From the Muddy Banks of the Danube

2004-06-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

Im back and currently feeling like a strange alien in this world called "America". Everything is so big! Americans really do smile and laugh a lot. I was annoyed a little bit by all these young teenagers on the airplane from New York to Seattle. They come from Microsoft land and have a lot of techie toys. They seemed a bit spoiled. This poor Czech man had to sit in the middle of them while an old lady behind me yelled at them and complained a lot. *sigh*
Well, Praise God I have all my luggage and am slowly overcoming jet lag. Its great to be with old friends who have known you a long time and notice the immediate change that Hungary did to me.
Its a big adjustment time, but God is giving me a lot of grace to get through this period. Please pray for continued grace.
I will begin a new blog when my next job starts.

2004-06-17T03:11:00.000-07:00

I leave in six days! Here is my tranel iteniery. Please pray for safety, making my connections, divine contacts, health, and that I get my luggage a-ok! WEDNESDAY, June 23: Leave BP for Prague, Czech Airlines at 10:45 am, arrive at 11:50. Leave Prague for JFK NY at 12:40, arrive at 15:55. Leave New york for Seattle at 5:55 pm arrive at 9:07pm.
My life is going to be a bit of a tornado when I return, so please pray for Gods grace through this. My grandparents health is failing even more, and its very hard on my parents. I feel very helpless. Also, I need to go around raising support and awareness at churches and such, so ill be a bit of a public figure. Please dont have high expectations of me. I also need to deal with reverse culture shock and getting reaquainted with my friends, and say goodbye to life here.
Tongiht, Im going to a slide show at Ralf the German teacher's house with some of my teacher firends. Ill miss these guys a lot. Balazs and I are having a t shirt exchange on friday, which im rather excited about.
Poor Janna has to go through a lot fo visa stuff right now, and she isnt being helped a lot by the school or ESI. Please pray for special favor for her and grace.
I made it through thsi year, hallelujah! I still have two classes worth or oral exams yet. i cant believe that God sees in me this much worth to invest in. Well, its all for Him anyway.

2004-06-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

I just purchased a plane ticket to summer training and ouch! 300 smackeroos. I feel that God really wants me at this training for next year's teachers, so im trusting that He will provide. I have the money already, but I had wanted to use it for rent. Oh well. If you feel led to donate to the cause, then you can still send a check payable to ESI. Send to this address:ESI 444 E. Huntington Dr. Ste. 200 Arcadia, CA 91006 and write 203015 in the memo of the check.

Training is extremly hard. Its a big inbetween time. I wasnt in Hungary or Olympia, and frankly SoCal is just not my comfort zone. There is a lot of work, as well as getting to know your team. Please pray for the facilitators of the upcoming training season.

Last week was difficult spiritually and emotionally for me. I took on too much worry and believed too many lies of Satan. I was physically ill ebcause of it. Also,t ehre is a lot of spiritual warfare over Hungary right now. Please pray and enable the angels to assist the chrsitians here and do Gods work. God has giving me a new victory, now that I realised what the attacks were. I forgot to pray on the armor. Some soldier I am! Well, Hallalujah we have vicotry over satan! He has no power over my soul.

Sgt. Liz Mann called me from Iraq last night. She is a dear friend of mine form Evergreen. SHe prays for Gods protection every day. Please pray for her safety so she can come back to us. Please pray for her spirits, as its extremly difficult to be away from Washington in 116F weather.

Balazs keeps coming in here and looking at me. I think he wants on the computer.

2004-05-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

I have one month to go, and im beginning to feel the strains of tranisition. Lord, help me not to dwell too much on this emotional roller coaster.
Shalom, my pastor's daughter and good friend of mine, had an ice cream party at her place last night. Ive heard her mention this Canadian guy from her Hungarian language class, and wanted something to invite him to. I had a stranger vibe from him, and couldnt pinpoint what I thought was different abuot him. I kept somedistance. After talking and observing the guy, I realised htat He is really curious about God! His dad is a hungarian guy who left during the '56 revolution for Canada, and Bob has been here two years and even knows some of the language. He just got his MBA and drives a Lexus, which makes me feel uncomfortable, so I kept some distance. He apparently went to ICB that morning (I was on a spiritual retreat with ESI), and mentioned stories that Pastor Ford spoke about in the service. He seemed to be impressed. I casually mentioned in my tired stupor hwo I think that Western Society pushes God away with media and the american dream, and he insisted that I clarify that. He was quite respectful and sincerly interested. Folks, God is calling Bob's name. Pray that Bob listens and continues to put divine contacts in his path.
Tuesday night Im having Balazs, my Hungarian teacher friend, and Henk, a dutch missionary over for a curry dinner. Ive been targeting Balazs in prayer lately. He has had minimal exposure to the gospel, and he seems to be atheist. Pray that God will soften his heart. I think Balazs really respects me. I think he'll listen to my story about God and pay more attention to it than other people's story. Pray for him.
Im a bit nervous about coming back, but excited all at the same time. Ill probably feel like a freak for awhile, and get super emotional in the grocery stores. Ill need space and time to readjust when I return, so please be gentle, understanding, and flexible.

2004-05-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to figure out how to teach a bit on ecology for my advanced students. My text is a chapter from my former professor, Dr. Dan Underwood at Peninsula College, an ecological economist. I forgot how difficult his language was. He made us take dictionaries to class. It couldn't be those small ones either. It had to be one of those huge ones. I could, theoretically, give these beautiful 40 pages to my students, but I'm not. Ill give them pieces of the text, but repeat the text in a dumbed down version for a lecture. I believe this is an important topic. Dr. Dan had a profound impact on my Weltanschauung (world view), and I want to impart a new option of looking at the world for these young Hungarian. He points out how self seeking we've become, and how that directly relates to our depleting the earth's resources and leading to the destruction of humanity. Now, from a Christians perspective, the ultimate destruction of humanity wont happen. However, it doesn't mean that by our careless living we wont ruin the lives and indirectly (or perhaps directly) cause a lot of suffering not just for other life forms, but for our brothers and sisters on this planet.
Here is another interesting point that Dr. Dan states: Dependence is the rule of existence. Nothing exists in isolation. If you are a Christian, take these statements and meditate on what that means not just for you personally, but as a part of this world.
I'm becoming increasingly convicted of what my actions do. There are physical, social, and physical consequences of everything we do. We human beings are incredibly small in the mind, but our actions and presence can have a huge influence around us. This can be good or bad.
That's what the thought that I want to leave my students with. They have already heard the gospel. Our God is a God who cares and is very active in the world. He leaves a lot of it to us, though.
ON a side note: Ill be helping with training for next years teachers in Central Europe. That means Ill be in Pasadena, CA from July 29-mid August. The plane ticket is about $240. If you feel led to helping with the cost, send money to ESI with my name in the memo. Ill post the address later, or just click on the link to ESI's website.
God bless!

2004-05-14T04:46:00.000-07:00

I only have a few weeks of teaching left. I sat down and mapped things out. I have to write tests and correct papers, so I must be diligent. I still need to teach my 12A class a section on ecology. My former professors, that oh-so influential Dr. Dan Underwood, graciously sent me his thick 40 page chapter on thermodynamics and how it connects with ecology and economy. I've read it and studied it before, but now i must shorten it and make it understandable for these hungarian kids. They are coming out fo communism and we are coming from an ever increasing wasteful culture. Im sorry, my fellow americans, but we arent going to look good.
This weekend, the ESI teachers in BP are going to videotape bits of Hungarian history reenacted. Im looking forward to the interpretive dance of the 1956 revolution.
Tonight I say goodbye to my swedish friend Liv. Shes coming back but Im not. She is even from the same part of the country where my family is from.
Please pray that I wrap up nicely in my job, and that what needs to be done will get done.

2004-05-10T05:15:00.000-07:00

Hello from Prague. Im in Bohemia Bagel again, trying to get dry. Being from Washington I thought I could deal with the torrents. Well, being that Im wearing cotton, its not the most comfortable experience. Hey, Im in one of my favorite cities.
We had Balagas at school on friday. This is their form of graduation. They walk around the school with flowers. Now I dont have to work on Tuesdays, yeah! Now I have to do things in BP that I havent got around to doing. I have a teacher card so I get to go to museums for free.
Why do people like to travel? Well, Its my life long dream to see the world. Man, I miss the northwest, but how can a person learn if they are always in the same situation?It is static. Sure, I could play tourist. Perhaps Im in denial, after seeing stereotypes of the Ugly American constantly around me. However, we need to go into these places with open minds and be learners. When I go someplace, I want to be with the people. Thank God yesterday I went to a Czech church with a couple i met at my BP church two weeks ago. It was a bit on the charismatic side, and often I wasnt sure if they were speaking in otungues or if it was Czech. Slava means Holy. Great word,isnt it? Say it out loud....cmon...SLava. Feels good, doesnt it? Its sad Im going to leave Europe in 6 weeks, but it will be nice to be with my own people again. Im american and i can never get rid of it. Sometimes Im ashamed, but now I realise we have a lively, forward thinking culture. God made me who I am for a reason. He is such an artist to make so many different people. It is Satan who wants us all the same and borning. But when we actually are listening to God and talking to him, he molds us more and more into a puzzle piece of the body of Christ. It is then that he can use us as a tool of His love for the world. Amen? Lord, how can we bless people today?
Slava! Slava! Slava!

2004-04-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

Milda is a goregeous dark haired Lithuanian girl and this is the website for her band. She was in my fellowship group at the IFES conference. I havent listened to the songs yet because this is a slow computer. Tell me what you think. http://www.gyvai.puslapiai.lt

2004-04-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

I have two months left before I leave beautiful Budapest. Spring is here, and we are getting more sunshine and warmth. With that comes more tourists which make the 105 bus take twice as long as normal to get to my metro station. However, this also lets me practice kindness to english speaking strangers on how to get around the city, what they should see and do, and a bit about the people. I get embarrased of the sterotypical american beign loud and ignorant, but they just dont know any better. I really have to personally turn down the volume and be low key when i go aroudn the city.

At Easter time, I had the privelege of being my bold american self at the IFES conference. There were so many different cultures there, it didnt matter. Also, I could talk to strangers! THat made me so happy. I assume that I cant talk to 95% of the people in this town. Its such a great thing to go up to anyone and be able to have a conversation with them. The majority of people were dutch. WHerever I went, I saw blazing orange (which is their national color), giant clogs, tall men with big smiles offering me things to eat and drink, and who genuinely seemed to be glad to see me. I think that I could never go to the Netherlands now. It would spoil my Disenyland view of the country. I finally ended up with a group of Scots from GLasgow. We had a lot of laughs. One lad in particular, Andrew, has such a supernatural strong brogue that it makes those around him weep. WHat a gift!
I have many other small interesting intercultural stories from the trip, but Ill keep it short. I cant decide which I like better, Urbana 2000 or this. This was a taste of Heaven. People from all over the world meeting to gether to grow in the Lord and praise our creator. Many of us were incredibly sad to leave. There were no more than 20 Americans, and I think I met most of them. The church is not an american thing. This was strongly european. This was a taste of our future home. It touched some deep longing in each of our beings that makes us long for home. God is very much alive in my generation, and I thank God for making me a part of this generations evangelists. God is so incredible. He annointed me for my next job (more on that later). I made great contacts that I hope to maintian for a long time. If not, we will rejoice with each other in Heaven and exclaim how great it is that God is very much alive and working still.
Thank you for your prayers.
By the way, my students are getting wilder as the weather gets nicer. Help!

2004-04-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

Im writing to you as a very blonde female. The hair guy treated my hair like my dad does with his cars. He had a lot of products, and took good care of it. When he was fixing it up at the end, the reflection in the mirror looked very familiar. We used to have this picture hanging up in the family house in Forks of my Mom celebrating her birthday with great grandma Powless. She is wearing this blond wig or soemthing. That is the reflection I saw in the mirror, my mother 25 years ago!
Istvan and I saw the Passion. I gave him a track and a bible. He asked some questions and I answered them to the best of my ability. I told him point blank: You know that I think you are going to Hell, right? He still doesnt believe the story, but he thanked me for the bible. The gospel was very clear to him, and he rejected it. Oh well. He still has time.
Tomorrow I leave for the Urbana Europe conference. I havent been thinking about it lately. Im going to be shocked by how great it is, im sure. Pray for us. Pray that people will be open to hearing His voice.
Im a bit overwhelmed right now. Trying to survive and live in this country is a lot. I feel like I have a lot in the states to think about, and people to get in contact with. I want to tell so many people about how life is over here, but all I can do for now is this blog.
Happy Easter! He is risen and He is Lord!

2004-04-01T03:54:00.000-08:00

Now my gums are fine. I finally saw Dr. Eva, and she said there arent problems now. The pain is mostly gone. I go for a cleaining next tuesday, and afterwards I go next door to the hair place and get more blonde highlights. I see that Im going more gray.
Istvan volunteered himself without any prompting form me to go see the Passion with him. It just came out here. I saw it last week in Vienna. I wasnt as emotional as I thought I would be. I cant go into great detail right now, and Im sure that you are all sick of hearing about it. We see the film this saturday night.
Next week is the IFES conference. Im haveing a bit of an identity....no, not crisis, confusion. Im going with the Hungarian group. The only other native english speaker is Thanh. I have to wear the colors of the flag from my country....but im going with the hungarian group! Ill be wearing a shirt that my 11e class gave me that says Im Hungarian, not a tourist.
I aplogise for those of you who are sending me emails. If you are lucky, ill answer within 2 weeks. I have a lot of people to keep up with, and its difficult with limited computer access and being half a world away. i love all of you and i do remember you every now and then with smiles and laughter. I thank you all for the various forms of support you have been giving me. I should let Ralf the german native teacher on the computer. He keeps coming in this room and looking at me.

2004-03-23T06:20:00.000-08:00

Please pray over my mouth. I brush and flooss like a maniac, but I think I have ginigivitis. My gums on the upper right are swollen and bleeding, and it makes me feel so gross. I cant fully smile. My dentist is on vacation and I cant see her until next tuesday. I need to be healed.

2004-03-04T04:36:00.000-08:00

Debbie Bayes, co-pastor of Evergreen Students for Christ and Queen of all things Old Testament, suggest a website to me that clarifies things about The Pasion: www.thelife.com It is not out yet in Hungary, so I havent seen it. I definately want to invite some of my students and colleagues to watch it with me. I think it comes out at Easter, and I hope it comes out in english here as well as Hungarian. I dont speak aramaic, but maybe its easier to understand than Hungarian. Just kidding, my Magyar friends.
Mel GIbson, in an ABC interview with Diane Sawyer, said the following: "Jesus Christ "was beaten for our iniquities," Gibson said. "He was wounded for our transgressions and by his wounds we are healed. That's the point of the film." Amen! I know that this film may be too violent for some people, but if more people commit their livesw to Christ because of this film, than we need to encourage our non christian friends to see it. Maybe some dont need to see Christ's sufferings played out and know that He did this for us. Others just dont get it, that CHrist bore the weight of our world on His shoulders FOR US PHYSICALLY. People need to come face to face with this reality and make a decision. This film is necessary. Fellow Soldiers of the Cross, I plead with you to make yourself available as a resource to the unbelievers around you to explain this film. Jesus is the only path to peace in this dying world.

2004-02-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

I need your help! Or rather, Attila needs your help. He is not even my student but speaks amazing english. He spent a year as an exchange student in California, and wantsw to marry one of my 13T students who speaks intermediate english. He asked me about scholarships, because he wants to go study at an american college in california. However, Hungarians could never afford american school unless there are scholarships. It is important to him that he provides for himself, while maybe Szilvi gets a catering job. Do you know of any schols, scholarships, or programs to get him to an american universtiy? Perhaps there is even a christian school that would help? Please pray for these two that they make the right decision and that God opens a door. Also, pray that they see this door and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. It means a lot to a Hungarian to hear ther words "Yes, it is possible" because this is such a foreign concept to them.

2004-02-24T23:52:00.000-08:00

Well gang, it is official. I will be arriving at SeaTac airport at 9:07 pm on wednesday, June 23. Time is tick tick ticking away and im trying to drink in all I can of life here that I cant experience back in Washington. Please pray that God will prepare my replacement for my job and for Janna.
Also, I just got my hair cut. Its the closest think to Danica's haircuts that I can get. Its from an american woman visiting here for a week. She cuts missionaries' hair for free, so I jumped on that as fast as I could. Its a bit short, but I like it like that. I think that it will grow out nicely.
Please continue praying for my family. Mom is recovering from her operations, and Grandma and Grandpa arent in good shape. Except for thsi stupid cold, God is keeping me in great health.
Dont forget to go watch the Passion, and bring a non christian friend with you. If you are a christian without knowing any non christians, than something is wrong.

2004-02-23T01:16:00.000-08:00

Last week was very full, long, and tiring. However, I serve a good God and he just pours out his continual blessings on me. Tuesday night I helped serve at a soup kitchen and took part in their chruch meeting. I gave my testimony and evangelised a little bit. Jim Person, an Alaskan who goes to my church, preached the main messege. I think about 4 people gave their lives to the lord that night. I was touched by the compassion and the friendliness of the Hungarians who ran the place. An older couple run it off of their pension and donations.
Last Friday, I went Hungarian folk dancing! The rhythym is bouncing up and down like a basketball. The steps were complex, but I had so much fun with my friends.
Katie, my close friend here who is also teaching with ESI, asked me what God has been teaching me lately as we were drinking coffee at Cafe Europa. Lately, I realise how short and fragile life is. God is blessing me so much with others. I love other people, and the friends I have here are so special to me. Part of the reason is because I know Im leaving in late June and wont see them so often. I also realise what a blessing my friends and family back home are. I miss them, an dnow I see more clearly how goodthese people are and how much love they have to give.
Until next time, this is Vangie Rand saying: Let your smile be your umbrella.

2004-02-17T05:54:00.000-08:00

Im currently seeing the Star Spangled banner to Csaba, a jolly hungarian teacher. He wont sing the hymnus, the Hungarian national anthem, to me. :(
Im about to leave to work this afternoon at a homeless shelter. Im giving my testimony and i havent even organised it yet. It will be an interesting evening.
I need to go write this thing and eat something. Ill write more later.

2004-02-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

I spent last weekend in Vienna. Yes, I had a starbucks mocha frappuccinno. Vienna was fantastic. Kara, and american friend, kept leading me around with my mouth open. Its clean, apparently the safest city in the world, and very interntational. I didnt know that the UN had their own city there (Uno City). These people are so honest and trustworthy (like Swedes). They dont have any police checking for tickets on public transport, unlike our red armband guys in BP. They have newspapers hangining in plastic bags from poles with a little money deposit box. That would be stolen in five minutes in this town. I didnt know any german, but its similar to swedish so I could make it out a little bit.
Speaking of lanugage (pun, pun), Ralf, my native German colleague at school, just gave me a paper comparing german, dutch, english and swedish. The grammar and a lot of the words are very similar. THous Ralf said that Hed only studied some in school, he speaks better english than a lot of hungarians. Here are some examples comparing english, german and swedish:
German trinken/trank/getrunken tag uns stein
english drink/drank/drunk day us stone
swedish dricka/drack/drucken dag oss sten
In Hungary, it sounds like none of the above.
Witness Vangie getting more culture. God is so cool.

2004-02-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

OK, my vikingachilanga account is working again. Ignore the vangiebp account.

2004-01-31T03:11:00.000-08:00

Im currently trying to get into my email account, and it is defying me. Arrrgh! I almost freaked out last night because my cell phone locked up on me. I didnt think that Id be one to become so dependent on these electronic things, but if I lost it, I would lose touch with so many people. Everyone has a cell phone here. Part of the reason is because it is so much cheaper than using a landline. The older hungarians dont trust phones much anyway. The commies could have them tapped, you know. Mobile phone technology is cheaper here and is much more advanced than landlines, so why not use them?
So, i have a temporary email until the other one lets me back in. vangiebp@yahoo.com

2004-01-22T04:53:00.000-08:00

I noticed on monday that the poster was taken down from that room. I didnt even have a chance to talk it over with APK, the english head! That is a direct answer to prayer.

2004-01-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

For those who know me, you know how much I love film. I think it is an incredibly powerful medium blending visual, kinesthetic, and audio to tell a story. I dont remember who said this, but someone said that the universe is made of stories, not atoms. The most important story of all is that of our Creator. Amy Dale recently send out an interesting email which I am cutting and posting here so no one will get forwards. Im sure youve heard that the Hollywood hearththrob Mel Gibson is coming out with a movie about Jesus called the passion. Well, the following are two emails about soem christians that I dont know who got a chance to attend a private screening of "The Passion". Here goes:
Dear friends :
> This was sent to me by a good Christian friend. I though you might like
>to read it and draw your own conclusions.
>
> This is an email from artist Christy Nockles:
>
> Hello friends and family, Nathan and I wanted to share with you that we
>were able to attend a private screening of the new Mel Gibson film titled
>"The Passion Of The Christ" this past Monday night. We unexpectedly got on
>the list to go and view it at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, TN.
>Neither of us were really prepared for what we viewed. It's really hard to
>find the words to tell you how life-changing this film was for both of us.
>First of all, Nathan and I felt completely out of place. We got in somehow
>through Don Donahue (thank you Don) but most of the crowd was the Country
>Music Industry...artists, radio and press. Ricky Scaggs sort of hosted the
> event.
>
> This movie changed our lives forever. The room was full of the sound of
>weeping and loud sobbing, including our own. I told Nathan on the way home
>that I only wish that I would have seen it as a young teen. It is so fitting
>that the whole movie begins with a black screen with the text of Isaiah
>53:5, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our
>iniquities , the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes
>we are healed".
> I've attached an e-mail below from Lisa Bevill who attended the viewing as
>well. She very beautifully describes the experience of viewing the film and
>then getting to have a question and answer time with Mel Gibson himself.
>(PLEASE take time to read it because she goes into great detail about the Q
>& A time that we had with Mel...it was so cool.)
>
> The room was silent as the movie ended and even as Mel walked down the
>isle of the chapel people remained completely stunned by the film. After he
>was formally introduced, everyone stood and applauded him loudly. He so
>graciously answered each question, and was very candid with us. It was very
>apparent, though there was a huge absence of "Christian lingo" coming from
>his mouth (breath of fresh air...thank you) that he has a deep relationship
>with God, he believes that Jesus is the Messiah, and that he's coming back
>to get his people.
>
> Mel and his small band of believers around him are asking the church to
>take on a "grass roots" approach to this film. They are asking us to tell
>everyone we know about it... They are wanting artists to show the DVD
>trailer at concerts, to do pre-sales on tickets through churches and FOR
>EVERYONE TO GO SEE IT OPENING WEEK! It really does matter that you go to the
>first 2 weeks of opening which is FEB.25TH. It is so important!!
>
> THIS MOVIE IS LIFE-CHANGING AND I PROMISE YOU IT IS ANOINTED BY THE SPIRIT
>OF GOD. THIS MOVIE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I fell in love with Jesus on
>Monday night. Either for the first time, or all over again. It is so amazing
>that the same King who endured that cross and was broken for me, lives
>inside of me! I am in Him and He is in me. I cannot wait until Noah and
>Elliana are young teens so that we can let them view this movie.
>
> Please pray for Mel Gibson. Pray for protection for he and his family.
>Pray that God would pour back on him 100 fold what he spent on this movie so
>that MORE MOVIES LIKE THIS CAN BE MADE! He spoke about the major warfare
>that has been going on over this movie. He also told us about several
>miracles and conversions that happened throughout the making of this film.
>(Lisa tells about these in the letter below) So amazing... Anyway, we just
>wanted you to know about this so that you can have a huge part in the
>success of this film! Lisa gives out the website info as well below. You can
>put a link to it on your website and you can also request promotional
>materials from their website as well.
>
> Blessings to all of you in the name of our Lord! Christy and Nathan
>Nockels (E-mail from Lisa is below)
> -------------------------------------------
>
> Hey friends and family, Last night I attended a private screening of Mel
>Gibson's movie ...12/8/2003, at Ricky Skaggs' church in Hendersonville. I
>attended with Bonnie and Brent King. There were about 200 people in
>attendance.
>
> Well,....let me just say that I am speechless, moved beyond words and
>sobered by what I saw last night. I'm sure many of you will be receiving
>emails from some of your friends who were there as well...and you'll
>probably be bombarded with their own personal stories.. There were many
>country artists as well as Christian artists there, along side some radio
>and press folks. The movie was in a rough cut version...but still I thought
>a very finished state,...special effects had not been added yet, nor was the
>music complete....still it brought uncontrollable weeping from everyone..
> I couldn't stop crying through the whole movie. And when the movie was
>over, there was complete silence in the church.. I wanted the story to go on
>and on...for another two hours.... I think the movie was about 2 hours long.
>
> It got started late, like around 7:30, and the next time I looked at my
>watch it was 10:30... so I actually don't even remember. There was a
>question and answer time with Mel Gibson himself, so who cared what time it
>was! Every moment of the movie was captivating,..breathtaking....still there
>are no words. The beating and suffering of Christ was almost unbearable to
>watch. The scenes with flashbacks of Jesus when he was a little boy and a
>scene of his mother running to comfort him and then cradling him in her arms
>after he had fallen down about the age of 4 or 5.....was interlaced with
> scenes of him falling to the ground carrying his own cross, so bloody and
>unrecognizable...and then her holding him in her arms after he had been
>taken down from the cross. Her face then stared into the camera while she
>was holding him...and you could just imagine the things she was thinking.
>
> Every parent who was seated near me .. fell apart. The nails being
>hammered into his hands was the most real thing I had ever seen. One scene
>of Jesus and the interaction with his mother...just reminded me of every
>20-year old man/child and mom relationship. Where she's trying to get him to
>come to eat...and has to remind him to wash his hands before eating...she
>brings water to wash his hands..and after washing, he gently splashes water
>on his mother..but then wraps his arms around her and kisses her on the
>cheek....and takes off running to the food.. I don't know..it just
> reminded me of something my 15 year old Cody would do to me..... And the
>thought
> of one of my boys going through that, just made me want to die inside...
>
> Anyway... I could go on and on....but I truly have no words....as you can
>tell by the book i'm writing here....haa!
> There was a question and answer period last night with Mel himself. We had
>heard rumors that he's been showing up to these screenings. I got brave
>enough to put my hand up and ask a question about the miracles that we had
>heard about, on the set. And he began to talk about so many I couldn't
>really keep track. I remember hearing about one of the actors being hit by
>lightning twice, yet walking away from it..with only smoking fingertips;
>healings , conversions on the set,..but I especially remember him talking
>about a Two-year old child's, hearing and sight being restored...and he
>said...you know you can't fake that when you're two. So we know it was real.
>
> He was asked about Spiritual warfare on the set...and he just laughingly
>said..."Oh yeah..just being in Italy alone was enough warfare,..but he said
>it was intense. He said that the bad press surrounding the movie..is just a
>few small pressure groups that are causing all the noise. But seem to have
>the loudest mouths. And that became the
> reason for having these small private screenings..is to get the word out
>and to start a
> grass roots campaign into a swell. WOW....that sounds familiar.
>
> We all get the chance to be Christ's disciples all over again, in a fresh
>new way...
> Ricky Skaggs asked the final question of the night to Mel.....about how we
>can pray for him, help him, spread the word etc. He said that "prayer was
>the most powerful thing. And not to pray for all our enemies to have warts
>grow on their faces, (laughter), but to pray for our warring angels to fight
>against Satan's angels, because the people don't know any better, they are
>clueless...and they are just being used by Satan."
>
> It was mentioned to everyone in the crowd who were artists, press folks,
>radio..and such..anyone who had a website...to get on a mailing list and
>sign up. That they would be sending links, so that everyone could put it on
>their websites,...there would be movie trailers that artists could take on
>tour with them, show at concerts....any type of promo material on product
>tables etc. They passed out a poster flyer last night as we
> left...and the official website address is
>http://www.thepassionofthechrist.com/
>
> This is the address they have on all promo materials for the movie. It was
>a little easier to see the trailer on this site....as it was equipped for
>all computers video capabilities. You can go to this website and register to
>find out more info on how to help. This other site that is listed will just
>give you more info on press stuff and more press on the miracles that
>happened. >
> The movie comes out February 25, 2004.. Ash Wednesday...in theaters
>nationwide. And the movie's official title is "The Passion of the Christ".
>Mel said that he spent 35 million of his own money to make this movie.
>Mel,.. I have to say is a man of the word! He knows the Bible..and is a
>sold-out believer. He said that this movie has been his passion for the past
>12 years....just 3 years ago did the Lord begin to give him
> landmark signs that now was the time to start filming the movie. He
>mentioned some of them...but one that stuck in my mind, was him saying that
>some random little old lady in France I think...came up to him and said
>something to him that nobody could've known, I don't know what she said to
>him..but he said the signs to get started on it, were unmistakable.
>
> Ok....well...I know that I am changed...and I pray that what I saw will be
>etched on my brain forever...and Lord, help me to never forget the price you
>paid for us all.
> Whenever I begin to argue, or complain....shut my mouth Lord. And help us
>all to remember,...we are not home yet...that heaven awaits all of us who
>believe in Him....and that we all have a part to play, a heart to share, a
>burden to carry...and a story of love and hope to spread....
>
> Thank you for the cross LORD! Make it a point to take your entire family
>to this movie!!!!

2004-01-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

Well, Grandma is back home. My grandparents need to live in assisted living, but they dont want to move at this point. Its difficult for all of our family.
My students are whining about hteir grades. It is the end of the semester.
Check out the 3 picture down on this link. Im singing worship, but it looks like im howling or something. Hey Amy and Danica, insert your joke here: ___________
http://www.tdimaging.com/ICFB_Photos,%20Autumn%202003.htm

2004-01-15T03:25:00.000-08:00

My Grandma fell yesterday. My grandpa, being the deaf man that he is, didnt hear her cries for an hour. They had to wait for the ambulance from the nearest hospital (an hour away). Here are the results so far according to my mother: In the ER she received 27 stitches above her eyes, one eye is very swollen & bruised, & she has a broken arm at the elbow. She has been admitted to the hospital, but we don't know the results of the CAT scan yet. (Yes, the Forks Hospital has a CAT scan machine.)
Shes in the Forks Hospital, and I feel pretty helpless by being so far away.

2004-01-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

I can now sleep at night. I saw the Hungarian premier of the final Lord of the Rings film with a friend. I didnt get home until 4 in the morning! Its a good thing that it is my late starting day.
Janna is now on her way to Thailand for two weeks, so I will be Jannaless for awhile. Please pray that things go well with her studies over there.
My awesome wednesday night bible starts up again next week, and Im pumped! Woo-hoo! I added their website link, so click on it and look at how cool it really is.
Im about to ask Kata Antal Peter, my english head something that is crossing cultural bounds. Classes have their own classrooms here, bnot teachers. They put up all sorts of crazy posters. Usually i can handle the scantily clad women on the wall. I tolerate it. Well, my 12f class has a new giant poster on their door of a topless woman, covering only a little bit of the breasts with her hands. This is quite vulgar, and their other teachers let them have it up. Im about to ask Kata if I can have it taken down. I also teach other classes in there who are younger and more impressionable. I hate to think that sweet "Mexi" or Csaba are staring at her, and Reni thinking that she needs to look like that for men to like her. This is a spiritual warzone. Pray for this soldier.

2004-01-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

I stand corrected: It is not Boldog Uj Evet Kerek but Boldong Uj evet Kivanok (whoops!).
Im back to teaching now, and Im a lot less stressed then before Christmas break. Please pray for Janna, though. Shes working like a madwoman trying to get things ready and finish work for her Masters program at APU. She leaves on Friday for two weeks in Thailand. No, its not vacation. Its work! Pray for her stress level and for good rest.
God has been talking to me lately about my future. Im still processing quite a bit, and contacting some of my mentors to help me through this. Kelly Kuest, the Pasotral care director of ESI CE team, said that if "your heart is to serve God and so how can you go wrong? " (By the way, those of you back in OlyWa, go to Evergreen Christian Communitty church to say hi this month. Shes from there, so go maul her in the Name fo the Lord....ok, in the name of Vangie, go hound her and give her chocolate or soemthing.) I want to encourage my friends who may be in that state of "What am i going to do with my life?". Look back at Kelly's statement. Now, what do you really want to do with your life? Last week, when I asked this question, Satan was coming at me saying "You arent as smart as so and so" or "You arent as creative as so and so". At that point, I screamed SHUT UP to Satan. God has given me clearer eyes to see when Satan is attacking, and it is at that time that we need to put him in his place. Satan and his negative thoughts have no power over us! Jesus said that the harvest is plentiful,but the workers are few. Lets move on and not let our lack of faith give Satan a foothold.

2004-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi folks! Im writing this in Prague, at a place called Bohemia Bagel (www.bohemiabagel.cz). I love this place because its like I walk out of Europe back into Seattle. It gives me a breather from being so foreign, though i am embarressed to be categorized into the American tourist category.
Christmas was fine. There were about 12 of us celebrating in a commie condo in the Harlem of Budapest. I stayed for about 3 days. After wards, I spent a day in Dunaujvaros, where Laura and Amy are teachers. Originally called Stalinvaros (Stalinville, basically), it was created in the 50s with the intent to be the ideal model of a communist city. Its pretty modern, comparitively. I got my hair cut and highlighted there, but its a dissapointment after the fantastic jobs Danica would do with my hair. Danica, I need you here as my personal stylist!
Now ive been in Prague and celebrated with some ESI Czech teachers at the castle. In the words of Mike Alpert, "it sounds like Beirut!". Imagine drunken teenagers lighting off big fireworks all aoround you, within 5 feet of you. It was beautiful but dangerous. It was the best New years that Ive ever experienced! Combine that with wacthing hte extended DVD of the Two Towers and having an interesting 3:30 ride on the tram. I love to people watch! Sure its no Ladies House bash, but this was awesome! Thank you Jesus.
One of my friends in Prague is a little sad lately. Shes made the decision (for now, she says) to leave here 3 year stint in Prague and go home to California. God has done a lot in her over here, and its sad for her to leave. Pray that shell be encouraged and have closure here.
God is good! I go back to Budapest tomorrow morning. Boldog uj Evet Kerek, or BUEK for short. Happy new year!

2003-12-23T03:06:00.000-08:00

In my next newsletter, I mention this song. Here is the song in its entirety. Thanks to Miklos Greizer for sharing this song with me. Now, to make it a bit more relevent, I"m putting the relevent term to my life in brackets.
FRAZIER FIR IN FLORIDA [Evergreen Tree in Budapest] by Allen Levi
Have you ever been so far from home, somewhere you knew you didn't belong? Its all you know the way I feel, a frazier fir in Florida [an Evergreen Tree in BP]. Well, I grew up in the mountain [and ocean] air, I wish that they had left me there, but now Im sitting who-knows-where, a frazier fir in Florida. My roots are still in Tennessee [Washington], but Vero Beach [Budapest] is home to me. I miss the smoky mountain frost [Washington wetness], im getting weak from car exhaust. They cut me down, tied me up, they put me on a crowded truck, you can take me home for thirty bucks, a frazier fir [an evergreen tree]. I miss my family everyday, I fear they too were hauled away. What an awful price each year we pay, they send us down to Florida. I may feel bad in a while, if I could see some children smile, but death seems such a price to pay, to make somebody's Christmas Day.
A King, Im told, from long ago, lef His home His love to show. They got some thorns to make a crown, they did Him wrong, they cut Him down. Im told He left a lovely place, to give away His holy grace. We trees, Im told, will clap our hands, when here among us He shall stand. But here I am, I'll do my best to make somebody's winterfest. Ill do my part with all the rest, a frazier fir [Evergreen tree], far from home, in Florida [Budapest]. An evergreen tree in Budapest.
Oh, Christmas tree, why do you look so lonely?

2003-12-04T02:45:00.000-08:00

Check out the Thanksgiving photos on the Team Hungary website. Look, Danica, I need you to give me a hair cut. It's turning back to hippie hair.
GOd really ministered to me at the Thanksgiving retreat. I'll write more about it in my newsletter, because there was a lot to it. Just know that it was really hard to be away from my family at this time and I haven't cried so much since I've moved here. Please pray that Christmas wont be as bad. On the up note, I did eat my fair share of pUmpkin pie. I also recieved a can of the stuff and cranberry sauce from friends at Forks Bible Church. Thanks, guys!
I witnessed some more to Istvan. Hwe was a big help to me because on the morning we left for the retreat, our power was out! The landlady is the schol librarian who doesnt speak english. I messaged him on my mobile and he transferred the message. Thank God! But when he told me that he did me that favor he said "God bless ya....and keep on rockin' ". Hmmmm....why does he bring up the God thing? Is he just trying to find a connecting point with me, or does he really want Jesus?
Balazs is another english (and german) teacher that is talking to me more. Im going to see his band, Gravefruit, later this month. Im rather excited, because i think that we have similar music tastes. Ive been frustrated with being bombarded with techno over here.
Im going to make sure that each student in my 12A advanced class has a bible so we can read the chrsitmas story. They let me do that here! Pray for openess to the gospel.

2003-12-02T01:08:00.000-08:00

Disregard the nutmeg request, please. I was wrong and Syble was right. Found it.

2003-11-26T01:57:00.000-08:00

I have a special request from thos eof you back in the good ol' US of A: COuld someone send me some nutmeg by Christmas? They do not have egg nog here, so i have to make it! I cant find it anwhere, not even at CBA. Also, if you know any good egg nog recipes, let me know. I suppose i wont have an egg nog latte this year....
Hey, I heard there is a Starbuck sin Viena, which is 3 hours away. Im going to have to make it a mission to go there. I miss Washington coffee culture. Maybe I can get Seattle things there as well.
Happy Thanksgiving!

2003-11-20T04:58:00.000-08:00

Well, its been another week that God is continuing to pour out his blessings on me. Im haveing a fulfilling time lately of worship and fellowship where the Holy Spirit is flowing strongly. Im getting together in the next two weeks with Balazs, another english teacher here. I havent found out how open he seems to eb to the gospel, but he is very kind. Istvan has some walls of hostility up that need to broken down.
I went to another town (Rackeve?) wth 3 of my students to an english contest. Those girls dont really talk much to me, and i dont force anything on them outside of class. It was a loooong 3 hours round trip on the HEV. I met two students at the host school, however, that took to me. I felt good to take off my teacher hat and put on the ol' Youth leader's hat. A boy asked me "You are american, aren't you?" with a partly american accent. I was shocked, and he told me that he used to live in Indiana and Utah but was born in Canada. He could tell I was american because of my Nalgene bottle. He eve remembers a game between the SOnics and the bulls in 1995, and misses Taco Bell. After some digging, he told me that his father was a musical conducter and that is the reason he has moved around so much. Kris obviously looks up to his father and loves him, so I asked why hes been in Hungary for the last 7 years. His father left the family. I aksed where he was, and Kris had this sad yet loving look in those big brown eyes and said "I don't know, its a mystery". His father is missing out on so much, including this really bright, insightful young man.
Kris introduced me to his best firend, Zoli, who has a perfect englsih accent. We talkedquite a bit as well. I gave them my mobile number and told them to come to Budapest soem saturday and I'll show them around the city through american eyes. Pray for these boys salvation, and that they will call me sometime so i can witness to them a little more.
I will be going next weekend for a Thanksgiving retreat with my fellow ESI teachers to a town in the Czech Republic. Don't forget to tell God what you are greatful for, and have another helping of pumpkin pie for me.

2003-11-13T05:04:00.000-08:00

I don't need braces! Apparently, my bottom set of teeth are too messed up to work with so I have to live with them. My top half can be fixed with a night retainer for about a year. Its a lot loss money, praise God!
Istvan is opeing up a little more. Its like a puzzle. You know Hes interested in the gospel somehow because he brought up the subject, but with his mouth he says he doesnt need it. He said that hes a christian but not a believer. I told him that is impossible. I did tell him some of my background in order to give credibility. Hes become agood firend of ours. Target this man with prayer. There is an opening somewhere, but where? Pray that the Holy Spirit really work in in Janna and I.
Also, my church back in Olympia is going through soem distress (note the broad, vague meaning of this term). I dont know what it means except that Satan is on the attack. Pray for His people to have God be victorious in all things.
Want to visit me? Amy Loskota said there is a deal to visit between january and march for 525 bucks round trip. My place is open!
My 12A class and I are currently discussing sterotypes. I get to break a lot of American sterotypes for them. Pray that there understanding of people changes to a more accurate, open, and loving view of people.

2003-11-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

My fall break in Prague was fantastic! It was such a rest. It is a storybook city. I did experience some shock when I heard a loot of AMerican voices. All of a sudden, I experienced overload because I could understand everyone! When I stepped into Bohemia Bagel, it was like I was back in Otto's in Olympia. We dont have bagels in Hungary. I also replaced my beloved Nalgene bottle there after losing my green one at training in California last summer. I havent seen Nalgene bottles in the outdoors stores in Budapest, so its become quite the novelty to my students.
I broke my mouth gaurd already. Perhaps my bite is too strong. Wednesday night at 7 (10 am pacific) I have a consultation with my dentist and an orthodontist. Please pray over the decision fo braces. It will be much cheaper there than in the states. My friend Janelle paid 400 USD for hers here in BP.
Im subbing for a lot of classes and its wearing on me. I have a lot to work with, as well as dissatisfied students who dont respect me. My advanced class flipped a lot of attitude to me today. Praise god for my low level 12E. They are such a joy to work with!
I will work on my newsletter this weekend, so keep your eyes peeled! Oh, and forgive me for not keeping in touch with everyone. Im working hard.

2003-10-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

I have a cell phone! call me sometime at my # is: 011 (Europe) 36 (Hungary) 30 643-2054

2003-10-16T03:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm gong to be honost here. My wisdom teeth extractions have not fully healed as of yet. In fact, this week they are inflamed and causing pain. I go to see an american style dentist on Friday at 14:30, which is 5:30 am pacific. Im humbly asking for prayer. Id be upset if this stops me from going to Prague on fall break, but if it does, than i need to accept that. Thank you.

2003-10-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I've written in this. So many crazy stories have happenned, but praise God my laughing spirit is back again. Ill try to write a new newsletter in the next two weeks.
Well, we got lists finally on what to teach on. No one bothered to tell us until recently what the students need to know for their final exam. Some of the stuff seems really boring. Most of you know how I like to entertain and to find relevence to the world in general. Please pray for ideas. Better yet, send me ideas!
My wisdom teeth holes are swelled up. Please pray for healing and the right decision on my part.
Next week is fall break and Im going to the Czech Republic with some friends. I finally get to see the world!
Im now attending a bible study on Wednesday nights. It is college/career group with people from my church, ICF, and YWAM. There are hungarians, canadians, brits, and americans. Its a solid study, but we are just getting to know each other so its still new for us.
My parents just sent me a big envelope with maps and brochures of Washington. IT was such a treat to show my co teachers where I am from. One co teacher mentioned how lucky I was when she saw the pictures of the Ocean. Another, Istvan, was really interested in the Native American tribes and borrowed a brochure on the Quilieute tribe.
Its getting better and im getting more used to being strict. Ive been reading Isiah, and Im understanding a little bit more of how just God is. He has the authority to punish anyone. Its amazing that we are still around.
Thanks to Major Linda Gillies for the gentle reminder of updating the blog.

2003-09-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

Send me a letter or package at
Rand, Evangeline c/o
Gundel Károly Közepiskola
H-1097 Budapest
Ecseri út 5-7
HUNGARY
I heard that USPS priority gets here fast and doesnt go through customs. Is that true?

2003-09-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

I'm getting more used to my new life here in Budapest. I1m still in survival mode, so please continue praying me on to the thriving mode.
God has taken so much away from me to show me what really matters. God is still there even though everything was removed from me. It is in learning to accept my identity as one of God's chosen children and part of His beloved bride (the church). He had to take me away from all of the familiar and doing a job that is still very unsure in order to show me Who I need to depend on. I'm far from cool here, nor am I beautiful from Hungarian standards. I'm a bumbling, loud, large American that still doesn't know entirely the rules of the Hungarian game.
I just pray every day that I survive and not mess up. I can't even think about outreach right now (which is a far cry from my life in Olympia). Please pray for my relationship with the Lord, and that God will reveal to me the people He wants me to share His love with.
Praise God for people reaching out to Janna and I. Istvan, a ROmanian math teacher at our school, has been having lunch and talking with us. Our neighbor family has reached out to us. They gave us cake, cheesy bread ballos, and have taken us to the suburbs shopping at the WalMart size store Cora. A missionary couple from Mississippi, the Courtneys, have been praying for Janna and I. They had us over twice, and she introduced me to ICB. Praise God for these blessings.
I have work to do. Thank you so much for your support. It helps keep me going.

2003-09-18T01:14:00.000-07:00

THanks for reminding me to update thins thing,Tom.
Im getting a bit more familiar with my 100+ students. They are still pushing me to see where my boundaries are at. One of the reasons why God brought me here is to realise how blessed the United States is with education. SO many of these kids study just to take the final exam, and not for their own benefit. Also, we have a discipline system whereas Hungarian schools do not. These kids need to know between right and wrong, and know that there are consequences. This doesn1t come naturally for me because I'm not a strong disciplinarian. Please pray for stregnth in this area.
I was really blessed by the International Church of Budapest (ICB) service on Sunday. The worship was great, and the sermon was on the importance of the Church. Is this the key to my sanity? Do I need to be more involved with ICB? I have to be careful to not bite off more than I can chew (as it is my habit of doing). Pray also for how involved I should be with the family of God and my students. WHere is the balance?
I miss Washington so much. Satan has been attacking me in my homesickness. Pray also for this area.
God bless!

2003-09-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Im getting to know my 10 classes better, but I've been told today that they will be changed next week. This is the way things are in Hungary. One just has to be prepared to go with the flow. Some of the 14th graders have horrible attitudes and dont want to learn. Some dont try and complain up the wazoo. The younger classes tend to be sweeter. They aren't so tired of life. I never know if they are mocking me or not when they speak Hungarian. This is a difficult job. Right now, I'm just trying to survive. Some students are very helpful and have pity on me. At the end of the month, Janna and I are going on a weekend retreat with our fellow teachers. That should be great fun as we get to know the other teachers. Currently, I'm just trying to take it from day to day.
I've attended both Calvary Chapel and International Church of Budapest. I am going back to ICB on Sunday. Im still open to churches right now, but i like the family atmosphere of ICB and how serious they take prayer. God is still good, even though I'm powerless.

2003-09-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

I've arroved, safe and sound with all of my luggage. Life has been difficult lately. I am quite homesick and loong for the familiar. I have over 100 students thatmeet twice a week in different classes. Some are respectful and some aren't. The Hungarian school system doesn't have a discipline system and I'm not alowed to use the grading system for their behavior. I made good missionary friends outside of ESI. Please pray for my sanity, the healing of my wisdom teeth extractions, knowing where to go and what to do, and contentment. This is very general, but I1m competing with 5 other teachers for this computer.

2003-08-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

Team Hungary now has visas! However, Team Czech (who left today) don't have visas except for two people. Please pray that they won't have problems. Also, within three days of arrival I have to go to the American consulate and take care of a lot of paperwork for my visa. Please pray for no glitches.

2003-08-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

My travel itinerary:
Leave 25/08/03 LAX @ 8:20 a.m. to JFK New York.
Depart NY @ 5:45 to Prague.
Depart Prague to Budapest @ 8:35.
Arrive Budapest at 9:55 a.m. (12:55 a.m. Pacific).
Please pray for safety, health, and no damaged or lost luggage!

2003-08-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for my travel itinierary. I leave LAX on August 25. Please pray for our safety.