October 13th: Traveling Home

Statue at Schloss Hof in Vienna, Austria

It was really hard to sleep that night knowing that I would be getting up at 4 AM to head to the airport but also the fact of pre travel jitters.  I always get anxious for trips and especially flights.  I am not a huge fan of airplanes but I do enjoy airports and mostly just sitting there watching people go by from all different cultures and just their demeanor.  Airports can be interesting places with so much going on and how they are mini cities pretty much with their own personality sometimes.  It is always interesting making multiple flights and how only a few hours ago you were in such a different and diverse group of people.  It was nice in the morning having Tom and Louise on the shuttle to the airport in the morning and being able to say goodbye to them at the airport.  It was so great to meet all the other short term workers and some amazing people of God they are.  I really enjoyed getting to know this couple and the short time we got to spend together.  After our goodbyes I soon start the 22 hour journey back home which would leave me tired and jet lagged once I arrive.  The flight to Zurich was pretty quick and have never seen so much fog in once place flying in as Zurich.  The airport was very interesting and expensive, I could not live in Switzerland even though it is very pretty but nothing like the culture of Austria that I enjoy so much.  The flight to Chicago was very long and not one of the best overseas flights I have had.  I am beginning to feel worse and just ready to be home.  Once landing in Chicago the process of customs, security and airports begin and not off to the best start.  Everything was going smooth until the final security when I forgot about some duty free stuff that I was not allowed to bring on the plane.  It was a hassle to see if there was another way but in the end I had to just throw it away or pay 100 dollars to check my backpack.  Sometimes things are just not that much of a hassle and it was hard to keep my patience with airport people and made my entry back into the United States not one of the most pleasant.  It made me appreciate Europe and just realize some of our cultural differences with people and business in the States.  It seems like a lot of people are caught up in that fast passed environment and not taking the time to “just look up” and realize that there is much more to life and the beauty of what is around them.  The final flight I slept through most of it but we did experience some of the worst turbulence I have ever had and was a little scary but another one of those moments that you just pray to God and trust him to bring you through the storm safely and he will not fail you.  What a travel experience that took about 25 hours before I was finally back at my grandparents house safely and exhausted.  Back to the grind of things and pray that I do not loose focus of everything this trip taught me and the experiences it provided as I move on and go about daily life with others.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours.  Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exhalted as head above all.” - 1 Chronicles 29:11

October 12th: Final Clean and Vienna Dinner

Blessing from the church on the door frames of the Haus

It was our final day of clean up since all the students left early this morning.  It would be a long day of cleaning rooms, kitchen, dining rooms and classrooms.  One of the most important days to have a servants heart for the Lord.  Most people were very tired and some of the workers were beginning to get sick but I know the Lord was with us for the day keeping us strong, healthy and motivated through the day.  I am getting more anxious to get home as it gets closer and just wanting the day to come to an end already when I wake up.  I was able to say goodbye to a few of the Russian students who I got to hang out with and get to know a little better during their time here.  It was quite different being around the Russians and Bulgarians for so long with some of them not even knowing any English.  Once morning items were complete we began our duties as housecleaners and took over the Cow Barn to clean it.  It went by fairly quickly with all of the people and before I knew it we were back getting ready for lunch.  Since the students were gone we had a buffet style of all the leftover meals which was more than expected.  I knew we were going to have a good dinner later tonight so limited myself to some of the items.  The cookbook was a great gift for everyone and excited to go home and make some of the dishes and the pumpkin soup that Austria was so famous for.  The afternoon was spent with more cleaning duties and the final packing for my early departure.  This trip was amazing and seems like just yesterday I was arriving in the airport in Vienna with an open heart and no idea what to expect on the trip.  It was so much more than I thought and feel so blessed to have experienced it and all the people I was able to meet and fellowship with.  I look forward to the future and what will come of this trip, hearing the stories of the students and other workers lives changed and hopefully more trips to come back to Haus Edelweiss.  It was such a renewed experience and love to see God at work blessing his people and how others touch lives and continue on with his Great Commission across all of his lost nations.  The dinner in the evening was very nice with a drive through the vineyards of Vienna on the way there and a great evening view of the city of Vienna.  It was very foggy and overcast the entire day so not much was seen of the city.  The final night of fellowship around the table was perfect and low key, just the way a final night should be.  After saying a few more goodbyes back at the Haus when we arrived I finished up my packing and was very anxious for 4 AM to arrive so I could begin the journey home.  What a blessed trip and life God has planned out for me and I continue to be amazed at his work and miracles that he provides.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

October 11th: Students Departure

TCM Haus Edelweiss Tony Twist Apartment

This was the final day for the students and they had final exams, presentations and reports due in the morning.  It seemed like they all did very well and are all excited about what they have learned and their time here at Haus Edelweiss, but ready to go home and see their families.  I know I am ready as well and excited to be heading home soon also.  It has been a long few weeks but some of the most rewarding weeks I have had in a long time and have enjoyed every moment of the work, fellowship with the students, staff and other volunteers and the special outings that we were able to go on.  Today was mostly spent cleaning up and wrapping things up with the students and preparing for the final clean tomorrow.  It was such a blessing working with our group and the group leader Kevin who is such a Godly man and have learned so much from him.  I really enjoyed everyone else in the group even though sometimes it was frustrating but it really helped me to just stop and listen and talk to God giving that up to him.  Everyone here is seeking God out with all their heart and love the stories of people driving by and just stopping to admire this place.  God does bless people and his commission with the perfect tools to fulfill that including places like Haus Edelweiss and Tauernhof.  I am so encouraged by the students and getting to meet some of them more and hear their stories.  God is doing some great work in these countries and the students are going to be such great lights in some of these dark places in the World.  When we think of Europe we tend to think of places like Germany, France, England mostly the big tourist areas but Eastern Europe gets forgotten and there are places where persecution still exists and some extremely poor living conditions but God still exists in these places and the people who come to Haus Edelweiss prove that and continue to make a difference in this world and fulfill his Great Commission.  After dinner we had a short time of prayer, worship and some story telling.  One of the professors said that the part that was the most powerful was when everyone started singing on Sunday worship in that first song with all the different languages and I would have to agree.   That is something that will stick with me for a very long time and just proves the depth of God’s love and his workings across the World.  It is going to be hard to leave this place and go home but I know that this is only just the beginning of some great things to come and Haus Edelweiss is truly a little piece of Heaven.

“The Lord is my Shepard; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” - Psalm 23:1-3

October 10th: Working and Stift

The Stift cafe in Heliegenkreuz, Austria

Today was our last full day of working maintenance since we will begin to clean up from the session once the students begin to leave tomorrow.  Time has flown by and it seems like we were just getting here and settling into the rhythm of things.  My time here has taught me many things and God continues to amaze me at how lucky I have been and blessed with an amazing family and friends.  The opportunities he has given me are one of a kind and could not have asked for anything more.  I know that through all the things God puts us through is for a certain reason and only he knows our plans and some of the deepest desires of our heart.  Our devotion today was on Prayer and what it really means to pray.  I have always considered prayer as sometimes just talking to God in a normal relationship and just letting him know our desires even though they may be different from his.  Prayer can be out loud, with a group of people, by yourself silently or by any other form of worship.  I enjoy running and just spending time with God and speaking to him about things while enjoying the beauty of his creation all around.  That is another thing though to work on is prayer and just spending more time with God whether it is in his Word or just time of prayer and just speaking to him more about life and entrusting him with everything through all the good and bad times.  Sometimes we tend to just pray when things are bad and ask him to provide or why he is doing this to us.  It is hard to remember that we must pray through all the good times and bad times and rejoice in him with everything knowing that he has a magnificent purpose for everything even if we don’t see it at the moment or may never understand it until we are home with Him.  After work today I was able to go on a longer run toward Baden and just some worship time with him on the path and just be amazed at the surrounding area and that I am here in Austria again.  We had a wonderful dinner with the students and more fellowship with some of the Bulgarians and Tessa who is the translator for them and her bubbly and happy personality with life.  The final part of the evening was spent at the Stift once again with some of the short term workers enjoying some coffee and more deserts and carrying on our fellowship with one another.  It was a great time to reflect on the past few weeks and what to expect when we return home and advice for the traveling.  I am very excited now to return and be able to share my trip and experiences but not just that but the rejuvenated body and soul that I was able to recommit to Christ.  It is such a blessing being around all these Christ centered people and I know it will be hard back home but I know that God places me in certain areas for a reason.

“A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?” - Proverbs 20:24

October 9th: Work Day

The best lemonade in Austria

Only a few more days left of work and serving here at Haus Edelweiss before returning home.  My patience continues to struggle with some people and I am working very hard on that and trusting the Lord to continue to give me the strength and patience I need to continue.  Today was pretty relaxing since we only worked on the detail of the balcony and painting the red and green.  I also struggle sometimes with my OCD and how I tend to be somewhat of a micro manager with certain tasks.  I have to learn to just let things go and not worry over the small details sometimes and how others work.  Without people like that this world would be a very boring place and we all bring our own special talents to the world.  The devotion this morning was about how we must be aware of who is leading us, our path that we are taking and to look up every once in awhile to make sure our direction is leading the right way otherwise a slight change can lead us “miles” from our destination.  This is very true with keeping our eyes focused on the Lord and His way that he lays out for us.  The smallest thing can set us back and be diligent on who we are trusting and what is being taught to us by leaders in the church.  The fellowship here continues to be very supportive and encouraging for everyones walk with the Lord.  I am very encouraged by what is going on and the students that attend here, seeing all their faces and what their plans our when they return home.  As the last few days wind down I am looking forward to being back home and “resting” somewhat and seeing everyone.  It has been a long but amazing few weeks here in Austria and love the places and things the Lord provides for us just at the perfect time.  This trip was recharging and a great break from the everyday life back home and something to continue that push for something greater with my life.  I know the Lord has plans and look forward to experiencing them in the future.  Some things I plan on working on when returning home is that most importantly to give all my worries and fears up to the Lord and know that he will provide in times of need and take care of the basic necessities.  I also want to be a light for others and be encouraging and not so negative about others but be there to talk with and help others.  With work at the coffee shop and the ski team I would like to find time to be able to continue pursuing other careers that the Lord places on my heart and attend small groups and church on a regular basis.  I pray that I continue to have the strength and accountability from others to maintain these things.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” - Philippians 2:3-4

October 8th: Working and Lecture

St. George stained Glass in Haus Edelweiss patio

A case of the Mondays surfaced today with many people in our work group and hopefully the students are doing much better.  Mornings are getting much harder to get out of bed now but I think that may be because of the weather and the colder temperatures outside.  It is always harder for me to get up when its cold outside and your laying in a nice cozy warm bed.  I can feel the fall weather hit me as I head to breakfast in the mornings and even when we start work later in the day.  The chilly fall days only mean that winter is just around the corner which I am excited for.  It is so beautiful here in Austria in the fall and getting to walk out the door and seeing the green hills around, the grass, leaves changing colors and just the landscape that God has blessed us all with.  The winters here are so pretty and I wish I could see snow again here and how it blankets everything in the small Austrian towns in white and looks like a cozy little town.  Only 4 more days left of work and we are all praying for strength from God in this “sprint” as they like to say as short term workers continue to prepare meals, clean rooms, maintain the grounds and other tasks to keep this place going.  Its more than just work though but the fellowship with one another and the blessing it is for the students to be able to come to a place like this and learn more about Him enabling them even more to take the Word back to their home church and country and people there.  Some people say this is like coming to a 5 star resort for them with the service, clean and warm rooms, and hot meals every day.  It is hard to realize how some people live when they come here because they are so on fire for Christ and just so nice and happy to be around that all they need in this world is God.  It is hard for us as Americans and the Western culture to experience this sometimes as the material things consume our desires and needs.  We always are on schedules, busy with work or whatever we can find to consume time, and the best technology.  It’s so great to be able to work with a smile on your face seeing the students here from all ages and cultures just praising the same God and knowing that one day we will all be together where there will be no cultural or language barriers preventing us from understanding one another easily.  I continue to build relationships with others here and maintain my devotion time of running and taking care of my body, reading God’s word and writing my thoughts down each day which I hope to continue when I return to the states.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” - Romans 3:23-25

October 7th: Church and Baden

Fountain in the town of Baden, Austria

Today was our church service where the Bulgarians lead worship and our message was from a Senior Pastor from a church in Chandler, Arizona.  It was such an emotional service and so amazing to hear everyone worshiping the same God in many different languages.  The experience of that service and really taking in how many cultures and languages was so powerful.  Some of the countries are so ravished from poverty and crime that it can be hard for some to believe in God and not understand why things like this is happening to them.  God is still present in these countries and you can see him working in amazing ways from some of the stories but still need all our prayer for them and their people.  We are so lucky in the United States and do not comprehend all that is going on elsewhere.  There was a great testimony from a student who grew up Muslim and how he came to Christ, his marriage at a young age, a daughter that was born blind and his battle with cancer yet through all this God was doing work and miracles in his life.  He was saved, then his wife was saved shortly after, their marriage improved, his daughter’s eye sight is slowly getting better and he won his battle with cancer and healed fully.  The message was about fear and how the disciples were afraid in the storm and did not trust that Jesus would save them.  Sometimes is takes a great revelation and being afraid of something to truly believe in its power as the disciples soon did after Jesus calmed the great storm.  The pastor lost a son at the age of 15 due to contracting AIDS from a blood transfusion since he was born with a blood disease.  It was such a sad story how his son died yet the last thing he said to his father was that he was not afraid because he knew he was going to see his real father.  It’s stories like these that we can be afraid of things whether they are finances or health but we must trust the Lord that he is there and will bring us through things.  After church we went to spend the afternoon in Baden which was a very nice little community only a few miles away.  It was a rainy day but we still enjoyed walking around a bit and enjoying a few cups of coffee in some of the cafes there.  It was such a relaxing day today and being able to enjoy the fellowship together with some of the other short term workers is so great.  I can’t believe we will all be heading off our separate ways in only 5 more days.  I continue to be amazed at the Lord’s work and what he blesses us all with in our experiences, friends and opportunities.

“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?” - Mark 4:39-41

October 6th: Normal Work Day

House in the neighborhood next to Haus Edelweiss

Back to work today from a nice day off in Vienna that was somewhat relaxing.  I was a bit tired still in the morning and it seems to be getting more difficult to get up in the morning now.  I have been sleeping much better and pretty well here for some reason.  It was a good devotion this morning on just taking time to “look up” and see the stillness and what the Lord is doing in your life instead of getting caught up with the business of life and how quickly it moves by.  Kevin compared it too watching the lines on the highway as your driving and how fast they move then to looking up at the mountains and seeing how slow they move and God’s creation and perfection in life.  It is always good to sometimes just take a step back and look up and remember that God is there and will always take care of you and not to worry about things sometimes.  I really enjoy our mornings together as a group before going to work and the time of prayer, learning about a different country and the devotion time.  I feel it really is a good way to start the day of work and just a little reminder of why we are all really here in Austria and something to think about as we go about the day.  We also prayed for continued strength for a lot of people to continue with this upcoming week with their health as some of us may be getting tired from all the activities going on and work.  God is so great and will give us strength in time of need.  The work today continued with more painting of the balcony and a shed behind one of the houses and we finished with preparing firewood for the campfire one night this week.  Work is going by quickly each day and before I know it we will be all saying our goodbyes to the students then each other on Friday night as we all depart our ways on Saturday morning.  It has been such a blessing here and I look forward to what the Lord has done in many people’s lives and know that this is only just the beginning for many.  I have been getting to know some of the students more and has been a pleasure talking with them during meal times and just joking with them together and the fellowship that comes from that.  The church history from Eastern Europe is very interesting and some things with the persecution and how little of a presence there is eye opening and you would never think that things like that still happen today.  The States seem to be in their own world and we are an extremely lucky country in many ways that we take for granite most of the time.  I am amazed at what the Lord has shown and taught me in only these 23 short years so far and am so excited to see what other doors he opens for me in the future.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” - Psalm 121:1-2

October 5th: Vienna Day

University in downtown Vienna, Austria

It was so nice to be able to once again explore Vienna and have some new experiences.  We were taken to Shopping Center South which is the largest mall in Austria and one of the largest in all of Europe then from there we would take the tram to the downtown and more of the sights.  It is much easier to get around Austria now that I know a little more German from last time and am able to read signs and things which helped with the tickets as we had some confusion at first trying to figure out which tickets to get.  I always admire Europe for their public transportation and how well worked it runs but it is very confusing at first to understand.  It would be hard for the States though in some areas since we tend to be so spread out sometimes and people love driving their cars.  That is another reason I would like to live in Austria someday is the simplicity of life and how most people don’t need much and bigger is not always better.  Getting downtown I immediately went my way to get some time to myself and be able to do some of the specific things I wanted to do.  I got my Kebab, Gelato ice cream and Raddlar.  After some touring around and just soaking it all in being back in Vienna and the beauty of the city I did a bit of shopping for gifts and found a nice place to rest and have a drink for awhile.  It was fun watching people downtown go about their day and just observing the diverse group of people around.  The style is much more sophisticated in Europe and people actually care how they look in public and take care of themselves is what I noticed.  They are proud and feel they should look good and clean when presenting themselves out in public or going about work and normal business.  That is something different from the States and the style in Austria.  After the shopping, touring and food and drinks I got back on the train to the mall to do a little more walking around and shopping before heading back to Haus Edelweiss.  It was a great break from the work and the school but not the main reason that I was able to come back to Austria.  Such a blessing to be here and enjoy these things but even more to be able to serve the students and staff here and help out in any way possible.  Being around all the cultures here at the school and in Vienna today is such and experience and something that people can really learn from and expand their thinking and living all together.  I really enjoyed Vienna today and just being able to watch the World go round and just “observe” people today.  We really are a creation and everyone has a unique purpose, personality, and character that was created for a specific plan by God.

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:11-12

October 4th: Work Day and Vienna Prep

Fields outside of Haus Edelweiss

It was our last full day of work here at the Haus before we head off to Vienna tomorrow.  Today was another beautiful day here in Austria as the mornings are beginning to be a little cold but it warms up quiet nice by the afternoon.  I love the fall weather here as the leaves are falling and the surrounding mountain air.  I am feeling much better now with sleep but still tired on some days and trying to continue running every other day and the food is great with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as well.  One of the professors here named Scott lives in Baden and have been able to speak with him quite a bit over the last few days about things and really enjoy his insight on starting a church, the comparisons with the States and Austria and his faith in Jesus Christ.  He is a very nice guy and reminds me of Martin from Tauernhof who was very calm and relaxed and easy to talk to about things.  It is enjoyable to speak with some of the students also and learn their background and some of their culture.  There are many Russians here which is interesting because I have never been around too many Russians before.  They are very nice and funny as well.  Every mornings we have some devotion and prayer time before work which has been nice and really helping me gain more of a grasp on different things and working on re-centering my focus on Christ and some of the analogies that Kevin has spoke about are perfect.  The flowing water cleaning out the river and the dark sea how it transforms some of the creatures that live in the darkness all the time and we need to be a light in those places.  The work has become a little time consuming sometimes and just busy work which I understand and need to be patient with that as well.  It is all the same and just remember why I am here and to be in service for the Lord and in fellowship with the staff, short term workers and other students here.  It is such a continual blessing to be able to be here and some people never see such beauty like Austria or Europe in their lifetime and I have been fortunate to have been here 3 times now.  God is so great and I have to continue to remind myself to not take it for granted and praise him all the time for what he has done.  I am excited to get back to the States and share my experiences and continue to be a light for Jesus and just make sure my life reflects that and my goals are geared towards what his plans are.  Tomorrow should be an interesting day in Vienna and need to be patient with everyone and just enjoy the time together and some of God’s beautiful creations.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” - Galatians 5:13

October 3rd: Normal Work Day

Front of the Big Haus and the flowers

Today was another full work day where we just finished up painting the balcony and porch around the big house.  It was a long day today of work and at some times hard to keep motivated to do the work but I know that is one of the reasons I am here.  It is still such a blessing to be able to serve here at the Haus and see all the students enjoying their time here as well.  It is such a beautiful place for many of them and time of fellowship with others, good food, a nice room to stay in and some quiet time to focus on the Lord.  It makes me think of the other beautiful places that the Lord has provided for places like this and for his believers to gather and enjoy his creation and the time of fellowship together.  Tauernhof was located right next to the gondola up the mountain in the middle of the Austrian Alps and what a perfect place to experience all of God’s creation.  Sometimes we forget to take a moment to enjoy the landscape and what is going on around us since we so often get caught up in the bustle of daily life.  These times and trips are a good time to refocus on what is important and go back refreshed in the Lord.  It is one thing to have that “spiritual high” that some students are learning about here but you must learn how to maintain that and what you require for that daily recharge in the Lord wether it be reading the Bible, praying or a jog while worshiping the Lord.  That is one thing that I will be challenging myself when I return is to maintain that time with the Lord everyday and reading the Bible to grow more with him.  After a nice dinner most of the short term workers walked to the Stift to listen to the Vespers at the monastery and their evening church service.  Such an amazing building and the sound was so great while they were chanting and praising the Lord.  I do believe there is one true God above all others and no matter if you are Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox or whatever, you are all worshiping and praising the same God.  It was a nice service and after we all had dessert at the cafe in the Stift which was amazing.  The apple strudel was the best since Austria is known for it.  The waiter was very nice and we were able to talk to him for a bit.  It is amazing how quickly I was able to pick up German again and I was able to understand almost everything that he was saying tonight.  I would like to continue to study and be refreshed in German and hopefully one day be able to speak it much more fluent.  Tomorrow is our last day of work before we head to Vienna Friday which should be a fun filled day.  The days seem to go by quicker and quicker as I expected them.  I am loving this place so much.

 “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth.” - Genesis 1:1

October 2nd: Work Day and Appreciation Day

Jesus washing the feet statue in the Stift

Today was another great day of work and fellowship with some more of the students.  We continued with painting the balcony in the morning as well as some other small jobs to stay busy throughout the day.  We as short term workers are starting to figure out our spot in the work duties and get more of the hang of things as well as feel more comfortable around each other and the students.  This has been a time that I continue to ask God for patience with all the different types of people here.  It is something that I talked about with Peter before getting on the flights was how we tend to be people of judgement and we cannot just sit and observe but are constantly judging and commenting on behaviors, looks and actions in our mind.  I want to work on quieting my mind and just being open to new things and being patient in the Lord.  It is such a blessing to be here and I enjoy meeting everyone and especially talking with the students on their backgrounds, the testimonies on things they have been through and just learn about their cultures.  We get so wrapped up in our way as Americans and think that only our way is the right way and sometimes forget about the outside World.  God is so great in his work around the World and some of his miracles he does throughout the nations.  I later got to talk with a student from Ukraine who was the nicest man I have met and we talked about his class, church, his town and where I am from. “Dessert, cactus and hot.” I later found out he was a hardcore criminal who was locked up as a juvenile and moved to adult jail later where he came to know Christ and was saved.  You would have never guessed by meeting him and it shows just another one of God’s great miracles and how he has a plan for us all before we were born and sometimes the route we take is not what we expected.  I continue to struggle with this especially now with my future and what and where I should be headed and get frustrated sometimes that things are not happening right away.  This is the time that I must remember to pray and give it all up to the Lord and know that he has a door prepared for me just like he has been ever so faithful the last 23 years of my life.  I look forward to what more he has in store for me and I do surrender my whole body and life to him to do his work wherever and whenever he may lead me to do so.  It may be to continue to do what I am doing now or half way across the World but I am prepared to go wherever he may send me.  We also had a great appreciation day with stories about TCM and some great chocolates and cake for our after desert desert.  Such a blessing being here with the Professors, Staff and other Volunteers.

“I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

Galatians 2:20

October 1st: Students Arrive

The main building of Haus Edelweiss

It was our first official full day of work and the students would be arriving throughout the day to begin the session.  Our main task today was to put the first layer of paint on the new section of the balcony.  First thing though was we had a short prayer meeting after breakfast to pray with staff, professors and other short term works for the incoming students and the session.  One of the professors I met has lived in Baden, Austria for the last 25 years but was originally from Oregon.  It was very interesting to talk with him and get to know him more and we continued our conversations over lunch as well.  He has actually herd of Tauernhof and we discussed that school as well as how he came about to live in Austria and his vision of missionary work.  I do love the idea of missions that TCM has and how they are training and raising up people in these Eastern European countries to send back and minister to their own people.  It seems to be much more effective then having some foreigner come into your country and tell you what you should and should not do as well as what to believe.  The concept makes much more sense and sometimes I do not understand why we continue to do it this way.  Some areas though that are more primitive may need it but other times the battle is right in our backyard and we are blinded to that.  He is a very nice guy and enjoy talking and discussion different things with him and hope to get to know him some more over the next few weeks or even sit in on one of his classes.  He gave me some ideas possibly on future ways to live in Austria, most seem unlikely but I know God has a plan and opens doors to other places and I need just be willing to go where he sends me.  After working on the balcony and some other small painting projects we had dinner which was followed by an introduction meeting and some prayer time with all the students that finally arrived.  It was a great time of prayer and being able to listen to others pray in their native language.  God really is a great God of all nations and transcends all borders, cultures, backgrounds and age.  Sometimes we are unaware of what God is really doing all across the World and His word has no borders.  It is such a blessing to be part of here at Haus Edelweiss and looking forward to what else is in store for the next few weeks.  I am praying for strength and comfort as well and that God provides and I am giving all my worries up to him including finances, friendships, decisions, my future and know that he has a plan and just look to him.  Another exhausting day but looking forward to tomorrow and another blessed day here in Austria.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-7

September 30th: Vienna Castle and Monastery

Schloss Hof palace outside of Vienna, Austria

Today was a great but long day of sights in Austria.  We first went to visit Schloss Hof which is one of the largest palaces in all of Austria.  It was very impressive and we took a tour of the Palace and walked around the grounds for a few hours.  It is so amazing that one family owned all of the land and such a large palace back in the medieval era of time.  There is so much history here to learn and experience which makes me love Europe and Austria so much more.  There was a lot of art from the Baroque era and the attention to detail is very impressive.  It was right on the border of Slovakia so we could see from the palace balcony a small village that is actually in Slovakia just across the fields.  After wandering around a bit on the grounds and taking tons of pictures we headed off back to Heliegenkreuz to visit the Stift there.  It was about a 45 minute drive through the country and Vienna back to Heliegenkreuz, which I feel asleep for most of the ride.  I think I am still not used to the time change and thought my body would handle it much better.  I guess the last time I experienced the jet lag was 5 years ago, not saying I am getting older but I must be a little.  The Stift of Heiligenkreuz is the oldest and longest running Abbey in all of Europe.  I believe the tour guide said there were about 65 monks currently at the Abbey.  There was some very interesting things we learned and  we even saw some of the old tombstones of past monks, some family crests of nobel families which were so called “sponsors” of the Abbey, and some original stained glass dating back 900 years to when the Abbey was founded in 1133 by Leopold III.  There is nothing like these buildings back in the the States which makes this so impressive to be able to experience.  It was a great day of sights in Europe and was able to get a postcard to send to my Grandma in Oregon since she would appreciate the Abbey very much.  When we returned we had a nice communion and worship service to pray for the incoming students which will be arriving tomorrow and our work week begins.  It is always great to be able to refocus on why I am really here and I look forward to meeting the students and serving.  It will be such a rewarding experience and I pray that God does some great work not only in the students but myself as I place this whole trip in his hands and look to give my heart back to him and refocus on the Lord.  It has been a great trip so far and is only just beginning and I know that it will rush by and in no time be back on the plane headed back to the States.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12

September 29th: Orientation Day

A sign on the running trails in the Vienna Woods

Today is our orientation day of what Haus Edelweiss is all about, what we will be doing, some background on why the students come, a tour of the campus and more specifics of what our jobs will be while we are serving here.  I love the idea of how instead of spending money and sending foreign missionaries out to these countries they are creating their own missionaries to go back and share the Word of the Lord with their own people.  Sometimes we get so caught up in doing it ourselves and wanting to go out and create disciples like the great commission says but there are other ways to fulfill that as well.  We as foreigners think our way is the best and sometimes the cultural gap does not get breached like we would like it to and missionary work is much more difficult.  This way we are still fulfilling his great commission by creating disciples but they come to us and we raise them up and train them and send them back into their nations by the help and comfort of the Lord.  It was something that I never really thought of until today.  The vision of Haus Edelweiss is something great and inspired by the Lord and I look forward to meeting some of the students who come from these persecuted countries.  We took a tour of the property and it is much larger than I expected.  There are many rooms for students, offices, a full library and computer room, classrooms, work shop, full size kitchen, swimming pool and lounges.  What more could you need in an 1800's building or whatever time it was originally built it.  Lots of work and remodeling have gone into it over the last 40 years that TCM has owned it though.  After lunch we continue our orientation with our mission leaders and I am going to be on the grounds and maintenance crew while I am serving here.  It will be a great job and look forward to what I have to offer to this place and hopefully I am able to serve for the Lord’s glory.  We soon start on our first project of repainting a new section of the balcony that was recently fixed.  Just some prep work and find out that we will have to repaint the whole side of the building as well, projects never seem as easy as they first appear.  We won’t start till Monday though.  After this we have a short break before dinner so I decide to go on my first run of the trip through the Vienna woods.  There are many logging trails right around here so I run for about 25 minutes until it starts to rain pretty hard and I head back to my room.  I hope to continue to run everyday here and experience this beauty of Austria and find some new places.  After dinner we do our first job of dishes in the kitchen since I am on dish duty for dinner meals.  I have done plenty of dishes so this is a piece of cake and kinda fun.  Another long day and I retire to my room for a Skype session with Megan.  It was good to talk with her and I like her so much.  God blessed me with a great girl and I look forward to see what the future holds for us and his plans, I am kinda nervous but I trust him and just let him lead me in the right directions.

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest if plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” -Matthew 9:37

September 27th to 28th: Travel Day

My plane seat over the Atlantic

Today I left Phoenix Arizona at about 9:30 am and headed off to Houston, Texas for my first leg of the flight.  It was about 2 and a half hours to Texas.  I arrived after sleeping most of the flight to make my final phone calls before heading out of the country.  It still has not really hit me that I am on my way back to Austria once again and am so blessed to have this opportunity.  Most people never see Europe in their lifetime and I have been blessed to have been there three times now.  God is so great and I continue to be amazed at what is in the future for me and where he will be leading me next.  I just give him my hands to use like my tattoo says.  After calling my parents and Megan I get in line to board our plane to London.  The plane is pretty comfortable with my isle seat and I get situated and soon settle in for the nine and a half hour flight into London Heathrow airport.  The flight goes by reasonably quick with a few movies, dinner and breakfast, some reading and lots of uncomfortable sleeping.  Once arriving in London I take a 20 minute transfer walk/ride to the next terminal where I will be departing in an hour for Vienna.  After settling down in a cafe with a cappuccino I check some emails and Facebook and send a few messages letting people know I arrived safely.  The airport in London is so large that I being walking around a bit to stretch my legs and checking the monitors for my next flight.  It leaves about 30 minutes late so I arrive after a quick flight in Vienna around 1pm on Friday.  Now I know I am back in Austria!  A representative from Haus Edelweiss picks me up along with one other who arrives from California around my time and we take the quick drive out to the Haus.  It is beautiful being back in Austria and we arrive at an amazing old Austrian lodge that has been converted to Haus Edelweiss.  I can’t wait to see this place and experience Austrian culture again.  First I go up to my room in the “Learning Center” as it is called and immediately pass out from jet lag until dinner.  We have a quick orientation meeting then sit down for our first meal together.  I notice I am one of the youngest people here but don’t worry too much about it.  God takes me places for a reason and like I learned in the past he does not comfort you to be comfortable.  After a great dinner and some good conversation we clean up and I head back to my room to hopefully recover from jet lag, get some rest and be ready by the next morning.  I unpack and put things away, lay in bed to read and fall asleep instantly.

“But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” - Psalm 73:16-17