New Videos!

Check out our youtube account for new videos of the house we are living in and the Christmas market! (link to youtube account is on left hand side)

Birthday in Budapest!

Well well we meet again awesome people in a land far away! As you know It was my birthday just a few days ago, and it was a birthday to remember. First let me thank all of you who wished me a fantastic Friday! It was a great day which included a lot of firsts for me. Celebrating another year of life for the first time away from home and all our friends and family was a new experience which got me thinking. Birthdays and holidays are special events that are meant to be celebrated with close loved ones and familiar faces. You may expect a birthday in a foreign country with people you have only known a couple months to be a bit of a downer. But God has once again pleasantly surprised me with a pretty awesome birthday. Being in a school surrounded by hyper little rug rats that think you are a super hero might just be one of the best places to celebrate a birthday! Well if you are into being the center of attention and the whole day being devoted to you that is. As soon as I walked into the Elementary hall I was showered with happy birthday cards, gifts, and songs...In more than just english I might add. I don't think I have ever heard so many I love yous and happy birthdays in my life!

And after the school day was over God showed me again how blessed we are. He dropped us right into some really awesome friendships that feel like family already! The Slaughters, the McLemores, and of course Austin, all went out to dinner and bowling and really had a blast! Even though I missed all of you back home and wished you could all be here with us, its great to be in a place surrounded by people we love and that truly love us back!

Tomorrow is thanksgiving and I imagine it will turn out just like my birthday did. In great company, full of fellowship and laughter! We will miss you all back home and wish you all a happy thanksgiving!!!

We love you guys!

Brandon (& Melissa)

Things we would like....

So, many people have asked us if there are things that we miss or things we would like to be sent over to us. I thought I would just compile a list here for anyone that is wanting to send something over! Thanks!!

Ken's Greek dressing
Refried beans

I am sure I will think of more later, but there is a start!!! (address is on left hand panel)

Volleyball and High School Girls

Well we are nearing the end of our volleyball season, and I have had such a great time coaching and getting to know these girls. They are each so unique and each have so much to bring to the world out there. I didn't expect to coach when I came here, but once we got here they asked if I would be willing to do it, and even though I was a little wary, I agreed. Now I am so glad that I did!

I have also had the opportunity to help out with the youth group from our church here (the youth group is all students from ICSB). We started a bi-monthly meeting with the girls in the youth group, and already we have seen that they have so many questions and desire to know so much. I feel so blessed to get to be a part of their lives and invest as much time as I can in them. I remember high school, some fond memories and some not so fond, and I know that it can be an exhilirating but also challenging time. I have heard a lot of sadness and pain, but also a lot of joy.

Those of you who know me well know that I am not a public speaker. I don't like it and I shake throughout it! :) But God has really been putting a burden on my heart to share MY high school testimony with these girls. I feel that I struggled with a lot in high school, and I want the girls to know that sometimes the things that "aren't talked about" actually NEED to be talked about. You can pray for me as I prepare what I want to say, and pray for the girls that they hear something they really needed to hear. Not because of what I say, but because of what God can do in their hearts.

They have really been such a joy for me to be around and I am looking forward to the next few months, as I grow alongside of them!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers! We miss you all!

-Melissa