Budapest, Hungry

After an hour and half delay and missing our second flight, we finally arrived in Budapest a little before midnight in the midst of a beautiful snowfall.  We got out today and explored a little and saw some beautiful sights.

Street behind our Guest House

"For Sale Pub" - the best lunch ever

The Grand Market

  

Christmas Market
grilled dough with cinnamon and sugar



Yummy!

Christmas!

Since we traveled on Christmas Day we decided to open our presents a day early.

Merry Christmas from Portugal

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is CHRIST THE LORD!"

Luke 2:11

Porto Christmas Lights

Soccer Christmas Party

Great food, great conversations, great fun!

Before the party

all the players at one end of the table

Christmas Cookies

10 DOZEN - That is 120 cookies!!!!!

Micah's School Christmas Party

This week was full of Christmas activites at the boys' school.  Micah's director asked us if we could come and help decorate, and Andy and Micah ended up playing carols.  It was a bit like an open house as classes visited from room to room.  Micah's class sang carols (English and Portuguese) as each class visited.  It was an answer to pray as we were able to get in the school, meet students and teachers and build relationships for future activities.

Micah playing guitar

classroom decorations

practicing carols

Ethan's class visiting

Micah's class

Micah's director

adorable preschoolers

Visiting the Senior Adult & Children's Homes

Micah's school class wanted a Christmas project, so he suggested they help the Evangelical Senior Adult Home and Children's Home.  We were so proud that he came up with the idea.  The class raised money and got donations in various ways.  Micah had his Nana bring Silly Bands (they haven't made it to Portugal yet) and he and a classmate sold them to help raise money.  They were a hit!  They also collected new and gently used toys for the Children's home.  This week we went along as they delievered the items.  It was fun to see the teenagers interact with the senior adults and of course the residents loved it.  They had a little bazar set up for Christmas and were selling small handmade items.  The students. had a blast shopping and buying key rings, change purses and such.  Unfortunately most of the children from the home were in school, so they could only deliever the toys; however they were able to play soccer with a few.  It was a great way for us to connect the school with the homes sponsered by the Evangelical Association.  The students did not like having their picture taken, but I did manage to get a few.

shopping at the bazar

more shopping

visiting with the residents

Visiting the children's home

Playing soccer with some of the kids



Christmas Cheer

Porto has quite a few malls and they go all out on Christmas decorations.

Here is the mall near our house. It is so pretty when it is all lit up.

CIRCUS TIME

Last week a friend invited Ethan and I to the circus.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but we headed out with 3 other friends from school and their moms.  It was suprisingly good and we had a great time.

the boys got light up swords

wrestling with a lion

check out the shadows from the trapeze



juggling while balancing on a ladder - impressive!



Ethan with the baby leopard