A Place to Call Home

We officially have a place to call home!

Two weeks ago, we flew to Vienna to pick up our visas. And just to use our time well, we decided to visit some apartments while we were there. I tend to be ambitious, so I set up 8 apartment showings in 2 days (crazy!). We went in with low expectations, because many friends advised us that it takes awhile to find the right place.

Meeting with the "Makler" (real estate agent) in our new living room.

So when we walked into the apartment on Breitenfelder Gasse in the 8th district, we were surprised by how much we liked it! It fit within our budget, was a reasonable size, and had all of the important features we were hoping for. For instance, hospitality and cooking are an important part of our life, so we were hoping for a good-sized kitchen. This one is not huge, but it has enough space for us to add extra storage and workspace. We also liked the layout, with an open living room/dining room and a separate hallway for the bedrooms. We knew we'd be working from home, so we needed an office and were hoping for a guest room. We also really like the neighborhood, with easy access to public transportation and a short ride to the 1st district (where language school is). There is a street nearby with good access to supermarkets and other basic shopping needs. Check, check, check! Everything on the list!

Last week, we put in an official offer and less than 24 hours later, it was accepted! We processed the real estate fees, set-up a date to pick up the keys, and it's done! Phew! We are so blown away by how this all continues to come together. I suppose God wants us there, right? 

The kitchen. We will install more counters and storage on the opposite two walls.

I've been dreaming for so long about the feeling we will have once we're settled in Austria. And as it gets closer, my excitement grows. We've spent the last week picking out furniture online (IKEA!) and laying it out in a 3D model of the apartment using Google Sketchup. It is so fun to dream about our home and know it will be coming to fruition soon.

We get the keys on March 15 and then spend 3 - 4 weeks painting walls, installing light fixtures and buying/assembling furniture. Then our container will arrive from the States early- to mid-April and we'll be ready to unpack it all and move-in!

A "loggia" (covered balcony) where we'll grow spices, dry clothes and eat meals outside.

Thank you for your diligent prayers that have brought us to this exciting point. We feel them and God has made the path clear for us. This apartment is another thing on the long list of answered prayers. But it is not the end - it marks the beginning of a lifetime of ministry in Austria where God will continue to answer prayers and show himself to be faithful!

Answered Prayers

Last week, we received an amazing email. A dedicated prayer warrior on our prayer team sent us a message that really blew us away, reminding us of all of the prayers that God has answered for us over these last 6 months. Reading over the list and being reminded of God's faithfulness was so encouraging! She pointed out that God has answered so many of our prayer requests and in such a timely fashion. Wow - what a blessing to be reminded of this and encouraged by it.

Some of the things on the list were...

• Finding a buyer for our car in the States & getting everything ready to leave
• Finding an apartment in Vienna in the fall
• Adjustments to our new life & team in Vienna
• Finding Nate's language partner
• Passing our A1 language exam
• Leading us to a "home" church
• Leading us to our England internship
• Getting an R&R place right near the visa office and having a GREAT place in line
• The details for our stay in Litchfield
• A GREAT language instructor in England
• And now...the obvious favor from the Austrian gov't in the visa applications---even the "surprise of receiving them early"

And I'm sure there are many more that we are not remembering. Praise God! I write out this list not to boast, like we have some "special favor" with God. We don't. We give God all of the glory, and we feel very humbled and blessed that He has answered so many prayers. This is not our doing.

In the future, when ministry is challenging and we are especially prone to discouragement, I want to go back to this list. I want to remember that God has very clearly opened the door for us to be in Austria. When the enemy wants us to back out and run away, we will cling to God's provision and confirmation. This is where He wants us!

What memories of God's faithfulness and provision do you turn to when times are hard?

Photo credit: jdurham from morguefile.com 

We Passed!

At the end of November, we took a "ground level" German exam. Although we were told the test would not be too difficult, we were still nervous! If we didn't pass the test, we could not stay in Austria! A passing score was required for our visa application.

And yesterday, we received the official word...we passed with flying colors!

We both got high marks on our tests and received formal paper certificates AND plastic cards to go in our wallets! (Not sure what to use these for yet...).

Praise God for a huge answer to prayer!

30 Days of a Wonderful God

Here we are with our 30 Days of Prayer behind us. It was really wonderful to hear how everyone joined in and connected with God through this period of time. I can’t believe how quickly it went. God provided so much for us! We are happy to be fully funded and looking forward to what God will do when we arrive in Austria.

These last 30 Days truly were a vision of how God works in the world. It wasn’t flashy, we didn’t see any spectacular sky writing, and we didn't have a magically enthralling experience. There was no booming voice from heaven. But we saw Him active in so many small ways. We saw him move in the hearts of others to lead them towards himself. We saw the people of God coming together in prayer and seeking Him in community. And sometimes those small leadings included us and our needs.

All this was ultimately done for God’s glory and not our own. I was reminded that God is not focused on my happiness, but He does know how to give good gifts to His children. His heart is good, and He provides for our needs. I was consistently reminded that I need to learn to say no to things that aren’t inherently bad but can become idols that draw on my time with God. And I was reminded that prayer is a constant posture of life, not an action I start and stop.

So now it’s your turn. For those of you that participated in the 30 Days of Prayer, what did God teach you? What did you learn?

Thanks to everyone that participated.

Cleared for Departure!

Photo credit: hotblack from morguefile.com

It is official... we have been approved to depart for Austria! This last week has really been a whirlwind, as we witnessed God answering prayer and bringing in support from many unexpected places. Yesterday, we reached 100% in verbal commitments of support and the last few supporters are slowly becoming "official" with WorldVenture. And within hours of reaching our goal, we were given clearance to purchase tickets!

Today has been a flurry of calling travel agencies, talking to the shipping company, and jumping up and down with giddiness. We're very excited to be at this stage. We're also a little freaked out, but I assume that is normal.

Thank you! So many of you have walked with us along this journey, praying for us, committing financial support, encouraging us, helping to meet our needs, and so many other things. You are all an amazing support, and we couldn't be where we are right now without you. THANK YOU!

We praise God for providing for us in such abundant ways and for bringing us from 0% support in February of 2011 to 100% in August of 2012. It is all God's doing...we are just along for the ride.

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26