Fröhliche Weihnachten!

Merry Christmas from Austria!!  We send our warmest greetings and wishes for a fantastic Christmas and blessed New Year.  It is my prayer that Christmas celebrations everywhere will be full of wonder and joy as we celebrate the Savior's birth.

Our preparations for the days of Christmas have been blessed and challenging.  The challenges of making Christmas "right" in a new country, dealing with the absence of family, and finding the perfect gifts can put a gloominess to the mood of the season.  But when compared to all the blessings, there can be little gloominess in this blessed season.  We are still so thrilled to be in Austria, to be serving the Lord in this capacity, and sharing in the harvest/planting of God's Love in the hearts of Austrians and Internationals on a daily basis.  What an awesome life and challenge that God has blessed us with! Still feels like a dream.  No one wake me, please!

Blessed to help out, I agreed to play a small role in the Christmas play at Grace Church this year.  I played the Grandfather shepherd, fitting that my gray hair and shaggy beard came in handy, visited by the angels that blessed Christmas morn.  Nathan also played a shepherd and the girls were Angels.  Bethany sang a solo of "O Come All Ye Faithful" while Caylah sang in a trio of "Silent Night", which was sung in Gerrman, English and Persian.  All together, an awesome glimpse into Heaven as the Nations celebrate Jesus' birth in their own tongues!

The most difficult part of Christmas for us this year is the absence of family.  Christmas, for both the Overbys and Powells, has always been about family.  This is our first Christmas to ever be away from both of our families.  It's made it difficult since Christmas is my absolute favorite season of the year! To help us make it through, we asked our kids to recall the things that in the States made Christmas special to them.  Once we got through the "family not being here" tears, we agreed on some special things like cookies, movies, games, and food that we could have here to help us make Christmas in Austria special.  Overall, we are looking forward to our celebration and hope and pray that it will stay focused on the truth of Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us both at His birth and death on the cross. 

"He sacrificed Heaven for a stable,

He gave up glory for some hay.

He left a throne for a lowly manger

to be born on Christmas day."

Merry Christmas from the Overbys!!

Christmastime is Here...

December, for Texans, begins the drop in temperatures for the "Winter" season.  We pray for a White Christmas, only to be disappointed year after year, as we run around outside in shorts playing Football in the yard.  Temperatures rarely get below 30 except at night and if it snows at all, it's gone the next day.  Not in Austria.  Check out the slideshow of Winter pics or my facebook pics and you will see this Texans first real Winter.  Snow staying on the ground for the last two weeks and more flurries every few days.  Temperatures were cold enough last week to freeze the Danube River in its shallowest places of 10-25 feet.  One thing is certain, it sure feels like Christmas!!  We have been in Christmas mode for the last three weeks and are loving it. Christmas begins in Austria around the middle of November.  Since the 18th of November, Christmas has been in full swing with markets, decorations, songs, and smells throughout the city of Vienna.

Please watch this clip from one of favorite Christmas specials!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=DKk9rv2hUfA

  Celebrating in Austria revolves around Christ which is so refreshing compared to the "Happy Holidays" focus in the US now.  Except that for most Austrians, it is merely celebrating a tradition rather than the true meaning of Christmas. The symbols of the truth are everywhere like the manger scenes, Christ's name of every market, and music selections about Christ Jesus.  Even a holiday for His Mother as she too, according to the Catholic church, was immaculately conceived like Jesus.  Holidays and symbols that after the season will be put away and forgotten until the next non-working Church Holiday.  As believers, this is one of the single greatest times of the year for us to focus on the truth of Jesus.  Our best opportunities to witness in Austria is now as questions and curiosities abound during this time more than any other save Easter.  Please pray for us during these weeks as we intentionally raise questions and stir up more interest in Jesus by using His birth and lifestory to light the way to salvation.

New Experiences

Christkindlmarkt

The traditional Christmas Market of Vienna is a sight to behold.  It is an assortment of food, decorations, and gatherings that happens from the middle of November until Christmas Day.  We had so much fun wandering through the market.  We sampled new foods like KartoffelPuree, potato patties made from mashed potatoes, and spicy wurst wrapped in croissant-like bread.  We also had some roasted chestnuts.  Never had a roasted chestnut, not a tradition in Texas, but surprisingly enjoyed them.  Sweet flavor.  The desserts called krapfen, giant filled doughnuts, were a big hit at our house.  Overall, a wonderful experience that we will treasure forever.

Snowfalls

We experienced our first and second snowfalls this week in Vienna.  The first snow fell and we played in it making snowballs to our hearts content.  A second snowfall, even more than the first, would have closed schools in Texas but not in Austria.  We trudged through the snow to school and had a great time keeping the kids from eating the snow and sliding around the streets of Vienna.  Freezing temperatures have kept the snow around and we have enjoyed seeing it for days now.  The girls came home tonight to have a snowball/ice war in the backyard in the dark.  What other choice do you have when the sun goes down at 4 o'clock!  Great times.

Thanksgiving

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever." - Psalm 118:1

The spirit of thankfulness, as Pastor Tom Mason of Grace Church in Vienna says, is deeply biblical.  Abel's offerings to David's Psalms demonstrate how we as His creations should show thankfulness to God for all He has given us.  We can be so ungrateful towards God especially when we look at our circumstances, trials, failures, and frustrations.  When our focus is solely on ourselves, His provision seems so removed from the daily grind.  It's when we lose ourselves, we gain heavenly eyesight to see how He orchestrates our entire existence especially our dependence on Him alone.  So in this week of grateful thanks, allow me to mention some of the things He has done.

• Salvation - the greatest gift anyone can receive
• His Spirit - for guidance, comfort, and more.
• His Plan - not completely reveled which keeps us dependant
• Debt - freedom - owing only Him is the only way to live!
• A new place to live - on the mission field in Europe, serving Him daily with teens and adults from all over the globe
• Places to serve - ICSV and Grace Church, Vienna
• Weight reduction - changes in diet, more exercise by walking everywhere = 2 dress sizes less for Channon and really, baggy clothes for me!
• Our kids - even though transitioning continues to be tough, they are doing better than we expected and we can see God's mercy and power through each of them.

"How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.  I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people." - Psalm 116:12-14

This week of Thanksgiving, I pray that you refocus your eyes on Him so that He can show you how He is working in you and help you to be more thankful for all He is and provides for you!

The Unknown God...Jesus

As I sit to write tonight, I am reminded of Acts 17 when Paul was in Athens.  He noticed all of the statues to the gods of the Greeks finding them to have many, even one to an unknown god.  Using that, he witnessed to them sharing the truth of Jesus and the redemption found in only Him.  ICSV shares some commonalities with Athens.  Students from every populated continent sharing a small space in time, hungry for a god to meet them where they are and worshipping any god that can fulfill that desire.  Some are gods of drink, music, social life, religion, and fame. All are empty, silent destroyers of the soul save one.  Jesus, the Son of God, Author of life, Redeemer of Mankind.  And His name is being taught and proclaimed daily to a religiously diverse and searching student body. 

Each has heard John 14:6 proclaiming Jesus as the only way and many are questioning their "faith" in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikh, and more as the truth is penetrating the shadows of the enemy seeking to save those who are lost. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 says we were made not for impurity but for holiness.  We find that holiness in Christ alone, being able to live lives devoted to Him and His gospel.  Every day, I have the chance to affect a life for Christ.  Every day I can make a difference in eternity.  Carpe AEternum - Seize Eternity...the phrase still impacts me today as when I heard it this summer in NY.  The big picture rather than just the daily monotony of life.  Every Christ follower can affect eternity by sharing their faith with those around them.  Intentionally, we should live our lives as "imitators of God" so that they may "know Christ and the power of his resurrection".

Please pray for the students who are making decisions daily for Christ.  A student from an atheist background, a Sikh who has just added Jesus to the list of gurus, others who are struggling with family beliefs and Jesus.  Pray that His voice will be clearer and His light will shine brighter bringing each into salvation and eternity with Christ.

Free "Fall"in'

Junior Event

The Junior Class hosted a dinner event for the parents and public that served as a fundraiser for ICSV and their Prom.  Great entertainment and food created a wonderful event that ministered to the needs of adults and students alike.  Laughter and fellowship was enjoyed by all and the evening was an awesome success.

Fall Festival

One of the two big events at ICSV!!  This event is a huge blast as students and parents are treated to a carnival atmosphere with an awesome presentation by the ICSV Choirs.  Kids had their faces painted, fishing for treats, seed spitting, and more.  The night was a huge outreach that allowed the staff to get to know kids and parents in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Great Moments of ministry and fun. The kids are still talking about this night and how much fun it was.

The Insyders and Good Weather Forcast

It's not very often that our students are treated to private concerts, but when an opportunity arises like this no one could say no.  On tour in Europe, The Insyders, a Christian Ska band from America, came to Vienna to perform for our school.  They are touring with a German group called Good Weather Forecast this summer taking the message of Christ to teens all over Europe.  Great music and messages were delived to our student body in ways that we the staff could never do.

Please pray for the seeds that have been planted in so many hearts because of these wonderful events and individuals. Students from atheist backgrounds and other religions are searching as never before into the truth that is in Christ.  Pray as we continue to water these seeds that some might grow into salvation and a revival at ICSV.

Falling thru Fall

Whomever said blogging was the best way to communicate with people especially across the ocean should be ...well you know what I mean to say.  I can't decide which is better Facebook or blogging.  Still I am going to try and make our blog a weekly thing beginning today.  I apologize for it not being so frequent but it's been a crazy month.  Here let me explain...

We have attended some awesome school events over the last month.  From CoffeeHaus to Culture Night, Junior Event to Fall Festival, we have experienced great food, opportunities to build relationships, and laughter.

CoffeeHaus

CoffeeHaus is an outreach ministry that is designed to help ICSV students bring friends into a non-threatening environment to learn about Christ.  The nights are full of fun and laughter and sharing the freedom and love of Christ with everyone.  Lots of coffee, music, and this particular night was game night.  We played board games and laughed for hours with kids who would never go to church or get near a "Christian" event.  Through this one event, I've the opportunity to build some great relationships with some of my non-Christian students.  Looking forward to the next one.

Culture Night

Our son, Nathan, is in the 5th grade here at ICSV.  Each year, their teacher Ms. Stevens puts on a Culture Night for the parents of her students.  Each student brings some food from their own culture to share with everyone, and the students put on a skit about culture.  We took Nathan's favorite dessert which is an Oreo Cookie Cake.  We sampled some great dishes from all over the world including curry, South Korean noodles, and Venezuelan bread/biscuits.  It was an awesome night getting to know Nate's classmates and their parents. 


Table decorations made by the 5th graders



Culture Skit

  

My Classes

Teaching to international students (6 out of 7 continents of people) has been rewarding and challenging.  English is a second language to most of them which can really present difficuties in the classroom.  Common phrases we say without thinking cause my students great confusion.  And while they're trying to figure out my English, they miss the concept I'm trying to teach, the more valuable information.  I've had to explain addition/subtraction of positive and negative numbers to my Pre-Algebra kids so many times because they do not understanding me, my sayings, or methods.  Geography takes on a whole new adventure with non-American children.  No "USA, all the way" mentalities, upbringings, and background.  Making comparisons to anything they know is a challenge because they lack common backgrounds.  A child who has never lived in a democracy or a child who has lived in a country with military threats all around them or a child who is more concerned if their country will survive the next tsunami all have different views about what is important in government and culture.  It is always interesting to see the different "take" these students have on the world around them.
I'm learing that God provided so much of the training I needed for this over the last two years at MISD.  I thought half of that SIOP stuff was worthless then.  Now, I use it everyday here.


 I'll add more about the Junior Event and Fall Festival later this week.  For now, let's just say "we've only just begun..."...My only Carpenters memory.  Man, I feel old.

Newsletters at Google Docs

Just a quick blurb - here's our latest Newsletter and the first one if you hadn't seen it before.

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B58Y7lU6ZgpsODdiOTBhMDgtNGFhNy00YzA2LTk5NWEtYmRlNDFmNmI1MDZl&hl=en&authkey=CN26880I

Updates

What a crazy 20 days!!!  We have been moving in so many directions that I still trying to find myself in the midst of it all.  Just to give you all an idea how crazy it has been:

• Landed on Sunday Aug 1 to a group of welcomers who lavished us with love, support, and food.  Just what you need after picking up your life and travelling overseas.
• New Staff Orientation - One week of here's how it works here...still didn't cover it all but was great to have.
• Buddies - gotta love 'em...our guides into this new world.  Transport routes, furniture runs, and grocery shopping.
• Cultural adaptation - learning how to order a sandwich at the deli, eating Mexican food at a restaurant ran by Mexican nationals who speak German, riding the public transportation system trying to understand the German that is being spoken faster than any Spanish/Tex-Mex I've ever heard.
• Building your own furniture from IKEA using only an hex head tool (Allen wrench)
• ALL-STAFF BBQ - good BBQ made by a Southerner...hard to beat.
• Staff Meetings all week long covering so much material that you go home on overload every day.
• Obtaining bank accounts, work visas, braving the mall, the s-bahn (fast trains), and leaving the family to go on their own (this was very hard for me).
• LAUNDRY - It takes forever...1 hr wash cycles, no dryer so clothes get hung outside if the weather is good.

God has been so good through everything.  He has blessed us with everything we need and above all we could have dreamed.  We have found a church to attend and get involved with.  Above and beyond all we can ask or imagine is what God has done and will continue to do because of His great love for us.  What a Great God we serve!!

In Vienna (Wien) Finally!!

Finally, we have arrived in Wien (Vienna), Austria.  We left Midland at 1:30pm on July 31.  American Airlines almost messed us up but put us on a turboprop to get us to DFW.  British Airways thought we weren't coming, gave away our seats, then when we showed, gave us new ones in an upgraded class.  Awesome ride of comfort and food.  Wish I could have slept more.  Arrived in London at 2:30 am Midland time and waited for 6 hours until leaving for Vienna at 8:40 am (Midland Time).  Nice flight to Vienna, seeing the Alps in the distance was awesome!!  Landed safely at 11:00am meeting our new friends at the airport.
The first day here was very tiresome but enjoyable.  Our house is uber-awesome!!!  Can not believe God allowed us to have such an awesome place to serve and live.  We all are doing well.  Going shopping for furniture, small appliances, and food today.  Hope to get some pics uploaded in the next few days.

FINALLY...

Wow, GOD IS GREAT!!!  In 5 days, God has done the following for our cause:

• Raised our support from 40% to 83%!!
• Sold our van for a reasonable price!
• Found a buyer for our house placing a contract on it to close August 12!!

We are amazed and in awe of HIS handiwork and pray for a finish as spectacular as the climactic week we've just experienced.  The best part...we've been cleared to get on the plane for Saturday!!!  We will leave Midland at 1:30pm for Dallas.  Leaving DFW at 5:30 pm, we will arrive in London at 8:30 (local)am.  A 6 hour layover and we will leave at 2:40pm arriving in VIENNA at 6:10pm!!!!  We are so excited and extremely stressed due to the amount of things we have to do before we leave.  Please pray that we can get it all in and not just die on the flights!!

PFO Day 14 - ...that ends well??

PFO ended with an awesome time of reflection, affirmation, and yes, tears.  We have gotten so close to our friends that parting is not sweet sorrow, sorry Shakespeare.  We pray that we will see all of them very soon but have this promise that we will meet them all again in Heaven.  Thank you Father for 2 awesome weeks with some awesome people!!

Now to the not so fun part of leaving.  The bus was late for pickup but no big deal.  Made it to Buffalo with plenty of time.  The problem was that our flight out was delayed by 1.5 hours due to bad weather!!  Finally, airborne on a turboprop, we made our way to Newark,NJ.  I really don't like turboprops now especially in turbulance.  We arrived, missing our Houston connection by 40 minutes.  We were put on the 7 pm flight to Houston hoping to make our Midland connection at 9:15 because of the time change.  We might have made it, if we wouldn't have sat on the runway for 45 minutes waiting to takeoff!  The kids did get to see the Atlantic Ocean, NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building from the plane.  Finally arriving in Houston at 10 pm, we were given discounted hotel rates and personal items for the night.  Nice hotel stay, getting back on the morning flight to Midland at 9 am.  Finally back into Midland at 10 am.  Whew...what an adventure!!!

PFO Day 13 - All's Well...

Last day of classes...time has truly flown.  Each new day has brought new experiences, challenges, excitements, and changes.  Today, we talked more about cultural differences in the classroom and had an International School panel discussion.  Good information...just wish more details about experiences and less statistics.  The very last session dealt with a comparison of cultures.  Very moving videos presented by Dr. Egeler.

Tonight was the International Banquet.  Everyone was encouraged to dress up nice or in your new country's style of clothing.  Sorry, no liederhosen here.  We had a reception time where we looked at all of the crafts/work the kids have been doing.  The kids did so awesome stuff as they prepared for moving to Vienna.  Dinner was good, but the best part was the Kid's program.  Awesome time showing their parents how much they love the Lord, their parents, and this experience.  More tears...man I'm a crier.

Tomorrow we say our farewells.  More tears...just what we all need.  Going to be a good day.

Plane leaves at 3:15 for Newark, NJ, then Houston, and finally Midland by 10:30 pm.  More tears to come...yea.

PFO Day 12 - Hot, HOT, HOT!

Today, we were on a somewhat relaxed schedule.  Classes in the am, advisor meetings in the afternoon, talent show in the evening.  Great schedule.  Classes today were...well I keep saying it, but they were insightful and very useful to our ministry.  Channon's class was full of tears and pain with the talks about leaving and saying goodbye before going overseas. Wow, what a class!  My class dealt with English as a second or foreign language strategies.  A repeat of several trainings we had in Midland over the last two years.  We came back together to talk about Moral Purity.  Most people would like to exempt missionaries from impurity but it happens on the field as well.  Great talk with some great strategies to keep us focused on the Saviour and not ourselves or our ministry.

After classes, we noticed how humid it was getting and how fast the heat was coming on.  We stayed in the AC of the student center for most of the day because our dorm area has no AC...never has had an AC.  Most of NY doesn't have AC.  Only the classrooms and Student Center have AC.  At 91 degrees, this hot, humid place is miserable.

Fortunately, we had a place to relax in the cool and make a few phone calls.  I called our bank today.  I had tried to use my debit card while at Niagara Falls and it had been rejected.  I chalked it up to being on the Canadian side and the federal credit union in Midland didn't want to mess with it.  I tried to use it on campus here today and it was declined again, so I called them to get the restriction off.  Apparently, someone tried to charge a hotel room at the Grand Hotel of Dubai using my card on July 1, a restaurant in Dubai on the 2nd, and a shop in Dubai on the 3rd.  All charges had been declined and my card is now cancelled.  Wow, what a day, but extremely thankful to God for protecting what little money we have!  As Michael Johnstone put it, "You must be where God wants you since Satan is attacking so hard!" 
Thank you Lord, we all needed that!

Enjoyed the rest of the evening with the hilarious Talent Show breaking up the seriousness of the day.  Lots of laughs.  Tomorrow is our last major class time as we prepare to leave NY for Midland, and then Vienna, Austria.

PFO Day 11 - Mirror, Mirror

Today began with groans...I'm tired, I'm sleepy, I'm hungry, etc...  After eating breakfast, which was the same as every other day before, I realized how tired I was.  It's hot and muggy in NY today and the sweat driped with every step.  Our classes today were thought provoking and a sobering reminder to all Christians to love like Christ loved us.  Classes on abuse, mentoring, and good teaching practices challenged us to examine our lives and look into the mirror of reflection.  Is it the image of Christ or me that I would see?
This afternoon, we sent in our reflection papers and relaxed in the student center watching the Dutch win it's World Cup match.  Dinner and a time of worship finished off the evening. We tucked the kids in and are planning out the next month's activities while doing laundry.

Inescapable Thoughts of the Day:

CARPE AETERNITATEM : Seize Eternity - Why settle for just a Day?

    We must live our lives in light of eternity.  What have we done today to impact eternity? 
    What blessings or consequences will our actions have? 

"There are no neutral contacts in life."

PFO Day 10 - Real Life Stuff

Do you know that place when classroom or training goes from theory, ideas, and concepts to real life situations, experiences, and choices?  Yeah, that place where reality meets fantasy or dreams and you have to take inventory of all the things you hold near and dear to you.  That was today at PFO.  Real life situations simulated for us to question and examine our attitudes and actions. 

Situation: Hostile takeover of the country your school is in, authorities trying to get you out, enough food for 1-3 weeks if rationed right.  2 hours of decision-making based on simulated changes as the situation went from bad to worse. Groups reacted differently, some aggressively, some defensively.  Some had people "killed", most reacted well, I guess.  After the "game", we debriefed about our reactions and most everyone agreed that more debriefing would happen as the week went on.

After lunch, we went through conflict management and healthy attitude helps.  Both were very well taught and full of information.  Overall, a very good day of information with lots of reflection and openness.

Now, we'll be up all night writing self-reflection papers that are due tomorrow night by 7. Yea...love writing papers based on feelings and thoughts.

PFO Day 9 - I Stand in AWE!!!

After breakfast and a PFO Church service, which was very good, we boarded the buses to go to Niagara Falls.  The trip took us back to Buffalo, Lake Erie, and along the banks of the Niagara River to the Falls.  It was a long trip, building with excitement, every mile we drove.  As we drove closer, you could see the river growing faster and rougher.  When we stopped, everyone made a dash to Prospect Point to see the Falls for the first time...OH WOW!! One of the most spectacular scenes I've ever witnessed.  You can not see those Falls, the rushing torrent, the gulls, and landscape and not know in your heart THERE IS A GOD, who with one word created those wonders!  Awestruck, we explored and walked for hours, taking pics which you can see one the slide show below.  We crossed over to Ontario, Canada and the view was even better!!  Ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, Niagara Falls Ontario, bought some Canadian souvenirs, took more pics, and headed back to the bus.  What an awesome, awe-inspiring way to spend the Fourth of July, celebrating an American treasure on America's birthday!

Joe was kind enough to let me add my thoughts to the blog tonight.  I think what struck me the most on our trip today was the power of the water rushing over the falls.  The noise was deafening, the mist blinding.  All I could think about was the God we worship spoke the falls into existence - think of the power God has in His very whisper to create something that magnificent.  How much more impressive would they have been if He had touched the land to make them?  Could we have handled even seeing that much power?  And that very same power lives in us, through the blood of Jesus Christ.  He has given us "control" of that power when we pray in the name of His Son.  How should that change the attitude and language of our prayers?  We agreed in church this morning that we tend to have a very "give me" attitude when we pray.  Instead, we should acknowledge the power of the name of Jesus and focus on specific prayer which not only glorifies the Father, but encourages an intimacy with Him as well.

PFO Day 8 - Saturation Saturday

Today we split up into our breakout sessions.  Channon discussed issues of shopping, stresses, and cultural adjustments for spouses who work and/or stay at home.  My track sought to explain what makes a school a Christian school and how to teach with a biblical worldview and perspective.  We must teach out of our relationship with Christ, not something that someone else has read, experienced, or heard.  It must be personal to truly make a difference.  Great teaching times. The information we are attaining, in my opinion, could not be found anywhere else.  It has been so worthwhile.  Thanks to everyone who has helped make this a reality for our family!! The kids are getting excited about going to Austria and have made great friends. They have been learning how to be open to new foods, languages, and customs.  It make take time, but the keys are to not give up and keep trying to adjust.

This afternoon, we had a chance to walk down the streets of Houghton, NY.  We went down the main street to Subway, where they had Coca-Cola for Channon.  She was so happy to get Coke instead of Pepsi.  We also found something that we had never seen before.  A memorial to the Civil War Vets from this area of NY.  WOW, a Union Civil War Monument!!

Tomorrow, we will get to see another new place, Niagara Falls!!  We'll take lots of pics and cross over to Canada as well.

We are so thankful for God's faithfulness.  He has show us that He provides, sustains, and guides.

PFO Day 7 - Praise You in This Storm

PFO - one word descriptor - emotional.  This coming from a guy, who in our society is not supposed to show many emotions.  Wow, I'm really tired of crying.  They should give out disclaimers before speaking like CAUTION: You may weep during my speech.  Thankfully, God is in the middle of the tears.  Tears helping to cleanse the soul of spot and blemish to bring refreshment and healing.  In the midst of one of the greatest storms of my life, I am finding peace, friendships, joy, and direction.

"I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;" - Psalm 121:1-3

One big step down today.  Our flights to Vienna were booked this afternoon for July 31.  Faithfully, we know God has begun this work in us and will be faithful to complete it, sending us to a ripe field ready for harvest in Austria.  Please pray...pray...and never stop praying for us.

"The safest place to be is in the middle of God's Will." - Dr. Daniel Egeler

On a lighter note: some pics of a beaver, yes a beaver and my little Caylah-Bear.

PFO Day 6 - Slings and Arrows

Today in NY has been a day of ups and downs.  Great teaching, full of thought provoking insights reminding us that mature love can transcend all cultures, languages, and faiths.  Inspiring movie and discussions...and then the Enemy rears his ugly head.

Spiritual Warfare starts in the deep places of the heart.  Places that, unfortunately, have not been made captive to the Holy Spirit.  For me, it's a place of fear and worry.  Fear about not making it to Austria, fear about leading my family into a bad situation, fears about leaving our comfort places, and fear about failing.  These have been used against me this night.  Trying to cripple me, stealing my joy and hope, so that I am so frustrated and angry that I'd quit and return to the safety of comfortable life. 
Father, forgive me for even entertaining the thoughts, hold them captive in the name of Jesus, and lead us into Your peace and Joy as we prepare for the mission of our lives.
"God is standing in the fire..." right beside us all the way!!!

PFO Day 5 - Culture and Soccer

Whoa...it's June 30th, but it's 46 degrees!!! We awakened to a cold, crisp morning in NY, thankfully brightened with friends and food.  The classes were difficult to get through today.  Talking about the transition process is not very fun and entertaining.  We examined what every person goes through when they move.  It's hard to think about leaving, especially since I've never been too good at goodbyes and letting go.  I've tried not to dwell on it before, but today we had to journal about how we can "leave well" to minimize the hurt and pain of a move.  Prior to this, I've tried to reconcile relationships with family and friends, affirming my love for all of them.  The actual farewells are a time I'm not looking forward to.

The afternoon had more light hearted topics and a pick-up game of soccer  Took some pics of the kids and the game. 

Also had a group picture taken of our new Vienna Family.

Overby's, Katherine Stephen, Amanda Howard, and Johnstone's

Please pray for us.  We are 31 days away from our deadline and only at 31% funding.  If you are planning on supporting us financially, please send in the pledge card.  If you need answers to questions you might have, email, call, or send us a message.  All this valuable training and time will have been wasted if we don't get to go use it in the field at Vienna.

PFO Day 4 - Cool and Packed

Brisk and cool, God provided a beautiful day at Houghton College.  Loaded some pics of the beautiful campus.

Lots of information this day.  We sat through some awesome teaching regarding the students we will be teaching.  Very valuable in knowing how to teach students from another culture living in still another culture being educated in still another culture.  Another culture lecture specifically on American culture from an international perspective.  Paul's declaration of being all things to all people came to mind all day.  Had a get to know you time with our advisors, Dale and Edna Howard.  They served as C&MA missionaries to the Alliance School in Quito, Ecuador for many years.

Kids had a great time today learning about Moses and his excuses to God.  They swam and then played outside this afternoon during class making self portraits and playing soccer.

Bethany with her friend who will be going to Budapest, Hungary

Nate (in red w/ shorts) playing beach ball soccer with teachers and classmates.

Kids at dinner with our friends the Johnstones(Vienna) and Basnetts(Taiwan).

Meeting lots of awesome people headed out across the world to do kingdom work.  Please pray for us during this training as we make some great friends and learn how to better do the will of God in each of our lives.

PFO Day 3 - Rain, Rain

Lots of Rain today.  Enjoyed it when it was just drizzle.  It seems like all we do is eat.  Every break includes coffee, tea, and water.  Meals are huge.  Lots of choices, which is great for the kids.

Today, we had two interesting sessions.  An introductory session, a "simulation" on culture, and going through our personality inventories.  The kids had fun sessions learning about trusting God as they prepare to go overseas.  Channon and I had to "stretch" ourselves during our culture "simulation" as we acted out what it would be like to take our "culture" into another one. Personality Analysis, fun time seeing how each other is made.  I'm not fond of these things, but this was actually enjoyable and informative.

The one piece of info that keeps rattling around in my head is that most of this process is about attitude.  How you handle transition - attitude.  How you adapt - attitude.  How you "move through life" - attitude.

 "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." - Phil. 2:5 (NIV)

Everything is about the proper attitude, a Christ-like attitude. Gotta keep working on that. 

PFO - Day 2

Day 2 - Highlights

• Really early alarm, sunrising at 5:30ish.
• Breakfast - 7:15 (needed salsa) w/ our new friends, The Johnstones.  They are also going to Vienna.  They have a son who is Nathan's age.
• Church service - Houghton Wesleyan Church - good service, hot with no AC and 300 people packed in like sardines on wooden pews without cushions. Not complaining except for being hot and sweaty.
• Lunch - oinked out on some pork/roast beef
• FREE/NAP TIME - LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!
• Orientation - small groups, luckily with the Michael & Rebecca Johnstone, 12 people not so small, small group.  Kids went to their classes, loved it.  Wanted to leave us and go play with friends.
• Dinner - Great time visiting w/ Michael & Rebecca, as well as The Basnetts from KC going to Taiwan.  Visited with two ladies going to Vienna also, Amanda and Katie.  Enjoying the bonding time.  We all share so many commonalities.

It's raining again.  Nice and peaceful.  Keeps it all green and lush.  Hope for more pics tomorrow.

Pre-Field Orientation - Day 1

Day One started at 3:00 am.  We, with less than 3 hours of sleep got up, ate, and got everyone to the airport by 4:30 to fly out to Houston, connect to Cleveland, Ohio, and then onto Buffalo, NY.

• Wow, for not ever having flown, the kids did awesome!!  Caylah was a riot! She cried out, "Wo-hoo!" when the plane sped up to take off, leaving the whole plane laughing.  Nathan and Bethany were a little nervous at first, but got over it quick by looking down at all of the lights, rivers and cities. 
• Praise God, we arrived in Buffalo, with no delays, at 1:45 pm and after riding in a charter bus for about 45 minutes, arrived in Houghton, NY and Houghton College.

 

Nate (in his favorite Captain America shirt) in Houghton, NY

These Houghton pics are of our assigned townhouse and the stream right outside our front door.

 

Meeting some of the new staff going to Vienna was great.  Ate some dinner and are now settling into our two-week abode.

Crazy Train...oh yeah!

What a week!!

• God has blessed us financially that we are now at 30% funding!! Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!! 
• Channon and I celebrated 15 years of marriage yesterday by eating some Italian food at Luigi's and then going by our home only to find that it had been broken in to.  The Thief stole, but didn't kill or destroy our hope and faith in Christ. 

This week has been a roller coaster ride getting ready to go to Pre-Field Orientation in Buffalo, NY.  The Pretender has tried to discourage, distract, and confuse, but God has been and is faithful, strong, and mighty!! 

Pray for us as we go and learn about our future students, ministry, and new friends who will be sharing in this endeavor.

All Boxed and Ready to Ship!!

It's hard to imagine...taking stock of your entire belongings...sorting them out in three rooms according to how precious they are to you and your family...selling off LOTS of them, storing a FEW at the In-Laws House, and placing the most precious in 40 bins/boxes.  WOW, our most precious belongings in 40 boxes/bins headed to Chicago and then Vienna on a ship for the next one and half months!!
Some sacrifices for the Lord are more difficult than others. 

"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." - Luke 14:33

Lord, give us strength to give up all things for you and your call for us.  Whether stuff, people, comfort, or our very life, Lord it is yours!

Joe

Commence the Countdown!!

Finally, we are starting our blog.  Exciting isn't it?

We are so excited about God's call to Vienna and Vienna Christian School! The countdown has begun as we push forward towards July 31 and ministering in Vienna, Austria.  Only 52 days before takeoff to begin God's mission to the nations represented at Vienna Christian School. ARRGH!!...52 days??  We have so much left to do and so little time.  Fundraising is only at 15% and our stuff is only partially packed, but God is big enough to stop time and bring in the needed finances for this ministry.  Keep praying for us as time is growing shorter and shorter!!