Budapest, Hungary...
I have to say that the greatest thing I took away from our trip to Budapest was an awareness, a reminder, that we are a part of something bigger. What an amazing opportunity to gather together with others who have the same heart for university missions, who have given up so much to answer the call to countries all over Europe, who have gone through similar
struggles and triumphs, and who believe God is going to do mighty things on this continent.
There is just nothing like encouragement from those who understand what you are going through. We were so blessed and met so many amazing people. This trip came just at the right time- when we needed to be encouraged and motivated to keep following the call of God and His plans for students here.
We were also inspired hearing representatives, (most from the U.S. doing either short-term or long term university missions, but a few natives as well), from each country give a 10 minute presentation about what is happening and their hopes and dreams
for the future. We then took time to pray for each team and country. We spent all day doing this and it was very powerful!
It was just so good to be together. Many of us had only just met, but we felt as though we had deep heart connections by the time we all left.
Being in such a beautiful city only added to the blessing of this time. There is such a history of dominance and oppression in the city, but it is so culturally rich. Our hosts for the gathering are doing student ministry there and have seen fruit, but need prayers, like all of these people... Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Austria were the others able to make it.

Our team is the only one in all of Scandinavia and it was such a strange feeling to hear that in previous years at this gathering they had been praying for God to call people to this part of the world. To be an answer to prayer is a very humbling thought and one that makes us realize how sovereign God is and how His hand has been in all of this before we ever knew anything! And that He chose ordinary people like us. All of us there were just ordinary people who have chosen to answer the call, to step out in faith for the things God has burdened our hearts with. How amazing to know that we are all in this together. Sometimes here in Trondheim we can feel so isolated, small, and incapable...yet how untrue that is. One thing we certainly are not, and that is alone. Praise God! :)




Walking hand in hand, we will be strong in God's plan....




picture #1: Diane (in Belgium), Kelly, Sarah (Scotland),Cortney, Anna (Scotland)
#2: out to eat at Hungarian resteraunt- great food!
#3: Our team with Joyce joining us from Japan (incredible woman doing student ministry)
#4: Praying for a team and country on map
#5: Us