Insights and Dust

Why do we do the things we do?  What life experiences shape our day to day activities so much that they become an active lifestyle?  Routine, learned, or were we like this from birth? As we experience life, a common phrase is exclaimed by the Overbys in Austria.  "...SO that's why they do that!"



Austrian view of Texas??



Weather Related???

Why do they recommend waterproofing spray for all of your shoes here?  It's not just the rain, snow, slush that answers this question.  You and everyone else have to walk for miles in the precipitation. Which leads to why do they wear house shoes upon entry into one's home? So you don't track in all of this into your house.  Why do they tuck their pants into their boots or wear skin tight leggings/jeans? So their pants don't get wet walking in the snow or rain.  Drink alcohol or coffee with every meal?  To keep warm while walking in the cold.  Scarves? To keep their face and neck warm in the bitter wind.  All weather related.

Wieviel kostet das?? (HOW much does that cost??)

Americans give Europeans a bad rap for hygiene issues. But if it cost Americans this much, would our habits change?

• Razors and blades cost 18-25 Euros which is about $22-30!! 
• Small bottles of shampoo, shave gel, body wash - 5-6 Euros ($6-9)
• Deodorant (without antiperspirant) - 5 Euros or more!
• Cost of water is high as well.(I'm told this is also why no ice is served with drinks and no refills.)

 As we stay here in Austria, we have discovered a love for many of the Austrian ways. We have acculturated many of these into how we live our daily lives(the girls both have snow boots with fur tops!). Some European ways will probably never be added into our lives, as long as I can afford water bills and hygiene products.  The key to living anywhere is adaptation and being willing to try new things.  When we get so stiff-necked and stubborn about things, our Phariseetical sides come out.  They can't hear the message of Christ's love when all they can hear are Americanisms, complaints, and frustrations.  Paul said it best when he said that he "tried to be all things to all people" without compromising his faith and trust in Christ.  Is Christ bigger than culture, America, our pride and freedoms, material possessions?  Is His truth worth sacrificing all that we hold "dear" to create relationships for sharing that truth?  Absolutely.  Worth all that we have and more, even our very lives, all for Him.  For what are we without Him?  Dust in the Wind.  Nothing.