Apart from being thankful to God for bringing us to Vienna, we are going to celebrate the holiday as traditionally as possible! Many people have asked us how we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving and if we can find all the little things we traditionally eat. Here is what is planned so far!
Our turkey is coming from a store that has fresh turkeys which they 'prepare' the day you want it. I have a friend with a car who is bringing me a fresh turkey. I haven't made my own turkey in years so am hoping I can do it right. If you have ever been in Europe you know that ovens are about 1/3 smaller than US ovens. So my turkey is smaller, too. I am going to a chicken in the crock pot as well since we are having 7 students join us.
Another tradition in our family is "Pear Salad" but it is made with Cool Whip. Hopefully the real whipping cream will hold up in this recipe.
Am making my own creamed corn today so I can make corn casserole. There is no Jiffy muffin mix, so am making that from scratch as well.
I have to make Cream of Mushroom soup from a powdered mix in order to make Green Bean Casserole. I did find onions---baked and fried....I got a package of both because I wasn't sure which one tastes most like what we are used to.
I bought a small pumpkin to make pumpkin pie. I stewed it up last night and today I will puree it. I am going shopping today to look for lard to make the pie crust. Forgot that yesterday when I was shopping. Sarah makes an awesome Apple Pie and so we are going to bake pies on Wednesday afternoon.
My family loves my homemade rolls, but with all the other 'homemade' elements to this dinner we are going to enjoy the wonderful Austrian fresh baked bread which they do famously! I think we will have croissants!
We will serve Almdudler for drinks. The kids love it. It is like an herbed ginger apple sparkling drink....hard to describe! But it is the national drink of Austria. If you cross Ginger Ale with Apple Juice you might get close to the taste.
Stay tuned for pictures!
Thanks be to God for His indescribablel gifts! Salvation, Jesus, Eternal life, Love that never ends, Family, Friends, Ministry
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
God speaks
We have often wondered what God is doing and where he is leading on a personal level.....and we know that 95% of what needs to happen is internal character, and spiritual growth and becoming more like Christ as revealed in the Word of God, and yet this activity happens on earth in the physical realm. This is where every choice is played out. If we are to get to heaven to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant", then earth and now is where each choice counts!
Our family made a choice to investigate going to Vienna and here we are. We made this choice within our relationship with our dynamic God. We wondered if He would do for us what He has done for other missionaries or if would we fall flat. We hoped, wished, prayed and internally agonized, but we did not stop. We took the next step, then we took the next step, then the next. We "walked" our way to Vienna by small steps.
Even after arriving, we have wondered, will we be able to stay? Will the support come in that we underestimated that we needed? Does God see us? Is He for us? We would now need to make a choice....ask Him and His people for help or realize that this is no longer humanly feasible and just head back home to a waiting church and our comfortable home and two cars in storage and a regular income.
Through many late night talks, prayers of surrender and supplication, encouragement from fellow believers and co-laborers here in Vienna and other places, we chose to ask. That was a hard choice. We have heard of and experienced the recession in the States. We know it is painfully real to many families whose hours are cut back, who have lost jobs and houses. But we can choose once again to look at the first 6 feet of what is happening on earth or we can look to the Lord in heaven who is above any recession. A choice...will He speak or act on our behalf? By faith, we have been knocking at his door. Thankfully he is not a disinterested official. He is teaching us so much more about His direct involvement in our faith or fear, our choices to give in or push through. The needs we must see provided for by Dec. 1st --human deadline--are arriving in the most unusual ways that they are obviously of God's divine providence. We are humbled to our knees by those God has led to give directly to us to meet the needs that are inherent for a family of five living in Vienna Austria.
I was talking with someone recently about other mission fields. Hungary has a lower cost of living and hence all the missionaries live above the standards of the Hungarian people. Austria is much more expensive and all the missionaries live below the standard of living of most other Austrians....hand me down furniture and appliances, no cars, no amenities, no going to movies since they are too expensive...sometimes giving up the little things in life. So the irony is that it costs more to live here but we get less physical goods for the dollar. Is it wrong to be here, then? By no means! Austria is so spiritually needy! They have everything, but nothing! Vienna is 60% international! only 40% of Vienna is Viennese! So we are here and praying for the city and the country for God to crack through the tough exterior. And we are serving a school unlike any other for hours around. The international community consisting of many Muslim nations are available to reach here. It is legal to share one's faith in Austria with a Muslim! So we are praying for opportunities to abound to do that here.
God speaks! He leads! He answers!
Our family made a choice to investigate going to Vienna and here we are. We made this choice within our relationship with our dynamic God. We wondered if He would do for us what He has done for other missionaries or if would we fall flat. We hoped, wished, prayed and internally agonized, but we did not stop. We took the next step, then we took the next step, then the next. We "walked" our way to Vienna by small steps.
Even after arriving, we have wondered, will we be able to stay? Will the support come in that we underestimated that we needed? Does God see us? Is He for us? We would now need to make a choice....ask Him and His people for help or realize that this is no longer humanly feasible and just head back home to a waiting church and our comfortable home and two cars in storage and a regular income.
Through many late night talks, prayers of surrender and supplication, encouragement from fellow believers and co-laborers here in Vienna and other places, we chose to ask. That was a hard choice. We have heard of and experienced the recession in the States. We know it is painfully real to many families whose hours are cut back, who have lost jobs and houses. But we can choose once again to look at the first 6 feet of what is happening on earth or we can look to the Lord in heaven who is above any recession. A choice...will He speak or act on our behalf? By faith, we have been knocking at his door. Thankfully he is not a disinterested official. He is teaching us so much more about His direct involvement in our faith or fear, our choices to give in or push through. The needs we must see provided for by Dec. 1st --human deadline--are arriving in the most unusual ways that they are obviously of God's divine providence. We are humbled to our knees by those God has led to give directly to us to meet the needs that are inherent for a family of five living in Vienna Austria.
I was talking with someone recently about other mission fields. Hungary has a lower cost of living and hence all the missionaries live above the standards of the Hungarian people. Austria is much more expensive and all the missionaries live below the standard of living of most other Austrians....hand me down furniture and appliances, no cars, no amenities, no going to movies since they are too expensive...sometimes giving up the little things in life. So the irony is that it costs more to live here but we get less physical goods for the dollar. Is it wrong to be here, then? By no means! Austria is so spiritually needy! They have everything, but nothing! Vienna is 60% international! only 40% of Vienna is Viennese! So we are here and praying for the city and the country for God to crack through the tough exterior. And we are serving a school unlike any other for hours around. The international community consisting of many Muslim nations are available to reach here. It is legal to share one's faith in Austria with a Muslim! So we are praying for opportunities to abound to do that here.
God speaks! He leads! He answers!
Friday, November 6, 2009
A Bit of a Rant
I have heard from well meaning people the phrase, "When God closes a door he always opens a window" ---I must disagree!
1. The only times people went through windows in the Bible is when they were escaping for their lives! (the two spies and Paul)
2. God is big enough to open doors...and then more doors...and then more doors. He opens DOORS!
3. Windows are for passively looking out, not real ministry.
4. Doors are for walking through bravely or for knocking on! If the door is shut keep knocking! Or go find another door. Don't go squeeze through a window!
5. If ministry is what God is doing, why then would he only allow for a window to be opened...
6. The "windows" idea is a way to second guess a God who is small and limited. They have not read much of the Word where the glory of the Lord fills the temple! And God laughs at the nations! And the earth is his footstool. And He created the universe with a word!
1. The only times people went through windows in the Bible is when they were escaping for their lives! (the two spies and Paul)
2. God is big enough to open doors...and then more doors...and then more doors. He opens DOORS!
3. Windows are for passively looking out, not real ministry.
4. Doors are for walking through bravely or for knocking on! If the door is shut keep knocking! Or go find another door. Don't go squeeze through a window!
5. If ministry is what God is doing, why then would he only allow for a window to be opened...
6. The "windows" idea is a way to second guess a God who is small and limited. They have not read much of the Word where the glory of the Lord fills the temple! And God laughs at the nations! And the earth is his footstool. And He created the universe with a word!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Nudge of the Holy Spirit
I was making supper last night. I put in 5 pieces of chicken and literally felt a "nudge" within me to put in an extra piece. So I did. In went 6 pieces of chicken.
I was then making rice and put in the usual amount when I felt the 'nudge' again to add more. So I did.
I had a salad made, but then for 'some reason', added to it. Also opened a big can of green beans...
And then I 'realized' I had a package of rolls in the freezer. Again, the 'nudge' came, so I put them in the oven to finish baking them.
Then I got a call from Tom, "Do we have enough food to feed someone else?"
Tom and Laura were walking home from soccer practice and one of the other coaches caught up to them. They found out he had a game to play in and was going to run to McD's for supper (three blocks from our house). So instead they invited him home for a meal at our house. They did not know I had been 'expecting' him by the 'nudging' of the Holy Spirit. I was truly happy and praising God that I could be hospitable with more than a glass of water in Jesus' name.
I was then making rice and put in the usual amount when I felt the 'nudge' again to add more. So I did.
I had a salad made, but then for 'some reason', added to it. Also opened a big can of green beans...
And then I 'realized' I had a package of rolls in the freezer. Again, the 'nudge' came, so I put them in the oven to finish baking them.
Then I got a call from Tom, "Do we have enough food to feed someone else?"
Tom and Laura were walking home from soccer practice and one of the other coaches caught up to them. They found out he had a game to play in and was going to run to McD's for supper (three blocks from our house). So instead they invited him home for a meal at our house. They did not know I had been 'expecting' him by the 'nudging' of the Holy Spirit. I was truly happy and praising God that I could be hospitable with more than a glass of water in Jesus' name.
The Gift
I think of our time at VCS in Vienna, Austria as a gift from God. We don't deserve to serve Him and it is only because of His grace reaching down to me that I even know HIM. So ministry is a gift. It comes from the life of God in men and we can serve one another in His name. And when a time of refreshing comes, that, too, is a gift. We are thankful for the time away in Schladming. It is one of the most beautiful of God's creations. It was soul-refreshing! The high mountains, the waterfalls, the sheep on the hillside, the beautiful architecture of the chalets, the winding roads, a surprise cluster of homes to make a village. I am aware that it is all a gift! We are thankful to the people who gave a little extra to make this three day journey possible and to our friends who navigated and drove us all around. They wanted to make it special for us.
Here is a little conversation I had with Andrew:
Mom: "Can you even imagine a more perfect vacation than the one we just had?"
Andrew: "Well, we could have met Jesus.....(long pause).....but then I suppose we would have died and that wouldn't have been a vacation."
So I guess it was a perfect vacation time---I think I met Jesus though....in his creation and in the silences.
Here is a little conversation I had with Andrew:
Mom: "Can you even imagine a more perfect vacation than the one we just had?"
Andrew: "Well, we could have met Jesus.....(long pause).....but then I suppose we would have died and that wouldn't have been a vacation."
So I guess it was a perfect vacation time---I think I met Jesus though....in his creation and in the silences.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Mission and Numbers
Often I have judged missions effectiveness by looking at the numbers involved. I think we naturally tend to think that God's blessing is revealed in large numbers. How many are in youth group? How many students in your class? How much money in your budget? How many bodies in your church building? How many hits on your blog? How many square feet to your building? How many nights a week are you out serving?
The latest challenge to my re-thinking are the limitations that I face on a daily basis. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and somehow God has me on the mission field! My role is changing from that of ELL teacher to that of pray-er! Is that any less needed than teacher? No one sits in my class but me. God is my teacher. He is redirecting my attention to HIM. We are together in this journey. I am here for God's purposes even if I don't really get it. CFS is an invisible condition. To most everyone I look just fine! But to those who can see, there is an ache in every step and a sore throat in most every conversation and a fatigue that comes after an hour of talking or typing. So I do the best I can with the few hours I have everyday to serve and I trust that in serving my family they will be able to do all the visible work that I cannot.
This is not who I was or who I want to be, but I am growing to be thankful for the fellowship with the Lord in the midst of it that is deeper. And this is my prayer..... Psalm 119: 74 says, "May all who fear YOU find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your Word." I seek to put my hope in His Word--Jesus-- who never changes.
The latest challenge to my re-thinking are the limitations that I face on a daily basis. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and somehow God has me on the mission field! My role is changing from that of ELL teacher to that of pray-er! Is that any less needed than teacher? No one sits in my class but me. God is my teacher. He is redirecting my attention to HIM. We are together in this journey. I am here for God's purposes even if I don't really get it. CFS is an invisible condition. To most everyone I look just fine! But to those who can see, there is an ache in every step and a sore throat in most every conversation and a fatigue that comes after an hour of talking or typing. So I do the best I can with the few hours I have everyday to serve and I trust that in serving my family they will be able to do all the visible work that I cannot.
This is not who I was or who I want to be, but I am growing to be thankful for the fellowship with the Lord in the midst of it that is deeper. And this is my prayer..... Psalm 119: 74 says, "May all who fear YOU find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your Word." I seek to put my hope in His Word--Jesus-- who never changes.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sept. 2 A day in the Life of the Mason Family
What do we do in Vienna?
After our personal quiet times and some family devotions most days at all different times our daily routines are looking like this:
Tom: up early (as in 3:30 a.m.early) just couldn't sleep.
Off to school early to teach 3 blocks of Bible and to supervise an independent study course.
Coach Middle school (and some 5th grade boys) soccer team.
Home to supper--hot and ready on his plate
Outside to play soccer some more with Andrew and Sarah
Off to bed after working on lesson plans
Julie: up at 7:00 a.m. to see kids off to school
Do the finances which is three different websites
Decide on supper---soak the black beans (which is the only way to purchase them here--dry)
Do three loads of laundry (that is really saying something w/washing machines that take 1.5 hours to complete a load)
Go to the bank--twice (the office was closed first time)
Go get the kids transportation passes---take the U1 to the U3 (make sure I am going in the right way!) then find the right stop on the U3 then get out and follow directions to the right office, then stand in the right line, then wonder afterwards on the U3 while attempting to read in German the brochure I was given if I was actually supposed to pay for something, then I find an English speaker on the U3 to ask a few question, then sit down in relief all is okay.
Then walk thru the mall on the way home. Looking for a backpack for Sarah that isn't $75.00 to $100.00; did not get one!
Look for a pair of black flats. The cheaper ones not in my size. Won't pay $60.00 for shoes yet. Should have bought some in the US---have said that a few times to myself today
Come home to make dinner for my sporty family
Sarah has a friend over to study for a few hours
Unload Dishwasher, wash dishes, Make lunches, wash dishes, make coffee, unload dishwasher, drink coffee, reload dishwasher
Put Andrew to bed
finish laundry
Sweep down some spiders (no one told me how spidery Vienna is--which is good since I am scared of those 8 legged beasts)
Off to bed and wondering what I actually did (now I know!)
Sarah: Up at 6:30
Get ready for school
Get homework and backpack and sports stuff
Grab lunch
out the door with Sibs to make the 7:59 Streetcar; Catch the U1 to school, walk 2 blocks to school
Volleyball practice--kind of hard w/no gym yet---lots of conditioning!
Home to supper
Do homework (just 2-4 hours a night) drinking a cup of coffee
Shower and off to bed
Laura: Up at 6:30
All of the above yet less homework!
Tells us all about her day at supper time
And she scores a goal on the high school boys soccer team! yeah Laura!
Andy: Up at 7:00
all of the above yet is a soccer maniac!
Climb tree, do 10 pull ups, 10 leg lifts, gets amazing abs with his work out
Climb tree, jump down, climb tree, look Mom! falls out on purpose, climbs tree again, jumps down, climbs tree.......
Reads The Hobbit---Mom so proud!
Is loving school and all his new friends
So that is all we do! Just thought you'd like to know!
After our personal quiet times and some family devotions most days at all different times our daily routines are looking like this:
Tom: up early (as in 3:30 a.m.early) just couldn't sleep.
Off to school early to teach 3 blocks of Bible and to supervise an independent study course.
Coach Middle school (and some 5th grade boys) soccer team.
Home to supper--hot and ready on his plate
Outside to play soccer some more with Andrew and Sarah
Off to bed after working on lesson plans
Julie: up at 7:00 a.m. to see kids off to school
Do the finances which is three different websites
Decide on supper---soak the black beans (which is the only way to purchase them here--dry)
Do three loads of laundry (that is really saying something w/washing machines that take 1.5 hours to complete a load)
Go to the bank--twice (the office was closed first time)
Go get the kids transportation passes---take the U1 to the U3 (make sure I am going in the right way!) then find the right stop on the U3 then get out and follow directions to the right office, then stand in the right line, then wonder afterwards on the U3 while attempting to read in German the brochure I was given if I was actually supposed to pay for something, then I find an English speaker on the U3 to ask a few question, then sit down in relief all is okay.
Then walk thru the mall on the way home. Looking for a backpack for Sarah that isn't $75.00 to $100.00; did not get one!
Look for a pair of black flats. The cheaper ones not in my size. Won't pay $60.00 for shoes yet. Should have bought some in the US---have said that a few times to myself today
Come home to make dinner for my sporty family
Sarah has a friend over to study for a few hours
Unload Dishwasher, wash dishes, Make lunches, wash dishes, make coffee, unload dishwasher, drink coffee, reload dishwasher
Put Andrew to bed
finish laundry
Sweep down some spiders (no one told me how spidery Vienna is--which is good since I am scared of those 8 legged beasts)
Off to bed and wondering what I actually did (now I know!)
Sarah: Up at 6:30
Get ready for school
Get homework and backpack and sports stuff
Grab lunch
out the door with Sibs to make the 7:59 Streetcar; Catch the U1 to school, walk 2 blocks to school
Volleyball practice--kind of hard w/no gym yet---lots of conditioning!
Home to supper
Do homework (just 2-4 hours a night) drinking a cup of coffee
Shower and off to bed
Laura: Up at 6:30
All of the above yet less homework!
Tells us all about her day at supper time
And she scores a goal on the high school boys soccer team! yeah Laura!
Andy: Up at 7:00
all of the above yet is a soccer maniac!
Climb tree, do 10 pull ups, 10 leg lifts, gets amazing abs with his work out
Climb tree, jump down, climb tree, look Mom! falls out on purpose, climbs tree again, jumps down, climbs tree.......
Reads The Hobbit---Mom so proud!
Is loving school and all his new friends
So that is all we do! Just thought you'd like to know!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Quick Post: Aug. 26th
What is the first thing to go in a missionaries busy life? The same thing in yours! Your devotions! Why is that we love the Lord yet getting time to sit and rest in His presence is at a premium. We are doing better now that we are on a schedule, but it seems that for a few days, I couldn't even find my Bible...new house, new piles of things, no HOME spot for devotions.
We are still getting paperwork ironed out...faxing insurance forms for proof of coverage here and there. We are working on final payments of utilities, refunds, extra fees for new accounts here. Not to mention Dr.s fees here for us the last few days. I was told we would be reimbursed...only to find that we have to meet our deductible first! Oh, yes, the deductible! How could I forget that!
We are still trying to get transcripts faxed from one school to another which impacts the two girls class schedule....pray we can get that done today.
Pray for faxes...yes! We pray about all the admin. details that can go wrong since much hinges on them! Yesterday the secretary tried to fax, but for some reason, it couldn't go through. And another day of uncertainty passes.
Thank you already for the birthday wishes. It means so much to be remembered!
We remember our dear family and friends as they go through life as well.
My father, Don, has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, adrenal cancer and also bone cancer in his right hip. He is in no discomfort at this point. Only his right knee hurts due to advanced arthritis. I am keeping in touch with phone calls for now. At some point, I will travel to Appleton area to make a visit. It is hard to know when and how to do this.
I am the main grocery shopper/meal preparer. Tom is incredibly busy with class preparations. There is alot of study involved in teaching 4 Bible classes with no written curriculum. He is doing it all fresh. He has never used anyone elses curriculum. So he is busy. I am trying to coax him to supplement with printed curriculum. At least he would not have to type and copy all of his materials--though they will be good when done!
Blessings on you all. Keep praying for the Masons....we experience God's blessing when you pray
We are still getting paperwork ironed out...faxing insurance forms for proof of coverage here and there. We are working on final payments of utilities, refunds, extra fees for new accounts here. Not to mention Dr.s fees here for us the last few days. I was told we would be reimbursed...only to find that we have to meet our deductible first! Oh, yes, the deductible! How could I forget that!
We are still trying to get transcripts faxed from one school to another which impacts the two girls class schedule....pray we can get that done today.
Pray for faxes...yes! We pray about all the admin. details that can go wrong since much hinges on them! Yesterday the secretary tried to fax, but for some reason, it couldn't go through. And another day of uncertainty passes.
Thank you already for the birthday wishes. It means so much to be remembered!
We remember our dear family and friends as they go through life as well.
My father, Don, has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, adrenal cancer and also bone cancer in his right hip. He is in no discomfort at this point. Only his right knee hurts due to advanced arthritis. I am keeping in touch with phone calls for now. At some point, I will travel to Appleton area to make a visit. It is hard to know when and how to do this.
I am the main grocery shopper/meal preparer. Tom is incredibly busy with class preparations. There is alot of study involved in teaching 4 Bible classes with no written curriculum. He is doing it all fresh. He has never used anyone elses curriculum. So he is busy. I am trying to coax him to supplement with printed curriculum. At least he would not have to type and copy all of his materials--though they will be good when done!
Blessings on you all. Keep praying for the Masons....we experience God's blessing when you pray
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Okay, so this is my first official post while living in Vienna! I have been too tired to put anything coherent down in print. But after almost 2 weeks I am feeling a bit more acclimated. Nothing much has "happened" to write about. There are no students yet, no classroom time, etc. What has happened are the little things of life: finding a grocery store, getting a bank account, getting a train pass, finding Tom's office at school, kids getting their placement tests, getting to know our neighborhood.
While we are doing all this we have had opportunity to get to know our "buddy" (our personal assistant to help us get acquainted in Vienna) and his family, Brian, Betti, and Tobi. A lovely family. She is Czec and he is American and their little boy will speak English, Czec, and German! We have met many families with multi-linguistic talents!
I have made the acquaintance of Isadora Laury...a sweet Austrian mother of ten year old twin boys who are in Andrew's class. I met Isadora because she lived her for a month before us and they go to the church we visited on Sunday. We went to a large, clean lake for the boys to swim and we chatted with other women from church. It was very nice to talk to Germans, Poles, Northern Irish, Austrian, and Montanans! I was the lone Minnesotan, so I really put on the accent for fun!
Today is Sarah's Homecoming Day. 16 years ago today we held her in our arms for the first time. I still remember the longing I felt to meet her and to hold her and see her and just have her forever! Everyday she has been a blessing and is a lovely young woman who thinks of others ahead of herself and has a cheerful happy heart. I am truly blessed to be her mother and have her for my daughter! She knows how to read my face--almost too well. The other day I walked slowly through the kitchen thinking about making a cup of tea. She said "You want a cup of tea, don't you, Mom?" I was floored...how could a 16 year old know that her mom wants a cup of tea? She even offered to make it for me just the way I like it!
We are kindergarteners here in Austria in terms of language and culture and just knowing how to get around. It is hard to go from being "insiders" and leaders to being "outsiders" and followers. God loves it, I think. We have called out to him in so many new ways and He is faithful! This is one of the reasons we have made this move, to find God in new ways that we never needed before.
While we are doing all this we have had opportunity to get to know our "buddy" (our personal assistant to help us get acquainted in Vienna) and his family, Brian, Betti, and Tobi. A lovely family. She is Czec and he is American and their little boy will speak English, Czec, and German! We have met many families with multi-linguistic talents!
I have made the acquaintance of Isadora Laury...a sweet Austrian mother of ten year old twin boys who are in Andrew's class. I met Isadora because she lived her for a month before us and they go to the church we visited on Sunday. We went to a large, clean lake for the boys to swim and we chatted with other women from church. It was very nice to talk to Germans, Poles, Northern Irish, Austrian, and Montanans! I was the lone Minnesotan, so I really put on the accent for fun!
Today is Sarah's Homecoming Day. 16 years ago today we held her in our arms for the first time. I still remember the longing I felt to meet her and to hold her and see her and just have her forever! Everyday she has been a blessing and is a lovely young woman who thinks of others ahead of herself and has a cheerful happy heart. I am truly blessed to be her mother and have her for my daughter! She knows how to read my face--almost too well. The other day I walked slowly through the kitchen thinking about making a cup of tea. She said "You want a cup of tea, don't you, Mom?" I was floored...how could a 16 year old know that her mom wants a cup of tea? She even offered to make it for me just the way I like it!
We are kindergarteners here in Austria in terms of language and culture and just knowing how to get around. It is hard to go from being "insiders" and leaders to being "outsiders" and followers. God loves it, I think. We have called out to him in so many new ways and He is faithful! This is one of the reasons we have made this move, to find God in new ways that we never needed before.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
July 30th----last full day
Just a super quick post...pretty tired after lots of good-byes. The greatest thing is that people come over to pray with you when you leave the country! That is so awesome.
We have a cleared out house! We have quite a boat-load of things we took to thrift store and clothes we just had to have are now in storage. We are more materialistic than I thought.
I got a phone call from my sister to say good-bye, but she also told me of my father being diagnosed with lung cancer. Hard to hear at this point. I went from numb to sad and back to auto-pilot to just get things done that need to get done.
I can't wait to get on the airplane tomorrow and sit! Just sit for 12 hours! No packing, no decisions except what I want to drink. Sounds good already.
The kids are partying on the phone with friends...talking and texting...I love their friends! Super kids.
Next time I write...it just might be in German...Auf Wiedersehen! Schlaf gut!
We have a cleared out house! We have quite a boat-load of things we took to thrift store and clothes we just had to have are now in storage. We are more materialistic than I thought.
I got a phone call from my sister to say good-bye, but she also told me of my father being diagnosed with lung cancer. Hard to hear at this point. I went from numb to sad and back to auto-pilot to just get things done that need to get done.
I can't wait to get on the airplane tomorrow and sit! Just sit for 12 hours! No packing, no decisions except what I want to drink. Sounds good already.
The kids are partying on the phone with friends...talking and texting...I love their friends! Super kids.
Next time I write...it just might be in German...Auf Wiedersehen! Schlaf gut!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wed. July 29th--2 days left
So you may be wondering, "What is it that a family of five does two days before you leave home and country?
--you lose things and spend time looking for them :)
--you have a "last supper" with the dearest of friends
--you get your computer unhooked and then dragged off to be wiped clean of demon-virsuses!
--you say "good-bye" to family in person, via letter, Facebook, e-mail, and phone messages if necessary
--you comfort yourself with the knowledge that Skype & Vonage really do exist to make talking to same family and friends easy
--you clean the strangest of places
--you defrost freezers
--you give away food
--you see all the places you should repaint, but decide that would be OCD to do it so you leave it. Anyone want to paint?
--you go to Caribou Coffee one more time
--you enjoy popcorn and a movie with your kids!
See you! Movie is starting!
--you lose things and spend time looking for them :)
--you have a "last supper" with the dearest of friends
--you get your computer unhooked and then dragged off to be wiped clean of demon-virsuses!
--you say "good-bye" to family in person, via letter, Facebook, e-mail, and phone messages if necessary
--you comfort yourself with the knowledge that Skype & Vonage really do exist to make talking to same family and friends easy
--you clean the strangest of places
--you defrost freezers
--you give away food
--you see all the places you should repaint, but decide that would be OCD to do it so you leave it. Anyone want to paint?
--you go to Caribou Coffee one more time
--you enjoy popcorn and a movie with your kids!
See you! Movie is starting!
Monday, July 27, 2009
July 27th--four days left!
What is more sweet than gathering to pray and be prayed for? My dear friend Carol, along with Dawn, Cande, Linda, Marge, Cheryl, Bonita, Joan, and Mary got together to pray blessing on our family. Our children were prayed for with true love and sincerity. I was truly blessed to be with these women for the last 9 years! I know that no matter where we live they are faithful friends and prayer partners with us.
I have posted pictures on Facebook for those who want to see some of the kids going away party. That was a wonderful time, but of course hard for the kids to say good-bye to their dear friends. I think our children are courageous and brave and way more up for adventure than I ever was at their age.
I am signing off to go sort through important papers. Tomorrow I clean bathrooms and finish up laundry---isn't missions glamorous? :)
Our kids are sleeping over at friends houses one last time....soooo Tom and I are going out for some Thai food for our 23rd Anniversary. Our anniversary is
August 2nd and I don't think we will be up for much celebrating after just arriving August 1st. (Thanks Linda for the dinner out on you!)
I have posted pictures on Facebook for those who want to see some of the kids going away party. That was a wonderful time, but of course hard for the kids to say good-bye to their dear friends. I think our children are courageous and brave and way more up for adventure than I ever was at their age.
I am signing off to go sort through important papers. Tomorrow I clean bathrooms and finish up laundry---isn't missions glamorous? :)
Our kids are sleeping over at friends houses one last time....soooo Tom and I are going out for some Thai food for our 23rd Anniversary. Our anniversary is
August 2nd and I don't think we will be up for much celebrating after just arriving August 1st. (Thanks Linda for the dinner out on you!)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 24th
Tonight is the kids going away party for their friends from church and school. They are excited for some games and a bonfire and just hanging out with friends. Already there have been tears as the reality of leaving has sunk in. Tonite will be great but hard as this may the last time for a year they see their friends. A year is a long time when you are young.
Spent some great time this past week with Laura when things did not work out with friends to get together. She ended up being the only child home and It was a sweet time in the midst of lots of busy work. She got breakfast in bed one day thanks to dad, Mocha from me, a movie late night, good long talks, better connection---good stuff.
We got the kitchen cleaned and organized with some of my "good" dishes put away. It is easier to do it with a hard working friend so big thanks to Dawn!
With the weather changes we have had lately has come a 3 day migraine for me. I can't stop and nurse it so am trying to break its hold on my head. I ended sleeping about 12 hours to alleviate the pain, but still have the dullness of it in my neck and head. Every noise feels magnified...and I have a party tonite with about 20-30 kids. The grace of God for even this, right!
I have been growing out my hair....was liking the length until last week...was trying to convince myself to leave it alone. But last night I gave in..... I cut it! I like shorter hair I guess, or maybe I am addicted to scissors.
We have had good news from Vienna Christian School this week. The power brokers on all ends have come to a resolution in regards to the Visa situation staff were facing. All faculty and staff will receive residency visa and work permits for family members. VCS can remain in ministry as long as the Lord will now. So we are praising Him for His work in this matter.
Prayer requests continue to be our remaining portion of support. We need to be fully supported by Christmas otherwise we may have to leave. Staff have been sent home to raise support in the past. So we would ask for prayer that if anyone is interested in supporting us they would contact us. God has orchestrated all details well so far. But we leave nothing to presumption but instead prayer. We praise Him for his initiating grace as well as the finishing grace we will receive.
Spent some great time this past week with Laura when things did not work out with friends to get together. She ended up being the only child home and It was a sweet time in the midst of lots of busy work. She got breakfast in bed one day thanks to dad, Mocha from me, a movie late night, good long talks, better connection---good stuff.
We got the kitchen cleaned and organized with some of my "good" dishes put away. It is easier to do it with a hard working friend so big thanks to Dawn!
With the weather changes we have had lately has come a 3 day migraine for me. I can't stop and nurse it so am trying to break its hold on my head. I ended sleeping about 12 hours to alleviate the pain, but still have the dullness of it in my neck and head. Every noise feels magnified...and I have a party tonite with about 20-30 kids. The grace of God for even this, right!
I have been growing out my hair....was liking the length until last week...was trying to convince myself to leave it alone. But last night I gave in..... I cut it! I like shorter hair I guess, or maybe I am addicted to scissors.
We have had good news from Vienna Christian School this week. The power brokers on all ends have come to a resolution in regards to the Visa situation staff were facing. All faculty and staff will receive residency visa and work permits for family members. VCS can remain in ministry as long as the Lord will now. So we are praising Him for His work in this matter.
Prayer requests continue to be our remaining portion of support. We need to be fully supported by Christmas otherwise we may have to leave. Staff have been sent home to raise support in the past. So we would ask for prayer that if anyone is interested in supporting us they would contact us. God has orchestrated all details well so far. But we leave nothing to presumption but instead prayer. We praise Him for his initiating grace as well as the finishing grace we will receive.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
T minus 10 days!
10 days left!!!!
Visa situation has been completely resolved at VCS! God did it! The staff did it! The lawyers did it! We who prayed did it! God gets the glory though for He worked all things out according to His good pleasure!
Tear have begun to flow as we have been saying good-bye. Yes it is only a year, but when you love people it is hard to not see them and live life with them. So we have tears of love and sadness.
Tying up loose ends---needing 2 more renters to make things easier on the mortgage payment.....needing 8% support.....
needing to send some thank you cards out.....needing to process and pack....cancel DirecTV....suspend TMobile....switch utilities....oh,yeah, the small part for the fridge.....and the buttons for Tom's suit coat....clean the fridge....do the laundry....
Actually one thing is needful: sitting at the Lord's feet everyday to listen to Him and to hear the Spirit of Truth dispel the lies that come our way everyday. God's mercy is new every moment of every day---which is about how much I need HIM!
God bless you. Please keep praying for us!
Visa situation has been completely resolved at VCS! God did it! The staff did it! The lawyers did it! We who prayed did it! God gets the glory though for He worked all things out according to His good pleasure!
Tear have begun to flow as we have been saying good-bye. Yes it is only a year, but when you love people it is hard to not see them and live life with them. So we have tears of love and sadness.
Tying up loose ends---needing 2 more renters to make things easier on the mortgage payment.....needing 8% support.....
needing to send some thank you cards out.....needing to process and pack....cancel DirecTV....suspend TMobile....switch utilities....oh,yeah, the small part for the fridge.....and the buttons for Tom's suit coat....clean the fridge....do the laundry....
Actually one thing is needful: sitting at the Lord's feet everyday to listen to Him and to hear the Spirit of Truth dispel the lies that come our way everyday. God's mercy is new every moment of every day---which is about how much I need HIM!
God bless you. Please keep praying for us!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
July 18
I have been busy painting Sarah's and Laura's bedrooms the last two days. Some dear friends came to help. Who knew how much stuff was still in these rooms!!!! It was good to get everything out, clean and put just a bit back in! It will help with packing to take it from the living room to storage. I know it was hard on the girls to pick out colors for the guys who will be in their rooms rather than the colors they had in mind for their walls had they stayed. But we did a good job and have a nice slate blue and a nice light sage green. Now I see that the walls in the hallway and living room could be touched up. Hmmm...work begets work :)
The girls and I are going to Hinckley EFC tomorrow. We went there back in April and they want to take an offering for our family so we will go and give a bit of an update and just be there to talk with people and answer questions.
Tom had his last official time of preaching at Kost for the time-being. He is there tomorrow to introduce the man who will speaking...John Cedar. His great grandfather used to pastor the church many years ago.
We are inching are way to the financial goal set for us. Some little by little, some by very generous one time gifts....we are thankful for everyone who gives and shares and prays and encourages and visits and e-mails!
The girls and I are going to Hinckley EFC tomorrow. We went there back in April and they want to take an offering for our family so we will go and give a bit of an update and just be there to talk with people and answer questions.
Tom had his last official time of preaching at Kost for the time-being. He is there tomorrow to introduce the man who will speaking...John Cedar. His great grandfather used to pastor the church many years ago.
We are inching are way to the financial goal set for us. Some little by little, some by very generous one time gifts....we are thankful for everyone who gives and shares and prays and encourages and visits and e-mails!
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 13th
Less than three weeks to go!
Whoa! Wow! Whew!
We had our going away party at Kost Church yesterday. We love these people dearly and God has used them in our lives in so many ways to teach us and to bless us and to care for us. It was hard to face them and acknowledge that yes we are leaving. But we are not leaving so much as God is calling us out. We have seen His hand and know His leading in this. We have believed Him when it seemed impossible and we have enjoyed the wonderful blessing of His pleasure that we trusted Him to work things out for good no matter what they looked like to us. The lesson has always been to believe. We live and learn that God is just beyond every opportunity of impossibility. We can choose to believe or not believe. God leaves that choice to us. Sometimes, often, He works in spite of our unbelief. When we don't believe and yet He works, we are left feeling empty and bereft of our gift of being blessed, of having lost the chance to partner with God. When we do believe, the inner sense of being a part of something that GOD DID is amazing!!! That is what we have desired for us and for our children. So, we are not amazing, but God has been truly amazing! We give HIM credit for this whole experience and we feel we have been able to know God in a new way as we had not known HIM yet.
We have daily many opportunities for continued trust. Yes, we are still trusting God for a renter or two. Yes, we are still trusting God for about 25% of support yet to come in less than three weeks. The greater the impossibility of the task for us to carry out, the greater opportunity for our Father in Heaven to do what He said He would do!
Please believe God with us!!!!
Whoa! Wow! Whew!
We had our going away party at Kost Church yesterday. We love these people dearly and God has used them in our lives in so many ways to teach us and to bless us and to care for us. It was hard to face them and acknowledge that yes we are leaving. But we are not leaving so much as God is calling us out. We have seen His hand and know His leading in this. We have believed Him when it seemed impossible and we have enjoyed the wonderful blessing of His pleasure that we trusted Him to work things out for good no matter what they looked like to us. The lesson has always been to believe. We live and learn that God is just beyond every opportunity of impossibility. We can choose to believe or not believe. God leaves that choice to us. Sometimes, often, He works in spite of our unbelief. When we don't believe and yet He works, we are left feeling empty and bereft of our gift of being blessed, of having lost the chance to partner with God. When we do believe, the inner sense of being a part of something that GOD DID is amazing!!! That is what we have desired for us and for our children. So, we are not amazing, but God has been truly amazing! We give HIM credit for this whole experience and we feel we have been able to know God in a new way as we had not known HIM yet.
We have daily many opportunities for continued trust. Yes, we are still trusting God for a renter or two. Yes, we are still trusting God for about 25% of support yet to come in less than three weeks. The greater the impossibility of the task for us to carry out, the greater opportunity for our Father in Heaven to do what He said He would do!
Please believe God with us!!!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
July 11th
Just thought I would do a support raising update. We have been truly blessed by so many to get where we are today. We have about $1,200.00/month left to raise. I could say "only" but it is a lot yet. We know the Lord can do it, yet we must be faithful with writing and talking to people to share about the work. So we try to have peace in the midst of boldness!
We had the guys over who are renting our home this morning. Really nice Christian guys who we feel totally comfortable about being in our home while we are gone. We are charging them a cut-rate price based on 4 guys being here. They can't afford to split it between the two of them so if no one else comes in, they pay their rent and we have to make up the difference. We look at it like this: they will keep the place up and will allow us to keep our things in the home. We did not want to put everything in storage for a year. And we actually know them. Tom spent a few years with one young man in a discipleship relationship and they are pretty close still. We are talking with two other guys soon and so hopefully they will be able to sign on the dotted line, too. We are keeping this as a matter of prayer!
The kids had their last sleepover with their friends. As much as we love our kids friends, we are not going to do that anymore until we are settled in in Austria. They can go to someone elses, but we are having to call it off for kids here. (I feel kinda mean, but also relieved).
We had the guys over who are renting our home this morning. Really nice Christian guys who we feel totally comfortable about being in our home while we are gone. We are charging them a cut-rate price based on 4 guys being here. They can't afford to split it between the two of them so if no one else comes in, they pay their rent and we have to make up the difference. We look at it like this: they will keep the place up and will allow us to keep our things in the home. We did not want to put everything in storage for a year. And we actually know them. Tom spent a few years with one young man in a discipleship relationship and they are pretty close still. We are talking with two other guys soon and so hopefully they will be able to sign on the dotted line, too. We are keeping this as a matter of prayer!
The kids had their last sleepover with their friends. As much as we love our kids friends, we are not going to do that anymore until we are settled in in Austria. They can go to someone elses, but we are having to call it off for kids here. (I feel kinda mean, but also relieved).
Thursday, July 9, 2009
July 9th - Stand by Me
We were down in Iowa Falls on July 3-4th. It was great to see lots of friends and we appreciate them coming to meet with us.
This last night we were able to reconnect locally with long-time friends, Clint and Ann. We each have stories to tell of life and hard times and God's faithfulness. Real church is done in the lives of those around us as God is glorified in our time together.
I have a song I want to put here. Heard it on Facebook. Kinda says what we need and what we are finding as we head to Vienna. Check for the link at the side!
Tomorrow we are able to host another dear friend, Mary Beth Oyebade. We met in Iowa Falls, too! She went to Nigeria to teach in a school and she ended up marrying Bayo and having three children. She is here with two of them. I will post her link to her wonderful blogspot as well. She has great pictures and lots of short updates--fun to read. Maybe I will learn how to blog better by following her example.
This last night we were able to reconnect locally with long-time friends, Clint and Ann. We each have stories to tell of life and hard times and God's faithfulness. Real church is done in the lives of those around us as God is glorified in our time together.
I have a song I want to put here. Heard it on Facebook. Kinda says what we need and what we are finding as we head to Vienna. Check for the link at the side!
Tomorrow we are able to host another dear friend, Mary Beth Oyebade. We met in Iowa Falls, too! She went to Nigeria to teach in a school and she ended up marrying Bayo and having three children. She is here with two of them. I will post her link to her wonderful blogspot as well. She has great pictures and lots of short updates--fun to read. Maybe I will learn how to blog better by following her example.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 7th
So our living room was filled with 44 boxes last week and then we took them to Chicago to get loaded on the container. We are still packing the personal things that our renters won't want around. And then of course there is the final packing of things into suitcases! What doesn't make that cut ends up in a cardbox for a year!
We just returned from a quick trip to Iowa Falls where we had lived for about 5 years. It was so wonderful to see the people who have been friends for years. It is so special to have friends for so many years. We have been blessed by their prayers and fellowship and support in this latest mission trip.
We are busy with last minute preparations and good-byes. That is not easy, but it is only a year and we will be home for a season. We don't know how long that will be, at this time. We know our times are in God's hands and we are comfortable with that.
It is hard to see the end when all that we need to do is "right now!" It is easy to forget that what we are doing all this for is the ministry ahead of us! We are looking forward to reaching out to the high school students and families of Vienna Christian School. That remains a great privilege in terms of internatinal ministry.
We have friends in Vienna we are looking forward to reconneting with as well as making new friends. We have sensed the family aspect of VCS and the welcoming spirit of the staff towards us newcomers.
This is a rambling blog today...no real major life issues going on for which I am thankful1
We just returned from a quick trip to Iowa Falls where we had lived for about 5 years. It was so wonderful to see the people who have been friends for years. It is so special to have friends for so many years. We have been blessed by their prayers and fellowship and support in this latest mission trip.
We are busy with last minute preparations and good-byes. That is not easy, but it is only a year and we will be home for a season. We don't know how long that will be, at this time. We know our times are in God's hands and we are comfortable with that.
It is hard to see the end when all that we need to do is "right now!" It is easy to forget that what we are doing all this for is the ministry ahead of us! We are looking forward to reaching out to the high school students and families of Vienna Christian School. That remains a great privilege in terms of internatinal ministry.
We have friends in Vienna we are looking forward to reconneting with as well as making new friends. We have sensed the family aspect of VCS and the welcoming spirit of the staff towards us newcomers.
This is a rambling blog today...no real major life issues going on for which I am thankful1
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Just a few more notes to add....
Good friends of ours have taken Woody, our much loved Golden Retriever, to live with them. They have 10 acres and lots of room to run which he craves. They have two boys who just love having Woody be their dog. He is a boy's dog! And yes he has already eaten chocolate chip cookies off her counter top just like he did at my house so he must feel right at home!
We had given our little dachsund to my mom in February. She had been a bit sick before we made the handoff, but just last week, she went down hill fast and had to be put to sleep. We found out that it was kidney failure. We are sad for all of us. Miley/Mindy was a cheerful, fun, sweet, mischievous little thing that was hard not to love.
We still have a lovely snowshoe cat that needs a home. She is 4 years old and is very snuggly and cuddly. If you know of anyone, please let us know! We would love to give her to a good home.
__________________________________________
Flight news!
After trying for a few days to find a good deal on airline tickets for July 31st, we heard of a travel agent who can book missionary prices. We were able to find one way tickets on British Airways for only 570.00 for the four of us and only 460.00 for Andrew. We are thankful for the deal we were able to land on those!
__________________________________________
House news!
A family working with Vienna Christian School is leaving for a year and we will be renting their home while they are in the States. They have three children as well. Their home will be great for us to use and it works out perfect for them not to have to pack up their things for one year and move. We are thankful for their generosity letting us use their home and things. I don't have to pack my kitchen up and I will leave most things here for the guys to use who are renting from us.
The Vienna home has three bedrooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen, dining room and living room. There is also a garage and another small two room "cottage" on the grounds. It will be great for hosting students and guests. We actually will have a fenced in yard! Room to throw a football and kick a soccer ball! I think that the boys will love that and so will I when it is time to shoo them out of the house and they can play safely in the yard.
_____________________________________________
School news
Vienna Christian School administrators are meeting with the Austrian Department of Labor on June 3rd to determine how to proceed with the Visa issue. We will know more tomorrow and the days to come. So we will update more soon.
We had given our little dachsund to my mom in February. She had been a bit sick before we made the handoff, but just last week, she went down hill fast and had to be put to sleep. We found out that it was kidney failure. We are sad for all of us. Miley/Mindy was a cheerful, fun, sweet, mischievous little thing that was hard not to love.
We still have a lovely snowshoe cat that needs a home. She is 4 years old and is very snuggly and cuddly. If you know of anyone, please let us know! We would love to give her to a good home.
__________________________________________
Flight news!
After trying for a few days to find a good deal on airline tickets for July 31st, we heard of a travel agent who can book missionary prices. We were able to find one way tickets on British Airways for only 570.00 for the four of us and only 460.00 for Andrew. We are thankful for the deal we were able to land on those!
__________________________________________
House news!
A family working with Vienna Christian School is leaving for a year and we will be renting their home while they are in the States. They have three children as well. Their home will be great for us to use and it works out perfect for them not to have to pack up their things for one year and move. We are thankful for their generosity letting us use their home and things. I don't have to pack my kitchen up and I will leave most things here for the guys to use who are renting from us.
The Vienna home has three bedrooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen, dining room and living room. There is also a garage and another small two room "cottage" on the grounds. It will be great for hosting students and guests. We actually will have a fenced in yard! Room to throw a football and kick a soccer ball! I think that the boys will love that and so will I when it is time to shoo them out of the house and they can play safely in the yard.
_____________________________________________
School news
Vienna Christian School administrators are meeting with the Austrian Department of Labor on June 3rd to determine how to proceed with the Visa issue. We will know more tomorrow and the days to come. So we will update more soon.
Finally.... an Update
I have been thinking for days that I need to update what has been going on. I keep waiting for definitive turning points before I update and now that we have some, here goes!
So many people have been wondering how Andrew and I are feeling. We can happily say that we are feeling better than we have in months. We are seeing a homeopathic practitioner who has helped us so very much. We also took Andrew down to the U of M Specialty clinic for blood tests. We thankfully found nothing! (I think it should be free if you don't find anything:) but the clinic doesn't agree). The homeopath prescribed a powerful remedy that has kicked the mono and jump started our immune systems. We did have to pull Andrew out of school the last quarter, but the extra sleep and rest and good food and lots of water has made such a difference!
We are gathering boxes and have begun sorting through our things. We have to decide what will stay and be stored, what needs to ship now and what can be packed in suitcases. If that sounds like a big job to you, believe me it is for me to. I feel like I have to be some kind of prophet to know what to do in all these categories. And I have been told to buy some Christmas gifts here and also to buy clothing here, too. The clothes I purchased for Andrew to wear in Vienna he is already needing now since he just grew two inches. So now I need to get more and ship those over in boxes. Too bad they aren't on clearance now though....
Tom met with a young guy who is interested in renting our home while we are gone. We have decided to try to find three guys who could rent together since it is a big house. Our bedroom is not being rented out and we will use it for storage. We know of a few other guys who are looking to move in, too. So we are thankful this is working out. The rent won't cover all the expenses though. It seems that we will need to cover some things. But at least the majority will be taken care of and the house will be in good hands.
Today is the kids' last day of school and they are happy and relieved to be done with the work end of school, but they are sad to not see their dear friends everyday. Already there have been permanent goodbyes as they won't see their Korean and Ethiopian foreign exchange friends anymore. I know the heart may be sad tho there are smiles on their faces. Sarah and Laura are very brave to trust us as we haul them out of high school across the ocean and to another school. Please pray for them to do well and to make new friends. We also will need help as parents to understand how they may feel as they transition from one group of friends to another. Loyalties don't just switch because location has changed. It takes time for the heart to catch up.
In the midst of all this Tom continues to pastor at Kost Church full time as well as to work on building a prayer and financial team. We are truly convinced that this is the right thing to do in spite of the times of financial hardship. The Lord is blessing the steps of obedience we have taken. We have been blessed to hear words of encouragement and to see who the Lord has raised up to stand with us as we reach out to the international community in Vienna, Austria. Some people have said they feel privileged to join with us. Well, we feel the privilege is ours to have them on our team!
Some days we panic and wonder how everything will get done. And other days we just enjoy the love of God and family and friends. Support raising has been great because we have been able to reconnect with people who have meant so much to us over the years. We know some wonderful people!!!!
Please know that we would love to hear from you and spend time with you. The time is getting short and we are facing deadlines for paperwork and financial matters. But we still feel that getting together is a priority. We are hosting two couples this next weekend coming up from Iowa on their motorcycles. Let us know if you are in the area or have some free time. We will do what we can to get together!
So many people have been wondering how Andrew and I are feeling. We can happily say that we are feeling better than we have in months. We are seeing a homeopathic practitioner who has helped us so very much. We also took Andrew down to the U of M Specialty clinic for blood tests. We thankfully found nothing! (I think it should be free if you don't find anything:) but the clinic doesn't agree). The homeopath prescribed a powerful remedy that has kicked the mono and jump started our immune systems. We did have to pull Andrew out of school the last quarter, but the extra sleep and rest and good food and lots of water has made such a difference!
We are gathering boxes and have begun sorting through our things. We have to decide what will stay and be stored, what needs to ship now and what can be packed in suitcases. If that sounds like a big job to you, believe me it is for me to. I feel like I have to be some kind of prophet to know what to do in all these categories. And I have been told to buy some Christmas gifts here and also to buy clothing here, too. The clothes I purchased for Andrew to wear in Vienna he is already needing now since he just grew two inches. So now I need to get more and ship those over in boxes. Too bad they aren't on clearance now though....
Tom met with a young guy who is interested in renting our home while we are gone. We have decided to try to find three guys who could rent together since it is a big house. Our bedroom is not being rented out and we will use it for storage. We know of a few other guys who are looking to move in, too. So we are thankful this is working out. The rent won't cover all the expenses though. It seems that we will need to cover some things. But at least the majority will be taken care of and the house will be in good hands.
Today is the kids' last day of school and they are happy and relieved to be done with the work end of school, but they are sad to not see their dear friends everyday. Already there have been permanent goodbyes as they won't see their Korean and Ethiopian foreign exchange friends anymore. I know the heart may be sad tho there are smiles on their faces. Sarah and Laura are very brave to trust us as we haul them out of high school across the ocean and to another school. Please pray for them to do well and to make new friends. We also will need help as parents to understand how they may feel as they transition from one group of friends to another. Loyalties don't just switch because location has changed. It takes time for the heart to catch up.
In the midst of all this Tom continues to pastor at Kost Church full time as well as to work on building a prayer and financial team. We are truly convinced that this is the right thing to do in spite of the times of financial hardship. The Lord is blessing the steps of obedience we have taken. We have been blessed to hear words of encouragement and to see who the Lord has raised up to stand with us as we reach out to the international community in Vienna, Austria. Some people have said they feel privileged to join with us. Well, we feel the privilege is ours to have them on our team!
Some days we panic and wonder how everything will get done. And other days we just enjoy the love of God and family and friends. Support raising has been great because we have been able to reconnect with people who have meant so much to us over the years. We know some wonderful people!!!!
Please know that we would love to hear from you and spend time with you. The time is getting short and we are facing deadlines for paperwork and financial matters. But we still feel that getting together is a priority. We are hosting two couples this next weekend coming up from Iowa on their motorcycles. Let us know if you are in the area or have some free time. We will do what we can to get together!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Awesome Trip to Vienna
Tom and I realize that before something goes from being a good idea to reality it must be experienced. Going to teach at Vienna Christian School was a great idea; an adventure, many said. True. But with three kids and a tanked economy, adventures don't just become reality because it is a good idea.
We just recently came back from our Vision trip to Vienna and Vienna Christian School. I think that now we have a reality and not just a good idea! I didn't want to just imagine we could all live in Vienna, I had to see it. I couldn't imagine the school even though we saw pictures, I had to see it, hear it, smell it, catch the energy from it. And boy, is there energy!!!!!
The students were excited to see Tom do some card tricks, some guys roaring with amazement while the girls screamed at times. Tom said, "it is a magicians dream come true!" Tom was able to eat lunch with the high school kids one day and I was able to get down to the lunch room as well to take pictures. The students seemed open hearted and eager in all the Bible classes Tom was able to sit in on (about 6 classes in two days). Tom loved meeting the teachers who are currently filling in the Bible teaching classes. They are all qualified teachers who love God and love kids and love being missionaries. We met some of the most amazing people. The staff were so incredibly welcoming towards us and really laid out the red carpet with the warmest welcome.
The 4th grade teacher did the most wonderful thing. Mrs. Bell compiled a book with each 4th grade student writing Andrew a short letter telling about themselves and welcoming him for next year. She had pictures of each child and also pictures of the 5th Grade teacher, Miss Stevens, whom we also met and are so impressed with! We brought the book home to Andrew who promptly read it cover to cover and even now knows the kids names and favorite things to do! We were truly blessed by her thoughtfulness. I know this will really help Andrew's transition.
We were welcomed by Nels and Sandi Pitotti in their home with a wonderful American style chicken dinner and the next night we experienced a delicious Chinese dinner at the Wok & More restaurant with the Director and his wife, Ken and Cheryl Norman. We had a true German lunch at a wonderful German resaurant in a smaller neighborhood. Carrot cream soup, Wiener Schnitzel, beautiful cream cheese dessert. We went there with Brett and JJ Howard, missionaries and school staff. We were graciously allowed in staff homes to get a feel for apartment life or what a home would be like. We did some great sightseeing with Tom and Kirste Johnson,(that is the way to see Vienna--with a brilliant history teacher who has a mind for details and stories!) and we had lunch at the Prater (huge amusement park that runs all year) with a pastor/part-time teacher, Scott and Leslie Walt. Sunday Tom went to an international church and then we hopped on the underground and then a streetcar to the 4th District to visit with friends from Florida who are now church planters in Vienna. We were able to reconnect with them and hear about their ministry and their adjustments in the last 18 months that they have been there. So very helpful!
Every family that we spent time gave us glimpses of life in Vienna and what will be great and what will be hard. We felt that we were able to piece together a pretty realistic portrait of what can be expected. Our thanks go to all those teachers that we briefly met and the students who were all so open and excited to have us come. You blessed us so much!!!
It was so amazing to be in Vienna and be a part of the things that were going on. We scheduled our trip to coincide with the Family Fun Night. All the students and families from many different countries were there...over 34 countries represented. Beautiful African native outfits as well as many Korean outfits made a colorful display of national pride. (I realized that America does not have such a thing---a native costume of our own. There are the immigrants with theirs, the Native Americans with theirs, but nothing that depicts our heritage unless you want to consider the football uniform!)
Tom and I were like sponges soaking up everything...details and nuances as important as the big issues. Probably was the reason I did not sleep most nights until 4:00 a.m.! But thankfully my health held up great and am just a bit tired now that we are back home.
Tom is heading to Germany Friday morning with his good friend, Dave Twite. They have known each other since 7th grade! And they are thrilled to be taking a trip to Bodenseehof Torchbearer School in Germany to teach 2 Corinthians. I am not sure how Tom does it, but he is just pumped to hop back on the airplane for another trans-Atlantic flight.
Meanwhile, back at home, the kids were well taken care of by a teacher from Cambridge Christian School, Rachel Newton. They had a wonderful week with her and I don't think they missed us too much for all the fun they were having. We were so thankful for her service to us and that we did not have one moments worry the whole time were gone. The kids were fantastic for her (no doubts there either!) and everyone got along great. Thanks Rachel! Thanks Kids!
So now that we are back and can positively say we are going forward with the huge transition of ministry in Vienna, we again ask for your prayers on our behalf specifically now for grace and strength and wisdom. So many decisions and so many details. And of course for the Lord to bring people into our lives to help us get to Vienna. We are so thankful for those that have said they will pray for us and for those that will financially support us. We believe that God will have to do a miracle to get us to Vienna by August 1. But we do have faith in Him and that He is able to accomplish exceedingly beyond what we can imagine!
We will post a link soon of a Picasa web album to see our pictures and some video of our time there.
We just recently came back from our Vision trip to Vienna and Vienna Christian School. I think that now we have a reality and not just a good idea! I didn't want to just imagine we could all live in Vienna, I had to see it. I couldn't imagine the school even though we saw pictures, I had to see it, hear it, smell it, catch the energy from it. And boy, is there energy!!!!!
The students were excited to see Tom do some card tricks, some guys roaring with amazement while the girls screamed at times. Tom said, "it is a magicians dream come true!" Tom was able to eat lunch with the high school kids one day and I was able to get down to the lunch room as well to take pictures. The students seemed open hearted and eager in all the Bible classes Tom was able to sit in on (about 6 classes in two days). Tom loved meeting the teachers who are currently filling in the Bible teaching classes. They are all qualified teachers who love God and love kids and love being missionaries. We met some of the most amazing people. The staff were so incredibly welcoming towards us and really laid out the red carpet with the warmest welcome.
The 4th grade teacher did the most wonderful thing. Mrs. Bell compiled a book with each 4th grade student writing Andrew a short letter telling about themselves and welcoming him for next year. She had pictures of each child and also pictures of the 5th Grade teacher, Miss Stevens, whom we also met and are so impressed with! We brought the book home to Andrew who promptly read it cover to cover and even now knows the kids names and favorite things to do! We were truly blessed by her thoughtfulness. I know this will really help Andrew's transition.
We were welcomed by Nels and Sandi Pitotti in their home with a wonderful American style chicken dinner and the next night we experienced a delicious Chinese dinner at the Wok & More restaurant with the Director and his wife, Ken and Cheryl Norman. We had a true German lunch at a wonderful German resaurant in a smaller neighborhood. Carrot cream soup, Wiener Schnitzel, beautiful cream cheese dessert. We went there with Brett and JJ Howard, missionaries and school staff. We were graciously allowed in staff homes to get a feel for apartment life or what a home would be like. We did some great sightseeing with Tom and Kirste Johnson,(that is the way to see Vienna--with a brilliant history teacher who has a mind for details and stories!) and we had lunch at the Prater (huge amusement park that runs all year) with a pastor/part-time teacher, Scott and Leslie Walt. Sunday Tom went to an international church and then we hopped on the underground and then a streetcar to the 4th District to visit with friends from Florida who are now church planters in Vienna. We were able to reconnect with them and hear about their ministry and their adjustments in the last 18 months that they have been there. So very helpful!
Every family that we spent time gave us glimpses of life in Vienna and what will be great and what will be hard. We felt that we were able to piece together a pretty realistic portrait of what can be expected. Our thanks go to all those teachers that we briefly met and the students who were all so open and excited to have us come. You blessed us so much!!!
It was so amazing to be in Vienna and be a part of the things that were going on. We scheduled our trip to coincide with the Family Fun Night. All the students and families from many different countries were there...over 34 countries represented. Beautiful African native outfits as well as many Korean outfits made a colorful display of national pride. (I realized that America does not have such a thing---a native costume of our own. There are the immigrants with theirs, the Native Americans with theirs, but nothing that depicts our heritage unless you want to consider the football uniform!)
Tom and I were like sponges soaking up everything...details and nuances as important as the big issues. Probably was the reason I did not sleep most nights until 4:00 a.m.! But thankfully my health held up great and am just a bit tired now that we are back home.
Tom is heading to Germany Friday morning with his good friend, Dave Twite. They have known each other since 7th grade! And they are thrilled to be taking a trip to Bodenseehof Torchbearer School in Germany to teach 2 Corinthians. I am not sure how Tom does it, but he is just pumped to hop back on the airplane for another trans-Atlantic flight.
Meanwhile, back at home, the kids were well taken care of by a teacher from Cambridge Christian School, Rachel Newton. They had a wonderful week with her and I don't think they missed us too much for all the fun they were having. We were so thankful for her service to us and that we did not have one moments worry the whole time were gone. The kids were fantastic for her (no doubts there either!) and everyone got along great. Thanks Rachel! Thanks Kids!
So now that we are back and can positively say we are going forward with the huge transition of ministry in Vienna, we again ask for your prayers on our behalf specifically now for grace and strength and wisdom. So many decisions and so many details. And of course for the Lord to bring people into our lives to help us get to Vienna. We are so thankful for those that have said they will pray for us and for those that will financially support us. We believe that God will have to do a miracle to get us to Vienna by August 1. But we do have faith in Him and that He is able to accomplish exceedingly beyond what we can imagine!
We will post a link soon of a Picasa web album to see our pictures and some video of our time there.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Quick Trip!
Tom and I are heading to Vienna Austria today! to meet the Staff and students at Vienna Christian School and to see the area we are potentially living in. We are expectant to also hear from the Lord another confirmation of His Will in our lives.
I am always so encouraged by the faith of others for us....one woman called us "brave"....yet others may call that same bravery "stupidity".
This reminds me of the words of a song, "he is no fool if he could choose to give the things he cannot keep to buy what he could never lose. To find a treasure in one soul far outshines the brightest gold, he is no fool"
Please pray that we know our next step!
Please pray for our kids to have a great time with their teacher/coach, Rachel, who is staying with them.
Please pray that we would be the right kind of 'fool' for God.
More later.
I am always so encouraged by the faith of others for us....one woman called us "brave"....yet others may call that same bravery "stupidity".
This reminds me of the words of a song, "he is no fool if he could choose to give the things he cannot keep to buy what he could never lose. To find a treasure in one soul far outshines the brightest gold, he is no fool"
Please pray that we know our next step!
Please pray for our kids to have a great time with their teacher/coach, Rachel, who is staying with them.
Please pray that we would be the right kind of 'fool' for God.
More later.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Vienna Vision Trip
It has been a long time since my last update. Christmas activities and health issues just made it impossible to write much. Thankfully we are still going forward and seeing progress made in small ways.
After much date-debating, Tom and I have finally settled on a date for our Vienna Vision Trip. We will be going to visit Vienna Christian School Feb. 17 until
Feb. 23. As much as we wish we could take the children, we are not at this time able to do that. We hope to send home some good video feed and lots of pictures. We are going with lists of questions, as well.
On the health issue side of things, the main "presenters" have been me and Andrew. We both continued to have viral issues and I just did not feel good ever. I was recommended to see a wonderful naturopath practicioner and through the diagnostic tool of Electro Dermal Screening, we found more than I ever thought was possible that were causing problems for me. In a nutshell the issues were : systemic Candida infection (even in the blood), adrenal fatigue, and numerous active viral strains. And now I am on a "no-no" diet! No sugar of any kind, no starch, no breads, no white grains, no fermented food, no dairy, no caffeine, no yeast cultured foods, no fungi foods! What do I eat, you wonder! Well, any vegetable, any fruit, any lean protein and lots of water! In addition to diet, I am on supplements and treatments that are also dealing with the issues head on. I am feeling much better most days. No sore throat for the first time in two years!!!!!! So I am thankful to the Lord for His leading and guiding in this process for my healthy.
Andrew as most of you know came down with mono in March of last year. Since then he has gone through many ups and downs still in trying to get over it completely. He, too, seems to not be able to kick it by himself. I took him to a naturopath in Cambridge and he is now on the no-no diet with me and also is taking an anit-viral treatment along with lots of other supplements to support his immune system. He has been great in the transition and has not complained about these changes. I am so amazed at how quickly he can bounce back and feel better. We are thankful to have some answers other than what we were hearing.
In this process of support raising that we are in, we are thankful for faithful encouragement and prayers you give us!!!! We are very aware of the bad news of the economy. It is affecting us as well. (We joked with our kids and said, "due to economic downturns, we are going to have to let one of you go"-- they all laughed!). But the economic downturn will affect our trying to sell our home this spring. That is a major issue! We also realize that the dollar is affected by the Euro and that may present challenges in raising support for the years that we are gone. The Lord knows all these things and we can sleep well knowing our loving faithful Father is in charge and watching over all things. Sometimes we feel like the sparrow! Small and insignificant in the world's eyes, but yet important to the One who made them.
The economy is no joke for many people in their job situation, their housing crisis, their health concerns. We really need the grace of God in the downturn of wealth. There is only so far one can tighten the belt before you can't even breathe! Let us know if we can pray for you.
Thanks again for your encouragement and prayers!
After much date-debating, Tom and I have finally settled on a date for our Vienna Vision Trip. We will be going to visit Vienna Christian School Feb. 17 until
Feb. 23. As much as we wish we could take the children, we are not at this time able to do that. We hope to send home some good video feed and lots of pictures. We are going with lists of questions, as well.
On the health issue side of things, the main "presenters" have been me and Andrew. We both continued to have viral issues and I just did not feel good ever. I was recommended to see a wonderful naturopath practicioner and through the diagnostic tool of Electro Dermal Screening, we found more than I ever thought was possible that were causing problems for me. In a nutshell the issues were : systemic Candida infection (even in the blood), adrenal fatigue, and numerous active viral strains. And now I am on a "no-no" diet! No sugar of any kind, no starch, no breads, no white grains, no fermented food, no dairy, no caffeine, no yeast cultured foods, no fungi foods! What do I eat, you wonder! Well, any vegetable, any fruit, any lean protein and lots of water! In addition to diet, I am on supplements and treatments that are also dealing with the issues head on. I am feeling much better most days. No sore throat for the first time in two years!!!!!! So I am thankful to the Lord for His leading and guiding in this process for my healthy.
Andrew as most of you know came down with mono in March of last year. Since then he has gone through many ups and downs still in trying to get over it completely. He, too, seems to not be able to kick it by himself. I took him to a naturopath in Cambridge and he is now on the no-no diet with me and also is taking an anit-viral treatment along with lots of other supplements to support his immune system. He has been great in the transition and has not complained about these changes. I am so amazed at how quickly he can bounce back and feel better. We are thankful to have some answers other than what we were hearing.
In this process of support raising that we are in, we are thankful for faithful encouragement and prayers you give us!!!! We are very aware of the bad news of the economy. It is affecting us as well. (We joked with our kids and said, "due to economic downturns, we are going to have to let one of you go"-- they all laughed!). But the economic downturn will affect our trying to sell our home this spring. That is a major issue! We also realize that the dollar is affected by the Euro and that may present challenges in raising support for the years that we are gone. The Lord knows all these things and we can sleep well knowing our loving faithful Father is in charge and watching over all things. Sometimes we feel like the sparrow! Small and insignificant in the world's eyes, but yet important to the One who made them.
The economy is no joke for many people in their job situation, their housing crisis, their health concerns. We really need the grace of God in the downturn of wealth. There is only so far one can tighten the belt before you can't even breathe! Let us know if we can pray for you.
Thanks again for your encouragement and prayers!
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