Well, our Hungarian adventure is almost over and our American adventure will shortly begin. What an adventure it has been!! While there are many things on this trip we have certainly enjoyed, there has also been many things not so enjoyable.
Mom and Dad McManus left this morning and for only 10 days here they sure got a taste of Budapest. Last week we took the subway to the Parliament. After coming out of the station, Thelma realized that their camera was gone! She remembers that someone behind here on the escalator was too close. He stole her camera! So they bought another one about 4 days ago. Well, I'll let Thema tell the rest of this story as she tells it so well.
"Interesting story....as we were going out for pizza, we were kind of smashed into a trolley train car. As we were exiting, Kristin had all six kids in hand and I was following up behind them. Tom and Ron were getting off the other exit. I noticed Kristin and kids moving up ahead....but where was T & R? I looked into the window and saw a commotion. It looked like Tom and Ron were wrestling with a man or two. Then I were grunting and something like...."He's got my camera...my camera.... and then more shoving and pushing and Tom holding the door open and Ron shoving and pushing...in fact there was so much shoving and pushing going on...I thought..."Oh no, not the camera we just bought!" Then I thought...I've got to get on quickly and help fight...then I saw Tom and Ron jump off the train....all the while the kids are safe with Kristin walking to Pizza Hut. I saw Tom and Ron were O.K. but did he have the camera? Yes, he did....after the two men (R&T) wrestled for it. A man had his hand in the camera case on Ron's belt under a shirt outside of his pants....the young man had the camera...then the action started... YAHOO...we have a camera. After the 1st one being taken, I think that Ron thought "NO WAY...IS ANOTHER CAMERA BEING STOLEN!" However, Ron was willing to step down and let it go if it got very ugly. Actually Tom went back on the train after exiting and held the man's hands while Ron tried to grab the camera...but then Ron had grabbed the guys hands too......This adventure is truly an adventure. The camera was eventually picked up off the floor and they exited as the doors slammed shut. Donna Steenbarger warned us to hold on to our stuff and she was right.When we told Kristin, she felt bad because she missed getting into the foray."
Also, please continue to pray for Gage. This past Saturday, Ron and Thelma took the six kids for a couple hours to give Kristin and I a break. They were out walking in a park and Gage must have turned his head funny and he is in a lot of pain. Gage bent over and started to moan. We got him into the tub to relax his muscles, as well as ice and heat. He was in a lot of pain. He is not doing much better and will be okay. He is very sore in the neck and can hardly turn his head.
Kristin and I just got back from the US Embassy and everything went well. The children will have dual citizenship. This afternoon we will receive the visa's and get back the passports. We will pack tomorrow and fly Thursday. The 3 newest members can't wait to go to America!
God Bless and again thank you for your prayers.
Tom, Kristin and Family
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Nemeth Family Open House May 23rd
Come And Meet The Newest Additions
We will be having an Open House to celebrate our three newest members- Monika Grace, Kira Alexandra, and Drew Laszlo. We are so thankful that God has chosen these three precious children to be part of our family!! Please join us at our house anytime between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 23rd. 1651 Old Thicket Court, Greenwood, IN 46143
Phone: 317-887-2931
We will be having an Open House to celebrate our three newest members- Monika Grace, Kira Alexandra, and Drew Laszlo. We are so thankful that God has chosen these three precious children to be part of our family!! Please join us at our house anytime between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 23rd. 1651 Old Thicket Court, Greenwood, IN 46143
Phone: 317-887-2931
Saturday, May 2, 2009
It's official, the children are ours!!
Hi everyone,
Well, we are in our last week here!! We can't wait to get home. We miss family and friends, normalcy, our home, etc. (oh, the kids said our dog Lilly also). This past week we went to get visa photos and ordered passports for the kids. They also had a doctor's visit per the US assembly's requirement. Most importantly, we signed the paperwork making Monika Grace, Kira Alexandra, and Drew Laci Official Nemeth's!!! We are so excited! They are doing very well.
Kristin's parents (my favorite in-laws) came a week ago. They're only 5-10 minutes up the road and we've had a great time together with them. They've sure gotten a taste of Budapest in a short time. We are very thankful and grateful to have their support and help with this adoption.
Last Monday we took a boat tour on the Duna (Danube in English) River. What a beautiful city from the river we saw and the history we learned behind the city was amazing. We settled on Margaret Island we enjoyed the open grassy area and the kids played.
Cooking here has been a real challenge. We can't read what things are so we are hoping we buy the right thing and put in the right amount. Many things are not found here in the grocery stores that we take for granted in America. For example, for the first few weeks we thought we were buying ground beef when we were actually buying ground lamb. Of course, no one in the grocery store speaks English. All their spaghetti is made with egg noodles, you can't find any peanut butter here. This is a "green" country - no paper plates, cups, etc. here at all. One thing that is difficult to find here is Mexican food. Well, last week we found Iguana Mexican restaurant only two blocks from the US Embassy. AND it was GOOD!! The weather has continued to be great here- low to mid 70's just about every day.
It's interesting that when we first got here it was the off season and no one spoke English. Now that the weather is warmer and Spring is here, I'm noticing a few English speaking tourists. What little Hungarian I know, I learned from my family when I was little. But I noticed that some of the words I used back then with my family are different and not used today in Budapest. The language has certainly changed slightly over the last few decades.
Well, Thursday we will be arriving home in Indianapolis late afternoon.
God Bless and thank you for all your prayers and support. God is praised for this adoption as HE and HE ONLY made this possible. We look forward to serving HIM as a family of eight and how HE will use each one of us in the years to come.
In Christ, Tom
Well, we are in our last week here!! We can't wait to get home. We miss family and friends, normalcy, our home, etc. (oh, the kids said our dog Lilly also). This past week we went to get visa photos and ordered passports for the kids. They also had a doctor's visit per the US assembly's requirement. Most importantly, we signed the paperwork making Monika Grace, Kira Alexandra, and Drew Laci Official Nemeth's!!! We are so excited! They are doing very well.
Kristin's parents (my favorite in-laws) came a week ago. They're only 5-10 minutes up the road and we've had a great time together with them. They've sure gotten a taste of Budapest in a short time. We are very thankful and grateful to have their support and help with this adoption.
Last Monday we took a boat tour on the Duna (Danube in English) River. What a beautiful city from the river we saw and the history we learned behind the city was amazing. We settled on Margaret Island we enjoyed the open grassy area and the kids played.
Cooking here has been a real challenge. We can't read what things are so we are hoping we buy the right thing and put in the right amount. Many things are not found here in the grocery stores that we take for granted in America. For example, for the first few weeks we thought we were buying ground beef when we were actually buying ground lamb. Of course, no one in the grocery store speaks English. All their spaghetti is made with egg noodles, you can't find any peanut butter here. This is a "green" country - no paper plates, cups, etc. here at all. One thing that is difficult to find here is Mexican food. Well, last week we found Iguana Mexican restaurant only two blocks from the US Embassy. AND it was GOOD!! The weather has continued to be great here- low to mid 70's just about every day.
It's interesting that when we first got here it was the off season and no one spoke English. Now that the weather is warmer and Spring is here, I'm noticing a few English speaking tourists. What little Hungarian I know, I learned from my family when I was little. But I noticed that some of the words I used back then with my family are different and not used today in Budapest. The language has certainly changed slightly over the last few decades.
Well, Thursday we will be arriving home in Indianapolis late afternoon.
God Bless and thank you for all your prayers and support. God is praised for this adoption as HE and HE ONLY made this possible. We look forward to serving HIM as a family of eight and how HE will use each one of us in the years to come.
In Christ, Tom
Friday, April 24, 2009
Pictures of the Nemeth's
Above - church in Kophaza - where my Nagypapa Presits is from and his family.
Above- The Presits family church in Sopron. 
Church that my Dad was baptized in and Nemeth family church in Fertozseplak.
Above - In front of my Dad's home in Fertoszeplak. 
Above- The bedroom of my Dad's home. He slept in the wooden piece that pulls out into a bed.
Gage standing next to my Dad's home and behind the well.
Gage and Alexa standing in front of Nagypapa Nemeth's workshop.
Inside Nagypapa Nemeth's workshop. Those are his original tools.
In Sopron, with my mother's and her family's Catholic church in the background. This is where she was baptized.
In Sopron at our favorite Ice Cream Parlor.
In Hotel Angela south of Debrecen. The first week we met the children.
At the Budapest Zoo on the Pest side. The two little girls in purple are our Adoption coordinator's girls.
At the Buda Castle in Budapest along the Duna River. 
Above - In Budapest at Pizza Hut.Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hi from Tom
Hi - Tom here,
I'm been blessed to meet family here in Hungary. A couple Sunday's ago we visited Andrea, her Dad, Estee, and her Husband - 3rd cousins on my Nagymama Presits side (Mom's side). We also met with my 3rd cousin on my Dad's side (Laci Ujvari) and his wife. They invited us to his Father house for Easter. We had a great time. This is my Grandfather's younger sister's son and grandson on my Dad's side.
Now to the kids. They are adorable!! Loving, Cute, Happy. All of them. They love to be tickled before bed. They love to kiss and hug and are very affectionate. What a blessing. They are adjusting well to the adoption. We are all coming together as one family. Praise God!! Laci has a great smile. A lot of energy, loves trucks and balls. He loves Gage and Cole and rough housing with them. He has to be cuttled and held before going to bed. If it not Monika or Kira Alexandra doing this, guess who is next! Kira is talkative and outgoing. She loves talking on the phone and helping in the kitchen. She is a handful, but very loving and caring. Monika is quiet and strong. She is a peace maker and comforter to her younger siblings. She is also very caring and loving. They all love to wrestle and play and be held.
That's all for now. Thank you so much for you prayers.
God Bless you all,
Tom
I'm been blessed to meet family here in Hungary. A couple Sunday's ago we visited Andrea, her Dad, Estee, and her Husband - 3rd cousins on my Nagymama Presits side (Mom's side). We also met with my 3rd cousin on my Dad's side (Laci Ujvari) and his wife. They invited us to his Father house for Easter. We had a great time. This is my Grandfather's younger sister's son and grandson on my Dad's side.
Now to the kids. They are adorable!! Loving, Cute, Happy. All of them. They love to be tickled before bed. They love to kiss and hug and are very affectionate. What a blessing. They are adjusting well to the adoption. We are all coming together as one family. Praise God!! Laci has a great smile. A lot of energy, loves trucks and balls. He loves Gage and Cole and rough housing with them. He has to be cuttled and held before going to bed. If it not Monika or Kira Alexandra doing this, guess who is next! Kira is talkative and outgoing. She loves talking on the phone and helping in the kitchen. She is a handful, but very loving and caring. Monika is quiet and strong. She is a peace maker and comforter to her younger siblings. She is also very caring and loving. They all love to wrestle and play and be held.
That's all for now. Thank you so much for you prayers.
God Bless you all,
Tom
We just got back from Sopron!
Hi Everyone,
We are still here!!! We did not fall off the face of the earth. I know that a lot of you think we might have, but no we are working through some internet frustration. It comes and goes and to get someone out to even look at the situation has taken 5 weeks. Hungarian time is not the same as American time. We are learning that tomorrow maybe 4-5 weeks or so. I am getting a perfect opportunity to work on my patience. All fun aside I have been growing in understanding!!! We will be home in just 2 weeks, which is unbelievable to think how the time has gone. We went to Sopron last Friday and the train ride was beautiful. The city of Sopron is something out of a movie. It is so well looked after and historic. The people all speak Hungarian and German because the border of Austria is just a few minutes away. We went to the neighborhood where Tom's mom lived and her family lived. It was beautiful. We also saw the Catholic church they attended and Tom's mom was baptized in. We ate ice cream like it was coming out of our ears. Everyday we would go to the ice cream shop and get a scoop. It was amazing!!!!! One word of caution - if ever in Hungary at a Pizza place -don't order "pepperoni" because you'll get green peppers. They know what salami is though. The hotel we stayed in was beautiful and historic. The newest additions had never gone swimming before so that was very interesting at first. Monika still has the skin off my back under her finger nails!!!! OUCH!!!!! Once they got used to it they really got into it. I had to use my life saving (lifeguard) techniques a few times and save some cute little Hungarian's. They were not quite sure what to do with the goggles but they wanted them just the same. We visited many of Tom's relatives on all sides literally. Saturday we went to Fertoszeplak to see where Tom's Dad, aunts, and grandparents were born and to see the home his Dad lived in that has now been turned into a museum. The museum was closed even though it was supposed to be open. We had already paid the driver so we went to the Catholic church and took pictures. We saw a lot of Nemeths on a plaque from the first congregation and later found out that they were all related. WOW!!. We then met a kind old woman who lived next door to the museum and she knew Tom's name and that he was the son of Laszlo Nemeth. It was weird to be half way around the world and have never met these people and they knew things about Tom's family that I did not even know. She pointed to where some Nemeths lived and said they were all family, so go say hi and they will have the key to the museum. Sure enough they were right, Tom's Nagypapa's (dad side) oldest bother's son (Gyula Nemeth) and his sons live right there in that village. They all look like Tom!!!! We were welcomed into their homes and treated to pastries (and Coke) because after all Tom's family are the Bakers for the village and the surrounding villages!!! (The other son (Tom's 3rd cousin) is a wood maker.) Oh boy can they BAKE!!!!! We also had the opportunity to see the Bakery under the home of Tom's cousin. Well need less to say, we never got back to the museum that night because we had to hurry back to the Hotel to see Tom's cousins on his Mom's side (Presits) side who were coming in from Austria. We can not leave the country with our Newest additions. We had dinner with them (Eva and Heni) and did not get to bed until very late that night. The next day in the afternoon, we went to the museum and it was awesome to see Nagypapa Nemeth's tool shed and the actual tools he used. We also saw Tom's dad's (Laszlo) bed and the stove that Nagymama used to cook for her family. The people who run the museum for the tourist department of Hungary guided us through and let us take pictures and see, feel, examine all the things of Tom's family that was still there. It was something to see time stopped and preserved for the public to see and experience. There were four houses next to each other that were in the museum. One was set up in the 1850's (Tom's Grandfather's home), another 1900, 1930, and 1950. It was great to see how people lived back then. We left the museum with postcards, flowers, pamphlets, honey, baskets, and a written history about the Nemeth house. They treated us like royalty and were very kind. That morning before, we visited with one of Tom's other 3rd cousins - Martha (this one is his Dad's Mom's sisters's granddaughter. We also met her mother (Margaret) and he husband. Martha teaches English in a high school in Sopron. We enjoyed our time with her. She was extremely helpful in getting us a driver for all 8 of us out to Fertoszeplak. She also told us a little about the history of what happened to the family after Communism took hold in Hungary after World War II. The Russians were not supposed to stay in Hungary, Romania, ect. after the war but, they did. The world just looked the other way because we did not want a WWIII on our hands and the Russians were so so so powerful. Many families including Tom's were in direct opposition to Communism and all it stands for so they were targeted after the Revolution of 1956. Martha tells us of a time when the Communist soldiers came and took her father away for four months. The Communist tortured him and did terrible things to him that I can not even say because of all the kids reading this blog. The people here in Hungary have suffered for years in a state of FEAR!!!! They are only just now feeling like the nightmare is over. I have a hard time even understanding what that would be like to be told what to do, how to do it, and still knowing even if I did nothing wrong I still could be drug off and tortured or worse killed like so many I have personally heard about since coming to this country. I pray the Lord will protect the minds of these dear people and heal their memories of such a terrible time in Hungarian history where the rights of all Hungarians were taken away and could only be dreamed about. The six children and I went to Bascilla Castle, Heros Square, and a Roman Catholic Church that seats 8,000 people today (while Tom worked). Of course, it was very beautiful and the art work out of this world!!!! Monika, Kira Alexandra, and Drew Laci are really starting to fit in well with the routine of this family, which is no easy thing to do. If you know us we are pretty routine and Tom likes things a certain way. In all actuality I think it has helped the children to know what to expect and how things are done. Tom is not much for change so the toilet paper will always roll from the back down and the kids will always have milk for meal times even if they are in their thirties. I love that man so much it is no easy job to balance all that he is between work, foreign currency, language barriers, extended family arrangements, and did I mention the reason we are here adding THREE new members to our family (kind of like triplets). God Bless you all and keep up the prayers because we feel them!!!! Pray the credit cards hold out because we have maxed out one already!!!!!! I almost forgot to tell you all!!!!!!! last week right before we were to go to Sopron we were awarded a grant for $7,500 by the Gift of Adoption!!!!!! WoW!!!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! When the Lord calls you to go you don't ask how???? He is faithful to finish the work in You that He has started. We are living on FAITH and the LOVE of our Father!!!! Oh and we also found out that if we did not come along to adopt all three children (siblings) they were set to be separated for a quick adoption!!!!!!!!!!! God is Good ALL!!
We are still here!!! We did not fall off the face of the earth. I know that a lot of you think we might have, but no we are working through some internet frustration. It comes and goes and to get someone out to even look at the situation has taken 5 weeks. Hungarian time is not the same as American time. We are learning that tomorrow maybe 4-5 weeks or so. I am getting a perfect opportunity to work on my patience. All fun aside I have been growing in understanding!!! We will be home in just 2 weeks, which is unbelievable to think how the time has gone. We went to Sopron last Friday and the train ride was beautiful. The city of Sopron is something out of a movie. It is so well looked after and historic. The people all speak Hungarian and German because the border of Austria is just a few minutes away. We went to the neighborhood where Tom's mom lived and her family lived. It was beautiful. We also saw the Catholic church they attended and Tom's mom was baptized in. We ate ice cream like it was coming out of our ears. Everyday we would go to the ice cream shop and get a scoop. It was amazing!!!!! One word of caution - if ever in Hungary at a Pizza place -don't order "pepperoni" because you'll get green peppers. They know what salami is though. The hotel we stayed in was beautiful and historic. The newest additions had never gone swimming before so that was very interesting at first. Monika still has the skin off my back under her finger nails!!!! OUCH!!!!! Once they got used to it they really got into it. I had to use my life saving (lifeguard) techniques a few times and save some cute little Hungarian's. They were not quite sure what to do with the goggles but they wanted them just the same. We visited many of Tom's relatives on all sides literally. Saturday we went to Fertoszeplak to see where Tom's Dad, aunts, and grandparents were born and to see the home his Dad lived in that has now been turned into a museum. The museum was closed even though it was supposed to be open. We had already paid the driver so we went to the Catholic church and took pictures. We saw a lot of Nemeths on a plaque from the first congregation and later found out that they were all related. WOW!!. We then met a kind old woman who lived next door to the museum and she knew Tom's name and that he was the son of Laszlo Nemeth. It was weird to be half way around the world and have never met these people and they knew things about Tom's family that I did not even know. She pointed to where some Nemeths lived and said they were all family, so go say hi and they will have the key to the museum. Sure enough they were right, Tom's Nagypapa's (dad side) oldest bother's son (Gyula Nemeth) and his sons live right there in that village. They all look like Tom!!!! We were welcomed into their homes and treated to pastries (and Coke) because after all Tom's family are the Bakers for the village and the surrounding villages!!! (The other son (Tom's 3rd cousin) is a wood maker.) Oh boy can they BAKE!!!!! We also had the opportunity to see the Bakery under the home of Tom's cousin. Well need less to say, we never got back to the museum that night because we had to hurry back to the Hotel to see Tom's cousins on his Mom's side (Presits) side who were coming in from Austria. We can not leave the country with our Newest additions. We had dinner with them (Eva and Heni) and did not get to bed until very late that night. The next day in the afternoon, we went to the museum and it was awesome to see Nagypapa Nemeth's tool shed and the actual tools he used. We also saw Tom's dad's (Laszlo) bed and the stove that Nagymama used to cook for her family. The people who run the museum for the tourist department of Hungary guided us through and let us take pictures and see, feel, examine all the things of Tom's family that was still there. It was something to see time stopped and preserved for the public to see and experience. There were four houses next to each other that were in the museum. One was set up in the 1850's (Tom's Grandfather's home), another 1900, 1930, and 1950. It was great to see how people lived back then. We left the museum with postcards, flowers, pamphlets, honey, baskets, and a written history about the Nemeth house. They treated us like royalty and were very kind. That morning before, we visited with one of Tom's other 3rd cousins - Martha (this one is his Dad's Mom's sisters's granddaughter. We also met her mother (Margaret) and he husband. Martha teaches English in a high school in Sopron. We enjoyed our time with her. She was extremely helpful in getting us a driver for all 8 of us out to Fertoszeplak. She also told us a little about the history of what happened to the family after Communism took hold in Hungary after World War II. The Russians were not supposed to stay in Hungary, Romania, ect. after the war but, they did. The world just looked the other way because we did not want a WWIII on our hands and the Russians were so so so powerful. Many families including Tom's were in direct opposition to Communism and all it stands for so they were targeted after the Revolution of 1956. Martha tells us of a time when the Communist soldiers came and took her father away for four months. The Communist tortured him and did terrible things to him that I can not even say because of all the kids reading this blog. The people here in Hungary have suffered for years in a state of FEAR!!!! They are only just now feeling like the nightmare is over. I have a hard time even understanding what that would be like to be told what to do, how to do it, and still knowing even if I did nothing wrong I still could be drug off and tortured or worse killed like so many I have personally heard about since coming to this country. I pray the Lord will protect the minds of these dear people and heal their memories of such a terrible time in Hungarian history where the rights of all Hungarians were taken away and could only be dreamed about. The six children and I went to Bascilla Castle, Heros Square, and a Roman Catholic Church that seats 8,000 people today (while Tom worked). Of course, it was very beautiful and the art work out of this world!!!! Monika, Kira Alexandra, and Drew Laci are really starting to fit in well with the routine of this family, which is no easy thing to do. If you know us we are pretty routine and Tom likes things a certain way. In all actuality I think it has helped the children to know what to expect and how things are done. Tom is not much for change so the toilet paper will always roll from the back down and the kids will always have milk for meal times even if they are in their thirties. I love that man so much it is no easy job to balance all that he is between work, foreign currency, language barriers, extended family arrangements, and did I mention the reason we are here adding THREE new members to our family (kind of like triplets). God Bless you all and keep up the prayers because we feel them!!!! Pray the credit cards hold out because we have maxed out one already!!!!!! I almost forgot to tell you all!!!!!!! last week right before we were to go to Sopron we were awarded a grant for $7,500 by the Gift of Adoption!!!!!! WoW!!!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! When the Lord calls you to go you don't ask how???? He is faithful to finish the work in You that He has started. We are living on FAITH and the LOVE of our Father!!!! Oh and we also found out that if we did not come along to adopt all three children (siblings) they were set to be separated for a quick adoption!!!!!!!!!!! God is Good ALL!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Hello to the States!!!!
I have email! I thought this day would never come!!!!! Everyone said it was Hungarian red tape but, I did not believe them. Well now I am a believer! Things are never what it seems. Ok so I am back on the internet after three long weeks and do not know what to say. I don't know where to start. We have been in Budapest for about two and a half weeks. Wow !!!! OK. Between fixing meals, cleaning up, baths, and dealing with a lot of emotional children trying to adjust I do not have much time for anything else. I think I am learning more Hungarian then the kids are learning English. No I am just kidding but, really the children fit right in here with the Magyar people and there is very litttle English spoken here in Budapest. The people are very reserved to say the least. The culture is very different from the USA. People are very interested in us but, do not want us to talk to them. Grocery shopping can be a bit stressful with six children and no meat is labeled in English so we have had lamb, pork, liver ect.... thinking it was ground hamburger. Liver is big here!!!! The three youngest Nemeths have been raised on Liver and a whole lot of it. They love Liver!!!! The three oldest Nemeths are disguisted by the sight of it. So I have them literally gagging and Cole actually threw up his lunch watching the three younger ones eat liver patae or however you spell it.
The city is very interesting and we are getting quite good at mastering the metro system. The law here prohibats any building higher then 15 stories but, I have not even seen one more than 10 stories as of yet. We have gone to the Circus, Zoo, Parks, and many musuems. We went to the Buda Castle last weekend and saw a spectacular site from top the Buda Hills on to the city which is the Pest side.
We live in a two hundred year old apartment (flat). So that can be very interesting at times. Between water ice cold or burning hot or not at all, no electricity, I think I will never complain about my home again. The air is full of dirt and smog. People wear masks over their faces to protect their lungs from all the dust in the air. Communism has definetely taken its toll on these people. We went to our interpretors house on Sprinkling Monday which is an Hungarian Holiday. The men and boys will take colgne say a poem and spray the heads of all the women and girls in the house. I smelled like a cheap perfume store that night but, I was in good company because every other female did too. We have gotten close to our Andrea and her family through this whole thing and will continue a relationship. Pray for Andrea and her four girls they have suffered the lose of a wonderful husband and father through a bomb blast in Turkey. They hurt so deeply it is painful to all who care for this wonderful family.
On to the Nemeth news. We are doing well. The children are adjusting to eachother and we are bonding as a family quite remarkably. Gage and Cole have taken Drew over completely. The girls are very close to me and will fight for my attention. When Tom comes home from work he is about knocked off his feet by a stampede of Nemeths ready to greet him. We get all kinds of looks when we walk down the street because we all hold hands so its like a wall coming at you and poeple are not quite sure what to do. The children have poor hygiene which we are not surprised, the first night I gave them a bath they just screamed and screamed. When Tom went to help brush their teeth they did not know what to do. Monika and Kira have major decay. Monika has her permanent teeth so this will be a major undertaking. Pray for Monika she has had a very heard time in her short life and will need some abdomanal surgery as well as follow up with a cardiologist in the states. Monika is strong and very responsive to the entire family. She is very open when I show her affection and has had to be the Mommy way to long!!!! She has gladly is passed that job to me. Kira (Alexandra) is very loving and mommy's big helper. She loves to sweep, clean bathrooms, chop vegtables, and wash dishes. She has a very strong personality and emotionally takes over if I am not on it. She is very intelligent and is picking up English very quickly. Drew (Laszlo) is very much the all boy kind of kid. He only knows try and try until you hit a brick wall and then climb, climb climb. He is the snuggle bug and the baby of the family in everyway. Tom has taken an immediate liking to him and Tom usually can be seen with his lips wrapped around Drew. The five older Nemeths miss home desperately and can't wait to go home to the point of tears sometimes. (I just hold Tom until he stops crying even if it takes all night!!!! HAHAHA) We have not been gone from home for a month ever so it is very hard.
The three youngest Nemeths are amazed at everything from escalators, boats, elevators, dvds, cell phones, restaurants, and well just about anything that is modern. They can not help pushing buttons on everything from the refrigerator off button to the subway emergency door opener! OH ohyahhh!!! That was fun!!!! Washing machines absolutely undue them, they can not figure out how the box can clean clothes.
We have enjoyed seeing Tom's family I think the most of all. They are so excited to see all of us even the newest additions. They have alot of family stories and alot of missing pieces to the Nemeth/Presits history. These two families as well as all the Hungarian people are resiliant, strong, and most of all determined to never give up!!! in the face of all kinds of difficulties. I did not know that the biggest Jewish synaguage in Europe is right here in Budapest. 250,000 Jews were killed during World War 2 here in Hungary. Thousands were shot into the Duna River and as a Memorial they have bronzed hundreds of shoes right next to this terrible site all along the river. Well I don't want to end on that note so I will end on this one! I am missing you all terribly and my prayers are with you in the States as you pick out homeschooling materials, go to work, recovering from surgeries, ministering to others, and going about your lives as well. Jesus is Lord of ALL! He sees ALL!!! He LOVES ALL!!!! But!! MOST OF ALL HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD AND HE IS LORD!!!!!!!EVERY KNEEE SHALL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!!!! Until we meet again, Kristin
The city is very interesting and we are getting quite good at mastering the metro system. The law here prohibats any building higher then 15 stories but, I have not even seen one more than 10 stories as of yet. We have gone to the Circus, Zoo, Parks, and many musuems. We went to the Buda Castle last weekend and saw a spectacular site from top the Buda Hills on to the city which is the Pest side.
We live in a two hundred year old apartment (flat). So that can be very interesting at times. Between water ice cold or burning hot or not at all, no electricity, I think I will never complain about my home again. The air is full of dirt and smog. People wear masks over their faces to protect their lungs from all the dust in the air. Communism has definetely taken its toll on these people. We went to our interpretors house on Sprinkling Monday which is an Hungarian Holiday. The men and boys will take colgne say a poem and spray the heads of all the women and girls in the house. I smelled like a cheap perfume store that night but, I was in good company because every other female did too. We have gotten close to our Andrea and her family through this whole thing and will continue a relationship. Pray for Andrea and her four girls they have suffered the lose of a wonderful husband and father through a bomb blast in Turkey. They hurt so deeply it is painful to all who care for this wonderful family.
On to the Nemeth news. We are doing well. The children are adjusting to eachother and we are bonding as a family quite remarkably. Gage and Cole have taken Drew over completely. The girls are very close to me and will fight for my attention. When Tom comes home from work he is about knocked off his feet by a stampede of Nemeths ready to greet him. We get all kinds of looks when we walk down the street because we all hold hands so its like a wall coming at you and poeple are not quite sure what to do. The children have poor hygiene which we are not surprised, the first night I gave them a bath they just screamed and screamed. When Tom went to help brush their teeth they did not know what to do. Monika and Kira have major decay. Monika has her permanent teeth so this will be a major undertaking. Pray for Monika she has had a very heard time in her short life and will need some abdomanal surgery as well as follow up with a cardiologist in the states. Monika is strong and very responsive to the entire family. She is very open when I show her affection and has had to be the Mommy way to long!!!! She has gladly is passed that job to me. Kira (Alexandra) is very loving and mommy's big helper. She loves to sweep, clean bathrooms, chop vegtables, and wash dishes. She has a very strong personality and emotionally takes over if I am not on it. She is very intelligent and is picking up English very quickly. Drew (Laszlo) is very much the all boy kind of kid. He only knows try and try until you hit a brick wall and then climb, climb climb. He is the snuggle bug and the baby of the family in everyway. Tom has taken an immediate liking to him and Tom usually can be seen with his lips wrapped around Drew. The five older Nemeths miss home desperately and can't wait to go home to the point of tears sometimes. (I just hold Tom until he stops crying even if it takes all night!!!! HAHAHA) We have not been gone from home for a month ever so it is very hard.
The three youngest Nemeths are amazed at everything from escalators, boats, elevators, dvds, cell phones, restaurants, and well just about anything that is modern. They can not help pushing buttons on everything from the refrigerator off button to the subway emergency door opener! OH ohyahhh!!! That was fun!!!! Washing machines absolutely undue them, they can not figure out how the box can clean clothes.
We have enjoyed seeing Tom's family I think the most of all. They are so excited to see all of us even the newest additions. They have alot of family stories and alot of missing pieces to the Nemeth/Presits history. These two families as well as all the Hungarian people are resiliant, strong, and most of all determined to never give up!!! in the face of all kinds of difficulties. I did not know that the biggest Jewish synaguage in Europe is right here in Budapest. 250,000 Jews were killed during World War 2 here in Hungary. Thousands were shot into the Duna River and as a Memorial they have bronzed hundreds of shoes right next to this terrible site all along the river. Well I don't want to end on that note so I will end on this one! I am missing you all terribly and my prayers are with you in the States as you pick out homeschooling materials, go to work, recovering from surgeries, ministering to others, and going about your lives as well. Jesus is Lord of ALL! He sees ALL!!! He LOVES ALL!!!! But!! MOST OF ALL HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD AND HE IS LORD!!!!!!!EVERY KNEEE SHALL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!!!! Until we meet again, Kristin
Friday, April 3, 2009
Hi again from Budapest
Friday, April 3rd,
Tom Here.
Okay, our apartment email has been down for a week and I haven't had time a work to post. Thus, the late posts. Kristin is going nuts not having internet on in the apartment. It should be on in a few days.
It's been a pretty good week. We went to the zoo Tuesday. The kids (and us adults) had a great time. Our adoption coordinator met us there with two of her children. Very nice zoo, I had trouble pulling Kristin and the kids away from the Hippos. (I think after 30 minutes taking pictures of Hippos is enough). They were very friendly and quite interesting. The kids were able to feed them Alpha hay. We were able to get very close to them as with many of the animals there. You can't get that close in the US.
Each night we would make a trip to the local playground next to the Duna River just south of our apartment. Last night we walked Raday Ut. Each night it is lively, with many restaurants, shops, and people. We stopped for Dinner and had some amazing fries.
The kids are picking up some English words and are beginning to call use Mommy and Daddy instead of Kristin Neni and Tom Ba'csi. This morning at 3am Kira Alexandra had a bad dream and decided to get in bed with us. A couple hours later I put her back in her bed as she likes to turn sideways and push us off the bed. Drew Laci does that also.
I made contact with some of my relatives and our calendar is starting to look a little busy. This Saturday, Laci and Viki Ujvari will come to Budapest for the afternoon to meet me and my family. We have spoken on the phone but not in person. He is my Nagymama (grandmother) Ottilia Nemeth's (on my Dad's side) sister's Grandson. So we are 3rd cousins. His mother has invited my family for the day to Gyor for Easter Sunday. Gyor is about 2 hours north west of Budapest.
Next Sunday we are visiting Andrea and Estee Gyuracz. They are my 3rd cousins on my mom's side. They are my Nagymama (Grandmother) Presits' (mom's side) Sisters' Granddaughters. We've been invited to Andrea's apartment for Dinner.
On Sunday, April 19th we will visit another 3rd cousin and her family in Sopron. Her name is Martha and she teaches English in the schools there. She is my Nagymama Nemeth's (Dad's side) sisters' granddaughter. (My grandmother Ottilia had 9 or 10 siblings)
Also, while in Sopron plan to meet with other cousins on my Mom's side of the family. So our calendar is filling up a bit.
The kids - They are all getting along very well. Gage and Cole now know how to play chess and lot it. Alexa loves being the older sister and Kira Alexandra and Monika love even more Alexa as an older sister. Laci is really enjoying Gage and Cole.
That's all for now.
Szervusz (hi or bye)
Szia (see ya)
God Bless Tom
Tom Here.
Okay, our apartment email has been down for a week and I haven't had time a work to post. Thus, the late posts. Kristin is going nuts not having internet on in the apartment. It should be on in a few days.
It's been a pretty good week. We went to the zoo Tuesday. The kids (and us adults) had a great time. Our adoption coordinator met us there with two of her children. Very nice zoo, I had trouble pulling Kristin and the kids away from the Hippos. (I think after 30 minutes taking pictures of Hippos is enough). They were very friendly and quite interesting. The kids were able to feed them Alpha hay. We were able to get very close to them as with many of the animals there. You can't get that close in the US.
Each night we would make a trip to the local playground next to the Duna River just south of our apartment. Last night we walked Raday Ut. Each night it is lively, with many restaurants, shops, and people. We stopped for Dinner and had some amazing fries.
The kids are picking up some English words and are beginning to call use Mommy and Daddy instead of Kristin Neni and Tom Ba'csi. This morning at 3am Kira Alexandra had a bad dream and decided to get in bed with us. A couple hours later I put her back in her bed as she likes to turn sideways and push us off the bed. Drew Laci does that also.
I made contact with some of my relatives and our calendar is starting to look a little busy. This Saturday, Laci and Viki Ujvari will come to Budapest for the afternoon to meet me and my family. We have spoken on the phone but not in person. He is my Nagymama (grandmother) Ottilia Nemeth's (on my Dad's side) sister's Grandson. So we are 3rd cousins. His mother has invited my family for the day to Gyor for Easter Sunday. Gyor is about 2 hours north west of Budapest.
Next Sunday we are visiting Andrea and Estee Gyuracz. They are my 3rd cousins on my mom's side. They are my Nagymama (Grandmother) Presits' (mom's side) Sisters' Granddaughters. We've been invited to Andrea's apartment for Dinner.
On Sunday, April 19th we will visit another 3rd cousin and her family in Sopron. Her name is Martha and she teaches English in the schools there. She is my Nagymama Nemeth's (Dad's side) sisters' granddaughter. (My grandmother Ottilia had 9 or 10 siblings)
Also, while in Sopron plan to meet with other cousins on my Mom's side of the family. So our calendar is filling up a bit.
The kids - They are all getting along very well. Gage and Cole now know how to play chess and lot it. Alexa loves being the older sister and Kira Alexandra and Monika love even more Alexa as an older sister. Laci is really enjoying Gage and Cole.
That's all for now.
Szervusz (hi or bye)
Szia (see ya)
God Bless Tom
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Hello from Budapest
Hi from Budapest, Hungary
Sunday, March 29, 2009
This afternoon we thought we’d take a quick trip out to the grocery store for a few things. So we got all the kids ready and took off out the door. But when we arrived at the store it was closed. In fact everything accept McDonald’s was closed. So we walked along the Duna River and heading south. We came to a circled tower and the kids enjoyed running up and down it. Next to it was a maze of bushes. The kids enjoyed that the most as they ask me to navigate them through the maze. Next we went a little further south to the Ludwig museum. We found out that every Sunday they have crafts for the kids. And the last Sunday of the month is free to all children and adults accompanying a child. The kids did pretty good while walking through the exhibit halls. After that we headed back toward the apartment, but stopped along the way to have fun in a playground we found. By this time it started to rain, so we headed back.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Today, I went to work while Kristin and the kids made that grocery trip.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
This afternoon we thought we’d take a quick trip out to the grocery store for a few things. So we got all the kids ready and took off out the door. But when we arrived at the store it was closed. In fact everything accept McDonald’s was closed. So we walked along the Duna River and heading south. We came to a circled tower and the kids enjoyed running up and down it. Next to it was a maze of bushes. The kids enjoyed that the most as they ask me to navigate them through the maze. Next we went a little further south to the Ludwig museum. We found out that every Sunday they have crafts for the kids. And the last Sunday of the month is free to all children and adults accompanying a child. The kids did pretty good while walking through the exhibit halls. After that we headed back toward the apartment, but stopped along the way to have fun in a playground we found. By this time it started to rain, so we headed back.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Today, I went to work while Kristin and the kids made that grocery trip.
Hi From Hungary
Hi from Hungary
Friday, March 27, 2009
Well, this was the day we dropped Gage, Alexa and Cole off at the foster home with Monika, Alexandra, and Laci as Andrea (Hungarian coordinator), Kristin and I went to Debrecen than to Hajfuboszormeny where we met with the adoption people there to sign paperwork to legally take the children. We will go back on April 28th to finalize the paperwork and our acceptance of the three children. We then went back to the foster home, where the foster mother fed us one last time. They are sweet wonderful people and we will miss them.
Kristin helped the foster mom pack and we were off for Budapest. Laszlo and Alexandra cried a little as we left. It was difficult. Monika, the oldest, comforted her brother and sister extremely well. Monika fits the older sister role extremely well. Last night I went out with Andrea to get A LOT of groceries. Andrea has been a wonderful help in so many ways.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Well, our first day as the Nemeth family of EIGHT!! This afternoon we took a trip in the city – a very large city. We are starting (a little) to get to understand the tram and subway system around here. We ended up (accidentally) in a festival right by the Duna River. We had some awesome Hungarian sausage and I managed to get Kristin out of there before buying out half the jewelry. Ha Ha. We plan to go back, as the festival will last until Easter.
From there we headed out to the zoo area and found a nice park and playground. The kids had a blast on a sort of bouncy town. We didn’t get to the Zoo today, but we’ll have plenty of opportunity over the next several weeks.
That’s all for now. Tom
Friday, March 27, 2009
Well, this was the day we dropped Gage, Alexa and Cole off at the foster home with Monika, Alexandra, and Laci as Andrea (Hungarian coordinator), Kristin and I went to Debrecen than to Hajfuboszormeny where we met with the adoption people there to sign paperwork to legally take the children. We will go back on April 28th to finalize the paperwork and our acceptance of the three children. We then went back to the foster home, where the foster mother fed us one last time. They are sweet wonderful people and we will miss them.
Kristin helped the foster mom pack and we were off for Budapest. Laszlo and Alexandra cried a little as we left. It was difficult. Monika, the oldest, comforted her brother and sister extremely well. Monika fits the older sister role extremely well. Last night I went out with Andrea to get A LOT of groceries. Andrea has been a wonderful help in so many ways.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Well, our first day as the Nemeth family of EIGHT!! This afternoon we took a trip in the city – a very large city. We are starting (a little) to get to understand the tram and subway system around here. We ended up (accidentally) in a festival right by the Duna River. We had some awesome Hungarian sausage and I managed to get Kristin out of there before buying out half the jewelry. Ha Ha. We plan to go back, as the festival will last until Easter.
From there we headed out to the zoo area and found a nice park and playground. The kids had a blast on a sort of bouncy town. We didn’t get to the Zoo today, but we’ll have plenty of opportunity over the next several weeks.
That’s all for now. Tom
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hungary March 25th
Salbus (Hello), it is now Wednesday the 25th at about 9:00 p.m.. But in Hungary it would read 21:00. Cole is getting very good at telling the time and figuring out the weather in Celsius. What an experience for the older Nemeth children. We met some of Tom’s relatives here at the Hotel Angela from Debrecen and they were very kind. I could not believe how much Tom looks like his Grandfather’s (NagyPapa’s) nephew Jozeph Presits. Oh my, he does. Jozeph, his wife and daughter ate with us last night. Christine (Tom’s sister) would feel right at home here as well. Everyone here looks like them.
The youngest Nemeth’s came for a visit to the Hotel today. Tom and Laci Ba’csi went to the foster home and picked them up with Cole, while Gage, Alexa, and I stayed at the hotel. When they came up in the van they were waving and smiling so I was relieved. The three children spent the day with us. We played outside; walked to the store to get ice cream, and painted nails (not the boys oh course). Alexandra is very much the girlie girl. Monika is a tom boy and played with the three boys (Gage, Cole, Laci) well, I should say four boys including Tom. Alexa, Alexandra, and I played dress up in my clothes and Alexa’s hair stuff. Laci Bacsi (the interpreter) exchanged positions with his daughter, Andrea this afternoon. We had dinner with her and the children really enjoyed talking to her because she is the mother of four children in Budapest. She asked the children questions and really let them talk. They loved it. Tom liked it as well because he was able to sit back and let me do the talking. The chef here at the Hotel Angela is very nice and made Tom and I stuffed peppers for dinner. The chef over heard Tom talking about NagyMama’s (grandmother) cooking and wanted to make it special for Tom. It was excellent!!! I seem to be talking a lot about food but, oh my can the Hungarians cook. When the children went back tonight to their foster home they all kissed us and did not want to go. I could not believe it. They really seem to be bonding with us. They tell us they love us and they even started to call us Mommy and Daddy today on their own. They hear our three older kids call us that and so they tried it on for size. I could not believe it when they said it. Monika first and then Alexandra, I tried to not look completely stunned but, it was hard. They watch us like hawks. Every move we make is observed and repeated. They are already learning English even without trying and we the 5 Nemeth’s are learning Hungarian. God is so good to us. I will be forever changed through this experience. My heart will be much more grateful and understanding.
We will be going to the zoo tomorrow – Jozeph Presits, Tunde (Jozeph’s daughter), Andrea (the interpreter) Tom, Gage, Alexandra, Monika, Cole, Laci, Alexa, and me. Pray for us this is the farthest these children have been away from their village. It will be about one hour away. It is to prepare them for the journey back to Budapest. I really appreciate the Hungarian Government because they are trying everything to not traumatize the children. Tom and I had an opportunity to witness once again to Andrea at dinner. She sees something in us that she can not understand, but is really searching. She said that she will go to church with us in Budapest when we return.
Kelly (my sister) we will be praying for Isabel’s ear drum. You all are close to my heart and my mind. Let me know if there is anything that I can be praying for you. One thing I am learning is family and friends are a gift from God and we should pray for each other because I know God is listening and He cares for us. I am living a MIRACLE in Hungary!! The Aunts (Neni’s) let me know if I am miss spelling things. Chucalum! (Hugs and kisses)
The youngest Nemeth’s came for a visit to the Hotel today. Tom and Laci Ba’csi went to the foster home and picked them up with Cole, while Gage, Alexa, and I stayed at the hotel. When they came up in the van they were waving and smiling so I was relieved. The three children spent the day with us. We played outside; walked to the store to get ice cream, and painted nails (not the boys oh course). Alexandra is very much the girlie girl. Monika is a tom boy and played with the three boys (Gage, Cole, Laci) well, I should say four boys including Tom. Alexa, Alexandra, and I played dress up in my clothes and Alexa’s hair stuff. Laci Bacsi (the interpreter) exchanged positions with his daughter, Andrea this afternoon. We had dinner with her and the children really enjoyed talking to her because she is the mother of four children in Budapest. She asked the children questions and really let them talk. They loved it. Tom liked it as well because he was able to sit back and let me do the talking. The chef here at the Hotel Angela is very nice and made Tom and I stuffed peppers for dinner. The chef over heard Tom talking about NagyMama’s (grandmother) cooking and wanted to make it special for Tom. It was excellent!!! I seem to be talking a lot about food but, oh my can the Hungarians cook. When the children went back tonight to their foster home they all kissed us and did not want to go. I could not believe it. They really seem to be bonding with us. They tell us they love us and they even started to call us Mommy and Daddy today on their own. They hear our three older kids call us that and so they tried it on for size. I could not believe it when they said it. Monika first and then Alexandra, I tried to not look completely stunned but, it was hard. They watch us like hawks. Every move we make is observed and repeated. They are already learning English even without trying and we the 5 Nemeth’s are learning Hungarian. God is so good to us. I will be forever changed through this experience. My heart will be much more grateful and understanding.
We will be going to the zoo tomorrow – Jozeph Presits, Tunde (Jozeph’s daughter), Andrea (the interpreter) Tom, Gage, Alexandra, Monika, Cole, Laci, Alexa, and me. Pray for us this is the farthest these children have been away from their village. It will be about one hour away. It is to prepare them for the journey back to Budapest. I really appreciate the Hungarian Government because they are trying everything to not traumatize the children. Tom and I had an opportunity to witness once again to Andrea at dinner. She sees something in us that she can not understand, but is really searching. She said that she will go to church with us in Budapest when we return.
Kelly (my sister) we will be praying for Isabel’s ear drum. You all are close to my heart and my mind. Let me know if there is anything that I can be praying for you. One thing I am learning is family and friends are a gift from God and we should pray for each other because I know God is listening and He cares for us. I am living a MIRACLE in Hungary!! The Aunts (Neni’s) let me know if I am miss spelling things. Chucalum! (Hugs and kisses)
Tuesday, March 24th in Hungary
Salbus (Hello), from Foldes, Hungary. We are in our second week already. I can not believe that time is flying by so quickly. Monday, we went to Debrecen to sign paperwork to start the adoption process. We did not hesitate. Then we tried to find a bank, which ended up to be a challenge and turned into a crazy afternoon. Exchanging money can be difficult if you are not in Budapest. It can also be frustrating because some places prefer the Euro, but the forint is accepted everywhere. We are getting very good at watching the whole financial scene unfold around the world and the fluctuation of the Dollar versus the Euro or Forint.
We put our lives once again in the hands of Laci Ba’csi when we road with him into Debrecen. God is really protecting us because the man does not know the difference between a road and a sidewalk!!!!!! I am not kidding. He drives like a crazy man. On the flip side we have grown very fond of the man. He really cares for us and the children we are adopting.
On to the visit yesterday (Monday) with the children. They are becoming very close to us in spirit. They are beginning to wander what is up? They ask us when they are coming with us to Budapest? We are told to say we do not know. It is hard for me because I am a straight forward person who tells the truth and does not hold back very well. Tom is laughing at me now!!!! I enjoy spending time with the children, but I would like to be the Mommy now. It is hard being in the shadows. The foster family is very gracious to us beyond words!!!!! They feed us and feed us and feed us. It must be a Hungarian thing because when we visit Tom’s family, it is the same way! I can not seem to control myself because the food is very different than American, but extremely delicious. The pastries are out of this world. The bread is utterly amazing. The chocolate is divine. We will email again soon. Chuckalum. (Hugs and kisses)
We put our lives once again in the hands of Laci Ba’csi when we road with him into Debrecen. God is really protecting us because the man does not know the difference between a road and a sidewalk!!!!!! I am not kidding. He drives like a crazy man. On the flip side we have grown very fond of the man. He really cares for us and the children we are adopting.
On to the visit yesterday (Monday) with the children. They are becoming very close to us in spirit. They are beginning to wander what is up? They ask us when they are coming with us to Budapest? We are told to say we do not know. It is hard for me because I am a straight forward person who tells the truth and does not hold back very well. Tom is laughing at me now!!!! I enjoy spending time with the children, but I would like to be the Mommy now. It is hard being in the shadows. The foster family is very gracious to us beyond words!!!!! They feed us and feed us and feed us. It must be a Hungarian thing because when we visit Tom’s family, it is the same way! I can not seem to control myself because the food is very different than American, but extremely delicious. The pastries are out of this world. The bread is utterly amazing. The chocolate is divine. We will email again soon. Chuckalum. (Hugs and kisses)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunny Sunday in Hungary
Hi, Everyone from the Hotel Angela in Berettyoujfalu, Hungary,
We just got back from visitation with the newest Nemeths (town of Foldes, Hungary). It is getting a little harder for the foster family and for us as the time is closing in on the big exchange. Pray for us on Friday and Saturday. One of those days will be the day we take them to Budapest. The girls are asking when we will go. Lacika is very concerned and hanging on his foster mother. We were asked to stay the entire day today by the foster family. They are very poor but, made us a wonderful display of food. We were so moved, I almost could not eat. I felt like crying inside. It would have been terribly rude and ungrateful to not eat everything!!!! We had pork, kraut, sweet pickles, noodles, and peach juice. Anna (the foster mother) and Imi (the foster father) are so Godly and hospitable. They try so hard to please us. It is very hard for Tom and I to take all this attention. Imi gave us two shots of plum liquer and peach liquer. We tried to say no but, our interpretor (Laszlo) said to take it. OH, WOW it is sooooooooooooooo strong. I thought Toms Nagypapa's wine was strong, but no this stuff is way stronger!!!!! You can smell it across the room. Tom is not used to drinking and Imi was standing over him waiting for a reply. Toms ears went red and his face became flushed. I said "stop drinking or we will have to carry you out!" That would not have been good.
After lunch the family took us to some property they own - one small plot where they keep 60 or so Bee boxes to make honey. We played some soccer there. Then we went to an area with a stream where we fished. We didn't catch any fish but had fun. Alexandra would not give up. We finally had to pull her away from the stream. She is sooo determined. Once she sets her mind to it, that's it.
Zalton is the foster families second son. He is 22 year old and goes to the University of Budapest. He loves the Lord with all his heart. He is studying to be an Engineer. He has been here the entire weekend. He loves American Praise and Worship so Tom and I sang to him a praise song. He says the praise songs get him through. So Linda, long story short I gave him your ipod. I will buy you one when I get home. He is such a nice young man who works and pays his own way through school. He is so poor he sometimes does not have food to eat, but he would never tell his parents. He is also a musician. He plays guitar and harmonica with true worship. Self taught. He hears a song once and can play it. Wow.
The kids are bonding to us alittle each day. They are calling Tom -Tom Ba'csi and me-Kristin Neni which means an older person whom they respect like an Uncle or Aunt. The children have never been anywhere. They have only been to school, church, and home. Oh my goodness. They have no idea what is in store for them. They think the mini-van is so cool and we took them for a ride today in it and they giggled all the way down the road. I have a picture of them. I will send it to you all. I am concerned about the airplane and how they will react to it. That is 6 six weeks away so we have time to pray God's protection on their little minds.
Okay, on to tomorrow. We (Tom, the the older kids, Laszlo, and I) will be going into Debrecen to see the Child Adoption Authority and sign for the adoption to start. We may also see one of Tom's second cousins. We will rent a car, because we can not all fit into one van. Finally, back to Foldes (the village where the children live) to visit with them in the evening. We plan on going to the zoo on Tuesday in Debrecen for a test run with the three youngest, because they have never been that far. Oh boy, pray for us this is about to get a little interesting. ONE MINUTE AT A TIME is our new motto. We have given up on even trying to stay ahead of the curve, because we can not. We miss you all and our prayers and thoughts are with you. Kelly and the girls who sent us cards, wow what a wonderful idea. I have already opened two. Jane thank you for your encouraging words and Catherine you are such a support. Donna Steenbarger I am so thankful for your advice and love through this whole thing especially the dictionary!!!! Jill you are all that! Bible study gals keep praying we can feel it! To all the Hungarian relatives in Hungary and the USA we love you!
God Bless you all, Kristin
PS: I better not forget, mom and dad you are Jesus in skin to us.
We just got back from visitation with the newest Nemeths (town of Foldes, Hungary). It is getting a little harder for the foster family and for us as the time is closing in on the big exchange. Pray for us on Friday and Saturday. One of those days will be the day we take them to Budapest. The girls are asking when we will go. Lacika is very concerned and hanging on his foster mother. We were asked to stay the entire day today by the foster family. They are very poor but, made us a wonderful display of food. We were so moved, I almost could not eat. I felt like crying inside. It would have been terribly rude and ungrateful to not eat everything!!!! We had pork, kraut, sweet pickles, noodles, and peach juice. Anna (the foster mother) and Imi (the foster father) are so Godly and hospitable. They try so hard to please us. It is very hard for Tom and I to take all this attention. Imi gave us two shots of plum liquer and peach liquer. We tried to say no but, our interpretor (Laszlo) said to take it. OH, WOW it is sooooooooooooooo strong. I thought Toms Nagypapa's wine was strong, but no this stuff is way stronger!!!!! You can smell it across the room. Tom is not used to drinking and Imi was standing over him waiting for a reply. Toms ears went red and his face became flushed. I said "stop drinking or we will have to carry you out!" That would not have been good.
After lunch the family took us to some property they own - one small plot where they keep 60 or so Bee boxes to make honey. We played some soccer there. Then we went to an area with a stream where we fished. We didn't catch any fish but had fun. Alexandra would not give up. We finally had to pull her away from the stream. She is sooo determined. Once she sets her mind to it, that's it.
Zalton is the foster families second son. He is 22 year old and goes to the University of Budapest. He loves the Lord with all his heart. He is studying to be an Engineer. He has been here the entire weekend. He loves American Praise and Worship so Tom and I sang to him a praise song. He says the praise songs get him through. So Linda, long story short I gave him your ipod. I will buy you one when I get home. He is such a nice young man who works and pays his own way through school. He is so poor he sometimes does not have food to eat, but he would never tell his parents. He is also a musician. He plays guitar and harmonica with true worship. Self taught. He hears a song once and can play it. Wow.
The kids are bonding to us alittle each day. They are calling Tom -Tom Ba'csi and me-Kristin Neni which means an older person whom they respect like an Uncle or Aunt. The children have never been anywhere. They have only been to school, church, and home. Oh my goodness. They have no idea what is in store for them. They think the mini-van is so cool and we took them for a ride today in it and they giggled all the way down the road. I have a picture of them. I will send it to you all. I am concerned about the airplane and how they will react to it. That is 6 six weeks away so we have time to pray God's protection on their little minds.
Okay, on to tomorrow. We (Tom, the the older kids, Laszlo, and I) will be going into Debrecen to see the Child Adoption Authority and sign for the adoption to start. We may also see one of Tom's second cousins. We will rent a car, because we can not all fit into one van. Finally, back to Foldes (the village where the children live) to visit with them in the evening. We plan on going to the zoo on Tuesday in Debrecen for a test run with the three youngest, because they have never been that far. Oh boy, pray for us this is about to get a little interesting. ONE MINUTE AT A TIME is our new motto. We have given up on even trying to stay ahead of the curve, because we can not. We miss you all and our prayers and thoughts are with you. Kelly and the girls who sent us cards, wow what a wonderful idea. I have already opened two. Jane thank you for your encouraging words and Catherine you are such a support. Donna Steenbarger I am so thankful for your advice and love through this whole thing especially the dictionary!!!! Jill you are all that! Bible study gals keep praying we can feel it! To all the Hungarian relatives in Hungary and the USA we love you!
God Bless you all, Kristin
PS: I better not forget, mom and dad you are Jesus in skin to us.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Hi From the Border of Romania
We are here!!!! What a ride!!!! The last few days have been a lifetime. We arrrived safely. Tom and the boys first and then Alexa and I about 5 hours later. The apartment in Budapest is beautiful. It has a history all its own. The ceilings are 12 feet and higher. The apartment is on Raday St. which is one street from the Duna River which seperates the Buda from the Pest side. Budapest is trying to make its way out of communism and the oppression it brings. The people seem to either love us or dislike (only people on the street)us very much (American's). Tom went into work on Thursday at the Eli Lilly office and everyone was very excited to have him there. The kids and I went walked to McDonald's and then on to the grocery store. We were watched very carefully and people in the entire restaurant were listening to the children and me. Very curious about us Americans. At one point we were sitting at a table and an elderly woman stood right over the top of Gage tying to hear our conversation. It made him so nervous that he was complaining of a stomach ache. We in the USA seem to have a bubble around us that the Hungarians don't have. They get right in your space. Which I fit in quite well here but, is an adjustment for Tom. On to the grocery store WOW!!!!!! Awesome!!!! The food is so different. The BREAD is sooooooooooooo amazing!!!!!!!! We (Tom and I) were hoping to loss some weight here but, I dont think we will with all the pasteries and GOOD FOOD!. It was an education for the children and I to experience the whole currency thing. Security is very high at the grocery stores here. I think there is a lot of theft. The people in Budapest seem very hardened by life. I can see it has not been easy here. A lot of prostitution and grafitti. There are places in Budapest that have not recovered from World War II. There are whole buildings blown apart from the bombs. Communisum was HATED by the Hungarians and they would rebel only to be crussed.
We were meet by Andrea at the airport (Alexa and I) and instantly fell in love with her. Andrea and I didnt take a breath all the way back to the apartment. I was able to present the gospel to her for the first time in her life. She is very open!!!! Pray!!!! Her husband was killed in a bomb about 4 years ago in Turkey right in front of her and her childrens eyes (4 children). She is still mourning his death. She said after spending the day with Tom and the boys she told me that her husband was a lot like Tom. WOW!!!!!
Her father (Laszlo) is our interpretor. He picked us up at 8:00 am on Friday. He was very stand offish. Almost rude at first. He is 70 yrs. old and drives like a mad man!!!! Please pray for our safety. Even the crazy Hungarian drivers are honking at him!!!!! He rides the line. Right down the middle of the road. Well anyway Tom and he have hit it off. He loves Tom. The kids and I just let them talk about 3 1/2 hours out to the border of Romania. He is very bitter about his son-in-laws death. He still works (veternarian) to help support his daughter. Tom presented the gospel to him and he listened but, still not sure, but sees something in us that is like a Light. Of course, to us Christians that is of course the Holy Spirit living in our lives!!!! So pray that he will continue to ask questions. We all pray together and hold hands before each meal and we reach out and hold his hand as well. He weeped this morning (Sat). We have gotton to know Laszlo very well, and he is a very nice man and very helpful. He has been a termendous blessing to us.
Now on to the children!!!!! We went through an interview with the Physicans, therapists, consultants, and the Manistrate of this district in Hungary on Friday. They told us all the info. on the kids. Then they told us that we (the Nemeths) were hand picked for these children. And it is a MIRACLE (Laszlo even said this) that we are getting them, and we agreed!!!
On to the Foster house we go. Another 40 minutes from Debrecen. The kids (my older 3) are getting thirsty and hungary but, the do not complain. They have been wonderful through this whole thing!!!! On a mission we are, oh yes, we are!!!! Before we left Indiana we were under severe spiritual attack up until we got on the plane. I knew then that nothing was going to stop us from God's will, which Satan would just love stop. So on the way to the foster home (Foldes, Hungary) we see a lot of poverty. I have some pictures of the kinds of houses - very neat. OK, so we arrive and Alexandra is standing in the drive with her foster mother. She is elderly. God spoke to Tom before we left and told him this. Some of you know that because I told you. Amazing our heavenly Father speaks directly to us. OK, so she is way cuter in person!!!!! We go in with all the people from the Debrecen office and meet the family. Laci is busy and not wanting to look at us. Shy. Monika is very open and wants to show us her room. We take the tour. Tom, the kids, and I are hooked. We were focused on mostly and really only, the children. We only have eyes for them. In fact, the adoption agency people from Debrecen get into their van and leave while we are still with the kids. They told our intrpetor that they just know it is a fit.
Let me back-up. While we were sitting in the living room with everyone the foster mother asked us about homeschooling. We were both concerned that the people here would not approve of homeschooling. The pschologist is shaking her head and was trying to explain that it was good. I, however, didn't understand the conversation because they were speaking Hungarian. Later my interpretor said that the Pschycologist homeschools and is a Christian. She was telling the Foster mother that we are good people. Later on (next day) Tom found out from the Foster parent's son (who speaks English) that they all approve of us homeschooling. Praise God.
The children are well taken care of. They are well adjusted and very affectionate. The foster father is very attached to the children, especially Laci. His occupation is making honey. He makes bee houses (boxes out of wood) and the bees come in and the honey comes out. He sells the honey and the bee boxes for others to make honey. They (foster parents) also have a huge garden and do a lot of canning - all kinds. They have chickens, dogs (big and ugly), rabbits, out door bathroom (a whole in the ground), big garden, and no grass only mud. My boys are in heaven. They are a wonderful family and we like them a lot.
We were meet by Andrea at the airport (Alexa and I) and instantly fell in love with her. Andrea and I didnt take a breath all the way back to the apartment. I was able to present the gospel to her for the first time in her life. She is very open!!!! Pray!!!! Her husband was killed in a bomb about 4 years ago in Turkey right in front of her and her childrens eyes (4 children). She is still mourning his death. She said after spending the day with Tom and the boys she told me that her husband was a lot like Tom. WOW!!!!!
Her father (Laszlo) is our interpretor. He picked us up at 8:00 am on Friday. He was very stand offish. Almost rude at first. He is 70 yrs. old and drives like a mad man!!!! Please pray for our safety. Even the crazy Hungarian drivers are honking at him!!!!! He rides the line. Right down the middle of the road. Well anyway Tom and he have hit it off. He loves Tom. The kids and I just let them talk about 3 1/2 hours out to the border of Romania. He is very bitter about his son-in-laws death. He still works (veternarian) to help support his daughter. Tom presented the gospel to him and he listened but, still not sure, but sees something in us that is like a Light. Of course, to us Christians that is of course the Holy Spirit living in our lives!!!! So pray that he will continue to ask questions. We all pray together and hold hands before each meal and we reach out and hold his hand as well. He weeped this morning (Sat). We have gotton to know Laszlo very well, and he is a very nice man and very helpful. He has been a termendous blessing to us.
Now on to the children!!!!! We went through an interview with the Physicans, therapists, consultants, and the Manistrate of this district in Hungary on Friday. They told us all the info. on the kids. Then they told us that we (the Nemeths) were hand picked for these children. And it is a MIRACLE (Laszlo even said this) that we are getting them, and we agreed!!!
On to the Foster house we go. Another 40 minutes from Debrecen. The kids (my older 3) are getting thirsty and hungary but, the do not complain. They have been wonderful through this whole thing!!!! On a mission we are, oh yes, we are!!!! Before we left Indiana we were under severe spiritual attack up until we got on the plane. I knew then that nothing was going to stop us from God's will, which Satan would just love stop. So on the way to the foster home (Foldes, Hungary) we see a lot of poverty. I have some pictures of the kinds of houses - very neat. OK, so we arrive and Alexandra is standing in the drive with her foster mother. She is elderly. God spoke to Tom before we left and told him this. Some of you know that because I told you. Amazing our heavenly Father speaks directly to us. OK, so she is way cuter in person!!!!! We go in with all the people from the Debrecen office and meet the family. Laci is busy and not wanting to look at us. Shy. Monika is very open and wants to show us her room. We take the tour. Tom, the kids, and I are hooked. We were focused on mostly and really only, the children. We only have eyes for them. In fact, the adoption agency people from Debrecen get into their van and leave while we are still with the kids. They told our intrpetor that they just know it is a fit.
Let me back-up. While we were sitting in the living room with everyone the foster mother asked us about homeschooling. We were both concerned that the people here would not approve of homeschooling. The pschologist is shaking her head and was trying to explain that it was good. I, however, didn't understand the conversation because they were speaking Hungarian. Later my interpretor said that the Pschycologist homeschools and is a Christian. She was telling the Foster mother that we are good people. Later on (next day) Tom found out from the Foster parent's son (who speaks English) that they all approve of us homeschooling. Praise God.
The children are well taken care of. They are well adjusted and very affectionate. The foster father is very attached to the children, especially Laci. His occupation is making honey. He makes bee houses (boxes out of wood) and the bees come in and the honey comes out. He sells the honey and the bee boxes for others to make honey. They (foster parents) also have a huge garden and do a lot of canning - all kinds. They have chickens, dogs (big and ugly), rabbits, out door bathroom (a whole in the ground), big garden, and no grass only mud. My boys are in heaven. They are a wonderful family and we like them a lot.
Alexandra is a little Kristin she climbs trees and is very brave. All the children are self-sufficient and very earthy alot like me three oldest. They are amazing. They look and feel just like us. The Nemeth littles-Kelly. They have taken to us like ducks to water. The language thing is not a problem at all. What Tom does not know Laci-Boche interpretes. Boche(spelling ?) is another word for uncle or elderly man, and he asked Tom to call him that today (Sat). So we have an uncle here in Hungary. God has gone before us in every way even the ways we didn't know to pray for. God is in this 100%. We went to the park today with the children all 6 plus Anna who is the foster parents daughter. She is 15 and Gage and she are very much attracted to eachother. Gage has already asked her to come to see us in the USA. Oh boy!!!! They plan to email eachother. She speaks English well. Tom and little Laci are getting very close and he even fell asleep in Tom's arms. I have a picture. Alexandra and Monika just love Alexa and tell her they love her. Anna is going to have a hard time when the children leave because they have been with the foster family for almost 4 yrs. I told her I understand and I will pray for her.
The foster mother took me aside with her son and talked to me alone. Mother to mother. She asked about our religion and I told her Christian. She told me that they were Charismatic Christians. She told me that she has not lead the children to the Lord, because she wanted them to understand Christianity first and make their own decsion. She wants me to lead Monika to Christ in Budapest, because she thinks she is ready. We were happy to find out that the family was Christian. I was thinking that the Lord would want us to adopt children who would not know the Lord if we had not adopted them, but I know His ways are not mine. Who am I that He is mindful of me. Oh but, He is!!!! The Lord be glorified!!!!!
I forgot to tell you that while in the Detroit airport a man sat down at our table. Yes, right at our table. We presented the gospel to him and prayed with him. He is a marine just out of boot camp and headed for Iraq in 2 weeks. Pray for him his name is Brian and he is not saved yet!!! We prayed with him that God would reveal Himself to Brian. I have to go eat some Hungarian food now. Oh, to bad for me!!! They are fixing special food here at the Hotel Angelia tonight for Tom because he told them that his Nagymama would fix him this certain dish. They LOVE him here in Hungary!!!! They like me ok but, they think my teeth are soooooooooooo white and straight. They ask if they are fake. HAHAHAHA More later I smell the food. We have a wonderful little cottage all to ourselves. Lots of Love to you all!!!!! Kristin and Tom
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The foster mother took me aside with her son and talked to me alone. Mother to mother. She asked about our religion and I told her Christian. She told me that they were Charismatic Christians. She told me that she has not lead the children to the Lord, because she wanted them to understand Christianity first and make their own decsion. She wants me to lead Monika to Christ in Budapest, because she thinks she is ready. We were happy to find out that the family was Christian. I was thinking that the Lord would want us to adopt children who would not know the Lord if we had not adopted them, but I know His ways are not mine. Who am I that He is mindful of me. Oh but, He is!!!! The Lord be glorified!!!!!
I forgot to tell you that while in the Detroit airport a man sat down at our table. Yes, right at our table. We presented the gospel to him and prayed with him. He is a marine just out of boot camp and headed for Iraq in 2 weeks. Pray for him his name is Brian and he is not saved yet!!! We prayed with him that God would reveal Himself to Brian. I have to go eat some Hungarian food now. Oh, to bad for me!!! They are fixing special food here at the Hotel Angelia tonight for Tom because he told them that his Nagymama would fix him this certain dish. They LOVE him here in Hungary!!!! They like me ok but, they think my teeth are soooooooooooo white and straight. They ask if they are fake. HAHAHAHA More later I smell the food. We have a wonderful little cottage all to ourselves. Lots of Love to you all!!!!! Kristin and Tom
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Friday, March 6, 2009
Hi Everyone!!!! My neice Ashley is teaching me how to blog!! Well at least set up my own blog. The name we chose for our blog is -Nemeth Family. We used the Hungarian flag as our back ground. We are getting ever so close to that faithfilled day of seeing our little ones. Our prayers and the prayers of our loved ones have finally come to this fork in the road. God has showed up in so many ways and in so many people! The blessings of the Lord are just flowing in through answered prayer. Keep up the prayers though our jouney is just beginning. I would like to invite you to come along!!!!! We are now departing Normalville and on our way to heaven only knows! God bless you all for your love, finacial support, encouragement, and most of all PRAYERS!!!! Tom's family in Hungary is looking forward to meeting and helping is through this amazing journey.
God Bless, Kristin
God Bless, Kristin
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