Language Helpers

Even though we are not taking formal language classes right now, our language learning continues. Every day we try to read, write, listen to and speak Hungarian. We check out books from the library to read (children's books are easiest), read the ads and papers that come in the mail, and read the Bible in Hungarian. We often receive emails from INSTE groups or other Hungarian friends that need to be answered, so we write often, too. Every day we hear Hungarian spoken around us, but we also purposefully listen to DVD's, TV and radio, to try to pick up more of what is being said. Speaking Hungarian is the most difficult part, but God has given us friends who are helping in that area, too. Mike has been meeting for over a year with his language partner, Balazs. Balazs is a graduate student who is perfecting his English. Nancy's new language partner is Piroska, a retired German language professor who is learning English now in her spare time. Each of us meets weekly with our partners and we speak Hungarian for half an hour and then English for half an hour. God has blessed us with neighbors, too, who are eager to help us learn to speak. Anna enjoys helping us speak Hungarian when we go for walks. Eva, our landlady, stops us to chat every chance she gets. Even at church we get a chance to practice our language skills. Not long ago, the pastor told everyone to speak to us from now on only in Hungarian!
Some days we understand a lot and can communicate just what we want. Other days don't go as well, but we thank God that He is giving us many opportunities to develop this tool we need for ministry.