In with the wind...

A few years ago 3 people in Budapest were killed by the high winds that swept across the continent of Europe. Each day Glenn and I are amazed at how strong the winds are, and you'd think by now we would used to the noise as it howls outside our windows. NOT SO! And because of the winds, I am soooo glad that for our trip last week we went by train rather than by plane. Nothing scares me more than to be taking off or landing when the wind is blowing against the plane!


Melinda and Larry

Previously, Glenn and I have traveled a good bit outside Hungary but this past week we got to visit one of our families in western Hungary. On Tuesday, we hopped on the train and went to the town of Gyor (with two little dots over the o). Larry and Melinda showed us the sights of their city and fed us as if we hadn't eaten in weeks! Our favorite spot was at this hotel swimming pool. No, we didn't go swimming. This is where they hold their baptisms!

One of the most beautiful buildings in Gyor

Wednesday morning we hopped on another train and went to Baden, Austria, a little south of Vienna. We don't have co-workers in that town, but it is the home of the Barnabas Zentrum, a counseling ministry for expats and missionaries.



JoLynn and Karl

The Kraus's run the counseling ministry. We spent several hours with them, getting a feel for their program to see if it would be a good option for our folks who need some in-depth, intensive counseling beyond what Glenn and I can provide. They have been doing this ministry for 6 or 7 years now and are looking to retire. They asked if we were interested in taking over the ministry. Glenn has always had an interest in running a retreat center or camp so it kind of piqued our interest, but we like what we are doing for now. We told them we'd check back when we are ready to retire (which is a long way away!)



Linda and Cile

Then we hopped on another train and headed into Slovakia, to the capital city of Bratislava where we visited with three of our families. We spent the greater part of one day with Linda as she showed us around her beautiful city and shared a meal or two with the other families. I can't remember all the names of buildings and places we saw, but I still wanted to show you pictures of them!

Love the tile roof!

No wind in this courtyard!

Wouldn't you like this over your window?

Looking through the gate of one of the churches

Hats off to Glenn!

Why is that car on the pedestrian walk-way?

A memorial to "not working"?

For Chris

And this is for our son who likes to rollerblade. It is a pair of inline skates that looks like a motorcycle!

We returned to Budapest on Saturday and have just enough time to run a load or two of laundry before we head out again to another town in Hungary on Tuesday. We'll return on Thursday, so it is another short trip. Short and sweet.

We are gearing up for a busy spring and an even busier summer. Our biggest news is that we will be going to Israel this May for 8-10 days as guests of friends of Glenn's from college days. If I could choose a vacation anywhere in the world, my top choices would be either a trip to Israel or a cruise to Alaska! This is a trip of a lifetime for me and I am overwhelmed by God's goodness in blessing us with this trip! Even on my best days, I've never done anything to "deserve" this kind of trip!

Have a good week. Be back soon!