Joanna's Travels

Back in the UsA

2011-06-15T03:47:00.002+02:00

Will & I flew back to the USA almost 1 week ago. It was an easy flight and it sure is nice to fly with him over the ocean. I slept a lot which helped me fight the jet lag... although I woke up at 5:15 3 days in a row..I'm on schedule now!

We surprised his family and it was so much fun. I had a shower in New Bern which was a lot of fun. It was great to be loved on by all the ladies of his church. We had some cake and a few games. I got most of the questions right that Will answered and we had some good laughs. We got lots of great gifts which are now in storage in his parents attic. It is soo sad that I have to say good-byeto these presents and wait till we move back to the states.. but alas ;)

I'm knee deep in wedding projects. I knew that once I landed, I'd be doing things. Last night, I stamped 50 thank you cards and have 50 more to do. I am tying bows onto bubbles and next week I'm heading up to PA to hang out with Samantha for her wedding and we are going to make our aisle markers. ;) I'm going to the venue tomorrow to check things out and measure, take pictures and really envision the big day!! 39 days!

I'm thankful to be home with my mom, shopping, eating, hanging out and just laughing and spending time with each other. It is really nice.

I miss Budapest a lot already and can't wait to be back there as a married lady!

Lingerie Shower in Vienna

2011-05-29T22:37:00.003+02:00

I travelled to Vienna this past weekend to hang out with a few special ladies in my life. It is really fantastic that I've been able to build relationships with friends even three hours away in a different city!!

I was able to also hang out with the Hunters and do some crafting with Abby. I knew that I should stick around for the day when Levi told me to stay at their house and take a nap there because he wanted me to be around ;) I have known them for the past 4 years after meeting them at MTI (missionary culture training).

Whitney threw a party for me and I was so happy ;) I keep saying it, but it is true. The more I have these parties, the more I feel like a bride. I've always been a bridesmaid or a friend at the party (cliche) but when they were giving marital advice and talking about things they've heard I realized that I could take these to heart! One of my favorite pieces of advice was what Whitney said that her Grandma had said.. "that at the end of the day, no matter what happens, I can remember that HE (her husband) is mine, and just mine" Will is going to mine, all mine and just mine & I can't wait!

We played some fun games, ate some delicious food and had a great time. Here are some pictures of the party which are so fun! Thank you ladies who came and shared some love with me!

Thank you to all who helped cook something too! (Whit & Melissa--awesome bruchetta and italian bread thing, Stacey-yum-o pasta salad, Jeriann & Stacey-thanks for the delicious cupcakes.. so cute, Leslie--thanks for making Blueberry Boy Bait and fruit, Lindsay--thanks for making that Salad, Lindsay's mom--thanks for teaching linds to be healthy ;)!

Bridal Shower in Budapest

2011-05-09T10:53:00.002+02:00

On Saturday, I had a wonderful Bridal Shower hosted by Kirsten & Sharon. It was such a wonderful time and it made me actually finally feel like a bride to be ;)

Kirsten has kicked me out of the apartment and I stayed with the Newells on Friday Night. I came back to the house on Saturday around 1pm and I was blindly led to my room to finish getting ready. At about 2pm she led me again to the front of the apartment and took me on a tour of the fun things that were in store.

There was lots of yummy food and beautiful decorations! I'm so blessed for all the hard work that took place during this shower.

We played four games-wedding dress toilet paper game, purse scavenger hunt, i had to answer questions about Will & the last was the guests couldn't say Will or Wedding and if they did they lost a clothespin and had to fork it over to someone else. All of the games produced a lot of laughter and lots of fun.

I received many beautiful presents that I'm so thankful for and am excited to use. My mom & sister came to via Skype and they enjoyed watching all of the fun festivities ;)

So, here are some pictures for you to enjoy and again, Thank you so much Kirsten & Sharon!

3 weeks... 3 lessons

2011-04-06T22:51:00.003+02:00

3 weeks have passed by since I got my cast off. I'm thankful for this in so many ways!

Lesson #1
If I had thought I had learned patience in staying home two months, I was wrong. I've had to learn patience to recover, to walk, when enduring pain and in so many things. I have to remember to be strong and allow myself to recover, slow and with one step at a time.

Lesson #2
Who knew that this would drive me to an emotional mess. I didn't. I've been up and down emotionally since January 28th but I've learned that journaling, praying and reading has been my solace. Not to mention crying ;) Will has been a great source of comfort and support and I'm thankful. I've really learned to rely upon God, even when it was not easy.

Lesson #3
Even when you don't want to do anything, and would rather sit on the couch, get up and don't quit. Even today, I learned that lesson. Sure, I speak Hungarian .. but it is still very basic. I went to the "health center" and had group physical therapy. I didn't learn any new movements, just new methods. I mostly learned that I am stronger than I thought I was. I DID not want to go, whined to Will and decided not to but then my friend, Laura reminded me that a lot of times things are uncomfortable but we gotta do it.

I'm going back to work on Monday and will finish out the semester with just one class per week. I'm looking forward to it and I can't wait to see my students again!

3 weeks ago ..

I couldn't stand up on my own.. I can now walk up the stairs pretty normally and I can walk without crutches. I can take public transport but I sure am slow ;) I can balance on my sore ankle and even put pants on without holding onto anything. I am now lifting weights and doing more cardio. Kirsten and Will better watch out cuz this Biggest Loser is comin to town ;)

Thank you Almighty God for healing me!

i will be with you

2011-03-24T00:07:00.003+01:00

Over the last week, I've overcome a lot of .. hills. The mountain is behind me and I'm in the hills now, just gotta get over each one till I'm at the flat land.

Last Wednesday, I was led to this passage.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43:1b-3

Over the last week, I've meditated over this scripture and kept to the promises that I will be just fine. In life, we often look at the things we are going through as these huge events and we often can't see past the event because it is so large. God wants us to look past the waters, the fire, the hills and to know that he will bring us through right to the end.

I walked without crutches today. I was so excited and when I showed Will I could tell that he was so proud. It took a step of faith, a moment of.. let go of the crutch.. stop relying on it! You can't walk down the aisle with that? (Do you have a crutch that holds you back?)

Before dinner, Will and I walked to the sweet shop up the road. About 8 blocks total in distance but the killer was the hill home. It is cobblestone and hilly so I had to watch EVERY step and make sure I had sure footing the whole way.

I can't tell you how thankful I am that I can walk with out crutches. They are small slow steps but they are with free hands! I can go to the kitchen and get my own glass of water and bring it back to my desk or the living room without asking.

The recovery will still take time, I know that but I'm so thankful for this .. that the Holy One of Israel, heals me, sets me free and gives me grace.

Here's a quick video of me walking:
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typeTAP Water Revolution

2011-03-22T21:37:00.002+01:00

Serve the City Launch..

2011-03-22T19:55:00.002+01:00

Will & I are part of the Serve the City Admin Team for Budapest. We went to Brussels back in November and we are finally able to get a project off the ground!!

Nothing to fancy yet simple enough for many/all people to join. We are going to have a trash-pick up event in Uj-pest (nothern Budapest)

We have bright yellow vests which I will spray paint and we will have gloves & trash bags. After a getting to know one another game to build community we will set off to this area to pick up some trash and clean up the streets. We are pretty excited even if 6 people show up!

We will then celebrate with a Pizza Party and enjoy more company! Will & I have been excited to be a part of something like this so that we can assist the city we live in. We are going to do another trash pick up and then we will do a ministry with the disabled.

Check out the website that Will has been working on! I'll post pictures of the event on Sunday, I'm sure ;) Pray for our event that perhaps some new people might be coming!!

The cast came off.. and the fears arose

2011-03-16T22:54:00.003+01:00

This morning Will & I were picked up by the private ambulance to go back to Szent Janos Korhaz (St. John's Hospital). The first thing was the removal of the cast which was scary because he used a circular saw and I could imagine my toe being chopped off!! Then the second thing was x-rays and then to see the surgeon in the "kontroll" room. He told me to walk, do exercises and to walk! I said thanks and then I came home!

First, I took a nap then woke up and had some lunch. I then got to work on my leg. Since it had been in a cast for many weeks there was a lot of care that needed to be done. I won't go into detail because it was one of the most disgusting things I've ever done. (not looking forward to children/know I should never be a nurse)

After my shower/bath I got to work on using Mederma on my scars and felt these sudden fears arise within me. Feeling overwhelmed and afraid I just begin to whimper, then to cry, cry, cry. Will just held me and told me I'd be okay and I knew I would but I think the thing that hit me the most was that I'd have to walk with this pain and the long road of recovery that lay before me and these literal words came out of my mouth.. "Will, I just want my cast on because its much easier and safer"

After settling down, I went to my Bible and read some passages that my father marked when I went through a hard time. I read and re-read these verses and felt a peace come over my heart. I was thankful that God would see me through these murky waters and the storm ahead. I then had more confidence to work on some physical therapy for my ankle. I did these exercises which helped my ankle become more agile and not so stiff. It was not easy and there was a lot of discomfort but I know that in the end it will be worth it when I take my first step again.

So, now, I am learning to be patient, to trust God even more than before and believe that he will heal this ankle even more.

Thanks for praying for me and I continue to covet your prayers for the road to recovery! The road of walking!

3 more days...

2011-03-14T01:49:00.002+01:00

In 3 days.. the surgeon will decide whether or not I will get to take my cast off or whether or not I will keep it on to help it heal some more. It will be weird to have the cast come off. I've had it on for about 6 weeks now and I've learned how to sit with it, to sleep with it on, to cook standing, to bathe with it. It is always with me and I don't think I'll miss it when it is gone ;).

In the last 47 days I've been thinking, contemplating, and praying about what God's been teaching me as I've been home all this time. One of the biggest things that I've seen happen is realize how much closer Will & I have become. We do spend a lot of time together and have also started our pre-marital counseling book so we are getting to know each other deeply. I've learned to "need" Will in a healthy sense as well.

I'm sure that none of you know that I'm not often very "needy" or rather.. I'm too prideful to ask for help from others for most things. Well all of that changed drastically 47 days ago when I couldn't not even go to the bathroom without assistance or get a glass of water. Now, with team work a lot of the times, I'm able to do some things with Will's help and sometimes he does them. It's a lesson that I'm learning that just because it is not done my way doesn't mean its not good ;) I've started meditating on verses which teach me to be humble, to not be prideful because this feeds into a lot of things in my life..

So for now, I leave you with a verse I read.. this is more of a prayer..

Faithful Father, Thank you for giving us more grace, You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. (james 4:6)

I love him

2011-03-07T21:57:00.002+01:00

bored...and wedding fast..

2011-03-03T00:08:00.002+01:00

It's been 1 month exactly since I came home from the hospital.. amazing that it was one month ago. Part of it has gone by fast and part of it has gone by like molassssssses. Speaking of Molasses.. one way I've been passing my time is by watching.. Little House on the Prairie. This was one of my favorite shows growing up as a little girl. I downloaded a season and watched it and now I'm on a different season. I love the wholesome, good ol'fashioned TV of the late 70's and early 80's. OH MICHAEL LANDON :)

Since I've been on house arrest, after reading, working out, browsing the internet I've gotten bored. Thankfully I've had a lot of wedding stuff to do..but I decided that for this upcoming week I was going to take a break from wedding planning. Things can wait. I don't even read my favorite wedding blogs ;)

Sometimes, things can become "too much" in your life and you need a break from it.

Lent will be here starting next Wednesday. I usually fast from something during this time, I want to prayerfully consider what I might fast from this year.

Blueberry Boy Bait..made healthy

2011-03-01T21:31:00.003+01:00

There is a recipe that I love called Blueberry Boy Bait..except when you make it with the regular ingredients it's super unhealthy full of lots of calories.. how many.. 500 per serving to be exact..

Here is how I modified it..
Serves 15

1.5 cups whole-wheat flour
.5 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon table salt
7 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened
6 tablespoons canola oil
1.25 cups of baking splenda
1 tsp of molasses
3 large eggs
1 cup skim milk (though buttermilk, which was all I had on hand, worked just great)
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (if frozen, do not defrost first as it tends to muddle in the batter)

Topping
1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen (do not defrost)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

When you make it like this.. there i no sugar and less flour so it only contains 200 calories per serving!! DELICIOUS :) And you can work it off in one work out ;)

For the cake: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

Whisk two cups flour, baking powder, and salt together in medium bowl. With electric mixer, beat butter and sugars on medium-high speed until fluffy, about two minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just incorporated and scraping down bowl. Reduce speed to medium and beat in one-third of flour mixture until incorporated; beat in half of milk. Beat in half of remaining flour mixture, then remaining milk, and finally remaining flour mixture. Toss blueberries with remaining one teaspoon flour. Using rubber spatula, gently fold in blueberries. Spread batter into prepared pan.

For the topping:
Scatter blueberries over top of batter. Stir sugar and cinnamon together in small bowl and sprinkle over batter. Bake until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan 20 minutes, then turn out and place on serving platter (topping side up). Serve warm or at room temperature. (Cake can be stored in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.)

Budapest Biggest Loser

2011-02-25T19:37:00.002+01:00

Currently, if in America, one could tune in on NBC and watch Season 7 of the Biggest Loser...Will, Kirsten and I are addicted and I feel like those guys are my friends. Anyways, since we are 1000's of miles away we decided to have our own competition..

We each paid in $50 and in 16 weeks one of us will win the lucky money ;) We also made a rule that for every pound you gain you will have to pay $1 to the pot.. penalty..

So, calorie counting has consumed us. I'm forever on the internet for low-calorie healthy foods and yummy alternatives. Doing this in a different country where half the items I'd like aren't available makes it tough but we prevail.

Today is the first weigh in and I've lost 3kg..6.6 pounds! That is on crutches ;)

a set of stairs

2011-02-20T12:39:00.002+01:00

Yesterday, Will and I decided it was time for me to try going down and up the stairs. I'm learning that I live in a lot of fear.. not of others or things but in myself.

I got down them hesitantly but it was much easier. When it was time to hop up the stairs I got really scared. I looked at Will and said, I can't do this.. that is a long flight of stairs. He was amazing and encouraged me and said, Joanna, You can do it, We can do it!

The first step was the hardest, he spotted me at my waist and helped me with the first step.. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be but it was still hard.. He then spotted me for the second step. Then I did the rest on my own.. one step at a time till I got to the top.

The look of pride on my fiancee's face and my excitement was priceless.

It made me feel more confident in this whole situation. Don't get me wrong. I'm not going anywhere..:) Not teaching yet but, I am going to go out to dinner tonight with friends and I can't wait.

It's always the first step, the first day, the first of anything that is always so scary but once we do it.. then it is much easier..

This is true for me in prayer right now.. I've learned a lot of praying and the first couple of times is so hard but as I've learned to rest and spend time in prayer, its gotten much easier as time has gone by ;)

one legged...

2011-02-09T23:24:00.005+01:00

It's been quite the road in healing but I'm learning lots and resting even more!

I still don't move much only hobbling to the bathroom, grabbing breakfast and coffee and that's about it. We have placed huge water bottles precariously around the house so that I'm never without water ;)

I just started watching the BBC Pride and Prejudice and knitting a gift for a friend! I am hoping that through my time sitting I will be able to start the Stich and B*tch group again in Budapest. It seemed that it was on hiatus but some of the girls have responded so I'm hoping they will come to my home this weekend for a few hours! HOORAY!

Caroline came for a visit and I got to see my favorite little Ukrainian man! Yippie! Love them and can't wait to make it to Ukraine for a visit.

Will & I are praying about our future here and how many years we feel led to stay. He's been an amazing help, cooking, cleaning, folding, moving things and doing anything that I'm not capable of doing! I'm a blessed woman.

Wedding plans of course are in full force since I've lots of hours to dedicate to this! It's been good to get things done!

broken ankle

2011-02-03T10:09:00.004+01:00

I can't believe I fractured my ankle.. I am sitting here with a large white cast on and I'm quite immobile.. me..who is always mobile and on the go.. I've learned a lot from this process but that will be another blog post.. I want to recap the story.

I was babysitting for my friends and they have three boys. We were having a good Saturday and I decided that since the sun was out, we would go sledding to get out some energy. So we drove to this park about 10 minutes away from their house. We were sledding and the boys fell a few times but nothing big. Well, Nathan and I decided to go together so we started down the hill and about 3/4 of the way down we crashed and rolled. I felt pops in my ankle and I knew immedatley something was not right. So, since Nathan was crying, I calmed him down then took off my boot and knew that it was not normal. So, the other two ran down the hill to make sure we were okay. I told them that I could not walk and that we would need to call for help cuz I definitley could not drive them home. Seth bravely approcahced a family and they came over to help. They spoke nearly fluent English and the dad went to fetch the car, the mom engaged the boys in soccer so that they would be distracted. Meanwhile, I called Will and in a panic he rushed over in a taxi to where I was. When he got there we decided to call an ambulance and he would drive the boys home. I called Kirsten to take public transport to the Newell's house so that she could watch them for the rest of the afternoon till their parents came home (they were in Salzburg, Austria). The ambulance finaly came and they cut my sock off and put a blow up cast on my leg. They drove me the hospital and Will & Kirsten took care of things. The only time I ever cried was when Will came!

Once I got to the hospital, they did all the hospital things and they got an x-ray of my leg. There was once nurse who spoke English because she had lived in America for 8 years but she wasn't my main nurse. Most people spoke a few words but God increased my Hungarian ability, I'm sure of it. We got x-rays and it was determined that I would need surgery. Now, I might have understood some but a lot of my time was a bit unknown, what's happening, I hope everything is okay..but I did have God's peace. They wheeled me down to the cast room (gipsz in Hungarian) and the had to put pressure on it and it hurt.. I had to relax the whole time.. yeah..while in pain.. so as the guy was putting the cast on, I said, do you have pink? purple? how about Louis Vouitton or Gucci?! They laughed and I did too. This was a temporary cast so that I wouldn't hurt it again.. and I'm still in the same cast. Anyways, they took another x-ray to make sure everything was good in the cast then they put me in a room on the 1st floor to wait. I was in a room with 3 other people. The man who wheeled me around spoke French so we spoke French together. It was nice, plus then I saw him again and we talked a bit.

Once in my room, my dear friends and leaders of our Home Church Group came to bring Will some sandwhiches and water, poor guy hadn't eaten and they took him to my house to get things for the hospital. You have to bring your own of everything, fork, knife, spoon, cup, straws, water, snacks, towel, toilet paper, etc. So, Will & Kirsten collected things and then Susan and David drove him back to the hospital. It was great to see them. Will stayed with me till the end of visitors hours about 9 and then I was awoken at about 2 am to have surgery.

The surgery was quick and pretty painless, they put screws in my legs and I was awake for it all, I just got an epiderhal for the pain. The doctors were nice and so were the nurses. I went back to the room and slept it off. Will came in the morning and he sat by my bed everyday. I'm so thankful for an amazing man as him!

My roomates, nurses and the doctors that I met were great. We had one roomate who was a not all the way there mentally and was in a lot of pain and would cry through the night. This was probably my most miserable thing. On Tuesday, I was moved to the room next door because we weren't getting any sleep. I was thankful for a new bed, new company and I stayed with Marika, an elderly lady who has become a wonderful friend.

I went home via private ambulance ($35) and it has been nice to be here! I go back in 10 days to get my stiches out and a full cast on. I'm hobbling around on crutches and it has been nice to be home!

Thanks for praying my friends. It was an experience but much has changed in my heart!

Will's first trip to the land of Mozart

2011-01-24T12:05:00.002+01:00

Will & I boarded a train to Vienna on Friday at 1pm. I had lunch waiting (Thank you McDonald's grilled chicken wraps) and we were off. I love the train.. so fast, comfortable and quiet. The countryside was beautiful and I enjoyed a nice afternoon nap.

We arrived and went straight to the Hunters!! It was such a blast seeing my dear friends.. and us remembering its been almost 4 years since we met at MTI in Colorado! We had yummy pizza, spinach dip and brownie trifle! Will got to smash (play video games) and a bunch of girls and I sat around the table for some girl talk!!

Saturday was a lazy start to the morning and while Whitney went to Basketball Practice (She coaches a middle school team) we went to check out the city. First Stop.. noodles.. so yummy. Second stop, St. Stephen's Cathedral where we walked around and prayed for Austria. The candles here are for you to light and pray for someone or something. I love the reverence of old churches. Then we walked around the Hofburg Palace and went into some shops. It was freezing so we then just got on a tram and did some sight seeing on the ring road in the warmth.

Last stop was for Schnitzel and beer. So yummmy. Then we went back to Whitney's for a lazy afternoon. Lindsey came over and we had salad and then we went for ice cream at the best Gelato place ever! MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP! I miss it. They don't have it here.

Sunday, we had brunch with Felix & Leslie and it was great to finally introduce Will to Leslie (my college roommate). Then we got back on the train and poor will has a cold. ;(

So, its back in Budapest and work is to be done and people to meet, etc.

cute things

2011-01-06T11:40:00.005+01:00

as many of you know.. I love love cute things..especially when it comes to letter writing and stamping.

I was reading a favorite blog of mine, simplesong, and she did a post for etsy. Have you discovered etsy? I love it. If not check it out.. etsy.com

Anyways, I love writing letters and here is a return address stamp that I'd love to get my hands on.. so cute ;)

The second thing I was drawn too were the letterpress (can't ever get enough letterpress) recipe cards..oh how I love cooking ;)

One Year Ago

2011-01-04T00:01:00.000+01:00

This is from 2 days after we first started dating.

One year ago, on January 4th, Will asked me to date him..exclusively.

We had been hanging out..I thought exclusively ;) already but we were official boyfriend and girlfriend.. at the time we were not sure what was going to happen.. He was a month and a half away from leaving Lynchburg and moving to North Carolina to do a prayer internship.. I had accepted a job at Corvinus University in Budapest and was planning on moving in the summer. We weren't sure what would happen with us but we knew that we enjoyed dating each other..

So here we are.. one year later, 6 months, 2 weeks and 5 days away from getting married, living in Budapest.. who knew.. ???

God knew.

I'm so thankful for my husband to be. I waited 28 years for God to show me the man I would marry.. it wasn't easy waiting..watching so many friends get in relationships, marry and even have kids. He is perfect for me and I am learning to love him more every day, but its not hard. I love how hard me makes me laugh and how silly he can be. How he makes me breathe when I'm stressed or calms me down when I'm frustrated. He is my best friend and I can't wait to be his wife.

Love you VILIMOS ;)

New things

2011-01-03T23:37:00.004+01:00

Today, I was offered a second teaching position within the International Studies Program at Corvinus. My good friend, Mark Newell works in this program and got me the foot in the door here but I turned it down for the full time position in my current job.

This job is a blessing and I'm really looking forward to stepping into a English for Specific Purposes Realm. I will teach in this program on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it is half hungarian and half Chinese. I will also broaden my number of students and this semester will be a busy one... but those who know me know that I love busy ;)

I am excited about this opportunity and am really looking forward to it!

Now my month will be full of prepping for both sets of groups and making sure I'm ready to step into the classroom doors on February 8th.

I refer to these verses.. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

I am praying over many things since this new year has begun. I hope you continue to have a great start to the new year!

Here is a picture of my university at night. On the left is the "old building" where I might teach some of these new classes. The building on the right which is lit up is where my office and my classrooms are.

New Year's Sermon

2011-01-02T22:37:00.003+01:00

I got to hear my dad preach today at the DelPest Golgota Church in Budapest. It was a great sermon and I gleaned much wisdom from it...

Here are four questions which I am contemplating..
-What do our words and thoughts tell us about the condition of our hearts?
-What are the ways I am training my mind for God's use?
-What do my fears tell me about what I really believe?
-What am I doing to care for my temple?

2011: a year of balance so that I can be used by God

and lastly a verse..
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T00:12:00.002+01:00

Its the end of January 1st and I'm about to go to sleep. I'm thankful for the year that has past. So much has changed in my life in a year and so much will change in this coming year.

It has been a whirlwind two weeks with my family being here and getting ready for them to arrive, Christmas parties and spending time with those I love here.

I hope that everyone's holidays were wonderful, Christ-filled, delicious and filled with peace.

As I embark on this next year of my life.. the end of my 20's.. I hope to increase my time with my Lord and Savior to become more firmly rooted in him. I also look forward to the day that I can call Will my husband!!

end of the semester

2010-12-12T10:44:00.002+01:00

It's the end of the semester and in this upcoming week I have two more classes with my students. I'm very excited.

I came down hard with a sickness, tonsillitis, where I lost my voice and I slept a lot. I'd say I'm almost fully recovered and today I'm hoping to get much accomplished.

My sister and my mom come in 1 week and I can hardly stand it! I'm so excited to see them, spend Christmas with them and have lots of fun! Woohoooo!

Can you believe its only two-weeks before Christmas?! Better get to shopping!!

Have a great week!

Joanna

Video Will Made

2010-11-16T09:17:00.001+01:00

Here's a video Will has been working on for the past few weeks and it does an awesome job representing our partners here in Budapest!

30 before 30

2010-11-13T19:54:00.003+01:00

So, I hear all about people doing these things before they turn a certain age.. well since next September is my 30th birthday (oh my gosh) let's see what I can come up with.

1. marry Will (pending)
2. Bake a Souffle
3. Knit a Baby Sweater for a friend's new baby
4. See a New European City (not including Brussels)
5. Start writing my Textbook (2 Chapters)
6. See Taylor Swift in Concert
7. Attend a Stitch & B**** in Budapest (knitting group)
8. Start Compost in my apartment
9. Write an article about TESOL in Hungary
10. Plant a Spring Herb Garden on my Balcony
11. Go to the Villany Wine Region
12. Make Felted Slippers
13. Go out in Budapest and do some night-time photography
14. Make Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch
15. Fit into my Skinny Jeans
16. Finish the Nanny Diaries
17. Read Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky
18. Be able to run 3 miles again
19. Write a letter in Hungarian
20. Prayer Journal every day till 30
21. Go to a Nat's game
22. Make Creme Brulee
23. Go on a Danube River Cruise
24. Buy an antique-real deal
25. Write a handwritten letter every week
26. Make a Korean food dish
27. Memorize 10 Bible Verses
28. Learn how to say hello in a new language
29. Go to Robert Dinero's New Restaurant
30. Win Dutch Blitz against Sharon Bauer and Ashley Romig

Prague

2010-11-11T09:06:00.002+01:00

For Will's fall break we went to Prague to visit some of my dear friends the Stewarts. It was a refreshing to hang out with dear friends and enjoy a beautiful city.

On Friday evening we were able to go to the main square and pray over the sex trade, prostitution and deliverance of the city! It was moving and motivated Will and I to begin praying more here. We will begin praying over certain parts of our district for deliverance and a great work to be done in our lives here. Pretty Exciting.

Click here for Will's pics on Facebook

a surprising conversation

2010-10-28T09:42:00.002+02:00

Nowadays, the sun goes down early and when I'm going home its already dark. I don't mind so much because my commute includes the beautiful castle, churches and bridges lit up at night. Last night, as I was riding the old, rickety and loud tram I was reading my newest subscription of the Economist.. finding out what's going in the Elections. Anways, as we approached a stop there were tons of sirens and lights. It turned out to be a diplomat or ambassador of sorts I'm sure. The lady sitting across from me pointed it out to me and said a few things about who it might be. I smiled and said, yes I'm sure it was someone like that becasue of the police. (remember this was all in Hungarian)

We approached the Kossuth Lajos Ter stop where I ride the long escalator to the metro when we both got off, walked across the cross walk and started down the metro together. She asked me something and I said, I speak English but if you speak slow and loud I can usually understand. She repeated herself and we started on the typical conversation about.. Why am I here? What do I do? Do I like it? How are the students? We arrived at the bottom of the escalator and the metro was waiting there so we sped up and got on and continued our conversation (let's remember this NEVER happens). As we kept talking about life here in Bp for me I said, I'm getting off the next stop and she was so sad so she got off to talk some more.

So, we stood, amidst the hustle and bustle of rush hour traffic at Batthany Ter metro platform. We had a conversation. I had things to do, people to see, but knew that this woman at this moment was much more important. She was around 60 years old and about 5 feet tall. She had soft eyes. We kept talking and she asked me to guess her occupation. I said writer and she said exactly. We then talked about her books and she said a bunch of words I wasn't positive about but I know that she writes about Philosophy and the Spiritual realm. We talked about this not being just a "chance" meeting. She gave me her name card and asked me to keep in touch, that perhaps we could meet for coffee someday.

As she re-boarded the metro (after watching 3 go by) she said, Isten aldod! (God bless you) and I went up a second escalator to take the commuter train. Thinking, Praying for my new friend Katalin.

This is what its all about right? Talking to people, taking advantage of divine opportunities and for me... learning that I MUST work on my Hungarian.

the 28th..already

2010-10-28T09:36:00.002+02:00

It is hard to believe that it is already the 28th of October..
... I get a daily e-mail that counts down the wedding.. courtsey of Project Wedding.. and it is crazy to think that it is in 269 days.. so few compared to the 400 something when we first got engaged.
... I went to Vienna last week for some much needed girl time with my friends and it was refreshing and lots of fun.
... Will, Johanna and I leave for Prague tomorrow at 430pm to hang out with the Stewarts for a long weekend as Monday is a holiday in Europe. I'm looking foward to time with them and hopefully some sweet Prague city Engagement Shots ;)
... I'm getting excited for the next two months as some neat opportunities have presented themselves and hopefully Will and I can take advantage of them!
... I need to read more, exercise more and pray more....

Will is thinking of doing a fast for a few weeks.. maybe I'll start contemplating that too..its always good to do without in this soceity and media focused world.

october update

2010-10-14T10:41:00.002+02:00

I can't believe it's half way through October. Time is flying by here and it seems that every day is amazing and enjoyable. We've been up to a lot but some of it is just resting and nesting for me. I'm still trying to put pieces of the house together and decorate here and there. I got a pumpkin for Fall and a Mum and I brought out a few Haloween decorations and even bought some festive color candles.

School has been an incredible blessing. I love teaching my students and it is a lot of fun to meet with them twice a week. I only teach at the University twice per week but let me tell you, the prep and grading that goes into is a lot of work. My students require high level English and they ask great questions about the perfect tenses!

I have two private students whom I've really grown to love teaching. One is Korean and the other is Vietnamese. We are prepping for the TOEFL for both of them so that requires a lot of prep.

Will and I started going to a house church. We had our first meeting on Tuesday and it was incredible. Will and I are both very excited about this community. I'm meeting with Susan today for some lunch (we are both educators so that is always great). We are excited to be involved and hopefully a more permanent fixture in this meeting.

We got all of the residency papers submitted. It was nowhere near the process that I had endured before and I'm so grateful for that. I think it helps that I speak Hungarian and that I know where to get things. Next year will be a breeze.

Thursday Nights have been an English Club that we are heading up. That has been great too. I'm hoping for more students and luring them in with Brownies. This is a great time for college students to meet from all around the world and hang out. I'm planning a few excursions and hopefully some guest speakers!

I hope all is well with those out there. I'll try to blog more ;)

Here's what I've cooked in the past month..
apple pie, pumpkin bars, butternut squash soup, cheddar meat loaf, curry, brownies

First Week of School

2010-09-20T00:01:00.004+02:00

Wow! What a busy week! Between starting off my week, meeting with private students, lesson planning,shooting a wedding, hanging with the team and continuing to love on my fiance has made for a busy and fun week!

My university classes are amazing. I love teaching these students who are motivated, smiles and willing. Now, I have to remember that it is still the beginning of the school year but I will keep a positive attitude and try my hardest to always look at these students with joy! I have about 60 students. I teach on Mondays and Wednesday for most of the afternoon. I have three groups of about 20 and they are all around 18-23. They come from all over the country so that gives me the opportunity to reach out to the ends of this country!

I am thankful for a quiet weekend of good food, friends and solitude. I enjoyed making some delicious new recipes and watching probably too many movies but it was a great way to end the long week. Here is a picture of Will and I grading while watching TV.

Throughout the next few weeks I'd like to begin to tell some stories of some connections I've been making while here for only one month. It has been incredible to see God's hand moving and opening doors everywhere!

This coming Thursday is the beginning of English Club which I have partnered with Mark Newell and we are gearing up for a new year of meetings. It will include Thursday night group times, group trips and the occasional service project. Please keep this project in mind! So many things happening!!

little things that make me happy

2010-09-11T23:13:00.002+02:00

I went to IKEA today with Lea and Kirsten. It was a blast looking at things and finding little things to continue to make our flat a home. 3 years ago, I bought this picture of the Eifel Tower at Ikea but I never got a frame for it. Today, this beautiful white frame was on sale so I got it and carried it home!

We put it up on the wall and we have my favorite Tower in my 2nd favorite City so I can look at it all the time! It makes me very very happy ;) Sometimes, it is worth the wait!

Gourmet Cooking Club #1

2010-09-10T23:05:00.000+02:00

Six ladies gathered at my home for my Gourmet Cooking Club's first dinner. I decided that I wanted some dear friends to get together once a month and why not schedule a dinner for all to come to and just ladies :) I made everything from scratch and mostly from my Julia Child's Cook Book. It was a wonderful evening where the wine flowed and we got full on some amazing food.

This was the menu:

Appetizer
Zucchini Dip
Soup
Butter-Nut Squash Soup
Main Course
Suprêmes de Volaille Archiduc
[Chicken Breasts with Paprika, Onions, and Cream]
Risotto
Carottes Étuvees Au Beurre
[Carrots Braised in Butter]
Dessert
Mousseline au chocolat
[Chocolate Mousse]

I enjoyed cooking everything.. I was a bit worried that some of it would not be so delicious becuase I had never made it but it was great! I'm looking forward to October's edition and will make it even more Fall infused ;)

in memory

2010-09-07T10:45:00.003+02:00

Three years ago, when I first lived in Budapest on my own I met a wonderful couple, Andy and Phyllis Anderson. On so many levels this couple is an inspiration to me. They moved to Budapest, Hungary at the age of 70 to establish a Christian English and Hungarian Library. She was a life long educator and a book lover. Nothing could stop this couple except for cancer.

I visited them about once a week getting new books, hanging out with them at coffeehouse and they offered to host a Ladies Tea at the library for a women's Bible Study that so many of my friends benefited from. I was blessed to have this couple in my life and we would always keep in touch.

Phyllis passed away of cancer on Monday morning early. She leaves behind a huge family but she is in heaven and I"m sure she got a huge crown with jewels :)

Just yesterday, I was wrestling with God about healing and the faith that we must have. I know so many people right now who are struggling with loved ones who are dying of cancer. The crazy thing is that all of these people who have cancer are people of God. This world is dark and scary and every morning I am reminded that God is the only light and goodness in the midst of the darkness.

So, I'm praying for the Alvarados, the Hunters, the Andersons, the Youngs and I'm sure so many more who are currently dealing with one with cancer or one who has just left them.

"Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face! Your face, Lord, I will seek." Psalm 27:7-8

something new

2010-09-06T23:41:00.002+02:00

my sister said that I should blog once in awhile on wedding things..

I found this cake on one of my favorite wedding blogs. I would to have this as the cake we cut. So cute ;) In yellow....yum.

a Sabbath to Vac

2010-09-05T10:16:00.003+02:00

The past few days have been rainy and cloudy and it sure was nice to wake up to a blue but still cloudy sky. Will and Kirsten are sick and everyone is sleeping in this morning. We are all trying to really take the Sabbath and keep it that way. No working an things like that. My Sabbath was yesterday and I really enjoyed it. I met Will at the bus stop and we took it down to the train station. Then we bought our tickets and indulged in some Starbucks. Why indulging? Well, it is not often I am on that side of town. So will got tea so that his throat wouldn't be so sore and I of course got a Cafe Americano (perfection) we boarded the train and sat there and chatted or the 25 minute ride north of Budapest.

We got off the train and were met by all three Coppages ;) Yaya! We walked to the main square and got to enjoy the sites of Vac a bit. Since it was rainy we couldn't take Will on the grand tour of this quaint town but that's okay we introduced him to the Csokizo (chocolate shop).

We had lunch, played Dutch Blitz and enjoyed chocolate then naps. I love going to the Coppages because I really get away, enjoy friends and eat well ;) We finished off with a warm meal then we headed home on the last fast train.

It amazes me whenever I come home from any kind of trip how "at home" I feel in Budapest. The smells, the sounds, the noise, the busyness brings great joy to my heart and soul. I love this city. Its where I feel at home.

Now that Will is here its even more exciting and I love it :)

100th Anniversary of Korosi School and My office

2010-09-01T22:16:00.004+02:00

Today was a great day! I went to the 100th Anniversary celebration of Korosi's Opening. It was so much fun to see all of my old colleagues and students and it was fun being there as a guest!

I also went to my office for a few hours today to work on my lesson plans. I enjoyed the quiet of the office and even took pictures ;)

Funny story:

I'm sitting at my desk and on the wall are a bunch of eathernet cords. So, I think to myself, Oh! I'll just plug one in and see if I can get internet since there is no wireless in my office. So, I plugged it in and saw that it would not work. All of a sudden there is a knock on my door and a man in a suit with a walkie talkie enters in speaking Hungarian to me. In follows another man in a suit and a handy man. I look at him and say, I speak English! I'm a new teacher. He points at my computer and says, "yours?" and I say yes. He then tells the walkie talkie that everything is okay and that its a teacher. So I guess I messed with the Corvinus eathernet system and the place went to chaos..well the IT place. It was like the IT FBI. I was super nervous and even if he said it was okay for me to use I definitely did not plug that eathernet cable into my computer again ;)

Red Tape

2010-08-31T21:22:00.004+02:00

When I lived in Hungary last time, I had lots of red carpet, red countertops and red everything. Well, this go round, I have a beautiful flat (i'll post pics soon) and have to deal with Red Tape at my University!

It really wasn't too hard of a process but it was all in Hungarian and I definitely had a headache afterwards. But, I can't complain! I will get paid starting in October after working one full month! Praise the Lord ;)

I sat in an office and different people from the office of Human Resources came in and checked my papers and got information from me! I snuck some pics of the paperwork ;)

Also, tomorrow is the 100th Anniversary of my former school that I taught in. I will be attending the ceremony!

I also threw in a picture of Will and I on a grocery store run!

Whitney's visit

2010-08-30T09:04:00.002+02:00

I am always amazed at people that God brings in my life. 2 years ago, I met Whitney and she has been a soul sister ever since. We are on the same page in pretty much everything even down to our shoe size ;)

I was thankful for her visit this weekend even if it was just for one night. It was great to have her get to know Will but she and I of course had amazing talks and of course loads of laughs.

I love visitors and yesterday I realized that I had not bought any guest towels...so I bought guest towels.. now I just a blanket for when someone visits ;)

Hope you can come visit!! I do love hosting!

in Hungary

2010-08-25T00:21:00.002+02:00

I went to my new University today to meet my Director and other colleagues, check out my new office, see the building and submit papers.

It was nice to be able to just feel comfortable and know what I'm doing.

I got my schedule for next semester which is teaching only on Mondays and Wednesdays but that means it makes for a long day. I'm a morning person and my classes are Mondays from 1320-1750 and on Wednesdays 1120-1750. WHEW!

I am looking forward to getting in the classroom again. All of my classes are general English classes which excites me because I know these things very well!

It is so great to be back. I had date night with Will tonight and he looked at me and said, you just slid back into the culture and everything here. You had no adjusting to do.

I'm home. It feels amazing.

all packed

2010-08-01T23:34:00.003+02:00

i moved out of my house and into a house where I'm house sitting. This week is going to be a busy week of teaching, exam giving and saying good-bye to all my lynchburg people ;(.

Its amazing to see how the Lord has blessed me over this last year! I'm excited to move to Hungary and I feel like it won't come any faster!!!

4 weeks today

2010-07-20T20:55:00.002+02:00

I will be getting on an airplane to head to Budapest...

...let the good times roll

Cabo ;)

2010-07-16T02:49:00.000+02:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2309771&id=55702898&l=b799ebb88a

For CABO pictures

new blog

2010-06-02T04:09:00.001+02:00

I will be mostly blogging now on ...

http://www.willandjoanna.wordpress.com

check it out ;)

Our Engagement Story Video

2010-05-29T12:55:00.000+02:00

here is the video story of our engagement!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo92Z15vD5c

I'm engaged

2010-05-28T02:06:00.005+02:00

Yesterday, my wonderful then boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed to me and asked me to be his wife!! Of course I said yes! More pictures to follow!! And the story

Graduation

2010-05-17T14:42:00.003+02:00

It was a beautiful day and after not very much sleep I was able to get up, get ready and face the mayhem of Liberty's Graduation. The speaker was Glenn Beck.. I wasn't so impressed..and was more moved and motivated by Jerry Falwell Sr. when they showed a clip of him giving us the encouragement he would always give..

1. Never ever give up, do not throw in the towel.

2. Nothing EVER happens apart from prayer

As I am almost finished with grad school (minus a practicum and one methods class) I am so thankful to the Lord for all of the energy, motivation and grace he gave me. They ended with my favorite song.. I'm going to post the lyrics. It brings tears to my eyes and as I stood with my arms stretched to God I was so so grateful for everything in my life.

when i think about the Lord
how He saved, how He raised me
how He filled me with the Holy Ghost
how He healed me to the uttermost
when i think about the Lord
how he picked me up
turned me around
how He set my feet
on solid ground

it makes me want to shout
hallelujah! thank you, Jesus!
Lord, you're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!
Hallelujah! thank you, Jesus!
Lord, you're worthy
of all the glory, and all the honor
and all the praise!

(ephesians 2:4-7, 2 corinthians 5:17)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdTT6rmkk9M&feature=related

missing Europe

2010-05-13T19:59:00.001+02:00

I could use a little Europe in my life right now ;)

Please keep me in mind as I battle the next four days ..

What's Happening

2010-05-09T20:37:00.002+02:00

It's almost time to go... well... in a few months ;) I'm ready though.

Where am I in life??....
I have one week left of this term's classes then I just have one class plus a practicum
I have an adoring boyfriend who supports and loves me through my impatience and tiredness.
The spring semester has ended and I begin summer school on June 1 (teaching)
I walk across the stage at LU next Saturday to get my M.ed. WOW. Can't believe it.
I am starting to say goodbye to people already.
On Friday, I accepted a job at Corvinus University that is full-time and in the Langauge Center. This is different than the part time job that I accepted in Decemember. This job will provide me with full time status and other great benefits! Professor Foley.. weird.
I am looking for a fully furnished apartment for Kirsten, Jo and I to live in..that is somewhat modern ;) Might have found one!
Okay, back to this huge project ;)

Oh and Will moves home in 15 days!!!!

baby shower

2010-04-28T21:38:00.003+02:00

My friend May is having her baby at the end of May.. I made a wonderful spread of delicious brunch foods. Here was the menu:

Veggie dill Dip with fresh veggies

mini quiche

Baked brie inside of Crescent Dough

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Chicken Salad Croissants

Banana Pudding

The decorations:

Fresh Flowers everywhere

I used white card stock and stamped a mason jar on it and in each mason jar it had a letter which spelled It's a Girl ;)

So fun!

perserverance

2010-03-12T16:28:00.002+01:00

I am at the end of my rope... the end of my classes..the end of the half of the semester of teaching. The end never looked so good and hopefully by 8am Saturday morning I will have finished 2 grad classes in 8 weeks while training for my 10-miler and working my full time job. What was I thinking???

Regardless.. I was doing my Bible Study that I am doing with Kiristen who is coming to Hungary with me this summer.. God told me to expose myself to him, to get ready to be burned, open, destroyed so that my flesh can see God. What a great thing it is that he wants me. I've learned in the last 8 weeks that I have to prioritize all of my things so that I can spend time with God because it is the most important over all my activities.

Next week, after my 4-day excursion to Baltimore, Philly and DC with my students I am going to have a 5 day Sabbath of God, Will, friends and quiet. I'm looking forward to it more than you know. I just need to push through these next 24 hours and get all of my work done.

Krispy Kreme

2010-03-08T19:55:00.001+01:00

I didn't take many pics this weekend but I did take pics of Krispy Kreme. YUM. The hot sign was on so to Will, it is inevitable that I was going to want to stop.. oh we did and it was an utter delight.

What a wonderful weekend with Will .. just hanging out and eating, watching movies and cooking together. It was so fun and I was sad to drive back to Lynchburg. But alas, there are reasons God has us do things to be uncomfortable and calls us to sacrifice. Will is growing spiritually and seeking God and right now that is one of my sacrifices..not having him around every day ;)

snowwwww

2010-03-05T18:00:00.001+01:00

We have had so much snow this year! It is really quite unbelieveable!

Here are some pictures from the madness...

Valentine's Day

2010-02-25T17:46:00.000+01:00

Will and I went to an amazing resatuarnt for v-day and enjoyed exchanging nice presents ;)

He surprised me with a great new Dooney and Bourke bag which I've been eyeing for ummm 4 months. He's great.

Here are some pics from the day and this is where we ate... http://www.mangiaontheavenue.com/ yummmm

another favorite restaurant

2010-02-16T17:54:00.002+01:00

One thing I love to do is eat ;) Check out that amazingness ;)

Surprisingly, there are some great restaurants in Lynchburg.

We went to Waterstone Pizza where they have brick oven pizzas and a micro brewery. We got to meet Nicole's boyfriend who lives and works in Seattle!

What a fun evening ;)

Rebecca and Lee

2010-01-31T19:22:00.000+01:00

I got to meet Lee, my old college roomate's finacee! He is wonderful and they are getting married on May 31st! 5 months from today!

First NHL Game

2010-01-31T19:17:00.003+01:00

I went to my first NHL game with Will last weekend. It was a lot of fun and got to see one of Will's favorite things!

pics of budapest trip

2010-01-31T19:13:00.000+01:00

budapest

2009-12-18T14:37:00.002+01:00

i'm in my favorite city in the whole world..

...hanging out with one of my favorite people...

....drinking my favorite beverage...

ahhh

Books and other things

2009-11-12T15:30:00.004+01:00

cold, wet rainy days makes me want to stay inside and read..

Here is a great book I'm reading.. it's about how we have forgotten about the Holy Spirit. Not over the top, not undermining, just right. Thought provoking.

Looking forward to a calm weekend in Lynchburg.

Doing some projects.. card making, knitting and yo-yo sewing.

the people i love

2009-11-05T15:29:00.000+01:00

the coolest tabacco farmer

2009-11-05T15:28:00.000+01:00

Richmond..downtown

2009-11-05T15:27:00.000+01:00

Getting back into Photography

2009-11-03T01:47:00.000+01:00

I was able to photograph a beautiful couple who is newly engaged. There is nothing like a beautiful fall afternoon, a beautiful couple and an amazin photographer ;) hehe I kid. Anyways, I did these in Downtown Lynchburg and had a blast. Here is just a sampling of the hundred's of pictures I took!

verses/running

2009-10-23T19:50:00.001+02:00

I know, I know..I kind of just blog about running.. well... its not all the way true.

Yesterday, Christina and I went running (by the way we killed our last time.. of 4 miles in 42min..we did it in 38min) and while we were running she asked me what was some of my favorite scripture..

.. sadly, I wasn't sure how to respond.. sure I have a few favorite verses and a psalm or two.

Does this mean that I'm not in the word enough? Do I not practice meditation enough? ..

something I'm pondering..

off to DC for the weekend to visit the lil sister!

Williamsburg

2009-10-14T01:55:00.004+02:00

Being a VA resident, it is an atrocity that I had never been to Williamsburg. Finlay, on the University's dime, I was able to experience Colonial days. We took 8 students and enjoyed a relaxed day in different parts of the town. I think the best part was the amazing food we had at the King's Tavern.. corn chowder soup and Fried Chicken (can't ever take the southern out of me) and amazing rolls.

I enjoyed the town and learned a lot. My favorite story was about the Randolph's. Mrs. Randolph had ordered china from China and while at sea the boat (carrying the china) capsized and sunk...well recently in the last few decades, divers found the boat, recovered the china and they restored it. So what I saw sitting on the table had been at sea for more than 200 years. Pretty neat huh!

nature and running

2009-10-14T01:43:00.003+02:00

As we all know, I've really taken to running. After a long day at work I look forward to putting on my shoes and hittin the trail. I've done my share of treadmill days and recently I've taken it outside..well since August.

Today, I ran a trail which follows a creek all through the city of Lynchburg. I was able to enjoy the beautiful creek and look at leaves falling and really enjoy being outside. Especially since soon winter will be here and I'm going to be running in the cold ;) Maybe not so enjoyable.

Anyways, the trail which I run is about 20 miles? long and I only run about 4 miles round trip. I love running farther and checking out unknown paths.. today I ran across.. well .. I walked across a swinging bridge..kinda scary ;) and passed some beautiful bamboo sections of the woods. I love this time to myself and try to keep it sacred every day!

U2 and Dad

2009-10-03T01:53:00.000+02:00

I think I have the coolest dad ever. We went to see U2 and Muse play at Scott Stadium in Cville. It was an amazing show. The whole set was spectacular and I danced and sang the whole time.. right beside my dad who did the same thing ;) That is why he's so cool.

Fall is here

2009-10-01T03:40:00.002+02:00

Fall is here.. this is just one reason i love it...

..... sweat capri's + nort face fleece..night run to Starbucks with my fav intern.. .. pumpkin spice soy decaf latte...

Apple Orchard

2009-09-26T03:58:00.001+02:00

We dragged our students to the Apple Orchard... a rainy Friday did not look promising but they were awesome and we had so much fun!

ELI Picnic

2009-09-15T15:54:00.002+02:00

We had a welcome banquet for our students. It was a great way to begin the year. My students are already complaining about the monotony of the food in the dining hall.. so I think when they saw the goodness of the kebabs, veggies, shrimp, rice and fruit salad they were excited.

We played soccer with a beach volleyball..girls vs. boys...girls lost but it didn't matter ;) We played some cornhole.

It was a great way to get to know my students outside of class.

I am culture shocking a little bit.. only because Asian students are really diligent and it is such a contrast to my Hungarian teenagers ;)...but maybe that is just because they are teenagers.

better to give than recieve

2009-09-10T15:30:00.002+02:00

I sent a package to my friends in Budapest.. this package was loaded..it does help that I used to live in Bp so I know what you can get and what you can't.

I got an email from my friend telling me how excited the kids were and how great all the snacks were. I just wish I could have been a fly on the wall when they were opening it!! She said that she heard "I love Joanna" come from her kids mouths a million times!

I love giving and I know its one of my love languages. I had the biggest smile on my face all afternoon after I received that awesome email that they had gotten their gifts!! ;)

I know many of you are overseas.. but if you aren't.. sending a card or a package really brightens the day of those serving!! Nothing like opening your mail box and seeing a letter inside!!

Challenge

2009-09-09T03:53:00.004+02:00

On Saturday morning..bright and early (5:30am) I woke up and got ready to run the Charlottesville Women's 4-miler! Sami had driven down from PA to join me in this race. We signed up in June and have been training since. I wasn't so rigorous in my training and 2 weeks before the race I got sick and was out for a week. Nonetheless the race was still on and we donned in our pink Nike fit tanks drove onto Foxfield's property to join the other 3600 women to run or walk the 4-miler.

It was amazing to be apart of such a fun and powerful event. I was surrounded by women who were survivors of breast cancer, who knew loved ones who survived and many who died. We were all there for a cause and it was fun to be apart of it.

Sami and I lined up with the 11 minute miler folks and we all lined up.. then we were off. It was crazy to run with such a massive amount of people. It was hard especially because of the hills but we pressed on and finished faster than we'd (at least I) had hoped.

It was great to see so many people cheering me on, being my hometown, I'd hear my name shouted and it gave me motivation.

Thanks to all of you who sponsored me and who cheered me on from near and far!! ;)

The New Job

2009-08-20T02:49:00.002+02:00

I love my new job. I love working with internationals and university students who have a passion for ESL. There is nothing like being surrounded by people who share the same passion as you do.. English as a Second Language and Linguistics.

I've met my three interns. They are awesome. I am going to be their guide (kinda scary) in ESL. I'm hoping to give them a practical approach of ESL and how to become a good teacher and administrator.

There are many parts to my job. One part is that I am in the intern coordinator, a second is that I'm the Study Abroad Coordinator for LU. A third is that I am the Community Projects coordinator for our outreach English Adult Program and a fourth.. I find host families for our students.. then to top it all off... I teach two language labs and one vocabulary class. Whew! ;)

We have met our students and I LOVE being in front of the classroom again. Currently we are just doing orientation and assessments but these students are fresh, new and unsure of what to expect. We are trying to motivate them to learn English and take the time to do it!

Yesterday, I was able to get to know some of the students then pray over them. I prayed over two Chinese students and one Japanese students. I prayed for them by name and asked for specific things to pray about. They told me and I prayed. One of the girls started to cry after I was finished praying .. I asked if she was okay and she said that she was.. just that she was in shock over how kind, nice and loving everyone at Liberty was. ;)

I know my ministry.. I know my job.. I just need to practice the presence of God.

Matt's Departure

2009-08-19T02:42:00.000+02:00

Last Weekend, I said good-bye to a great friend, Matt. He has moved to Budapest to replace me ...I mean replace me.. he lives in the old apartment, maybe he'll hang with some of my friends, go to the church I went to.. teach at my old school.. and you never know.. he might even sit on the same Hev seat I sat in ;)

Please pray for him as he is adjusting to new everything. I'm super excited for him and know that he is going to do great! Those of you in Europe you should hang with my friend!!!

Here's a pic of us right before I drove him to the airport!

Tubing

2009-08-12T05:35:00.001+02:00

As an office, we took the day to relax and go tubing down the James. We were out in the sun from 11-430. It was so fun getting to know one another at a personal level. Here are some pics of my colleagues!!

...purpose

2009-08-11T00:02:00.002+02:00

It's almost the end of a 12 hour work day. That is so American.. to work all day. ;) I'm about to teach a class that is apart of our Community Groups here at the ELI. I'm looking forward to teaching since it has been a few months.

It hit me yesterday, as I said good-bye to Leslie that I'm really not going back to Hungary. Well for this year. As I was sitting in our ELI faculty orientation this morning, we sang songs, prayed and dedicated our year. It was significant to me because I was able to rest and see purpose again for being here in the states. As I've been diligently working on projects and documents to prepare my students for the upcoming year..I've started to get really excited about everything. I'm excited to meet my new students, to interact with my interns and find community here in Lynchburg.

I have really enjoyed getting to know my colleagues and have a wonderful office mate, Emily. I am really seeing how an English Language Program works in the states and that is exciting. I am also able to develop professionally because I am going to attend some TESOL conferences...oh yeah and amidst all this.. Grad school ;) I'm gaining purpose .. professionally. The pieces of the puzzle of why I'm here are definitely coming together. It excites me.

New Stuff

2009-08-04T02:36:00.000+02:00

Here's my new car ;) Thanks mom and dad for the trade in of their old car so I could afford my pretty Toyota Yaris its a 2009. 5-speed because I'm 1/2 European. Any ideas for a name?

This is my townhouse!

The living room

The kitchen

missing things

2009-07-27T06:52:00.002+02:00

Today has been rather nostalgic for me..

I longed to be in my apartment where things are familiar and arranged where I like them to be...

I wanted to pop down to the Plus and look around and do some grocery shopping.

I miss hearing the number 1 vilamos rumble on its tracks.

I miss the sirens from police cars and ambulances.

I miss my dear friends... every one of them.

I miss Hungarian.. the language, the culture, the food.

I miss it all..

I look at this year as a bit daunting but exciting as well. I can't wait to start on the things that I think God is having me do. I'm holding onto the promises that I'll return to the country where most of my heart belongs..

until then.. I'll enjoy

my air conditioned spacious townhouse

2 closets full of all my clothes

being on the same time zone as my family and best friend

unlimited texting

English television

huge grocery stores with all the variety of items I could ever dream of

my air-conditioned state of the art gym I run in every day

my community of friends

new job

2009-07-23T06:56:00.001+02:00

What's that? a new job?!!

I am going to be working in the English Language Institute at Liberty University as Adjunct Faculty as well as the Axillary Programs Coordinator.

I am going to have many jobs to do in the next year but it will keep me busy!! This is the opportunity I have been waiting for! God is good.

miles

2009-07-23T06:52:00.002+02:00

as many of you know.. i've become more of a runner.. i realized that in these three weeks month being home, even though i'm crazy busy..

i've clocked 28 miles running..

the scary part is I've driven almost 2000 miles..

I'm all moved into my town house..there are a few remnants of boxes. I have too much stuff. nothing like unpacking all of your belonging and seeing how you have too much. So, it keeps things in perspective of what to buy and what not to buy.

I start my job officially on Monday, God-willing, and tomorrow i'm going to Charlottesville for some much needed family time. First time since Christmas.

I miss Budapest and all my friends all over Central Europe.

non-stop

2009-07-11T04:24:00.003+02:00

I just got back from a trip up north to New Jersey to be with some dear friends who lost their father to a heart attack. It was a sad reason to get together but we had fun nonetheless.

I'm back in Charlottesville for two days then I'm headed south to Lynchburg. I'm the maid of honor in a wedding next weekend and I'm headed down to do the maid of honor duties. It will be a packed week.

God has thrown a huge opportunity in my lap and I'm praying about taking it. I'm sure I'll post more details soon but if you pray and you read this please pray for this opportunity while I'm here in the states!!

Life is non-stop but I'm soakin up every minute.

Fresh Paper

2009-07-04T06:53:00.000+02:00

One of my favorite things in life is a new journal. I finished my journal from the past year of my life in Hungary..it was from August 2008-June 2009. One thing I love doing is reading through my old journal on the airplane and review what God has done in my life.

This year is going to be different, good, hard, trying, fun and many more adjectives. I hope that God and I get closer through this journal. Its theraputic for my soul.

I stopped by Barnes and Noble this afternoon to choose the journal.. it was a debate between this and a moleskin. I love lined paper and it needs an elastic band or some kind of closure. This particular journal is from Italy and on all recycled paper. I'm excited about my the fresh paper.

home

2009-07-03T15:57:00.003+02:00

I'm home safe and sound. I've enjoyed good time with mom and becca. Sadly, no luggage but hopefully it will arrive before I go to Jersey next week.

Will update more later!!

Favorite's from Vienna

2009-06-28T12:17:00.001+02:00

13B Banquet

2009-06-23T09:58:00.000+02:00

On Friday night, my 13th graders had their banquet where we ate super yummy food and danced a little bit. I enjoyed this time as it is one of my favorite classes. These kids and I have grown so close over the years and tear were shed as I said good-bye. I hope I can see them one last time before I go but I look forward to coming back again and meeting them and seeing how their lives are going!!

Happy Father's Day Dad

2009-06-21T23:11:00.000+02:00

I think that I have one of the coolest Dad's ever. He helped instill the passion for missions and Europe in my heart. I travel just like he does and love to watch him thrive over here in Europe. Dad, thank you for loving me through the years, supporting me in more than just money ;), and for always being there to talk to when theings aren't going the way I hoped. I love that we serve together in CEO and that we will for years to come. I LOVE YOU!!!

Enlgish Camp Day Five: Coffee House

2009-06-20T08:29:00.000+02:00

The students and team met up for coffee/tea at Coffee House. I heard it was a lot of fun. I couldn't go because I went to a banquet.. pictures on that soon. The team flies today and I"m sad to see them go! Thanks for doing an amazing job girls!!!

English Camp Day Four

2009-06-18T08:24:00.000+02:00

The team had an Amazing Race where dad went about 2 places before them and posted their clues to random locations. All clues remained intact for the kids and they had an awesome time. They went everywhere in the city and had to run ;) It was awesome.

Samantha and I took a nap in my messy apartment.. its okay though cuz having 6 girls in one place was well worth the sacrifice ;)

The girls went to English Club which Mark Newell leads. They were able to hang out and minister with the college students there.

English Camp Day Three

2009-06-17T06:45:00.001+02:00

A beautiful summer day, my best friend arriving and some yummy hot dogs and smore's over the campfire equals an awesome time in Norma Fa (Forest). We had a great time grillin hotdogs, smore's and playing some games last night. English Camp continues to go so well and the kids are really enjoying themselves. Today is the last official day of camp and they have an amazing race to do!

English Camp Day Two

2009-06-17T06:45:00.000+02:00

We had a Scavenger Hunt today where the kids had to go around the city and complete a list of tasks. They had three hours and had to meet back at my house in the end. I made brownies and got some snacks for them while they were "scavengering". The team that won was taken out to McDonald's for any meal of their choice. The hungarian kids said that they had never done anything like this and they were having a wonderful time doing all these fun tasks! Yeah for practicing English!

English Camp Day One

2009-06-16T00:03:00.003+02:00

We had an excellent day despite some rain but thankfully it stayed away. We had some icebreakers and then we played ultimate frisbee, american football and baseball. There are 8 students from my school which is a perfect number. Here are some pics of our day!! Tomorrow there is a scavenger hunt!

packed up my desk

2009-06-12T13:39:00.002+02:00

I packed up my desk today. Everything is ready for Matt to take over. I made lots of notes for him and organized so that he can sit down and go ;) I had an amazing blessing today. I was called into the headmaster's office. That made me a little nervous because I'm rarely called into her office. They began to ask me when I was leaving and such. I told her I was flying on the 2nd of July. She proceeded to thank me for my work. She then proceeded to tell me that I did not need to be here for the end "inservice" days. I could enjoy my last days in Budapest. I cannot tell you how much of a blessing this is. I'm able to spend time with Samantha and friends instead of sitting in front of my desk with nothing to do!!

The second blessing was that I was telling her that we have the girls here and we are all staying in my apartment. We are pretty squashed in here. She then told me that it is no problem if they use the downstairs apartment. How cool! So, they are going to move down there this afternoon and I'm really thankful that my apartment will return to its normal state!!

Tonight is the last coffeehouse I will go to.. strange.

3.5 weeks left

2009-06-08T17:09:00.003+02:00

It is the last week of school. It is a little crazy here in Budapest..rather here at school. Today I had 7 straight lessons of oral exams, tomorrow will be the same and Wednesday will be the same. It is strange to think that I'm done teaching some students and I have some classes left with others. I'm about to close this chapter of my life and that is so strange.

This past weekend, my dear friend Whitney came to visit. We had a blast. There was non-stop laughing and talking. When I got home on Sunday night, I was tired.. I had been to one good-bye party and one birthday party and said good-bye to Whitney.. I collapsed on my bed and proceeded to feel all sorts of emotions. It was good to get everything out in prayer through tears and just telling God I was sad.. but don't worry.. I'm just fine ;) I just needed to get out some emotions.

The team comes on Thursday and then the craziness begins. For now, I'm laying low and enjoying the quiet.

Portabello Road Market/Notting Hill

2009-06-03T15:25:00.002+02:00

Here are some pictures of a beautiful market.

Long Weekend

2009-05-28T21:15:00.001+02:00

I'm going to travel to London this weekend. I'm going to spend some quality time with a dear friend Caroline. I'm looking forward to speaking English, enjoying some flea markets, shopping and seeing some sights!!

I know, I'm always travelling but.. well.. what else does a single girl do?!

wait

2009-05-27T15:56:00.001+02:00

the theme of my life.

God has sent some tests.. I've not passed them all. Dad directed me to scripture. I sat underneath the huge church by my house and meditated.. set my heart back into the place where it needs to be..

Jeremiah 17:5-8

This is what the LORD says:
       "Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
       who depends on flesh for his strength
       and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

⁶ He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
       he will not see prosperity when it comes.
       He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
       in a salt land where no one lives.

⁷ "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

⁸ He will be like a tree planted by the water
       that sends out its roots by the stream.
       It does not fear when heat comes;
       its leaves are always green.
       It has no worries in a year of drought
       and never fails to bear fruit."

conversations

2009-05-27T15:52:00.002+02:00

Since it is so close to the end of the year, I've been focusing on conversations with my kids. They have many exams so I've given them time in their classes for studying. Some of my students and I were having a conversation about God today. M asked me if I believed in God or something. I said yes, I believe in God. He asked.. Do you go to church? I said yes I go to "service" in Hungarian. He said to me .. I think the only time I'll ever go to church is when I go to Las Vegas and get married in one..

I said, you never know Martin, I think you'd like Church. I'm going to make him a CD of some music that I like that is Christian.

the first of many tears

2009-05-25T15:30:00.002+02:00

Yesterday, I realized that today was the last time I'd teach 12B. I wanted to do something special for them but I wasn't sure what to do. As I was running yesterday I asked God for the opportunity to somehow share my faith with them. I wanted to show them my heart even more on this last time together.

I decided to say something about each student. To encourage them and love them through words because so often teachers will degrade or berate their students publicly. I wanted to show them love. About half way through the list, when I got to one girl who is truly special, I felt that big lump in my throat and choked up and started to cry. I stopped and told them how truly special each one of them is to me and asked for a tissue.

Afterwards, I then told them to live for today and don't worry about the future or the past. I encouraged them to find what they are looking for and not to worry about how long it takes.

We then had a lesson on regrets and we asked each other about regrets. I went to work with a few girls who opeened up about regrets specifically about their sexual pasts. Through this, D and I were able to have a conversation about relationships. She expressed to me that she always wishes she was in a relationship and I told her that I felt the same way. That if I didnt have God to rely on or put my trust in I would feel helpless and lonely. She knows I have faith in God and that I go to church. We promised to talk soon and go to a movie next weekend.

I was thankful that I was given the opportunity and that I took it. What a great day.

Matt came to visit

2009-05-21T23:09:00.001+02:00

I haven't been on the internet much this week.. Matt was here visiting Hungary and the week flew by way to fast. It was an amazing week of meeting friends, enjoying Hungarian culture and introducing him to my students and colleagues. I'm so excited to see how God will use him and he is a perfect fit for this job!! yeah!
Here's a few pics of our crazy week together!!

back to the pavement

2009-05-11T22:43:00.001+02:00

I was able to get back to running today. It felt amazing. I feel so good right now.. gotta keep this up..

going to bed..looking forward to a good night's sleep