Internationalmatt's Blog

Globalization- a couple from Hungary made positive contributions in Lincoln

In 2003 I taught an ESL class as a substitute for one quarter for Southeast Community College for one quarter. In my class was a woman from Hungary named Eva. I wondered why someone from Hungary would want to come to the middle of nowhere-Nebraska- instead of the East Coast or West Coast. I found out her husband was here to teach Hydrology at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He taught here January to May and the rest of the year in Hungary.

Eva came to my classes at church as well. She was such a welcome visitor for the months she would come each year. She would come with a gift from Hungary for me such as some chocolate or a bottle of wine from Hungary. That was always nice but the real reason she was such a welcome visitor was that she cared so  much about the other people in class. She understood that some came here as refugees and that some were from low income families. She was always happy to help in anyway she could. Sometimes she would give people rides. Sometimes she would bring food for people. She has such a kind heart. She would ask me how she could pray for people.

Her husband was busy at the University, but would join us sometimes for social functions. He also cared about the people in my classes. He has made important contributions in the field of Hydrology. Some of my international friends might wonder why anyone would come to Nebraska to research or teach about water. Nebraska has no seacoast or ocean shores. Nebraska is landlocked, but has one of the largest underground water supplies in the world.

They do not come anymore because he retired. They are missed. They made positive contributions. they are examples of how internationals contribute in positive ways here in America. I hope to visit them some day in Hungary.

October 19, 2009 Posted by internationalmatt | Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Experiences of international friends, Globalization, Hungarian friends, Internationals, Mutlicultural | Leave a Comment