1996 Pilgrimage - Report From Transylvania 1996.html

“Report from Transylvania”

August, 1996

Seven parishioners - Rich and Nancy Daugherty, Chuck Cole, Sandy Boczenowski, Sarah Dorer, John McCulloch and John Gibbons - spent ten days in Hungary and Romania at the end of August, concluding with a visit to our remote partner church in Abásfalva. In Budapest, the trip coincided with the 1100th anniversary of Hungary and fabulous fireworks over the Danube. In Abásfalva, our group was met by traditionally-costumed horsemen and women in wagons announcing the annual Grape Harvest Ball. More than a hundred villagers gave us welcome. We, of course, clambered into the wagons (and Sarah and John McCulloch onto horseback) and partied heartily.

Generous hospitality notwithstanding, this visit was more realism than romance. The roads are in worse condition. The school is destitute. Economics continues to force young people to work in cities. Of 119 houses in Abásfalva, 24 are vacant. Romanian efforts to disperse the Hungarian minority are ominous. Life is a struggle.

Our efforts to buy a combine for Abásfalva have been beset by hyper-inflation. With personal contributions, however, our group was able to pledge sufficient funds to purchase a combine this season. We also spent much time with the director and teachers of the local school, exploring the kinds of help that may be most useful. John Gibbons and Áron Barabas, the Abásfalva minister, met with gypsy families to give assurances that the partnership with Bedford will benefit all people. We were also introduced to a variety of economic initiatives, affecting the entire region. We discussed the possibility that future visits might include work projects, such as rehabilitating the school or renovating a guest house - perhaps involving Bedford young people in a coming-of-age-program.

Later this month, five more Bedford parishioners - Robert and Christine Kokenyesi, their baby Rachel, and Ron and Cathy Cordes - will also visit Abásfalva. Upon their return, a full report will be made to our congregation.

The partnership between Abásfalva and Bedford is stronger than ever, and remains a source of spiritual sustenance to both congregations.