Hi Y'all-
Don't forget to find us at hammonsinhouston.blogspot.com.
See you there!
Love,
Cameron
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Home Again
As I stumbled around our townhouse, trying to remember what continent I was on, I got a phone call from my brother. My father, who turned 80 on August 1st is in the hospital (again) for congestive heart failure. My half brother Todd is saying it's not looking good, and that my father is down, saying that he thinks he is on his deathbed.
My brother, who has not seen my Dad in probably more than 15 years is flying to New Jersey this weekend to see him. Maybe to say goodbye? I am not sure. What I am sure of is that this is the moment I have most dreaded all of my adult life. What will we do when he gets sick? If he passes away? When we've been estranged from him for most of our lives, it's hard to know what to do, or not to do.
I told my half brother that whatever I need to do, I will do. And for him to just tell me. My dad is pretty alone right now and he is scared. We visited him in April and it was the best time with him I have had since I can remember. He loved Sydney and Sydney loved him. He was genuinely interested in hearing about our ministry and our plans to go to Budapest. He seemed even genuinely interested in this Jesus character and wondered I think how Jesus related to his own Judaism. Or in his words, when asked a question about a Jewish holiday he said "I don't know, you'll have to ask someone who's Jewish." But when I told him I was going to seminary to become a pastor he said, "Cameron, you're Jewish!" He is a funny man, who has been very hurt by life, and who has hurt others, namely his children.
More than anything I want him to be comforted and I want him to have an opportunity to accept Christ. It seems like alot to ask that I should be the one to talk with him about this, but it seems like that may be what God is up to. I don't know. I am open to suggestions. Please pray. For wisdom, and for a plane ticket, if that is what I am supposed to do.
From now on, you can find my half asleep ramblings at hammonsinhouston.blogspot.com. Come one by. Drop in. Comment. Let me know you're out there. For now, I am going to sleep. It's 6am in Budapest and the sun's been up for an hour and a half. It's raining in Houston and my cat is curled up on our bed, happy we are finally home.
Love and Blessings,
Cameron
My brother, who has not seen my Dad in probably more than 15 years is flying to New Jersey this weekend to see him. Maybe to say goodbye? I am not sure. What I am sure of is that this is the moment I have most dreaded all of my adult life. What will we do when he gets sick? If he passes away? When we've been estranged from him for most of our lives, it's hard to know what to do, or not to do.
I told my half brother that whatever I need to do, I will do. And for him to just tell me. My dad is pretty alone right now and he is scared. We visited him in April and it was the best time with him I have had since I can remember. He loved Sydney and Sydney loved him. He was genuinely interested in hearing about our ministry and our plans to go to Budapest. He seemed even genuinely interested in this Jesus character and wondered I think how Jesus related to his own Judaism. Or in his words, when asked a question about a Jewish holiday he said "I don't know, you'll have to ask someone who's Jewish." But when I told him I was going to seminary to become a pastor he said, "Cameron, you're Jewish!" He is a funny man, who has been very hurt by life, and who has hurt others, namely his children.
More than anything I want him to be comforted and I want him to have an opportunity to accept Christ. It seems like alot to ask that I should be the one to talk with him about this, but it seems like that may be what God is up to. I don't know. I am open to suggestions. Please pray. For wisdom, and for a plane ticket, if that is what I am supposed to do.
From now on, you can find my half asleep ramblings at hammonsinhouston.blogspot.com. Come one by. Drop in. Comment. Let me know you're out there. For now, I am going to sleep. It's 6am in Budapest and the sun's been up for an hour and a half. It's raining in Houston and my cat is curled up on our bed, happy we are finally home.
Love and Blessings,
Cameron
Thursday, August 14, 2008
American Tomatoes
Well it's official. We are back in America. I can tell by the tomatoes. Which is both a good thing, comfortable and familiar, and a sad thing- not Hungarian. I can't get over how all the commercials and advertisements are in English, and the employees at McDonald's speak English. I suppose that what the Hungarian employees of McDonald's were saying was just as uninteresting as their American counterparts, but somehow it was fascinating to me.
Nonetheless, we are in America, well New York which is sort of a transitional space between Europe and America in my opinion. This was a great idea to spend a few days here at the beach with Nana and Nick (my Mom and Dominick) before heading back to Houston. I want to call everyone I know but I still don't really believe we are in the same time zone. I guess I will need a few days to adjust.
Sydney was AMAZING on the plane, thanks to you guys for praying for us. We were SO blessed on the plane. I told the woman at check- in in Budapest that we were very sad to leave the country and I think she rewarded our affection with 3 seats in the bulkhead. Classic Hungarian. It's all about who you know. In our case, it's Who we know Who has inspired, provided, taught, corrected, loved and guided us through the last 10 weeks. And though we are so imperfect, so ungrateful at times, He kept His promises and then some. What a God He is whom we love.
As we re-enter we are painfully aware of all the strife in the world, especially Europe. Please pray for the situation between Russia and Georiga. We are reminded of the lingering devastation of Communism in this region. The desire for freedom on one side and power on the other. Though of course all sides play all parts- just at different times. None are innocent and all fall short of the glory of God. Pray for wisdom for our President and for all the leaders involved.
THANK YOU for supporting us in what was truly the adventure of a lifetime. We are back and excited for what God will do in and through us in America this year. But we have left a part of our hearts behind in Budapest. A piece of a locket we hope to reclaim when we return, whenever and however that will be.
Blessings, Love, Abundance and Grace,
Cameron
Nonetheless, we are in America, well New York which is sort of a transitional space between Europe and America in my opinion. This was a great idea to spend a few days here at the beach with Nana and Nick (my Mom and Dominick) before heading back to Houston. I want to call everyone I know but I still don't really believe we are in the same time zone. I guess I will need a few days to adjust.
Sydney was AMAZING on the plane, thanks to you guys for praying for us. We were SO blessed on the plane. I told the woman at check- in in Budapest that we were very sad to leave the country and I think she rewarded our affection with 3 seats in the bulkhead. Classic Hungarian. It's all about who you know. In our case, it's Who we know Who has inspired, provided, taught, corrected, loved and guided us through the last 10 weeks. And though we are so imperfect, so ungrateful at times, He kept His promises and then some. What a God He is whom we love.
As we re-enter we are painfully aware of all the strife in the world, especially Europe. Please pray for the situation between Russia and Georiga. We are reminded of the lingering devastation of Communism in this region. The desire for freedom on one side and power on the other. Though of course all sides play all parts- just at different times. None are innocent and all fall short of the glory of God. Pray for wisdom for our President and for all the leaders involved.
THANK YOU for supporting us in what was truly the adventure of a lifetime. We are back and excited for what God will do in and through us in America this year. But we have left a part of our hearts behind in Budapest. A piece of a locket we hope to reclaim when we return, whenever and however that will be.
Blessings, Love, Abundance and Grace,
Cameron
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Summer Romance
What started as a crush, blossomed into a full fledged romance.
At first we weren't sure if Budapest returned our feelings. Afterall, who doesn't fall in love with her at first sight. I am sure she is used the poetic ramblings of tourists or even missionaries. What she wants to know is "Will you love me tomorrow?" Metaphorically speaking of course. When the summer's gone and your back in your old routine- school, church, kids, etc,- will you think of the golden top of Gellert Hill as the sun sinks into the Danube? We are even feeling a little guilty, as you do as the summer wans and your romance with it. "Was I too forward?" "Did I reveal too much?" "Is it really love?"
It is hard for me not to wax poetic, obviously, but I mean every word. A better analogy couldn't exist. Though she's tough and dirty and tired, Budapest is literally, a shining city on a hill, blessed in abundance but still suffering from years of heartbreak. Of failed affairs, really. The Romans, The Turks, The Austrians, The Germans, The Russians, etc. When will she learn to love the only One who ever really loves her back?
My computer is running on reserve so I will wrap it up but promise to provide more actual details tomorrow. Houston team leaves at 4am. Gyspy outreach in N. Hungary for us tomorrow morning at 7:15 am. Fly to NY on Wednesday.
Thank you for praying and writing. We love you all, Cameron
Thursday, August 7, 2008
No watch day
Today was a no watch day for me, which means I never put on my watch today. Or makeup. It was that kind of day. Which was desperately needed after the summer we've had. Going and going and going. Matt on the other hand wore his watch today. He went with the Houston team to a small town outside of Budapest called "Tatabanya" which I am sure was fantastic. I will let him fill you in.
In the meanwhile I will give you some news on the last few days. We've met some amazing people. Many have been brave, gotten out of their "comfort zones" and given there testimonies. All have been powerful and moving. We are leaving in 6 days. I can't believe it. I am really looking forward to seeing everybody and being back at Grace for worship. Love, Cameron
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Outreach
We did our first full outreach today with the Houston team at Moskva Ter (Moscow Square). It went really well I thought, we had some incredible breakthroughs as well as some frustrating moments. I had a great conversation with Angela Slaughter at dinner about how frustrating it is for singers when the sounds isn't good. It was great to hear that I am not the only one who wants to pull my hair out sometimes. the Lord knows this of course and this is exactly why I deal with it. I am learning humility- over and over- in so many ways- through these types of experiences. John Mark gave his testimony for the first time and gave what Dani called "The best street preaching he had ever heard." And that is really saying something! We are so proud of you brother!
It's been really interesting to be able to talk more with people because I am not singing the whole time. It's wonderful actually. It's almost addictive. The first time you approach a stranger to talk it's hard. But then it just gets easier. And I've met so many cool people. One guy lived in NYC, in the Hungarian Embassy with his father for four years, when his father was a diplomat. Another Romanian guy was looking for work to make $ to send to his family- but was telling us amazing stories of God had heard his prayers for food when he was in a McDonalds with no money and a German guy gave him 2,000 forint (about $13). I felt the Lord tell me twice today/ tonight- The Harvest is big and the workers are few. There were SO many people who stopped to look and listen. We were working with a Californian team who were doing dramas and that was really attracting people. There were just so many people talk to and not enough people to talk to them. Especially Hungarian speakers. I am more inspired then ever to learn the language.
Alot of friends are asking "What's your vision?" and "When will you come back?" and "What will your ministry look like." We just don't have the answers to those questions. But slowly strong ideas are forming and we will pray that He will open the doors he wants opened, and close tightly those that He wants closed.
Good night. Early morning prayer walks around the city. Love and Blessings, Cameron
It's been really interesting to be able to talk more with people because I am not singing the whole time. It's wonderful actually. It's almost addictive. The first time you approach a stranger to talk it's hard. But then it just gets easier. And I've met so many cool people. One guy lived in NYC, in the Hungarian Embassy with his father for four years, when his father was a diplomat. Another Romanian guy was looking for work to make $ to send to his family- but was telling us amazing stories of God had heard his prayers for food when he was in a McDonalds with no money and a German guy gave him 2,000 forint (about $13). I felt the Lord tell me twice today/ tonight- The Harvest is big and the workers are few. There were SO many people who stopped to look and listen. We were working with a Californian team who were doing dramas and that was really attracting people. There were just so many people talk to and not enough people to talk to them. Especially Hungarian speakers. I am more inspired then ever to learn the language.
Alot of friends are asking "What's your vision?" and "When will you come back?" and "What will your ministry look like." We just don't have the answers to those questions. But slowly strong ideas are forming and we will pray that He will open the doors he wants opened, and close tightly those that He wants closed.
Good night. Early morning prayer walks around the city. Love and Blessings, Cameron
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Who knew?
Hello Friends! So sorry for the lag time. We had trouble figuring out internet in our new house and have been quite crazy busy the last few days! Well we are alive and well (Mom, don't worry!) and in the full swing of things with the Houston team. Matt and I are playing tag team a bit more than I'd expected. It's a bit hard to coordinate babysitting when we are so far out of the city now. I think we've nearly got it organized for the rest of our time.Yesterday night we joined Matt Edward in leading worship at Calvary Chapel- Golgota Church. This is the church where Dani and Simona are from. It was a beautiful night- we sang in Hungarian and English and I even sang in Hungarian! Learning a bunch of worship songs in Hungarian is not easy. Thankfully I mainly sang English but I jumped in with Hungarian on background vocals when I could. Who knew you could sing "Blessed be the name" in Hungarian? How cool. I am really encouraged in my attempt to learn the language. I am finding that street signs, general advertisments, etc., that have puzzled me for two months are now finally making sense. I have learned enough words that I am finally able to tell you what a "Gorog Csmege" is. There are umlauts and accents in there but I have no idea how to type them.
Anyway, this morning I am home with Sydney and then later this afternoon we will go into to the city for Dani's outreach. I am so sorry for the lag in posting. Know that we covet your prayers. We are feeling quite exhausted and a little burned out. All the running around and emotional expenditure is taking a bit of a toll on us physically. I am feeling old! Please pray for refreshing for all of us...
I am getting sad to leave but also really looking forward to the comforts of home; airconditioning (!), my own bed, Mexican food, our cat Steve, friends and family. Though I know we will miss our new friends here. I am certain we will be back -I think we just have no idea how or when. God knows though. Thank goodness. :-)
Love and blessings,
Cameron
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