Update...

I am posting so that I will commit to update very soon... I have SO MANY pictures, and had little time to post anything I feel behind and don't know where to start (but here)...I want to update soon to show you the goodness of the Lord!! I want to share what has been happening in Budapest and Rome...so stay tuned!!! :D

Right now --this week I will be celebrating this Christmas week with the Puhr family. I hope to post a picture to show you --they are ALL here. The oldest sons arrived safely last night and today there is LOTS of snow to have some fun with everyone! Sledding and Snow Angels sounds good to me! ;D I was also invited somewhere for dinner tonight to learn more about an organization that plants churches called "EFCA- Reach Global"--so that should be great to learn more and see what happens with that connection...and all of the connections, Really...I have met SO many people and pray God will lead me to the right place at the right time!

Love ya'll and see you in two weeks from today!!

Sneak Peak into our World:

Pictured here is Alexandra with warm fruit tea... this was something new for her. And she is practicing sipping from a cup! See that grin! It's a priceless smile, I so love to see. It's also mischevious sometimes...
The other picture you see is Alexandra in her daily routine of therapy on the swing. She holds the rope, I on the other end and I sing a song as she holds on to swing herself back and forth!

Alexandra is SOOO FUNNY. I stayed home with her last night while the parents went to their other daughter's play: Annie, the musical. Alex was in an okay mood...not the best, not the worst. Then, all of sudden at around 8pm, she comes out of her parents room with non-stop laughter, giggling...mischeviously. She scoots to the kitchen...then I hear a crash and laughter. She had gotten her dad's coke and spilled it all over her! Haha...she then eats a snack (red sweet pepper) and it goes all over her chin, on her sleeve...as she smiles with that giggling still! Finally at about 9pm, she scoots to her room, without a word and is like "I'm ready for bed, enough messing around tonight." HAHAH!

Nov. 1st All Saint's Day

All Saint's Day is very popularly celebrated here in Europe. All of the candles are lit in the cemetaries and the loved ones gather to pay respects.

This was one of the many quiet, reflective moments I am having here in Hungary. Thank you for thinking of me and praying that I will continue to experience God's transforming power.

Psalm 23 says: He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me besides still waters (of rest) and He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for HIS namesake. Ah! (I am studying this psalm along with John 10.) And as I am surrounded by the hills of Europe and the ancestry of my own family of which I share a name and heritage, the Lord is revealing himself of how I am part of HIS family. Here is an exerpt from my journal:

"Do you ever feel like your name is written in the "book" (bible)? These are MY fathers, he's talking about...my heritage. In Acts 13, Paul is preaching to the people in the synagogue and said "He put up with them in the wilderness- He carried them."

Yes, Alexis, your personal family heritage are in these hills surrounding you and I brought you here to find your family roots in ME, in my WORD, to identify that your name is in the book! Just as you find people in the land that bear your name, your blood- I gave you a passion to find your family to reveal my passion, THE PASSION, for which my blood was spilt. For you--this blood is in you, Alexis because you love me and have covenant with me. Now go bearing the name of Christ, I am your brother, sister, mother, father- I am your family, you are my family!"

My international friends

This is David, from Scotland, he turned 28 years old on this day. A group of us went for bowling then the unathletic ones met us at the "chocobar" for some hot chocolate...!

Budapest is a very unique place. You find people from ALL OVER. I am getting a great education..."hands-on"...;) There are so many different news stations on the TV and many great people from different backgrounds to learn from...I've met an: Australian, Scot, Nigerian, Iranian, Kurd, Canadian...and of course other fellow Americans! Needless to say, we are a lively crew! Comparing to the "Church at Antioch" -I think we may have them beat! (See Acts 13)

Castle Hill

A few weeks ago after church Sunday, I ventured up to Castle hill to take a look! It was beautiful. Very great spot for a picture-happy person, like me!!! I was so excited, I decided to climb the wall to take a better look.

Pinata for Christmas!

Here is a picture of "Al" ...He is going to be a pinata in the shape of a christmas present (yes, they can be a little lumpy!).... Pictured here is Hannah, the elementary school art/ music teacher at ICSB and Audri, age 13. We are having some messy fun!!!

Thank you

This is Alexandra! I caught her in a pose I call "the artist". She looks like she's from New York in all the black/ white and just in a thoughtful artist position.

Thank you for all you who have supported me in prayer, thoughts, cards, notes, money and your friendship. You are BLESSING. I am a life being changed. Today I was thinking how my mind and heart are less cluttered with busyness and I can actually think about my life. I am having sort of a reflective "life camp" while I take care of Alex everyday. I think....she doesn't speak, so I get to really think a lot! Hehe...and the moments of walking are very reflective and introspective. Thank you! I am touching a life, a family and I am being changed through it all.

Budapest, Hungary- My Location

Budapest, Hungary is located very central in Eastern Europe as you can see. It's a nice location to be to visit other places convieniently. I live on the south-western side of Budapest, in a town called "Diosd".

Mom Park- Saturday Movie

We saw the movie: "UP" -3D Original version- English. Had a treat of frozen yogurt/ icecream? for 150 forints... My first time finding my way somewhere...

Bike Exploring on Republic Day 10/23

Figs!

As you can see...I was fascinated with the beauty of this fruit (look at the color inside...and the stem looks like a straw with the inside being yellow). I was also in awe of the rarity of me EVER eating one of these fruits. I think this was my first time. The neighbor gave us these from their tree!!

Thursday, Oct. 22

After English Home Fellowship at Calvary, we visited the "Pertu Cafe" and had some hot cocoa- four countries represented here...Canada, Scotland, Austrailia and U.S.

The hot cocoa was 380 forints. It is NOT a chain coffee shop, like we see so often in U.S. but a quaint, picturesque coffee shop that I will definately return for their free wi-fi use and just relax!

On the way back, we stopped by a limo that happened to be from my home state: FLORIDA! What is this limo doing all the way over here???

Saturday.."Made by You" Pottery

Last Saturday (October 17,2009)...boy was I ready for some fresh air! We walked to the bus stop, rode into Budapest and found our way to a shop for some pottery painting! 4 twenty-something year olds and two 13-year olds made the event wonderfully exciting and bonding!

I made an espresso cup and saucer. It was a great way to spend a Saturday-- some time out with friends! Jim and Brenda had just returned the night before from a conference in Switzerland. They are a part of a missionary group that gets together yearly for a "TOR" -Time of Refreshing! I was able to be there and take care of the girls while they were being refreshed. :) So, above you see MY time of refreshing. :)heheh

Follow Me

I have attended Calvary Chapel here in Budapest (bi-lingual services- English/ Hungarian). Also, I have attended an English Home Fellowship group on Thursday night that got me thinking about the sermon and one person in particular... Peter and his calling. Join me as I journal some about it. It really has intrigued me. Maybe you have some comments too (email: alexisbrokas@yahoo.com, facebook or on the blog here but you must have a google account to comment).

Why Peter? Why has Peter caught my attention lately? What is it the Lord is trying to speak to me in His word?

Well, folks, let me tell you- it get’s exciting when you start being inquisitive with the text of the Bible! I pray for all of you when you read that the Holy Spirit would not only illuminate the word, but that you will start asking questions! It’s so great. I am really enjoying reading about the life of Peter.

From what I have read, I understand Peter to have done some strange things. He reacts in certain situations that has left me puzzled. Why, Peter, would you pull the sword and cut off a guard’s ear? (He didn’t understand that Jesus really was going to die-that this was the will of the Lord.) Why, Peter did you throw ON your “outer garment” and JUMP into the sea (and I am guessing swim to shore)…when you heard it was Jesus on the shore. Were you so excited to see him? What is the significance of putting on the outer garment only to jump into the body of water…was this an action to make yourself acceptable in the sight of the Lord?

These are all questions I have….
Oh, and then at the fish breakfast, Jesus drills Peter with “50” questions. Okay, only ONE question: Do you love me? But, he asks Peter THREE times. I find it ironic (or is it on purpose?) that it was 3 times Peter denied knowing the Lord, now it’s three times he is asked questions that causes him confessing He loves the Lord. It shows his humanity and it is a beautiful thing and a beautiful Lord to be so direct and affirming and forgiving of Peter. Something we all should remember in our own path towards receiving the Lord’s love for us.

It is here that Peter receives His call. Not before when he was all ready to cut off the soldier’s ear for Jesus- he had to watch His Lord be led to death, broken and angry with himself for denying His Lord, needing a savior, the Messiah to come and make him whole again. He, I’m sure felt broken, disappointed, disgusted with himself…he loved Jesus, but felt like a failure for not standing up for him. And here is the precise moment when Jesus tells him his “calling” (over breakfast- I’ve heard some of the most intimate times are when we eat together…): Jesus says: “Feed and tend my sheep”…(be a Pastor, that is your calling, Peter!) and probably the hardest, best and most general calling we all have: Just “Follow Me.”

These words “Follow Me” I hear in a resonating tone in my heart at this pivotal time in my life on the mission field. I hope you too see yourself at a “crossroads” and the Lord saying “follow me”. ..Will you come to Him, broken, wounded and see your need for him, humble yourself and then follow him? I hope I have the faith to do that…and even if I am doubtful, I hope I will bring him my doubt! He says to come Just as we ARE. Wow.
Hallelujah! What a God!

44 Radnoti Miklos!

Some of you wanted to see the place I am staying. Here it is! In the above picture you will notice the "mail box" it's a slot built into the wall to the left of the white gate/fence...see it? Thanks for the cards, friends! It's a pleasant surprise to my day.

They have lived in this town for a while and are very established with friends and neighbors. So..it is a nice community that acts like a real community! (For example, I borrowed flour from a neighbor yesterday for the cookies-- I was a wee bit short. She came over and gave me a whole pack! Later Audri, had to walk to her friends house to borrow some powdered sugar for the french toast--we just couldn't do without.) Above you also see pictured the living room--It is a nice size for Alex's therapy AND 13yr old dance parties!! :) Fun times with the fam...

I am enjoying ministering by helping this family. It is nice to know I am being a blessing. They tell me consistently that I am answer to prayer and a blessing! :)

Next pictures I hope to show are of ICSB. (International Christian School- Budapest) I got a phone call yesterday to substitute teach on Monday- for the 4th grade class. There are about 15 students! Should be fun! ;) Can't wait to post about it.

B-Day Dinner: Breakfast!

Audri completed her 12th year and began her 13th year today! :) The menu: french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit salad w/ choice of flavored hot tea! OH, and I can't forget the chunky chocolate chip cookies! The birthday girl was happy and so was I. Katie is the other chica in the picture- she is a senior in high school. She chose to stay to complete her senior year here while her family is in Georgia! ;) She's fun.

Tonight is a school night, so the girls both helped clean up and then had to do homework. The cookies were still baking...so, I put some cookies and a glass of milk for both of them on a tray and served it to them doing their homework.

Oh, I forgot to give Audri her present! After all that...I got her a pair of warm house slippers (fashionable), a hair accessory and nail polish. I will give it tomorrow...

After Breakfast, we PLAY!

All therapeutic type activities... first is the swing, then the tumbling, bouncy ball and toys!

A Healthy Start to every day.

We both get a healthy start to every day...pictured here is "Muselix" (with raisins, vitamins and a drink! Appetizing? Maybe. I enjoy it. Healthy?...Yeah!

New Day...New Shoes!!

This morning I picked out a bright pink shirt with dark blue overalls for Alex to wear. Instead of wearing the routine blue, buckle-up shoes, I found these pink PUMA'S! Girl was sportin' today. ;) But then it is a special day: her sister's birthday! I sang a song to her while getting ready about the special day (she likes to be sung to) and later, I had her add some color to a picture for her sister.

Happy Name Day!

I just think this is the coolest celebration! I love names already...now, I can love them AND celebrate them! (My friends KNOW what I mean!) Here in Hungary, I learned they celebrate "Name Day"...sometimes even MORE than a birthday!!! Here is a website someone made to inform people and you can search for your name.

HAPPY NAME DAY! www.happynameday.com

Fun on Friday!

Here you see a fun-friday! We celebrated a birthday (13!), then I went downtown Budapest for the first time with my new friend, Hannah. (Note pictured, my first ride on a "tram"...and taking photos of graffiti!!) Where I met some more friends (teachers at ICSB) at a coffee shop. This coffee shop is a place to bring your friends to hang out--it's free and a ministry provided by Youth With a Mission (YWAM). OH, it was also "rubbish day" in Budapest. It happens once or twice a year--all of the major rubbish is brought down to the streets and picked up within 48 hours...by gypsies, people or finally the garbage men. Interesting!