Magyar Egyház, 2011 (90. évfolyam, 1. szám)
2011-02-01 / 1. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 19. oldal Volunteering in Hungary As a child I was always fortunate to spend my summers with my family in Hungary. This past summer, I decided to challenge myself and give back to the Hungarian community. In July 2010, I flew to Hungary by myself for the first time and for two weeks volunteered at the Károlyi István Gyermekközpont in Főt, Hungary (an orphanage and foster center for children). At first, I was apprehensive about working with complete strangers, but when I arrived at the center and was greeted by the assistant director Losné Tímár Erika and the other caretakers, I knew I would be surrounded by friendly people. I spent my first week with twenty children between the ages of seven and seventeen and four caretakers at the Gyermekközpont’s property on Lake Balaton to help chaperone their summer camp in Balatonlelle. There, I accompanied the group on day trips into town, on a hike to the forest to play number wars, and on a boat trip to Badacsony. On days we didn’t go on trips, we organized soccer games, swam in the lake, and had games and competitions. Although it took some time for the kids to warm up to me, once they did they were bursting with questions. Many of them didn’t understand how far away the United States is from Hungary, and were curious as to how I live in America. I was interested in learning more about the children as well. As the week went by, I discovered from the caretakers that many of the children came from broken homes and poverty. It broke my heart to learn that three young sisters, whom I enjoyed playing with and getting to know, had witnessed their father’s suicide. I realized that the sports camp at the lake was a wonderful opportunity for the children to escape their hardships. Seeing them enjoying their time playing and being happy made the experience that much more rewarding. The following week I returned to Főt and worked with the center’s disabled children in their dormitories. I visited two separate housing units where I helped the caretakers serve meals and played with the children. Having never worked with disabled children before, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I saw that the caretakers were all dedicated to their jobs and found that the kids were sweet and eager to play with someone new. I was surprised to find how much they touched my heart, and what good spirits they were in considering their circumstances. Volunteering at the Károlyi István Gyermekközpont not only gave me a deep sense of appreciation for how lucky I am to come from a strong family with loving parents, but also for how fortunate I am to be healthy and have opportunities to travel and learn about other people. I am very grateful to have been able to spend time with the children at the Gyermekközpont, and I hope to be able to return in the future. Victoria Borbas Member of Magyar Reformed Church, New Brunswick NJ Senior, North Brunswick Township High School RENTAL APERTMENTS IN CALIFORNIA Apartments owned by the local Hungarian Church at East of Los Angeles, California. Short time or long time rental possibilities in studio or one bedroom apartments, close to shopping centers and freeways. Please come to the sunny California and rent our apartment for the winter time and move back for the summer time. During your visitation in California, rent our furnished apartment just for few days or weeks like a hotel or motel. Studio apartments for $550.-/ month One bedroom apartments for $650.-/ month You are invited to our church and our apartments THE FREE MAGYAR REFORMED CHURCH OF ONTARIO 1053 East Sixth Street #32, Ontario, California 91764 Tel: 909-981-9601 Fax: 909-946-3713 Email: revsand@aol.com
