Christmas in Austria was, as a whole, wonderful to experience. The Markets, atmosphere, and snow made it a very magical time for our family. It was, however, difficult to spend it away from home for the first time ever. Everywhere we have ever lived, we always made it home for Christmas. Not this time. We knew from our training that this would be exceptionally hard, but no one can prepare you for the emotions that run through you during your favorite time of the year. We thought "Skype"ing the families would help, but it only made us miss them more and dwell on what we were missing. Services at Grace on the day after Christmas helped us to cope as we celebrated with Africans, Filipinos, Iranians, Austrians, Americans, Brits, and various other nationalities the birth of Jesus. It was "heavenly" as people from every tribe and nation praised and worshipped the Lord of All. We spent the rest of the week enjoying presents, working around the house, and spending time with some friends who stayed here for the holidays. We experienced New Year's festivities in Austria which are loud and carry on 'til late. Fireworks exploded all week prior to New Years' Eve. New Years' Eve was even louder! We were beginning to think we had moved to a war zone.
As this New Year begins, we ask you to please look at our prayer request page. I update it everytime I update our blog. Please continue to pray for us as we minister here in Austria. We are seeing God at work at ICSV as students and parents are asking more and more questions about Jesus, creation, salvation, and redemption. We keep praying for opportunities to share and continued boldness to start discussions on the eternal issues. As we encounter Austrians, we often have the opportunity to share why we are here with them. Please pray for more of these "chances" to share our purpose and the love of Christ with nationals.
I want to express our gratitude and thankfulness for those of you who support this endeavor both prayerfully and financially. We could not have and can not continue do this without you! We are so appreciative of your gifts of prayer and finance that allow us to be here doing God's Will. Thank you so, so much!!!
We have one more week of Christmas vacation as Austrians celebrate Epiphany/Three King's Day this week. We are hoping to enjoy some of the city's history and rest a little before going back to school next week. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and pray for each a blessed New Year!
Your letters are a constant reminder to me of God's faithful to you in your labor of love for Him. It seems as though every line is a testimony to His faithfulnee in your lives. I feel blessed to have had our paths cross.
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