Living overseas is my life, it's how I prefer to live. It's a life full of learning, a life full of rich experiences, and challenges. Overall, the challenges I encounter are not so unique. If I were to live in my "home culture" I certainly would've have a challenge-free life. Just different challenges.

Language barrier can definitely be a challenge. It is a hurdle here in Hungary that I am struggling to leap over. Actually I don't even know if I've run close to hurdle to be able to attempt jumping the hurdle. I still have a ways to go before I reach the hurdle and try to leap it...

But, I digress.

About 2 weeks ago, following a few tough days, I decided I needed to return a pair of shoes I'd purchased 3 days earlier. In Hungary, unless otherwise posted, one has only 3 days in which to return an item. Even the returning within those 3 days is stringent, is often limited to an in-store credit. The shoes I had purchased didn't fit perfect, but I hoped they'd work with socks. I was wrong.

Not only did the shoes not fit right, but I also needed the $50 to go toward a much desired concert ticket. I decided that I really deserved to splurge on the concert, as the previous weeks had been tough.

So, that night, I went to the store. In my terrible, broken Hungarian I asked if I could return. I was told "no". The ladies were kind enough to help me find other shoes, but I didn't want a pair of shoes. (Plus, with my big feet the pickings are slim!) The ladies continued to be very helpful. Finally, I asked again about being able to return. They again said I could have an in-store credit. I told them the system was old and not modern. Then, I began to cry. The tears were genuine.I didn't cry with the intent of getting the money. Rather, my tears arose out of frustration with myself. Frustration that I hadn't thought more carefully before buying the shoes. Frustration that I've learned Hungarian better, etc.

But, I think the broken Hungarian was actually an advantage that night. When tears came, I watched as the 2 ladies talked to each other. I heard the one say that they ought to treat the transaction different and give me the cash. She turned to me and said they'd decided to re-do the paperwork and make the cash return possible. I couldn't believe my ears. They also said I was to tell no one. (So, I won't tell you which store.) I thanked the ladies several times and then left.

Tears definitely are powerful. I know my mom would be proud of me, as she's gotten out of a few speeding tickets with tears

This present is not so different from past Mays- it's busy, full of numerous school activities, good-bye parties, graduation parties, annual visit of a team that does testing of students (God bless them!), concerts, plus numerous other social activities. But, this May I am not moving- and for that I am thankful.

This upcoming weekend consists of the semi-annual Rummage Sale at school, I'm selling stuff plus loaning a hand to the school table. It'll be a crazy morning with loads of people. Then there's the church choir concert in the afternoon. I am then hoping for an early night not only at home, but more importantly in bed. Sunday will be a bit busy with church, mini-city tour, and then a concert. The next day is Whit Monday, a holiday here. I am helping to take the testing team on an excursion. A fun activity, but lack of sleep!!

The list of activities continues through out the week, leaving me to question- "Why am I doing all this??" "What's my purpose in running around like a chicken with its head cut-off?" "For whose glory am I doing this?" "Am I seeking to be a servant, or to be praised for all I do?"

Challenging questions to which, when I'm honest, are more selfishly motivated than I'd like to admit.

I have an upcoming talk with students in which I am speaking on the destructive nature of pride. I think I need to listen carefully to what God leads me to share with them.

Pride always seems to sneak in the back door. Good works, which James would praise, right? No he wouldn't, b/c they are rooted in pride and not faith.