A new year. Here we go 2017!!

So here we are.  It’s already February and soon it will be March.  Sorry it has again been quite some time since I’ve updated y’all.  So much has passed since September.  The fall semester went quite well and Jared and I both were able to get to know some of our new students.  We continued in coffee shop and were able to get to see some great new baristas develop.  One of our longtime coffee shop workers completed her thesis and is now graduated.  We will miss you Kata but we look forward with great anticipation what God will do with you and Jeff when you begin your lives as a married couple.

In November, I headed home to work at the hospital in California for a few weeks before the end of the semester.  Thanksgiving was my first day back after almost a year away.  It was a little rocky at first, but I was able to get back in the groove.  Jared stayed in Hungary till mid-December to finish out all his techie duties till the end of the semester.

Jared arrived in California on December 16^th and it was a roller-coaster of a furlough from then on.  We were able to spend two weeks in Oregon, including Christmas and New Year’s, with his family while sneaking in a visit to my sister in Washington, a few of our dear friends in Portland, and a little surprise anniversary get-away in a cabin in the woods.

At our secret cabin in the woods

By the Columbia River

In January, I continued in between visiting various friends and family in the Hanford area.  We were able to spend a week in Arkansas with the Fosters, very good friends of Jared, whom I was able to meet in person for the first time.  Their family and church family have been very great supporters of ours for several years now and it was a blessing to share what God is doing in Hungary with them.

At a very sweet and dear friend's wedding on January 7th

In the fall plans were shared of the school moving to Budapest with classes beginning in the fall of 2017.  We are super excited for the move and what that might mean for further equipping and church planting in eastern Europe and the world.  We are excited to be moving with the school to Budapest where Jared will continue his IT work, and I will continue in discipleship and whatever else God puts in front of us.

Last week we began transitioning out of the coffee shop in preparation for the move.  We would appreciate your continued prayers in this.  I will help with training the new students this week and next week and will continue to be available as a resource.

On Saturday, the staff and students here will be headed to Budapest for a little sight-seeing, and public transport learning, with a dash of enculturation, and adventure.  We are all excited to spend the day together, and learn more about this amazing country we live in.

Prayer requests:

1.     For the transition as our friend Richie takes over the coffee shop

2.     Wisdom for the leadership and staff of the school as important decisions are made in regards to the move to Budapest

3.     For Jared and I as we seek the Lord and His vision for our family in Budapest

4.     For our new team of students training in the coffee shop

Oh For Grace to Trust Him More

            So here we are.  It’s September already.  Sorry about not updating you all yet since our return to Hungary.  It has been a busy year so far.  Since our last update in February much has passed.  The school trip to Israel in March was life changing and I’m still looking at passages in the Bible and remembering what the wind felt like, the massiveness of the dessert, the sweetness of En-Gedi, and beauty of Jerusalem.  We packed much into just over a week and it was amazing.

Here we are on Mount Carmel looking over the valley of Megiddo

On a boat on the Sea of Galilee

Our trip to Spain to visit Nathan and Laura was just a few weeks later and it was a joyful and fun filled time with family.  They are now settled back in California.

Here we are by the palace in Madrid

Ice cream with the family in Spain

We were also able to visit friends in Greece in May, which was also a great blessing.

Our sweet friends Travis and Kristen, after an intense game of jungle speed, who are missionaries in Athens, Greece.

Now here we are already in the throws of the fall semester.  Many students are here for the first time seeking to know God more, and to where He would have them serve.  We are so excited to be involved in this process in each of their lives.

My brother Luke is now here at the school for the semester.  That has been a great source of comfort for me.  Having someone to play crazy games with and understand my movie quotes is quite diverting as well as the comfort that comes with having family close by when possible.

As of yesterday we have been married for eight months now.  It’s been a steep learning curve, but God is always faithful in it all.  There have been so many changes I often feel like I’ve failed in so many areas.  I find I often have to remind myself that what the devil intends for us to see as weaknesses the LORD can use for the sake of the gospel.  We are continually dependent on Jesus and the grace that He always has for us; a grace that is not based on us, or anything we do or deserve, but only based on His goodness.  Through our marriage I am learning to see more and more of how deeply and compassionately God loves us.  We continue to try and live by all of the scripture, but this verse in particular.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5&6

Every year I feel I learn more of what it is to trust in the LORD, but not because I’m growing in leaps and bounds in my spiritual understanding, but because as I encounter each new and intimidating situation I find God challenging me with the question of “You say you trust Me, but do you trust me in this?”

Thank you so much to all of you who are praying for us and showing us your love in so many ways.  God is really changing hearts here in Hungary and to the uttermost parts.

Please pray for:

1.     The coffee shop as we are training a whole new group of students.

2.     For family health issues as both of our families are experiencing some health challenges right now.

3.     Luke to settle into student life here and for direction in his life.

4.     For both of us as we disciple students.

New Beginings

New Beginnings

So it’s been a few months since my last update and so much has happened.

I finished my one-year in the School of Missions at the end of August and flew back to California to work at the hospital for a time and do some wedding planning.  Time passed quickly, but I did miss Jared as he stayed in Hungary for ministry during the fall semester.  It was such a blessing to reconnect with family and friends.  All of you have blessed Jared and I so much.  I’m so thankful for all of those who were so instrumentally involved in the planning and preparation for the wedding.

Jared arrived in the states in December and we soon after left for a few weeks visit to his family in Oregon.  What a blessing to be able to spend time with Jared’s family.  Being there was wonderful and I’m looking forward to future visits.

Wedding week brought a bombardment of siblings, merriment, contact sports, niece and nephew hugs included.  We missed those who couldn’t be there, but joyfully celebrated with those who could.  Who knows where we will all be the next we’re able to gather.  We are also thankful for those who traveled from Oregon, Texas, Colorado, and Hungary to be there.

We were also blessed by our CCBCE (Calvary Chapel Bible College, Europe) here at the school with a small celebration last week.  It was such a sweet surprise and some much needed relaxation and fellowship.  As Jared and I are from different states, have family all over the continental United States, and serve here in Hungary there were many loved ones who could not be physically at our wedding.  We are so glad to be serving alongside all of you here in Hungary.

The first week of school has come and gone and it has brought with it my new duties on staff here at the school.  Jared will continue with his IT duties, which entails pretty much being the go to guy with any problems these days.  In addition Jared and I will be taking over the management of the coffee shop here on campus, which will be where I spend most of my time.  I will also be stepping in as the school nurse.

Please be praying for:

1. The staff here at the school and there are always spiritual attacks directed toward those who would lift up the name of Jesus.
2. For our marriage.  That we would develop healthy habits now rather than later.
3. For the new responsibilities we are taking on.  Especially Jared in learning to balance more things.
4. For the Israel class trip coming up in March.
5. For our trip to Spain to visit my brother Nathan and his family at the end of March.

40-day-outreach (because I don't have a clever title)

So the last time I updated y’all I was getting ready to head out on my 40-day outreach in Ukraine.  Now it is drawing to a close and I will be heading back to Hungary in just over a week.  So much had happened and God is teaching me such precious lessons that I know I will look back on for years to come.

Shortly before my coming the pastor in Kiev stepped down from the pastorate and the family I was to stay with was asked to step into that position.  George and Sharon Markey and their four boys have been serving in the church in Ternopil for several years.  It was decided that George’s brother Jon would take over the senior pastorate in Ternopil and George and his family would move to Kiev and take over there.  I have been able to help with that transition in whatever way I can.  I stay with the boys on the weekends while George and Sharon go to Kiev for Saturday events, Sunday services, and Monday prayer meetings.  Kiev is about a five-hour drive from Ternopil.

There have been some hot days and some rainy days but, with a lake in the middle of downtown, Ternopil has been a delight.  My greatest joy has been to be back in the kitchen, doing laundry, and spending time with the boys (all of which I haven’t done as much of as I normally do since leaving for Bible College).  It has been challenging at times, but my young charges are quite hilarious and our favorite pastimes are walking to the park, taking public transit to church, drinking kefir and having teatime when it’s raining.

I have had the joy of meeting several people at the church such as when the shower backed up, and accepting vegetable deliveries.  I continue to work on my Ukrainian and have a had a few successful communications.  I learned enough mom commands to be able to baby sit Ukrainian speaking children for a short time.

I have treasured my time here as I feel God is sending me through a delightful missionary wife boot camp before becoming just that in January.  Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me.  Please keep praying.

 Rinsing off at the conference in Hungary

 The deluxe smoothie made by the oldest of my young charges Samuel

 Sorry with the Markey cousins (two of the missionary families here in Ukraine) is never boring

 Of course getting in some Skype time with my love

 This is Kiyoshi (Markey boy #2) he is a Lego building master

 This is Samuel (Markey boy #1) he is the master chef in the making

Here he is enjoying some beet greens with me (oh yes we did mom)

 The sweet babushka the Markeys frequently buy veggie and fruit from on their way to Kiev

 Fun day to the Lego store with the three older boys

 Sharon Markey and 3/4 of her posse of delights

 At the park watching six kids (two of which don't speak English).
Getting my language study in.

 What we do on those hot Ternopil days

 Exploring the city center

 Of course stopping for a fresh Ukrainian cup of Joe

 Yes, there is a lake in the middle of downtown

 I just really like cool lookin' doors

 My friend Tanya who took me exploring

 Yes, I have found it!

 Peter (Markey boy #3) the one most like my amazing self as a 4-year-old

James (Markey boy #4) The one with the sunny disposition

Prayer requests:

1.  Safe travels back to Hungary on August 3^rd (also my handsome daddy’s birthday)
2. For George, Sharon, and the boys as they start a new life in Kiev
3. For Jon and Steff who will be staying in Ternopil and leading the church here
4. For safe travels as I go back to California at the end of August
5. Continued prayer for Jared and I as we plan our wedding and prepare for marriage

Oh, To Serve the King of Kings!

Friends and Family,
As I mentioned in my last blog many changes are coming to my life as I take the next step He is leading me in.  I rejoice in that He will remain faithful in my life as He always has.  I know I was rather abrupt in my "I'm engaged" announcement.  I am still processing it myself.  So I think Jared deserves a proper introduction to y'all.

Jared Scheller has been serving here at CCBCE for 8 years.  He grew up on the west coast and currently calls Oregon his home state.  Through a mutual friend he was able to help me with the application process last summer (you know, "do I need to bring a towel" and "when is the application due" sort of thing).  Through a series of only God orchestrated events we had very little contact over the fall semester, but started talking more regularly just before leaving the college in December (of course more details can be offered, but we all know I'm to long-winded to post such here).  In January it was clear God was leading us to pursue a relationship.  Somehow we fell in love, and I am ever so thankful.  Soooooooooo now we're engaged and getting married at the beginning of next year.  I'm looking forward to what God has in store for us a I join Jared here in Hungary.  While I am very much looking forward to having an earthly husband as a companion to serve along side, I am so thankful that our relationship is only a picture of how much our heavenly groom loves us.  Please be praying for our marriage and the days building up to it, that we may honor God in our conduct and purity of love.  As Paul urged the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:12 "that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."  I realize this all sounds very gushy and romantic.  I do realize that He who began a work in us is still working on us and we have much to learn from Jesus and each other.  We want Jesus to be our driver so I'm excited to buckle up and get this show on the road.

So for those of you who have asked, there is a little more detail about this man that I am most willingly committing to spend the rest of my life with.

Even with a wedding to plan missionary life on the foreign field speeds forward with gusto.   Next week is one of the biggest conferences held at CCBCE for the leaders serving here in eastern Europe.  Along with many guests, all of the School of Missions Students will be attending sessions on leadership, marriage, family, and many other subjects.  On June 19th I will be headed to Ukraine for my 40-day outreach.  I will be helping a church there with child-care, church services, and many other possibilities.  I can't wait to use the language I've been studying for the past eight months!  Last week I figured out how to type in Ukrainian, and I felt like bursting with excitement!

Graduation went well on May 15th with the added excitement that Abigail and mom surprise visited me and we traveled for a week after.  What an amazing blessing!

I'm so grateful to all of you for your prayers.  Please continue in this.  Your prayers are such a huge part of the work here in Hungary.

Prayer Requests:

1. For Jared and I as we prepare for our marriage
2. Outreach to Ukraine starting next week (especially for leadership in the church right now)
3. Foundations Conference next week, that God's servants would be refreshed

P.S. He's not a Cardinals fan so we'll work on that

Big news from Hungary

     It been a while and much has happened.  I have been quite busy with classes and such.  Next week is finals, but I am already finished with a few classes.  I just arrived back from Ireland a few days ago and was so greatly blessed by the pastor’s family there.  We stayed with the pastor Shawn Tebbe and his family and were abundantly blessed by them.  We were able to do some practical ministry at their house, spent an evening at a mental hospital, ministry with girls from the local school, and children’s ministry.  We were able to present the gospel at the mental hospital and were really blessed that the patients and staff were really engaged.  Children’s ministry was a joy.  I have missed it and enjoyed greatly getting back in the classroom.  Ministry with the girls I hope was a blessing to them as they have had several suicides in their school this year.  It was a blessed trip and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to go.

     I’m headed back in to school full throttle as finals are next week and graduation is May 15^th.

     In other news many of you may or may not know that I have been in a relationship with Jared Scheller these past four months.  A few days ago He asked me to marry him and I have accepted.  We are very excited and look forward to what God has for us in the future.

Prayer Requests

•          Prayer for Ireland and the girls impacted by the suicides
•          For the Tebbe family in Ireland
•          Finishing finals
•          Wisdom for Jared and myself as we prepare for marriage