Ippistle 7 November 14

Ippistle 7
November 14, 2008
Jack and Cindy Ippel


Dear Friends,

We are nearing the three-month mark in our residence here in Hungary and no longer consider ourselves tourists or foreigners, but as residents who know our way around. Last Friday we were at the western railway station buying tickets for our upcoming TeachOverseas Thanksgiving retreat in Czech Republic. We noticed two older English-speaking couples asking for directions and being given wrong information. They were obviously confused and lost. We spent the next two hours as their tour guides/suitcase luggers, helping purchase transportation tickets, initiating them in their metro travel, and getting them to their apartment in the center of the city. After arriving at their destination, we left after being given hugs and kisses and an invitation to come visit them in their home in Sydney, Australia some day. We think that this meeting was no accident but another opportunity that could have been missed if we had not been paying attention to God’s prompting.

This past Sunday we visited the Gazdagret Reformed Church where Anne-Marie Kool and Cindy’s colleague, Monika are members. The service was in Hungarian but translated for us by Anne-Marie (we listened through headphones). We participated in communion and truly felt a part of the body of Christ even though the service was in Hungarian. The pastor had a challenging sermon dealing with the economic/political/spiritual crisis in Hungary as well as in the church. We spent time over coffee with Anne-Marie afterwards discussing the implications of the sermon, during which she stated that it was no accident that God called us to Hungary during these historic times. Please pray for the leaders of Hungary. Pray that there will be a spiritual renewal throughout this country.

This past Tuesday Jack visited a doctor for the first time, to have his prescriptions renewed and refilled. Doctor Kotányi is the doctor of one of his colleagues, and his English-speaking is excellent; this is one criterion that we consider quite important. We have heard some stories of mistakes made in filling prescription orders, due to improper translation. We are definitely willing to pay the $5 charge for the office visit. The prescriptions were less than 10% of what they cost in the U.S. (the benefit of socialized medicine…but remember that Hungarian’s are taxed 47 % of their income to get this!)

We had a wonderful fall break October 23 until November 2. We relaxed with Orsi and Zoli in her father’s home in Sárospatak and enjoyed good family hospitality. Then we drove (via rented Fiat) to the island of Krk in Croatia, where we stayed in a wonderful resort (off-season prices!) on the Adriatic coast. Hiking was our primary activity, so it is not surprising that we walked over fifteen miles in two days. What a beautiful place! (See our pictures at www.hopeinhungary.blogspot.com) When we returned on Thursday, we greeted TeachOverseas friends Bill and Linda Palatinus (from Sokolov in the Czech Republic) and spent two days showing Budapest sights to them. Our Saturday was spent criss-crossing the city, and we‘re sure we saw more of the city than the tour buses can show off in one day.

Jack invited one of his 9th grade classes to come over for pizza last Saturday night, and seven students took him up the offer and hung out for a while here. Much of the day was used for preparing the toppings, but it was definitely worth it. This marks the first time that students have been in our flat, which is one of the visions that we have for our ministry here in Budapest. Our prayer is that students will see a difference in our lives because Jesus is our Lord. We anticipate that this group was just the first of many coming to spend time with us in our flat.

We now anticipate our Thanksgiving retreat in Straznice next weekend (November 20-22). Cindy is coordinating the dessert table, which already seems to be filling up with yummy pies, cakes, and breads. Jack will be a part of the worship team and will take a keyboard along that has been lent to him. Leading from the keyboard has become a rare experience for Jack here in Hungary, so he looks forward to the worship times. Our Central European family consists of about 45 people, plus we look forward to the participation of Ron Nicholas, the president of TeachOverseas who will be joining us from Pasadena, CA. We really appreciate his leadership and his gifts in speaking and leading devotions. He is flying in to Budapest this weekend, and Cindy is actually his travel coordinator while he is in the city. Please pray that our retreat is restful and rejuvenating.

Here is one of the perks of living where we do: On Saturday, December 6, (St. Nicholas Day) for the price of $20/person, we are joining teachers from another school for a one-day bus trip to Vienna. The cost includes not only our bus ride to and from Vienna but also a tour of the city in the morning of our arrival. Vienna is known for its Christmas market. We are anticipating seeing lots of street vendors, craft booths, and delicious treats. Perhaps a dusting of snow will lend a touch of winter decoration.

It is hard to believe that our visit at Christmas is just five weeks away. We are very eager for the reunion! Our schedule while in the U.S. is filled with family gatherings and travel from Zeeland to Indianapolis and Wheaton. Please pray that this time will not feel so hurried, but that we will be able to be truly present with our loved ones, especially with our grandchildren. Pray for safe and timely travel.

Thank you again for your love for us, for your emails, for your financial support, and especially for your prayers. We do stay connected because of our mutual love for Jesus. May we always honor Him.

Love,

Jack and Cindy