules from serving alongside them.

The last year and a half has been an adventure full of ups and downs that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I am grateful that this is my life, that I get to actually live in Hungary. I plan to be in Hungary for at least another three years, and use this time to support HFL’s mission. Want to hear more about it in person? Join me at our rooftop party in Seattle on June 22^nd, or consider volunteering with us abroad this August. I look forward to sharing our work with you, and I hope you can join us.

-Love, Lily