Almost Home!

We are exhausted! As a matter of fact it's 5:30 pm, Patricia is asleep, and I'm not to far behind. We almost completely packed just need to throw in our PJ's in the morning. We are headed home with one less bag than we came with....a good thing I think.

Today was another early morning, well for us. We were up at 6:30a and out the door by 7:30. We drove to Jill and Val's, packed up the van, and headed to Kegy. This is our last group, actually an add on, it's not a quilting group, these ladies don't even sew. It is a group of refugee women. We knew a few days before we left that we were doing this, so we had to change the project for them. Something practical, fun and completed in one secession. Hmmm. We decided on a shopping bag very simple and useful. To make it a little more fun we prepared a nine patch for them to put together and add to the from of their bags. That was a two fold decision: #1 practical, #2 the nine patch would make each one unique. It was really more of a challenge that we thought. Think about the teaching a 12 year old how to use a machine when you cannot communicate. Interesting. Each lady knew a few words and sign language helped as well. There were two young girls there who translated for their moms that was very helpful.


We started with the 9 patch It was all cut and just needed to be assembled. WOW !!! The things we take for granted for example an even seam or a steady stitch. But they persevered and all finished their bags. How proud they were!!  They would shout out done and hold their bags up. So fun to see the look of accomplishment on their faces. Some even let us take their pictures. We were told that would not happen I'm so glad it did. They have so little and are not welcome in many places. It's all very sad.


One of the young girls, Barbie obviously not her real name, told us she had been in 12 countries in a short period of 3 years.


How difficult their life's are? We have no idea the struggle they go through. And yet they go on. We did not verbally share the gospel with them but gave them lots of love and I know God can use that to His purpose. Our God is so awesome.

Salvation scissors

This is at the Vecse's club. The first time Palma met this lady she picked up Palma's sewing shears and started to cut paper with them. Now anyone who sews knows that is a big no-no to cut anything but fabric with sewing shears. So Palma told her, "I know you are a non believer so I won't kill you for using my shears to cut paper because I know where you'll go." The next time they met Palma gave the lady her shears to remind her of what she had said. So every time she used them it would remind her that she needed Jesus. Eventually she accepted Christ and was baptized. She brought the shears to club so they could have a conversation about what the shears meant to her.

Patricia nicknamed them the "Salvation scissors." Some times God uses a donkey and sometimes sewing shears :)

April 23. Saturday

What a day!
It started out at a fairly leisurely pace. Up about 7 to get ready, then breakfast. We left for Ra'koskeresztur, really. It was a small club there were 11 ladies in attendance, a great group of ladies. They were thoughtful and attentive to instructions, well most of them. They were so kind as to give us lunch. That was a first. The club was from 10-2. The nice thing was that two of the ladies spoke English, that was a big help to Palma. One of the ladies asked for a bible....that's always the best part.

The next club was in Vecse's about a half an hour drive. We arrived about 10 minutes early to get set up. This club was a three hour club 3-6.

At this point I'm of the opinion that no one in this part of the world knows that "old people" shouldn't have to climb stairs, this club had a flight and a half, no hand rail, and narrow steps that weren't level. Any way it was a huge club, 24 plus us. Two were young girls about 12-13 that was cool to see the next generation of quilters. The room was very crowded and hot but all the ladies were excited about learning something new. We worked for about 2 hours and took a break, back down stairs, it was time for snacks and testimonies. Patricia went first. Her testimony never gets old for me I love hearing it. So did the ladies you could tell how they related to some areas as the nodded in agreement. After my testimony we headed back up stairs to finish up, that was at 6. We decided to get the group picture before some one left. That was a joke... they didn't finish until 7:30. It was a very long day and all three of us were exhausted.

We headed home and thought we were all to0 tired to fix supper.... hmmm.... There was a Burger King and yep we stopped. It was fun while we were eating there was a group of 8 girls that came in all dressed up, we thought it must be a prom or something like that. As we ate we noticed that the girls were speaking English. Yea!!! someone we could eaves drop on. All just so we could hear English. We later found out it was a birthday party and the girl want everyone to dress up. They had appetizers at McDonalds then supper at Burger King and dessert some where else. We also found out the girls were from one of the local missionary schools. We finished a few minutes late and headed to the next club.

April 22, 2016

It was a slow morning, thank goodness. Patricia and I got up around 9 and walked to McDonalds for breakfast. I'd send a picture, but they won't let you take pictures there :/

We walked to a couple of small craft stores and browsed. They didn't really have much, but the lighting was so poor you could hardly see so maybe there was more that we could tell.

After we arrived home we worked on some of the sewing kits for Mondays group and completed them 12 in all. We were so happy it seems like the work getting ready for the clubs is never ending. Good thing were almost done.

 Next we walked to the Chinese place for lunch ate walked back home and refreshed ourselves a bit then headed to another quilt exhibition. (Have you noticed how often I have said walked ? We walk entirely to much for this old lady.) The exhibition was small, but had some lovely things.



Now since you can tell by our day so far, food is a big part of it so we went to a little shop next to the quilt thing and had "Chimney Cakes." YUM. THEY ARE SO GOOD.

Then home again to clean up a bit and prepare the kits for today's two clubs. We were complete at 11:45 pm. (4:45 Central time in case you haven't done the math yet)

Did you know?

Just a short note. Did you know that Romania use to be Transylvania ? You probably did but I didn't. I'm not really a history buff. This is what we saw as we traveled through many of the towns.

Catch up...

I'm sorry to be so far behind with the days. They seem to pass so quickly and often there is too much in one day for just one blog so I split it up. Hope I don't miss anything. I guess I still need to update you on the days we were in Romania. We stayed at the parsonage, it was the largest parsonage I've ever seen....three floors and we were at the top. Just so you know that was 4, yes 4, flights of stairs. That's a bit much for an old lady like me and of course I was always forgetting something :/ Andrew and Erika were our hosts. I would tell you their last names, but I can't spell it.

The club started at 6:00 pm and was to be over at 8:00 pm. We expected 8-10 ladies. We actually had 17 ladies and were there until 8:45.

We found out before we left that this is a new club so the project we had planned we going to be to much for them. What to do ? Well, they were getting new cutting matts and rotary cutters so Patricia thought it best to teach them the proper way to use them. She also told a little about quilt history. They seemed to enjoy knowing a little about how it came about. There were things I learned too. Now it was time to do a project. We decided a simple tissue holder for a purse would be the easiest and they would go home with something done. They were so happy, it was a bit surprising. I thought it was a little simple, but they enjoyed themselves and that is what keeps them coming.

We were a little disappointed that none of the ladies asked for bibles, but decided that God was in control. So although we were feeling sad, we accepted it. The next morning the leader of the group, Gyo'ngyi, came over and told us three ladies had called her to ask for bibles, yea!!!

I guess we just need edto be obedient and let God do the rest it seems to work better that way.

After the history lesson we had our testimony time as usual. We thought that it was not received very well, but later were thanked by several of the ladies.

Turda Salt mine

Yesterday day (April 20) we toured the Turda salt mine.
The first documented mention of this mine was in 1271 wen salt was more than Transylvania gold. The Teutonic Knights were rewarded for their service and loyalty in salt boulders. During WW II when enemy planes were bombing Turda the salt mine became a place of shelter. Words cannot describe the beauty so I'll just send pictures.

It is the week of Alternative Learning so the kids were everywhere. I thought it was great to see so many kids interested in the mines. Then I found out why.


Yes indeed there is a mini amusement park on the lower level and one more level down you can rent a row boat.

I find it very difficult to believe that people can see this amazing place and not believe there is a great big God and creator. How can one think it just happened ?

Romanian Scenery

We headed to Romania today. ( Tuesday ) I thought you might like to see some of the scenery.

These houses are the gypsies houses. Poor living. But check out these colorful palaces.

The interesting thing is that they don't live in them. They are just for looks. ( Keeping up with the Jones's). Each one has to be better than the next.

Another good day...

I just thought I'd share this great photo with you.

Isn't this field stunning. When the sun it it just right it looked like gold. Fields like this are everywhere. Can you guess what it is?


These are the plants used to make canola oil. When we stepped out of the fields our clothes were full of pollen good thing we aren't allergic to it.

Today was a good day, although we all seemed a little out of it. Good thing we didn't have a class. We went to the office with Palma. She did, well I'm not sure what she did, now that I think about it, but she did do something. I cut fabrics for the class in Romania (we leave for there tomorrow). Patricia worked on safe house quilts. I can't remember if I told you about that, but they are for the girls/ women that are rescued from sex trafficking. They try to make one for each one there. It's a big job! After I was done cutting fabric, I worked on some small sewing kits to give to the ladies at the refugee club. We thought if they had to leave things behind when the left, that they might be able to use some basics.


This club is Monday and will be our last one. Our flight home is Tuesday are 6:00 AM. YES REALLY. We have to be at the airport at 3:30, again if you missed it, AM :/

We had a nice surprise today, the pastor of Palma's church called to thank us for our willingness to speak to the congregation. He felt that it hit home with some and asked us to please be there on Sunday because there were those that wanted to talk to us. We were so happy to hear that Christ used us in some way. Palma told him we would come if he provided another interpreter, I think she is englished out - i know that's not a proper way to say it, but as Palma says she speaks Yoda ( backwards )

Early to bed, early to rise...

We got up a little early this morning to get some post cards written to the grand kids. We don't want them to forget us while were gone.

A quick bite of breakfast and then it was off to church. One would think it would be a time of relaxing with The Lord and praising him, but as it happens we were asked to speak to the congregation about the quilting ministry and give our testimonies. Needless to say we were a bit anxious through the beginning of the service not to mention the songs were in Hungarian. When it was in subtitled in English our words didn't sync with theirs or the music, so it was work to try and sing. The pastor gave us a half an hour to speak. Patricia is great, I'm not so fond of being behind the pulpit. Never the less I believe it went well. Actually the pastor decided not to have the sermon. We sang a little more and he reminded them of several things that were said and we were dismissed. They had a light refreshment and coffee after the service.

To Adam and Erin I would say, I used something I see at your church to end with. I told them that as you leave the church there is a sign that says "you are now entering the mission field". I did add that it was only part of the truth...because as you come back in there should be a sign saying you are now returning to the mission field, because we should all be reaching out to bring others in. It seemed that the pastor liked that and he added his own encouragement to them to be about the Lords work. As we tried to leave we were greeted with hugs, "God bless you"s, thanks, and encouragement to keep telling others. It was all very humbling.

We came home changed clothes had a quick lunch. Then headed to Szentendre, yes, really, who can say that? It's a quaint little shopping area that is very old world.

There are all kinds of hand made things, Hungarian blue fabrics, lace shops, food, ice cream shops there is even a huge Christmas shop. The area winds around for about two miles (that's must be why there are so many food shops that's a lot of walking without fuel ). Some of the shop doors are like hinged garage doors. It's cool to see. Then there are those shops that you walk into only to find out there is a courtyard with more shops on the other side. Very European, oh ya were in Europe so I guess it's normal to them. Not for us though.

You know with all that walking we had to eat. There was an interesting bistro with a huge stuffed ostrich. Seem odd to us until we opened the menu. :\ Yes indeed, ostrich was one of the prominent dishes. Since we aren't prominent we chose another option. It was delicious probably the best meal we've had since we've been here.

It was a very leisure meal by the time we were done eating the shops were closed. Fortunately the ice cream shops were still open. How could we think about leaving without topping off our meal with a great dessert. I suppose we could have, but we didn't !!!

By the time we got home it was time to get kits together for Tuesday. Tomorrow we work on safe house quilts all day as well as prepare some sewing kits for the refugee ladies. I guess that covers everything from today.

Halfway!

It's hard to think we are half way through our trip. Time passes so quickly. It seems we have been on the go since our feet hit the ground. It's one thing to know the schedule and another to actually work through it, but that's why we are here.

We had a great day today. Not to hectic but constant. First thing this morning we got all the kits and gifts together. Next we headed to Budapest to a quilt exhibition put on by the club from Vescse's, which is what we would consider a suburb of Budapest. They had some lovely things on display. It was actually a courtyard in the center of an apartment building. Beautiful.

From there we had a nice lunch in an outside cafe', the weather was perfect. A leisurely walk around part of the city took us to a Starbucks and a nice little sewing shoppe. Time passed quickly as we looked in windows and at the architecture. Before we knew it it was time to be at the club to set up. It was only about a 25 minute drive. We were greeted by Eniko the club leader. I will say the leaders have been delightful and so welcoming. The ladies were very timely and set up their machines in record time. This particular group of ladies were experienced quilters and picked up the technique quickly

We started at 3:00 and were to end at 6:00. About 4:30 there was a break , it was set aside for our time of testimony. Patricia did a wonderful job of comparing our life to making a quilt, small pieces made into something... but only God sees the big pictures and if we trust in him he makes all things beautiful. She assured them that they are loved and Christ sacrificed himself because of his love for them. It was an analogy that they seemed to connect with. Praise God. I spoke after Patricia. A little about my life growing up and the valleys that I've gone through but with the Grace of God he lifted me and drew me closer to him. We all have some similar thing that go one in our lives. No matter who we are or where we live life is strangely similar.

By the Grace of God there were 7 ladies that asked for bibles and the leader of that club asked if we would leave five with her for other meetings. We were so happy that we had all they needed.

I hope is you read these blog notes you remember that you have been a very important part of getting the gospel message to these women. They have been blessed through your love for the Lord!

Into Bosnia

Well where to start ... We left Hungary on Wednesday morning. Not real early around 8:30. We traveled until about 1:00 and then we stopped in Croatia at a friend of Palma's where we had lunch. A lovely young lady who is working with the Roma's ( gypsies ). There are 6 in the group that work together. Very interesting work. On the road again and crossed the boarder into Bosnia. Palma was full of information as we traveled. We drove through what is known locally as the "War Zone". It was amazing to see. The war has been over for twenty years and it looks like yesterday, housed bombed out or covered with bullet holes. It was like that even in Sarajevo but with the new built around the devastated buildings.

It was a war within the country with three factions involved I guess you would call it a civil war. The city of Sarajevo is in the valley surrounded by mountains. Like a donut with the city in the center. So it was easily devastated. Just a little history for you.

It is mostly Muslim you can see mosques is all directions large ones and small ones. They  sprinkle the countryside as well as the city. The missionary couple we stayed with live just around the corner from a large mosque and you can regularly hear their call to worship. So odd for us we are more used to church bells.

Larry and Jill are church planters along with a team of three other couples. If I remembering right, the idea is to do home church plants because the economy is so poor a new local church could not sustain itself.

The quilt ministry is something the ladies started to reach out to local women and share the gospel. It's quite a task to witness to the Muslim women without offending them so they won't return. This is one of the clubs, so out of respect for their program we did not offer bibles. They are at a tender point and afraid that if they push too hard, too quickly the ladies won't come back. Each week the club is opened with prayer and there is a short testimony or reading or study. Of course this week we gave our testimonies. There are four Muslim women there after it all was said and done. They each came up to us and thanked us for sharing. All I can say is I think seeds were planted, the rest is up to God to send who is needed. The ladies were warm and inviting. We enjoyed our time with them very much.

So many people who do not know, who cannot see their creator. Pray for the people of Bosnia and the missionaries who work so hard to bring the truth of salvation to them.