News Flash: It's December

Matt in Vienna

SO much has happened since Nov 1st. Let me attempt to summarize:

1.) School- it's progressing. I think I'm moving at a slower rate than last year! How will I ever get everything done? This whole timing thing is ridiculous. I should be handed a yearly schedule that plans every month for me that lets me know exactly how much time should be spent on every topic and subject...why don't I have one of those? Are you telling me I have to create that myself?

2.) Matt came to visit. The pictures here are from his visit. We had 8 days together. We were even able to visit Vienna, Austria. Since this was Matt's first visit to Europe, I had to make sure he saw at least one other country. I was just there the previous month, but I thoroughly enjoyed my second visit. We had a teacher from Vienna Christian School escort us around the city. She did a wonderful job showing us the things that a resident would know and understand. I really enjoyed her perspective of the city.

3.)Thanksgiving: I spent time with Matt, and we cooked our own T-day meal. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and biscuits provided us with a genuine Thanksgiving meal. I was very thankful to spend the day with Matt- we had a really good time.

4.) We have 3 more days of instruction before exam review and exams. I am unable to consider the idea that this semester is over. I am also unable to comprehend the fact that I’ll be in the states in 11 days. Truly bizarre.

I’m announcing my arrival to Tallahassee on the 20th. I’ll be there only until the 26th when I’ve the opportunity to go skiing with Matt. Then, I’ll be leaving the country again on the 1st to arrive back in Hungary for my ReachGlobal conference.

I hope to see many of you on my brief landing in the states. But, if by chance our paths do not cross, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I hope this season brings you joy as you celebrate the birth of the man who was God providing us with eternal life. I hope this Christmas season offers you many opportunities to offer back to God that which he has so generously given us: Life.

Main attaction: Starbucks...But I walked away with so much more

Vienna- October

Hungary celebrates their freedom and the victory of the 1956 Revolution in late October. The country takes two days to celebrate, and ICSB provides the students both American and Hungarian time to celebrate with these days off of school.

Mary Orr and I decided to rest for a couple days and then take an overnight trip to Vienna. The two hour drive is simple and direct, and Vienna is a beautiful city well worth the visit. In fact, after having been there- I'm dying to return.

Mary and I walked A LOT. The city is accessible by foot but not small. We saw St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Opera house (but no opera), the parliament building, St. Mark's church, 5 Starbucks, 4 H&M's, and many more beautiful buildings. We even took a short side-trip to view the Danube as it runs through Vienna. While Vienna is quite wonderful, Budapest can brag of it's beauty related to the Danube River.

We also visited the Hofburg palace, the Music House, and an authentic Austrian resturant. All in all, our 24 hours in the city were well worth the trip. I learned that there is so little that I know about the architechture, history, and culture of Europe. The greatest part is that I can visit and observe and never really understand it all. It's such a mystery, such an adventure, and such a great way to spend a long weekend.

Memorizing Micah

HS Retreat

I love working at ICSB for many reasons, but one huge reason is the emphasis the school puts on the students' spiritual growth. Of course, not all our students are believers; however, this does not stop the leadership from providing an environment where spiritual growth is possible and strongly encouraged.

One way ICSB fosters a spiritual environment is through the annual High School Retreat. A speaker is invited to challenge the students- this year the theme was Micah 6:8. The back of our shirts say "Walk On." The goal was to encourage the students to evaluate their relationships with others (do justice), with themselves (love kindness), and with God (walk humbly with your God).

The 3 day retreat was an excellent time for me to relax with the students. I didn't have any responsibilities beyond counting heads at meetings and praying for the students as they debriefed in small groups. While I found it difficult to balance my own spiritual introspection with my desire to pray for and challenge the students, it was the first time I really understood what it meant to be a teacher and a spiritual leader for my students. I've been bombarded with Biblical integration at school, but I haven't been able to step back from the classroom to see my students simply as spiritual beings. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to watch them worship and spur one another on toward more meaningful relationships.

Even though the focus of the retreat was God and his glory, opportunities for fun were all around. The cold lake beckoned about a third of the student population after a 'boat' race. Soccer and volleyball filled free time. Freshman initiation woke 22 kids up at 1 am for face painting and boot camp. A bonfire allowed students to recognize meaningful relationships. One afternoon a head shaving rampage occurred as about 10 students and teachers decided to buzz their heads. About half of them look better for it.

God is working in students' lives at ICSB whether or not they are aware of it. My prayer is that I would be following his hand, pursuing his glory and keeping myself open to be used as a vessel however he wills.

Beginning New...Writing on your feet

ICSB Sept 2007

The 2007-2008 school year has been quite different than the previous, yet it's been exciting and so much fun.

The highlights of the first month and a half:

-New 9th grade class--they're funny, they're interactive, and they're really sweet.

-I'm assistant coaching the middle school soccer team. Head coach- Austin Branson. I'm having a great time. I even got to go to Vienna last week. We're not the most skilled team, but they try hard. Their size (extra short) keeps them from being able to run alongside bigger, faster teams. We've only had one goal scored, and sadly it was scored by the other team- for us. Oh well- we're improving and having a good time.

-I'm tutoring a girl named Lulu (well- that's her English name) after- school 3 days a week. It's a side-job for me because she doesn't go to ICSB, but she desires to go to university in America. I'm trying to help her with SAT practice. This is also a huge prayer request because I'm not completely sure what I'm doing...but I'm doing it- and I'm having fun.

-New roommates: We're having so much fun living together! It's busy with 4 people in the house, but cooking together and watching movies together is great.

-Drama Class: I have no idea what I'm doing- but I'm doing it. I love plays, and I have an incredible appreciation for theater even if I've never personally performed on stage. The class has 21 people in it (I was expecting 8) and ranges from 9-12th grade. We're learning the history of theater right now, but we're moving toward monologues, duos and eventually a stage performance.

-The new year scared me because I loved my classes so much last year. God has blessed me once again with awesome students. The students I was worried about not connecting with have become a joy to teach. The classes I worried about have become my favorite.

I love my job. I'm tired, and my weekends are full of school preparation; but I love what I do. I am blessed to be in such an encouraging and supportive environment. I couldn't ask for a better place to teach and better people to work with. What an immense gift to be in a place I love with people that inspire me all the time.

Arrival....Back to Budapest

That's right...I'm back in Hungary. I arrived in the country at about 11:00 am local time. For all you state-side in EST that's about 5 am your time. Thus, my travel time was approximately 13 hours. Not bad. It went by pretty quickly. I slept a little on the plane. I got here, had lunch at the school, was welcomed back warmly, and started the routine of re-entering my home and culture. It's been busy. I've already unpacked and gone to the grocery store. I've hooked the internet back up. And, I've slept in my bed again. Sleeping wasn't hard, waking up was.

Of course it's good to be back here with all the familiar people and places I love. There are a few things I miss about being home:
1. Starbucks
2. My mom's homecooked meals- I was spoiled over the summer ;)
3. My boyfriend (he should probably be higher on the list)
4. My car- but driving manual is kind of like riding a bike - it wasn't hard to get back into it
5. Laziness

As I anticipate school starting, I'll keep you updated on how all the planning goes and what needs prayer. Right now- I'd love to just cover my students with prayer. There will be a few classes of students I've never taught before, I'm really excited about this but also a little nervous. So please, pray for my unconditional love for them and their readiness and willingness to learn!

Minneapolis, MN

That's right- I'm in Minneapolis. It's my first time here. I can now check another state off the list of 50. I've still been to more states than countries...we'll see after this year.

I've been through a day of training here at the EFCA and ReachGlobal headquarters. So far so good. I've taken in a lot of information. Some of it has been very helpful and some I might never think of again.

The highlight of today: I updated my support schedule and we were able to decrease my projected budget considerably. I was initially supposed to raise around $31,000. I'm now working on about $22,000. As of right now, I believe I have about %50 of that promised or pledged. So, I'm still working, but at least my end goal isn't so high. Let me assure you that I don't actually need $31,000 to live in Hungary for the next 10 months. That was a budget with a lot of excess. We've worked my salary back to what it was this past year, and I'm happy with that.

Continued prayer:
support raising!!!
Preparing to return- I think that's going to happen about August 9th
Mentally preparing to start a new school year.

I cannot say thank you enough- but thank you for all your prayers and support!!!


If you'd like to participate financially in educating students in Hungary- send checks payable to ReachGlobal to

Reach Global
901 E. 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55420

in the memo line- 1452 (that's my donor number)

In The States

I am in the states!! So far, I haven't done as much as I'd want to. Time is going by far too quickly. I didn't realize how short the summer really is. I am lucky, at least I have a summer vacation! But, this raising support business makes it short and intense.

My biggest prayer request right now is financial support. I'm in the process of making contacts and visiting with people. I'll be in Birmingham this weekend to reconnect with a church there. I'll then be in Minneapolis for a few days training with ReachGlobal, my sending agency.

I'll be back in Tallahassee on the 21st of July. I'd love to chat if you have a few free minutes!

My contact info:
sara.terry@efca.org or
smterry@samford.edu
I'm not really willing to put my cell phone number on the web- but I check my email everyday.

Final Exams- Finished

It was recently brought to my attention that it's been a few days since I last updated- my apologies!

I just finished grading my last set of final exams! Unbelievable really. Overall- I think that the scores of the semester and of the exam are relatively equal, thus I feel no great remorse over the ease or complexity of my tests.
The greatest hardship of ending the year is keeping the students motivated. It's hard enough keeping myself motivated- how in the world am I supposed to motivate them as well?

I have to be at school tomorrow- it's our teacher work day. I'll finish cleaning up my room, pack everything up, and say goodbye to Room 212. I think I'll be moving upstairs for next year. No conmplaint here- I get an even better view of Disod!

My classes are not set in stone for next year- but many praises for what I do know I'll be teaching- 11th Grade English (only 1 section), 9th Grade English, and a Communications class for seniors. I'm very excited about this communications class because it enables me to continue teaching the junior class from this year who I love dearly.

Prayers for wrapping up the year-
1. After graduation tonight- there are a few students I'll probably never see again. Closure and saying good bye are hard- pray that I, along with all the other people here, will say good bye well.
2. Leaving for the summer- pray that I'll get everything ready for the start of next year and that I won't be stressed.
3. Support Raising, Support Raising, Support Raising- biggest prayer request right now.
4. I'm traveling to Switzerland for 3 days to relax and take advantage of freedom. Pray for safety- but praise God for this opportunity- for the wonderful friends he's given me- and for the freedom to explore his creation- I'm so excited to get away and rest.

I can't wait to see you (hopefully) while I'm home. I'll arrive on the 16th of June and be in the Florida, Alabama, Georgia area until the beginning of August. Can't wait to be home!!!

Memorial Day

I think I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I love teaching at an international school! We get Monday off for Memorial Day. Now, I recognize that just about every other school has let out for the summer already, but we're quickly finding an end ourselves. Exams finish June 8th. Teachers are done June 9th. I have one more week to teach. This both excites me and scares me. I can't believe I'm about to pass all these children off to the next grade level...are they prepared? Will the teachers after me find me to be incompetent of all teaching? Am I going to miss my students? Good news on one level- I am going to be teaching Communications next year which will allow me to teach my 11th graders as seniors next year. That makes me quite happy.

Prayer:
1.) I have to write a 6-page paper for ACSI certification. This adds another 10 lbs to my already heavy load.
2.) That I receive my residence permit- I've submitted all my paper work.
3.) That my last week of material will be well presented- accurate- and passionate.
4.) My best friend is coming to visit next Thursday- safety for her travels, fun times of touring Budapest, and just a good reunion
5.) Preparation to return home - that I'll be ready, that culture shock won't be too overwhelming- and that I'll be in a support raising mindset when I hit the ground in the states.

Thanks for all your prayers- they have been answered in innumerable ways.

Family Field Day

Family Field Day

This day of outside fun requires attendance from all students! The four teams green, red, black and blue compete in events from Kickball to Tug-Of-War to Trash Pick-Up. I had a great time cheering on the black team as one of their leaders. I did not anticipate having as much fun as I did. It was a relief not to have class, and it was a blessing to just have fun with my students. Of course, there was a water balloon fight, a football game, and many parents watching on the sidelines. I seriously wish we had field days once a month.

The Madness of May

So much has happened since the last time I updated you. I lost a student and gained one. I've taught a novel successfully (amazing). I've started the process to return next year. I've received a tentative schedule for next year. And, I've become completely overwhelmed with all that is before me.

School is moving along quickly. Daily, I'm amazed as I write the date on the board...May 11th already? There just doesn't seem to be enough time to get everything done. But, we keep moving, we don't rush too much, and we learn what we can while we can. And I say "we learn" because I think I'm learning more than the students.

In the midst of all the school stuff going on, I've also recently been bombarded with what needs to be done with my mission to return for the next school year. So, I've tried to wrap my mind around that to start moving forward.

Here's how you can pray for me as I finish this year (strong):

1.) That even though school is busy, that I won't get caught up in the information. I want to continue to love my students and to pursue relationships with them. I'm trying, and God hasn't let me down thus far, but I want to keep a positive attitude about it all as the end of the year approaches- There's so much to do!

2.) Class assignments for next year. So far, they're looking good- but sparce. Pray that electives and everything will get worked out for a full and fun schedule.

3.) I'm in the process of applying for a residence permit. The actual part of the process I'm currently in is the "gathering paperwork" stage. There are more components to this process than just me. Please pray that I'm patient with others, that I stay diligent to what I must complete, and that the Hungarian gov't will be pleased with what I present to them.

4.) I've recently received my projected budget for next year. It's still being manipulated, but it will require a considerable amount of support raising in the 1.5 months I'm home this summer. Please pray that the connections I'm beginning to make now will be directed by God. Pray that I follow his guidance in this time where I need great guidance. Pray that I will not ever be discouraged but will be sustained by the provision of God that has brought me thus far.

Thanks for your prayers. I can't tell you how much I love knowing that there are advocates for me, for my ministry, and for my students 5000 miles away!

What's going on???

Is it already the end of April? Am I really nearing the end of my first year of teaching? Is time allowed to move this quickly?

Spring has come- clear skies, a cool breeze, and sunny days. It's joyous to look out my window upon Diosd and know that I live in a sweet town in the middle of Hungary. This is home- I am so thankful for it. It's hard to comprehend that so much change is just around the corner- class changes, roomate changes, gaining and losing students. But, I'm determined to enjoy the rest of this year. We're in school until June 8th- so I actually have a little over a month left. But, when we take out holidays- surprisingly we have a few days off in May- weekends, and exams- the days remaining of class are limited. I feel the pressure to wrap things up in class, but I'm not ready to wrap up the wonderful relationships I've built with my students. I'm really going to miss my 9th and 11th graders as they move on. I think I'm realizing how much I appreciate them as I begin to accept the fact that I won't spend every day with them next year. But, the relationships that God has allowed me to build have been wonderful- and I plan on continuing them. I'm challenged to keep class intriguing. I long to ground them in the word and truths of Christ so that, as they move on, they aren't tied to me or this school- but to Christ. It's a big goal I know- but it's the desire of my heart.

Thank you for praying for me...it means so very much. I'll keep you updated on the last weeks of school. It's going to be crazy- but it's going to be good.

Spring Break: Educational and Fun

Spring Break 07- Germany and Italy

This Spring Break was probably the most exciting of my life. That's not an overstatement. I was blessed with the opportunity to attend ICEC, a conference for teachers at international Christian schools from around Europe. What an awesome experience to be with so many other people who share my love of education and are serving on the mission field. The greater experience was being with people from so many backgrounds, denominations, and countries. Truly a multi-cultural experience. The conference was held in Kandern, Germany at Black Forest Academy. The school was fabulous, the surrounding area was beautiful, and the knowledge I gained from experienced educators was well worth the 17 hr bus ride. I walked away really understanding Biblical Integration- for that I am thankful!

The second half of my spring break was spent in Italy. Even though we had a rough start with transportation, everything worked out to be a fantastic trip. We were able to see Venice, Cinque Terre, and Milan. The Italian people were so kind, the scenery was brilliant, and the history was more than I could possibly understand. I had a great time with Laura, Emily and Allison as we bonded over road maps, hundreds of stairs, and huge cathedrals. Please check out the pictures that correspond with this trip. God has truly created a world of great diversity and beauty. It may sound cliche, and it may be cliche, but being able to see more of the world has really challenged me to broaden my perspectives on life and especially on God.

Pictures from Poland

Krakow, Poland

Because of Hungary's 1848 Revolution celebration, ICSB gave us 2 days off creating a 4 day weekend. The roomies and I decided to make use of this time to get away. We drove to Krakow, Poland for rest and relaxation. I think we got both. The city was quaint and walkable. The history is fantastic. The food was also quite yummy. These pictures represent a few of the sites we took in. Krakow was not the biggest or the most exciting city I've ever been to, but it certainly was worth the visit. Beautiful and scenic, the city allowed us sleep while also giving us the chance to broaden our cultural horizons. I'll keep moving...I'll keep posting pictures...Spring Break is only a week away!

The end of March nears

Darling Readers,
Thanks for your prayers!! God has definitely been working amidst the Hungarian authorities because visas are being issued! Three teachers returned from the states this past week! We're still missing one and will be sending at least one more off tomorrow. We're not completely back to full strength, but God has provided for every position the school has needed covered. It is wonderful to be a part of this community and to witness God's hand at work.

My classes are going well. We're finishing up the novel- Huckleberry Finn- in 11th grade and the play- Antigone- in 9th. These units have gone over pretty well. But, I've got to admit, I have a lot to learn about teaching a novel. It's not as easy as I thought it would be. But, it challenged me to look beyond what I'm comfortable teaching. It has encouraged me to seek new ways to present material and keep the class involved.

This past weekend my roomates and I took a short trip to Krakow. We had a 4 day week because of the 1848 Hungarian Revolution, so the girls and I decided to drive to Poland. I'll post pictures and comments by the end of the week.

Upcoming events include:

• Parent/Teacher Conferences- always a prayer request
• ICEC Teacher Conference over Spring Break (we leave next Friday). I'm really excited about this opportunity to gather with Christian teachers from all over Europe in the central location of Kandern, Germany. I'll be seeing some girls I met at my EFCA conference again, and I'll be gaining insight into Christian education. This conference only happens once every 3 years so I am blessed to go this year.

Until the next time I have to write...may God bless you as you seek his will in order that you may glorify him to the greatest extent.

Prayer Petitions

Things have settled down around school- at least for a day. It seems that there is never a dull moment in the life of a school, thus there is never a dull moment in the life of a teacher (except perhaps when grading papers). Please read the following list of prayer requests...these are the ways you can be praying for our school and me personally! I appreciate all the prayers you've offered on my behalf thus far- it's comforting to have people petitioning God for my ministry.

1. Many teachers are gone because of visa issues. None have yet returned. Two more may be leaving closer to spring break. Please pray that classes are covered, visas are issued, and teacher return quickly!!
2. Planning! I need to work on my long-term planning. This will probably be a prayer request for the rest of my life...I'm not a futuristic person. But, for the benefit of my students and my sanity- I need to get a grasp on what the upcoming months look like for my classes. Please pray that I will be diligent in this task.
3. I have so much on my plate as I plan to return to ICSB next year. Please pray that the process of reapplying to the EFCA international mission would go smoothly and quickly. Please pray that I would be persistent and diligent in maintaining and establishing contacts for support next year. It also looks as if I may have to travel to Washington DC in order to apply for a visa renewal and to Minneapolis for a few days of mission training. So, as I plan for the summer, please pray I'll have wisdom.
4. I recently spent a week at the Jackson's house because the parents were traveling. In a week I'll have the opportunity to stay with the Bullock children as their parents are gone. While it is a lot of work to be a parent for a week, it's also a great learning experience because I get to see my students outside of the classroom. I'm able to observe their interaction with their siblings. I have gained new perspectives on my students from these experiences, pray that God will continue to use these times to build relstionships beyond the classroom.

Thanks again for all your prayers...they mean more to me than you can possibly know.

We've got spirit yes we do!

Spirit Week

Spirit Week was a lot of fun! I had a great time dressing up each day- although I admit that all my 'costumes' we're not always amazing. But, Cash day I dressed as June Carter, Superhero day I wore blue and red for Superman, Twin day I dressed as my roomie Allison the PE teacher and Spirit day I definitely wore my GREEN! I'm meant to be at ICSB- green's my favorite color!

As normally goes, the girls were much more involved in the dressing up than the guys. Most of the pictures include my 9th grade girls, but there is one of a group of guys from 11th grade. I only let students participate in picture taking if they were cool enough to have spirit. So, here's a glimpse into the life of ICSB during spirit week!

Pictures from School

International Christian School of Budapest

I regret that these are very simple and sparce...I'll get more...I promise!

Back in the States

I am not back in the states; however, a number of teachers from ICSB are making the trip back to the states because they have been unable to get their visas here in Hungary. A family left in January and will be returning very soon- yay! But, last week we lost 2 science teachers (husband and wife, middle and high school). This week we're losing another high school science teacher, our 4th grade teacher, our 1st grade teacher, and our 3rd grade teacher. Currently we have two other teachers who have duplicate passports who are trying to get a visa through a complicated process with those. Basically we need your prayer. As teachers leave, parents step in to sub for the classes, other teachers pick up the slack, and the school feels the loss of many of its staff. We need your prayer that the students will continue to receive a thorough education as their classroom teachers are gone. We also need prayer that the individuals who travel to the states will both be safe and return quickly. Pray that their visas are issued quickly. We need them back with us. Of course, it will be a stressful but good trip home for our teachers. While they will enjoy the break, they will be stressed about lesson plans and tests. I can't imagine leaving my classes for anywhere from 2-6 weeks! I'm going to miss my friends, but the school is going to miss its teachers more...please be praying fevently for all the necessary things to occur quickly - but most of all, in God's timing. He's provided for us thus far- we trust He'll get us through.

Wearing Pink

America has set aside a day for love. I appreciate that. I like love. Hopefully we all do. But, today, on Feb 14, 2007- my desire is to focus on another type of love that far outweighs all love made available to me on Earth. On this day, my prayer has been to dwell in the everlasting, unconditional love of my Savior. I want to be wrapped in his arms. I long to be satisfied in the unending lavishing of his grace, mercy, and perfect love. What a blessing it is to be in a relationship with that type of man.

Sara's Life in Pictures

Life So Far

Here are a few pictures which capture my life in Europe thus far. The album includes pics of Prague and Budapest. I promise to take pictures at school and upload those soon.

Spiritual Emphasis Week

Last week was dynamic. We had a guest speaker, Don Stubbs, from Chicago, IL come to lead us daily in study of God's Word. We cancelled classes in order to have an hour chapel everyday for worship and learning. Don truly has a talent for speaking the truth. He chased tangets every other second, but he always brought it back to a fundamental Biblical principle. It continuously caught me off guard and challenged my thought process, my mind, and my heart. This biggest concept that continues to torment me from his teaching is the idea of pursuing characteristics of Christ. He read Col 3:12 and explained the different characteristics which we should be pursuing as part of our pursuit of Christ. He also reminded us that our daily striving for these are a reflection of our love for Christ. These ideas inspired me to take my morning devotions with my 9th graders in a different direction. We're going to do word studies and set goals in attempting to grow in integrity and character. I long for my students to have a passion for Christ. With this desire, I must display my own passion. I must be pursuing my God wholeheartedly if I want to be an example for my students. Please keep us all in your prayers as we begin this spiritual adventure together.

I'm new to this whole Blog thing...

I'm going to start blogging in order that I don't bombard you with emails but I keep myself available. Plus, I want to be able to post pictures so you can see what I'm doing and what my life looks like here in Budapest, Hungary. Basically, you can check this site as often as you desire. It will probably be Mondays or Tuesday that new pictures and blogs are posted due to time. But, if exciting events take place in the middle of the week- you never know- you might just get a mid-week update. I'll put prayer requests and praises on here as well- it's going to be all inclusive.