This week on SHLTMM, Natasha Levai is my guest speaking to us from Hungary, Eastern Europe. She recalls very few memorable memories of her biological mother, Tatiana. Her mother was working and/or busy, says Natasha, so she hasn't played a huge role in my guest's life. But as a child, Natasha longed for that special mother/daughter bond. At 17, Natasha met Rachelle, an American volunteer, teaching English in St. Petersburg, Russia. Today, Natasha refers to Rachelle, as her "spiritual mother."
My guest was born in Ukraine then moved to Russia with her family. At 16, Natasha felt the need for some sort of spiritual connection in her life. Neither her mother or father believed in traditional religious beliefs, so she started attending services in different temples and churches. But it wasn't until she met Rachelle, that my guest was encouraged to find her own calling. Rachelle did not persuade Natasha to do anything specific in life, yet there was a mutual interest in caring for children who did not have families of their own.
Natasha was so taken with Rachelle's sincerity and concern. Rachelle was actually one of the very first adults to ask Natasha personal questions. "She gave me a lot of hope and comfort by just being there. And because she was there, I always had hope and ideas of what would be next in life. Rachelle is very personal. She feels very deeply and when someone shares their story, she's ready to feel it, cry with them, laugh with them says Natasha.
Natasha is very happy to be living in a more remote area now with her family. She's cooking up a storm and you can find her recipes and tricks of the kitchen trade on her social media pages-links are below.
I hope you enjoy this conversation. Natasha has such a warm demeanor that I felt as though I was sitting with her in her kitchen in Hungary.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NATASHA FROM HER WEBSITE:WEBSITE:https://www.natashashome.com/
Welcome to Natasha’s Home! My husband, Krisztian and I currently live in Eastern Europe in Hungary. We recently welcomed a little baby girl into our family!
I was born in Ukraine, grew up in Russia, but have been all over the world in the last 7 years. I think I visited around 13 countries in my journey as a Christian missionary (what an adventure that was!). My husband and I first met at a local Hungarian orphanage where we were spending time with the kids as a part of a missionary team, and little did I know that this town I was “just passing by” was going to be my future home!
After getting married I started learning more about cooking and homemaking, and it is no less of a journey than I had before! As I discover new recipes, kitchen hacks, tips, and tricks that help me become a better home cook, I love to share them with you so that you can be inspired and learn a bunch yourself! I hope you join along for the journey!
SOCIAL MEDIA/WEBSITE LINKS:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/natashashome_/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh81Bs8U4GO9-MgetI5G0GA/videos
WEBSITE:https://www.natashashome.com/
PINTEREST: https://hu.pinterest.com/Natashashomepin/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/welcome.natashas.home/