Dear friends,

Last week, we celebrated a milestone our family will never forget: Ruth graduated from Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Baptist High School in Budapest.

We are so proud of the young woman she has become.

The graduation ceremony was simple and elegant—less formal than many American ceremonies, but full of warmth and meaning. The students did not wear caps and gowns. Instead, the boys wore black suits and the girls elegant black dresses, each carrying flowers or balloons from family and friends. The whole school felt festive.

Before the ceremony began, the school gave each graduate a small purse with the school name and logo. Inside were symbolic gifts for the future—traditions we have seen at every Hungarian graduation from kindergarten through high school. There was a small coin for financial success, a tiny bag of salt to give flavor to life, and a tiny pogácsa (my favorite Hungarian biscuit!) so they may never go hungry.

The ceremony began in the gymnasium, and then the graduates walked slowly through the hallways of the school one final time, saying goodbye to the classrooms where they have spent these important years. Younger students lined the hallways to applaud and send them off. The halls and classrooms were decorated with fresh spring flowers, especially blooming lilacs, whose fragrance filled the building.

This celebration was made even more special because our son, Patrick, flew from the United States to be with us for the week. It was his first time in Hungary, and what a joy it was to show him our home and schools and dear friends. Every evening was filled with laughter, stories, games, and long conversations between the siblings. As parents, watching them reconnect was one of the greatest gifts of the week. We are deeply grateful for Patrick and for this precious time together as a family.

This week, however, the celebrations quickly turned serious. Across Hungary, graduating seniors immediately began their Matura exams. These are not only exit exams demonstrating maturity and academic achievement, but also serve as university entrance exams. At the end of June, Ruth and her classmates will complete three more days of oral examinations.

Please pray for Ruth, her classmates, and also for my graduating seniors at the EURO high school as they prepare for their futures. Pray for peace, confidence, wisdom, and strength during these important weeks.

And thank you. Truly.

Thank you for the years of support, prayers, encouragement, and generosity that helped sustain our family while Ruth was growing into this lovely young woman. Your partnership has shaped not only our ministry, but also our children’s lives.

With gratitude,

Becky & Larry Stanton