Fun in Budapest

The hospitality of Ukraine continues to astound me. Vova's parents, Volodya and Anna, had us to their house for lunch following a powerful service on Sunday in the Perechyn church. Anna is an amazing cook, and they really went out of their way to make sure that we were comfortable and happy during our stay. Their house is beautiful, in the heart of Kamyanitsa. Volodya has done much of the woodwork on the inside of the house, and we were all blown away by his craftsmanship. My new Ukrainian mother sends greetings to all, but especially to my mother - she said to tell you "Privet".

We arrived in Budapest safe and sound last night. The main street near the hotel, Andrassy Ut, has been closed for the past 2 days for a street festival (crazy keyboard, can't find the exclamation point). It looks like our timing was just perfect. The border crossing is the most tedious part of the trip - going from Ukraine to Hungary took us 2 hours (again, imagine exclamation points). But, from there it was smooth sailing. Our driver brought us back to Budapest a different way than we came in, which wasn't as beautiful but was much, much faster. We had been given "Ukrainian takeout" when leaving the Nehemiah Center - sandwiches, boiled eggs, juice, water, yogurt (no spoons), and some wonderful wafery kind of dessert thing, which we ate once we arrived at the hotel. Dan, Gene, James and I decided to investigate the street fair, and upon finding it closed decided to meander our way down to Heroes Square for some nighttime sight seeing. It was beautiful (insert exclamation points). I have been given temporary membership into the boy's club, as I seem to gravitate towards hanging out with them.

This morning, we had a wonderful breakfast at the hotel and then went on a "three-hour tour" of Budapest, sans Gilligan. The city is beautiful, and a picture of European grandeur. After the tour, we walked to the indoor market place for a little touristy shopping. Dan and I stayed after the other 5 decided to go back to the hotel, and are now on our way back to the rest of the gang. We will find a great place to eat tonight, and those who are game are going to take a nighttime stroll to the Danube - it is beautiful all lit up at night.

Sorry for the lack of pictures - wireless internet is outrageous at the hotel and I don't have any way to put pics on the computer at this cafe (forgot my cord). We will be home on Wednesday, and I think we are all looking forward to a good night's rest in our own comfortable beds (many exclamation points).

We all love and miss you, and have felt your prayers during our time away.