Oh, the wonders of Hybe!

Hello friends and family!
Wanted to let you know I made it in to Hybe ("Hee-bay") last week and am settling in quite nicely! Hybe is about three and a half hours by train from the country's capital in Bratislava...and let me tell you the views alone were worth the price of train fare. Imagine miles and miles of sunflowers...and then to top it all off mountains! For this Lowcountry girl, the beautiful countryside was simply breath-taking. I will post more pictures once I can charge my camera, so no fear!
A little background on Hybe - it is a small village (easy enough to walk around twice in my morning walk) with a population of about 1,700. I immediately stand out, too, because on my first evening walking around a young girl passing me said, "Ciao, Sarah!" That is one example of how friendly, accomodating, and incredibly hospitable these people are. Also, they are very anxious to speak to me and practice their English. I haven't been home before 10 PM yet...and I find my time being scheduled for me - by others. For example, when I returned for dinner last night, my host "sister" told me Zuzka will be here at 8:00 to take you to (another) Zuzka's house for language lessons...it should only be about a few hours. Back home I think I would have found this impertinant with any but my best friends scheduling "my" time, but here I love it! I've been so busy I haven't had time to sit around or be homesick...oh what a blessing!!!
Oh yes, English...I am quickly realizing having English conversations with the folks in Hybe could be one of the most important aspects of my YAGM year. The local pastor explained his desire for me to engage the members of town in conversation in this way: English is perhaps the most important tool for young people to advance themselves and become more marketable for jobs. Hmm, that was an interesting idea I had never considered.
At first I was very nervous about engaging the town in English conversation, but thanks to Ashley Severson things are moving very quickly. Ashley was a YAGM serving in Hybe last year, and although I've never met her I have already heard lots and lots about her ministry. Thank you, Ashley, for making things so much simpler for me!
Well, school is starting soon so I must go. Hoping you are all doing well - especially those of you in Hurricane Alley! You're in my thoughts and prayers!
Peace...
Sarah