It’s already April 11^th! Dang. The memory of me boarding the plane for Europe is still so fresh in my memory. Time is just flying by. Well, just an update for those who care about what’s going on in my life, let me break it down for you.

Life consists of Jesus, classes, Chuck Smith, weekend outreaches, and sweet fellowship. Currently, the school is preparing for our big 10 day outreach coming up on April 21^st . There are multiple groups being sent out to many different places such as: Kosovo, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Scotland, Ireland, Romania, Uganda, and Hungary. I have the privilege of serving in Oradea, Romania. Let me just say that I am beyond excited. Why, you may ask. Well, the Romania team will be doing lots ministry in Oradea such as street evangelism, serving at the local church, visiting gypsy villages, but what I’m most excited for is helping out with children’s ministry. Our service to the kids will range from hosting a VBS at an orphanage to visiting a baby hospital to hanging out with more kids in the gypsy villages. Ahhh! I am super stoked! God’s going to be doing mighty things there.

The work of God’s hand has also been evident here in the very village that I live in. This past weekend, a group of us stayed behind for the four day weekend and went into the village for outreach. We had originally planned to serve in Serbia, but the Lord replaced our plans with HIS own. Even outside the very doors of this castle, God revealed to us the great hunger for satisfaction in Vajta. This everlasting satisfaction can only be given by the Holy Spirit. Some of the events that took place during this wonderful Easter weekend were the encouraging and fellowshipping with the local families, sharing of testimonies, worshiping through song, laboring on a farm, and other things that simply required time. Some of us from the group were experiencing intense spiritual warfare right before outreach, only come to find out that God was going to use it for His glory. Each of us were able to relate and reach out to these families through our specific afflictions. The presence of the Lord was so tangible. Whether we gave a family a bag of groceries or just sat and talked with them, the response we received was always that of joy. The way that the Lord had orchestrated this past weekend was so perfect. It perfectly encompassed Jesus Christ and the gospel of His life. Praise the Lord for He is risen. These weekend outreaches never cease to do a personal work in my life. Lots of chipping and molding, while drawing my heart nearer to His. Doing the will of the Father is so delightful. When He places His desires on your heart, it’s a glorious thing.

“Hey Imari, it’s not always about you.” Thank You for the reminder, Lord.

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

A sharp contrast is portrayed between two sisters in this section of scripture. Both women loved the Lord but had different ways of displaying it. Martha was the sister who was busy working and preparing for Jesus, who was her Guest, in this context. She grew worrisome because her sister Mary was simply sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His word and not helping with the work. She felt that Mary had neglected the work that had to be done for Jesus.

This passage personally speaks to me because I see myself in the life of both of these women. Before coming to Hungary, I had developed a busy lifestyle of studying, working, ministry, being the eldest child, and all other time consuming factors. This had become routine for me. My mindset was fixated on “What else can I do for the Lord?” Martha’s problem was not that she had too much work to do but she had allowed it to distract her from the presence of Jesus. Martha was too busy that she was missing the blessings Jesus wanted to give her. Living here in this tiny village they call Vajta, secluded from everything that once was so readily accessible, has changed my heart. I’ve learned that what I do with Christ is more important than what I do for Him. To be honest, I love the fact that I’m away from home because it’s truly just God and me now. He had to remove all distractions in my life in order to truly prepare me for His future will for my life. He continues to pour into my cup while uniting my heart to His. I’m not saying that I was incapable of meeting with God back at home, but the time I’m spending here in Hungary is time set apart for undistracted communing with my sweet Jesus. I want to be more like Mary and choose the better part, the part that will not be taken away from me. I want to sit at the feet of Jesus. 

So the reason why I created a tumblr was to blog about my adventures here in Hungary, which I have unfortunately been neglecting to do. Forgive me tumblr world.

Anyway, it’s been a little over a month since I’ve landed here in Vajta, and honestly it feels like I’ve been here for a year or two. It’s not that the days are dragging on; rather it’s that so much has taken place ever since I’ve left the States. Life here in Hungary is certainly different from the life I lived back in sunny Murrieta, California. I’ve transitioned from being able to wear summer clothes in the winter to making sure every part of my body is layered in clothing. Bright sunny skies to pure white snow. Access to any kind of store anytime I want to waiting for weeks to visit a Tesco (Hungarian Walmart). Being able to communicate with anyone at any time I desired to attempting to schedule skype dates around the time difference. And the list goes on. But honestly, this change is not bad at all. Actually, I am enjoying every single aspect of what the Lord is doing here.

This was the CCBCE campus the first couple of weeks I was here.

This is what it currently looks like. It’s actually a lot greener. 

P.S. This is just a super brief update on my life. I’ll get to the details soon. :) 

• Spent some solid quality time with the mother. 
• Went hiking for the first time ever at Ortega Falls while developing an even stronger appreciation for God’s creations. 
• Visited DeJong’s Dairy, a tiny farm market/petting zoo, known for its delicious chocolate milk. Fresh and super smooth chocolate milk. 
• Was able to climb at Vital one last time and accomplish that hot pink V1 in the cave! 
• Was blessed by the presence of wonderful friends at Andrew’s house, except Andrew wasn’t there. 
• Now, not allowing myself to sleep so I can pass out during my flight. Woo!

Today was remarkable. Just remarkable. 

PS: T-minus 15 hours until Hungary! 

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” [Isaiah 40:31]

My Father, thank You for being Lord over my life. Although I may not always understand the reason why, I thank You for orchestrating the events in my life to fulfill Your will. You meticulously prepared the way for Jesus to come into this world in order to fulfill Your purpose. You desire to fulfill Your purpose for my life with that same love. I want what You want, Father. Thank You for continually pouring into me and persistently pursuing me. I wait on You. 

Due to the friendships the Lord has given me, this quote is absolutely true. As this weekend comes to a close, I’m reminded of the genuine friends that have become family to me. This weekend was so good. God is so good. 

I’ve always opposed blogging and tumblr. But after much deliberation, creating a tumblr seemed to be a great idea. This seems like a harmless place to document the future adventures and thoughts the Lord will place in my path. Commence the blogging! 

PS: T-minus 10 days before take off for Hungary, Europe. :)