Sarah's space: Blog

New News!

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:59:12 GMT

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners!

March 17, 2008

Greetings in the powerful name of Jesus! I have a challenge for you today! To keep us lifted up in prayer over the next six-eight weeks! Why? Because the Day of the Lord is near, and because it will be a critical time for our family and the ministry that we have been involved in!

Bruno & I are taking leaps of faith! We are heading to the states at the end of April. Our plans are to stay in Everett Washington for approximately six months. It is hard to make any change, hard to step into the unknown, and very hard when we just look with human eyes. Pray for God’s provision for us, (housing, jobs (Sarah has one confirmed, Bruno is still open, but has a possibility), car (we believe the Lord has provided this already—but waiting to see the story unfold), and for Bruno’s immigration visa (appointment possibly the 3^rd of April). The Lord provided the first $400, but we have around another $500 dollar expense awaiting us for Bruno’s paperwork! We also believe that we will have furniture to borrow, but if you have any ideas, or extras, and the Lord is leading you to loan/give, just give us a call, or drop us an e-mail. Pray for Bruno & I that we will have the courage to do this!

Upcoming events that need a prayer base:

March 15^th- Womans afternoon with Calvary Chapel, -- (It was a total blessing. I heard testimonies, and shared about what God has been teaching me by walking in faith!-- God's provision and how he is gently leading us-- also on the need to truly surrender to Him. Also, I shared about how God showed me how we need to obey Him when he calls, and how patient He is to keep pursuing us! (I used the example of walking with Robi-- constantly having to call him, prod him along, pull him to just walk with me. How we know how important it is to obey. One day while he had raced ahead on his bike, and kept telling him to stop and wait for me. God spoke to me... How many times do I need to tell you to wait , not run ahead, and to obey because I know what is best for you. To protect you, keep watch over you, and provide the best for you. A good lesson to be reminded of as we step forward in faith!)

(In between: Packing, cleaning, entertaining dinner guests, preparing for quilting retreat spiritually, sewing some things for the drawing here in Kaposvar-- being a mom, getting ready for the big move, arranging car details ext.)

March 20^th- Final Preschool English Klub, travel to Budapest/In-laws. PRAY FOR RON'S VAN TO BE FINISHED!!! INSURANCE & a MIRACLE TO HAPPEN!

March 21^st- Doctors visits for Bruno’s visa.

March 24^th- Arrival of team and travel to Kaposvar--

March 28-29 PATCHWORK RETREAT!!! PRAY FOR CHANGED HEARTS! A time of real surrender and change for the ladies! There is no greater time than now!

March 31^st- Meeting at Embassy and hopefully receiving Bruno's temporary greencard!

April 3^rd or 4^th- Travel to Conference in Poland

April 4-6 Staff Conference

April 9-11 Serbia Patchwork Conference! (PRAY FOR SAFETY AND CHANGED LIVES)!

April 19^th- 10 Year Patchwork Reunion Celebration/Tea (Pray that we can organize a very special time, and for changed LIVES!).

April 24^th- TRAVEL TO US! Pray for safety, and for everything to go well in saying good byes and traveling with little ones!

After our arrival we hope to have a few days to get settled, and then we’ll start work. Pray for provision of the following:

1. A place to stay. (Six months is a little long to live with parents, but rents are high. Pray for the perfect solution and provision.)

2. Job for Bruno (retail or construction?), & that I will be able to work well at Sno-Isle Food coop.

3. Pray for a car to use (provision of getting a car from TN to WA—right now it looks like students from Covenant can bring it—but for all the details and financial provision!).

4. Pray for our support with IM to continue, for more to get on board, and for provisions of the tickets.

5. For courage, for our marriage and family, and for us to walk with Christ! It is so scary if we look at the economy, news, and our small resources. God has all things in His hands, but it takes GREAT FAITH! Thank you for your prayers, your faith, your time... energy, love & Support! God uses each one of us, encourages us, builds us, & breaks us! Keep walking with Him!

Love,
Sarah, for our entire family; Benjamin 7 months, Robert 3 years, & Bruno...

Serving in Hungary with International Messengers
imsbalogh@yahoo.com
425-367-4829
7400 Kaposvar
Honved u. 22. 1/3
HUNGARY- EUROPE

Send support to:
International Messengers
P.O. Box 618
Clear Lake, IA 50428-0618

Please make a separate note saying it is for the ministry of Sarah & Bruno Balogh, All gifts are tax deductable. If you feel called to support us on a regular bases, direct deposits are possible. Contact Paul at jpaul@internationalmessengers.org.

News from Hungary

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:23:04 GMT

Dear Friends,                                                         October, 15, 2007

It has been way overdue for a prayer letter, although I have attempted and failed several times. I started one on the 3rd of August; didn't finish manage to finish it; and went into labor that day... then our computer died... a couple times, and we still haven't gotten word updated. Needless to say, it's about time! :)

Family Update: Benjamin David Balogh was born on August 3rd, 2007 at 7:55p.m. central European time. He came out 19" long, and 6 1/2 lbs. He is now over 10 lbs, and over 24". He has blue eyes and is very beautiful. He is just starting to smile :), and seems very attentive.

Robert will turn 3 next week. After he will head to "preschool" and get immersed into Hungary and have 23 classmates. He seems to be such a big boy, strong willed and full of energy. Our communication is getting better, and seems to understand both languages well. One wonderful thing is; he loves to pray! Before meals, before bedtime, and during the day. He'll just grab my hand and say "Plray." Then he wants us each to pray. He seems to be really sensitive to the Lord. When he first asked to pray; we were so surprised... and I felt that something must be going right in our parenting and God's grace is very much present.

Bruno is still working at the tile store here in Kaposvar and on the side installs shower cabinets. For a while it seemed like he was gone 2-3 nights a week and in real high demand for jobs. But, he enjoys it and seems to do well.

Then there is "mom." I am learning lots of what it means to be a mom. On call 24/7. A real need to be patient, and that my duties at home seem to be ongoing. I think a real part of my generation has a real hard time of grabbing hold of the cooking, cleaning, and taking care of kids part... and that as soon as it is finished, you can start all over again. The other day as I was walking with Robi (usually a chore)... and he wasn't listening and obeying, I realized how frustrated I was with him... I also began to understand that God must feel this way with us a lot. When he wants us to listen to him, and obey him, and follow him... and we just keep on running in our own direction and don't even seem to notice that we are being spoken to. I know many times I don't stop to seek what God wants for me to do... and I need to take note of Him more.

Ministry Updates:
What else has been happening? Within the past month I have taken on a couple of new opportunities. I am doing a English play group for 4-6 year olds on Thursday evenings. Why I chose to do this next to Robi and Benjamin I have no idea; but the Lord has already opened up doors for me to share with a new friend about the Lord; about how he cares for us. Her name is Elizabeth (Erszibet), and is a trained teacher, although her focus is German; together we do the English club. So, a great opportunity has opened up through this. I am also teaching English to two high school kids. I've only had one meeting with them so far; but I really enjoyed talking to them, and trying to help them and challenge them with English. I also hope to practice English with a one of the high school gals that go to our Saturday study.

I am still attending and involved with patchwork as well. I do hope to be involved on a regular basis; although sewing on my own time (even at the meetings next to the kids) seems out of the world to me. I did manage to get a couple projects going when my mom was here. I still really value those relationships and friendships and we are a real close group. In June we had a quilting camp/retreat where I shared about the importance of following Christ even when it was challenging, and having a great faith when we are hurting. During that camp I handed over the leadership to Ildi. She has come to a long ways in the last year; and she has done a great job leading the group. Her faith also seems to be growing. Pray as there are meetings every other Friday; and one on the 10th of November. Pray that God can be the center of the group and that we can minister to all areas of these ladies and that they will come to a living relationship with the Lord.

Saturday nights are still a part of the schedule, along with meeting a lot of people throughout the week. I have really been struggling the past few months; but God is faithful and I am encouraged and my hope is still in Him. One good change is that our family has decided to start attending on a regular basis the Baptist church. Before we were attending and I was translating for Calvary chapel here in Kaposvar. Then, all the Americans left (in May); and there was no one to translate for, and including us about 10 people in attendance on a good day. Although we tried to continue attending; we had a real unrest, and just a lack of hope and vision with attending there. Although relationships remain, we finally agree as a family we need this change and the fellowship of a living body of believers.

So, in a real nutshell; that is the news here. In 2008 I hope to host a puppet team for a few days, and have the patchwork ministry; and English ministry. I also want to work towards being a translator. Also in 2008 we are planning a trip to the states for a longer period. We originally talked about one year; but it could end up being 6 months. We would appreciate your prayers for wisdom as to what to do with house, car; all or belongings, and for when to go and how long to stay. Pray for work for us, and for a real wisdom and courage to make this change. We are shooting for late April early May.

One last bit. I want to update you on our financial needs. Due to lack of financial support our account has slipped to an almost $4000.000 deficit. I receive as a "Salary" $500.00 a month, but have been receiving only $200-300 support a month. Would you consider supporting us through these next few months? I am continuing in faith that God will provide for our needs; but this is also a big reason we are heading to the states. I don't want to be a burden or depend on supporters... but trust the Lord. Finances are tight everywhere, and our world seems to be in economic crisis, but would you please step out in faith and join us in this work. Even $25-50 a month would be a great encouragement and help for us.   Write on a separate piece of paper that it is for the ministry of Sarah & Bruno Balogh (not on the check please); and your donation will be tax deductible.

God Bless you and Keep you. We would love to hear from you and hear how your family is doing. We'd also love to see you when we head to the states.

Coveting your prayers and partnership,
Sarah, Bruno, Robert & Benjamin.

7400 Kaposvar
Honved u. 22. 1/3
Hungary- Europe
425-367-4829 (9 hour time difference for Washington)
imsbalogh@yahoo.com

International Messengers
P.O. Box 618
Clear Lake, IA. 50428

Where Has the Time gone!

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 14:29:30 GMT

It is Independance Day. 7 years ago was the first day of my very first camp in Hungary. Imagine. Seven years have passed,

and as I look back on all that I have learned and try to focus on Gods faithfulness I see He has done much.

Presently I am 34 weeks and very pregnant. Benjamin David will arrive within 6 weeks time. The thoughts of being a mom

to two wild boys are sometimes more than I can imagine. He is strong and very active in the womb, and days are often

very challenging and tiring. I am so ready to feel better and be done with carrying this one on the inside, it will be so great

to see what he looks like and care for him on the outside!

So, what has happened in 7 years, and what I have gained?:

Hungarian Language learned; Learned how to cook, clean, live and survive in a foreign country.

Met over hundreds of young people and old; learned how to sew, learned that Gods way is really the best even when I

don't understand. I've dealt with the Hungarian records office, and a ton of paperwork, and have had to pull courage from

somewhere when there was nothing there. I have assisted many others in trying to adjust to a new culture; to see them leave again

and take a part of me with them. Meanwhile, I have stayed... wondering when it is my turn to head "home". I got married,

became a wife to a Hungarian; became a mom of one; having him in a Hungarian hospital... number two is also on the way;

also to be born in Pecs Hungary. The Lord has been so gracious in providing for us; and yet I still see so many more needs.

So, today even with so many times of Gods provision; so many times of God teaching me that it needs to be about Him, more than

me... I still fight discouragement; dissapointment; frustration; and have a hard time believing and trusting God. I am thankful though,

for all that He has shown me; and yet I beat myself up all the time for what I am not; or why can't I be better, stronger, more understanding, more greatful; and where is that joy? Why is it so challenging to be a mom, and a wife, and why does so much of the responsibility fall on me? Why can't Robi listen more and obey easier? And why do I feel like it is my fault when he doesn't???

I read a few weeks ago a statement that unfortunately I found very honest and true: "You take the baby out, and you put in the guilt."

So, if you read this; please pray for me as I continue on this journey. I see a long road ahead as we are finally in agreement and discussing

a move to the U.S. in 2008 for one year. Finally it will be my turn to go "home". But we are leaving here our apartment, our car, and basically life, ministry, work, friends, and family and preschool for Robi (which he'll start in October when he turns 3)... so even this is not simple to me. But I so long to be in the U.S., be close to my family and friends and just to be back where things are "normal."

Anyways, the computer is no longer just mine; Robi has joined me and will want to check out some cool games online or play; He is asking for my help... so i better go. But if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, an experienced parent; and have just gone through all of these normal stages; PRAY for Bruno and I as it is a very challenging stage with Robi and eachother... and we just need endurance and so much grace. Thanks. Also, Hebrews 3 was a huge encouragement for me. I'll post it later. God Bless you and may your days be easier and full of grace.

I have gone through culture shock and reverse cultureshock. I have gone through the transition of

The upcoming events

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:27:09 GMT

It has been a busy season here in Kaposvar, and yet I have some time to rest today.

We returned from a good trip to Serbia on Sunday afternoon. The four day break brought a wonderful spring "break" to Bruno & Robi, and a time of sewing and serving for me. The ability to serve and encourage there in Csantevere are endless. The love, and their hospitality are almost unending, and it reminds me that life here in Hungary isn't too bad and could be worse. Imagine two languages, Hungarian/Serbian, two kinds of money, Euro & Dinar, and basically coming from a poorer area where chickens, cows, and home grown vegetables are a major asset to have. Homemade cottage cheese, sour cream, whole milk just boiled, and also eggs from your neighbor. Yet, they are thankful for what they have, and are so willing to just pass on and share everything. An average monthly salary is around $200, but a good salary is considered $300. There are so many people on unemployment, or not registered with the government, cooruption is also everywhere in their lives. In Csantever, where we serve the only school is from kindergarten-8th grade, then after that they travel to the larger city nearby, a good 30 minute bus ride.

But, hearts are so ready to hear about Jesus and be healed... yet Satan is equally at work trying to do what he does best; divide, steal the joy, and kill the hearts that are so ready for service. Sometimes I think the burden and sadness of relationship are so disheartening that it can waste away at the Joy the Lord wants us to have for fellowship.

Bruno spoke at church on Sunday, and I was translating for the Americans. The topic was to be united, and to focus on what it right, true, honest, pure, and just from Phillipians chapter 2. He encouraged the congregation to not forget the needs of the others, and to think about the good in people instead of what is negative. Tibor spoke on God's faithfulness and just pulled out areas from the New & Old Testament where it talked of God's faithfulness to us. It was a blessing to be there!

Tomorrow we start set up for our big Kaposvar weekend. We have all day on Friday and all day on Saturday. We covet your prayers for God's leading in the hearts of the Hungarians, and also in the testimonies that are going to be shared... there will be 8 different projects taught, most of them able to complete in one day. Pray for the teachers, and pray especially for our group here in Kaposvar to be ready to embrace the gospel! Most of the ladies have heard the gospel several times (Fall marks the 10th anniversary or the patchwork group), and yet have taken steps towards the Lord, but a strong committment has not been made. Pray for open and changed hearts!

I've been battling a cold since the 13th of April. Pray for complete healing! Pray for Robi and he seems to always be pulling at his ears... and I wonder what is going on. Pray for his healing as well.

I am in my 24th week, almost 25th. I am doing okay with the pregnancy. The little one is very active, especially when it hears noise such as a hair dryer or a sewing machine... or I finally rest for the day. I have about a month before the next appointment, when it could be revealed if it is a he or a she.

Following weekend we are in Budapest for my grandfather-in-laws 80th Birthday celebration, and then following that is a wedding of a friend and a retreat on Contagious faith! It seems very strange to have life out of order these days... it seems as though my schedule has been flipped. Today I had a free morning, and had no clue what to do with my time. I didn't have Robi, or shopping, or major cleaning to do... no girlfriends to meet with. What a difference it makes. But, considering the schedules and all, I decided it is okay to have a down day to rest.

Yesterday I spent time with the ladies from the U.S. in town and hosted them for lunch. Pray for Verna (my co-worker) as she has gotten some sort of stomach virus or food poisoning and has been down for a couple of days.

God Bless & thanks for reading!

Prayers, Patchwork & Praise

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 06:31:41 GMT

These past few weeks have seemingly been somewhat busy, but the busiest time awaits!

I sent out a prayer request on Friday to many for Saturday. Our "Peacecastle Patchwork Guild"- (Name derived from the name of the church and the street and neighborhood that surrounds it), hosted a regional patchwork guild meeting for the first time. We recently joined the National Patchwork Guild, and one of the gals is the director of our county. At previous meetings, there were a maximum of 30 people in attendance. We expected around 50. Ildi, the leader, prayed for 50 ladies to come. When the numbers hit 80 she stopped worrying, but we had 142 ladies in attendance on Saturday. That is the greatest number we have ever had for any one meeting! Although at this meeting I didn't feel the gospel could be clearly spoken, I believe they saw the love of Jesus, and the love come from our group; and many will come in April, a month after and hear very clearly how Jesus died on the cross for their sins, and they too can have eternal life! Some have attended our gatherings before, and some were new... so praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity to see God work and to see Him drawing people through a simple hobby like patchwork.

Here are some pictures taken by Adrienn, I think she will be our disignated photographer!

http://mbalee.uw.hu/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=1

So, in the next few weeks we are preparing for the arrival of Ron & Verna Sutton, Carol Nesbit, and Gloria Hickman. Be praying as we are in Serbia the 19-22nd, and Kaposvar the 27th & 28th, and they'll be at a new location in Budapest on the 4th & 5th! But, pray most of all the the Word and Love of God will do mighty things in the lives of these ladies... and for their hearts to be open. Often I feel that there is a sympathy; and yet a real spirit of disbelief... that this can change their lives right where they are at! Pray for God's hand to move so mighty that there will be eternal treasures!

I see these relationships that God has given me through our little patchwork group to be absolutely wonderful and blossoming. I see a faith being passed onto Ildi, who hasn't fully trusted to follow Jesus... but there are steps forward! The greatest thing for me was to pray with her before the gathering on Friday night at set up, and the gathering on Saturday. Please pray as she goes to Serbia and see's their love and hears the message... and as we travel there. Pray for me to have wisdom beyond my years as I try to lead in humilty this group... Please pray with me for this next months ministry! Thanks

It has been a while since I have written. I am in my 5th month of pregnancy, and things are going okay. God has allowed some many "little mama's" into my life... who are due around the same time. He has his hand on so much. My best friend is due two weeks after I am, but she had a very hard first pregnancy, and this one also seems small... and she seems to have a little tummy... but, she is a vegitarian also; and this could affect it; and smaller tummy's run in the family. Please pour out prayers for her! She doesn't believe that Jesus is the only way; but has a sence of God. PRay for this to be a great time of sharing with her, and seeing God answer! But, Join with me in this... sometimes my own faith feels like it isn't enough to bring the true changes!

Meanwhile, Robert is almost 2 1/2. We are still working on potty training! What a task this is! He is active, busy, and super smart! He catches and knows almost everything, and likes to be mommy's helper. His language is coming along, but it's interesting how he has developed the knowledge of some words in English and some in Hungarian! And he manages to keep them distinct in his mind, so he will answer or automatically go or repeat the word in the language he knows the best. But, we are taking steps forward, and growing in time. He is 91 cm's tall... aka 35.8 inches. He is fairly fearless, and a really strong child... and doesn't cry when he falls, and can just get up and keep on going.

Well, I had better get ready for my day! God Bless, I will try to write sooner!

In Jesus,

Sarah

These past few days

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:55:12 GMT

Life is moving along.

It looks like we have found our car. We have put a reservation payment on it, and it looks as if Tuesday we'll be able to have the money to purchase it and transfer the title. I am really anxious to get the car... on Wednesday my co-worker Barb arrives in Budapest, and I've had my hopes and mind set on going and picking her up. So, we'd both appreciate all the prayers we can get so that on Tuesday we'll have the car. The money is in a transfer process... and sent Tuesday; saying it would need a week. Pray it arrives on Monday, or at latest Tuesday morning; and we can pay for it and then transfer the title and everything Tuesday; and maybe if the Lord wills we can even change the oil and filter and everything before I go up to Budapest to pick up Barb. I need to trust the Lord to take care of all these things.

Well... my English clubs and English lessons seem to be going well. We are making new friends and it is great to be able to meet with other moms. I have lessons on Tuesday and Thursday. And also on Friday is the English club.

I also have started to work out at the gym three days a week. It is great! I have 45 minutes to work out; and it is intense, but I have more energy and am not so tired, and I also look better as well! I am really thankful for my friend Judit who also goes and we exercise together; so we have some good talks and get to meet; away from the kids :).

Meanwhile, I have started to read a book called "Created to be his help meet"- it talks about God's design for a woman and her role; how one can have a heavenly marriage... even if it seems to be the farthest thing from reality. It is encouraging to read.

Robi is growing a lot. He is finally starting to speak more. He can say apple, cars, toys, juice, yes, no, here ya go, wing (swing), cheese, and people. He also can count, and say's choo choo train, and says paper. In Hungarian, he can count, says szia sztok, and other words. He also gives kisses these days. We are also working on potty training. He has also given his mom a break by taking a nap these past few days. He's been falling asleep in the stroller, which is really nice. Today I was able to rest as well a bit.

Well, I guess that is all for the moment! I should really get to fixing dinner, cleaning out the fridge and a couple of sewing projects... and pick up around the house.

God Bless,

Sarah

Almost a mom of a two year old...

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 06:28:56 GMT

Tomorrow is Robi's second birthday. I think he has already hit the age of "terrible twos", which I think involves more of a will and defiance, and throwing oneself on the ground. At the moment, he found some pictures and wanted to put them up; they are of his grandparents house in the U.S., I think he recognizes it. It is pretty amazing.

I find that I am dependant on God to raise this little guy. God is also using Robi I think to raise me and grow me up. I find I need more patients, wisdom, and guts, and grace than ever before.

Today and over the next few days, please be praying for us. We are still looking for a good used car, and we think we have found one... but really need your prayers for wisdom. An Opel Vectra, 97; Diesel. We'd be going through our mechanic... I don't exactly know how it will work out... I am really challenged right now to trust in the Lord. I want to test drive it; but Bruno said they won't let me test drive it; because we are going through our mechanic, they wouldn't give us the great deal that he'd have. This morning they are taking it to get a check and a test on it. If it goes through; I really need to trust the Lord. I guess I have driven many cars, accepted many things... and if this is the car he'd have for us; then he'll make it work.

Right now, things are a little bit wild around our house. This morning we are having a birthday party for Robi at the play house where I teach English; we are going to have cake, and sing, and play with balloons. Then tonight we'll head up to in-laws house, and unless God provides the car today; (Which is my prayer)... then we'll go by train. Bruno is pretty busy at work; covering for someone in the office; and he seems pulled in several directions.

It is a three day weekend this week. The celebration of the 1956 revolution agains the Russians. There has been a great uproar in recent months here in Hungary and with the politics, and it creates a desire for another revolution and reform in the government. These are very interesting times, and things could get more difficult as we go on. My prayer is that the hearts will be open to Christ and that God would open up hearts to see him!

Anyways, I had better get going. Just wanted to ask prayer for these next few days of travel, celebration, and for wisdom about the car! And, also for God to provide!

Thanks & God Bless...

Sarah

Prayer Requests, & God's protection

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 06:17:40 GMT

Two nights ago, Bruno got home from installing a shower cabinet, brought up his tools because he had a funny feeling. When I was dropped off, after ministering out at a gypsy housegroup; I wondered if our car was going to get broken into or if it was safe.

Yesterday morning there was a big question of who would use the car, or take the car. Bruno was going to take the car to work, and be home at lunch so I could then use the car. (A hidden blessing I guess). A minute later, my phone rang. It was Bruno, someone had broken into our car and it was a mess. Nothing was "missing" so to speak, but the ignition of the car was destroyed; I imagine the busted it to hot wire the car with the head rest. Wires were hanging out, and the dashboard in pieces. An easy target, and older car. Another car had missing plates, and they sived the gas tank. So, a praise is that we still have our lovely old 1987 Mazda 626... and they were somehow interupted to startled and ran away. The amount of the damage is exactly is unknown. But the breaks also need to be fixed (so we could be looking at $300 for the two). Bruno & I really are praying for a newer car, and we are praying for wisdom as to whether we fix this car. A newer car, like a station wagon type of car is what we are looking into is around $5000. I am thankful that God remains my home and my trust is in Him. Otherwise I think I'd be overwhelmed in discouragement. All of this seems impossible, and so I am trusting for Him to work out all these things.

A couple days ago, I read that God gives us peace like a river. He wants to give us peace in all area's. Often we imagine a quiet brook, not a raging river full of beds, rocks, and a whild river! Life doesn't need to be a brook, all calm and peaceful; He wants to take us on an amazing journey... and in the midst he will give us peace.

Robi these days is SO busy and so hard for me to manage at times. I don't feel that he listens to me. He doesn't understand no, or throwing, or tearing apart things. He know gets into everything and doesn't miss anything. As a result of this, a major upgrade in our house and the organization of our house is needed. I want to be diligent about this today; but I am SO overwhelmbed by this. BUT, I will be working on this diligently. I hope to find a sitter for Robi so that I won't be disctracted running after him. As for idea's... on organization I want to use the resources that we have here at home... so we don't have to buy anytihng. I am praying for a fresh spirit and a new desire. I think that every part of me needs to be changed for this organization to take place. I am fighting and kicking and screaming... just wanting it to be easier. I think this also shows how hard it is to move the sin out of hearts and totally leave everything before the Lord and trust Him. We don't see How he can fix us, and maybe we don't want to do the work or believe that He can do the work. We were reminded at a staff conference a week ago that we have our salvation from the moment we believe that Christ died on the Cross for us, but we are to work out our "salvation" - sanctification, with fear and trembling. It is work, and it can be gruewling. It would be so easy to just forget it all and start over; but the problems would come again.

Often, when Robi is crying, I sing Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and Renew a right spirit within me. Wow. My hearts prayer.

Thanks for Reading. Thanks for praying and my God bless you and teach you.

Sarah

Life in Hungary

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 12:22:50 GMT

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my blog. I will try to update this weekly while Robi is taking a nap so you can be better informed on what is happening here in Hungary.

This weekend we went out to the Lake and watched Bruno put some lines in for fishing. He caught 4 okay sized fish. He even cleaned them and cooked them! I had some "down time" and hung out with my friend Emoke for a time at McDonalds, and went to a movie with my friend Norbi. We saw the Sentinal. It was actually in English, so a nice time to just enjoy life and feel like I am at "home"... sometimes I walk out of the theater and wonder what country I am in :).

I met with my friend Timi this morning, and we hung out with our good friend Julia and Judit. Robi was super excited to finally meet them! Julia is one word that Robi can say really well. He often asks for her and when I mention her name he smiles and runs to the door! They are getting ready to move to Szenna, a smaller village 15 minutes outside of Kaposvar... we will be very sad when they move, but we'll still manage to get together.

I am beginning to prepare for an ABC Klub with 1.5-3.5 year old kids. Mainly have songs, coloring sheets, and try to play with them in English. We've tried this before with another couple, but the timing was always wrong for me (3 oclock in the afternoon). Now it will be Friday mornings at the local Play House. Please pray for wisdom for me and for an abundance of idea's. It won't be the easiest task, but hopefully it will be fun. If you have any ideas or experience with pre-school aged kids, please send along some ideas! Send them to imsbalogh@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Last Saturday we had a camp reunion from our summer camp. It was great to see the kids and campers again, and it is always nice to meet them! We will have meetings on Saturday nights at our apartment starting the 23rd of September! We were able to talk, share some, eat some... but sadly a lot of my attention went to Robert who was getting into everything as a typical 22 month year old would! I am hoping that at Bible study times, Bruno will be free to take Robi out for an hour or so while we have the study so that I can focus on the kids. I am starting to feel the wear of just being his caretaker 24/7 and just not being "free" to focus on other people and things. I am very grateful though, in mid September we are going to a staff conference in Poland just Bruno & I! Robi will stay with Grandma!!! HURRAY! Also, this week sometime we are getting away to Zalakaros and going swimming and spending some time with in-laws. This should also be a refreshing and fun time!

Christ has been working in my own life. I had a difficult time adjusting to being back in Hungary again this time. I found that I was often frustrated and discouraged, and wanted to give up and quit. God showed me that my unsatisfaction was sin against him, and I surrendored to His will and He has helped me to adjust and helped control my thoughts. This has made a huge difference.

If you remember to pray for me, pray for my ability to keep up the stamina to work on the house. I feel like almost each day I clean and each day it is trashed again, and it is an uphill battle for me. This is not my "gift" but it is a desire of mine. It is just very taxing on me mentally and emotionally, and I would appreciate any prayers for me, so that I can focus on people more and not just the house!

Well, I had better get going! God Bless you & keep you!

In Jesus,

Sarah