Meeting, Growing, and Budapest is Glowing

It has been a busy and fun November. The winter chill has arrived, however Oklahoma's temperature has been colder than here. The people and pets are bundled up on every street. The sweaters and coats with a hood on the dogs is a favorite sight. It is funny how often the owners appearance is reflected in the type of dog they have. Darkness comes at 3:30-4:00pm. Walks on the Danube are now earlier in the day.

We see beautiful sights around every corner. Cobblestone streets, proof that we can grow where planted, even in the strangest places and tour bus-boats on the Danube River.

We have traveled East, West, North and South. We meet with other organizations that are working with the disabled, protecting the innocent and at risk population. We drove to Tatabanya, and visited with the Mayor and her counsel over the schools, elderly and disability homes.

We met with a group by the Slovakia, Austrian boarder in Mosonmagyarvar, who provide a shelter for families effected by Human trafficking, Abuse, Homelessness.

We met with an Elementary school principal from Pescs, trying her best to provide a good education and growth for the increased numbers of Autistic children entering the school system. As we traveled on Budapest's oldest underground train (London says they have the oldest, but Hungarians feel theirs is older) And are bravely trying new types of Hungarian food.

Some of our Projects this month have been providing funds for a Refugee Shelter in Foynod, needing help with food and medicine. Visited the Blind School, that was built for them in the 1800's. A beautiful facility. This is their wall of windows in the Performance room. We also worked with one of the largest Children's hospital in Hungary, Bethesda Children's Hospital by providing funds to purchase Ortho and Laparoscope's for surgery on children. We worked with a disability center in Debrecen by providing funds to purchase Bath beds for the bedridden children. We had tears in our eyes as we passed room after room, 7 crib/beds each room, with sweet disabled spirits. Each organization is very grateful and humbled that our Church has people like you giving to Humanitarian Aid.

We met with the Budapest Rotary Club, working with them to support the children of Ukrainian Refugees and education support. Imagine while going through this crisis you are attending a school in a foreign language. Over 1000 students gather on Saturday in Budapest for tutoring and social support. Together with Clubs in the US and Europe we hope to help with this effort.

We enjoy visiting with the schools because the children are always so happy to have us their.

These 9,10,11 year olds danced in the traditional clothing of Hungary with rhymes and songs. The children are very proud to have the special dance costume to perform. Most of these children come from very poor homes. The need to keep them in school is always a focus. We work with others who have pulled themselves out of the poverty. They work hard to help other families see they can live better.

We were invited to a Feast for Thanksgiving at Brother and Sister Kings home. They are a family of 7 from Arizona, and California. Brother King works at the US Embassy and they have been stationed here for 1.5 years. Sister King is a wonderful cook. She planned ahead and brought so many traditional flavors from a visit to the states. We felt right at home.

Our Children gathered in Oklahoma for a feast at Christopher and Megan's, and Thomas and Makayla flew to Nevada to visit family. We always enjoy the calls and videos when they are together. We are so Proud of all of our Children and Grandchildren. We are so grateful for all of them who support us in this adventure. They have stopped asking when we are coming home, but sweet 5 year old Bennett asked "Grama, C-Paw, when are you moving back to your other house"? It pulls at our heart strings, but we know this is where we should be for now. We hope all of you have enjoyed your Thanksgiving days.

Christmas markets and lights are shinning all over Budapest. We even have a portable Ice skating rink out our back window. Adults and children are skating on the White Teflon surface each evening. The Christmas markets are full of people, vendors and food. Christmas ornaments are for sale around every corner. It seems a favorite are the hand painted Christmas balls. December is tourist season because of our Christmas markets. We often get stopped on the street as stateside visitors, from the River Danube Cruises recognize our Missionary Badges.

As we prepare for the Most Wonderful Season of All. Jesus Christ was Born in Bethlehem, he lived, served and loved us so much. He died a difficult death, BUT overcoming death, he was resurrected on the 3rd day. He lives today. I am grateful for this knowledge as I have had to say goodbye to loved-ones. He leads and guides us, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints through His Prophet and Apostles on the earth today. He is still helping with blessings and miracles today through so many good people all over the world of every race religion and culture.

Remember Him this December. We love you all.

He is the Light to the World