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