I don’t usually come all the way to Wien to go to Starbucks, but they have internet, which is why I am here right now. I safely arrived to Wien on Saturday evening (Jan. 2) and hit the ground running. On Sunday I attended the Kagran church which recently moved into a new building. There are a few members of the Greater Europe Mission team that attend this church, so it was good to see them again. Then Jim Hatcher (my field director) and I walked to the U-bahn and I purchased a transportation ticket which will last me for the month of January. I can ride the underground, streetcars and buses inside the city of Wien. I joined the Hatcher family for lunch and helped them take down their Christmas decorations. (My mom and dad will be happy to hear about that, since I left them with that responsibility in Indiana.)
Monday was a long day which included leaving the flat at 5:30 a.m. and standing in the cold for two hours to apply for my Austrian visa. Everything went smoothly, but please pray that my application will be processed quickly and that I will be granted the visa. Then that afternoon I started language school from 2pm until 5pm. By 4pm my brain hurt and was glad to go to bed last night. I had a little trouble sleeping, but I think it was because my brain wouldn’t turn off, but continued to process German. I wish I had an on/off switch.
My living situation is in a flat with a very kind and generous woman named Waltraude. She is retired and has an extra room for me to use. I really like living there and am thankful for this blessing.
I’m still trying to figure out my mobile phone situation as well as a home internet connection. Tomorrow is a holiday (Three Kings Day) so I won’t be able to work on this until Thursday. Once I have this figured out then I should be able to upload some photos and maybe video for you. Being here and finding my way around the city seems quite normal and not as surreal as I thought it would be. I haven’t been lost yet, but I’m sure that’s coming at some point during my stay.
Continue to pray for the last bit of monthly support to come in so I’m able to attend February training, and nail down a departure date in the spring. Thank you so much for your prayers! You are such a blessing to me.
Krishana – Checking in on you! I have been praying for you and was glad to read your update! Sounds like you are getting around just fine. Praying for your support, brain, and your witness for Christ! Love You!
Krishana, I just discovered your blog via Facebook and I love it so much! Can't wait to read and get caught up on you and the amazing adventure you're on 🙂 I'm so glad you're sharing your journey on here. I will gladly pray for you!