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