Unity in Our Differences

By Aidan Manuse ('25)

Recently, we were blessed by a group of 23 Hungarians visiting on a mission trip, hosted by some families in the Jesse Remington community. Other families were asked to help by hosting dinners to give the host families a break, and my family was one of those. 

During the dinner we hosted, the group staying at the Rairdon’s– Samuel Selmeczi, Beni Lados, Gergő Gárdász, Benedek Vikor, and Barnabás Hajas– came to visit. My dad made his own recipe Italian chili, and we extended our table to accommodate the six visitors. Samuel mentioned this was the first meal he’d had since arriving in America that tasted similar to what he would typically eat back home. As we talked, I discovered that many of the Hungarians share traditions similar to my family’s. Beni told my father that his family keeps Passover at their church. Then, during dinner, the song Hava Nagila (the Hebrew version) came up, and I learned that a Hungarian version of the same song, Gyertek, Dicsérjük Együtt, is one of the most popular songs in Hungary! After dinner, we sang together in two different languages, everyone joyful and upbeat. The boys were also enamored by my Bengal cat Esther, and Gergő shared his love for animals. Later, my brother, the Hungarians, and I played Happy Salmon, which they seemed to enjoy. 

On Saturday at the Daikanos event, I found more similarities. One of the girls taught us a dance where we all held hands and moved together that reminded me of Israeli circle dancing– a tradition I’ve shared with my family and church for years. Though I wasn’t personally sharing my church traditions, it was special to see our school learn about them through the Hungarians. After the event, Beni, Samuel and I ran upstairs and sang Hava Nagila again. The rest of the Hungarian group came upstairs for a meeting and joined us, and we worshiped in two languages, united as one body in Christ. 

The chapel service the day before was another powerful moment of fellowship. The worship blended English and Hungarian, and the Hungarian song, Akinek Elgondoltal, deeply resonated with me. Afterward, I listened to it on repeat until I could sing confidently along. The Hungarian worship team– Ádám Megyeri, Jázmin Vikor, Edvárd Gszelmann, Bence Báldi, Benedek Vikor– sounded incredible together.

Overall, I felt the most understood and at home with the Hungarians. Their godly joy and light made me reflect on American culture, and I realized how often that light is missing here in modern America. 

So thank you, Hungarians. You were a light to our nation (Isaiah 49:6), and I’m so grateful you came. I’ll be praying and eagerly awaiting your inevitable return!