I Never Thought I'd Hear...

Raising children in a foreign culture definitely has its challenges. Some days just figuring out the baby food labels alone could drive a mother to tears! When God called our family to serve in Hungary, I faced many fears about how my children would adapt to a new language, a new city, and so many new people.

When I was young I never dreamed I would have so many "out of the ordinary" experiences. I always anticipated raising my family in a community similar to the Indianapolis suburb where I grew up. But God had other plans and those plans have brought us to the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan capital. Crowded city streets, public transportation, and multicultural interaction has become our new normal. Over the last few months God has faced each exciting (and sometimes scary) situation with us. And through these experiences, we have found that despite our fears and concerns, God does have the best interest of our children in mind even when we must leave home and go clear across the world.

Today as Carter and I were drawing together, I took a moment to reflect on some of the fun times we've had since arriving in Hungary. Carter is going to be four years old this fall and it seems he has so many interesting and fun things to say and do. I remembered some of those comments he has made, that as an suburban American parent, I never thought I'd hear. I thought you might enjoy reading some of those funny (and sometimes embarrassing comments)...

• "Guess what, Mommy! We get to ride a bus and a tram!"
• "Mommy, how come there's no water in that toilet?"
• "Look! I drew a subway."
• "You have to tell him 'cause I don't speak Hungarian."
• "I can't ride my motor(cycle) because someone stole my gas" (we had a problem with the gas being stolen out of our car a few times)
• "Do we get to take a bus, or do I have to walk?"
• "Mommy, 'hal' means fish"
• "I had to take two airplanes to get here."
• "Can we call grandma on the computer?"
• "Hooray! It's macaroni day (or pancake day)!!" (Kraft MacNCheese isn't available here, which Carter loves and syrup is very expensive)

Everyday I am blessed to have Carter and Grant in my life. They bring me much joy and some challenges too, but always a lot of love. I wouldn't want to be raising my family any other way.

Mommy a.k.a.

Corinne