Hello!
I made it back to Portland with almost no adventures! The only difficulty was walking with all of mine and Brynna's luggage as we were on the Chicago Public Transit (El) to the airport...but we survived and made it! I spent the last few days in Chicago visiting with Brynna at Moody. It was great to see her (I arrived on her birthday) and see a new city! In some ways I couldn't wait to get back to Portland and what actually felt like home, but it was still fun to adventure around the cold city! It was a weird feeling, though, because I wasn't home and I wasn't in my Hungarian home, but rather stuck between the two like a twighlight zone, although jetlag may have had something to do with that...I was able to stay with Brynna's boss and even had a great view of Sears Tower from my room, but I was looking forward to seeing everybody that I have missed for the last year!
Leaving Hungary has definitely made me miss it, and especially all of the people that I grew close to and spent time with. I know everyone has heard the saying that "Home is where the Heart is," so now I pretty much have my "Home" all over the place, which is good and tough at the same time. Good because I can go many places and see people I love and care about, but tough because I am not able to be in four places at once and no matter where I go now I will miss people (unless everyone gets smart and moves to Portland...). Now that I am back in my Portland version of Home, the plan is to intern at my church in Lake Oswego (Mountain Park Church) like I was doing before I left for Hungary, as well as work valet again. The goal is to find a church to work at as a full-time youth pastor, but, until that point, I am thankful to have these other jobs.
I now need to ask for your help. I am in great need of a car and place to live very soon. I didn't make any money last year in Hungary and so I am in need of help in these areas because I have only enough money to pay off my student loans next month. If you would like to help me in my financial need as I am getting back to Portland I would be very greatful. I am looking to raise about $2000 for a car and around $500 to help me find a place to live. If you would like to give, just mail a check to my church:
Brian Kroeker
40 McNary Pkwy.
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Also, if you hear of a car, would be able to let me borrow one, or a know of a place I can stay temporarily or long term, please let me know!
I have mostly been able to stay free from the stress and fear that comes with a lack of money and these necessities, but I know that God will provide as I have experienced constantly over the last few years. I ask that you would pray for me throughout this process as well. Pray that I would be able to continue to be patient and willing to do what God asks of me. The last year was a struggle being so far from everything familiar and "normal," which stretched me. Now that I am back to my "normal," I am being stretched in a completely new way, but I am looking forward to the growth that will come out of the struggles.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Change (finally a blog update)
Well, incredibly I only have 2 months remaining here in Hungary. I am still not fully sure how to feel about this because I have really grown to love the people here and all this amazing country has to offer! I also miss everyone at home in the US, and I am starting to get super excited about seeing everyone and reuniting with family and friends after a year away!
Anyway, this year has been an incredible adventure, and it has easily been the most difficult year of my life for a few reasons.
First, I have never had to say goodbye to everyone I know for a year. Fresh starts are fun, but even though I'm a lot better at getting to know knew people, the introvert inside is still screaming for the people I am fully comfortable around and have known for years. The loneliness that I have felt at times has been more difficult than I expected. It has been especially difficult being away from Brynna and my family (especially with a new nephew and niece coming this year), but through all of this I have been reminded of the comfort that God provides. His love extends to every corner of the world; there is no place that I can go that his love and comfort and grace cannot reach me! I have never seen that more that in this time here in Hungary.
Second, communication is always an adventure. I feel like this struggle has come in waves because at first it was tough to just go to a store to get food. The awkward interactions with people because I had no idea what they were saying starting to make me want to go to self checkout every time, but as time went on the awkward moments became less awkward (at least for me... :) ). The most difficult part of the communication struggles is just not being able to talk the the players about their days and their lives. I have longed to get into deeper conversations with the players that don't speak english, but everything has been limited. Amazingly, though, I have seen God's faithfulness in this as well! I have learned to communicate with actions (and translators) and the players still know the purpose of why I am here in Hungary. I have still been able to see God move in the lives of people I interact with, not just through me but through others!
I won't continue and talk about the other difficult things about being here because if you put all the things that happened here in a giant melting pot and stirred it up, only good would show! That is supposed to be a positive metaphor if it makes sense to anyone... Anyway, the struggles of this year have been completely overcome by the joy that has come along with it! I have never been more sure of Jesus being the only holder of true joy. I have never had to say to God so many times, "use me in whatever way you need because I am clueless what to do to help." I never imagined the joy that God has shown me and the grace that he provides every day.
So yeah, to wrap this though up, I have had a challenging year here in Hungary, but God has been faithful. Which brings me to the next stage of my life. Moving back to Oregon! I am extremely excited, but I'm also battling against fear and worry. I don't currently have a place to live. I don't currently have a vehicle. I don't currently have a job. Three things that bring a little bit of comfort to my life to say the least! I have thought about it, though, and realized that just because I'm going home to a place where I know a lot of people, and a place where I can speak english to pretty much everyone, God is still calling me to have faith. Right now I am working on applying for different youth pastor jobs around the northwest, but if I arrive home and don't have a job lined up there is only one thing to do, trust God. If it ends up being really difficult to find a place to live and a car that is only one thing to do, trust God. (also continue to look for opportunities, but thats a given :) ) Anyway, I would appreciate any prayers on this! God is faithful, God is loving, and most of all, God is in control! Whatever happens to me, whatever, Jesus must be everything!
Thanks for reading my long update, first in quite a while... :)
Anyway, this year has been an incredible adventure, and it has easily been the most difficult year of my life for a few reasons.
First, I have never had to say goodbye to everyone I know for a year. Fresh starts are fun, but even though I'm a lot better at getting to know knew people, the introvert inside is still screaming for the people I am fully comfortable around and have known for years. The loneliness that I have felt at times has been more difficult than I expected. It has been especially difficult being away from Brynna and my family (especially with a new nephew and niece coming this year), but through all of this I have been reminded of the comfort that God provides. His love extends to every corner of the world; there is no place that I can go that his love and comfort and grace cannot reach me! I have never seen that more that in this time here in Hungary.
Second, communication is always an adventure. I feel like this struggle has come in waves because at first it was tough to just go to a store to get food. The awkward interactions with people because I had no idea what they were saying starting to make me want to go to self checkout every time, but as time went on the awkward moments became less awkward (at least for me... :) ). The most difficult part of the communication struggles is just not being able to talk the the players about their days and their lives. I have longed to get into deeper conversations with the players that don't speak english, but everything has been limited. Amazingly, though, I have seen God's faithfulness in this as well! I have learned to communicate with actions (and translators) and the players still know the purpose of why I am here in Hungary. I have still been able to see God move in the lives of people I interact with, not just through me but through others!
I won't continue and talk about the other difficult things about being here because if you put all the things that happened here in a giant melting pot and stirred it up, only good would show! That is supposed to be a positive metaphor if it makes sense to anyone... Anyway, the struggles of this year have been completely overcome by the joy that has come along with it! I have never been more sure of Jesus being the only holder of true joy. I have never had to say to God so many times, "use me in whatever way you need because I am clueless what to do to help." I never imagined the joy that God has shown me and the grace that he provides every day.
So yeah, to wrap this though up, I have had a challenging year here in Hungary, but God has been faithful. Which brings me to the next stage of my life. Moving back to Oregon! I am extremely excited, but I'm also battling against fear and worry. I don't currently have a place to live. I don't currently have a vehicle. I don't currently have a job. Three things that bring a little bit of comfort to my life to say the least! I have thought about it, though, and realized that just because I'm going home to a place where I know a lot of people, and a place where I can speak english to pretty much everyone, God is still calling me to have faith. Right now I am working on applying for different youth pastor jobs around the northwest, but if I arrive home and don't have a job lined up there is only one thing to do, trust God. If it ends up being really difficult to find a place to live and a car that is only one thing to do, trust God. (also continue to look for opportunities, but thats a given :) ) Anyway, I would appreciate any prayers on this! God is faithful, God is loving, and most of all, God is in control! Whatever happens to me, whatever, Jesus must be everything!
Thanks for reading my long update, first in quite a while... :)
Friday, July 5, 2013
Why I Believe, What I Believe
I have had it on my mind for a while to
write about what I believe. I'm not fully sure why, but I feel a
desire to share my passion. One reason is probably that I have
struggled with doubt recently, which isn't the most uncommon thing
when following Jesus, but can be very difficult. It has brought me to
the point where I need to state clearly what I believe, so I hope
this shows you a little bit more about me, and encourages you in some
way; whether you are a fellow believer that needs encouragement or
someone who doesn't know Jesus to look at him again.
I don't know where to start exactly, so
I will go with hope. This is all that I have at some points, and all
I can hold onto. I generally think of myself as a happy person, but
there are those moments when all good seems to disappear and all I'm
left with is the hope I have found in Jesus. Recently I talked at the
Junior National Team camp about my pursuit of something to put my
hope in. I went through the whole list of things I have pursued,
whether innocent or not. I was reminded in this also that the only
thing in this life that I have put hope in, and that hasn't failed me
is Jesus. That may not make sense to you, but I highly value knowing
that I have a hope in Jesus that can't fall victim to time and
corruption, like everything else in this world. I mean, just think
for a second about things you have put hope in today in pursuit of
happiness and satisfaction. For me it has been in movies,
friendships, and food. All of these aren't bad, but I put hope in
them to make me happy, but they don't last. Friendships should
satisfy longer than food, but there are many close friends that I
thought would never leave my side that I haven't talked to in 5
years. Jesus isn't like that though. God doesn't leave. I mean sure,
it sometimes feels like it, but then I look back and see how he
brought me through the tough times even if I didn't see it at the
time. I know from my experiences that he is worth putting hope into.
Another reason is that Jesus gives me a
reason to live. I have had times in my life where I have felt
useless, and I have never been closer to depression than in those
moments. Honestly, though, the times when I'm living for my own
desires are even worse than the useless times. Everything I pursue
lets me down when I'm pursuing my own happiness. The happiness I'm
referring to is kind of a joke anyway because it is totally based on
circumstances and nothing else. We all do it; we all seek it. Its the
American dream. Happiness, though, is only good if your feeding the
fire, then it generally involves a crash soon after. We weren't made
to seek after our own happiness, but rather God's. You may not agree,
but personally, I have never had more joy in my life than when I
spent a week chopping wood with a bunch of high school students in a
remote part of Canada. I have never had more joy than when I'm
sharing Jesus with a bunch of baseball players in Hungary. I have
never had more joy than when I'm actually obeying Jesus and feeding
the homeless. I have had times where I am more happy, sure, but then
that happiness wears away to nothing while the joy that I have found
serving Jesus carries on and on.
Honestly those 2 go together more than
I realized when I first started writing, but I hope you can get a
little bit out of this. I'm halfway through my time here in Hungary,
and it hasn't been easy. I've never felt more alone, I've never been
so consistently challenged, but I've also never been so sure of my
call to serve Jesus with my life. I obeyed God and came here not
really knowing why or what would come of it, and he has really pulled
through and the challenges are followed by great joy, and the
loneliness is followed by a peace and comfort that I have never felt
before.
Thanks for reading all of this, if you
got this far... :) if you have any response or anything please email
me at capitanbrian@hotmail.com
. Wow, I just realized how badly I need to change that...still have
it from my high school nickname... :) Anyway, I end with a challenge
for you to think hard about what you believe, its what I needed this
last month, and God has used it to encourage me and remind me of his
enduring love and patience. Oh and more will come on this topic too.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Looking Up
well,
its been quite some time since I last wrote on here, so I figure I
should update!We
just finished the baseball season today, and did so with a win! I
coached the Cardinals, and thanks to my brilliant tactics and all
around genius decisions...oh wait, turns out it wasn't that hard,
just get a pitcher and catcher then put random numbers next to
everyone else's names... well, okay, its somewhere in the middle of
that, but regardless it was fun! The amazing part wasn't the walk off
win though, it was that the walk off was an actual hit! For a game of
11-12 year olds, that is more incredible than you think! :) Anyway,
its crazy to think that the season is over, but also
relaxing...except that camp started today, so that means another few
days of complete chaos, woohoo! :)
The first camp is 3.5 days with the Junior National Team tryouts, then next weekend with 3.5 days of the actual traveling team practicing. I'm excited because I get to do the character/spiritual development with the players! I'm excited to share my faith and share exactly why I am here in Hungary! I actually just finished sharing this tonight, so your prayers would be awesome for all of the players that are involved in the camp! I was to serve in any way possible, and I want to share my heart, so pray that they would see a little Jesus this week! This week I'm focusing on personal character development, then next week will be all team based since it will be the traveling team that spends more time together at tournaments.
Finally, the title of this is for a reason. I have kind of known this, but I am one of those people that likes to walk with my head down, not out of depression, but mainly because I don't want to trip and fall on my face...but yeah, I rarely look up and see what is around me and enjoy where I am. Turns out that is how I am when I am driving on the roads here...mainly because I think the moon would have better roads than Érd...seriously, they are dreadful! Mainly because they try to fix them, but instead just make holes and leave them for a few days..or weeks, or months...but yeah, the point is that I looked up the other day on a bumpy road and noticed the trees overhanging the road, which I always enjoy! That may not sound that crazy or cool to you, but the point is that I was able to look up and find beauty and joy in something that was impossible to see when so focused on the road...this got me thinking, in my deep thinking brain (i guess...:) ) oh what other big things in life I have been missing when so focused on the journey and avoiding potholes or branches...anyway, I'm still in process on that, but I want to encourage you to think about that in your own life, or not, either way... :)
So yeah, camp continues at 8 tomorrow, so time to get some rest! Oh and speaking of rest, I haven't been sleeping well lately and its really starting to frustrate me. Please pray for rest. Usually when I don't sleep well its because I'm thinking too much and stressed about something, but this is different and I don't know whats preventing the rest...maybe it is the whole being 25 thing...rumor has it old people can't sleep in... :)
The first camp is 3.5 days with the Junior National Team tryouts, then next weekend with 3.5 days of the actual traveling team practicing. I'm excited because I get to do the character/spiritual development with the players! I'm excited to share my faith and share exactly why I am here in Hungary! I actually just finished sharing this tonight, so your prayers would be awesome for all of the players that are involved in the camp! I was to serve in any way possible, and I want to share my heart, so pray that they would see a little Jesus this week! This week I'm focusing on personal character development, then next week will be all team based since it will be the traveling team that spends more time together at tournaments.
Finally, the title of this is for a reason. I have kind of known this, but I am one of those people that likes to walk with my head down, not out of depression, but mainly because I don't want to trip and fall on my face...but yeah, I rarely look up and see what is around me and enjoy where I am. Turns out that is how I am when I am driving on the roads here...mainly because I think the moon would have better roads than Érd...seriously, they are dreadful! Mainly because they try to fix them, but instead just make holes and leave them for a few days..or weeks, or months...but yeah, the point is that I looked up the other day on a bumpy road and noticed the trees overhanging the road, which I always enjoy! That may not sound that crazy or cool to you, but the point is that I was able to look up and find beauty and joy in something that was impossible to see when so focused on the road...this got me thinking, in my deep thinking brain (i guess...:) ) oh what other big things in life I have been missing when so focused on the journey and avoiding potholes or branches...anyway, I'm still in process on that, but I want to encourage you to think about that in your own life, or not, either way... :)
So yeah, camp continues at 8 tomorrow, so time to get some rest! Oh and speaking of rest, I haven't been sleeping well lately and its really starting to frustrate me. Please pray for rest. Usually when I don't sleep well its because I'm thinking too much and stressed about something, but this is different and I don't know whats preventing the rest...maybe it is the whole being 25 thing...rumor has it old people can't sleep in... :)
Monday, May 27, 2013
I Hit a HOMERUN!!!
No, seriously, I did! Turns out it was a weekend of a lot of different firsts for me, some expected and some not...
First, this last Friday I took one of the majors teams, the Indians, to play the American International School of Budapest, a super nice school about 45 minutes away. I was the head coach of the team for the first time, and it went quite well! Thankfully one of the kids could translate for me (he learned english from video games... :) ) and one of the Erd men's team players also came along to coach. We ended up losing, but the kids played well and had fun, we just couldn't quite get enough strikes from our pitchers, which is always the concern with baseball at that level... :) we ended up getting home from that around 9:30, and then i woke up at 6 the next morning for a Pioneers (mens division 2) double-header in Nemesvamos!
Its a small town near Lake Balaton about 1.5 hours away, and the field ended up being on a hill overlooking a valley and the town. It was a great view for a game, the only problem was that the field was also on the slope...and the pitchers mound was lower than home plate! The first game went really well and it was easily the best game I have played as a hitter, mainly because in the first 2 games I played I struck out about 5 times and only had 1 hit...but the first game I was able to get on base every time and I hit a home run! It was actually quite surprising to me...really that is the best way I could say it, surprising... :) It was a 1-2 count so I didn't swing that hard, but I hit it perfectly and it just flew! Turns out that I didn't feel like jumping up and down like I imagined as a kid, but instead thought "I have to run around the bases by myself? This is awkward." And it was, but it was totally worth the awkward! :) Later in the game I also played catcher for 6 innings, which was the first time I have done that too! It wasn't as bad as I expected, although I couldn't get even close to throwing anyone out at second... :) We won the first game by 2, but the second game ended up being a complete mess! We didn't have a lot of the normal players because they were in Croatia, and it turned out that out pitching ran out after the first game...I pitched 2/3 of an inning, but I didn't practice much before and my arm was hurting and I don't throw too hard anyway... :) Overall we were happy with the split though!
Yesterday I had my final first of the weekend, umpiring behind the plate...turned out this wasn't nearly as bad as I expected! There is a lot going on so a couple of times I was slow to react, mainly when a foul ball was hit and I forgot to give the catcher another ball... :) It went quite well though and even though I missed a few, turns out I am not as worried about messing up as I used to do be! I guess that's a good thing... :)
Anyway, to sum it all up, it was a really busy weekend and full of new things! And I really enjoyed some relaxing today... :)
First, this last Friday I took one of the majors teams, the Indians, to play the American International School of Budapest, a super nice school about 45 minutes away. I was the head coach of the team for the first time, and it went quite well! Thankfully one of the kids could translate for me (he learned english from video games... :) ) and one of the Erd men's team players also came along to coach. We ended up losing, but the kids played well and had fun, we just couldn't quite get enough strikes from our pitchers, which is always the concern with baseball at that level... :) we ended up getting home from that around 9:30, and then i woke up at 6 the next morning for a Pioneers (mens division 2) double-header in Nemesvamos!
Its a small town near Lake Balaton about 1.5 hours away, and the field ended up being on a hill overlooking a valley and the town. It was a great view for a game, the only problem was that the field was also on the slope...and the pitchers mound was lower than home plate! The first game went really well and it was easily the best game I have played as a hitter, mainly because in the first 2 games I played I struck out about 5 times and only had 1 hit...but the first game I was able to get on base every time and I hit a home run! It was actually quite surprising to me...really that is the best way I could say it, surprising... :) It was a 1-2 count so I didn't swing that hard, but I hit it perfectly and it just flew! Turns out that I didn't feel like jumping up and down like I imagined as a kid, but instead thought "I have to run around the bases by myself? This is awkward." And it was, but it was totally worth the awkward! :) Later in the game I also played catcher for 6 innings, which was the first time I have done that too! It wasn't as bad as I expected, although I couldn't get even close to throwing anyone out at second... :) We won the first game by 2, but the second game ended up being a complete mess! We didn't have a lot of the normal players because they were in Croatia, and it turned out that out pitching ran out after the first game...I pitched 2/3 of an inning, but I didn't practice much before and my arm was hurting and I don't throw too hard anyway... :) Overall we were happy with the split though!
Yesterday I had my final first of the weekend, umpiring behind the plate...turned out this wasn't nearly as bad as I expected! There is a lot going on so a couple of times I was slow to react, mainly when a foul ball was hit and I forgot to give the catcher another ball... :) It went quite well though and even though I missed a few, turns out I am not as worried about messing up as I used to do be! I guess that's a good thing... :)
Anyway, to sum it all up, it was a really busy weekend and full of new things! And I really enjoyed some relaxing today... :)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Picture Update
Just put some new pictures on my facebook page! Here is a link to the album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151485497100210.1073741825.616115209&type=3&uploaded=28 Look at the bottom for new ones!
Monday, May 6, 2013
A Breather!
Hey all, so today was a relaxing day! I really enjoyed it after a bunch of really busy days since getting back here, I still can't believe that was 12 days ago!
The main thing that has kept me busy has been mowing and weedwacking pretty much every day! We received a call from the guy that usually mows the main part of the field (on a riding mower) the day before a game and he said his mower broke. This is after the grass had already grown a bunch because of a couple weeks of sun after all the rain we had. (Just in case you were wondering what makes things grow...its water and sun, photosynthesis! :) ) Anyway, that means a bunch of days of pushing around the mower trying to catch up and keep up with the grass, which has actually been kind of nice! Granted it is tiring and my legs have been a bit sore, but what better way is there to relax the mind and listen to some good ol' Harry Potter! The days have been warm, but not too bad, so overall it has been good, except for the farmers tan thing, that's not really the best thing ever... :) Anyway, to follow up with those that didn't read the newsletter (or it wasn't sent correctly or something), I have really been feeling good with my role here the last few days!
I realized last week that my role isn't to be in front coaching and talking and leading everything, but instead it is to be team support wherever I am needed. Really the first 3 months here I was a little confused as to why God brought me here, and thankfully I had people (especially my parents) reminding me that I am here for a reason, but I just wasn't sure what that was for a long time. Then last week, after being away in the states for a week, it dawned on me. It is interesting because its just as challenging as my first few months at Mountain Park leading the youth group, but in the opposite way! I was afraid then to be in front of people, and I was nervous about leading, but yet God brought me through it and helped me to gain confidence in where he had me. I dare say he even taught me to love working with the students there as the main leader! By the way, I never thought I would enjoy being in front of anything... :) Anyway, this lesson is pretty much the opposite of that. Its more about being humble and supporting others in the front, as opposed to being up there myself, and now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense! I am coaching a sport I don't know that well, in a place that I can barely speak any of the language, and I am only here for a year. It just took a while for me to humble myself and look towards the support role. The bonus is that I still get to build relationships with students and work in a local church! Without those 2 things I'm not sure that I would be as happy and content, but thankfully Jesus knows me, and knows my heart, and knows how to push me without breaking me! Oh and on that front, I have been really encouraged by the openness of the kids/students, and am excited to continue messing around with them and showing them a little Jesus when I can.
To sum this all up, I should probably be honest and say that my mood hasn't always been the best and there are times when I just want to go home and rest, but it has been much better lately! I could definitely use prayers from anywhere in the world that I would be open to the different ways God wants to use me, whether in mowing, driving, encouraging, mowing, umpiring, coaching or playing!
Side note, the Pioneers won our game this weekend with a walk-off wild pitch! Kind of a ridiculous way to win a game, but everyone told me "Its baseball in Hungary." :) Sadly, I was dreadfull at the plate and struck out 3 times with a walk, but I played solid defense, so as long as I can do that I won't care so much about terrible hitting days, or weeks, or months... :)
The main thing that has kept me busy has been mowing and weedwacking pretty much every day! We received a call from the guy that usually mows the main part of the field (on a riding mower) the day before a game and he said his mower broke. This is after the grass had already grown a bunch because of a couple weeks of sun after all the rain we had. (Just in case you were wondering what makes things grow...its water and sun, photosynthesis! :) ) Anyway, that means a bunch of days of pushing around the mower trying to catch up and keep up with the grass, which has actually been kind of nice! Granted it is tiring and my legs have been a bit sore, but what better way is there to relax the mind and listen to some good ol' Harry Potter! The days have been warm, but not too bad, so overall it has been good, except for the farmers tan thing, that's not really the best thing ever... :) Anyway, to follow up with those that didn't read the newsletter (or it wasn't sent correctly or something), I have really been feeling good with my role here the last few days!
I realized last week that my role isn't to be in front coaching and talking and leading everything, but instead it is to be team support wherever I am needed. Really the first 3 months here I was a little confused as to why God brought me here, and thankfully I had people (especially my parents) reminding me that I am here for a reason, but I just wasn't sure what that was for a long time. Then last week, after being away in the states for a week, it dawned on me. It is interesting because its just as challenging as my first few months at Mountain Park leading the youth group, but in the opposite way! I was afraid then to be in front of people, and I was nervous about leading, but yet God brought me through it and helped me to gain confidence in where he had me. I dare say he even taught me to love working with the students there as the main leader! By the way, I never thought I would enjoy being in front of anything... :) Anyway, this lesson is pretty much the opposite of that. Its more about being humble and supporting others in the front, as opposed to being up there myself, and now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense! I am coaching a sport I don't know that well, in a place that I can barely speak any of the language, and I am only here for a year. It just took a while for me to humble myself and look towards the support role. The bonus is that I still get to build relationships with students and work in a local church! Without those 2 things I'm not sure that I would be as happy and content, but thankfully Jesus knows me, and knows my heart, and knows how to push me without breaking me! Oh and on that front, I have been really encouraged by the openness of the kids/students, and am excited to continue messing around with them and showing them a little Jesus when I can.
To sum this all up, I should probably be honest and say that my mood hasn't always been the best and there are times when I just want to go home and rest, but it has been much better lately! I could definitely use prayers from anywhere in the world that I would be open to the different ways God wants to use me, whether in mowing, driving, encouraging, mowing, umpiring, coaching or playing!
Side note, the Pioneers won our game this weekend with a walk-off wild pitch! Kind of a ridiculous way to win a game, but everyone told me "Its baseball in Hungary." :) Sadly, I was dreadfull at the plate and struck out 3 times with a walk, but I played solid defense, so as long as I can do that I won't care so much about terrible hitting days, or weeks, or months... :)
Thursday, April 25, 2013
What a Week!
Sorry, but this could be long...if you are reading this though, you may not care... :)
Last week my sister got married! I am still struggling to believe it in some ways, but it is incredible and the wedding was really good! I left last Wednesday for a week in Oregon in preparation and celebration of Erin's wedding. It started with surprising the students at Mountain Park at Bannings, and even though I was hoping to get there earlier and surprise them at church, it was still fun to see them all and show up as Mustachio!
The next morning Brynna and I headed to Klamath Falls with my cousin so that we would have as much time with family as possible. The trip was good, and I somehow stayed awake the whole time...actually, thats cuz I had Mountain Dew for the first time in a few months...that stuff is so good! Anyway, everyone arrived on Thursday and we packed in to my parents house in Klamath for a few days of chaos! For those that don't know, I have 3 nephews, and a nephew and niece on the way, so in the next few months the Kroeker family is growing by 3 people (if you count Dave's addition last week of course... :) ) I'm excited for more chaotic times like that!
Friday was all about wedding preparation, and I felt pretty relaxed the whole time! Probably because everyone else was so stressed... :) I tried to help everyone relax, especially my mom and sister, but it may not have helped much... :) Anyway, Saturday was wedding day! The wedding was at 2, so obviously everyone needed to be there 4 hours early, even though it takes me 5 minutes to get ready...but I guess it wasn't about me. :) The pictures all went really well, although a few minutes into it my face was tired of smiling so much! Whoever said it takes more effort to frown than smile is lying... Next up was the wedding itself, and it all went really well! From ushers doing an incredible job, especially my 7 year old nephew Noah, to my cousin Grace running down the aisle without dropping a single flower, to singing with my brothers on stage for probably the first time ever, to my dad giving a tear-jerking give away speech (at least others cried... :) ), to Erin only crying once that I saw, and to yes's and I do's on both sides! Oh and it was only 27 minutes of standing on stage! And I helped my bonus Grandma get to her seat without falling! Yeah, good stuff all around...The reception was good, but we barely had enough time for car decorations and cake eating, but thankfully there was plenty of cake to go around later! Anyway, I am glad everything worked out and it ended up being a great time celebrating Erin and Dave's wedding! Still crazy to realize my little sister is married though... :)
The rest of the week was spent seeing friends from home and Portland, and involved a short-lived giant pass-the-pigs game, and double-date golf game with the Meed's (which I dominated... :) ), a good drive to Portland with my parents, more Kroeker chaos, and a great time thrift-storing with Brynna at the greatest thrift store ever! The only sad thing was the goodbyes I had to say.
The thing that this trip seemed to strongly show me was that I love my family. Sure the kids may go crazy, sure I may get annoyed with my siblings, sure I may not want to sit in the front row at church with my parents (they do that now, and people on stage talk to those in the front row... :) ), but I am so thankful for all of them! The constant encouragement that I have from my parents, whether they are fully comfortable with where I am or not. The ways that I can look up to my brothers as they each are about to have larger families. The ways my nephews like to jump on me with there knees out, even though they are heavier than they used to. The ways that I get to see Erin and Dave start a family of there own. The pictures of all of my extended family that could make it filling up the stage. I could not possibly thank God enough or wish for anything else! I look forward to being with them all, and seeing my new niece and nephew (the only kinds of babies I like... :) ) at Christmas!
The final goodbye was possibly the toughest, but thankfully Brynna and my flight flew out with a couple hours of each other, so we were able to go through security and everything together! Its never easy to say goodbye, but knowing I will see here in just over 2 months is exciting, and here in Hungary nonetheless! :)
The final part of the journey was probably the most stressful. I was hoping to get my temporary residence card, which allows me to be in Hungary for a year as opposed to 3 months, before I left, but it didn't come in time, so I wasn't sure if they were going to let me back in the country. I was there for 3 months and 2 days before, so I didn't know if that would be a problem. After flying to Dallas, then London, I started to get nervous. Thankfully the last flight was only 3.5 hours, but I was praying that I would calm down and trust God. When we landed and I went to turn on my phone I forgot about the pin number in order to use it. I knew the numbers but forgot the order...I had 3 tries and messed up the first 2, then prayed for a few moments and tried again, with my heart beating a bit...if I was stuck and they didn't let me threw, then that was the only chance I had to contact my OM peoples to help. Thankfully the 3rd try worked, and that helped calm me a bit. At immigration I had my papers that showed when I applied for the residence card, and was all ready to explain the situation, when the lady took the card, scanned it and stamped it, then gave it back without asking a thing! It was super nice to get through so easily, and thanks for all of those who prayed! A bonus is that I am getting my card at the post office tomorrow, so I don't have to stress like that ever again! At least not for this year... :)
Anyway, thats all...altogether it was 50+ hours of travel from Erd to Klamath Falls, but in summary, it was worth it in every way! Oh and thankyou to Dawn and Tom (Brynna's parents) for a warm bed and fruit snacks...even though I have eaten most of them already... :)
Last week my sister got married! I am still struggling to believe it in some ways, but it is incredible and the wedding was really good! I left last Wednesday for a week in Oregon in preparation and celebration of Erin's wedding. It started with surprising the students at Mountain Park at Bannings, and even though I was hoping to get there earlier and surprise them at church, it was still fun to see them all and show up as Mustachio!
The next morning Brynna and I headed to Klamath Falls with my cousin so that we would have as much time with family as possible. The trip was good, and I somehow stayed awake the whole time...actually, thats cuz I had Mountain Dew for the first time in a few months...that stuff is so good! Anyway, everyone arrived on Thursday and we packed in to my parents house in Klamath for a few days of chaos! For those that don't know, I have 3 nephews, and a nephew and niece on the way, so in the next few months the Kroeker family is growing by 3 people (if you count Dave's addition last week of course... :) ) I'm excited for more chaotic times like that!
Friday was all about wedding preparation, and I felt pretty relaxed the whole time! Probably because everyone else was so stressed... :) I tried to help everyone relax, especially my mom and sister, but it may not have helped much... :) Anyway, Saturday was wedding day! The wedding was at 2, so obviously everyone needed to be there 4 hours early, even though it takes me 5 minutes to get ready...but I guess it wasn't about me. :) The pictures all went really well, although a few minutes into it my face was tired of smiling so much! Whoever said it takes more effort to frown than smile is lying... Next up was the wedding itself, and it all went really well! From ushers doing an incredible job, especially my 7 year old nephew Noah, to my cousin Grace running down the aisle without dropping a single flower, to singing with my brothers on stage for probably the first time ever, to my dad giving a tear-jerking give away speech (at least others cried... :) ), to Erin only crying once that I saw, and to yes's and I do's on both sides! Oh and it was only 27 minutes of standing on stage! And I helped my bonus Grandma get to her seat without falling! Yeah, good stuff all around...The reception was good, but we barely had enough time for car decorations and cake eating, but thankfully there was plenty of cake to go around later! Anyway, I am glad everything worked out and it ended up being a great time celebrating Erin and Dave's wedding! Still crazy to realize my little sister is married though... :)
The rest of the week was spent seeing friends from home and Portland, and involved a short-lived giant pass-the-pigs game, and double-date golf game with the Meed's (which I dominated... :) ), a good drive to Portland with my parents, more Kroeker chaos, and a great time thrift-storing with Brynna at the greatest thrift store ever! The only sad thing was the goodbyes I had to say.
The thing that this trip seemed to strongly show me was that I love my family. Sure the kids may go crazy, sure I may get annoyed with my siblings, sure I may not want to sit in the front row at church with my parents (they do that now, and people on stage talk to those in the front row... :) ), but I am so thankful for all of them! The constant encouragement that I have from my parents, whether they are fully comfortable with where I am or not. The ways that I can look up to my brothers as they each are about to have larger families. The ways my nephews like to jump on me with there knees out, even though they are heavier than they used to. The ways that I get to see Erin and Dave start a family of there own. The pictures of all of my extended family that could make it filling up the stage. I could not possibly thank God enough or wish for anything else! I look forward to being with them all, and seeing my new niece and nephew (the only kinds of babies I like... :) ) at Christmas!
The final goodbye was possibly the toughest, but thankfully Brynna and my flight flew out with a couple hours of each other, so we were able to go through security and everything together! Its never easy to say goodbye, but knowing I will see here in just over 2 months is exciting, and here in Hungary nonetheless! :)
The final part of the journey was probably the most stressful. I was hoping to get my temporary residence card, which allows me to be in Hungary for a year as opposed to 3 months, before I left, but it didn't come in time, so I wasn't sure if they were going to let me back in the country. I was there for 3 months and 2 days before, so I didn't know if that would be a problem. After flying to Dallas, then London, I started to get nervous. Thankfully the last flight was only 3.5 hours, but I was praying that I would calm down and trust God. When we landed and I went to turn on my phone I forgot about the pin number in order to use it. I knew the numbers but forgot the order...I had 3 tries and messed up the first 2, then prayed for a few moments and tried again, with my heart beating a bit...if I was stuck and they didn't let me threw, then that was the only chance I had to contact my OM peoples to help. Thankfully the 3rd try worked, and that helped calm me a bit. At immigration I had my papers that showed when I applied for the residence card, and was all ready to explain the situation, when the lady took the card, scanned it and stamped it, then gave it back without asking a thing! It was super nice to get through so easily, and thanks for all of those who prayed! A bonus is that I am getting my card at the post office tomorrow, so I don't have to stress like that ever again! At least not for this year... :)
Anyway, thats all...altogether it was 50+ hours of travel from Erd to Klamath Falls, but in summary, it was worth it in every way! Oh and thankyou to Dawn and Tom (Brynna's parents) for a warm bed and fruit snacks...even though I have eaten most of them already... :)
Monday, April 15, 2013
First Weekend of Baseball
We did it! We survived a busy weekend of baseball, and were even quite successful!
Saturday we had a busy start to the day as it kicked off with a majors game (10-12) and a teeball game, then finished off with 2 Juniors games (13-14). I ended up being able to coach the teeball team (although not really planned... :) ) and it was a ton of fun! Most of the kids had only been to 2 practices in their life, so there knowledge of baseball isn't too high, but they had a lot of fun! Teeball rules are everyone on the team hits once in an inning, unless the other team gets 3 outs...turns out that doesn't really ever happen, although the Red Sox were able to get 2 in one inning! The highlights was watching the smallest guy on the team, Barni, hit an inside the infield homerun! I don't think that he knew what a homerun was or how good the play he made was, but he was grinning and excited as much for the high-5 as anything! Overall the team had fun but ended up losing 35ish to 27ish, but the fun of the kids at that age is they didn't care because they were all smiles at the end! The majors team won with a walkoff and the Juniors team swept there two games and played really well! There are a lot of things to work on, but overall it was a really good first game for most of the players!
Sunday, I went with the division 2 team (Pioneers) to Nagykanizsa to play the Ants. It was about a 2 hour drive down past Lake Balaton, and thankfully the weather was extremely nice and a great day for baseball! The games started rough as we were down 6 after a couple innings, but then the team was able to get going and we ended up tying it up with a big inning! They ended up beating us quite badly after that, but it was fun to have some success and keep it close for a while, and apparently its the top team in D-2 and we had a bunch of new players. Overall it was a fun experience though! I was able to play 3rd, and made a few errors (which I blame on the field, at least a little bit... :) ) but it was a fun first game! The Pirates (seniors 15-16) ended up winning their game yesterday too, so overall it was a good first weekend for Erd baseball!
Now it is back to practice today to work on some of the different areas that the teams struggled in, and work towards this coming weekends games!
Please continue to pray that I get my temporary residence card in the mail today or tomorrow, as it will make traveling much easier!
Saturday we had a busy start to the day as it kicked off with a majors game (10-12) and a teeball game, then finished off with 2 Juniors games (13-14). I ended up being able to coach the teeball team (although not really planned... :) ) and it was a ton of fun! Most of the kids had only been to 2 practices in their life, so there knowledge of baseball isn't too high, but they had a lot of fun! Teeball rules are everyone on the team hits once in an inning, unless the other team gets 3 outs...turns out that doesn't really ever happen, although the Red Sox were able to get 2 in one inning! The highlights was watching the smallest guy on the team, Barni, hit an inside the infield homerun! I don't think that he knew what a homerun was or how good the play he made was, but he was grinning and excited as much for the high-5 as anything! Overall the team had fun but ended up losing 35ish to 27ish, but the fun of the kids at that age is they didn't care because they were all smiles at the end! The majors team won with a walkoff and the Juniors team swept there two games and played really well! There are a lot of things to work on, but overall it was a really good first game for most of the players!
Sunday, I went with the division 2 team (Pioneers) to Nagykanizsa to play the Ants. It was about a 2 hour drive down past Lake Balaton, and thankfully the weather was extremely nice and a great day for baseball! The games started rough as we were down 6 after a couple innings, but then the team was able to get going and we ended up tying it up with a big inning! They ended up beating us quite badly after that, but it was fun to have some success and keep it close for a while, and apparently its the top team in D-2 and we had a bunch of new players. Overall it was a fun experience though! I was able to play 3rd, and made a few errors (which I blame on the field, at least a little bit... :) ) but it was a fun first game! The Pirates (seniors 15-16) ended up winning their game yesterday too, so overall it was a good first weekend for Erd baseball!
Now it is back to practice today to work on some of the different areas that the teams struggled in, and work towards this coming weekends games!
Please continue to pray that I get my temporary residence card in the mail today or tomorrow, as it will make traveling much easier!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
A Quick Prayer Request
Hey!
I am leaving the country this next Wednesday, but I am still waiting for my residence permit to come through here in Hungary. I will have been here for 3 months on the 15th, and leave on the 17th, so it would make it so much easier to travel and do everything if I get the card before leaving! It would be a huge stress reliever and help traveling to ensure that they don't keep me out of Hungary on my return flight. I'm not worried about getting it, but they aren't known for being on time. Please pray for it to come through by next Tuesday at least, and pray for patience and a lack of stress on my part as I wait for it. Thanks!
I am leaving the country this next Wednesday, but I am still waiting for my residence permit to come through here in Hungary. I will have been here for 3 months on the 15th, and leave on the 17th, so it would make it so much easier to travel and do everything if I get the card before leaving! It would be a huge stress reliever and help traveling to ensure that they don't keep me out of Hungary on my return flight. I'm not worried about getting it, but they aren't known for being on time. Please pray for it to come through by next Tuesday at least, and pray for patience and a lack of stress on my part as I wait for it. Thanks!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Wait...I'm not in Portland but it feels like it!
So, I can't tell you how many times in the last couple weeks I have heard someone tell me, "the weather is not usually like this!" I think it is pretty funny, but in a way it has been quite annoying! We have been stuck in the 30's and 40's with clouds all the time and rain constantly (aka. Portland weather)...which isn't quite baseball weather! We started practice last week, but because of the weather not as many players were showing up. Thankfully we got a little hope today when the sun shined through the clouds, and I even was able to only have 3 layers on while outside painting! Amazing! :)
Anyway, we were able to have a scrimmage game this last Saturday, and it was fun to get out on the field! Although playing center field was a bit cold, especially when the players were hitting the ball towards us...so instead I just starting jumping around and kept my hand in my pocket, the only thing that was too overly cold was my left index finger, since it isn't protected by the warmth of the glove... :) It was pretty funny to see everyone trying to play with coats and sweatshirts on, but I am sure excited about a bit more warmth! Not too much, just 60 would be perfect! I was able to bat 3 times and ended up with a walk and 2 hits! (although both hits were more of errors...but I don't care :) ) I am looking forward to continue playing with the Division 2 Pioneers as the season gets going!
This weekend is the first set of games, and even though we feel underprepared in every way from lack of real practices, I am excited to see what a weekend looks like! I am going to learn to umpire, which I am a little nervous about, but who knows, maybe I will enjoy yelling "out!" Please pray for the team here as we get ready to have chaotic weekends with all ages of kids and adults! Especially be praying for patience and energy, especially with the tee-ball kids that don't know whats going on... :)
Other than baseball we are working at the fields during the mornings to get everything ready, especially the first all dirt infield in Hungarian softball history! It still needs quite a bit of work, but it is exciting to be close! I also just played some indoor soccer at a nearby town with one of the guys that I play basketball with on Wednesday nights, and boy am I exhausted! I forget how much running that takes! It was fun, but I really need to work on my soccer skills...when I am not playing baseball of course! I just don't know if I could find 2 more opposites sports, so it is entertaining for sure! :)
Finally, helping out with the youth group at church has been going well! It is still a struggle sometimes because I just want to talk to the students and see how there lives are going and ask more about them, but language is an obvious barrier! Please pray for patience with that! I am getting a broader vocabulary and more confidence with Hungarian, but I can get frustrated easily with it, so please pray! Probably the highlight of my time at the church was playing Giant Pass the Pigs last week! I lost at the very end (and one got a hole...), but I love seeing peoples faces when they see the pigs and realize how incredibly awesome the game is! :)
Anyway, long update, but thanks for reading it and praying! I couldn't be more thankful! I am excited to continue to see the unique ways that God uses me in my time here, and look forward to updating you all (whoever reads this :) ), on the goings on! Now for a word that means goodbye in a way, but took me a good month to learn...
Anyway, we were able to have a scrimmage game this last Saturday, and it was fun to get out on the field! Although playing center field was a bit cold, especially when the players were hitting the ball towards us...so instead I just starting jumping around and kept my hand in my pocket, the only thing that was too overly cold was my left index finger, since it isn't protected by the warmth of the glove... :) It was pretty funny to see everyone trying to play with coats and sweatshirts on, but I am sure excited about a bit more warmth! Not too much, just 60 would be perfect! I was able to bat 3 times and ended up with a walk and 2 hits! (although both hits were more of errors...but I don't care :) ) I am looking forward to continue playing with the Division 2 Pioneers as the season gets going!
This weekend is the first set of games, and even though we feel underprepared in every way from lack of real practices, I am excited to see what a weekend looks like! I am going to learn to umpire, which I am a little nervous about, but who knows, maybe I will enjoy yelling "out!" Please pray for the team here as we get ready to have chaotic weekends with all ages of kids and adults! Especially be praying for patience and energy, especially with the tee-ball kids that don't know whats going on... :)
Other than baseball we are working at the fields during the mornings to get everything ready, especially the first all dirt infield in Hungarian softball history! It still needs quite a bit of work, but it is exciting to be close! I also just played some indoor soccer at a nearby town with one of the guys that I play basketball with on Wednesday nights, and boy am I exhausted! I forget how much running that takes! It was fun, but I really need to work on my soccer skills...when I am not playing baseball of course! I just don't know if I could find 2 more opposites sports, so it is entertaining for sure! :)
Finally, helping out with the youth group at church has been going well! It is still a struggle sometimes because I just want to talk to the students and see how there lives are going and ask more about them, but language is an obvious barrier! Please pray for patience with that! I am getting a broader vocabulary and more confidence with Hungarian, but I can get frustrated easily with it, so please pray! Probably the highlight of my time at the church was playing Giant Pass the Pigs last week! I lost at the very end (and one got a hole...), but I love seeing peoples faces when they see the pigs and realize how incredibly awesome the game is! :)
Anyway, long update, but thanks for reading it and praying! I couldn't be more thankful! I am excited to continue to see the unique ways that God uses me in my time here, and look forward to updating you all (whoever reads this :) ), on the goings on! Now for a word that means goodbye in a way, but took me a good month to learn...
viszontlátásra!
!Monday, March 25, 2013
Uncooperative Weather
Well, its snowing again...and we are suppossed to be having practice! Really, the last week (and this coming week) the weather has turned really cold as we are trying to start practices, but it at least didn't snow for a couple days so we could get the field ready! We only have one more school visit, and its this Tuesday, then we have our camp for new players this weekend, if the weather gets a little better... :) Sounds like a lot of people all over are experiencing, less than spring, conditions, so I know we have a little sympathy! Last Friday, we spent the day working on fields as we are putting up a bunch of new fence and working to rototill the softball field. It ended up being super windy, in fact the night before I didn't sleep very well from the wind because it was so loud and crazy! We were able to get a lot done, it was just cold and we were being blown all over the place...Saturday was even colder but thankfully the wind cut out and we had 20ish people show up to help! A bunch of players showed up to help put up the fencing on the posts we put up Friday, and also put up the batting cage nets and other small things that need to be done for the season, but it was cold enough that I was super happy to help feed the burn pile, partially for the warmth, and partially because fire is strangely entertaining... :) I am thankful that today was off because I was super sore the last few days, especially from mixing cement and moving it around. I was sore enough that I couldn't pick up a chair and move it cuz my forearms were so sore...oh well, I survived and was even able to get a little march madness!
On that note, how about them Ducks! Both games were early enough (if getting done at 2 am is early) that I was able to watch them, and see the Ducks dominate! Sadly, I picked Gonzaga to win it all so my bracket is about as usefull as used toilet paper...
Anyway, thanks for the prayers! Please pray for the team as we get ready for camp this weekend! Its exciting having the potential for a lot of new kids to join the club, but we need prayer that we are able to be excited and have fun despite the cold. Its not supposed to get above 45 (which is COLD for baseball) till saturday, so pray for patience for us!
On that note, how about them Ducks! Both games were early enough (if getting done at 2 am is early) that I was able to watch them, and see the Ducks dominate! Sadly, I picked Gonzaga to win it all so my bracket is about as usefull as used toilet paper...
Anyway, thanks for the prayers! Please pray for the team as we get ready for camp this weekend! Its exciting having the potential for a lot of new kids to join the club, but we need prayer that we are able to be excited and have fun despite the cold. Its not supposed to get above 45 (which is COLD for baseball) till saturday, so pray for patience for us!
Monday, March 18, 2013
R&R
Hey all!
I got some much need rest and relaxation the last few days, and now its back to school visits!
So a crazy wind/snow storm hit Hungary and europe the last few days, which turned a national holiday into an all night traffic jam...it was crazy! Friday, the 15th, is a national holiday in Hungary celebrating the Hungarian revolution in 1848 against the Hapsburgs in Austria, and apparently they put the national colors all over Budapest, but this year everything had to be cancelled. Here is an interesting article about tanks rescuing people on the highway (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21806043). Thankfully I didn't have to go anywhere and Erd wasn't super bad, but all of the holiday travel made quite a mess! They are still working to clean up from it all. The storm meant that we didn't work on the field like we were intending to from Thursday through Saturday, but I think that all of us needed a little bit of relaxing! We are working on putting in the first real Hungarian softball field with all-dirt infield, along with fences and poles, so there is a lot to be done! We will be working on that this week after school visits, so please pray for energy for all of us as we get prepared for the season! Also, please continue to pray for our school visits. We have seen around 1000 kids so far, and we are hoping for a few of them to come out for our camp at the end of this month. Its been really fun to get to see a ton of kids, and also see the students already on the baseball teams in there schools, not to mention they love showing baseball to their friends! We are hoping to have a great influence on these kids lives through baseball, so the more that show up the better! Well, at least to a point... :) Finally, please continue to pray that I would lean on God in my tough times and struggles. It has been better lately as I have asked for help and support from God and others, but I still need to work on consistency! Especially in the easy times when I'm not feeling stressed or anything. Oh and one last thing. I'm excited for march madness but not sure how I'm going to keep up with it all this year! Usually it just has to do with skipping classes or taking days of work (the beauty of random jobs with random schedules), but this year it would require staying up super late...what to do, what to do... :)
I got some much need rest and relaxation the last few days, and now its back to school visits!
So a crazy wind/snow storm hit Hungary and europe the last few days, which turned a national holiday into an all night traffic jam...it was crazy! Friday, the 15th, is a national holiday in Hungary celebrating the Hungarian revolution in 1848 against the Hapsburgs in Austria, and apparently they put the national colors all over Budapest, but this year everything had to be cancelled. Here is an interesting article about tanks rescuing people on the highway (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21806043). Thankfully I didn't have to go anywhere and Erd wasn't super bad, but all of the holiday travel made quite a mess! They are still working to clean up from it all. The storm meant that we didn't work on the field like we were intending to from Thursday through Saturday, but I think that all of us needed a little bit of relaxing! We are working on putting in the first real Hungarian softball field with all-dirt infield, along with fences and poles, so there is a lot to be done! We will be working on that this week after school visits, so please pray for energy for all of us as we get prepared for the season! Also, please continue to pray for our school visits. We have seen around 1000 kids so far, and we are hoping for a few of them to come out for our camp at the end of this month. Its been really fun to get to see a ton of kids, and also see the students already on the baseball teams in there schools, not to mention they love showing baseball to their friends! We are hoping to have a great influence on these kids lives through baseball, so the more that show up the better! Well, at least to a point... :) Finally, please continue to pray that I would lean on God in my tough times and struggles. It has been better lately as I have asked for help and support from God and others, but I still need to work on consistency! Especially in the easy times when I'm not feeling stressed or anything. Oh and one last thing. I'm excited for march madness but not sure how I'm going to keep up with it all this year! Usually it just has to do with skipping classes or taking days of work (the beauty of random jobs with random schedules), but this year it would require staying up super late...what to do, what to do... :)
Sunday, March 10, 2013
What a week!
Well, I survived a week of school visits! It has been good, but it has also been the hardest week of my time here so far.
This week we went to a school every day from 8-1ish teaching baseball to kids between 6 and 13, and it was quite an experience! Every hour we had a new class that didn't know anything at all about baseball, so we went through a program with each of them to get them started! We were able to get each of the groups playing "baseball" by the last 10-15 minutes of the class, and I put it in quotes because sometimes it wasn't really baseball! The 6 year olds were especially entertaining, mainly because they did what every sport is at that age, turned it into mob-ball! The interesting thing is that baseball doesn't really work for that, unless you don't realize that the goal is to get a player out...but that is what happens when they don't listen or we are in a really echo-y gym. It was fun to see all of the kids though, and some of them were extremely excited about coming out to play, so we are hoping that some of them come out to the camp at the end of the month!
This week was also the most challenging because for the first time since being here I truly missed being in Oregon. I have always missed it a little, but I felt myself longing to go there to get back into a comfortable world I understand and know. This is normal for missionaries, but honestly, I wasn't really reacting the right way. I wasn't reaching out to the one reason that I am here, and that is God! I wasn't spending any time in prayer asking for strength from God, or comfort, or peace, or any of the things that he offers to those who ask. I made that common mistake of trying to get by on my own strength (which is interesting being that I'm a "missionary" :) ). Around Friday, I was beginning to figure that out, and after receiving an email from my mom about that same thing, I was pretty sure I knew what was going on. God was really trying to get me to ask him for help. I don't know where you are when reading this, and I have no idea if you think this makes sense or is crazy, but once again I realized why I am here and why I serve this God, the one thats in the Bible.
This is a little deeper, so here we go. I have been reading through "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan, and I have been convicted by God that I forget the Holy Spirit. I forget that I have his power inside of me, I forget that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, and that he has as much power as each of the other parts of the Trinity! Anyway, the chapters I was reading were about prayer, and that just seemed to put more emphasis on my need to pray. The book discussed the need for our lives to be dependent on God, and I realized that I was trying to live a life dependent on him without asking for his help. I hope that makes sense, but that is how I have been thinking. Thankfully I have found encouragement, and since asking for help from God and depending on him I feel much better about being in Hungary for the next year. My biggest fear in all of this is that I would just go through time here waiting to go back to Oregon, but thankfully I don't seem to have those feelings anymore. I know they will come back, but I am hoping that when they do I will trust in God! I hope you find this encouraging in some way, whatever stage in life you are in! Thanks again for all of your prayers and support, whatever way that may be! It gives me great confidence knowing that I have a group of people 7+ time zones away that are praying for me!
This week we went to a school every day from 8-1ish teaching baseball to kids between 6 and 13, and it was quite an experience! Every hour we had a new class that didn't know anything at all about baseball, so we went through a program with each of them to get them started! We were able to get each of the groups playing "baseball" by the last 10-15 minutes of the class, and I put it in quotes because sometimes it wasn't really baseball! The 6 year olds were especially entertaining, mainly because they did what every sport is at that age, turned it into mob-ball! The interesting thing is that baseball doesn't really work for that, unless you don't realize that the goal is to get a player out...but that is what happens when they don't listen or we are in a really echo-y gym. It was fun to see all of the kids though, and some of them were extremely excited about coming out to play, so we are hoping that some of them come out to the camp at the end of the month!
This week was also the most challenging because for the first time since being here I truly missed being in Oregon. I have always missed it a little, but I felt myself longing to go there to get back into a comfortable world I understand and know. This is normal for missionaries, but honestly, I wasn't really reacting the right way. I wasn't reaching out to the one reason that I am here, and that is God! I wasn't spending any time in prayer asking for strength from God, or comfort, or peace, or any of the things that he offers to those who ask. I made that common mistake of trying to get by on my own strength (which is interesting being that I'm a "missionary" :) ). Around Friday, I was beginning to figure that out, and after receiving an email from my mom about that same thing, I was pretty sure I knew what was going on. God was really trying to get me to ask him for help. I don't know where you are when reading this, and I have no idea if you think this makes sense or is crazy, but once again I realized why I am here and why I serve this God, the one thats in the Bible.
This is a little deeper, so here we go. I have been reading through "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan, and I have been convicted by God that I forget the Holy Spirit. I forget that I have his power inside of me, I forget that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, and that he has as much power as each of the other parts of the Trinity! Anyway, the chapters I was reading were about prayer, and that just seemed to put more emphasis on my need to pray. The book discussed the need for our lives to be dependent on God, and I realized that I was trying to live a life dependent on him without asking for his help. I hope that makes sense, but that is how I have been thinking. Thankfully I have found encouragement, and since asking for help from God and depending on him I feel much better about being in Hungary for the next year. My biggest fear in all of this is that I would just go through time here waiting to go back to Oregon, but thankfully I don't seem to have those feelings anymore. I know they will come back, but I am hoping that when they do I will trust in God! I hope you find this encouraging in some way, whatever stage in life you are in! Thanks again for all of your prayers and support, whatever way that may be! It gives me great confidence knowing that I have a group of people 7+ time zones away that are praying for me!
Friday, March 1, 2013
New Newsletter!
Hey all! just sent out a newsletter, my computer broke a couple weeks ago and some information was still on it like email addresses, so if you didn't get a newsletter and want one just let me know!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
The Ball is Rolling!
Hey all!
Everything seems to be rolling now here in Hungary! I feel like I at least kind of know what will be happening as baseball and everything gets rolling, and I am quite excited!
First off, we had another tournament last weekend and the first day we took first in the youngest age group! It was really fun and I enjoy watching the kids play baseball, especially when I see them having fun. The evening tournament we took second in the adult softball, and it was a bummer cuz we were the first seed going into the finals, but, maybe cuz a few of us had been there for 13 hours, we couldn't hit in the final...oh well, it was fun to play instead of coach! The second day I helped Suzanne coach the Giants and we were able to pull out third by only a couple points! The older team from Erd, the Pirates, ended up getting second. Over the whole weekend I was able to get bronze, silver and gold, so it was pretty sweet! Most of all, though, it was really good to spend time with the players and start to build relationships with them! A few of them can speak english, but they don't like to tell me that until I find out for myself. It makes it a little difficult, but its exciting to know that they can at least understand me a little! They also seem to enjoy laughing at my pitiful Hungarian, so I'm glad I can bring them joy in that way too... :)
Last night was my first in the youth group at the local church I have been attending, and I really enjoyed it! I was a little nervous going into it because of the language barrier and not knowing if the students would be excited for a new person to join them, but it was a really good time! We played some games (Sequence and another I can't remember), I introduced myself and they had no idea where Oregon was until I mentioned California, and the pastor shared a message. I love games because it allows for relationship building without the need to be fluent in each other's language, so I am excited to keep working with the church in that way! It was a really important thing for me to get involved in the local church, so that is a huge answer to prayer! Oh and next week we have an all nighter on Saturday! I am looking forward to playing games, watching movies, and just hanging out with the students, and I get to make them breakfast, which means I have an excuse to buy a lot of bacon! Always a win... :)
Thanks for all of your continued prayers! I have a few for the next few weeks too! Tomorrow I am helping Terry by filling in for his English teaching class in the morning. Apparently it is easy but I have a solid ability to worry, so pray that it is just as simple as I was told! Also, pray for the friendships I am building with the players and students at the church because that is my purpose in being here! Finally, we start school visits on March 4th, so pray that we would be able to draw kids into baseball!
Everything seems to be rolling now here in Hungary! I feel like I at least kind of know what will be happening as baseball and everything gets rolling, and I am quite excited!
First off, we had another tournament last weekend and the first day we took first in the youngest age group! It was really fun and I enjoy watching the kids play baseball, especially when I see them having fun. The evening tournament we took second in the adult softball, and it was a bummer cuz we were the first seed going into the finals, but, maybe cuz a few of us had been there for 13 hours, we couldn't hit in the final...oh well, it was fun to play instead of coach! The second day I helped Suzanne coach the Giants and we were able to pull out third by only a couple points! The older team from Erd, the Pirates, ended up getting second. Over the whole weekend I was able to get bronze, silver and gold, so it was pretty sweet! Most of all, though, it was really good to spend time with the players and start to build relationships with them! A few of them can speak english, but they don't like to tell me that until I find out for myself. It makes it a little difficult, but its exciting to know that they can at least understand me a little! They also seem to enjoy laughing at my pitiful Hungarian, so I'm glad I can bring them joy in that way too... :)
Last night was my first in the youth group at the local church I have been attending, and I really enjoyed it! I was a little nervous going into it because of the language barrier and not knowing if the students would be excited for a new person to join them, but it was a really good time! We played some games (Sequence and another I can't remember), I introduced myself and they had no idea where Oregon was until I mentioned California, and the pastor shared a message. I love games because it allows for relationship building without the need to be fluent in each other's language, so I am excited to keep working with the church in that way! It was a really important thing for me to get involved in the local church, so that is a huge answer to prayer! Oh and next week we have an all nighter on Saturday! I am looking forward to playing games, watching movies, and just hanging out with the students, and I get to make them breakfast, which means I have an excuse to buy a lot of bacon! Always a win... :)
Thanks for all of your continued prayers! I have a few for the next few weeks too! Tomorrow I am helping Terry by filling in for his English teaching class in the morning. Apparently it is easy but I have a solid ability to worry, so pray that it is just as simple as I was told! Also, pray for the friendships I am building with the players and students at the church because that is my purpose in being here! Finally, we start school visits on March 4th, so pray that we would be able to draw kids into baseball!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Update, Finally!
Hey all!
I finished language school today! Its been a good few weeks settling in here to life in Erd!
I learned something the last few weeks, Hungarian is as hard as everyone was telling me...but at least I now understand that first hand! :) The hardest part is the verb endings because it is so different than I have ever had to think before. If you want more information then you can wikipedia Hungarian Verb Endings... :) I am excited to be finished with the daily 3 hours of headaches, but I also need to keep on working the language cuz I am still clueless on so much. Please pray that I would continue to work on the language and keep pushing, even though I am out of class.
The first weekend here we went to Hódmezővásárhely for an indoor tournament with 13-16 year olds, and we took 2nd and 4th! I was able to coach the younger team that ended in 4th (the Giants), and it was a ton of fun! Oh and don't even try to say that towns name out loud, its hopeless... :)
I don't really know all to cover since I haven't been updating much, so I will work to do that more... :) A little about my routine the last few weeks. I am getting up early to hop onto a train to go to class that starts around 9, but really it doesn't start till 9:30 cuz nobody else in the class is on time, but thats all good, it gives me time to relax! Class gets over around noon and then I have had the opportunity to go around the city exploring! Its been really good to get out and get comfortable in this amazing city! I was able to go to Hero Square, Castle Hill, Holocaust Museum, and so many other places! I haven't had to rush home, so I am free to do almost anything! History around here is incredible and I feel like I have been able to learn so much!
Last Saturday we had a full day of practice, and it was fun to be able to meet most of the players from all of the different age groups! 6 hours of practice is a lot, but its good to start the relationship building! Tomorrow we have a tournament for the young group of kids and then adults so I am looking forward to that! Enjoy baseball is odd, but quite entertaining!
Next week will be the first week that Terry and I go to the local school to teach kids about baseball. Please pray that we would be able to find some kids willing to play and join so that we can start to show them a little Jesus!
Finally, I am finding out Sunday if I am able to help out at a youth group at a local church here, so I am excited to get involved in that way, even though there will be a good sized language barrier...I am also helping with a weekly Baseball Bible Study with Terry on Fridays and basketball on Wednesdays! Its kept me busy and its always good to run around! Thanks for all your prayers and supports, I will put some pictures of the city up on facebook soon!
I finished language school today! Its been a good few weeks settling in here to life in Erd!
I learned something the last few weeks, Hungarian is as hard as everyone was telling me...but at least I now understand that first hand! :) The hardest part is the verb endings because it is so different than I have ever had to think before. If you want more information then you can wikipedia Hungarian Verb Endings... :) I am excited to be finished with the daily 3 hours of headaches, but I also need to keep on working the language cuz I am still clueless on so much. Please pray that I would continue to work on the language and keep pushing, even though I am out of class.
The first weekend here we went to Hódmezővásárhely for an indoor tournament with 13-16 year olds, and we took 2nd and 4th! I was able to coach the younger team that ended in 4th (the Giants), and it was a ton of fun! Oh and don't even try to say that towns name out loud, its hopeless... :)
I don't really know all to cover since I haven't been updating much, so I will work to do that more... :) A little about my routine the last few weeks. I am getting up early to hop onto a train to go to class that starts around 9, but really it doesn't start till 9:30 cuz nobody else in the class is on time, but thats all good, it gives me time to relax! Class gets over around noon and then I have had the opportunity to go around the city exploring! Its been really good to get out and get comfortable in this amazing city! I was able to go to Hero Square, Castle Hill, Holocaust Museum, and so many other places! I haven't had to rush home, so I am free to do almost anything! History around here is incredible and I feel like I have been able to learn so much!
Last Saturday we had a full day of practice, and it was fun to be able to meet most of the players from all of the different age groups! 6 hours of practice is a lot, but its good to start the relationship building! Tomorrow we have a tournament for the young group of kids and then adults so I am looking forward to that! Enjoy baseball is odd, but quite entertaining!
Next week will be the first week that Terry and I go to the local school to teach kids about baseball. Please pray that we would be able to find some kids willing to play and join so that we can start to show them a little Jesus!
Finally, I am finding out Sunday if I am able to help out at a youth group at a local church here, so I am excited to get involved in that way, even though there will be a good sized language barrier...I am also helping with a weekly Baseball Bible Study with Terry on Fridays and basketball on Wednesdays! Its kept me busy and its always good to run around! Thanks for all your prayers and supports, I will put some pictures of the city up on facebook soon!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Newsletter Just Sent
Hey all!
I just sent out my newsletter to everyone! If you didn't get it and would like to then just comment here below with your email, or send me a message on facebook. If you didn't get one its not cuz I don't like you, but rather cuz I don't know/have your email for some reason. Check your junk mail first, cuz it is possible it went in there...I have no idea how exactly they tell emails to go in what folder...
Thanks!
Brian Kroeker
I just sent out my newsletter to everyone! If you didn't get it and would like to then just comment here below with your email, or send me a message on facebook. If you didn't get one its not cuz I don't like you, but rather cuz I don't know/have your email for some reason. Check your junk mail first, cuz it is possible it went in there...I have no idea how exactly they tell emails to go in what folder...
Thanks!
Brian Kroeker
Saturday, January 26, 2013
In Hungary!
Hey!
I made it to Hungary! The GO Conference was amazing and extremely helpful as I move into the missionary part of my life, but it is really good to finally get here!
The last few days of GO were really good, but I started to really get worn out. I am good with large groups for a few days, but after a while the introvert inside of me starts screaming to get somewhere quiet for a while...so the last few days took some patience, and thankfully I found a prayer room on the top floor to get mentally back into it! At first I wasn't sure I wanted to do the GO conference because I just wanted to get to the field, but during it I realized that I really needed it! It gave me a great opportunity to get grounded on why I am doing missions in the first place. OM is really taking good care of me, and I couldn't be more thankful for the organization I am going with!
The travel today was great because it almost fit with a movie title! I took a train, plane and automobile...if you don't get the reference go here... (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093748/) I found out a couple nights ago that I would also be helping a Korean guy get to Stuttgart, which made me laugh cuz I really didn't know where I was going...not only that, but he didn't speak very much English! Almost everyone else was flying out of Frankfurt, but I found a cheap one out of Stuttgart and thought it would be easier to get to, but alas we made it! We walked a half mile to the train station at 5:45, then hopped on the train (which I was never fully confident with it being the right train), transferred in Stuttgart, and made it to the airport with an hour and a half to spare! It turns out there is no English on the trains, or near them, so that is what made it all fun, but I was very thankful for my Korean companion even if we couldn't talk much it was a huge blessing to have someone around for those early hours! My highlight of the morning is when someone walked up to me and asked me what way the subway was going...I even gave him the right answer!
Anyway, my flight on germanwings was fantastic! I was in the very first row and couldn't even touch the barrier with my legs stretched out! Oh, and the row was all mine, so not a bad experience for all 1.5 hours! Then I met Josh at the airport and we headed to my apartment. Turns out I really enjoy unpacking when I have been living out of a bag for a month! Its an above average feeling for sure!
The next few days I will be working to settle in here in Erd. Tomorrow I am going to church, then Monday I start language school in Budapest! Please pray that I would have the passion to really learn the language (or try) because its really tough and I will probably get discouraged at some point over the next few months. I will also work to share any words that make me laugh, for any high school students that may read this... also, please pray for the team here, Josh is moving to a small town this Wednesday, so pray for his transition, and also pray that God uses us in his own way.
Thanks again for all of your prayers! Travel isn't my favorite thing, but it all went well and I have God to thank for that!
I made it to Hungary! The GO Conference was amazing and extremely helpful as I move into the missionary part of my life, but it is really good to finally get here!
The last few days of GO were really good, but I started to really get worn out. I am good with large groups for a few days, but after a while the introvert inside of me starts screaming to get somewhere quiet for a while...so the last few days took some patience, and thankfully I found a prayer room on the top floor to get mentally back into it! At first I wasn't sure I wanted to do the GO conference because I just wanted to get to the field, but during it I realized that I really needed it! It gave me a great opportunity to get grounded on why I am doing missions in the first place. OM is really taking good care of me, and I couldn't be more thankful for the organization I am going with!
The travel today was great because it almost fit with a movie title! I took a train, plane and automobile...if you don't get the reference go here... (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093748/) I found out a couple nights ago that I would also be helping a Korean guy get to Stuttgart, which made me laugh cuz I really didn't know where I was going...not only that, but he didn't speak very much English! Almost everyone else was flying out of Frankfurt, but I found a cheap one out of Stuttgart and thought it would be easier to get to, but alas we made it! We walked a half mile to the train station at 5:45, then hopped on the train (which I was never fully confident with it being the right train), transferred in Stuttgart, and made it to the airport with an hour and a half to spare! It turns out there is no English on the trains, or near them, so that is what made it all fun, but I was very thankful for my Korean companion even if we couldn't talk much it was a huge blessing to have someone around for those early hours! My highlight of the morning is when someone walked up to me and asked me what way the subway was going...I even gave him the right answer!
Anyway, my flight on germanwings was fantastic! I was in the very first row and couldn't even touch the barrier with my legs stretched out! Oh, and the row was all mine, so not a bad experience for all 1.5 hours! Then I met Josh at the airport and we headed to my apartment. Turns out I really enjoy unpacking when I have been living out of a bag for a month! Its an above average feeling for sure!
The next few days I will be working to settle in here in Erd. Tomorrow I am going to church, then Monday I start language school in Budapest! Please pray that I would have the passion to really learn the language (or try) because its really tough and I will probably get discouraged at some point over the next few months. I will also work to share any words that make me laugh, for any high school students that may read this... also, please pray for the team here, Josh is moving to a small town this Wednesday, so pray for his transition, and also pray that God uses us in his own way.
Thanks again for all of your prayers! Travel isn't my favorite thing, but it all went well and I have God to thank for that!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
A Week In
Hey all! Don't know why I always say hey, but I enjoy it...
Anyway, things are going pretty well here in Germany! Its been a very eventful week for sure and I have had countless new experiences! Oh and I finally got my first non-drug induced full night of sleep last night! I have tried a couple other times and ended up waking up at 1:30 in the morning and staying awake for 3 or 4 hours, woohoo jetlag! Oh well, its nice to be on a sleep schedule now!
A quick overview of the week: I came to this conference expecting to have a bunch of practical dos and don'ts of missions, but instead it has really had a heavy focus on getting us all grounded in our walks with Jesus, and I couldn't be more thankful! There has been practical information, but the main focus has been to REMAIN in Jesus wherever we are heading. The few weeks before flying out here life was so hectic and crazy between moving around and having a broken car that I wasn't putting an emphasis on getting spiritually ready for this adventure! My focus was so much on the physical preparations that I seemed to forget the other aspect...I felt a little guilty and like a bad missionary, but after talking to people here I have been really encouraged that most people struggled with that. Its interesting that even though my whole job and focus is to reach people for God and to show them the love of Christ, I honestly forget him sometimes. This week has just been encouraging though because I have been able to hear from many long term missionaries and other newbies like me that have/are going through the same things, and talking about the ways to deal with the struggles.
The other lesson has been dependence on God, complete dependence. I know this whole year is going to be a test and challenge as I am away from most people I know and in a new uncomfortable environment...well not necessarily uncomfortable but new and tiring as I try and learn so much. I could use your prayers that I would fully trust God with my fears and doubts and struggles to depend on him, because that will be a challenge at some point.
Besides meetings, we had the amazing opportunity to go to Heidelberg and visit the castle! Its the first one I have seen and, being a history nerd, I really enjoyed seeing the castle and town! Oh and I got some schnitzel! So. Good.
Yesterday was the most challenging day of the week because they put us through a simulation in order to challenge everyone, but that would take too long to explain. All I can say is I'm glad I am just going to Hungary! =)
Today I was able to learn some German and European history from real Germans, and that was incredible! One of them was from eastern Germany and grew up on the other side of the Berlin wall, so it was really interesting learning about the differences and what Germany was like after the fall of the wall. I was also able to learn more about what Germans think of WW2, which has always interested me. I have always wondered how they treat their history, and I was able to learn that they all had to visit concentration camps in school and learned all about what happened during the war. I thought they might be completely ashamed or not want to talk about it, so I waited until they kind of brought it up then asked questions, and it was amazing to here their perspective. I really enjoyed hearing about the pride they have in Germany, and the deep sadness they had in that time of their history. Anyway, that was a rabbit trail, but I get excited about random things... =)
Tomorrow is a day of prayer, which may be a challenge to stay focused all day, but I am excited to get that time to really spend focusing on my relationship with God...cuz that always can use help! Thanks for your continued prayers, and I fixed the blog so now anyone can comment, so ask questions or anything! Without your prayers and support this wouldn't have happened, thanks!
Anyway, things are going pretty well here in Germany! Its been a very eventful week for sure and I have had countless new experiences! Oh and I finally got my first non-drug induced full night of sleep last night! I have tried a couple other times and ended up waking up at 1:30 in the morning and staying awake for 3 or 4 hours, woohoo jetlag! Oh well, its nice to be on a sleep schedule now!
A quick overview of the week: I came to this conference expecting to have a bunch of practical dos and don'ts of missions, but instead it has really had a heavy focus on getting us all grounded in our walks with Jesus, and I couldn't be more thankful! There has been practical information, but the main focus has been to REMAIN in Jesus wherever we are heading. The few weeks before flying out here life was so hectic and crazy between moving around and having a broken car that I wasn't putting an emphasis on getting spiritually ready for this adventure! My focus was so much on the physical preparations that I seemed to forget the other aspect...I felt a little guilty and like a bad missionary, but after talking to people here I have been really encouraged that most people struggled with that. Its interesting that even though my whole job and focus is to reach people for God and to show them the love of Christ, I honestly forget him sometimes. This week has just been encouraging though because I have been able to hear from many long term missionaries and other newbies like me that have/are going through the same things, and talking about the ways to deal with the struggles.
The other lesson has been dependence on God, complete dependence. I know this whole year is going to be a test and challenge as I am away from most people I know and in a new uncomfortable environment...well not necessarily uncomfortable but new and tiring as I try and learn so much. I could use your prayers that I would fully trust God with my fears and doubts and struggles to depend on him, because that will be a challenge at some point.
Besides meetings, we had the amazing opportunity to go to Heidelberg and visit the castle! Its the first one I have seen and, being a history nerd, I really enjoyed seeing the castle and town! Oh and I got some schnitzel! So. Good.
Yesterday was the most challenging day of the week because they put us through a simulation in order to challenge everyone, but that would take too long to explain. All I can say is I'm glad I am just going to Hungary! =)
Today I was able to learn some German and European history from real Germans, and that was incredible! One of them was from eastern Germany and grew up on the other side of the Berlin wall, so it was really interesting learning about the differences and what Germany was like after the fall of the wall. I was also able to learn more about what Germans think of WW2, which has always interested me. I have always wondered how they treat their history, and I was able to learn that they all had to visit concentration camps in school and learned all about what happened during the war. I thought they might be completely ashamed or not want to talk about it, so I waited until they kind of brought it up then asked questions, and it was amazing to here their perspective. I really enjoyed hearing about the pride they have in Germany, and the deep sadness they had in that time of their history. Anyway, that was a rabbit trail, but I get excited about random things... =)
Tomorrow is a day of prayer, which may be a challenge to stay focused all day, but I am excited to get that time to really spend focusing on my relationship with God...cuz that always can use help! Thanks for your continued prayers, and I fixed the blog so now anyone can comment, so ask questions or anything! Without your prayers and support this wouldn't have happened, thanks!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Arrival and some Random Thoughts
I made it with only a little adventure! I am currently in Mosbach, Germany doing almost 2 weeks of training before I head to Hungary!
I am still feeling exhausted even after sleeping 9 hours, but hopefully that will improve over time! it's also snowing and absolutely beautiful here, so no complaints there!
Here is a little look into my thoughts at the moment...
Lately I have really been seeing how afraid I am to fully submit to God in my heart. I have been doing all of these crazy things that I never thought I would do, and yet I'm not going all in with my heart because I am afraid. I'm not afraid that God won't move, but rather that he will move and will push me to my limits! A couple weeks ago at MPC I spoke on letting the holy spirit have complete control in our lives, and since then it has really been a constant thing in my mind. a lot of it has to do with fear that God will ask me to give up things I don't want to. From small things like comfort to big things like my life, it is difficult when I really think about it! He has proven faithful in the small things, so now it is just a matter of trusting him with the big stuff! this life I have is all his anyway since he gave it to me, and mentally I know that, but I am stubborn and forgetful of his dependability. God can work through anybody, anytime, and anyplace, but he loves it when we are fully willing and I want to get to that place.
anyway, I hope that makes sense and I could really use all of your prayers! also, feel free to post any insights or verses or even your own prayer requests so I can stay a little connected in this time! God is moving!
I am still feeling exhausted even after sleeping 9 hours, but hopefully that will improve over time! it's also snowing and absolutely beautiful here, so no complaints there!
Here is a little look into my thoughts at the moment...
Lately I have really been seeing how afraid I am to fully submit to God in my heart. I have been doing all of these crazy things that I never thought I would do, and yet I'm not going all in with my heart because I am afraid. I'm not afraid that God won't move, but rather that he will move and will push me to my limits! A couple weeks ago at MPC I spoke on letting the holy spirit have complete control in our lives, and since then it has really been a constant thing in my mind. a lot of it has to do with fear that God will ask me to give up things I don't want to. From small things like comfort to big things like my life, it is difficult when I really think about it! He has proven faithful in the small things, so now it is just a matter of trusting him with the big stuff! this life I have is all his anyway since he gave it to me, and mentally I know that, but I am stubborn and forgetful of his dependability. God can work through anybody, anytime, and anyplace, but he loves it when we are fully willing and I want to get to that place.
anyway, I hope that makes sense and I could really use all of your prayers! also, feel free to post any insights or verses or even your own prayer requests so I can stay a little connected in this time! God is moving!
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Plan
Hey all!
I have my plane ticket and I have my passport! Although there are a few changes to my plan. The main change is that I will be heading to Hungary for 12 months instead of longer like I was planning. With how fundraising worked out it going to be a little shorter time, but regardless I am so amazed by all of the support I have received and how God has continued to work! There were more than a couple times where I wasn't sure if I was actually going to be leaving in a week, but God always had someone come through and help when I wasn't expecting, and its been a huge blessing to be part of that work!
The last few months have certainly had their challenges, and here I was thinking that it wouldn't get tough until I leave. I naively thought the lessons and stretching would begin when I step onto that plane, yet God has already been pushing me in the preparation to trust him more.
A quick prayer request that I would have peace as time for leaving gets closer. I fly out of Portland on the 14th of this months and as of now I have a peace about it, but the nerves are sure to come, so I just ask for prayers that I continue to trust God in whatever happens. I know that this year will be incredible, but I know it will be the most challenging year I have faced to this point.
Thanks for all of your support, whether in prayer, money, or both!
-Brian
I have my plane ticket and I have my passport! Although there are a few changes to my plan. The main change is that I will be heading to Hungary for 12 months instead of longer like I was planning. With how fundraising worked out it going to be a little shorter time, but regardless I am so amazed by all of the support I have received and how God has continued to work! There were more than a couple times where I wasn't sure if I was actually going to be leaving in a week, but God always had someone come through and help when I wasn't expecting, and its been a huge blessing to be part of that work!
The last few months have certainly had their challenges, and here I was thinking that it wouldn't get tough until I leave. I naively thought the lessons and stretching would begin when I step onto that plane, yet God has already been pushing me in the preparation to trust him more.
A quick prayer request that I would have peace as time for leaving gets closer. I fly out of Portland on the 14th of this months and as of now I have a peace about it, but the nerves are sure to come, so I just ask for prayers that I continue to trust God in whatever happens. I know that this year will be incredible, but I know it will be the most challenging year I have faced to this point.
Thanks for all of your support, whether in prayer, money, or both!
-Brian
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