A few pics for the grandparents!!!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
We got a car
The heat is finally subsiding here. We are so thankful!! I'm pretty sure I would have melted if it lasted any longer. Today was a gorgeous day, although a little windy. We met again with the Inzersdorf congretaion as they were having a farewell meal for a worker Jake and I met in November. It was nice to be part of a pot luck again. I even managed to make a contribution-green salad with ranch dressing. The food was great and it was fun just talking to fellow brothers and sisters. We spent the rest of the afternoon resting and playing. For dinner we even gave grilling another try. We mananged everything on our own this time.
So besides the heat this week, the other major headline for the Haskews this week is we bought a car. Well, a Jeep Cherokee actually. I know, I know it makes no sense. In the States we were driving an fuel efficient German made car, now in Europe we are driving an American made gas eater. Well, of course, there is a great story behind it. So here it is. On Thursday, I was nagging Jake to call a fellow Christian here in Vienna, Scott, and ask him some general questions about buying a car-what documents were needed, insurance, etc. While checking my email, I noticed Scott was online so I passed the computer to Jake and mention ever so lovingly how now would be a good time to ask questions. So Jake starts asking the questions and Scott replies that he actually has a car for sale, a 1995 Jeep Cherokee. A diplomat had donated to be used at the camp owned my the church here, but Scott thought is was too nice to be used for the camp and asked if he could sell it and just use the money for the camp. It was agreed that this was a good fit for everyone. So enter us. We went and looked at it and really like it. The previous owner had taken excellent care of it and it is an automatic, a huge plus for me. Oh, yes it has air conditioning, another major plus given the high tmeps this week. So Jake met with the insurance man and got the tags on Friday. We will still use public transportation as much as possible, but will have the option of the Jeep for long commutes and uncomfortable weather. We are so thankful to God for blessing us with this vehilcle. It is amazing to see how his blessings unfold for us.
So besides the heat this week, the other major headline for the Haskews this week is we bought a car. Well, a Jeep Cherokee actually. I know, I know it makes no sense. In the States we were driving an fuel efficient German made car, now in Europe we are driving an American made gas eater. Well, of course, there is a great story behind it. So here it is. On Thursday, I was nagging Jake to call a fellow Christian here in Vienna, Scott, and ask him some general questions about buying a car-what documents were needed, insurance, etc. While checking my email, I noticed Scott was online so I passed the computer to Jake and mention ever so lovingly how now would be a good time to ask questions. So Jake starts asking the questions and Scott replies that he actually has a car for sale, a 1995 Jeep Cherokee. A diplomat had donated to be used at the camp owned my the church here, but Scott thought is was too nice to be used for the camp and asked if he could sell it and just use the money for the camp. It was agreed that this was a good fit for everyone. So enter us. We went and looked at it and really like it. The previous owner had taken excellent care of it and it is an automatic, a huge plus for me. Oh, yes it has air conditioning, another major plus given the high tmeps this week. So Jake met with the insurance man and got the tags on Friday. We will still use public transportation as much as possible, but will have the option of the Jeep for long commutes and uncomfortable weather. We are so thankful to God for blessing us with this vehilcle. It is amazing to see how his blessings unfold for us.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Heat is on
Well, to describe Vienna in word would be HOT!!! It is uncommonly warm here this week, upper 90's to 100. Did I mention we have no AC at our apartment? We don't. So, to keep cool we have been going to the Danube to swim almost everyday. Abby and Daisy really enjoy it. Jake and I do, too. It seems like most of Vienna is making their way to the water right now. It is always, umm interesting, to see what we will see at the beach. There are no shortages of entertainment, for sure. I am happy to report we have seen just a little "skin" from the nationals.
Yesterday, for a change of pace we went to look at furniture. It was a gamble if they would have AC or not, and thankfully they did. It was so nice. Even Jake endured an entire day of shopping. We were also able to eat lunch and there was a play area for Abby. All in the AC!!! We even managed to pick out a couch and coffee table. It will be delivered to our new place next week, hopefully. We forgot to take a picture of the couch, but will post one when we have it in the apartment.
So today we are off to do some more paperwork kind of stuff and try to stay cool. Love to all.
Yesterday, for a change of pace we went to look at furniture. It was a gamble if they would have AC or not, and thankfully they did. It was so nice. Even Jake endured an entire day of shopping. We were also able to eat lunch and there was a play area for Abby. All in the AC!!! We even managed to pick out a couch and coffee table. It will be delivered to our new place next week, hopefully. We forgot to take a picture of the couch, but will post one when we have it in the apartment.
So today we are off to do some more paperwork kind of stuff and try to stay cool. Love to all.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Home Sweet Home
Well, praise the Lord, we found a place to live!!! After a rigorous search the Haskews will soon have a new place to call home. Tonight, we went and looked at an apartment we had seen previously and decided it was just right for us. I am so thrilled!!! It is a nice size with two small terraces and a courtyard where Abby and Daisy can play. It is a little bit outside of town, but it feels great to me. We even drove by a hay field on our way. Yes, I said drove. We rented a car this weekend for the express purpose of driving around the area to check it out. Anyway, the apartment is in a small building with 7 other apartments, I think. We will be located on a quiet street very near a nature area with walking/biking trails. Thanks to all who prayed for us to find just the right place.
We have been pretty busy lately, looking at houses and what not. I did finally manage to get Jake down to get us set up with cell phones. He did a great job of picking them out and getting them all set up. We managed a lot better once we figured out we could change the language on the phones. Viola, English makes in so much easier at this point. We got mine all set up first and then Jake started in on his. In doing so he manged to press buttons in the right sequence to call someone. When the voice picked up, Jake's first question was the standard, "Koennen Sie English?" To which the voice replied yes, a little. Jake was trying to explain he called on accident, when the voice announced he had called the police. Jake apologized, but I think he got cut off by the hang up. So life continues for the Americans trying to get it all figured out.
For the next round of prayer requests, please be praying that we can get settled into our new home and that we use it to glorify God and His Kingdom. Please pray specifically for the neighbors we will have in our building that we can be servants and lights to them. Also, pray that our things that we sent from the US will arrive and get through to us with no problems. As always, love to all.
We have been pretty busy lately, looking at houses and what not. I did finally manage to get Jake down to get us set up with cell phones. He did a great job of picking them out and getting them all set up. We managed a lot better once we figured out we could change the language on the phones. Viola, English makes in so much easier at this point. We got mine all set up first and then Jake started in on his. In doing so he manged to press buttons in the right sequence to call someone. When the voice picked up, Jake's first question was the standard, "Koennen Sie English?" To which the voice replied yes, a little. Jake was trying to explain he called on accident, when the voice announced he had called the police. Jake apologized, but I think he got cut off by the hang up. So life continues for the Americans trying to get it all figured out.
For the next round of prayer requests, please be praying that we can get settled into our new home and that we use it to glorify God and His Kingdom. Please pray specifically for the neighbors we will have in our building that we can be servants and lights to them. Also, pray that our things that we sent from the US will arrive and get through to us with no problems. As always, love to all.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Abby's observations about Vienna
Ok, I think it safe to say that Abby is picking up on a few cultural differences. The other day, a rather warm day, we got onto the U-bahn (subway) and it was of course full of people. Abby is sitting in her stroller and looks up at me with a wrinkled up nose and says, "Mommy, it tinks in here." I just about lost it. I said, "You're right, honey. We'll be out in a few minutes." The other observation that she has become keenly attuned to is ice cream. She can spot it mile a way and insists on coconut. This is a new fascination with her and I'm not sure were it came from. If the store doesn't have coconut, then she doesn't want anything.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Well, we have been in Vienna now for a week. It has gone by pretty fast, but it seems we haven't accomplished all that much. We are still looking for a place to live and have yet to acquire phones. Hopefully, today we will make strides in both areas.
Here are a few highlights from the first week. First, we had our first BBQ, Viennese style. This was also our first opportunity to entertain guests, Brian and Alisha. Apparently, getting a charcoal grill started differs slightly in the US and Austria. Namely, the equipment required is very important. For example, in the US to have a BBQ you need charcoal, liquid lighter, a match and some skill at getting in going. My Eagle Scout husband is more than capable of handling this. Now, add in the new culture element. In Vienna, to have a BBQ you need charcoal, small while flammable blocks and match and a hair dryer. Yes, a hair dryer!!! We brought the charcoal back to the apartment and put it in the grill and tried to light the bricks by themselves, thinking they might be "presoaked" since we didn't see liquid lighter at the store. No luck. After scratching our heads for a bit we decided to ask the landlady for help. She came over and told me something in German, the only thing I caught was "bathroom". The only in the bathroom that was liquid was toilet cleaner. I was pretty sure this was not the right thing, but brought it out anyway. She took one look at it and me and said something else in German, which most likely was "you idiot". Finally, I surmised she meant hairdryer. Still puzzled I brought it out to her. She gave it to Jake and he started "drying" the coals. Once again, something in German, "idiot". Finally, she retrieved some small white blocks which she put on the coals and lit with a match and then used the hair dryer to speed the process. AHHH!!! Now, we understood. She bid us good evening and went back to her place. You learn something new everyday!!!! We have video and will try to upload soon. (I need Jake's help for that part.)
Another highlight from the first week was I took Abby to the grocery store by myself. I know this sounds like no big deal, but was a victory for me. This was fairly uneventful, we maganged to get what I wanted and get out without any major breakdowns from either of us. Finally, Jake led singing for the first time in German. On Sunday, we worshipped with the Mondscheingasse congregation. The entire day was in German, but it is good for us to hear proper German spoken. I spend most of the two hours trying to keep Abby entertained and quiet. She did really well. At the close of service the preacher, Hans Dieterscheck, asked if Jake could help lead a song. Jake was thrilled to do so. He lead "Rock of Ages" auf Duetsch. It went well. Afterwards, we visited with some of the members.
Please be praying this week that we can find a place to live SOON. The two rooms of our temporary housing are feeling really small. Also, please be praying that the team can be a blessing to the Christians in Vienna. Love to all.
Here are a few highlights from the first week. First, we had our first BBQ, Viennese style. This was also our first opportunity to entertain guests, Brian and Alisha. Apparently, getting a charcoal grill started differs slightly in the US and Austria. Namely, the equipment required is very important. For example, in the US to have a BBQ you need charcoal, liquid lighter, a match and some skill at getting in going. My Eagle Scout husband is more than capable of handling this. Now, add in the new culture element. In Vienna, to have a BBQ you need charcoal, small while flammable blocks and match and a hair dryer. Yes, a hair dryer!!! We brought the charcoal back to the apartment and put it in the grill and tried to light the bricks by themselves, thinking they might be "presoaked" since we didn't see liquid lighter at the store. No luck. After scratching our heads for a bit we decided to ask the landlady for help. She came over and told me something in German, the only thing I caught was "bathroom". The only in the bathroom that was liquid was toilet cleaner. I was pretty sure this was not the right thing, but brought it out anyway. She took one look at it and me and said something else in German, which most likely was "you idiot". Finally, I surmised she meant hairdryer. Still puzzled I brought it out to her. She gave it to Jake and he started "drying" the coals. Once again, something in German, "idiot". Finally, she retrieved some small white blocks which she put on the coals and lit with a match and then used the hair dryer to speed the process. AHHH!!! Now, we understood. She bid us good evening and went back to her place. You learn something new everyday!!!! We have video and will try to upload soon. (I need Jake's help for that part.)
Another highlight from the first week was I took Abby to the grocery store by myself. I know this sounds like no big deal, but was a victory for me. This was fairly uneventful, we maganged to get what I wanted and get out without any major breakdowns from either of us. Finally, Jake led singing for the first time in German. On Sunday, we worshipped with the Mondscheingasse congregation. The entire day was in German, but it is good for us to hear proper German spoken. I spend most of the two hours trying to keep Abby entertained and quiet. She did really well. At the close of service the preacher, Hans Dieterscheck, asked if Jake could help lead a song. Jake was thrilled to do so. He lead "Rock of Ages" auf Duetsch. It went well. Afterwards, we visited with some of the members.
Please be praying this week that we can find a place to live SOON. The two rooms of our temporary housing are feeling really small. Also, please be praying that the team can be a blessing to the Christians in Vienna. Love to all.
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