The lesson: WITH HUMILITY COMES GRACE

from

Lisa Brannack

LCMS Missionary

Serving in Sopron, Hungary

Home Congregation: Good Shepard Lutheran Church, Portland, OR

I have begun to feel spiritually starved as the end of March approaches because there are only Hungarian and German worship services available. It’s evident with all of the changes I have undergone that I am in need of more spiritual nourishment. In fact, it made me think of where and how my pastor finds his own spiritual strength in times of need. He is very busy tending to the needs of the congregation, but who takes care of him? Who preaches to him? So, I thought the best way to answer my own question was to read the Scripture. In my last newsletter, I informed you that I have become the Abbott minus the Costello of teaching. I’ve tripped on dust and nearly fell; I’ve actually fallen off a broken chair and accidentally swore (in front of the children—nothing shocking); I carried a bunch of Motrin and Tylenol in a zippered bag that I wore around my neck and I was having some upper back spasms that day when my little bag caught on the door knob and all of the little pills spilled on the floor! Here are twelve 11^th graders picking up little pills under the desks and in small crevices. I have had some terribly embarrassing moments to say the least. I mean how does one follow a lesson plan after that? And yet accordingly, I would do something even more stupid that would “top” the last embarrassing moment, and they would laugh and only remember the last dumb thing I did. At times I could really use some comfort. That’s when I realized this whole gig is not about ME at all! I am simply a vehicle to show Christ’s love. So I began to read more.

Ephesians 4:2-3 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. And then in verse seven it says, “But to each one of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

INTRODUCTION

I haven’t necessarily prayed for patience, but in retrospect believe that is exactly what I have needed. I lived a pretty fast-paced lifestyle for many, many years. Here in Hungary I am forced to live life as it comes. And strangely, I’ve never been happier than I am right now. I’ve made lots of friends and feel as though I found my niche. My energy is pretty high and I have nearly recovered from the chest cold that knocked me for a loop for three weeks. But I never missed a day of school! Now, back in my “student” days, I would have stayed in bed until I was well. Unfortunately, teachers don’t really have that luxury. One day, right in the middle of class I suddenly broke out into a fever, began sweating profusely to the point one of my students offered me his tissues. I opened all of the windows, fanned my face, and felt like I was going to pass out. The students looked at me as though I was nuts, but assured me if I passed out, they would run and get another teacher. How sweet. Just another infamous moment from the new American teacher…

March has also drawn very bone-chilling temperatures. I can’t even believe how cold it is. Anytime the temperature is negative Celsius degrees, it’s not good. Last Monday, I actually slipped on the ice and fell flat on my back. I was kindly helped up by this Hungarian man who said in English, “Are you alright?” I’m still puzzled as to how he knew I was American. Could he tell by the way my legs flipped up in the air? Or how hard I landed?

I’ve been asked to discuss the laundry and food situation since these were two areas of concern when I came to Hungary. Yes, it is true that there are no dryers. Everything dries naturally. But the secret to perfect clothes is all in the ironing. I invested in a good iron and you wouldn’t believe it, but I’ve been reduced to even ironing socks! Otherwise they are stiff as a board and stand tall in my shoes (without my feet in them). I’ve become a little Martha Stewart without the attitude (and prison record).

As far as the cuisine goes, I eat the same thing practically every day: bread, cheese, salami, cereal, coffee, milk, apples, bananas, pears, carrots, and wine from Sopron. The Hungarians love to drink boiled wine. It’s terrific. It tastes a bit like spiced cider.

COLLEAGUES

I really enjoy working with the English Department. Every day we’re laughing about something or someone. Especially when Zsoltie is around. I didn’t mention in my last newsletter that I had attended the Winter Ball. Jenny, aka Oscar, Miss Softball queen, no makeup, jeans, baseball tees, baseball caps, etc…got all decked out and wore this stunning black pants and silk blouse outfit. Her hair rocked. She looked fantastic. I am still trying to get one of those pictures from one of the students that took our picture.

Traditionally, the seniors perform a couple of dances. This year they did Grease and a bit of folk dancing. Apparently last year they did “dirty dancing” and brought the house down. The Ball is synonymous to our prom, but the Senior Ball is definitely more formal and traditional ceremonial. They have a “teacher’s lounge” where we could eat delicious cakes and other pastries and several different types of wine made in Sopron. Sopron is famous for their white wines, because of the care they take in barreling the wine. It’s neat to live in a small town with such an incredible history. I was having quite a lovely time, except that I wore my “for looks only” shoes and by 9:30 pm my feet were killing me. I could barely walk to the car!

Also, I have new pictures from my last outing with Audrey, Ishte, and Kristian. Plus, I had a birthday! The big 25!!! In fact, because Kati’s birthday is four days after mine we celebrated together. We went out with the English Department and we got beautiful flowers, a lovely card, and gift. We all had a blast. I can’t wait to post those pictures, too. Aniko said, “Lisa look! That’s a great picture of you and I took it!!!” So, because she is so proud of her photographic abilities, I will most certainly include that picture in the set I am posting.

SCHOLASTICS

There were two things I noticed when I started teaching the day after I arrived. One was that there are a lot of emotions and feelings in English that is very difficult to translate into Hungarian. The second is that the students need a broader vocabulary. A higher intellectual vocabulary; something more than “It is good, no?” So I have become the vocabulary goddess. I think the students have an alternative term, but we’ll go with goddess for now…

SOCIAL LIFE

All I have to say is “What social life?” Teaching is exhausting! I never knew how much energy students could suck from me. So now I finish my day, return to my flat, and simply go to bed! Hopefully, there will be more activities during the week to report on next month. Otherwise this newsletter is going to get awfully boring.

SPECIAL PRAYERS

I get lonely sometimes and miss home. I know that God is always with me, but sometimes I feel isolated and alone. Please pray that I stay spiritually strong and motivated.

Please also keep praying for my father, Michael Brannack, who has recently been diagnosed with prostrate cancer. Also please pray for my mother, Carol Schwark, who has been battling pneumonia since I was in Michigan in December.

Please visit my website at www.geocities.com/lbrannack for a look at some pictures or to sign my guest book. Or if your prefer, you can write to me at:

Tanar Brannack, Lisa

Berzenyi Daniel Evangelikus Gimnazium

Szechenyi Ter 11

H 9400

Sopron, Hungary

I would also like to take this moment to thank all of those individuals and congregations that have supported me through this mission work. I am connecting with the students and establishing the rapport needed to talk about Jesus. I assign Bible passages as homework and I select a student everyday in all of my classes to read a devotion to the class. It’s exciting to see changes happening, even if they’re slow. Not watching paint dry “slow,” but talking about real life issues and how God fits into their lives is a delicate process that needs to be treated gingerly, otherwise the students will no longer listen.

I would like to thank LCMS, Ms. Rosa Flath, Mrs. Elizabeth Barrett from Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Bellevue Nebraska, The Women of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Gary NC, my Aunt Sharon, my parents, and everyone who remembered my birthday. I appreciated the well wishes and cards. It warms my heart to know how much I am cared about.

Please continue to pray that I am meeting God’s will and that I continue to please Him. I also ask that you continue your partnership with me in my mission here in Sopron. There is still work to be done and I am willing to reach out and teach others the Good News. Even though Berzenyi is a traditional Lutheran school, some students do not know Jesus. I would like to change that and I believe I can through your continued prayers and financial support. J Thank you; I truly appreciate it.

In Christ’s love,

Lisa