This must have been one of the shortest trips I've ever been on. 

Rita, Betty and myself set of for Budapest, from London, on Monday, September 18. We arrived late morning and were picked up by Lajois and Janeo,in the minibus. 

Tuesday, we headed straight for Bag, where the local folk were anxiously, awaiting us. Women and children were strewn, across the road, with smiles as big as Cheshire cats. They knew we had come with something good. We did not disappoint them. I had a massive suitcase, that held over 31kgs of baby clothes. 

The look of sheer delight and joy, on those Mothers faces, is one I will never forget.  We distributed them to the mothers who were pregnant, and to the mums with the new born babies. One baby, born on July 22, was named Melanie. She was the 7th daughter of David, and Shemi. They were the poorest family I've ever seen in Hungary. While we were there, we discussed with the villagers about setting up the Sunflower Trust in Bag, and working together. They all agreed. 

The meeting produced the prototype for a man made building that would serve as a community and resource center. Before the night was over, individuals had pledged that they would provide the materials. One man gave his plot of land. Ana, a single mum with 10 children, said she would buy 200 bricks. 

Margit, who is crippled, said that she had nothing to give, but that she would stir the cement. Bandi was going to buy a window, and Andras a door..... and so it was with all 34 people who attended the meeting.  Needless to say, we went home, back to Budapest, very happy and tired people. but we d do it all again. just to see their faces.    

This trip was about going up to the NE of the country, to Nyirbeltek, to see the newly purchased building. When we arrived, after 5 hours of travelling in the minibus, we were greeted by Dani and Kati, and some of their visitors, who were waiting to meet us. The building is more then I;d could have imagined. It is so clean and dry. It is quite basic, but it has 3 separate interior rooms, plus a toilet and bathroom, which by these standards, are an absolute luxury. There are 4 out buildings, that were used for storing wood, and the winter fruits and vegetables. Flowers adorned the path that led up to the house. Three grape vines, were already showing their time of fruition. 

The iron fencing  goes completely around the whole property. We have a working  water well in the garden. Plans have already been made to landscape the garden and make a playground for the children. We took out vital education supplies, given to us by A Ray of Hope. The building is going to serve in several capacities. The little 5 to 11 year olds will enjoy going to this school. The building has already hosted a wedding, a Baptism and a dedication service. I am so happy, to know that we do not labour in vain. Its these things that make it all worth while. 

Melanie