Mr. Kovacs
The Gypsies are considered problematic here, as in every European country. When I first arrived I wasn’t sure how my initial encounter with a Gypsy, a Roma, might go.
The Gypsies are considered problematic here, as in every European country. When I first arrived I wasn’t sure how my initial encounter with a Gypsy, a Roma, might go.
It is usual to get to talking with others when you are waiting on the platform for your train to arrive. The fact that I speak almost no Hungarian seems of little hindrance to many others while they wait. One dapper, older gentleman who began a conversation with me was certainly not put off. So, he learned a little about my work and family. I learned that he was an electrician who had helped build Nagykoros houses, a long-time resident of the town, a Roman Catholic, a Gypsy, and a supporter of the Kadar days – when food, housing, healthcare, all, were provided for everyone, no matter their age. And he was a citizen who was concerned for my welfare! He wanted me to fully understand how unscrupulous some Gypsies could be and dramatized for me how they might grab my watch or remove my wedding ring. He didn’t touch me, but he showed me! (I had no way of explaining to him that the years I’d worked on skid row in Chicago had probably trained me pretty well.)
The train came. I got on. He got on with a friend. They came by to locate me. He introduced me to his friend and explained that sometimes you can have a very big conversation without using many words. Both men tipped their hats to me and moved on to another car where there were seats available. They got off the train at the stop before mine, and this time came by outside my window – to tip their hats again. I had met and survived my first Gypsy encounter, thanks to this one, Mr. Kovacs.
Coralyn T. Medyesy, Missionary in Hungary
Coralyn Medyesy is a missionary with the Reformed Church in Hungary, based in Budapest, Hungary. She serves as a Teacher of Social Work and Diakonia at the Nagy Koros School.