Tulips, Travel and Tourists

April has been a month of blossoms. The days are longer and the sunshine is spreading her magic throughout the country. Cruise ships are floating the Danebu with tour busses filling the streets. Spring is here

Tulips Cherry Trees, Castle Hill Pansies in the park

We finished up two projects this month. First, with a school for children with learning difficulties. We supported them with some needed equipment, along with some new drums for the music program. We were able to see the youth perform in a concert at the Hungary House of Music.

Another finished project was partnering with Global Human Dignity Foundation. They applied and received 270 HP Laptop computers from a grant program through Partners Hungary. We supported them with backpacks and headphones for each laptop. GHD works with shelters and summer camps who help Roma youth at risk of dropping out of school. In the afterschool classes the youth work on studies and life skills, earning points towards rewards. We were able to attend when some of the first Laptops were given. The youth were so excited to receive this honor. They will continue learning technology skills and having a laptop opens opportunity for more learning and progress. This might be the first time they have ever had something of their very own that they earned. They taught Melody a new game with hands.

Next we traveled north to Tatabanya. We were surprised upon our visit to be honored at a press conference thanking The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the donation we provided.

We have been working with a council under the Mayors direction that includes many organizations. Our Project with them included needed equipment for the disability homes, Elderly care homes, Disability schools, Elementary schools and social service centers. We traveled from facility to facility receiving gratitude and smiles.

This is our visit to the Disability center, some new beds were provided and medical equipment for patients and staff .

This is the new electric gate installed at the Social Service Center. This will enable those with disabilities to enter without having to leave their car..

This is the Elementary school that received some equipment, decks, wheelchair and other aids. In this class the children are taught that those with disabilities are just like you and me. They are taught how to help those in wheelchairs.

We spent the night in Gyor, staying in an old Monastery Hotel in a charming city center. We explored the streets and once again had great food.

Our next stop was Mosonmagyarovar. We are helping a homeless shelter expand its capacity and other upgrades. This shelter helps those persons and families effected by abuse. They were able to put in a chicken coop for eggs and chickens. They filled it with "rescue chickens" that were provided from the local University poultry lab. We thought that was appropriate.

The next week we visited a refugee shelter in Fonyod, next to Lake Balaton. This shelter houses refugees from Ukraine. They have been in this shelter more than a year now. This group is different than most because they speak Hungarian. Many years ago territory in Ukraine was part of Hungary. Government rules and treaties changed boundaries, and the people who were Hungarian one day, were a different nationality the next. They have had many challenges in Ukraine of poverty and discrimination. They hope to have a better future in Hungary. One grandmother invited us into her room,(which is her home) and had us sit for our visit with the directors. We could tell she was happy that we felt comfortable in her home. Imagine being sent to a place having no ability to cook for yourself or family. The residents are invited to eat what the shelter serves them, there are no kitchens allowed in the rooms.

Visiting in her home. (Room) Shelters Kitchen Shelters Dinning Room

We were able to do a little sight seeing between appointments. We rode a very steep Cog Train down Castle hill, and enjoyed visiting the Easter markets. Hungary loves to have markets.

We ate out with Elder and Sister Bohman, serving in Romania. It was a Harry Potter themed restaurant. The ceiling was a thunderstorm, with floating candles, the portraits on the wall were talking and the pot was a potion. Then we found this fancy McDonalds in the train station.

We were able to see all the preparations for Pope Francis to visit Budapest. He gave an open mass to thousands in the large square outside Parliament. It was a beautiful morning for all and Hungary was greatly honored by his visit.

We are doing well. Healthy and happy to have the longer sunlight and days. We are honored to meet with so many wonderful organizations working to lift others and relieve suffering. We enjoy being able to spend time with the younger missionaries. They are always so kind and work so hard. This month we missed easter egg hunts with the Grandchildren, but were able to spend precious time reflecting upon the greatest gift we have been given from our Savior Jesus Christ. He broke the bands of death, providing resurrection to us all. Life truly goes on beyond this mortal life, He lives. He is the way, the Truth and the Life. We are forever grateful for our Savior and a loving Heavenly Father who provided such a precious gift. You, our family and friends, are our strength and support. We pray for you, we love you. Over the miles we hear of loved ones who have ended their earthly journey, oh how we wish we could stand to support you, strengthen you in your sorrows. Our prayers and faith in the Lords plan will have to be our comfort and we pray yours also. With love always. Clark and Melody Ayres