V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

Ahhh, Croatia. We had a great vacation. I cannot clearly explain to you how we really did NOTHING for an entire week. It was amazing! We sat in the sun, read, prayed, worshipped, swam, went for walks, watched movies (and episodes of Alias), enjoyed the Center of Baska, cooked, went for ice cream and drinks (because we wouldn't be who we are, otherwise!).... and so on. Like I said, it was great.
I had good time to press into the Spirit and seek some directions for my time here. This was a key. Now that I am back, my work-load has picked up the pace. I spent the day yesterday in the BLAST office working with Ina and Sula. Mostly, Ina gave an overview of some things that need to be taken care of regularly. I can't believe she leaves for PA in just a couple of weeks now. I am a little nervous about taking over all of her responsibilities. *deep breath* I CAN be a Type-A. I CAN be a Type-A. It will be alright. Franz has decided that I will take Ina's position and Sula will be my assistant as I need her. We already have three ministry schools approaching in the next two weeks. This is what has us busiest right now- registration and manual translation. It feels good to have so much work, though. I finally have a sense of ownership. I'm not just floating around waiting for things to start any more- I am here and I am working.
Speaking of work, I am supposed to meet my co-teacher this week. I have some lesson plans that I need to finish writing for her. Any one have any great ideas for conversation-focused lesson plans for 12-14 year olds?
I hope you are all doing well. Some of you have been heavy on my heart recently (especially those of you with leaky roofs). For you especially, know that I have not been able to rest in intercession for you since July. You stand on good ground.
My kids who started college this month- I'm proud of you guys! I hope you are enjoying these changes!

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.