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.
