‘It’s not easy to define, to experience, and to decide why we live in the present rather than the future…It’s hard to attract new members when families have so many other options for the weekend…Still, in four months, we’ve gained back several old friends and some new families. That’s why the scripture “hold on to what you have” echoes in me.’

‘Olivia wanted to ride horses, which…is very expensive…I had to come up with a solution. I started by making pancakes once, with a donation-based system. Neighbors were incredibly generous…Similarly, when Emma left for Texas, a friend left $200 in an envelope for her—just slipped it through the door…It showed me that human kindness and helping young people aren’t determined by nationality.’

‘There was a circus nearby, and I got a job shoveling after the elephants…My mother was hardworking and resourceful. She always pushed me to go see things. We saw Rome, Pompeii, and the Vatican—we traveled all over Italy, which made time pass faster. Meanwhile, we waited every day for our names to appear on the list—to get a sponsor so we could leave the camp.’

‘Réka and I work together to achieve our goals. To me, one plus one equals three, not two. When we combine our skills, we create something greater—the best possible outcome we could achieve together.’

‘I believe that anyone who comes here values Hungarian identity, including young people present here, and we should appreciate that…The children’s program started because parents wanted to attend the lectures. That’s why it’s so important that it continues, and that’s why I committed to it for so long. But a person must also know when to stop.’

‘While some of our American school friends spent Friday nights socializing, we preferred to dedicate our time to our Hungarian community. Later, my enthusiasm for scouting leadership only grew. I never felt burnt out because I truly loved every task. This was possible because I was surrounded by supportive people who shared my passion.’

‘His death shows that ignorance and hatred can be fatal—yet his life teaches and obliges us to take our faith seriously, to give courageous testimony, and to stand publicly for our values, even in hostile environments.’

‘The Votin family joined the Hungarian community, motivated by learning the Hungarian language and scouting experiences to be provided for their children. The school…was closely linked to the St. Stephen’s Church. The last Franciscan friar, Father Domonkos Csorba, strongly supported them—he kept tuition low and mediated conflicts between the English-speaking and Hungarian-speaking members.’

‘Suddenly, a very pretty lady appeared in front of me…And she told me straight out: “On Wednesdays, you’re coming to our folk dance session. My brother will drive you back and forth.” I liked her confidence, and of course, I gladly went—after all, I loved dancing, and I had time for it.’

‘I walked into the Garfield Scout House and enthusiastically presented my plans—singing, reciting poetry, reading, and analyzing short stories and poems. I was surprised at how excited the second- and third-generation youth became…They were genuinely interested because they had grown up hearing these stories.’