My gross monthly salary from teaching is 145,000. HUF. The average Hungarian gross monthly wage is 197,000. HUF. Income tax for me is 25%. After the government takes its portion, I come home with $535. each month. Then there is sales tax, also 25%.
The cost of living here in Budapest is comparable to Seattle. In many cases it is more expensive than the Pacific Northwest. For example:
MILK, 1 gallon (3.8 liters) is $3.80.
GROUND BEEF (20% fat), $4.10 per pound. (We eat pork and chicken!)
PANTS (children & adults), $45. per pair. (Not jeans, they are more expensive.)
SHOES (women's athletic), $60.-$100.
SHOES (children's), $25.-$50.
Since 2005 when we first arrived back here in Hungary, the number of our supporters have NOT increased. Our recruiting efforts had no effect on this. Expenses have increased dramatically.
Look at these changes in the cost of our monthly transportation pass (bus, tram, trolley, subway):
2005 October
Adult, 35.00
Child, 13.25
2009 October
Adult, 52.80
Child, 20.75
Groceries have gone up more than other expenses. The problem is that as a family, we are eating more! (The kids are growing.)
Our average monthly grocery bill in 2005 and today:
2005: $300.
2009: $500.
We are very THANKFUL for your support and hope that you can continue.
If it is possible, we would ask for you to prayerfully CONSIDER RAISING your giving to our work.
If your church or friends would be interested in joining the support of this ministry, we would be most grateful.
God bless you,
~ Lidia
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