Spring Semester, 2012

Even though I haven't lived there since 1996, my blood still seems to run at the temperature of Southern California. Cold weather is something that my body has mostly adjusted to, but it is still a challenge. We had one particularly cold night in early February when the temperature hit -20C (-4F). I mention this not just because I'm happy to have snow in our rearview mirror (although that's true). I mention it because Spring in Hungary is a seriously gorgeous time of year. And not just because of temperatures above freezing; this country is just a beautiful place to live. 

Spring isn't just "in the air," it is upon us.

Another reason we are enjoying this spring is because of the staff and students around campus. As I mentioned in our last post, we have two new missionary families here. Pastor Kevin Fitzgerald and his family have joined us from Dublin, Ireland. Pastor Kurt Kula and his family joined the team after serving in Poland for close to 20 years. Needless to say, they've all really been a blessing to the staff and students here alike. Having a handful more children really enhances the family-style atmosphere around campus as well.

As for the semester itself, I'm enjoying my two classes as well as campus-life in general. God really seems to have His hand of blessing all over this place. 

Lots of little monkeys around campus - this is seriously only about 1/3 of  'em.

Christi and little Odelia Livingston

For us as a family, He's been blessing there, too. Christi and I enjoyed a great time together at a marriage conference here on campus. It was taught by Pastor Ken Ortize from Calvary Chapel Spokane, Washington. Really great stuff. He (literally) wrote a book on the subject. The kids are doing well and we are continuing to be amazed at watching their minds grow as well as their hearts for the Lord. We're taking some Hungarian lessons this year and the kids are really doing a wonderful job with it. If you don't know anything about the Hungarian language, let's just say that it is rather tough. Put it like this, Hungarian employs a two syllable word for "yes." Feel free to pray for us that our language skills will improve so that our communication will be bettered. 

Enjoying enchiladas with our good friend and fellow missionary, Daniel Ornelas.

We'd like to really say thank you to all of you who have been supporting us over the years. We finally were able to pay off my hospital bill for my hospital stay in England last year. Monthly payments thanks to a(nother) kidney stone weren't exactly a welcomed part of our budget. After finally paying that off, we were greeted by the need to buy four new tires and incredibly expensive windshield wipers. Funny stuff to me; especially when it comes to newsletters. "Hey, I got an update from the Fosters." "Oh yeah, how're they doing?" "Great! Jeremy bought new windshield wipers for their van!" But we're grateful for your support which enables us to take care of important things like expensive tires, kidney stone treatment, windshield wipers, and birthday presents for Mikayla's birthday next week (she'll be SEVEN), and a trip down to Serbia to perform a wedding for some close family friends. 

Subotica, Serbia: statue of Dr. Martin Luther

All in all, seriously, God is taking good care of us. As an added blessing, my parents will be visiting us from California for a few weeks in May. Ian and Leah are going back to the States with them for the month of June to enjoy some time with Grandpa and Granny. The rest of us will meet them in New Jersey when we arrive there at the beginning of July. July will mark two years since we've been back in the States and two and a half since we've visited family and friends in New Jersey. We're looking forward to catching up with many of you on the "right coast" but are sorry to miss our loved ones on the "left coast." 

Mikayla and her friend, Hannah

Thanks again for praying for us and loving us!

Lots of love,

Jeremy and Christi and the kids