we're back...

..and what an amazing retreat it was. I never would have thought that I would enjoy chaperoning 100 high school students that much, but it was really fun, and even relaxing. We spent a lot of time just hanging out with the kids, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. There are such great students here. Plus, my assigned living space was not in the cold barracks -- oh no. I got to stay in the castle! Highlights: at the bonfire one of the girls specifically mentioned how she enjoyed getting to know Emily and me, and I was really touched by that. Plus, it was interesting to see how seriously the kids took their spiritual lives. Not all of the students are Christians, as I've said (although one did become a believer over the weekend!), but the worship time was really sweet, and I know a lot of the kids were inspired -- not to become more "religious," but to live more authentically. Not that it was all serious...the freshmen were initiated, and the girls had to wear these hideous 80s-ish outfits all day, including during soccer, basketball, and volleyball. It was hilarious. The low point: jelly juice. What exactly is that? Well, apparently, the leftover jelly from breakfast is watered down and served as a beverage for the next meal. It didn't take me (or anybody else) long to request just water. yuck!

How cool is this: so before I left for Hungary, my cousin Amy gave my mom a book about the Word of Life mission organization here in Hungary. I read it before I came, and it was all about how the organization was able to work in the country even under Communist rule, and sometimes with the government's blessing, because of their ministry with young people. A large part of the book was about how they acquired this amazing property.

Imagine my surprise, then, when our retreat center turned out to be that very spot. It was so beautiful -- and even cooler to have known the story ahead of time.

Still, it was good to come home and get some sleep. It was even nicer to go out to eat tonight, followed by a baking fest at Parker's. It's probably not a good idea to eat cookies, brownies, and coffee this close to bedtime...but it was pretty tasty and totally worth it. pictures from the retreat coming soon -- and pictures of our new building! I can't wait!