From Jess Gehman:
Three days in Hungary was not enough. Our relationships were just starting to grow and friendships being formed. The Hungary Word of Life Bible students are too wonderful to leave so soon. Their genuinely kind hearts and Christ like attitudes inspire me to be better. The wonderful food, tourist spots, people, architecture, and weather so similar to Home make me want to stay. I felt as though I was at home the whole time. I’ve been searching for answers as to what to do after high school and I finally feel closer to what the answer is. The more I think about Hungary the more I crave to be there. I can imagine spending years of my life deepening and strengthening my relationship with not only Christ, but the Word of Life students and leaders.
Yesterday our group was able to experience what the Bible classes and chapel service were like. For 2 hours I took notes on what was taught and learned all about what it takes to be in a marriage. The speaker, I’m not sure of his name, spoke of what is expected from both the man and the woman within a marriage and how they can better apply what the Bible teaches about their relationship. It was amazing to see the WOL students intently listening and questioning what is involved in marriage and other relationships. During the class, the speaker’s words were translated into Hungarian for the Hungarian students to better understand what was being said. The 2 hours of class flew by and I craved more. After class was the WOL chapel service. Two songs were sung, one in Hungarian and the other in English. Listening and singing the Hungarian song was beautiful. I felt a sense of ease and excitement as all of the WOL and many of the LC students sang a song that wasn’t in their first language. I would sing there again with those wonderful people in a heart beat. Sitting through chapel I felt alive and ready to take on whatever would come my way. I have pages of notes between the class and chapel, which I will keep as my own personal souvenir from this Hungary adventure.
Wednesday afternoon was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. WOL maintenance students and LC students worked together to clean out an older dorm room that is being torn down to rebuild another new building. Big bunk beds, mattresses, boxes, chairs, desks, lamps, and a million other items were carried from the dorm into a “tent” where they will later be sorted through and reused or thrown away. It was a beautiful sunny day for a snowball fight, which happened nonstop for all 3 hours of labor. WOL and LC students teamed up against staff and each other, making the day much more fun. Though snow was pelted at my back(the target) many times(*cough* Andrew *cough*), it was all worth it. It was even better when I accidentally on purpose threw an ice ball at Andrews neck and left a red mark. I thought it was hilarious. The hours spent doing work and sitting in class was enjoyable to me and something I would be willing to do often.
Dinner was about 45 minutes away from WOL and consisted of pork, Chicken, and steak that we cooked on our own on a hot rock. Literally. Each person received 3 pieces of meat and a rock so hot you could feel the heat from feet away. We ended the night with the girls, ross, and Mrs U singing in the conservatory(glass room) for an hour. Just being with them made my heart warm and soften towards those around me. I am far from a sappy emotional teenage girl, but I love my class. There are no other people I would rather be on this trip with. I’ve become closer with everyone and loved every minute of it. The two Days we missed in Hungary disappointed many of us, but the three days we had could not have gone any better. Although we could have had a few less raindrops! I see Hungary as a potential Home for me. I wish we had more time and the opportunity to stay longer. I’m so excited for what comes after this crazy experience we’ve had together. We are closer than ever as a class and more supportive than I could have ever imagined. Each one of us love the others and will do whatever it takes to be there for them.
Hungary was a turning point in my life. I’ve come to many realizations as to what I want to do in my life and where I think God is taking me. I know I need to put my trust and faith in God alone so he can direct me towards where he wants me to be. I’m on a journey to be more loving and less selfish, and closer to Christ. My daily devotions and journaling are just the start.
Thank you Hungary for doing more for me than I thought was possible. Thank you for bringing me closer to my class and for introducing me to Word of Life Hungary. Thanks you to the Hungarian students with willing hearts and open minds, which I strive for. I sense a new, better me coming and I couldn’t be more thankful for it.
From Savannah Chaboya:
This opportunity that my class had to travel to Hungary for our senior trip is an experience that I’ll never forget in the years to come. Being able to bond so closely with my entire class has given me the ability to create new relationships and build upon ones that I had already developed. I have also been able to grow closer to the teachers that went along with us, which I am so grateful for. Traveling around Budapest for an entire day was one of the highlights of my time in Hungary. I was able to expand my perspective on different aspects and experience the culture and lifestyle of the Hungarians. The other main highlight of my trip was on Wednesday night around 10 pm. I was able to go to a room on the side of the castle with Jen, Jess, AnnE, Mrs. Urquhart, Kristen, and Ross to sing songs and worship together. Being able to bond with my sisters and brother in Christ gave me great joy and love for them and am so excited to spend the following days with them and the rest of my class. Overall, this experience so far has been such a blessing and I am so thankful to be here every passing day.
LC Senior Go! 