Has it really been 4 months?

I can hardly believe we nearly have 4 months of Austrian life under our belts. Wasn't it just the other day we were standing in the MRCC auditorium crying as prayers were lifted on our behalf? It seems like such a short time, but I feel things have changed in so many ways. For starters, we are (very slowly) able to speak at least some German. We have had 2 months of intensive courses and will start our 3rd class in November. By no means are we fluent or really even very capable, but the world around us is making a little bit of sense now. Our daily life is different now, too. For 6 years, Jake had gotten up and went to work each day for Sprint (or some variation of it). This left Abby and I to ourselves most days. Now, however, Jake and Abby leave for school in the morning and I don't see either of them until I get home at 4 or so. I must say I have missed that little turkey (Abby is the turkey here) during the day. It is amazing how accustomed you get to a little voice and the big noises that also accompany it. I am so happy that next month Jake and I will both have a morning class time, so I can spend more time with them both. When I really stop and think about how many things have changed since we arrived here it makes my head spin a bit. One thing hasn't changed, however, that is the God we serve. His love is still perfect, His faith everlasting, His patience never ceasing . For this last one, I am especially thankful. I ask you to continue to remember us in your prayers. Please pray we will be willing to accept the changes God has planned for us. Love to all.

One more, especially for Corban

She is reciting, "The 5 Little Pumpkins" poem. It is a little hard to understand her because she is eating 5 little pumpkins at the same time. Anne sent us another great care package that had candy corn and the little pumpkins in it. We love it whenever the Post rings our doorbell. Thanks to Anne and Candice we are getting to know each other pretty well.

Visitors from afar....

Last week we were blessed to have a short visit with Jack and Wynona Skaggs and Charlie and Joy Cleek. The foursome were in Vienna as part of their European tour. On Sunday, they joined us at Inzersdorf for worship and then we all went out to lunch together. It is always fun to see how people react to our team get togethers. Let me tell you when 8 adults and 5 kids go out to eat it is a sight to behold. A good time was had by all though. Below are a few pics of the afternoon.

Ira and Zaden. Isn't Zaden getting big? Can you see Abby peeking over Ira's shoulder?



Alisha and Joy looking over a map.



Jack and Brian in deep discussion, I'm sure.



Alisha, Joy and Me. Someone took one with all the girls, but it wasn't with my camera.

More Pics of Abby

Loving on Daisy



More love for Daisy. Don't you love the hair?



This is how we usually find Daisy in the morning. It is a good thing she is so cute.

Say What?

Ok, something completely amazing happened today at church!!! I was actually able to understand and follow the sermon. Can you believe it? Did I mention it was ALL in German? I'm not saying I got every word, but I got the scripture refernces (which I looked up in my English NIV) and understood enough words being spoken to gain something from what was being said. I don't think I can truly communicate how excited I am about this, but I am EXCITED. Sundays continue to be the most challenging days for me, but today was good.

Mostly for the grandparents

Here are a few pics of Abby taken in the last few days. These are mostly for the grandparents, who I'm not sure will ever forgive us for taking her away :)

We were supposed to be hurrying to the bus...


Enjoying some icecream





Cheesin' for the camera

The Many Faces of Abby

For all those who have been waiting on the edge of your seats...my birthday present from Jake was a way cool, way cute little Nikon Coolpix camera. I have been wanting a little camera I could carry around in my bag and be able to always take pictures of neat Vienna things and cute little Abby. Jake has a really nice, big Nikon that I'm very intimidated by, not to mention terrified I'll drop. So, on Monday the very nice Wiener Post guy delivered a birthday wish to me. Here are a few pics of Abby. As you can see, she is not nearly as thrilled with my gift as I am. The Post also brought a nice card from my mom and a small packet from Joanne and Stafford North. Thanks to all you wished me a Happy Birthday.



It does video, too!!!