#1. No TV. Well, no cable or broadcast TV. Just DVD’s and a GameCube (I’m on a self-imposed gaming system upgrade ban until seminary is done). We had a crazy deal where we were getting digital cable with an HD package, HD DVR, and 12mbit internet for $58/month. Canceled it. Of course, I broke down and told C about Hulu, so she’s getting some shows that way. But we’ve removed the senseless ongoing drone of television from the home life. It’s actually been really nice. I didn’t watch TV with the girls around (unless we were watching a show together) but it was on in the background a lot. Now it’s much more quiet (except for JoyJoy’s opera voice) so my time with them is more focused, richer in a way. I’m also doing more ministry and getting more projects done around the house. Not to mention more web work and school work, all due to cutting out Mr. TV.

#2. Working out. I’ve just started back doing CrossFit with Rob this week. I did a few workouts with him awhile back and I nearly died due to being in the worst shape of my life. I’m back in the mix now in order to get my cardio back up to speed and build more strength. I think back to when I was competing in wrestling and karate (18 years ago!) and realize I’m nowhere near where I can be. So Rob’s helping me dust off and a build a better Cokenour. Not to mention that, Lord willing, I want to be around for my girls as long as possible.

#3. Soccer. Man, that was hard to type. That’s right, I’m studying up on soccer. I have always been a soccer agnostic. I just didn’t get all the hype, the hooligans, and the excitement over a game that’s relatively slow paced to watch. I’m more of a hockey fan, but that’s another matter. It seems that you can’t quite get with European folks unless you get soccer, so I’m going for it. I’m planning on taking a tip from Keith and joining up with a soccer league of some sort in Budapest in order to meet folks. I will suck, they will laugh, we’ll be great pals.

I’m in the queue for graduation and looking forward to a focused study of the theology of the Reformers, which I’ve saved for my final class of the degree. Christina and I also knocked out the medical exams for the mission. I think we’re just about done. I can’t wait to go to Colorado for Base Camp (WorldVenture’s training for new appointees) and start fund raising. It will be great to feel like we’re actually getting closer to Budapest!

In another sense it’s been slow. Our hearts are in Hungary already. We are ready to go (or at least we think so). If everything was in place we’d get on a place tonight. Yet, that’s not the pace of things. Even though we’re rushing around to keep up, it still seems like forever since we were there. I find myself longing to return quickly because I don’t want to lose the opportunities I saw when we were there.

But all of this is progress. I recall being told early on that even the process of applying is a journey. I’m starting to see the truth in it.

In the meantime, here’s a shot of a couple of gents I hope to seen sooner rather than later.

(Left: Keith Sellers, one half of the team in Budapest who hosted us during our visit; Middle: Janos, a Romanian who has spent many years pastoring churches in Hungary and Romania; Right: dude who’s ready to get to work for the gospel in Budapest).

So…how much do you think it would cost? Take a second and get a number in mind…then look below.

KAPOW!! Over $37,000!!! Ridiculous? Hilarious? Both methinks.