The Winds of Lent

Standing at recess duty Friday, Anna (a Hungarian co-worker) and I chatted about Spring Break, students, and of course, the weather. Last week we were stripping off our jackets as the sun shined and warmed us. But this week was different. It got cold! And WINDY! And I was not prepared in my hopeful spring shoes. Anna told me the "Winds of Lent" come every year before Easter in Hungary. As Easter brings new life and rebirth, the Winds bring new air, blowing away the remnants of winter. I thought this was a very beautiful idea, but I hope they hurry up and blow it all away because I'm ready for that spring weather to come back! Come on Easter! Goodbye Lent!

George Washington in Hungary?

Today we wandered through City Park on our way from a market and came across this:

It's a statue of George Washington with a plaque stating "Hungarians in America 1906". Why? I have no idea. It's interesting that throughout Budapest there are several references to the U.S... A statue of Ronald Reagan. Roosevelt Park. Roosevelt Square. And more recently, a statue of Steve Jobs. Unusual. Anyone know why American men are honored around Budapest?

Explain to me...

Why people back home in the US make comments

against welfare,

for the death penalty,

religiously judge the president's heart,

say hateful things toward people who get an abortion,

who are gay,

or who don't believe the same things they do.

Explain to me why I can still get in a debate on facebook

about Obama's birth certificate being forged,

or the welfare system being abused by everyone.

Explain to me why the same people say this is "God's way" or "what Jesus would do".

Because the Jesus I read about had a pretty blatant message:

Feed the poor.

Help the poor.

Give to the poor.

Love your enemy.

Love your neighbor.

He had dinner with the "sinners".

He yelled at the people who were not giving to the poor,

who judged people's hearts,

who wanted an eye for an eye.

Explain to me why American Christianity in the media, on facebook, amongst people I actually know makes absolutely no sense these days.

A Glimpse

Our beautiful city...

It is a privilege to live in Budapest. Thank you, Hungary, for having open doors.

Become Aware!

You should take time to watch this:

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

Learn more about the Invisible Children organization here.