McLemores - wherever God leads...

Going private...

2011-05-03T03:47:00.002+02:00

now that we've moved back to the states i'm going to delete this blog (since I barely ever post anyway:) thanks for listening to me rant and share about God's work in our lives while we were in Hungary. Keep in touch via facebook - would love to hear from you.

Our first family vacation!!!

2011-03-20T02:58:00.003+01:00

Disneyworld or Bust! Yes, we made the 8-10 hour drive to Orlando and it was well worth it. Thomas was thrilled about Mickey...and I admit I was too!!! We rode all the kids rides we could, saw parades and shows and we had such a great time as a family plus did it at a min. cost. All three babies did really well with the crowds, lines, etc. I think there were enough distractions to keep them occupied. Going on vacation really reminded me how much I am blessed. I really enjoy each member of my family - my cute kids, my amazing husband. Nana came with us too, but had to leave to be with my sister as her baby came early - welcome Addi!!!

How life has changed...

2011-03-01T15:01:00.004+01:00

Since we posted...
1. We've officially moved to the states - bought a house & living in Suburbia USA of Montgomery
2. Oliver works as a soccer coach, substitute and helps at his family's farm
3. the kids are now 1 & 2 - walking, talking (at least mama can understand it) and personalities are coming out. They got every cold/flu this past season but we're hoping spring will bring better health!
I've experienced more of the American life, had culture shock, had lonely moments, had a few happy ones. but for the most part we're still waiting to see why God moved us back...though we may never know. Thank you for praying.

Rebi is a ham, people say she is "always smiling" though she can be quite fisty! Charlie is still our snuggle bear. He is finally walking and loves to play in our laps! Thomas is definitly the big brother - trying to balance his alone time with his twin bro & sis running around. he loves wrestling, Mickey and playing outside! (yes, he puts tupperware on his head to be funny:).

"Settling In"

2010-08-19T16:46:00.004+02:00

Rebi Anne and Charlie swimming at Nana & G'pa Ricks :)
with Grammy and Nana at the new lake house in WA

Mclemore family on the 4th of July. Our 1st boat ride as a fam :)

I just had to put this on - Thomas LOVES the Mickey Mouse he has been introduced to since being in the states. He now takes the disney characters he has and lines them up in front of the TV when he watches!!! hilarious - we have NO idea where this comes from. He'll organize us for life :)

Oliver with all the babies in AL

Life in these United States...

So while we are here I continually remind myself of Psalm 73

Yet I am always with you, I hold you by my right hand, I guide you with my counsel and afterward I will take you into glory. Who have I in heaven but you and earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever....but as for me it is good to be near God.

Oliver and I have looked at each other countless times and said "what are we doing here"? We are thrilled to be with family and to meet new friends, see old friends. But there is something missing for us - a hole for us. We miss our Hungary - the one filled with culture & old friends, the small adventures of going to the store and looking up words to make sure we know how to communicate. We are still getting use to understanding everyone, all the time. Many people ask us "so, what are you doing here?"...and of course I want to say "I don't know!" But the answer is said above in those Scriptures - we're here to live for Christ and do what pleases Him. For those wondering what we are doing...Oliver is working for his dad & uncle at the farm and will begin subbing at the end of this month. I am still trying to help the kids adjust - trying to keep up with them as they become more and more mobile. We're trying to laugh and not cry. We're having a great time here but like I said, we're still adjusting to the culture & even being married in the states. We take it a day at a time as our heart longs to be "home". But again as the Scripture reminds me "home" is not here and I'll never find it here on earth. It is the longing that I have in my heart that needs to remind me of the "home" that comes when I no longer live. When I get to rejoice with my Savior in Heaven.

Anyway, thank you all for praying. If you remember, please continue to pray :) We do have new numbers now so email us at mclemore1125@hotmail.com if you haven't received them yet!!! We'd love to hear from you :)

Goodbye Hungary, Hello USA

2010-06-16T04:42:00.004+02:00

precious graduate student whose parent couldn't make it so he acknowledged our committment to the students in the middle of graduation with a rose. words could not describe what that meant to us.

Marie trying to hold all kids...we miss her already!

our precious friends the Olsens on our last walk with our babies together. we miss them!

After 6 1/2 years we are moving back to the states. Sadness lingers when I think of leaving this country that has given us so much. I came single and now am living with the most amazing hubby and three babies. I feel overwhelmingly blessed by our experience we've had. We've made lasting friendships that I am beyond sad of leaving and I am so thankul for. We've journeyed through life together and I'm truly grateful for the times we've spent together. I'm also missing the peope of Hungary, the way they love on my children and help me out in many ways. Even the old women on the streets know us, talk to us and try to help me move the children from one place to another (which yes it is funny to watch!).

Yet this is a bittersweet time for us because now I am sitting in my parents house, visiting and enjoying seeing our family and friends in the states again. It is just precious to see everyone.

Honestly the thing that I am most sad about is not having a place to call "home" for me or my family for a while. We are lingering as we search for a job, a purpose, a new ministry. We try to get rid of expectations and just listen to what/where the Lord wants us to go. For now we are headed to live in Alabama for a variety of reasons, but mostly we want Oliver's family to know us and our children better. Many people have asked me how I'm going to survive this Southern culture change, but really no matter where we move its going to be a big change in culture.

The many people that have prayed, given financially (which we still need support till August!:) and chosen to keep/give friendships we are forever thankful.

our amazing friends in budapest dropping us off...11 bags, 5 carry ons, 1 car seat, 1 stroller....3 cars dropped us off...many tears as we left

dad met us as we had a sweet reunion - and yes all our stuff arrived!

Big Weekend!

2010-05-10T09:13:00.003+02:00

We have been gearing up for this past weekend. I found it ironic that the Lord kept giving me verses about not pleasing others only Him and to trust Him in all times not just the good ones. I say this because it potentially could have been full of stress...heres why. First off, Oliver got the opportunity to go to Poland for one last trip to see Aushwitz. Obviously because he was gone, this would already make the weekend a little bit more stressful with just me and the three kiddos...but then we also planned to sell most of our possessions that weekend. I know, great timing. But the Lord provided through people and just giving us time and I can almost say I enjoyed the weekend....:) Here are a few things we've been doing in May - some of them our last time to do the in Budapest. So sad....

There's nothing like the Budapest zoo...here we not only fed the ducks and petted the goats...but the giraffes came out to play too! hilarious.

One of our students Anna, also has twin brothers. She volunteered to come and help hold babies as I sorted through things. So cute. and so kind.

Happy Mother's Day!!! We are blessed to have great mothers for sure. That day Oliver and some friends made it very special by making me dinner, trying to let me sleep in (a little hard with 3 babies) and making me yummy desserts! I felt very spoiled.

Here is Marie and Beth (Marie lives with us and Beth I disciple). We have them our graduation gifts early by going downtown Budapest, getting make up done and going to dinner. It was a great day of fun :)

Oliver got his "farewell" vacation for one night of camping with the guys. They had a great time!

Its Spring - yeah!

2010-04-22T15:03:00.003+02:00

My sister sent me this...its old photos of my dad. Its hilarious and maybe looks a little like our youngest...

Like Father like son

Charlie

Rebi Anne

Sweet babies enjoying the ball game ;)

We were able to go to an Hungarian baseball game to watch...

so fun to watch the game and our friend took these photos. Its the same type of league that I use to coach softball in here. They re getting better, its great to watch. The kids are growing like weeds. Rebs and Charlie are moving around...not crawling but longing to as they watch their brother :) Thomas is running like mad. Its good excercise for me to keep up with him! We're still planning on moving in 6 weeks now. Oliver and I are packing up stuff this weekend - so weird. Then we have a garage sale the week after that. Its just a reminder that the things on this earth are temporary...can't wait though to eat a good ol' American hamburger! Its been too long :)

Yes, Finally another one!!!

2010-04-14T21:03:00.004+02:00

Mama and her babies in front of Hero's Square

Thomas in front of St. Istvan - beautiful!

Mama and her little girl downtown Budapest Coffee Shop

Thomas forcing food in - so tired!
Smiley Babies :)

Hello Everyone :) I know its been a while but life has been changing for us but I'll catch you up...

We have decided after moving here to teach, meeting here, marrying and having children all in Budapest...we are going to move back to the states. Both Oliver and I are at peace but I admit that I am anxious, nervous and a bit overwhelmed by picking up and moving our family to a place we've never lived together. But Praise God He is always with us and that He has in all in control. We love ICSB and have absolutely loved being missionaries as teachers in Budapest. The Lord has really blessed us with great friends, opportunities and adventures here....and now we are off to the unknown in the US. Yet, I am excited to live nearer to family and to friends. I am thankful for a new place and for a new adventure. Thank you all for your love and prayers. We continue to ask for help via prayer and finances as we move back.

We are family! :)

2010-01-31T20:21:00.003+01:00

Growing babies
Oliver got bit by a dog - stitches - yuck! poor guy

Grammy and the twins

new friends this year - meet to pray and to have fun! :)

Thomas and his snowman

This month a variety of things have happened...

1. Grammy came! My mom's mom came to visit - held babies, played with babies, ironed, cleaned - she has been so fun to have here and so very helpful!!!!

2. Marie's first basketball tournament - they won all three games - yeah Marie!!!

3. Marie's Senior Auction - she worked hard and made lots of money

4. Our friends are back and we're thrilled for the Olsens that have returned :)

5. Oliver got bit as you see above - we had to run to the hospital in the middle of the night - what an experience.

Thank you all for your prayers. Sorry this is a short one but I gotta run after a kid :)

Winter Wonderland...or something like that...

2010-01-04T13:29:00.003+01:00

Oliver loved playing bball with the alumni and current students over the break.

Grandpa Rick came to help out too!

Samantha came and helped for a week! (yes, her mom came too!)

The kids on Christmas!

Santa Dad and the kids!
December and now January have brought more sleep, more time together and more work! Oliver was very busy in December with school - with reviewing for finals, finals, grading and then doing support work at home. We were able to go to our staff Christmas party (bringing along the twins!) and even went out on a few date nights in the last few months! Its been great to see the alumni coming back and spending some time with them over the Christmas break. We're so thankful the ICSB alumni make a difference around the world when they are done...for better or worse...but its always great to hear/talk with them after they are out in the "real" world. Please continue to pray for them. One of our students died this past month and it reminds us of the importance of time. We loved him dearly and I know his family would appreciate your prayers. I held my kids close after hearing this.

The twins are growing like weeds - Rebi is slowly getting bigger but Charlie has just gotten bigger and bigger! Their personalities are starting to form - Rebi very social and Charlie much more like his father, enjoying the people but getting much more sleep/rejuvanted from being alone. Thomas continues to amaze us with his funny things he does and things he's learning. Right now he loves to dance, laugh and play with his new slinky. We all enjoyed the snow and tried to find a Santa to take photos with but apparently he "leaves" Budapest to the North pole on the 21st so we missed him, SO daddy got to "sit" in as Santa instead :).

We've been praying for direction and help at home while Oliver is gone at school and other thigns. God is answering our prayers little by little. There have been MANY of days where I ask the Lord, really beg the Lord, for somebody to stop by to hold a child, play with Thomas, etc and honestly He has sent somebody to help every time. AMAZING. We are very thankful for your prayers while our family has adjusted to our immediate growth with two more.

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and will enjoy this great new year. Wow, I can't believe its 2010!

TWINKIES are here :)

2009-10-24T21:13:00.003+02:00

hello Rebi Anne!
Thomas' 1st bday!

wrestling his dad

good morning Charlie

Welcome to the world!!!!!

Arrived on Thomas' bday - Charlie and Rebi Anne McLemore!!!! They are healthy, happy and boy can they eat! :) They were born 4 weeks early but are doing well. They have gained weight and are learning everyday more on how to be a McLemore...sleep, eat and pooh :) Thank you for your prayers, life is crazy but we are HAPPILY TIRED! Thomas seems to be doing well - it is WAY helpful with the grandmas here. we'll write more later!

Lets get it started! :)

2009-09-15T22:23:00.003+02:00

Here are some photos but I need to upload more from this summer and fall - i'll try to post more often, but we'll see with the babies coming!!! :) Thomas moving fast - yes, MUCH faster than his mother! Luckily Marie (the high school girl who is living with us as her parents plant churches in Scotland) can keep up :)
We visited Lake Balaton this summer to see some of our students who do "FEK", an evangelism camp for Hungarians. Thomas and Dad loved swimming in the lake.

SEPTEMBER ALREADY!!!! :)

We can't believe it. Here are a few updates...

1. ICSB has started school. Oliver is teaching, well, you name it....history for 10th and 11th, beginners English 1 and 2, PE for high school, and Spanish 1. He is enjoying being with the students again even though its a bit crazy! :) He is also coaching Soccer for ICSB which is so fun. Their first tournament is this weekend, so we'll see how it goes!!!

2. Marie has moved in and is livin' it up as a senior!!! She is a HUGE blessing to us as Thomas adores her and she helps Pam out a lot!!! Pray for her as she looks into schools, etc for next year.

3. Thomas took his first steps and now has 6 teeth. He's growing like a weed! He loves to clap as we play patty cake and is enjoying watching wheels - he even bends over in the stroller to see the wheels turn. He will be one years old next month - WOW time flies!!!

4. TWINS are on their way...ok, not literally, but I keep hearing from the doctor "wow, these guys are big!", which I take as a good sign :) They are due in 6.5 weeks, but we'll see when they come. Please pray it'll be later than October 17th so that they'll be "full term".

5. The new students seem to be adjusting well. Please continue to pray for the school's spiritual life and acceptance of the many cultures represented.

6. We are way down in support and would ask that you pray for us as we continue to seek the Lord's will in asking people to join/recommit to giving financially.

I'll update soon - yes I will!!! lots of love.

Summer Time :)

2009-07-17T13:43:00.003+02:00

Pam with Bethany, one of the discipleship girls - she's from America but is an MK from Poland and Hungary. She'll be Student Body president next year :) This is at the Jr/Sr Banquet that we were chaperones of at the end of May.
Dad with Thomas enjoying the summer time in our pool :)

Edit (with her little 6 month old) invited Trisha and I to dinner to learn how to make Csirke Paprikas - so fun!

The finished project :)

The guys with the kids came over and we all enjoyed this meal together!

Its hot hot hot here in July and we're enjoying the shade of our house :) So far we have been visited by Oliver' mom which was great and have been enjoying being with different people that are here for the summer - for fellowship, meetings for next school year, dinners, playdates and discipleship. Many of our students are doing mission trips around the globe (from China to Korea to Hungary to America!) and some are helping their parents with English camps, support raising and other things like that in ministry which is very neat to see/hear about. Thomas is now crawling fast and it is so fun to watch him grow and grow! The twins are moving more and more and my tummy is getting bigger and bigger - although I want to complain really I praise God for it. The kids are healthy and growing. Oliver is working at home and school which is great for me b/c he can spend more time with us getting ready for the twins and for Marie too (Marie is a senior next year, an MK whose parents are church planting in Edinburough, Scotland and she will be staying with us and attending ICSB). Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

End of School days

2009-06-13T18:11:00.002+02:00

Nana came to visit to help out Pam while we worked with graduation and Oliver went on the senior trip to Cyprus (she is now 20 weeks along and its harder and harder to bend over to pick up Thomas :). It was a great time with Nana, Thomas took immediately to his grandma.
Oliver with his graduated ELL students! Robin's family was there too. Robin got HS boy of the year which is the highest honor for a male at ICSB. Way to go Robin!

This year's graduation class! We have been their sponsers for 4 years (organizing and fundraising for senior trip plus parties and Bible study) or so now and are so proud of them and all their hard work. They will be attending university literally all around the globe - from CA to Penn to Korea to Hungary to China! This year's class had 15 in it and 8 different nationalities. We'll miss you.

On the senior trip they found a Starbucks and the students were thrilled :) Oliver was chaperoning them for their 8 days of fun in Cyprus.

Lots of spring fun :)

2009-05-02T12:42:00.003+02:00

The end of Feb playing with dad and Robin

"Take the photo mom!"

a sideways photo of the twins 12 weeks old

Yes, the sun is finally out. We've been busy and yet I couldn't really tell you all we've been doing. I guess thats the life of a mom. Some highlights...

1. YES if you haven't heard we are pregnant again and having twins. We are so excited, shocked, but feel so blessed. Please pray for us and especially the health of the babies. We pray they go to full term as we don't want any complications.

2. Robin moved out :( Yes its true for the month of May Robin will not be living here anymore. His parents moved closer to school so his mom wanted him home of course for his last month before the move to LA where he'll go to school at Biola. We miss you Robin!

3. Thomas is now sitting up and doing the "worm" on the floor. Its hilarious to watch.

4. The seniors have just one more month left. Please pray for us as we help with graduation planning and senior trip (Oliver gets to go but b/c of Thomas and the twins I get to stay back in Budapest- they are going to Cyprus too!).

5. Please pray for closure at the end of this school year. ICSB is full of people coming and going and this year seems to be a lot of going. I've been with the senior ladies doing bible study since 8th grade so I pray that they transition well into their "next life". Also pray for the families as they pack up to go with their children to the next place the Lord has called them.

Summer plans!

Our plans have changed now that the Lord has blessed us with another baby, I mean babies. I am not allowed to fly at all and technically we are a "high risk" pregnancy. So we'll be here all summer long. Feel free to call us (we're 7 hour difference (ahead) from AL and 9 from WA/CA). Let me know if you need our Vonage number. We'll miss seeing you this summer but you are all welcome to come visit here :). Oliver will be helping at the school and I'll be getting ready for babies along with some odd jobs here and there for ICSB along with still meeting with some girls for discipleship.

Thanks for your prayers and encouraging emails lately. Its been so uplifting for us.

Basketball tournament

2009-03-04T09:59:00.000+01:00

A highlight of the year is the big basketball tournament. This year Oliver took books while Thomas and I went back and forth watching the games and visiting with people. You can see him being passed around from players to friends. Our girls got 1st and our guys 3rd - yeah! We had a wonderful time and the students seem to really enjoy themselves. Its a great time for the community.

It's snowed by...brief update

2009-02-26T09:12:00.004+01:00

**This has been Thomas this month - I have to bundle him all up or else the old women really glare! :) I feel like he is the little brother in the movie The Christmas Story **

Ok, I know corny joke. But seriously the month of Feb just came and left, can't believe it. Pretty much Pam and Thomas have been indoors because of the winter that will never end and Oliver has been hard at work trying to do all the documentation for the ICSB accredidation that is coming up in a few weeks. Everything is due this next week, please pray for him to get it done :) This month Robin's parents came back, they were traveling back in China for a while. He was thrilled to see them again. He still stays here Monday - Friday and then goes home to his parents on the weekends. He loves playing with Thomas and of course Thomas just cannot get enough of him. The senior girls Bible study is going well. Because of the busy season only 3 girls have been coming, but with that its been a blessing because of the more intimate conversation we're able to have. MKs moving back to the states is a big transition - not just with culture but also leaving your family overseas. The Senior Auction is now over - hooray, and was a success - hooray! We all worked hard and God has provided money for the big trip in May. Oliver and I are chaperones along with our principal. Thankfully we have Nana coming to play with Thomas for the week. This weekend is the big ICSB basketball tournament. Oliver is helping with the books. The students are so excited - it really is the highlight for most people of the year. The students dress like wild bulldogs (thats our mascot) and spend really 24-7 together. Families come, even alumni if they are here. It should be very fun. Thomas loves bball so we'll make it to some games too...as long as he isn't sleeping of course. God continues to provide for us over here in Hungary. We are now only $1100 short per month. We are coming back to the states this summer to continue raising support for the next year. We'll be in WA in June and AL in July. Thank you all for your prayers and love.

January!

2009-01-24T22:43:00.005+01:00

It has been a fun month! Here are some highlights...

1. Of course, Thomas is first with grabbing one of his toys so hard that it actually turned on!

2. Uncle Nathan came to visit!

3. We are in charge of the Senior Auction this year and its on the 31st - PLEASE PRAY! We still have a ton to do and little time to do it...

4. Oliver's working hard on his unit plans for ACSI certification come March. PLEASE PRAY for him to get those completed soon!

5. Senior girls Bible study continues - PLEASE PRAY for us as we finish this semester. I've been with them since 8th grade year and its bittersweet to see them go. They are ready, but I'll miss them! Our last study is on relationship and life outside of Hungary.

6. Oliver's bday and the fun mini-party we had for him with some close friends. What a guy, we are so thankful for our friends here.

Thanks for all your prayers and emails lately. Its so nice to hear from you all, especially in these dreary winter months.

Home again

2009-01-15T22:07:00.000+01:00

We are back in Budapest now. Schools started and all is underway. Our big fundraising auction is at the end of this month that we are in charge of with the seniors so we had to hit the floor running! But Thomas did too as we got home he lifted his head up 90 degrees for the first time doing tummy time :) We're so proud. It was a quick trip to the states and we miss ya'll a lot. Gotta run, Thomas duty calls :)

Christmas Tree!

2008-12-14T13:26:00.000+01:00

We bought a Christmas tree to decorate and had so much fun! Robin being from China has never decorated a tree before. Plus it was also Thomas' first Christmas tree. It was a blast...plus a bargain as we got it for only $10! :) By the end, Thomas was a sleep in Oliver's arms and Robin and I finished decorating to Christmas music. It was so fun. This is finals week so Oliver and Robin are studying (or making test). Thomas and I are doing, well...eating, sleeping, playing, etc....and we're waiting for Thursday to go see our family!

Fun Month of December!

2008-12-10T10:03:00.000+01:00

This has been a very fun month. Thomas is much more interactive - smiling, kicking and being awake much more. It is great to be a mother and father...especially when you get to sleep more (he is sleeping 4-6 hours straight at night!). Also this month Oliver was asked to ref at an Hungarian outreach basketball/soccer tournament. He had a great time and was even able to watch a game of some of the best Hungarian soccer players from the 90s. Thomas and I went for a few hours and Thomas loved watching (I don't know if he was watching the game or daddy). He wouldn't even eat until the game was done. Of course Oliver is hoping that means he is going to be a bball player...but we'll see! Also we went to Campona, a local mall, and had so much fun with it being decorated and so Christmasy! We also put up a Christmas tree (sorry Bec, its fake...it was only 2000 huf at Tesco!). Oliver is now about to hit finals week and then we are off to the states for a short trip back for Thomas to meet his family-yeah!

Mama and me chillin' at home

Going to church in my preppy outfit (thanks Nana!)

Hanging with Daddy during his break at the tournament

Some of the kids playing at the tournament

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T15:09:00.000+01:00

In Hungary its great to have Thanksgiving as the stores are open and nothing is out of stock :) We were able to go to our friends house with a few families to celebrate the day. It was so much fun to see Thomas with a group of people for the whole day. Here is Zach and Thomas and some of the crowd ready to eat the scrumptious meal! :) Here in Hungary St. Mikulas is just around the corner.

Soccer season ends...

2008-11-10T16:17:00.000+01:00

Robin, Thomas and Oliver ready to go to the last game. The soccer season was a blast and Oliver loved hanging with the guys. This was a rebuilding year, but they did win their last 4 games - they said since Thomas they've won so he's their lucky charm :) Oliver's been working hard at school and Pam at home, but thankfully grandmas made frozen dinners so we are able to connect during dinner time. Hungary already has out Christmas stuff which is a blast to look at. Pam starts listening to Christmas music on her bday so it just puts her in the mood even more. I think Thomas' favorite song is Jingle bells :) Happy November!

THOMAS!

2008-10-10T16:10:00.001+02:00

Wanted to let you all know that Thomas Oliver is here! :) If you want to see more photos go to the picasa site. I will post more later, but for now we just wanted to give you a preview. I'll also post some more on Thomas' own website (see friends/family websites). He is healthy, we are all happy and so thankful to finally meet this precious little one.

Date Night :)

2008-09-21T15:02:00.001+02:00

Oliver and I took a date night as a "last hooray" before the little one is born (just two more weeks or so now !). We went to my favorite restaurant - Spoon - right on the water. So romantic :)
School is going well for Oliver. Finally all the computers are up and running so he can use some Rosetta Stone for Spanish. This year he is well organized with the history classes so he is able to use much of the curriculum from last year. They just went on the staff retreat and worked a bunch of the final ACSI certification - a lot of fun, But it'll be good to have that all done hopefully soon. He has been working really hard at school so that after soccer he can come home to his prego wife (around 7pm). The soccer team has another game this week in Vienna. Robin hurt his ankle though and apparently now his knee - poor kid. You can be praying for him. His parents came over last week which was so fun with his little 2 year old niece who is adorable! They gave us what they call "moon pies" and it was delicious!!! I ate one and wanted to try another...till I found out one of the main ingredients are duck eggs...now it makes me nauseous to think of it...so after Thomas I will eat them up. I know they are good for me, but... :) Other than that life has gotten into a routine. Oliver goes to work, Robin to school and then both to soccer and I walk, fix up the house (mom comes next week!), pay bills, visit with people, etc. It's wonderful to be pregnant in Hungary because people are often stopping me on the road to chat about when I am due, how I am feeling, and if it's a boy or girl (its so good for my Hungarian too). The old women (called Nanis - sp?) especially love to chat about it. That is yet another part of the Hungarian culture that I love, the emphasis on family and the interest in your kids. We are off now. Both Oliver and I are going to school - Oliver to work and I to help one of the new teachers with some curriculum stuff. Thanks again for your prayers as we await the babe.

Birthdays :)

2008-09-14T20:49:00.000+02:00

**The photo is a picture of two of the senior girls from the Bible study - one turning 17 and one 18 ** Thank you for praying for these ladies since they were in 8th grade. I still cannot believe that they are all seniors this year. They are all filling out applications and doing the college search, trying to wrap their minds around leaving (without getting senior-itous)- not just the school, but the culture and their families to go back to the states to live in just a year. It is so fun to hear from them in their journeys. We meet once a week and I love these times.
Other than that...Oliver had a soccer game Staff vs. Students this week. He, of course, loved playing and they (meaning the staff) won 1-0. He was stoked :) We also had our ICSB staff retreat this weekend which was fun. It was different not being in the meetings, but it was a wonderful time to visit and hear from other moms/wives. We actually ended up leaving a few hours early b/c I was experiencing some contractions, pretty sure it's braxton hicks but we're going to the doctor tomorrow AM just to check in and make sure. I am definitely a first time mom not having a clue what is going on...but so thankful for the ride to meet Baby! :)

Here we are

2008-09-03T14:45:00.000+02:00

Just one more month, still due October 5th :) Oliver and I put together...ok, mostly Oliver, the pack n' play where Baby Thomas will sleep for at least a while! We went to the doctor and he said everything was on schedule. You wanted a pic and you got it. Oliver is off to soccer and the 12th grade ladies are coming over for Bible study so I gotta make this one short. Thanks for all your prayers.

Quick update

2008-08-25T08:38:00.004+02:00

Yes, this is our first full week back to school. Oliver did well in his Spanish class as they learned the alphabet and are now doing family trees. He is so cute and actually wants Pam's ideas for silly games to play in order to learn the language! He is even having them do motions for words, can you believe it? Robyn moves in today. We feel bad cause he was supposed to bring a bed, but he only brought a very thin mattress to sleep on. It's like we have a homeless guy living on our floor downstairs. Our landlord came over and told us of a bed sale going on so maybe he'll have one soon :) Baby Thomas is doing well, moving a lot and getting bigger! Pam has a hospital tour and appointment tomorrow to get everything ready for the big day in October. She is going on her own and honestly at this point doesn't have much of a memory for things which should make this meeting real interesting :) The house is coming along, slowly but we are almost out of boxes. Yesterday some of our pipes broke but thankfully our landlords came over for the afternoon to fix them, so Oliver went to work and Pam to the movies :) Oliver is painting the baby room blue and green to match some of his stuff so it's fun to watch him do that. The other day he dropped a bunch of paint and cleaned it up all by himself (while promising Pam that it did not spill on the baby's new sheets :). We sure are missing family right now, but are thankful to be back in Hungary and in routine again. Thanks for your prayers. We'll keep you posted as we wait for the birth of Thomas.

Great Month!

2008-08-05T06:36:00.000+02:00

Off to Hungary again!
Some highlights of our weeks in the states...
1. Got to go with BOTH families on vacations - we had a wonderful time at the lake and in Chicago (got to go on the road trip from AL to IL). We even got to meet one of adorable nieces for the first time - so fun!
2. American food :) We looked and looked for a maple donut for Pam while here, finally her parents found it after a 2 hour search!!! It never tasted so good! What is up with these people in the mid-east and south not having these delicious American treats?!
3. Met with supporters in the South and were able to catch up with some. We're sorry to the many we were not able to see while here this time around. Lord-willing we'll catch up the next time :)

Coming up...
1. School Orientation (yes! Pam is in charge of "team building" games again:) and school starting. Please pray for Oliver as he continues to teach history and ELL plus picks up Spanish and PE
2. Pam transitioning to "home life". She will be doing odd jobs for ICSB until October but not teaching. She is looking forward to unpacking from the move and of course putting the baby room together.
3. Robyn moving into our home at the end of August :) Pray for the transition as we welcome into our home this senior boy/man :)
4. Baby due in 10-11 weeks - yeah! (of course pray for the labor and delivery!!!)

Moving in!

2008-06-29T17:26:00.000+02:00

We are in! :) Thank you to the many that helped us move into our new home. We were able to enjoy it for a week and then headed over to the states. Thank God the airplane ride went well - Pam got up every 30 minutes and got to know the stewardess' and the other parents quite well during the long flight. We are now having a family reunion with the McLemores which are always great to see. Thank you for your prayers.

Summer days

2008-06-18T11:31:00.000+02:00

SUMMER! :) These past two weeks have been a whirlwind of fun - getting ready to move, playing with the Whites and the other missionaries around for the summer, getting to see our cousin for a day, packing, getting ready to go the states, did I mention packing!? :) We move tomorrow closer to the school and into a house - woohoo. We are so blessed. ALSO I put up the pictures of us with the White girls as we play princess with them, house and make spinach chocolate...ironic because we went to the doctor and found out...It's a BOY!!! Thank you for your prayers, the baby is healthy and moving a lot. Please continue to pray for him as we travel to the states for a few weeks and for his parents not to stress out too much. Hope you are enjoying the summer time. We'll write more once we are in the states b/c our new house is not set up with internet yet...also there are some more pictures on our picasa site. Thanks for your prayers.

Graduation

2008-06-07T20:39:00.000+02:00

This class of 2008 had 27 students in it from all around the globe...now they leaving to go all around the globe. I'm sure some of you remember Benny from my first year of teaching (in photo) and yes! He graduated :) We are so proud of him. The end of the year was a rush, but it's over now. Summer time brings time at school w/o kids...meaning with curriculum and testing new students plus getting ready for yet another school year. All is well here, baby is kicking more and more (it was raining and the baby was going crazy - must be like his dad who loves thunder storms!). Oliver's sister leaves tomorrow to go back to the states (she's been here for 1.5 years) so we are sad, but hopefully we'll see her again soon. Other than that we are just trying to get re-organized now that school is done :) By the way, will the dollar ever get better??? :) Waiting patiently for this.

Almost there!

2008-05-30T21:40:00.000+02:00

The Middle School Talking Wax Museum - this is a big event that the Middle School puts on through Pam's Christian Studies class. They all choose one character of Scripture that they studied this year and "become" this person - parents, staff and students come and listen to their stories. It is so fun to watch (check out our picasa site for more photos). This year we had 52 middle school students participate.
There are only 3 more days of school left. Be praying for the students this summer and the school as we continue working towards our 10 years credentials. ICSB is growing - next year we already have 213 students enrolled.
The McLemore baby is doing well - kicking his/her mama, Oliver has been able to feel a few times. We are very thankful. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Crazy May Days

2008-05-13T18:34:00.000+02:00

I admit I hesitated putting this photo up b/c I look so darn, well, big, but why not, huh? Here we are the McLemores - Pam, Oliver and baby...here's some recent updates (there are photo updates on the picasa site)
1. We went to the doctor and all looks healthy, but the baby was not in the mood to show us boy or girl...so to be continued on that one...But we did start our prenatal classes. There are two of us Americans with people from all over Europe with all different points of view. It will be a good class for us (that is at least for me...poor Oliver will have to suffer through some of it with the Europeans, well lets just say being quite open about their pregnancies).
2. Family Field day - another time for all our students and their families to come out, play games and have picnics. Oliver did the tug of war again and well, I mostly just sat there. But it was a good day to visit with our families and friends from ICSB.
3. Field Trip - the 6th grade took a field trip with me to the synagogue. With 12 year olds you just never know what is going to happen, but just a lot of laughs and not too many embarrassments (i think pregnancy brings a more care-free attitude with these types of things...that is if I don't get too hormonal on them:)
4. Moving - yes, we have one more month here at our apartment and then we move to a house that my old landlord owns. We are so excited b/c next year we'll need it :)
5. We have a new niece, Ava! We are so thrilled for the Cheneys and can't wait to meet her :)
We really continue to love teaching, being in Hungary especially now that the sun is out and marriage. God continues to teach us to rely souly on Him and be patient. This summer we are hoping to be here and also make it to the states, but just like this year has been we have to wait and see what the Lord has in store.

Eger

2008-04-14T10:39:00.000+02:00

This is a photo of Eger, a beautiful town in Hungary. During spring break we were able to go with the Whites and visit. Actually mostly I sat in the car and looked around while everyone else walked around the town...but hey atleast our little one got to get out of the house! :) So I am finally teaching in the afternoons. I thought I was going to be able to start teaching in the mornings also, but the doctor just laughed and said basically no way. SO I am still at home in the mornings, but thankfully my sister has decided to continue subbing for me, pray for her! :) My mom came this past week, it was wonderful to see her. She brought some stuff for the baby, yeah! It is becoming more and more real. I think I felt my first "punch" in the stomach the other day while Oliver and I were playing Boci ball...already competitive at 15 weeks! But my sister says it was just gas....but i don't think so.
Anyway, Budapest is getting along just fine. Of course school is a bit crazy, especially for Oliver and with the dollar down SOOOO bad it makes life interesting, but God continues to bless us over here and encourages us this is the place for us now. Going to places like Eger makes me realize how much I do love this country.

"Hi"

2008-03-26T20:06:00.002+01:00

Baby Mc said "HI"to us yesterday at the doctors...ok, not really but while we awed at him during the ultrasound he was just a waving his arms! Praise God! It is just amazing to see the little one growing. We are so thankful for our doctor. He is respecting us and we are able to build a relationship with him. He is an Hungarian doctor but speaks English and works with a lot of international pregnant families.
Another family member...Next year we are hoping to move to a house closer to school. With the move we are going to house an ELL student that Oliver teaches. He will be a senior next year and he speaks at least 3 languages! Robin is from China and we are so excited to have him.
Easter...Hilarious, Cute and so FUN, PLUS great food! We made it to church and spent the day with the Whites including David's parents. We had a fun time watching a bunch of kids find eggs and then had a Sadar feast with a ham to top it off, wonderful! Great meals make me so thankful I am pregnant because now I can have seconds! :)

Waitin' for the baby

2008-03-18T10:17:00.001+01:00

Yes, I have made it to 11 weeks and have enjoyed the visitors. This is my niece Norah and I watchin' Veggie Tales. This is pretty much me all the time. Oliver is still working hard, pray for him because he has a lot on his plate with me being "gone".

(notice the Tums right behind my head :)

An Addition to our family!!!

2008-03-04T11:14:00.002+01:00

We can't believe it's been a month so let us update you...
1. Our biggest news....we're PREGNANT! God is blessing us with another little one, due October 5th. Though Pam was again in the hospital for 8 days this little one by God's grace fought throgh and the angels are protecting him. He is healthy and happy and growing fast. Pam is still on bedrest though till her 15th week, which is the middle of April. Now she is just 10 weeks. Thankfully Oliver's mom was gracious enough to come and help out for a week and now one of Pam's high school buddies is here for the next week. She is getting a lot of hungarian tv and relaxation...which we know she'd rather be working but ANYTHING for this baby to be healthy. This of course means Oliver has had to pick up the slack and is working hard in and out of the house. Thankfully all Pam's classes have permanent subs till she returns and God is working His will and showing us His hand throughout this journey.
2. Basketball tournament went very well. Oliver coached ICSB to a 2nd place win. We are also the junior sponsers and that means we were in charge of feeding everyone for the weekend. The teams were from 4 different countries, so we had to keep our minds open about what to serve. With Pam gone, many parents volunteered to help and it was a success.
3. Spiritual Emphasis Week: This is a time for the school to take a break from one class all week and instead go to chapel everyday. The students learned of God's perfect creation and were able to think through the way He created them.
4. Softball: our BIG weekend is coming up and since Pam is out for a while we are praying for people to help. The big softball camp is March 21, 22, 24, 25 and is a great time for the team to recruit new people and to share again the Gospel of God's love. Please pray for the team to be able to have a volunteer coach until Pam is able to join them again. Also Pam is writing the team a letter of what is going on with the baby, etc. Since Hungarians view of abortion, babies, etc is quite different than our own, please pray for them to have hearts of understanding and this to be yet another opportunity to share of God's great creation and love for us.

Thank you for your continued prayers. God is teaching us that "His grace is sufficient" and His will is best. His goodness continues always shines through all times in life.

Good-bye

2008-02-03T10:03:00.000+01:00

This past week we had to say good-bye to one of our students who is in Oliver's ELL and history classes. She went back to China and we already miss her. This is a photo of some of the students in the ELL classes along with Minkee and Oliver (the two ELL teachers). We had a wonderful time trying traditional Chinese food. They put a big bowl in the middle with boiling hot water and then added a bunch of food along the way. Then you would put your chopsticks in and pick out what you wanted from the middle pot, kinda the idea of raqulette but not...it was a cool experience and food! :) Please pray for our student as she adventures back to China that she will remain strong in the faith and know she is loved.

Home fun!

2008-01-20T16:28:00.000+01:00

For Oliver's bday his family gave him a Wii...I admit I was hesitant at first but it is so fun and popular (which our house has never been so lively with different peers and students!). This next week we are staying with one of the junior girls as her parents go to a conference. The family has been here for 14 years and it is amazing to hear their stories of Jesus working in Hungary. The junior girl and Pam meet one on one to disciple and talk so we're really looking forward to being there for the week.

ELL students

2008-01-18T23:24:00.000+01:00

Oliver is blessed to be teaching the high school English Language Learner program. He just loves being with the international students, so eager to learn and to build relationships. This week one of our students is leaving back to China for the semester, Stella. Please pray for her as she goes back to grandparents for the 6 months. We are all going out to dinner on Tuesday for a good-bye party at a Middle Ages restaurant. This is a sad part of our school, so may students and teachers coming and going. In a sense we get us to it, but we just pray that God will continue to have good relationships built at the school even for the short while we have them. It makes us excited for the great Reunion in Heaven someday.

End of the Year

2008-01-13T16:36:00.000+01:00

(This is Gil Beom, one of our middle school students from Korea. He is in my class dressed like Joash!)

We are thankful for the many blessings the Lord has given us. The last of the year was full of hardships, blessings and family. Hungary is now home for us and we are back in the swing of things at school. Oliver just had his first home game and they won, yeah! Our Bible studies are getting started and we are glad to be back in Europe. A highlight of our quick time in America was seeing Bibb and Amy get married along with seeing all our family. Please continue to pray for us as we adjust back to life here in Hungary.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T14:40:00.000+01:00

The boys playing the Annual ICSB Thanksgiving football!

Not quite for Hungary they already had their "thanksgiving", but for us Americans we were able to enjoy a feast together to celebrate our heritage. We had some parents invite us over to gather for turkey, potatoes and pumpkin pie (the pumpkin of course sent from US). It's funny, in order to get the turkey, they have a guy from church take orders, then on a random night a man in a truck meets us at the school to hand out the turkeys. Different, but hey, we get turkey and that is wonderful! This is also our anniversary weekend, so we celebrate watching Alabama and Auburn playing (on a friend's tv, they are having anyone basically from the South over). But seriously though, tonight we are celebrating with Iguanas (our favorite, and the only, Mexican place in Budapest), watching our wedding DVD (Oliver can't wait for that one:), and eating our frozen wedding cake, compliments to Mom and David and Cosette. Oliver's bible study is going well with the 4 boys from high school and Pam's morning Bible study with the junior girls is also going very well. Please continue to pray for those times. We are also heading to the states for 2 weeks in about a month or so. It'll be the first Honsowetz Christmas celebrated together on the day of Christmas in 7 years so we are very excited. We will also be at Bibb's wedding (Oliver's cousin) for New Year's Eve. God is amazing to provide opportunities for us to continue relationships in the states. Thanks for your prayers!

Public in Hungary

2007-11-01T23:32:00.000+01:00

(Photo: Samantha, David and Norah - on her first public ride)Today we went into town on public (we admit only to please the girls and after taking cars some of the way). Hungarian public has not always been, well, lets just say the most up to date. Our tram system has been around since 1887 but we are now getting our 4th metro line. Public is a great way to get around the city, especially once you are in Budapest (there is one bus you can take from Diosd to Budapest, talk to Rick about how to get onto it at the Diosd MOL station if you get a chance, funny story). It is also a great way to get to know the culture. The trams/buses and metros are often quiet (not as much with the youngsters of today but with our generation and older) because of the Communist era where a person just did not want to say too much in public. We'd love to have you come and ride public with us someday, its usually a fun adventure.

Celebration trip

2007-10-26T16:35:00.000+02:00

We appreciate all the celebrating the Hungarians do and we embrace this part of the culture with ease! Last weekend we had a four day weekend celebrating the 1956 revolution (as spoken of in the last entry) so Oliver and Pam took a fun trip to Croatia in celebration of their 1st year anniversary (which is in three weeks) and Pams bday. It was a wonderful time together to relax, look at the beautiful scenery, walk along the Great Persecutor's Diocletian's castle wall from the Roman Empire times and to observe the Croate culture. Their war of course is more resent than Hungary's and even on the way down we saw bullet holes in buildings and were able to read on the devastation that occured in the 90s. All in all it was a beautiful trip and a great time together...plus to add to the excitement you'll see on our Picasa site we did experience a variety of weather from sunny to cloudy to high winds to rains and even snow!

Birthdays

2007-10-17T21:33:00.000+02:00

October 15th is a special day...Mary Martha's birthday...Mikhail Gorbackev receives the Nobel Peace Prize...Duchess of York was born...Figi became a republic...Pam was born. :) Oliver took Pam to a new find in Hungary. A small town called Martonvasar. This was a beautiful town with a great park with a small pond. It had a beautiful small castle that is now a tiny museum in honor of Beethoven, who loved to come to the small town of Martonvasar. We also have a four day holiday coming up to remember the people of the 1956 revolution here in Hungary. This revolution against Russia may have only lasted around a week, but the Hungarians stood by one another to fight against the Russian communist regime during a dark time. It is a sense of national pride and an event that should be remembered.

Field Trip!

2007-10-13T16:01:00.000+02:00

Yes, we dared to take both 8th and 12th grade on a field trip to the Roman Ruins just outside of Budapest at the Aquincum (www.aquincum.hu). It was a riot of a day, but even through public troubles we had fun...and maybe even learned a thing or two. 8th grade is Pam's class, that is she has been with them for 2.5 years and has been their chaperone on all the big events. This class is full of culture with students from Hungary, Romania, Korea, China, America and Iran. This photo is overlooking parlament during the field trip. Aren't they adorable...or as they want me to say, cool?!? :)

BIG Weekend

2007-10-09T21:31:00.000+02:00

YES! We did it and THANK YOU for your prayers. We really could feel the Spirit's guidance, faithfulness and provision this past weekend.
Middle School Missions Trip: Big smiles, helpful hands and serving hearts came out of the middle school students...of course so did sillyness of trying on random gypsy clothes while supposedly sorting them (photo), accidently having one 8th grader fall in the gypsy toilet (I admit, i did laugh for a long while on this one) and the missionary who works with the Roma (gypsies) burn his hand on the lawn mower. But really the missions trip went without too much pain. We were able to put on 3 programs for the gypsy kids. It was amazing to see our 8th grade students put on skits of God's love and His Great story of saving grace. Our theme this year for the gypsy kids program was the Wordless Book (sharing the Gospel message using colors). The kids with the help of our students made bracelets, bookmarks, played games with tarps, played lots of soccer, and most importantly heard and saw the love of Jesus' hope, hearing of His saving life, death and resurrection. The students also helped the gypsies by cleaning houses, doing yard work, maintaining a soccer field, organizing and cleaning the newer gypsy community center and of course by building relationship with them. It was amazing to see our 12 and 13 year olds, boys and girls, running around, playing, holding hands and skipping with the many Roma children. This was a big answer to prayer. Please continue to pray for the gypsy ministry here in Hungary.
High School Retreat: First, yes, the rumor is true. After the past 2 years of trying, the senior boys did finally get Oliver into the pond. It took 8 of them to do it, but when push came to shove, he and 3 other boys were soaked. High school retreat is a time for the students to take a deeper look at their own spiritual lives along with the community of believers that they go to school with day in and day out. Last year one of Pam's students, Aniko, now one of Oliver's students, accepted Christ. It was so fun to visit with her as she visits with other students of how He has changed her in the past year. This year's retreat was over Micah 6:8, the students were reminded of God's calling to them to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with their God. This of course is a life lesson for all of us. It was held at the local Bible college. Oliver lived with the boys of HS and was able to visit with on how their lives are now and how they and Jesus want their lives to be. We really do praise God for a great and unique time to bond as a whole student body in high school.
Thank you again for your prayers this weekend. God is working in Hungary and it is evident that He is using students at ICSB to affect the people of Hungary and when these students graduate or leave us, truly the Lord uses them to affect the world.
**I will put photos up soon of the retreat and missions trip. Because we did not want things to be taken, we only had one friend of ours be the photographer and our friend will give us the photos soon**

School's Starts

2007-09-18T15:23:00.000+02:00

Yes, this is a photo of a Hungarian golf cart...it picks up all the balls we hit at the local golfing range. Seriously, we love it! So far, soccer has lost one and tied one, but Oliver continues to build good relationships with the boys that are playing. We are planning for the High school retreat and for the Middle School Missions Trip. Please pray!!! We also have new photos up, I know finally! They are of family and some students in a middle school study hall. Kymber Jennings is visiting and we have enjoyed Pam's brother visiting as well. Hungary is good, not too hot, not too cold. We are still in our apartment and enjoying the view of the dog castle (we live on Kutyavari which means "dog castle", what is a dog castle...who really knows...). Pam's 11th grade Bible study started last week and went well. They came over for some homemade pizza and we were able to visit about how God is at work and just where the girls are at. Oliver is also starting a new High school men's Bible study. Please pray as this starts up. We have been watching students as parents fly and go places. Its been good for us to be "mom and dad" but its also good to be home now. Praise God for you all and thank you for your faithfulness and love to us.
Happy September!

First day of School

2007-08-22T22:24:00.000+02:00

Yes, today was our first day of the new school year. We will try and get some photos up soon. All went pretty smooth, that is besides the fact that high school were almost without desks and then the desks that were delivered was from a Hungarian company, whose logo was printed on stickers on the desk marked A S S. Yikes! Lets just say we did not want our high school students finding out about that one!!!! SO praise God we got the stickers off and now all is well, with desks in the room and students to fill them up.
Pam is again teaching Economics 12th, Church History 9th, New Testament and Old Testament for 8th, 7th and 6th. Oliver is teaching US History 10th, Modern World 11th and ELL to high school students (English Language Learners). We are thankful to be back at ICSB again. Thank you for your continued prayers. We are watching a family this week while their parents are away at a Campus Crusade retreat. Its great for Oliver and I to be with a family of teenagers..reminds us of who we really teach.
Keep in touch!

Back in Hungary

2007-08-15T22:14:00.001+02:00

Yes, we are back at the International Christian School of Budapest again! God is good and our support is just 12% away from being fully financially supported. Praise God. Thank you for allowing us to be here in Budapest.
This week we have been with the Honsowetz family and also doing teacher orientation at school. It was great to see all of you this summer in America and to come back to family again in Hungary. It helped with the transition. Our school rooms are coming together, we have stuff on the walls (which by the way are painted!) and getting curriculum together for this next year.
While Pam's parents were here we were able to go to Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, and they were also able to drive around seeing work, softball and meeting our friends and seeing our ministry.
The theme of our learning path is "unchangeable". God is stable, wise and always with us. As we travel from country to country, from family to family, friend to friend, ministry to ministry the One that is always with us is Christ. The Holy Spirit continues to work and He speaks to us no matter the circumstance or the place, reminding us of His consistency in our lives. The story of Samuel and Israel while they are waiting for the king (eventually David) reminds us of God's Ultimate perfect constant plan. Though we at times have no idea how He is at work, the point is He is WAY ahead of us and is in control. Again and again we are reminded of the way God works in His people, changing us, but never having to change Himself, the Perfect. Praise God for this as we move, go and do. No matter what He is constantly with us and here.

Together again

2007-08-05T07:25:00.000+02:00

Yes, it was wonderful! The "crew", Oliver's great friends from high school came together again. It was great to see everyone and their families (pictured beside are 5 of the 8).
We are off to Budapest tomorrow. We leave from Atlanta and get into Budapest Monday, so in case you do not hear from us for a few days we wanted you to be updated! Thank you all for visiting with us so much. We will miss you. School starts on the 20th of August, so lots of preparation and things to do. We leave Alabama feeling excited about this year to come, and overwhelmed with blessings by our great team that helps us get to Hungary and do our ministry there. Hope to see you all soon.

One more week

2007-07-31T05:51:00.000+02:00

Yes just one more week till we leave for Budapest, Hungary. We are looking forward to being back at home again. It has been a good time to reconnect with family and friends. Praise God for our supporters, gracious and giving. We need just 20% more and we are fully funded (about $1000 a month). We continue to pray for guidance. Oliver enjoyed being at the farm, shooting, fishing and soaking up the Alabama sun. Pamela enjoyed English again, shopping and of course we both enjoyed seeing people and catching up. School starts August 22nd. You can check it out at icsbudapest.org to see the sports coming up and such. Oliver starts soccer season just a week after we get back, while Pamela busily prepares the classroom and reconnects with the softball ladies. Though it has been wonderful to live in America again, it is also a reminder of God's calling on us for Hungary and our students. Thank you for your continued prayer and love.

Summer update

2007-07-14T03:13:00.000+02:00

Now in Alabama! This is a student who has now moved back to Florida, quite a character, we'll miss him! We have updated photos on our photo site (see the site list on this site) so if you have time give it a look, some of Oliver's first "long" camping trip with the Honsowetz clan :) We loved being in Washington, visiting family and seeing friends (plus seeing Pam's niece Elayna). In Alabama we are catching up with people and are thankful to stay at the McLemore home. Support raising is going fine, praise God. Continue to pray for the rest of the 25% financially that is needed for us to get to Hungary by the 5th of August. ICSB is in transition this summer with continuing to move into the new building, yeah! New teacher orientation begins the second week of August and then school the end of August. Some students are emailing and are doing well, telling funny stories of boredom in summer...:) We really love seeing you all and appreciate your prayers and support.

Week with GEM in Colorado

2007-06-27T19:40:00.000+02:00

GEM APPOINTEES!

In June we spent one week with these 15 other people heading over to Europe through Greater Europe Mission. We were able to find out a lot of information on GEM and were all appointed to begin different missions in Europe though GEM. Obviously, Oliver and I were appointed to go back to Budapest and teach at ICSB. Continue to pray for missionaries traveling and raising support and the hearts of those they will teach of Jesus' love and grace. Thanks for all your prayers.

Back in the USA

2007-06-22T01:24:00.000+02:00

Just a quick update...
School is done for the year! Graduation was wonderful, we had students graduating from 6 different countries this year. It was fun to see all the flags and to hear the places the students are going.
Flew out day after graduation to GEM conference and got appointed as long term missionaries with them! Have/Are sending out information on GEM and our years to come in Hungary. Be looking for a letter with updates on what God is doing in Hungary. We are thankful to be with an organized and smaller mission.
After Colorado/GEM we headed to Washington...its good to be in good ol' Moses Lake again. Got to see Jaime and Tyler Green (Pam's great friends) at the Mariner's game that the Honsowetz's went to last night. We also were able to re-connect with people at the church here in ML and meet with some friends and support folk in WA.
Coming up...next week Oliver is going to cady for Nathan (Pam's brother) for the annual amatuer golf tournament...Pam is going to work on wedding thank yous (yes, finally!). The Cheneys (Pam's sister's family) are coming up in a week for the Honsowetz reunion and then on the 6th of July we head down to Alabama.
Thank you for all your prayer and support! May God continue to bless you!

Field Trip Days!!!

2007-05-21T14:59:00.000+02:00

MAY MEANS FIELD DAYS!!! Look at our website at picasa to see our family field day, our field trips and our Arts Festival here at ICSB. This photo is of some of my 6th grade students at ICSB. We went to the Budapest Jewish Synagogue, which is the largest in Europe, second in the world only to New York. It was a very fun day learning all about the Jewish culture here in Budapest.

April 14th

2007-04-14T09:20:00.000+02:00

It's Spring...
That means lots of softball, lots of student activities, lots of visitors and lots of fun :)
So far...
Mom Patty, John & Sarah Margerat, and Mom Sadler have all come to visit us here in Hungary. We really enjoyed our times together. We had about a month and a half with visitors in and out. We loved having our family and friends here to see, talk with and show them around Budapest and our lives!
Softball is now in full swing. We have our first game next week. We also had a big camp about 3 weeks ago, where we got around 100 people to come out and learn the game of baseball/softball. The ages ranged from 7-40. Of course we had Hungarians stopping to see what this game was all about. It was a lot of fun. If you want to check the posting of our games, etc you can look at the Hungarian website www.baseball.hu
Language classes also started for Oliver and I as two of our softball girls decided it was time for us to learn "true" Hungarian. We have had 2 lessons so far...we know the alphabet (which is 45 letters...kinda) and how to get food. Its fun to learn how you are actually supposed to say things, instead of our broken, street language that gets us through this land. Please pray for us as we build relationship with Esther and Ica that we may spread Jesus' saving grace to them.
Students are all around! Pam has a field trip on Monday, Oliver is busy with the ELL program and trying to get a TOEFEL Program started here. We are both doing Bible studies/discipleship. Continue to pray for Esther as she is due this July! We had a shower last night and it went very well. Praise God!
thank you for your continued prayers as we are here in Hungary. We ARE planning a trip for 2 months back this summer. Our traveling plans include Colorado for training, Washington (end of June) and Alabama (middle of July). Please let us know if you can get together, we'd love to see you! We're moving to Greater Europe Mission to continue here in Hungary long term. Our account information is sent to

Greater Europe Mission
18950 Base Camp Road
Re: Pamela McLemore
Monument, CO 80132-8009 USA

Thank you for all your prayers and support of us! You can also contact us at our email address: mclemore1125@hotmail.com

Basketball Tournament

2007-03-05T12:06:00.000+01:00

This past weekend we had our annual basketball tournament! It was the first time we had it in our own gym - yeah!
Oliver coached the boys to a 2nd place win and the women came in 1st. We had teams from all over...Ukraine, Vienna, Romania, Embassy School in Budapest, Salzburg...tons of games, tons of fun...and tons of work. At our school the students get really into it...look at this Utube video of a cheer they do during half time....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ez-1NeSi8Y
Also you can check out our sister Whittington's blog to see more photos (just click on the photos about Vienna and they are underneath on her Picasa Website) at www.whittingtonmclemore.blogspot.com
Thanks for all your continued prayers and support.

Softball begins soon...

2007-02-26T11:31:00.000+01:00

We were thrilled to see Eszter and Ica at the wedding Reception. They are some of the women that Pamela plays softball with here in Hungary. We have a big softball camp coming up in March, on the 16th, 17th and 18th. Please be praying for people to help, women to come and for Christ's great love and faithfulness to shine as we begin this new softball season.

Budapest Reception

2007-02-26T11:22:00.000+01:00

Thank you to all the kind friends and family for a great party in Budapest. We were able to even have CHEESECAKES which is a rarity for Hungary, thanks to one of our students, Joel Winget, YUMMY sandwiches from our favorite Sandwich Guru here in Hungary, Great desserts, beautiful decorations and even a Hungarian Wedding Cake with our cake toppers from our wedding! We had a WONDERFUL time showing our photos to our friends here. Hope you enjoy the photos. You can see them on our other website at http://picasaweb.google.com/OPMcLemore

Some fun memories

2007-02-26T11:17:00.000+01:00

The Hungary take out the trash day...with you and Oliver being the "Coaches of the Year!" WE miss you!

School Days

2007-02-05T14:23:00.000+01:00

Yes, that old song "school days, school days, here the golden rule days" are in my head as I sit here during my 6th grade boys study hall. It is one of my boys last days. Boys handling emotions are weird enough, let alone throw in 8 boys at around the age of 12. They just don't know what to do, so now they are playing football with small pieces of paper. (No, not usual for one of my study halls, but just for the last 10 minutes of Balasz' last day here I don't mind). Crazy.
Things in Hungary are going well. Oliver is still very busy coaching the high school varsity basketball team. We are still getting into routine back here in Hungary with school and adjusting to being married. But we love it and are so happy. I am just getting my schedule down, with having a student teacher from the states this year, to doing a Bible study with 10th grade girls, to meeting with one student on Thursdays to talk about 'life'. This week is Spiritual Emphasis week, where we take one class period and have a "chapel" to focus on the Jesus Development within the students. Pray. You never know what will happen with middle school students :)
We miss you all dearly and appreciate all your prayers.

First 2 weeks of school..

2007-01-16T12:58:00.000+01:00

It has been a blessing to be back again in Budapest at ICSB. The students gave us warm welcomes and were very excited to call Miss Honsowetz...Mrs McLemore now! :) Our classes were greatly taken care of which we are thankful for, but the students for once seemed to be happy to see us. Pamela is still teaching her subjects of Christian Studies 6th-9th grade and World Problems with the 12th grade. Oliver is continueing to teach 10th and 11th grade History and running the high school English Language Learner program. We are quite tired now but very happy to be back. Oliver had his first basketball game (he coaches the HS varsity team), which they lost...but made a large come-back in the end, just not large enough. Bummer. Pamela already has had a meeting about softball this next season, and Lord willing, there are a group of girls playing American University softball that want to come over and teach our girls for a few weeks - yes! Pamela is now sick with a fever and headcold, but other than that things are going very well. Thank you for your continued prayer and patience with us as we adjust/transitioning not only into married life but also into the Hungarian culture again. We will have a newsletter out by the end of this month! :)
Happy Tuesday!

Oliver's 25th Birthday!!!!

2007-01-06T15:03:00.000+01:00

Oliver celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday, the 5th of January! We had many celebrations with friends and family. In the picture you see him with the gift from Pam of a pocket watch. He also received many fun presents from our families to make it a very special day. Thank you!!! We were also able to go and see Van Gogh at the art museum in downtown Budapest. It was so fun to have Whittington and the Whites over to celebrate the night of Uncle Ollie's (as Samantha calls him) birthday. All of the Honsowetz side also celebrated Baby Elayna's birthday. You can check our the picasa/google website for our special song (the website is listed below).
We are doing well. Pamela is now at work trying to get things put together for school starting Monday and Oliver is out with one of his high school students, Robert. Robert and Oliver get together about once every two weeks or so to chat about Robert's life. He is a missionary kid in 12th grade this year. He is also in Pam's World Problems/Economics class. He is just so fun and we count it a blessing to have him in Oliver's life. Pray for Oliver as they meet that God will give him wisdom and strength as he meets with and builds relationship more with Robert. Pray for Robert as he is trying to figure out what to do when he is done here at ICSB. Many of our students go back to the states, but do not necessarily feel "at home" even though their citizenship is in the states. They have lived overseas so long they feel "home" truly is where the heart is, since no place necessarily feels "right like home". What a great blessing to work with these students and to learn more and more of how God is creative and loving. Thanks for you prayers and connection with us.

Rick and Patty (Pam's parents)...wow!

2007-01-03T23:55:00.000+01:00

They planned the wedding reception of our dreams!!!

Oliver's (now Pams too:) family at the wedding

2007-01-03T23:50:00.000+01:00

Wedding Reception

2007-01-03T23:46:00.000+01:00

Our wedding party!!!

2007-01-03T23:36:00.000+01:00

Our wedding party was great! We are so thankful for the many friends and family that came out on November 25th to good ol' Moses Lake. We miss you terribly now but we are thankful for the memories that we will cherish!

Wedding website photos...

2007-01-02T16:24:00.000+01:00

Check out our wedding photos at...

http://www.wildpix.biz/Events/your_event.html

New Photo Site!

2007-01-02T16:23:00.000+01:00

check out our new photos and "life" at...

http://picasaweb.google.com/OPMcLemore

Alabama Reception

2007-01-02T16:13:00.000+01:00

Traveling the world in 40 days...the Alabama reception was BEAUTIFUL and fun! It was great for Pamela to meet again all the Alabama folk and for Oliver to see everyone again. It was a great celebration put on by Oliver's parents Tom and Sadler. Pam's parents were there and everything! What a great time for us all! You can look at the pictures of the reception at the above website. Thanks for such a great time in the states. You are so generous and kind to us.