Update on Hungary 2012, Lord Willing

So a while back, I mentioned that we had applied to work at a Christian camp in Hungary for a month this summer.

Then, I mentioned that our applications had been approved.

Then, I mentioned that I'm a little LOT overwhelmed about it.

Then, I mentioned nothing else.

I suppose, then, that this would be a good time to give a little update about Hungary 2012, because I know that one or two of the three of you who read this regularly have been wanting to know...

Well, I'm still a little LOT overwhelmed about it, but as of right now, we are still planning to go.  Our mission begins on June 27.  We decided to drive to Washington, D.C. where we will meet up with the rest of the American staff workers who are also going to Hungary.  [Yes, I said drive, and no, we are not crazy.  Yes, we will be spending many hours on the road with two excited children, but it will save us about $500.]  We will spend a night in D.C. and will attending some meetings that will prep us for leaving the country, surviving jet lag, etc.  Then, on the 28th, we will board a plane for Europe.  We're going to Germany first, switching planes, and then flying to Budapest.  From there, we'll go to Keszthely, Hungary, where we will (Lord willing) be staying for the month of July. 

I say Lord willing because we are walking by faith right now and trusting God to keep making the way.  Some of the two of you may remember that I said the trip would cost us $20,000+.... that estimate was based on the cost for four full-time project participants.  Well, the cost dropped dramatically when we contacted CCC about traveling as a family.  They worked with us and cut some costs because they LOVE for families to participate (MANY of the campers have NEVER seen what an intact family looks likes, and most have never seen a CHRISTIAN intact family).  Anyway, CCC dropped the estimated cost down to less than $13,000, which is STILL a huge chunk of change, but it's not as much as we had anticipated. 

SO, the lowered cost was a huge blessing.

Another huge blessing has been the prayers, encouragement, and financial support that we have received from family and friends.  I still say that we are going, Lord willing, because we are still about $2,600 away from having all of our funding.  That is also a huge chunk of change, but my goodness, it's amazing that so much has already been provided. 

Phil is certain the rest will come on time, and every time he starts to doubt, another check comes in or another prayer gets answered.  His faith is growing by leaps and bounds.

As for me, I'm still a little LOT overwhelmed about it.  I feel kind of like the man in the Bible who brought his sick child to Jesus for healing. Jesus told the man that "all things are possible for one who believes."  The man then said, "I believe!  Help my unbelief!"  (You can read it in Mark 9:20-29.)

That's where I am right now.  I believe, but Lord, help my unbelief.

I don't know what else to do at this point except to keep praying, keep planning, and start packing.

Should the Lord stop this thing right now--or before the 27th--so be it.  But if He wants to use us over there, then He will swing the doors wide open.  He will indeed keep providing if He is indeed guiding.

So, we're walking by faith.  I'll post another update later.

Will you please continue to pray for us?  We want God's will to be done, and we want to be in His will. 

Now, for your viewing enjoyment, here are a few pics I found on the web:

Lord willing, we will be staying in Keszthely, which is a town next to Lake Balaton (in the box).  If Keszthely were on the map, it would be in the bottom left corner of that box.

A view of Lake Balaton, which is the largest lake in Central Europe.

This is the palace where we will be staying.

Naw, I'm just kidding.  That's a palace that I wouldn't mind touring while we are in Keszthely.

That's the Partin family. They have been in full-time ministry in Hungary for several years now.  Rivers (the wife and mom) has been in contact with me via Facebook and has been very helpful in telling me what to expect and what to pack.  Lord willing, we will be working alongside the Partin family.  If you've got a free moment, check out their blog and website  for some cool pictures of what life in ministry looks like. 

http://daveandrivers.wordpress.com/

www.daveandrivers.com/

See y'all later with more info, Lord willing.