OUR LAST WEEK IN BUDAPEST

Our last week in Budapest was busy hosting all five missions zones for their Christmas Zone Conferences.  We were asked by Sister Szabadkai to assist her in the many tasks that were needed to help the missionaries feel a little 'Christmas Spirit'.  We set up, served, and cleaned up the wonderful lunch that was provided.  Each evening Sister Szabadkai prepared the famous Hungarian 'Stuffed Cabbage'  for the next days lunch.  Every morning of the conference there were 2 hours of training with the zone, followed by a wonderful meal.  After lunch the Christmas fun began with traditions shared, missionary video clips, white elephant gift exchange, and homemade ornaments hung on the tree.  The office missionaries along with the AP' missionaries and President and Sister Szabadkai presented a traditional Hungarian play.  All this was concluded with a visit from 'Santa', where gifts were shared.  Part of the surprise for each of us missionaries was 'movie tickets' to see "The Little Prince" that afternoon.  President Szabadkai has a great love for this story and the principles that it teaches.

Sister Peterson and Sister Simkins serving up the "Stuffed Cabbage"

Elder and Sister Simkins, Elder Craig, Elder King, Elder Watson and Elder Priest preparing for the Hungarian play.

Sister Sabadkai , wonderful mission mom and Hungarian cook!!

Our 'special' Santa, aka Elder Watson. 

Our 'lovable' elves, Elder Priest, Elder Craig, and Elder King

This busy week also included some sad goodbyes as well.

Elder Anderson's Dad and sister came to pick him up from his mission.  He was a great missionary and we will  miss him

Elder Tuttle is returning home to California. Another wonderful missionary.

Sister Hafen and Sister Levanen are not going anywhere, but we are leaving them.  Our wonderful Sister Trainers 

We are always looking for a special place to try out here in Budapest.  One of our YSA works at the 'Donut Library'.  She convinced us that we needed to come and see it.  It did not disappoint.  We usually are not big donut fans but this Christmas special donut was amazing.  Coconut cream filled with lightly sprinkled coconut on top with a marzipan candy cane,  Actually we went for the hot chocolate.  It was the best.  It was thick and creamy, like drinking fine chocolate.  

Donuts and Hot Chocolate, what a treat!!

Sharing our Hot Chocolate!

Sister Peterson and Luca Szabadkai, our wonderful YSA,  

The past 11 months has been such a memorable experience.  We hope as you have read our blog you can see how we have loved our experiences here.  Every experience has been an opportunity for us to grow and stretch in order to progress. We are sad to leave our friends and mission associates here but we know we will be meeting more friends in the city of Eger.  This past Thursday and Friday evening we spent cleaning the apartment and packing the car for our departure.  As we drove out of Budapest we looked at each other and said "This is much harder than we thought ."  Knowing that we will be back in Budapest for some YSA activities is some consolation.  We are glad that YSA mentoring is still be part of our responsibilities.  

As we have studied God's gifts of Christmas to us, we want to share this scripture with you:

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

We are so grateful for that peace that comes so freely as we seek it, from our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.  We pray that all of you will feel that peace today and forever.