Jordan and I were asked to talk in church last week. My topic was the apostasy and importance of the first vision and Jordan's was how holding the priesthood has affected his life. We both tied a lot of experiences we had in Hungary together into our talks. I kind of felt like a return missionary sharing stories about people I grew to love in just 2 short weeks. I felt that people really couldn't understand unless they have experienced it so I wanted to share write down a couple stories about specific people I met in Hungary and how they have changed my life so I can remember them. I want to take these experiences away with me. I want them to make me better. The picture above on the left is a 14 year old girl named Jenny. I have heard a lot about her from Jordan so it was so awesome to finally meet her. I wished so badly that I could communicate with her. I wanted to take her home with us. We want her to come to America to babysit our kids someday. She was baptized along with her mom when she was 11. Her older sister Reka is more on the rebellious side and does not see any need for God in her life. Although Jenny has been presented with much adversity, she is such a strong girl. She showed me pictures with Jordan from the mission and Jordan read me a note he wrote her shortly after she was baptized. She was upset because she really wanted Jordan to baptize her but he insisted that a member of the ward baptize her. In the note Jordan told her that she is so beautiful and when he gets sad on the mission, Jenny reminds him of his little sister Savannah and it makes him happy again. He went on to explain that he hopes Jenny can someday meet Savannah. As Jordan read this to me we were all in tears but we are so glad that Jenny will get to meet her someday.
Since our busy lives have slowed down a bit lately we have yearned to be with Savannah and ached from missing her. It is so awesome to think that Savannah's grandparents are with her and maybe even my brother Jacob is helping answer her many questions. Jenny cried when Jordan left. I loved seeing that she appreciated the messenger but had true conviction of God and doing what's right. I hope to continue that conviction in my life.
Meet the Budai family. They have 6 kids who live in a small 3 bedroom house. They do not have a lot but they are so happy. The minimum wage in Hungary is about 2.50 and that is about what the father of this home makes. Jordan told me a story from his mission when he and his companion left a Christmas tree with presents at the Budai home. As he told me this story he walked me to the exact place where he and his companion hid behind the corner of their house. I could imagine the looks on this beautiful families' faces and how much they appreciate having a Christmas. As Jordan and his companion made their escape, the dad came running after them and caught a glimpse of their car. At church the next week the father told the missionaries that some angels provided a Christmas for their family. Their daughters cooked a wonderful meal for us. I ate carp but didn't know until afterwards, but it was pretty good. One of the daughters drew a picture of two love birds for us. I loved their sincerity. They stood by the gate and waved to us as we left. I want to be humble like them and laugh out loud the way they do.
This little girl was the most interested in teaching me Hungarian. I think she just felt bad for me and noticed that I just sat at the table talking to myself or just smiling. There were times when it was easy to feel left out of the conversation. She touched my life because she took me outside to show me her puppy. She would point at objects and teach me the word in Hungarian. She also sang, "I love you like a love song baby" in English. She was adorable. I hope to be sensitive to other's needs the way she was to mine.
This is Maria. Before becoming a member of the church, Jordan told me she was very sad and kept to herself. He described the transformation she has made and it was easy for me to see. She was so happy and optimistic. She is the primary president at 25 years old! I want find joy in serving the way she does.
Sandor and Reka were a couple who just got married and are expecting a baby. It is rare in Hungary to find someone with the same values as you. I am so happy they found each other and will be raising their child in the gospel. I also want to remember their humility and trust in God.
So many people taught me important lessons that I hope to never forget. I was so lucky to be able to teach one of the missionaries a lesson. We arrived in Jordan's last area, Vesprem, and were greeted by two missionaries. One was a Hungarian and the other was pretty new to the mission from California. He seemed so happy to see me and speak English with me. I also enjoyed speaking English with them. As we left, this missionary came up to me and said, "Thank you for coming, you taught me an important lesson". Jordan and I had to leave but at church the next Sunday I was asked to play the piano in Sacrament meeting because no one in the branch could play. I played "Hope of Israel" for the intermediate hymn and the members stood up and sang with emotion. Although I couldn't understand what they were singing, I knew the words in English and felt the spirit very strongly. After this church meeting was over, I spotted the same missionary who told me I taught him something. I approached him and asked what it was I taught him and he said, "before my mission I dated a girl who did not have the same values as me and you taught me how important it is to marry someone with the same religious standards. I want to be able to bring my future wife back to Hungary with me". He told me that I have a glow because of my goodness. I was pretty shocked considering that I had just met this person but that compliment really meant a lot to me. Moral of the story: you never know when you will make a difference in someone's life by just being the best you can be, so never give up.
