Hertzler Outpost

A Fake Italian Chef

The last two days didn’t see as much progress as before, so our one remaining day will be insane. Such is life. We will be grabbing things away from the packers I’m sure, as we haven’t yet physically separated all the things which are going or staying. I guess that will just add to the fun of the day on Monday.

If we run out of time to pack, it won’t be for lack of seeing friends before we leave. While our house is a wreck, our relationships are more in order. Tonight we had dinner with the McIntoshes (Dorsey has been my boss the last three years) and Valerie (less Tom) and the Rodds who are moving to Orlando with us. They made me dress up like an Italian chef since we were all making Italian food.

Three days until the movers arrive to start packing and carrying things away. We are in full scramble mode, but not yet frantic.

Here’s what got done today. It’s what’s on our minds!
* Take Cathy to school so I can have the van.
* Find someone to paint the house after we leave.
* Stop by post office and ask about my törzskönyv (car ownership card).
* Stop by City Hall and ask about my törzskönyv
* Give cat papers to neighbor.
* Clean van thoroughly.
* Tell landlord that the hot water is not working.
* Deliver van to buyer.
* Make phone calls to US.
* Make final computer backup.

I almost got it all done. Tomorrow is inventory day and packing for the six weeks while our things are in transit.

Last Day at the Office

Today the pictures come off the wall, the files go in a box, and I clear out. Another milestone.

Before I leave I will take a moment to remember this one. It’s the biggest office I’ve ever had, and it has a view better than I ever hope to have again. In Orlando I’ll have an 8 x 8 cubicle in the middle of a cubicle farm, possibly not even within 20 feet of a window. This one was nice while it lasted.

We’ve now hit that point. It’s when your planning begins to be about your new location more than your present location.

The day it occurred three years ago was when the Gowers invited us for a barbeque at their house for the following week. We were still in Orlando at the time, and that’s when it hit us that we would soon be in Budapest.

Today it occurred as we made plans to attend a Campus Crusade conference in Orlando for returning overseas missionaries. We also decided not to drop Andrew right into a special summer school program, and we think there is a good camp opportunity for Audrey later in July. We have orthodontist appointments scheduled for both kids, and we are almost done setting up utilities at our house.

After this weekend there are only two weeks remaining until we fly to Orlando!

Hertzler’s Orange Fork – (not for sale)

My friend, Scott, is also moving his family from Budapest to the U.S. He had a creative idea for marketing his sale items; Barbie. We’re selling some things, too, and, while not as cute as Barbie, our orange fork will be your guide.

Click here (or on the photo) to go to the catalogue of items we have for sale.

Too bad the Hertzlers.com photo software is broken right now. I had to post things to Flickr.com instead.

If there is something you want, send me an email using the “Contact” link above.

Last night Scott, Jim, and Michael came to stay with us for a week. Our attic has enough room, and we have enough mattresses to sleep them here while they attend a seminary class that our CCC theology training team teaches here in Budapest.

Scott was here last month with his wife, Jane. It was good catching up with him last night and getting to know Michael and Jim, too. As we were sitting around talking, Scott looked around and said, “It sure doesn’t look like you’re moving in a month!”

And then I had my first mini panic attack. I am sure there will be more to come in the next few weeks!

1995 Ford Windstar

As of today, our van is officially for sale. So far it feels like a microcosm of selling a house; we have to keep it clean while we show it.

Who knows how long this process will take? My first step will be to list it on a Hungarian auto sales Internet site, but I’ll need help doing that, so it won’t happen until next week.

6 May 2006 – SOLD!

While it would be nice for me to imagine that our departure from Budapest would leave hardly a disturbance, in reality the change created new opportunites for Tom. A couple weeks ago he accepted the job of “Chief of Staff” for our area director, Larry Thompson. It’s a great fit for Tom and a great match for Larry. The change leaves the future of Campus Crusade’s Internet ministry in Eastern Europe a bit more uncertain, but I’m confident things will move forward in this area and God will continue to use what we started to reach people with the message of Jesus.

You can read Tom’s post about it here.