Good evening all! Today was the outreach day when the 3 teams that we’ve been preparing moved out for the day. (See previous blog post)
God has been working on this trip. In the hearts of the students, leaders, and those whom we’ve talked to. He has been giving us opportunities to trust in him and rely on his guidance and we are so excited for you to hear all about it. Here are the recaps from the 3 teams and their outreaches from today.
Delivery Team, Siofok Hungary- Caleb Irizarry
Following our departure from our hostel, we were met with beautiful scenery as we left the city of Budapest. Our driver Svieta and her daughter took us about an hour and a half to the enormous Balaton lake, where we would be meeting up with local Ukrainian refugees. Arriving early we took the time to explore the town and the lakeside before grabbing lunch. Shortly after we returned to our van where we’d be meeting up with the families. We were able to supply them with food, baby wipes, and many more needed supplies.
VBS Team, Miskolc Hungary - Cat Pilato
Today, we set forth toward Miskolc! The original plan was to bring a bag full of fun to set up a VBS for the children. When we were in the US, we bought face paint, glitter, tattoos, watercolor paints, soccer balls, frisbee, and so many other things to make sure the kids would have a good time. We drove the two hours there just to realize the bag was nowhere to be found! We took a moment to refocus, pray, and trust that the Lord would provide because He knew the bag would be forgotten! The Lord made it so clear we don’t need paints or glitters to convey His love, but literally just Him. The connections began after they kicked around a soccer ball for a while, to which they set up two goals with two bricks on each side. Afterward, our students led VBS worship! We sang, played more games, and got to love these kids. Towards the end, we had the kids stand with their moms and we taught them a few of the VBS songs, too. They had such a great time— maybe even more fun than the kids! As the kids continued to play, one of our leaders got to encourage the moms in the Lord and they laughed, cried, and hugged. The Lord brought the most beautiful day, more than we could’ve thought or hoped for or imagined.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Ukraine Team, Mukachevo Ukraine- Vincent Fernandez
As all the teams left the Hostel at 9:30, the Ukraine team (consisting of Vincent Fernandez, George Markey, Maddie Garcia, Olivia Martin, Giovana Spinosi, Riley Panariello, Joseph Henry, and Elijah Irizarry) began their 5-hour drive from Hungary all the way to Mucachovo Ukraine. We made some pit stops on the way, but all in all the drive was smooth. Crossing the border was seamless and we made our way to Mucachovo at around 5 pm. Once in the city, we made our way directly to the Ukrainian refugee shelter. We were introduced to all the kids at the shelter and everyone instantly connected. After only being there for 15 minutes we found ourselves outside playing soccer, throwing a frisbee, and playing volleyball. We spent the next 5 hours with them until we eventually had to hear to Calvary Chapel Living Water so we can rest up for the next day. We are looking forward to seeing them again tomorrow morning and spending time with them all morning into mid-day.
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