Refi's Got Talent

It was one of the eagerly anticipated school events of the year. Students and teachers alike were looking forward to the event that was 'Refi's Got Talent.' It started in 2012 by my good friend Aiysha Jebali. The talent show is normally held to raise money for a school event. 

This year there were a variety of different acts including mimes, pianists, flautists, poets, footballers and jugglers. The evening was very entertaining and there were many hilarious moments. We also had a panel of three judges, two English teachers (who equalled to Britain's Got Talent's Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan) and the school pastor, who tried his best to rival Simon Cowell and give criticism (hilariously) to every performance. The event ran on for over 2 and a half hours and in all raised over 27,000 HUF (which equates to roughly around £70-80). The event was one of the biggest ones yet.

There were four prize winners, first, second and third place and a prize for the best performing teacher. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show and it was an honour to help organise it! 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It's almost December and that means Christmas! Of course Hungary is no different and the streets and shops of Sárospatak are adorned with Christmas lights. Here are a few photos I took while walking to the shops yesterday:

In Hungary, most people celebrate on 24th of December (Christmas Eve) and they have a big dinner and open their presents then, instead of on the 25th. However, some family members bring gifts to their relatives on the 25th and the 26th. 
Hungarians have the belief that baby Jesus brings gifts to them and not Santa Claus.
December 6th is a very important date in the Christmas calendar, as on this night children have to clean their boots and put them out on the windowsill and in the morning when they wake up, the boots are filled with different treats, mainly chocolate. If the children have been bad, then they receive a stick which is painted gold. In Hungary, Santa Claus is called Mikulás.

Although I won't be in Hungary for Christmas, it will be good to see it leading up to Christmas.

Until next time,

R xxx

Update

Hello everyone!

I am really sorry for not updating on here regularly, but my Internet access has been questionable as of late and teaching is really, really busy! I am also in the middle of organising and finalising plans for the annual school talent show, which is appropriately named Refi's Got Talent!

Last Saturday there was a fundraiser in the town centre of Sarospatak. It was for a young boy who lives in a nearby village. He suffers from leukemia and he loves race cars, so of course the fundraiser was centered around race cars and motorbikes. I have to say it wasn't so good for the environment and my mother had told me to get out of the house and go for some "fresh air!" However, it was all for a good cause. There were many different stalls offering wine and people were singing, playing instruments and entertaining the crowd. One thing that was really interesting were the people dressed up like warriors and being "attacked" by the men on motorbikes. When the warriors were charging towards them, the motorcyclists were revving up their engines. It truly was an unusual, but hilarious sight to see. See the picture below and you'll know what I mean.

I will be coming home for Christmas in a few weeks, I fly to Aberdeen from Budapest on the 20th of December and will be returning to Hungary on the 3rd of January. So keep those dates free if you want to catch up! I will write a blog post about Refi's Got Talent soon, it is happening in two weeks time.

Until next time,

R xxx

Szalagavató

This was the night that every senior student in Refi was waiting for. They had practiced dances, sketches, comedies, dramas tirelessly for two months just for this night. This was the night where every senior student could "let their hair down" before they have to work hard and study for their exams.

The szalagavató is the school leavers ceremony in Hungary. It starts with performances from the students, including a traditional waltz where the girls wear white bridal like dresses and the boys wear tuxedos. During the performance there were two waltzes. The one at the beginning was choreographed by one of my friends. While watching it I was just in awe. It was incredible and I was amazed at how the girls could dance in high heels, let alone walk in them! It was truly magnificent.

After the waltz, there were performances from the graduating classes. Some performed dances, dramas, mimes and of course at the end of their performances, they sang a song about their memories and their time at Refi. One of my classes performed a hilarious sketch. Their form teacher was watching television and she kept on changing the channels. At first there were some of the boys who were jumping into the sea and then they were chased by a "shark" (which was actually an inflatable dolphin). Then the channel changed again to a Hungarian kids channel 'MiniMax', some of the students were pretending to be children, by putting their heads through a curtain and using their hands to move trousers and shoes as if they had smaller bodies. Then with their "bodies" they were dancing to different songs such as Kung Fu Fighting or Gangnam Style. The sketch was hilarious, particularly when they made a parody of a certain teacher in school! Another class did a "Mission Impossible" sketch when they were dramatizing the time they hacked into a teacher's e-register! The most senior class in the school did a dance to the song 'CandyMan' by Christian Aguilera. Their outfits were reminiscent of the 1950s (one of my favourite style decades - the clothes were gorgeous!)

After the performance ended, there was about a ten minute break and then the graduating classes stood in a line on stage with their form teachers. The headmaster and the school pastor gave a little speech and read from the Bible. After this, the classes form teachers put on a "ribbon" either on the front of the suit or the blouse, or on the side of their arm. The "ribbon" had the students class on it, the name of the school and the year they started school and the year they will graduate from school. Apparently they are really hard to put on, so a huge admiration for the form teachers who managed to do about thirty of them! My best friend and I were holding on to each others hands. We are so immensely proud of the students and wish them all the best for their future.

After the ceremony had finished, it was time to head over to the Mudrany Restaurant, where a fantastic banquet was prepared. After a speech from one of the teachers, the teachers clinked their champagne glasses with each other and then the students clinked their glasses with the teachers. It was very sweet. After the banquet finished, it was time for dancing. It was a special kind of Hungarian music (wedding party music as it was described). However I didn't really dance to it, until a few of my students asked me to dance with them. Aiysha had to go back to my flat and Skype a friend, however I stayed a little longer and one of the teachers gave me a huge box of cakes to take home with me (yummy!) Once I had dropped the cakes off at the flat, it was time for us to go back out to the after parties, where we stayed until 3:15am and returned back to the flat at 3:30am! I was absolutely shattered as was Aiysha, but it was worth it. I enjoyed my very first szalagavató and hopefully it won't be my last!

 

Aiysha and I going to the szalagavató

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRBc3EP_III
Highlights from the szalagavató - sorry it's in Hungarian!

Mum and dad's visit to Sárospatak

Budapest Part 1

This week was the school's autumn break. It was also the time when my parents came over to visit me. I was so excited and travelled on a bus and a train to get to Budapest (the train line is still being repaired from Sarospatak). When I finally arrived in Budapest, I got the metro line to Batthyany Ter. Getting off at the stop, I walked along the street until I finally found the hotel we were staying in.

It was very good timing as I arrived just five minutes before my parents. It was a cheerful reunion, as I hadn't seen them for over two months (an eternity in my opinion). We then settled into our hotel room, before heading off to find a restaurant. We managed to find one near St Stephen's Basillica, which was a more hip style restaurant, however the food was excellent. We walked around the city centre for a bit, looking at the sights, walking across the Chain Bridge. Then it was time for bed.

The next morning we were treated to a lovely breakfast and with a lovely view of the Parliament building and the Chain Bridge across from our hotel. Then it was time for sightseeing, we bought tickets for a bus tour and the bus soon arrived and we were on our way around Budapest, finding out interesting facts about the capital of Hungary and the history itself. Then we got off the bus across from Heroes Square, took a few photos there and then decided to go for somewhere to eat.

We spent time at the Varsoliget, which is a city park close to the centre of Budapest, we went to a cafe there (I know I keep talking about food!). But it was so delicious, I had chicken paprikash (paprika chicken) and for dessert, a yummy chocolate mousse with lavender ice cream. After this, we went back on the bus before going back to our hotel and relaxing. We had a few hours to relax in the hotel, before we went back again on the night bus tour. However, there was a demonstration on that night which meant the Chain Bridge had to be closed off, so we didn't get on the normal route that the bus would take, up to Gellert Hill. But it was still a good tour, as we got to see the lit up Heroes Square, which normally wouldn't happen on the night bus tour. Afterwards, we went to another restaurant where we tried some more Hungarian specialties and then it was time for a good night's sleep in our last night in Budapest.

The next morning we would check out at 11.00am, but kept the hired car in the hotel's garage while we went sightseeing again, this time at the top of the Citadella, where the famous Liberty Statue is. In my opinion, it is the best place to get a fantastic panoramic view of the city. After the Citadella, we then took the bus to the Castle district, visiting the shops and St Matthias church, as well as the Fisherman's Bastion. It was here that my parents bought me a beautiful Hungarian rag doll, who I have decided to call Eva. After this,
we took the bus back to Adam Clark Square (or Clark Adam ter), arrived back at the hotel, got the car and then headed off to Sarospatak, where I live.

I had a lovely time in Budapest and hopefully it won't be long until I am back there soon. In the meantime, enjoy some of the photographs which were taken on our trip.

Rachel xx

N.B. I had two trips to the city, one in October (where my parents visited me) and one in February as a solo traveller. Hence, the names of the blogposts are Part 1 and Part 2.

Budapest Parliament Building, Heroes Square, Buda Palace and the Fisherman's Bastion, Chain Bridge (at night), view of Parliament Building and Gellert Hill (with the Liberty Statue), St Matthias Church, chocolate mousse with lavender ice cream courtesy of Varosliget Cafe & Bar, Budapest. Yum!

Photos by: Rachel Summers

Dream...

Sometimes I feel like I'm in a dream. A dream which constantly occurs. I am currently sitting here outside the Rákóczi castle in Sárospatak. It overlooks the River Bodrog and in the distance I can see the Zemplén mountains which leads to the next town Sátoraljaújhely and eventually onto Slovakia. Why am I here? Well, it's all because I accepted a job as an EFL teacher and because I met my wonderful friend Aiysha. I have been here for over 2 months now and the time has certainly flown, especially as we are on the first holiday of the school year.

It has been hard, I'm not going to lie. There are times I have felt homesick for my native Scotland, however I have learned to trust in God and know that He has a plan for me through this short time I am here in Hungary. On Monday, I will travel to Budapest and meet my mum and dad there. It feels like forever since I last saw them and I'm looking forward to seeing them again. I hope they will enjoy this beautiful country.


Below are some photos I have taken of Sárospatak and its beautiful scenery.  These photos speak for themselves. Until next time,

Rachel xxx

Hello!

Hello again everybody!

Just a quick update from Sárospatak. It is almost the end of the first term, as Thursday is the start of the school's autumn break. It is incredible how quickly the time has gone here. I am trying to learn more Hungarian during my time here, so far I've learned the basics, the colours, the months and the numbers. I can get around the shops easily enough here as well.

Next Monday I will be taking the bus and a train to Budapest, where I will be meeting my parents who are flying into the airport there. I am really excited and can't wait to see them!

The one thing that is funny about staying here is at the moment, the weather isn't that cold, so when I just go out wearing a dress and a cardigan, some Hungarians ask me if I'm not cold. I laugh and I say that I am a Scot, the weather is not so bad compared to Scotland! Hungarian winters in January and February are supposed to be very cold, so thank goodness my parents are bringing over my winter clothes before then!

I am also really glad that I have taken up Hungarian folk dancing. Not many people will be able to say that they've tried that!

Anyway I better get to bed, as I am teaching at the student weekend tomorrow.
Goodnight!

Rachel xx

Hello everybody!

I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while, just been very busy with work and also with getting some important paperwork done as well. I had a bit of a health scare on Monday, as I found out that there was blood on the bottom of my eyeballs. However no need to panic since it is just burst blood vessels and I was given some eye drops to help clear it. I have to avoid spending a lot of time looking at a computer screen, which is pretty difficult seeing as I need to use a computer for work a lot of the time.

I miss all of you back home, but it won't be long until I see you again soon. In the meantime here are some photos of a squirrel I saw in the park/school garden near my flat (because everyone likes squirrels, obviously).

Until next time,

Rachel xxx

Just dance!

It was Wednesday night, around seven-thirty and I was sitting on my computer listening to music, while planning some lessons. I was sure I heard knocking on my door, but then again I could have been hearing things. Nope, it was definitely a knock. I wondered who wanted to see me, but then I opened my door and saw my friend. He asked me if I wanted to come and learn Hungarian folk dance. I then agreed as I realise that when the opportunity arises to try something new, you take it. 

My friend led me to the basement of the Kossuth dormitory, where around twenty students were waiting and the two dance teachers. The dance lesson was all in Hungarian (of course) however my friend was really sweet and translated for me.

The dances were so much fun, when being taught the steps slowly it was easy, however putting it all together it was really, really fast! It was hard trying to concentrate so you didn’t get the steps wrong, but after a while I got used to it. In another dance, we had to change partners then turn round and dance on the opposite side. My friend kept translating for me, shouting out “Go!” or “Change!” or “Turn!” I couldn’t stop laughing, as I got so confused, but after a while got used to it. 

I love the traditional Hungarian outfits, which are prominent in these folk dances. Hopefully I will a skirt and shoes to dance in, as I had a lot of fun and would love to do the dancing again!

N.B. Next time I will bring a towel and a bottle of water, as I was sweating by the end of it!

Party!

Yesterday I was invited to a party with all the other high and primary school teachers. My main translator, Feri picked me up from my flat and we walked together to a house, which was just off the end of my street.

I arrived there and chatted with some of my colleagues, when I was offered pálinka. It is a fruit brandy, which was invented in the Middle Ages and it is only mashed, distilled, matured and bottled in Hungary. It is normally made from any grown fruits, however the most popular ones are plum, apricot, apple, pear and cherry. I was offered some apricot one and then a plum one. However,  I made the mistake for not drinking it in one shot and it spilled down my chin! Pálinka is really strong though, so I wouldn't recommend having more that one!

The dish that was served was goulash, which is a Hungarian specialty. It is a stew, which has beef and all different types of vegetables in it. The headmaster of the school had been cooking it and through my translator Feri I found out the recipe, lots of meat, vegetables including a huge cabbage! It was amusing to see a whole cabbage floating in amongst the stew, it helps to give it it's flavour I think.

The night was absolutely fantastic, I talked with my colleagues about Scotland and they talked to me about Hungary, it was truly an amazing time. The people are incredible and I'm so blessed to be working alongside them. By the end of the night, there were about ten of us talking and singing Hungarian folk songs. They asked me if I could sing them some Scottish songs, so I sang to them 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Loch Lomond'.

I thanked my colleagues for an incredible night and went back home, happy, a little tipsy (probably from the pálinka and the wine) and any worries or fears that I had completely disappeared. It's great to experience another culture and it's one that I will embrace and cherish for many years to come.

The first week is over!

Okay, so I have just finished my first teaching week here in Sárospatak, Hungary. I have to say that it went pretty well, was introducing myself to the classes and getting a grasp on how to structure the lessons. The first day of course I was very nervous, but I tried not to let that show, as if I walked in confident, then the rest would follow. 

I told some funny stories and also came up with some interesting topics which would keep the students engaged and active, hopefully in the weeks and months to come I will encourage them to either learn English whether it is the absolute basics to a more advanced level, which will prepare them for language exams. They happen towards the end of the term.

Last Sunday was the opening ceremony of the school year. I knew it was going to be a formal event, however by the time Sunday afternoon came around I had been canoeing and I was slightly hot and tired. So the last thing I wanted to do was make myself look glamorous. So I threw on a pair of dark jeans and a jewelled top, with a white tank top on underneath. I slipped on a pair of white lace pumps. I left my flat and walked through the park, when I saw students come out of the dormitories wearing academic dress, the boys wearing suits and the girls wearing smart tops and skirts. I then regretted not wearing something smarter, however what I had on was smart enough. 

I met up with my friend and her brother was translating for me throughout the ceremony. His translating skills were excellent. Before the ceremony started, I was asked if I wanted to sing in the choir and I said okay. It was weird being asked to do something last minute, however I was happy to do it. It was great to stand with the choir and sing. During the ceremony, new teachers had to go up and take an oath. I was told to go and stand next to the other teachers, but my translator was not able to come up with me. So for about five minutes I was standing having no clue what was being said or what I had to say! Later I was told what the oath was in English, but I had agreed to it anyway. It was a strange moment, but I laughed a whole lot about it later! 

The ceremony was really lovely and towards the end, the Hungarian national anthem was sung, which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful national anthem I’ve ever heard. I looked at the lyrics and the translation on the Internet and it sums up Hungary’s history, which was one of harsh conflict and strife. It also is a prayer to God, who brought the Hungarians through the toughest of times.

I think I have settled in comfortably now and I have only been here for over two weeks! I look forward to seeing what is in store for the ten months that I’m here.

Until next time,

Rachel xx

‘Himnusz’ the Hungarian national anthem has eight verses, but I will just post the first and last verse (the original language and the English translation):

Isten, áldd meg a magyart Jó kedvvel, bőséggel, Nyújts feléje védő kart, Ha küzd ellenséggel; Bal sors akit régen tép, Hozz rá víg esztendőt, Megbűnhődte már e nép A múltat s jövendőt!

O God, bless the nation of Hungary With your grace and bounty Extend over it your guarding arm During strife with its enemies Long torn by ill fate Bring upon it a time of relief This nation has suffered for all sins Of the past and of the future!

Szánd meg Isten a magyart Kit vészek hányának, Nyújts feléje védő kart Tengerén kínjának. Bal sors akit régen tép, Hozz rá víg esztendőt, Megbűnhődte már e nép A múltat s jövendőt!

Pity, O Lord, the Hungarians Who are tossed by waves of danger Extend over it your guarding arm On the sea of its misery Long torn by ill fate Bring upon it a time of relief They who have suffered for all sins Of the past and of the future!

Cultural differences

It is amazing how one gesture in one country can mean something completely different in another. When moving to a different country, it is interesting to discover the cultural differences.

Here in Hungary, I have found a few interesting cultural differences:

1) Probably the biggest difference from the UK, when men and women enter a building, the men ALWAYS let the women go in first (apart from restaurants and bars, when men are supposed to enter first). Even when you are not even near the entrance, the men are waiting outside until you go in and they follow.

2) Almost the same as the first, if you are with a Hungarian man and are out shopping, they carry your basket or any heavy items for you. They also open doors for you. This happens all the time. I heard that it only happens in the school I am teaching in, but reading from other sources it's proper Hungarian etiquette.

3) Hungarian's don't drink tea with milk. Instead they use lemon juice or sugar. They think it's strange that we Brits drink tea with milk. They also put a lot of sugar in with their tea!

4) If your glass is empty, then it gets re-filled almost immediately. 

UPDATE! 
5) Every year the 8th of March is recognised as International Women's Day. This is a day to remember women and celebrate the women whether as a family member or as a friend. Women are given flowers and wished a 'Happy Women's Day' (Boldog Nőnapot in Hungarian). 

6) Hungarians like alcohol and it is not unusual to have a glass of wine with a main meal, as well as drinking it for a main celebration. They also like a spirit called pálinka, which is made from many different fruits and has a minimum alcohol percentage of 37.5%. Although it's too strong for most foreigners, many Hungarians enjoy drinking it. 

7) Mother's day is on the first weekend in May. It is different from the UK Mother's Day which is usually in March.

8) Hungarians also heavily celebrate Pentecost which takes in late May or even as late as mid June. Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday. During this Pentecost weekend, they have shows and many people have stalls selling souvenirs.

9) Teacher's Day is at the beginning of June and on that day students give their teachers flowers. I was given some beautiful flowers by my students.

10) Sometimes things go a lot slower in Hungary than in other parts of the world and this can often be a cultural thing. For example paperwork takes at least a month to process and the trains to other cities and towns in Hungary can take a good few hours to get there. If you like to be fast paced and organised, then probably Hungary is not the country for you.

That's pretty much all the cultural differences I can think of just now. If there are any more I recognize, I'll add them to the list. I do love learning about new cultures though and knowing that in our world we are all the same human beings, but how we communicate can be so different.

R xx

Hello!

I apologise my previous blog posts have been short and maybe not so sweet. I am sorry for this, as I have been rushing about and my internet access has been limited. However, this blog post I hope to show you some photos of Sárospatak, where I am living for the next ten months!

I am staying in a beautiful 1930's style building, this is the main dormitories for the students and I am living in a little flat just off the corner of the building. It has a large bedroom/living space, a kitchen, a bathroom and a toilet room. It's very comfortable and has a beautiful view of a lovely park, which has statues of famous Hungarians who had connections to Sárospatak.

The town has lots of shops, corner shops, grocery shops, a newsagents, a number of  second hand shops (a lot of the clothes and shoes are imported from the UK) and some restaurants, bars and cafes. But what I love about the town is it's history. The school I will be teaching at is a very famous Hungarian school, it was founded as a theological college in 1531, one of the first Reformed theological colleges in Hungary. The wealthy aristocrats of Hungary, the Rakoczi taught here, back in the 1500/1600s. So far, the school has around 400 students, but it is difficult as there is a decline of students attending this school, as students apply to other schools. The aim of this year is to try and get students to come to Refi and this is through the school public relations team called the Refi Revolution Team. It started in 2012 by Aiysha Jebali and not only is it a media team, but is also a mission team. Throughout the years, the team organises different fundraising events which help to pay for a trip to the UK. This is a special trip, as it is a mission, which means students and teachers from Refi travel to London, spend time and fellowship with Christian organizations and churches, then travel by bus to Aberdeen and then again spend time and fellowship with different churches, giving presentations, holding Bible studies and helping those in Aberdeen who are less fortunate than ourselves. The past two missions have been very successful, so many people have been blessed by the students and are encouraged to help support the school and its ministry. We hope that Mission 2015 will be just as successful. 

I just got my timetable this week, I am teaching 26 hours a week, teaching ten high school classes and teaching primary school classes, but only two lessons a week. Still, with the classes, lesson planning and Refi Revolution Team, I will be a very busy bee! I am excited to start though and hopefully this will be a great year, just as this is a great opportunity. 

Before I finish this blog post here are some photographs of  Sárospatak:

 Entrance to Sárospataki Református Kollégium Gimnáziuma (Sárospatak's Reformed College Grammar School)

 The Kossuth Dormitory building - I am staying in a flat at the end of this building.

 The entrance to the Gimnázium - the secondary school

The clock tower of Sárospatak castle - I will post more pictures in future blog updates (if time permits!)

It is a beautiful city, with much history and one which I look forward to exploring and learning about.

Viszontlátásra! (Goodbye in Hungarian) 

Rachel xx

Hello from Sárospatak - Part 2

The flight to Debrecen went smoothly, apart from the fact I paid £20 for a bottle of water as I did not have the correct change. However, it was all good as I got the change just before we landed. I arrived at the airport and was picked up by a teacher from Refi (that's the shortened name of the school I am teaching in).

Two hours later, I arrived in Sárospatak, back to the place where my friend Aiysha started teaching in 2012 and loved it so much she returned for another year. I can see why, as it is a very beautiful place with many historical buildings, including a picturesque castle. I soon settled in to my apartment, but I found out that there was a problem with my getting out of my flat as I thought my keys didn't work!

This situation is now settled as I am able to get in and out of my flat, without fear of being locked in! Last week I was invited to the former headmaster's house for dinner and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with him again. His English is limited, however he said he would like to learn more English so he wants me to teach him. 

It's very quiet just now as school hasn't started, but I hopefully will update more soon. My blog posts haven't been as regular as I have to go to a cafe to get internet, but I look forward to teaching and starting this new adventure.

 Rachel xx

Hello from Sárospatak! Part 1

 Hi everyone!

Sorry I haven't updated recently as I have been without internet properly for a few days. I have arrived here safely, as I flew from Aberdeen to Luton on Monday night. I stayed overnight at the ibis hotel near the airport where I was greeted with a comfortable bed to lay my head down on until I had to wake up for my early morning flight to Debrecen.

The next morning I woke up around five for my flight, however I didn't leave for the airport until ten past six, as there was still plenty of time to get up there and check in for my flight. I arrived at the airport and headed straight to the check in desk, where I waited in a queue of people. An attendant was going around asking if anyone was flying to certain places. Debrecen was one of the places he mentioned, I told him I was going to Debrecen and he told me to go to the front of the queue and check in. This was about twenty past six and on the boarding pass it said the gate closed at five to seven. I apologised and made my way to the front of the queue, where I got my case checked in and my passports were examined. As I left the desk this man in the queue said to me quite nastily: Excuse me, but next time wake up a little earlier please!

I was slightly taken aback at this as 1) I was told to go to the front of the queue, I didn't push in for my own amusement and 2) There was plenty of time to check in and go to security.

Well that got my really annoyed and I went through security fuming, however I soon calmed down and got on the plane, with plenty of time to spare as the gate didn't open for another five minutes! Soon I was on the plane and heading to Debrecen airport where I would be picked up at the other end and taken to Sárospatak.

Tune in next time where I will update you on the second leg of my journey - arriving in Sárospatak!

Viszlát! (That's bye in Hungarian)

Rachel xxx

Hello!

Hello!

Welcome to Rachel's Adventures in Hungary. As you can tell from the title, I am moving to Hungary for 10 months as an EFL (English as Foreign Language Teacher) and a missionary at Sárospataki Református Kollégium Gimnáziuma (Sárospatak's Reformed College Grammar School) in Sárospatak, Hungary. The school is known as Refi to teachers and students.

I am leaving next Monday (the 18th) and arrive at Debrecen Airport on Tuesday (the 19th). From there, I will be picked up from the airport and taken to Sárospatak. Term doesn't start until the 1st of September, but I have to arrive before then to settle into my new home, get settled into the school, have teachers meetings and organise my lessons. 

A wee story as to how this opportunity came about. I met my now best friend Aiysha Jebali when I was living in Aberdeen. She moved to Hungary a year after we met. She had been teaching English at the Reformed College Grammar School for two years, when she felt that God was calling her to come back home to Scotland and spend time with her family. The school had to look for a replacement teacher and they asked Aiysha if she had anyone in mind. We had been having regular Skype/Facebook/e-mail conversations during the time she was in Sárospatak and Aiysha asked me if I would want to  replace her as the English teacher for the coming year. I fit the criteria: I would graduate soon from university, was studying towards a TEFL certificate, loved communicating and learning languages. It was apparent that I had also developed a love for the country, since volunteering at an English camp last summer in Balatonfűzfő and spending time in Budapest. Something about the language, the people, the cities, the countryside - it's like nothing I had ever seen before. 

So, after much thought and prayer, I knew that God was calling me to take the opportunity and to growth in faith. I accepted the job and went over towards the end of May to visit the town and the school. 

A few facts about the school: 

It was founded in 1531 as a theological college, the first Reformed theological college in Hungary. 

Sárospatak was once part of Transylvania and Refi was favoured by the Transylvanian Royalty, who taught in the school for years and across several generations. 

Teachers were martyred during times of socialism. 

Refi is not only a secondary school and theological college, but it also has expanded into a primary school. 

It is a very beautiful school, with many extra curricular activities outside school hours. One of these activities is the school public relations team called the Refi Revolution Team, which was started up by Aiysha in October 2012. The team is made up of around 30 students and three teachers, who raise awareness of the school by holding open days, youth festivals, fundraisers such as talent shows and ice cream/cake sales. The money from the fundraising events goes towards the annual mission to the UK, where the Refi Revolution team have a full-on week sharing Christ's love with various churches and Christian organisations in London and Aberdeen. It is a wonderful experience for the students and the teachers who go on the trip, as for some of them it is their first time to the UK. 

Although this opportunity will be full on and I will be working a lot of the time, I am really excited. I am nervous however, as I will be over 1000 miles from home and in a place where I can't really speak the language (although I know a few phrases). However, I believe that God has gone before me and knows the plans He has for me, he put Hungary in my heart for a reason and it's for Him that I have decided to go there. 

A verse which I feel I will be able to refer to whenever I feel frightened, nervous or alone is Isaiah 41:10: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." 

God is always with me, no matter where I am and I pray that this year will be a blessing and also help strengthen my faith. 

In the next blog update, I will be posting some Hungarian phrases, so be sure to look out for that! 

In the meantime, it's goodbye and God bless!

R xx