Stupid Americans

**WARNING** CONTENT MAY CONTAIN EMOTIONALLY CHARGED MATERIAL

Well, hello there!
We just left Jason and Denisha at the airport. Last year, when I was preparing to leave my famous quote was, "Stupid Balkan nations and stupid people from the Ballkans!" Today, when we got in the car, Julia asked me if I was okay and I told her, "No. . . . Stupid Americans." It was a good laugh, that's for sure.

It's hard. As she said, while standing in the airport watching our friends go through security, my last American connection left. This is the hard part. I love the Kirschen- but we said our goodbyes back in May. Them leaving this afternoon means that I am finally here. I am staying here. This is "for good". It is official- I have moved to Graz. That's what is hard at this point. I know, it was my choice and I am happy with my choice of obedience. And, knowing I am being obedient is my only comfort at this point.
I guess that isn't my only comfort......

.....Thanks, Justin and DC for planning a wedding for next summer, by the way. That brings me a lot of comfort, too... :-) ... assuming I am invited.

Some MUCH needed time with my Jesus is a must at this point. I wanted to write a few lines, though, to let ya know where I am and what's coming. Julia and I leave for Krk, Croatia in the middle of the night tonight. We will be there for the week for vacay! We are really looking forward to this week....mmmm.... water, sun, beach, quiet, rest, reading, writing, worship, prayer closet, walks, breathing, coming into freedom to new levels.... ahh, our God is good. Anyway, I will touch base when I can again.

Video blog

Duration Announcement!!

It is official- as of this morning, I will be staying in Austria for a MINIMUM of two years. Well, at least, I will be maintaining my phone contract until then. Julia and I were very busy this morning making arrangements for me. We signed a phone and internet contract. I am officially reachable via Handy! Except, I don't think that I will ever again call it a 'Handy'.... I will send an email with the new number momentarily.

Other things Austrian-
We went to Parschlug Wednesday morning to play with Joy (notice her in the bottom left corner of my title-photo). and to eat lunch with Karina, Julia's mom. It was a great morning. Joy warmed up to me quickly again- I think she remembers me as her ignorant American friend who does not know how to give dog commands in German. ;-) Lunch time was simply enjoyable. Let's just say that Karina is FAR better at "hello" than she is at "goodbye." I love my family here. Taking Joy for a walk was a given for the afternoon. Karina and I enjoyed that time alone together. She gave me a few German books. Mostly elementary school grammar workbooks. I took some time to read "Mr Messy" (in German of course) to Julia and Karina. They enjoyed the story though I didn't understand the majority of what I read.
Last night, we went to House Group. It was my first time seeing a few familiar faces. It was a night of prayer and worship for seeking vision for the HG this new year. We are helping provide a service for the teens of Graz this Friday night. There are great and exciting things beginning with this generation world wide- I look forward to seeing what that looks like here. Pray for the youth- worldwide, this generation is on fire! Expect more.
The Kirsch's arrive early tomorrow morning!!! We are going to have a lot of fun together! Uschi, Julia, and I already figured out some good plans for this weekend. We have church at Exousia Saturday night. It should be an adventure of a service just before the SOW. Speaking of, the School of the Word (SOW) is this Monday-Friday. Mmm....so much meat and such great worship.

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I am sitting at IAD waiting for departure. I learned last night that I my flight had been cancelled as the result of a recent Lufthansa strike. Praise God, they already had me confirmed for a later flight today! :-) I will still arrive in Graz at the same time.
Jason and Denisha arrive on Friday!! EeeeEEEEeeee!!! I am excited to see them! I have a lot of ministry responsibilities right when I arrive-- from House Group to worship services for the youth of Graz. SOW begins on Monday, leaving this weekend very full of work and preparations.

Keep me updated!
Much love.