Say What?!?!

IS HUNGARIAN GOVERNMENT READY FOR AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AT HOME IN THE LIGHT OF PROPOSED EUROPEAN ROMA STRATEGY?

Posted by: ValeryNovoselsky on the Romano Liloro web site of Roma news

"Last month, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared Roma issues a priority for the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union. He promised to work towards a “functioning Roma strategy” at EU-wide level to improve social inclusion of Roma citizens. While the Prime Minister’s pledge to enhance Roma rights across the EU is commendable, the rhetoric has done little to console Hungary’s Roma, who continue to face discrimination, including in the form of hate crime. They have been waiting for justice to be served and for Hungarian officials to lead by example when it comes to addressing the daily struggles of Roma at home. Setting aside its high rhetoric in support of Roma rights across Europe, there is much that Hungary’s government could do at home ... It’s time for the government to prove that Hungary is serious about standing up for its Roma citizens at home as it pursues initiatives at the EU level." - Paul LeGendre, Director, Fighting Discrimination Program.

**It is our opinion that the Hungarian government is saying, "Do as I say, not as I do." They are "talking the talk" but from what we've observed certainly NOT "walking the walk" Join us in prayer that this will change.

SEW @ ICSB with Dr T

Dr T, Mad Scientist, with her Mad About Jesus Laboratory made a daily appearance last week at the International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB) for Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW).  With a science experiment or two combined with a Biblical lesson, the elementary students learned about God.  A very good time was had by all.  From the exploding cola to the elephant toothpaste to the crushing of cans with air the children were excited to see what crazy thing Dr T would do next.  And with each memorable experiment came a lesson of God's love, power, grace, and care. 

Dr T, AKA Tammy Stocks, wishes to thank ICSB & Lori Dickason, principal for the invitation to give back to the school that helped shape the Stocks children into wonderful adults.  Dr T also thanks MadAboutJesus.net for the inspiration.  And, Mrs Kelly Kennedy, Children's Minister at Emerywood Baptist Church, High Point, NC, for the ideas.  And most importantly Dr T is thankful to God for the love of science and goofy sense of humor He gave her.

God is Love - Valentine's Day

The students at the Ruth School got a little something extra Monday with their lunch.  Cupcakes!  In celebration of Valentine's Day the white creamy cakes sprinkled with red sugar were a welcome treat.

Roma, Romany, Romani, Romanian, Gypsy? Keeping it all Straight

We, along with our colleagues, have worked hard to educate others on the correct term for the people group most know as Gypsy  - it is Roma or Romany.  Now the Romanian government is trying to change that.  It stems from the confusion of "Romanian", people who are from Romania, with "Roma", the word derived from the Romani language to describe the Gypsies, a distinct ethnic group.  (Then you add the confusion of the city of Rome, Italy which Italians call "Roma" and matters are more muddied.) We have been told that many consider Gypsy to be a derogatory term.  For now we will continue to use the term Roma or Romany until our friends in this ethnic group tell us differently.

From the blog: romatransitions.org/blog

The Romanian Senate wants to dub the Roma “gypsies”


by George Lacatus

Romanian senators from the two parliamentary committees decided on 2 February 2011 to dub Romanian Roma “gypsies” in all official papers. To be more precise, they have approved a law project which changes the name of the Roma minority into gypsy. Paradoxically enough, the senators who decided this are members of the Commission for the Protection of Human Rights, Religions and Minorities and the Commission for Equal Opportunities. Last year, this law project had been approved by the Romanian Government as well. Once it is approved by Deputies Chamber, it becomes law.

Graduation!

During the January session of the Gypsy Smith School four men were awarded certificates for completion. This means they had attended eight weeks of sessions and studied 16 classes. The certificates are awarded as part of the Thursday evening service at Providence Baptist Church. It was a proud moment. Please pray for these men and the others to take what they learned and use it to God's glory in the churches where they lead.

Name That Tune #2

Providence Baptist Church, the Romanian Baptist church where we worship, has a great deal of musical talent.  Here you see their mandolin choir.  Members start young learning to play and eventually make it to the "front row".  It is beautiful.  Can you name that tune?

Personal Moment

You may have noticed I haven't blogged much in the last two weeks. I am grateful for some personal time I was able to take for a quick trip to the USA. It was a whirlwind of helping my daughter find the wedding dress of her dreams (no pictures, sorry, the groom reads my blog), celebrating my mom's birthday (can't tell you her age, she reads my blog), meeting my first grand niece (precious, tiny little girl who shares my dimple), and a number of other tasks. I flew back just as the massive winter storm was hitting the US and felt blessed to return to Bucharest where the temps were frigid but the sun was shining... And of course the red-bearded man that was waiting for me at the arrivals door!