Old Updates: The One Where Covid Makes Things Weird

Seeing the date on this post was almost surreal, how is it June already? In Budapest, Coronavirus restrictions are slowly being lifted, but we are continuing to maintain social distance as much as possible as a team. It is difficult to put these past months into words. Honestly, our hearts are heavy for the world right now. Amanda is working on a post with a bit more detail on her heart for what is happening with racial injustice in the United States currently and we hope to be able to share it soon. It feels like we are constantly praying for God’s love to be made tangible and for reconciliation and righteous action.

For now though, we wanted to send you a brief letter with a few updates on how God is moving here in our own lives in Budapest and in the community.

Coronavirus – In March, Budapest implemented emergency restrictions on the city including a “curfew” for the elderly and at-risk to shop from 9am-12pm and the closing of all shops and restaurants aside from grocery stores. Now the city is reopening but masks are required inside everywhere. It made Amanda’s heart happy to be able to support a small local lady selling masks near our house. Although no one planned for this, this time has given us more ownership of this city as we feel confidence having navigated a worldwide pandemic in a foreign city. 

Business as Missions/Social Entrepreneurship – We have been able to use this time to dig into plans for our business here in Budapest. As we have continually submitted them to God they have changed from our original plan. While working through the financial side, we realized that an American-style brunch business gives us much better profit margins and access into the daily lives of the Hungarian people, so we are now heading in that direction. Pray with us as we finish up thebusiness plan and determine how to move forward, as we now have two viable business plans between the Óvoda and our Brunch spot and need to determine timelines and funding. 

Daniel and Discipleship – Daniel has also stepped into more discipleship responsibilities as he helps create a model for the region. Even in the midst of the virus, discipleship is growing and we had the privilege to (socially distanced) meet with a church leader from Székesfehérvár while he was in Budapest to give him 23 Banding Together books for his congregation. 

Communications – As we see needs on the field and ways our skills can help fulfill those needs, we have both stepped into helping out with the communications side of the team here in Budapest. Our team is growing and we have quite a few job openings and we have been working with our Field Director (who now also happens to be the Regional Director for all of Eurasia, so pray with us during this busy time of transition) to create a job opportunities booklet and coinciding digital resources. Stay tuned for those!

Amanda’s doctor appointment – The virus put a hitch in some of Amanda’s health plans when we had to cancel a March appointment with an Endometriosis specialist in Austria. Thankfully, the borders have been reopened and we were able to make an appointment for July 22nd. Please pray with us that we are able to keep that appointment and get some helpful answers.