INTRO

I am grateful you are taking the time to read this. This newsletter is my second to last. It’s absolutely crazy to think that my time in Szarvas and Hungary is coming to a close. Included in this volume is a new approach. One that I’ve been planning to take for a while in these final two volumes. Thus, the first portion includes just a FEW of the MANY people of the Szarvas community who have impacted, helped, inspired, captivated, and cared for me during this year. It’s intended to showcase a small portion of their lives and anything my Hungarian family wants to share with a broader community. Following this, I have included my whereabouts from March and April, some bonus photos, but unfortunately I have not had the ability to include my summary of reads this past few months. I hope to include them in the final volume, but one thing I have been realizing is that capacity changes from season to season, and that’s alright.

As mentioned, this portion is one I have been excited to include. Let me introduce you to a few of the many people who have amazed and impacted me. To note, some of these responses/interviews required translation so I have done my due diligence of multiple checks to make sure the final edit reflects the true responses of community members. Moreover, all respondents were told to answer as much or little as they desired and all have been approved by the necessary guardians/individuals for publication.

First and foremost, a middle school student at Benka, Márk Nagy. This young man has impressed me from the start with his passion for dance, but most importantly in his kindness and care for others. His final response really displays his level of maturity, thought, and care. Second, my dear friend and one of my mentors I look up to, Arni Gergely Farkas. I’ve spent a lot of time with Arni in the classroom and one of many things I can say about him is that he is a phenomenal educator who really cares about leaving a positive impression on his students. He has been such a help to me when coming into classrooms at Benka! Third, Dominik, a student of Arni and I. I mentioned him in a previous newsletter and he has been an incredible student. His curiosity and intention to participate and learn energizes me when I’m in the classroom. He is a very thoughtful student who shares so much of his learning with me and his peers.

Fourth and fifth, Merci and Zsombor, who are incredibly thoughtful and caring students in Vajda! Their interests and insights have fascinated me and I am so excited for each of them as they move into their final year of high school! Sixth, Agnes, a fellow teacher at Vajda. She has been such an incredible help this year, always looking out for me and engaging me in her classes! Next up, Bogi. She is apart of one of the best classes I have had the honor to teach. Her care for her classmates and her education is apparent. At such a young age, she impressed me each day through her aptitude to learn and engage others! Finally, Gréti, one of my great friends, who has always been there and included me. Her insights and perspective on the world has always been intriguing and helpful. Finally, her responses to the questions are incredibly intriguing and I am so grateful for her candid answers!

FARKAS GERGELY ARNI

Tell me about yourself...

I was born and raised in Nagysármás, Romania. I went to primary school there, and then at the age of 13 I thought that I would like to continue my studies in Hungary. My parents fully supported me in this. So I continued my high school studies in Gyula, Hungary in a very friendly and loving school. After graduation, I studied at the pedagogical college in Szarvas. After I got my diploma, I started working here at Gyula Benka Evangelical English Two Teaching Languages ​​Elementary School. I have been a member of the faculty ever since. I love working with children and seeing the wonderful development they go through. In my spare time, I like to do sports, fishing and hiking. I have a wonderful wife and an adorable 1.5 year old son. Above all, I love spending time with my son and my lovely wife, who supports me in everything! For me, they are the true spiritual support, I can always count on the support of my wife and the true love of my family!

If you are of Lutheran faith, what would you like to say about the church here in Hungary and Szarvas?

I was baptized Lutheran, but my family and I attend the Reformed (Calvinist) church, which is very similar to the Lutheran. As I see it, the historical Hungarian churches are quite old and old-fashioned, and few young people attend these churches. I think they want something newer, fresher. In small towns it is very hard for young people to find a church community that can be youthful and attractive to them.

What do you love most about teaching in Hungary or just in general?

I love teaching because I can work with students who I can help and motivate them to become better people.

GRÉTI

Tell me about yourself…

My name is Gréta Emődi and I'm 21 years old. I was raised in Szarvas, I lived there until I turned 19 and then I had to move because of University. I went to primary school and high school in Szarvas. That was the best decision I made was to stay in Vajda Péter Lutheran High School. The community is also very good with students and teachers. Now that I moved to Budapest, I only go home for the weekends. It is the best place to slow down and hide from the crowded capital city. Now I am studying marketing at University.

My family originally came from Békésszentandrás and I have one older brother. My grandparents live there, and my father was born there too. My grandmother (mother's side) moved to Szarvas and my mom was born in Szarvas. Then my father moved to the city.

MARCH & APRIL

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about fostering a love of learning in my students and helping them reach their full potential. Seeing the moment a concept clicks for a student and knowing that I’ve played a part in their intellectual and personal growth drives me every day. I believe in the power of education to change lives and am committed to creating an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

NAGY MÁRK

Tell me about yourself...

I am 11 years old and I go to Benka. I have one brother and one sister and I am the youngest. At home I started to learn the Roma dancing when I learned to walk. I continue to learn at Benka other folk dances. My father cares for and breeds horses, jumping horses. This is a family tradition in Hungary with the Roma people. We try to keep our culture and traditions alive. This includes our language Romani or Lovári, and celebrations. And my parents make it really important to us to practice these traditions. I also would like to say I got my dance knowledge from my grandfather and my uncle. I am very passionate about dancing. It’s in my blood. I feel so good when I dance. When I’m older, I want to study and work with dance at the University in Budapest and then I want to teach adults dancing!

Is there anything else you would want to share or tell someone who has never been here?

I want to say that at first you might hear about our Roma foods, then the music, and then dance. But also people hear about bad things. But, there are good and bad people in every group. I would like to say, before anyone makes a judgment on a Roma person, they should get to know us. Know our traditions, how we live, what we love and care about, and the amazing differences and similarities in each of our cultures.

DOMINIK

Tell me about yourself…

My name is Dominik, I am in second grade from Szarvas, and I have one father, one mother, and two older brothers. In my freetime, I like to play football and I like to play videogames, and I like to play games with my brother, and I like running, and learning English! My favorite subject is Math! I really like being in that class and technology and space! Also, I am not Lutheran but I respect all other faiths.

What are you passionate about and what might you want to be when you grow up?

Well I like to draw! These are really good things. I really like painting. I paint flowers and houses and my favorite color is red. I don’t really know my dream, but I dreamed I was in space and being on the moon where I floated! But you have to do

really complicated things like G-force. So you have to take a breath to not pass out. I also think about being a company manager, if I grow up!

What do you enjoy most about Szarvas?

I like playgrounds and I like to, with my family, go biking and go on trips. Sometimes we go to the dam and we go many miles on the river. I also like being here because wherever I go, I meet friendly faces and all of us are friendly!

MERCI

Tell me about yourself...

I’m 17 years old, raised in Szarvas. I go to Vajda Péter Lutheran High School and I’m about to finish 11th grade. I love to spend my time with things related to automotive stuff and I also enjoy karting. I love psychology and learning about people’s emotions and thoughts.

What's something you would want people to know about Hungary?

Oh it’s a tricky question, because Hungary is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in Europe. There’s so many things to see in Budapest or in other bigger towns, but we have smaller mountains with incredibly calming atmosphere. Then we have lake Balaton which is our most popular destination to spend your summer vacation. And I could say at least a hundred more things to see.

What are you passionate about or what drives you?

I would say I have a passion about animals but mostly dogs. I really want to have one of my own.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?

I really like English classes because of the teacher and because I love learning new things about languages. The other subject is history, I think it's very interesting and important to know and study about your country's past.

My great grandfather (mom’s side) died in the second world war. Also my great grandfather (dad's side) didn't go to the war, and he lived till 2008 at the age of 90. The second world war had an impact on my family. My grandparents were poor, but after 1956 they got better. Also my father was in military service for one and half years. He was 19 when he was there. He was a border guard in Romania. It was during the 1989 revolution in Romania.

One of my hobbies is playing volleyball. In Szarvas there is a beach volleyball court and that is a very nice place to hang out with friends. Also the best thing is to bike in the city. The river is amazing to swim in or have a boat tour.

What are you passionate about or what drives you?

My family is very important in my life. My family is quite close and we organize many activities together as time allows. I have two beautiful twin nieces with whom I spend a lot of time. I feel it is important to spend quality time with my friends and family!

What are some Hungarian or family traditions/customs you would like to share?

Hungarian traditions and customs reflect a rich cultural heritage. During Easter, the tradition of sprinkling is alive, and at Christmas, the custom of nativity plays is practiced. During Carnival, especially in Mohács, the busójárás with scary masks attract visitors. Folk dances like csárdás and verbunkos, along with folk music played on traditional instruments like the citera and tárogató, are vital parts of the culture. Famous Hungarian dishes include goulash soup, pörkölt, and fisherman's soup, with desserts like chimney cake and Dobos cake. Pálinka and Tokaji wines are also renowned. Traditional attire is colorful and varies by region, such as Kalotaszeg, Matyó, and Palóc costumes. Baptisms, weddings, and name days are important family events that strengthen community bonds. These traditions are deeply embedded in Hungarian culture and identity. This is a general.

My family has pig feasts. It's a family tradition. We get together and everyone has their own job to do. The pigs are kept and raised by my grandfather. We divide the meat among the family. Meanwhile, the men regularly drink brandy until one or two men knock themselves out at the end. And in early September we have a grape harvest. For me, this is my favorite. We prune the purple and white grapes at my grandparents' house. We squeeze the grapes, the purple grapes are used to make must and red wine, the white grapes are used to make white wine at home.

Now moving to my whereabouts. In late March, I was lucky enough to have my mom, Nancy, two of my siblings, Julianne and Christian, my mentor Marilyn Flachman, and college friend, Cam, come out to see me. They all made their journeys from around the U.S. and I could not be grateful enough that they would do that. During their time in Hungary, they all came down to Szarvas. They spent two days here. The first was at Benka where they got to see one of the classes I teach, Zoli and Arni’s 4th graders. We then met a few of the other teachers and headed to an event in the Old Lutheran Church, where a student group performed a rock edition of worship songs.

What are your future plans after high school?

I want to go to university in Kecskemét to study as an automotive engineer, and then I would love to work in the Mercedes Benz factory.

ZSOMBOR

Tell me about yourself…

So I'm living in Békésszentandrás, that's the nearest village next to Szarvas. I am a student of the Vajda Péter middle school in Szarvas. First, I met Connor there, I liked him from the first time. I am not sure what I want to do in the future. I still have a year left, but I am leaning towards going to Szeged. I think it is beautiful and fits me more than going to university in Budapest.

Any favorite books, songs, artists, or things you love that you would like to share?

Pogány Induló, classic oldschool Hungarian rap by a 18 year old.

How long have you lived in this community, and what do you love about it?

17 years! The close friends who I really appreciate and love, they are my brothers when everything is bad, they can make me smile and happy when I need it the most.

What is your favorite place in Hungary, and why?

Siófok, that's the Dubai of hungary. It's next to lake Balaton (the biggest lake in Europe) and it’s really beautiful there.

What makes Hungarian hospitality unique?

Pálinka.

Anything else you would like to share?

Please don’t judge the Hungarians based on our government. Most of us want to be part of the western community and part of the NATO and EU.

AGNES

Tell me about yourself…

I was born and raised in Szarvas. I'm in my 50's. I'm a teacher, my majors are Hungarian and English. I've been teaching for more than 25 years. I've been working in this secondary school (Vajda Péter Evangélikus Gimnázium) for 5 years. I love teaching here. I love the students, the atmosphere here. I live with my husband and 2 children (aged 23 and 19) in the center of Szarvas. I like to do many things in my free time: doing sports, jogging, watching series, baking cakes, hanging out with my family and friends. We go to a protestant (Calvinist) congregation.

What is something about Hungary, Szarvas, or the region you would want someone who has never been here to know?

Szarvas is a quiet, peaceful, nice little town, located in wonderful surroundings on the River Körös. Nature is the main advantage of Szarvas.

BOGI

Tell me about yourself…

I am 15 years old, so I still live with my parents. I have an older brother who is almost 22 years old and he lives and studies in Budapest. I was born in Szentes but I have been living in Szarvas my whole life. I'm really into reading and I still have some books which I haven't read yet. I also like basketball, but now I don't do it that often, it's just a hobby of mine.

What is something about Hungary, Szarvas, or the region you would want someone who has never been here to know?

When someone gets to know about Hungary, they probably think that the only town worth visiting is Budapest, but I don't think it is true. I have a friend from Germany (she lives in Italy right now) and she visited me last summer. She really enjoyed being here, although we didn't go to Budapest.

Following the event, my site mentor, Zsolt, was gracious enough to give us an impromptu private tour of the church and surrounding areas in Szarvas. We had a great time seeing the organ played and hearing about the history of the church and the region! The next day, we attended two of my classes at Vajda and it was amazing to see my family and my students interact and talk about cultural differences and Hungary in general! Following this, Klára and her family hosted us for a homemade Hungarian dinner. This consisted of soup, then the main course, goulash soup, homemade Pálinka, and some incredible baked goods by Andrew, Klára’s husband. The following day, we also had the privilege to go on a private tour with the pastor of the New Lutheran Church, Pál, of the new church. As a family we then traveled to Austria, my grandmother, Evelyn’s, favorite spot she has seen in Europe, but I think it’s safe to say on part of my family, the best part of the trip was experiencing the incredible hospitality of my host community!!!

The following week, Madeline came out to see me. Together we saw Mini Hungary, which is an incredible outdoor walking exhibit of all the important buildings in the old borders of Hungary! After this, we attended the Youth Club event, held every other month. This time, we were graciously hosted by one of the students, Panna, at her family farm.

Next, a highlight from teaching. I was able to teach another class in history at Vajda. This one was special as half the class were Hungarian students and the other Portuguese students on a sponsored trip through Erasmus, a program through the European Union that allows for cross-cultural learning and experience in Europe in all levels of education. The lecture was on how democracies die, the impact of WWII from a total death count, and future outlooks on global affairs. I based this on a book my professor, Dr. Billet, had my Capstone class in Political Science read. While it was a very watered down discussion of the book, I focused on the primary argument to elicit discussion and learn from how the students viewed this topic. It was an incredible experience to hear about these students' perspectives!

In late April, I attended both Vajda and Benka’s Gala’s. Events that showcased the incredible talent from students in their respective passions! While all of the performances were phenomenal, I was especially impressed and excited about the traditional folk dance by Vajda students and the fascinating Citera performance, a traditional Hungarian instrument, played by a few Benka students! To wrap up April, my dear friend and fellow YAGM, serving in Nyíregyháza, Braden came out to see me in Szarvas! We had a great time with Klára when we grabbed a drink together and later spent time with my Uni friends.

Now, to close, as I said, my time is coming to a close here. It has been hard in recent months to be as reflective as I’d like. To be honest, it hasn’t hit me much that I am leaving soon. I haven’t really had the time and space to really absorb what this year has been, but I bet it will hit me once I’m back in the U.S. in mid July and I intend to make time and space for reflection on this year abroad. Finally, I just want to express that I am so incredibly grateful for all those who have sent their best wishes, care, and financial support. It means the absolute world to me!

Much gratitude,

Connor J.L. Moore

*All photos used have been approved by the needed guardians/individuals for publication.