Adventures in Austria

My Church

2011-11-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a short clip of worship at my church a couple weeks ago.

Here we are dancing up to give our offering. :-)

SEW

2011-10-31T04:54:00.000-07:00

Every year we have a week set aside for Spiritual Emphasis Week. Usually, we bring in a speaker from the States; however, this year a bunch of the teachers gave their testimonies. The theme was “byHisDesign”. A couple of teachers shared how God spared them from death, others shared about great loss in their life, while another shared about being excommunicated from his family after not following the ways of his denomination. I was very nervous to tell my testimony and I was sick with mono at the time, but God gave me the strength to share about God’s faithfulness in my life.

Throughout the week, we had many opportunities to pray with our students. Several students gave their lives to the Lord and others recommitted their lives to Christ. Praise the Lord!

On Friday, I was able to have a conversation with one of my French students about the gospel. My testimony opened the door to talking about the hurts she has in her life. I was able to share the gospel with her but she has not chosen to accept Him yet. Please join me in praying that she would come to know the Lord and accept Him as her Savior.

Being Sick in Austria

2011-10-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

Being sick in a foreign country is defiantly an experience. The health care here is much different from that in the States. I’ve tried about every home remedy the doctor could come up with. After several doctors visits and trips to the diagnostic center, I was diagnosed with Mono.

I’ve been sick since the second day of school and haven’t worked a full week all semester. It was rough but I’m on the road to recovery and getting stronger every week.

It’s amazing how God has provided for me during this time. There is a school psychologist here from the states that has been helping me to not fall behind on my paperwork and my two teacher aides are picking up the slack. I’ve been so blessed to be able to stay at home and rest when I need to.

I’ve learned to not overwork myself and allow others to help me (a lesson that needed to be learned). I’m so thankful for all those who stepped in to help.

Summer School

2011-09-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

I love teaching summer school. This year the theme was "Sharks". We read about sharks while working on comprehension and we went to an aquarium at the end of summer school. Here we are using manipulatives to work on number sense. Mona was here this year to help me out!

We played waterballon volleyball.

We did as much as we could outside!

We focused on reading comprehension, reading fluency, writing strategies, and math.

Mona taught the kids the "Baby Shark" song.

We went to the Haus der Meers aquarium to see some sharks.

Overlooking Vienna.

Playing with Legos.

Swimming in the Danube River.

Day 4

2011-06-13T13:26:00.001-07:00

I had a day off of treatment to go to church and eat lunch with some friends in Cedar Rapids. I've been eating some really good food.

THAT would be a club sandwich with CHEESE, french fries fried in the same oil they fried something cheesy in, and coleslaw which might have had milk in it. My brother's girlfriend, Whitney's parents took us out to eat and her mom was wondering why I was taking pictures of my food. I also ate one of Whitney's pizza... covered in CHEESE! Oh my goodness, it was greasy, salty, and delicious. MAN I've been missing out!

For desert, my brother got me a Drumstick. I can't even remember the last time I had ice cream...or chocolate! I haven't broken out from anything yet. It's totally AMAZING! Praise the Lord!

Today, I went back for my 7th and 8th treatments. I was treated for laundry soup, fabric softener, fabric chemicals (that are in your clothes when you buy them), vinyl, car exhaust (I know right?), acrylic, sunscreen, pool chemicals, soap, and deodorant. If it works, I will save lots of money not having to order my soap, sunscreen, and other things from a pharmacy up in Minnesota.

In between treatments, I went to Panara and ordered a vanilla latte...everything in me wanted to say..."with soy milk". I was actually scared to drink one with real milk...but I did and it was GREAT. Now, I'm gonna have to start watching how much sugar I eat... :-)

Day 3

2011-06-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

This morning, I went back for another treatment for milk, however, she told me I didn't need it. So, I got treated for chocolate!!! She tested me and said, "Oh, wow, you're actually allergic to the coca bean." I know! :-)

Deb said I should try putting some milk in my hands...see how I react...try putting some on my lips...see what happens. So after my treatment, my brother and I went out for coffee. I spred some skim milk on my lips like lip gloss and just waited. I got a little itchy but thought, "I think it's just in my head." So, my brother and I got a pretzel.

Yep, the lady covered it in butter and salted it. Then we dipped it in cheese.

Now I guess we just wait, and see what happens.

Spending Time with my Brother

2011-06-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

The best part about this treatment is that I get to spend time with my brother in between. First we went shopping. It's a good thing I don't live here...those two stores right next to each other could be dangerous for me!

After treatment, we went out for coffee.

I made him play cards....

...princess cards.

Day 2

2011-06-10T09:18:00.001-07:00

Here's a picture of Deb doing the treatment.

This morning, I was treated for iron, minerals, and calcium. All these things need to be treated before I can be treated for milk. They are considered "preliminary allergens" that need to be cleared first in order for the treatment to be successful. Everything is treated in a specific order.

In the afternoon, on my way to the clinic I drove past that truck:

that's right...a dairy truck. :-)

This afternoon was my first dairy treatment. I imagine I'll need a couple since I'm very allergic to milk.

Day 1

2011-06-09T05:39:00.000-07:00

Today, I started my allergy treatment. This is the only picture I took. Tomorrow, I'll ask to take more pictures. I didn't want to freak her out on my first day. This is what the outside of the office looks like.

I was given an allergy assessment. I put on something like a blood pressure cuff that was hooked up to the computer. She would click around and I would hear a beeping noise. I then had to hold her hand down with my arm. If I couldn't apply enough pressure to keep her hand down then she would write that down and treat me for sensitivities to that item. The test showed that I had sensitivities to food phenolics, calcium, milk/dairy, iron, sugar, and chocolate.

Today, she treated me for food phenolics in the morning and for sugar in the afternoon. After the food phenolics treatment I felt woozy and started to get a headache, but nothing too bad. In the afternoon, after my sugar treatment, my stomach felt a little funny but nothing bad at all.

Day 0

2011-06-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

Today I drove from Appleton, WI to Des Moines, IA. I had the windows down, the music cranked loud, and I was loving every minute. It's a beautiful drive especially in WI right before you cross the boarder into IA.

This sign means, "I'm home."

Iowa is so beautiful!

All Good Gifts are from Above

2011-06-06T04:32:00.001-07:00

Many months ago my friend Lisa told me about her friends David and Ellen. Ellen had food allergies to gluten, dairy, vinegar, tomatoes, fruits, and sugar. David had allergies to dairy and gluten. They told Lisa about a treatment called Advanced Allergy Treatment. They both did it and are now allergy free. When Lisa told me this, I started saving!

Exodus 23:25
You shall worship the Lord your God, and I will bless your bread and your water; and I will take sickness away from among you.

I emailed a clinic in Des Moines and told her how much I had saved up and she set me up a package that consisted of a week of treatments with two treatments a day. I planned a short trip home with a week long stay with my brother. However, the next month became very difficult financially. My taxes in Austria were twice as much as I expected and all the money I had saved was gone.

On a Thursday night, I went to a softball game to watch two of my friends play ball. We all walked home together and one of my friends asked me about the treatment. I told her the treatment was off because all my money went towards my taxes. She asked how much it would take to be cured of my food allergies and I told her about the package. That night, I called my mom and told her the treatment was off.

Friday morning, we had a great staff devotion in the morning with Thomas and afterward a friend came to my classroom to ask for some prayer and we somehow started talking about the treatment. My friend had NO idea that I had just told several people the day before that the treatment was off. She said, "I've been meaning to tell you, that I'd like to help pay for your treatment and I know of at least one other person that would like to help, too." My eyes welled up with tears. We were both crying when my students started to come into the classroom. We both laughed through our tears and said, "These are happy tears kids, don't worry!"

Later that day, I saw the friend I walked home with the night before and told her, "Remember last night when I told you my treatment was off? Well, this morning a friend told me she'd like to help pay for it!" She turned to me and said, "I've been meaning to tell you that God's be telling me since January to be putting away money for your treatment." WHAT? Since January??? See, I had it all covered in January, but God knew then that I would need to rely on Him for the money. I then went and talked to the 3rd friend that said she wanted to help and just broke down in tears at the gratitude of all these people. All the money was coming from fellow missionaries....I was flabbergasted and my friend said, "Well, we serve a flabbergasting God, don't we?" Indeed we do, indeed we do!!!

Psalm 103:2-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits--who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

I called my mom that night and told her the news. I was just a little worried about how I would pay the expenses on my car (getting new license plates, new drivers license, insurance, and GAS) to get from Appleton, WI to Des Moines, IA. Not sure why I worried about it when it was CLEAR that God had it all under control.

The money from my 3 friends paid the entire treatment package plus much more money that will cover ALL my car expenses, plus gas and food on my week trip to Des Moines. I'm completely blown away.

Life with Food Allergies

2011-06-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

About 6 years ago, when I was a lifeguard at camp, I started having a lot of trouble with my skin. I was always itchy and at this point it was just an annoyance. But in the next year, as I started my first year of teaching, it got so bad, I couldn't sleep. It felt like my skin was on fire and started to develop many sores. I finally went to the Dr and asked to see a dermatologist. He told me it wasn't a dermatologist I needed...but an allergist. This started my journey with food allergies.

I was given prick tests and patch tests to find a list of things I was allergic to. Milk and chocolate topped the list in regards to food and I also learned I was allergic to soap and many other things that my skin was exposed to (sunscreen, bug spray, etc.). I then learned to read labels of everything I put in my mouth and put on my skin. Milk is hidden in many things and is even called many things on labels (ghee, lactose (or most things that start with lacta...), casen, whey, carmel color, and "natural flavors" (who know what that is but 90% of natural flavors comes form milk). I read labels but sometimes, I had to learn the hard way that milk was in things like green olives (which were one of my favorite things) and ham...can you believe they put milk in HAM?

As time went by, my allergy became worse and worse. I am now so allergic that if you touch milk and then touch my food or if my food touches the same counter that had milk on it, I'll have an allergic reaction.

Many everyday things became more difficult. Eating out with my family became hard. I started having to call ahead or check the internet to see if they served food for people with food allergies. I always alerted the server of my food allergy and ordered off special menues. We started narrowing down the places I could eat by the breakouts I would get after I ate there. Eating out is one of my least favorite things to do.

Going to friends houses for dinner also became difficult. Many tried their best to accomodate me. My friends, Dawna and Reesa accepted the challenge and were always trying new things we could eat together. Good thing too, cause, little did we know Reesa would come to be my roommate one day and be forced to eat along the same lines as I do! :-)

Church potlucks...out of the question.

Communion? Only when I had a chance to read the label. Wait, you say. Communion? That's only one bite! That's all it takes!

Decorating cakes has been a hobby for Reesa and I ever since we took a class with Bonnie Smith in Omaha. Here's a picture of our last creation for the daughter of one of the families that works at the school:

Although, lately, even being around the cake will give me a reaction that could last days.

Living overseas was hard at first, I had to learn all the German words for all the things I'm allergic to but through trial and error, I'm pretty good at knowing what brands I can and can not eat.

Traveling is the worst. I order the "vegan meal" when I fly, but eating food on the plane is a very large risk. For some reason, airlines are not required to post the ingredients of their meals. So, I have to just trust, that what they bring me is truly milk free.

Going on trips is also hard. For example, this year the staff went on a retreat up in the mountains. The place we stayed fed us. I brought oatmeal and some granola in case there was nothing I could eat. Well, it turned out there was really nothing that I could eat that they were serving but the cook did bring me clear broth for each meal. There were no grocery stores around. I was so hungry by the end of the trip!

When I go on trips with friends, I always plan the meals for the trips. We usually bring our own food. We eat a simple breakfast, pack our lunches, and I cook for dinner. That part I love!

Lately, even with all I do to avoid the things I'm allergic to, I've been quite miserable with allergic reactions. I've been very itchy and my eye lids are swollen when I wake up.

So, why am I writing this post? Because I'm asking you to join me in prayer for healing. June 9-15 I'll be undergoing some allergy treatments in Des Moines, IA. Please pray that, if it's God's will, that He would heal me!

Look what I saw on the way to work today:

2011-05-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Over the canal I saw beautiful sail boats.On Praterstrasse, there were hundreds of Harley Davison Motorcycles. Usually Europeans are riding scooters that sounds like, "NeeeNEEEEE Neeee Neeeeeneeneeee..."
You should have heard the beautiful noise hundreds of Harleys can make!
How do you shout, "Take me with you!" in German?

The Blessings Continue

2011-02-08T05:12:00.000-08:00

Today, I had lunch with a dear friend of mine and she told me she wanted to be a monthly supporter! That means that I have 5 new monthly supporters!!! In addition to that, another supporter contacted me and told me they were increasing my support. I think that's 3 donors now that are increasing their monthly support!!! I am now pledged at 90%! Isn't God good?

Community Bible Church in Omaha

2011-02-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Today, I gave a ministry update at CBC in Omaha, my home church. I'm always very nervous before I get up to speak but today I just prayed that I would not be nervous and that He would use what I said be honored and glorified. Right before I went up my friend Dawna reached over, hugged me, and said a quick prayer for me. As I got up in the first service and started to speak, I noticed that the slide show wasn't working. I wasn't sure how I was going to give my presentation because the slides were going to help me remember what to say when. But overall, it went pretty well.

About a month ago, the director at the school told me to make a "wish list" including all my wants and needs for the special needs program. It's been amazing because God has been providing me those needs through people outside the school that don't even know about my wish list. After second service, a woman came to me and asked if there was anything I need for my classroom, like books to read. I told her that I was needing some books for my 7th graders that were reading at a 4th/5th grade level. She said, "Well, I used to be a 7th grade teacher and I have books at reading levels." She didn't say 7th grade until after I said I needed 7th grade!!! I knew it was from the Lord and that he was providing me with another thing off my list. God is so good.

There were commitment cards in the bulletin that people could place in the offering plate or hand to me. Through out the morning, a couple people handed me the cards and expressed an interest in joining my support team. One lady came up to me and said, "This is the first week I've ever been at the church but I'd like to start supporting you monthly." I left there with 6 new commitment cards and several others said they needed to go home, talk about it with their spouse, and pray about it. I even had some current supporters say they would like to up their monthly support! Can you believe it???

I've been praying for 10 new donors in the month of February. Today, I received 3 new monthly donors and several expressed they wanted to increase their monthly support. Praise God with me as I am that much closer to my goal of 100%!!!

Praise God With Me

2011-02-01T02:33:00.001-08:00

I already have one new donor! Praise God with me and continue to pray for 9 more donors!

February is Raise Support Month!!!

2011-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Throughout the month of February, I will be raising support. I will be flying to Omaha to speak at my home church.

I currently have 76% of my monthly support pledged.
My goal is to get up to 100% in the month of February!
This is approximatively $500 a month I still need to raise.
That's just 10 new donors at $50 a month.

Will you join me in prayer as I travel home in hopes to raise my support???

As Hudson Taylor said, "The Lord's time for helping us must be close at hand."

I'm staying two more years!

2011-01-30T02:54:00.001-08:00

The past few months, I have been seeking wisdom about the Lord's will for my life. I will finish my two year term at the International Christian School of Vienna (was Vienna Christian School) in June.

While special needs programs are very common in the states, they do not exist in Europe the way we know them. There are no resource rooms or paraeducators. The schools here rely heavily on a shame based philosophy. They think that if they embarrass a child in front of his peers it will motivate him to try harder.

This year, we had a missionary family move here from the Netherlands so they could get special needs services for their son. Starting this week, we have a boy coming that is a non-reader and has some behavior problems. He hasn’t been getting the help he needs in the Austrian schools and is acting out. We are currently in the process of accepting another boy of a missionary family with developmental delays. He hasn’t made much academic growth in his current school. So, as you can see the need for a program here is growing!

As I work one-on-one with these students I have the unique opportunity to share Christ with them as they struggle in the same ways that I struggled! Many of my kids from Africa are unsaved.

My gifts and talents are being used here. The program is just getting started. As I've wrestled with this decision the past couple months, I have come to a peace about staying for two more years to serve the Lord in this ministry. I look forward to working with my students as we welcome more to the school. I look forward to developing the program further, educating the teachers here how to work with kids with special needs, and offering families the unique services they need.

European Boots

2010-12-31T01:57:00.000-08:00

Look at these boots. Aren't they wonderful? All warm and water proof.

One day last year I decided to wear them to work and then change into my nice shoes once I was at school. We take public transportation and have to walk a few blocks to get to school. So, I thought it would be nice to keep my feet warm.

Well, once I was on the U-Bahn (subway), I noticed people were staring at me. Now, usually this happens when I'm speaking English to someone I'm riding with but not today. They were staring at my boots. You see, in Europe, most women wear nice looking leather boots with a heal (maybe not the most practical but definitely the most fashionable). As I started to think about it, I've never seen a pair of boots like mine since I've moved to Austria. My bright blue plastic boots really stuck out!

However, I refused to let this bother me. I wanted to be warm. So, I continued to wear them. During the month of January, we take the elementary kids out ice skating. One day, when we were all getting bundled up I pulled these boots out of my locker and one little boy said, "Oh no, Miss Braun, please do not wear those!" Another said, "What are those, ski boots?" Another just pointed and laughed. But I proceeded to wear them, recess duty would not have been the same without them!

The style here is to wear your boots with leggings and a skirt, or over your skinny jeans. So, the first time I wore boots with my skirt one of my little boys said, "You know Miss Braun, you used to be a pretty bad dresser. But, now you're starting to do better." Oh good grief, I thought, everyone's a critic (even the first graders). :-)

So, when my uncle asked what I wanted for Christmas I asked for a pair of nice boots. I'm so blessed! No more stares on the U-Bahn and a much more fashionable wardrobe! Thanks Uncle Curt and Aunt Deb!!!!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T02:54:00.000-08:00

Reesa and I bought stockings this year! I don't want to take them down, they are so cute!

On Christmas Eve, Reesa and I had Green Monster smoothies and opened our presents to each other. I got a new place setting for the table, some expresso mugs, and a new purse.

In the evening, I went to a lovely dinner at the Hamms, a sweet family that works for the school. Jan Hamm helps out in my classroom! They have a lovely home and are great hosts. If I couldn't be with my family, they were the next best thing.
After dinner with the Hamms, a few teachers and I went to the midnight mass at the famous Stephansdom.

On Christmas day, my friend RheaAnne and I made cinnamon rolls and took them to a brunch with 3 other teachers that were here for the holidays.

Stocking Up

2010-12-24T02:43:00.000-08:00

Normally, in Europe, you buy groceries for one or maybe two days. The food here has less preservatives and our fridge is the size of a dorm fridge. So, storing food isn’t really an option. However, our grocery store is practically in the same building we live in which is very convenient. The stores here close at 7pm and are closed on Sundays and holidays.

With all the holidays coming up we weren’t sure when we would be able to grocery shop. So, we stocked up. There aren’t baggers here in Austria and you bring your own bags. I shop with this roller cart. However, we filled that cart up so we had to bring the grocery cart home with us.

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-22T23:52:00.000-08:00

Before we made cookies we read the Christmas story from the Bible. It's amazing that I get to share that Christ came to save us from our sins to a class of half believers and half non-believers!

My 5th grader and my 10th grader adding the butter.

My first math class: 2 sixth graders, a 5th grader and a 10th grader.

Getting our hands dirty.

My other math class. A 10th grader, an 8th grader, and two 7th graders.

First time rolling out cookies for all my students.

Finished product.

2010-12-04T01:27:00.000-08:00

This young lady is from Africa. She came to ICSV last year in the middle of the year. She could not read or write very well. We worked on forming her letters and learned the sounds of the letters. Now we are reading 1st grade books and writing stories!

2010-12-04T01:24:00.000-08:00

How sweet is that?

Ace of Cakes

2010-09-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Reesa and I were asked to make a "book worm" cake for another teacher's baby shower. Bottom Book
Glazing the Cakes

Frosting on the "pages"

Bottom Book

Top Book

Covering a cupcake in fondant to make the worm didn't work...

...so, we made the whole worm out of fondant.

Carrying the cake on the subway...no problem!

Ta-da!

My New Classroom

2010-09-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

I moved classrooms this year and now share a room with the ELL teacher, Leslie. It's fun sharing a room. It's just like the old days at Lewis Central. The book cases split our room in half. Me and 3 of my middle schoolers about to start up my Modified English class. I LOVE these kids!

Here's my quick attempt at a cute bulletin board. More effort will be given when time allows. The cute poka dot boarder was a gift from my lovely friend and roommate, Reesa!

Good Eats

2010-09-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my friend Rhea and I went to the Naschmarkt to grab fruits and veggies for the week. This is one of the health food stores where I get many of my milk free items.While shopping, we got hungry and needed a snack. We stopped for some falafel and hummus. I took a pic of my last one so you could see it. Mmmmmm....

Reesa had some artichokes sitting in the cupboard and decided to make some artichoke dip...vegan style so I could eat some too. It was made from tofu, nutritional yeast (for the cheesy flavor), spinich, artichokes and onion. MMMMMmmmm....it was delish. We ate it with veggies and chips along with a Green Monster smoothy (frozen banana, frozen spinach, peanut butter, carob power, and soy milk).

Finish What You've Started

2010-08-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

I've been praying for wisdom about next year. I signed a two year contract last year and was planning to be done this June. I was SURE a week ago that this year would be my last. But this week....ahhhhh...I don't know WHAT to do!

So today, I was reading Luke 14:25-35. Jesus is talking about the cost of being a disciple. "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him. Saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish." Wow, I can't believe I read this passage on this day. I felt like He was saying to me, "Nicki, don't just lay the foundation of a special needs program and leave." I want to be able to finish what I started. Question is, how do I know when it's finished?

I really feel like I need to go home and pay off my school debt but I also feel the need to see this through. I'm not sure what God has planned for me down the road but I do know that road is about to take a big curve and I can't see what's around the corner.

First Week of School

2010-08-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

The first week of school was a busy one but a good one! I gave 7 entrance exams to new students, did a teacher in-service on how to give the DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) and set up guided reading groups, started 3 middle school classes, and had Back to School night with the parents! Many days were 12 hour days and one night I had to make copies in the dark as the janitor had left for the night.

We changed our name this year from Vienna Christian School to International Christian School of Vienna. The new name better reflects who we are to the international community in Vienna. We are getting a new roof this year (praise the Lord) and you can see the scaffolding in the picture. Here are a couple of my students.

We went to the park for 7th hour on the first day of school. We played water balloon volleyball and soccer.

Look what I found!

2010-08-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

Tofu Schnitzel!!! Only in Austria!

Family Vacation in the Dells

2010-06-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

After we spent the morning skiing, we drove out to the Dells for our first family vacation since 1999. Our first event was the Tommy Bartlett show. Now, me and my brother used ski at the same time but he never let me ride on his shoulders! Mom, Dad and I got to ride a Military Duck that drives on land and in the water. It was pretty cool.

The Dells are really beautiful.

Dustin joined us the next day... He wrestled a bear and saved my life. Just kidding.

It wouldn't be a Braun family vacation without riding a fast boat! We rode a jet boat called the Wild Thing. It had 1200 horse power, did 360's, and had brakes that would make the water spray over the top...we were drenched by the end of the ride. It was pretty fun.

We went mini golfing.

A good time was had by all.

Skyscraper

2010-06-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

I talked my brother (who is afraid of heights) into riding this ride with me. Its 160 feet tall and moves 60 miles an hour. Plus, the seat your in flips around. At times we were falling to the ground head first. It was the best rush of adrenalin I've had in a long time.

I screamed and laughed so hard druing the whole ride. It was such a rush.

After the Skyscraper, we rode the "Hellcat." We were the only ones on the ride. We rode it 3 times in a row until we both felt sick.

Skiing

2010-06-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

If you know anything about my family, you know we love the water. This Thursday, I got to ski for the first time in a LONG time! I went with my mom and dad and their friend Adam. Here I am about to get up on one ski......and here I am skiing backwards on that one ski. Ok, not really. We went to a ski show later that week.

Actually, this is all the farther I got up...ha! They had to throw me a second ski...man...I'm out practice. I'll get up next time!

Two skis...
My dad...

Visiting Dustin

2010-06-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I went to visit my brother in Pewaukee, WI. He bought me lunch at "Seester's". It was SO good. And the view across the street wasn't bad either.

After lunch, we watched a movie (there are so many movies that have come out since I left!), and then went to a BBQ.

Father's Day

2010-06-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

Me and my dad at the beach on Father's Day. We went with the house of boys and it was a lot of fun. The water here is pretty cold yet!

Coming Home

2010-06-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

On June 17th, I few back to America. My first stop was in London. It was there I started to realize that I would have to readjust once I got home. For the past year, I haven't been able to understand any side conversations at the grocery store or on the subway (the U-Bahn). For the first time in almost a year, I was able to understand everything going on around me and my brain went into overload!

The rest of the flights went really well. I had hardly any down time in the airports. It was so great to see my family and hug them after a year of not seeing them! After they picked me up we went to Applebee's...where I froze because I haven't had air conditioning in a year. Ha!

My School's a Zoo!

2010-06-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

After the award ceremony, we headed out to the Schonbrunn Tiergarten (Zoo). It's the oldest zoo in the world.

They loved it! ...and so did I!

One of my kids said, "Look that one has a ring, he must be married!"

This one was out of the cage...I wanted to scoop him up and take him home in my bag.

He would make that face!

Ahhhhhh!

Many: "oooh ooh oooooh" "eeee eee eeee" "ooooho ooh ooooh's" were heard...and not from the monkeys!!!

Wow! Look at those strange creatures!

While we were watching the hippos one of them pooped, and I'm pretty sure it was the highlight of their day! Boys...

Awards

2010-06-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

On the Friday before school was out, we had an awards ceremony. Each student was given awards for things they were good at. Some got awards for academics, sports, music, art, friendship...you name it.
If there were awards for being cute they all would have got one!

One of my students getting an award for all around academic excellence.

I'd post them all but they start to all look the same so I'll spare you.

Here is another student of mine who got the SALT award. This is given to one student who has a heart for sharing Jesus with others and encouraging other students in the class spiritualy. From the first day of class that was this student. She would come back on Mondays and share that she was out in the communty somewhere telling people about Jesus with her family.

Wow, what a great year with a GREAT group of kids. The second grade teacher is very lucky to get such a great bunch. They are so smart and so funny and I will have so many memories of laughing, dancing, cooking and eating with them! I love them all very much!

Prayer Chain

2010-06-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

This is our class prayer chain. Everyday, the kids and I sit down and pray as a class. When they have a request they jot it down on a slip of paper. When that request is answered we hang it up. Here you can see it wrapped aroundour classroom. It was a good visual of how God really does hear our prayers and answer them.

M&M's

2010-06-02T09:33:00.001-07:00

We've been working on picture graphs and bar graphs and what better way to teach than with food?

At the end, one of my little boys says, "Miss Braun, I don't like the brown ones...can I give those away?" How cute.

Birthday Blogg

2010-05-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

My birthday started off with a surprise sitting on my desk...

The school day started out with a serenade from one of my boys. He brought his mini guitar and plucked out "Happy Birthday". My heart melted, I couldn't believe it! I was then given homemade jewlery that I prouldy wore all day. During prayer time, the kids prayed that I would have the best birthday ever.

We then started off the day by squishing out pizza dough. It was so fun to see the kids get their hands dirty and sticky. Many of them had never made pizza before. The kids then had Bible class and I went off to bake the crusts.

When the kids came back from German or English Language Learner class, we started to put on all the toppings. It was so much fun...they couldn't wait to eat it!

Many "mmmm...'s" and tummy patting were going on while the kids ate their pizza. One little boy said, "You make the best pizza in the WORLD." I reminded them that they made it!

After we ate, we all washed up and my student pulled out his guitar again. He lead my other first graders in woship singing "Light of the Word." They all sang along as my heart melted once again.

After school, Reesa took me to Tacos Lopez where I ate the best enchilada verde of my life. It was so spicy and delicious. I came home and Skyped my family while Reesa made me a milk free birthday cake with marshmallow cream frosting in the middle and carob frosting on top....to die for! It was amazing.

Wow, what a great day! Thanks guys!

Spring Concert

2010-05-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our Spring Concert. The kids sang a variety of hymns. It's always fun to get the families together and I always love to see my kids dress up!

Aren't we cute?

Some of my kids with some primary kids.

Man, I wish I knew how to put videos up because you should hear how cute they sounded!

The night was great! Thanks Miss Stephen!

Vienna City Marathon

2010-04-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning, while I was still in bed, my phone began to ring. It was my friend, Michi. She was planning on running part of a relay in the Vienna City Marathon. She said she had been throwing up all night and needed someone to run her leg of the race. Only, I would need to leave right then because they were meeting to pray right before the run. I literally threw on my running shoes, heated up some oatmeal while Reesa grabbed me a clean shirt and a water bottle, and I ran out the door. The entire time, I was giddy, saying, "I can't believe I get to run in the Vienna City Marathon!"

(Backing up a bit) Friday morning, I was on my run and I ran past a bunch of white tents and wondered what was going one. (Since I don't know German, I had no idea the race was this weekend.) I sighed and thought, "Wouldn't it have been nice if I could have ran in it." LITTLE did I know what God had in store for me!
From left to right: Djudji, Nadine, me, Julie. Julie had bought all of us these nice running shirts and put tape on the back that said "Run Through Christ".

We met outside a little church by the starting line and we prayed for the race and that we would get to talk to people about the message on our shirts. Then they quickly showed me where I would be running and filled me in on all the details. I would be running from Schonbrunn to the Rathaus (5.7 K). Thank goodness it wasn't anymore as I hadn't been training for a race at all!

I hopped on the U-Bahn and headed out to where I would start and watched for Julie to come in. As I stood there, I was amazed at how God had worked this all out. Just Friday, I was thinking how cool it would be. I hadn't ran Saturday even though I was planning on it. All my shirts were wet in the washing machine but not my running pants. Two weeks ago I injured my ankle (remind me I need new running shoes when I get to the states) but now it was all healed up. I was just amazed and this gift He had given me. Praise the Lord.

I saw Julie and gave her the wave that I was starting. I tried to run harder than I had in my morning runs. A couple kilometers into the run I was getting tired and I just started to pray that God would give me the endurance to keep it up. Just then an older man ran along side me, put his arm around me and said, "God bless you, I run with the same message (refering to the back of my shirt)." That was what I need to make it a little farther. Not long after that, I realized in the rush of things I hadn't drank enough water. I was starting to get really parched. I prayed that there would be a drink station soon but I ran for quite a while without the water I needed. I prayed again for the strength. Soon enough, there was a drink station and I actually stopped to make sure I got all the water I needed to continue. I started up again refreshed and ready to move on. Not too much longer there were bananas! I grabbed one and ate two bites of it. It made my dry throat feel SO much better and again I was refreshed. I kept on and realized, "Man I'm outta shape!" But I refused to feel discouraged, I mean, I did just wake up and I haven't been training. Just then, I saw my friend Nate who was running the half (Way to go, Nate!). And that helped keep me distracted for a bit. The last stretch of my leg of the race was so hard...I just kept looking for the numbers where I would meet Nadine. I started to wonder if I had somehow missed them. Had I passed her? Your mind plays tricks on you when you come to what you think should be the end of your run and it isn't. Finally, I saw the start of the numbers and I could run the last part knowing I was almost done. I found her she was off. She passed me our bag of things and I went to the finish line to cheer on Djudji.

There were SO many people there that the gate to get into the park was jammed! You had to get into the middle of it and just allow to the flow of people to push you side. It maybe took me 5 minutes in this mob to make it inside! It was crazy!

Watching the finish line is always so interesting. It's fun to see the types of people that cross it. Some wave their hands in the air in victory, others look like they are about to die. I know I would have been the latter. There were old men. There were dads running with their kids. There were friends who would join hands and cross the finish line together. It's always so sweet to see and it makes me want to run one myself one day. What an accomplishment!

After I watched for a while, I it was time to find our meeting place to meet up with the other girls (I had all their stuff). I could not find the meeting place. I tried for 45 minutes to try to get to the other side of the finish line. There was no way to get there! I thought, "Oh no! What do I do? I probably have everyones keys and wallets!" I prayed I would run into someone. I turned around and vwah la! There where the two girls that were finished. The said, "Oh my goodnes, we just prayed we would run into you and had just said, 'amen' and there you were!" God's hand had been in this entire day!

After we all met up, Nate had tickets to an after party. We got our picture taken, some of the girls got massages, and there was an all you can eat buffet, plus, all the drinks you wanted. What an amazing day! I still can't believe it happened!

An Ah-Ha Moment

2010-04-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the most amazing experience. My class has been ganging up on a little boy in Primary, and today, I had had enough. For the past month, they have been pushing him around and teasing him. I’m embarrassed to tell you this because for the most part my class is actually quite good. But for some reason I have a small pack of boys that like to feel superior and have found that picking on kids smaller than them gives them power. Today, even the girls were in on cracking the jokes. All of this is done behind my back of course, I only occasionally hear about it from the boy’s older sister. Today, when the kids came back from centers, I was informed that the little boy had been teased about a picture he drew. (Not to mention the boy has a band-aid over his eye from when one of my boys pushed him and he hit is head on the concrete.) It was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I was irate. Passion simmered inside. I did all I could to keep from erupting. I spoke calm but angry, my voice cracking as I choked back the tears. I explained to my kids that I can’t believe this is still happening and I don’t know what else to do…that’s when the fire alarm goes off.

Those little munchkins marched straight to the door. They knew better than to do something wrong at this point. They all walked slumped over like scolded puppies. They weren’t walking fast enough so I pointed to the door and I firmly said, “Walk.” They all, like little remote controlled robots, picked up the speed. The other teachers knew by how quiet they were that something had happened.

Maybe I needed the fire drill to extinguish the fire burning inside of me. It gave me a little time cool off. I’m not sure what bugged me the most. Imagining the little boy crying each morning because he doesn’t want to go to school. The fact that I love my students so much that I want to show them the right way to live and have them start acting that way. Maybe I was upset that I hadn’t changed them yet. Maybe I was upset because I felt they were still disobeying me. I can’t put my finger on it… We talked as a class and I told them if it happened again they would “lose recess for the rest of the week…no, the rest of the year. And YOU will have the call the boy’s mother and explain what happened.” I was still pretty upset.

Well, time to teach math. I started to explain today’s lesson and it just didn’t feel right. I turned around and said, “I’m sorry guys, I just don’t feel like teaching math right now.” Something was still missing. At that moment, another teacher came in to teach science. With the fire drill and lecture and all, we had ran out of time. So, I took the opportunity to go talk to the director. I sat in his office and let all my frustration out. What I wanted was for him to go yell at my kids. Put a little fear into them. Maybe they would listen to a man over me. He agreed to come talk to them and I stood up in a rush, and walked out the door in a hurry. He followed, but half way down the hall he said, “Wait, let’s just stop and pray about this.” I stopped dead in my tracks. THAT’S what was missing. There in the middle of the hall, with an occasional student passing by, we just prayed. Suddenly, I had peace.

WHEN can I EVER say that I prayed with my boss at school about a discipline issue? This place is so amazing! The director of the school walked into the classroom and with the calmest, most loving voice, talked to the kids…and then he prayed with the kids. It was an ah-ha moment. Sometimes, I forget to take Jesus into my classroom.

Day 4

2010-04-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

Day 4 was the only day we had indoor things planed…and it rained. Again, we see Him at work. We a small group go on home visits out in the village the rest of us stayed to have tea and lunch with the elderly women. The elderly are not well taken care of and for some of these women it’s the best meal they will receive all week. We sat down to drink tea with the women and even though we did not speak the same language we just smiled and they hugged and kissed us. Lilly translated for us and some of the kids gave their testimonies. DK, Laura, and Hitchi lead music with some Romanian songs. We made some Chinese lanterns and pained eggs. We prayed with the ladies and served them lunch.

I got to walk with one the mothers to pick up a few of the kids from kindergarten.
After the ladies were gone, we had an Easter egg hunt for the kids. Then we gave out the donated toys we had brought with us. It was neat to see the VCS students be able to give out toy once they got to know the kids so each one got things they would really like.

Day 3

2010-04-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Day 3 was a jam packed day. In the morning, we painted at a church called “The House of Prayer”. The church was in a village with no running water so we used a well and an outhouse. They had a small building in the back for Sunday school and a gate and fence in the front that needed painted. Other kids walked around the village picking up trash out of the ditches. Once 1:30 rolled around we were far from finishing our job. The kids were starting to worry that we might miss lunch, when the pastor of the church and his wife showed up with a feast. Noodles, hamburger, carrots, doughnuts, and SODA! Mmmmm…we ate well. When we thought we might go hungry, God provided for us in abundance.

When we got home there was just enough time to change our clothes and eat some dinner and VBS started. We weren’t sure how many to plan for so we had prepared for 80 kids not knowing estimation would be way over or under. Philis from the other team did a magic rope trick that shared the gospel and Nels gave the message with skits from the kids. DK did music, some led games, the rest of us did crafts. There were 79 kids in addition to their parents. We had 1 googley eye left! Is the Lord not totally in control?

Day 2

2010-04-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

At morning devotions, Michael shared Isaiah 41:10 I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, srly I will uphold youwith My rightious right hand.

Day 2 started by sorting clothing and toys that were donated. A few minutes into it, I hear someone call my name, “Nicki, it’s Lilly, I went to Grace with you.” Wow, is it not a small world or what? Who knew I would be in this remote village in Romania and run into a girl I went to college with in Omaha! Crazy!

Lilly recruited me and the girls that were helping me out to go help with the kids. Lilly and I talked caught up and I told her I had been teaching special ed for the past 4 years. She said, “Oh, good, I could really use some advice, we have several kids here who need help.” Lilly teaches the kids after school since they don’t get extra help at school. God just confirms to me over and over the need for special ed teachers overseas.

After dinner, we handed out invitations all over the village to invite families to the VBS tomorrow night.

Day 1

2010-04-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Day one was mostly driving, but even so we saw how God was in control. We took extra precautions before we left to make sure we wouldn’t have any trouble getting our visas and getting across the boarder. Now, keep in mind we had 17 people in two vans with maybe 6 different passport countries (USA, Korea, Costa Rica, Namibia, Nigeria, Switzerland). People looked at us funny. The guard took all our passports and we sat for 2 and a half hours! Cheryl, another adult on the team, decided to go in and see what the hold up was. Well, the scanners weren’t working so they were entering them in by hand. Costa Rica wasn’t on the drop down menu. The man asked Cheryl if she thinks it would be ok if he put Dominican Republic. “No! That’s a totally different place!” was her reply. So, we wait some more and a man comes out speaking some Romanian, some English, and some German. Something about “two years…two years,” he was shouting. We had no idea what he was talking about but he was holding a green card of one of our students saying he couldn’t go in to Romania. I’m not really sure what happened, but eventually he said we could go in but he couldn’t guarantee us we could get him back out of the country. Ha! Well we said, “Great!” And we entered Romania, a little nervous about what would happen on our way out! But we all got our stamps and off we went.

We decided to take a new route this year…one that took us off the beaten path…one that had pot holes the size you could swim in...and one that didn’t have a McDonalds. Surely we’d find some place to eat…we drove and drove and then we decided we’d settle for just a place we could pee! We stopped at a gas station but the toilet was broken, so we used the bushes. Then we went back on the road to try and find a place to eat. We pulled into a Romanian restaurant where they did not speak English. They had to call some friends on the phone to translate for us but they ended up taking Euro and they ended up cooking some delicious sausage and bread for us. It tasted great and the price was great. Even BETTER than McDonalds. God is good!

After a short while in the van Doug called us, told us even the missionaries get lost going the way we came and he drove out to meet us and lead us to the place. God knew our path before we did and supplied our every need. We knew He must have some great things in store for this trip!

Romania

2010-04-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

"He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; then it went well. Is not that what it means to know Me?" declares the Lord. -Jeremiah 22:16

On March 28^th, I had the opportunity to sponsor a high school missions trip from Vienna Christian School. 12 students and 5 adults met up with a team from an international school in Istanbul, Turkey. We went to a remote village called Cornesti in Romania to help out two missionaries named Doug and Roberta Moore. We worked and stayed at a compound for women and children in crisis. The home shelters women who have been abused. They help women keep their children, not abort or abandon them, and teach them how to be mothers. All the while, teaching them how they can find restoration in Christ.

A while ago, Doug was driving around the village on a hot day and noticed a man sitting under a tree with a blanket covering his legs. He stopped to ask him why he was covered up on such a hot day. The man explained that his legs had “gone bad.” As he lifted the blanket, Doug could see that gangrene had taken both legs. When Doug asked the man why he hadn’t gone to the hospital the man replied he didn’t have the bus fare.
At this time, Doug really felt burdened to get a medical van to take people to the hospital if they need it. He also put out a plea for donations of medical supplies. He now has a shed with a medical van and lots of medical supplies. Many have donated broken hospital beds and wheel chairs and Doug has fixed them. In fact, Doug has given away 6 electrical chairs.
Another time, Roberta was at church and gave her reading glasses away to a lady that needed them. After that, six other ladies wanted to know if she had more for them. So, they sent out another plea asking for used glasses. After a shipment (I’m not sure the exact number but I want to say…) 158 pairs of glasses and a bag of pieces came in they ran a clinic at a near by church. They had no equipment to find prescriptions so people just tried on several pairs until they got one that matched. Every pair of glasses were handed out that day. Then 3 more ladies came knocking on the doors and Doug had to tell them he was sorry they were out. The ladies insisted they had came as soon as they could and Doug got out the bag of pieces. He built 3 more pairs of glasses and sent those ladies on their merry way. The only thing that was left was a frame with a missing lens. They hear another knock on the door and it’s a man with only one eye. He swore he wouldn’t have believed it himself if he wasn’t there. He also believes that each prescription was meant for each individual that received those glasses. Now, he has over 2,000 pairs of glasses and someone even donated a machine that can find the prescription of your eye and the prescription of the glasses, allowing them to match glasses up perfectly.

It was amazing to see how God has provided for this growing ministry! We got to see only a glimpse of it while we where there for only one week!

International Family Fun Night

2010-03-03T03:11:00.000-08:00

Once a year, Vienna Christian School hosts an International Family Fun Night. Many of the students dress in their native traditional dress. The classrooms in the elementary each become a different country and the kids get their pretend passports stamped as they enter each room. There was food and music from all over the world! It’s a great way to learn about other cultures as well as get to see your own students dress in theirs! At the end of the night there was a talent show where many of the students did cultural dances or played instruments. Hana, with her sisters, played the drums and a symbol in a traditional Korean way. Blessed (the boy in the red to the right) did an African dance with scarves. Sarah did an Egyptian dance to a praise song with her sisters. And my little RJ did a Filipino dance with all the other Filipinos at the school. It was such a neat night! To the right you will see five of my little first graders dressed in their traditional garb.

I'm dressed as an American and Reesa is Austrian.

Here is Sarah doing and Egyptian dance.

Blessed is from Uganda and he's doing an African dance with scarves.

Hana is playing the drums in an authentic Korean drum song.

Sarah is half Egyptian and half Austrian.

This is Hana. She is our newest student from Korea and her English has come a long way in the last month!

Blessed is from Uganda.

Eli is from Peru.

Hanabel is also from Uganda.

My Kids are 100 Days Smarter!

2010-02-15T03:50:00.000-08:00

Today was the 100th day of school. The kids were each asked to bring a 100th day project. They had to get 100 objects and do something creative with it. Here's some of what they brought.

100 Origami

No party of mine is complete without a dance party!!!

...and eating of course!

We ate a 100th day cake and a trail mix we made with 100 ingredients of each thing.

Ice Skating

2010-01-31T00:43:00.000-08:00

Friday, we got to go ice skating at the Rathaus.

There were paths you could skate down all around the park.

Isn't this cool? That's Leslie, our ELL teacher and my twin.

They had penguins on skis for kids who needed to hold on to something to skate.

So much fun!

Though some of us spent more time falling than skating, we all had a good time!

Waiting for the subway!

So tired!!!

Tutoring Room

2010-01-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

Christopher Columbus

2010-01-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

When I asked the kids what they thought Columbus saw when he landed in the New World, one boy said, “The airport, duh.”

When learning the names of the three ships, the kids gasped as they heard about the Santa Maria. “SANTA,” one boy cries! Another whispers to his neighbor, “Is that Santa’s wife’s name…Maria?”

Overwhelmed...

2010-01-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Today I was overwhelmed. I often think that being victorious means that I don’t fail, stumble, or make mistakes. Success equals victory. Or does it?

The name Nicole means to be victorious and that has encouraged me in all the things I’ve overcome in my life. But I’m quick to forget why I’m victorious. It’s nights like tonight when I come home and realize I cannot do it on my own. I can only truly be victorious when I fully rely on Him. So instead of stressing out, I’m falling on my knees.

Through this whole process of starting a special needs program, I’ve done all those things…fail…make mistakes…been called into the principal’s office. I’ve had tears, stress, and migraines. But why? Isn’t it through failure, weakness, and neediness that we learn to rely on Him?

Sure, I’ve asked God to bless the work and be apart of the process. But I’ve learned that I’ve asked Him to do these things for something I decided to do. I’ve learned that I need to come to Him with an open heart. His plan is different than mine. Now I’m praying that God would change my heart so that HIS desires are within me.

So now, I’ve been given the chance to start a resource room in the elementary. “Great,” you say. “Isn’t that what we’ve been praying for?” But now as I look into a stale, empty room with a broken bookshelf and two tables, fear overcomes me. How will I find the time to plan for this? How will I create lessons (in which we have no curriculum for) for another teacher to teach my 1st graders science and social studies while creating lessons for each individual in the resource room to meet each of those students needs…all during my one plan period a week. How?

I know that I cannot achieve such a goal by myself. Thus begins my journey of totally reliance on Him. One step at a time, leaning on Him every step of the way. It’s not a road of success but one of multiple failures. But I hope that through those failures and lessons learned that a program will start to build and children’s lives will change as we start filling those educational gaps and start to see growth.

Psalm 34
2. I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt His name together.
4. I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-08T12:33:00.001-08:00

Today it snowed and snowed in Vienna. It let up for a short time so we could all go out and make a snowman.

Silvester in Wien

2010-01-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

For New Years Eve, Reesa and I decided to see what was going on at the Graben. Someone told us people come from all over Europe to see this. We though we just had to make it out to see what all the fuss was about...us and about a million other people.

At first it was real neat. I felt like I was in Town Square. We walked with the mad mass of people towards the center of the city. Every few blocks there was a different live band. It was great because everyone else knew the words and we had never even heard the songs before.

However, the more we walked the more we were leary of what we had gotten ourselves into. The fire works were less than applealing. Since there was no organized show, everyone just shot up their own fire works in the mist of the crowd. It sounded like we were in a war zone. Then you'd walk a few feet and you would see someone light something and you'd duck for cover and plug your ears. People were using the liquor bottles they had just emptied to shoot off bottle rockets. One of those times, something had gone wrong as we saw green glass falling from the sky. This was when we decided this wasn't our cup of tea and started back home...against the crowd. We'd walk a few feet and see some drunk kid with a lighter, scream and grab each other and walk quickly the other way.

Finally, we made it back to our U-Bahn stop and felt we were safe. However the smoke coming out of the U-Bahn station made us wonder if they were shooting them off in there. We walked down the stairs to a guy pointing a firework directly at a group of people pretending to hold them hostage. We walked as close to wall on the other side but really wanted to get out of there.

FINALLY, we were on our U-Bahn...with all the old people who knew better than to get out with that crowd. We were actually on the U-Bahn at midnight and missed the big hoopla. We got off at our stop, so glad to have made it home but again the smoke had us worried. As we walked up the stairs we saw men laying fire crackers over the entire ground lighting them all at the same time. It looked like our exit was in fire. We had to go out a different exit and walk around. Here's what we saw:

We quickly crossed the street where there were more people lighting things and ran to our door. Finally we were safe at home! Next year, I think we'll just stay in. :-)

Shopping on Boxing Day

2009-12-31T03:47:00.001-08:00

So the day after I got back from Paris I needed to grab some groceries...you know, the essentials...lunch meat, soy milk, orange juice, and some apples. This was the line outside the only grocery store in the city that was open. All the other stores were closed because it was "Boxing Day" (the day after Christmas where everyone boxes up their Christmas decorations).

I had to wait outside because they were only letting so many people in at a time (because the stores here are pretty small). I had to slowly inch my way into the middle of the mob and wait for them to open the doors. They only opened half of the door so there wasn't a mad rush. As they opened the door there was a lot of pushing and shoving until the current of people finally swept me in.

Once inside, the lines were all the way to the back of the store. When you found something you wanted you had to ask the person standing in line to hand it to you. “No, no, that one…no over…yeah!” I saw one man join his friend towards the front of the line. It was funny to see all the people in front of me giving a disapproving nod.

Usually we stock up before a holiday, but I was in Paris for a week so that was not possible. Facing the mob was they only option. I'm in the middle of the mob pictured above.

Christmas via Skype

2009-12-29T10:20:00.001-08:00

This year my family Christmas was on Skype. Dustin and Alex (my brother and his fiancee) drove the two hours to my parents house in WI. I opened my package they sent me and they opened the package I sent them. I also got to see everyone else open their gifts.

Although I couldn't be with them all day or hug or kiss them, it felt like I was really there. In fact, my mom took pictures of me with them as if I was actually in the room. Ha!

My best friend Dawna was here in Vienna for Christmas. She and the rest of the Duerksens were here visiting Reesa (my roommate and another best friend).

It was a different Christmas but a great Christmas!

Christmas Morning

2009-12-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

On Christmas day, Carrie, Amanda, and I packed a lunch, ate it in front of the Eiffel Tower, then went ice skating in front of the Eiffel Tower. How many people can say that?

Christmas Break in Paris

2009-12-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, I couldn't afford to fly back to the states so I spent it closer to home in Paris. Four of us from VCS went: Carrie, Amanda, RheaAnne, and myself. We met up with a teacher who teaches at Black Forest Academy in Germany: Rachel. It was a great time!

Not only was it great to be in Pairs, it was great to be on break from school!

The Christmas Story

2009-12-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

The Christmas holiday has been a great time to share with my kids about why Jesus came to earth. Each day in the month of December, we read a different children’s book about the story of Christmas. When I asked the kids why He came to earth one little boy raised his hands and said, “To be our sacrifice.” We talked about how Jesus came to earth to eventually die for our sins. Which is crazy because I have a couple of students who have told me they do not believe in Jesus. One of my Muslim students is quick to remind me that he is not a Christian and does not celebrate Christmas. However, in his Christmas card he gave me on Friday he wrote, “Jesus loves me.” So, my kids are hearing the gospel time after time.

On Thursday, I was helping my middle schoolers with a project they had. They were to compare Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. We made posters and when we got to Christianity I asked them what made a person a Christian. One said, “Well, at the end of your life if you’ve accomplished a lot I guess you can go to heaven.” Another said, “Well, if you do good things, I guess?” So, I took out the Bible and shared Ephesians 2:8-9 which states that salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done instead it’s a gift. Then I turned to Romans 3:23 that says we all fall short of God’s standards. They were stumped. “I don’t know, I guess” they replied. So, from there I was able to show them Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” Truth is, its not a complicated process at all. So, from that we were able to finish our project AND learn about salvation.

Field Trip

2009-12-11T06:36:00.001-08:00

First, we took the U-bahn (and had to transfer once.) This was the scariest thing ever. I had 12 little lives I had to make sure made it on to each U-bahn before the doors shut. I kept counting and counting to make sure I didn't lose one of them. We all made it there and back. (I have to block out this little boy's face for his protection.)

Next, we arived at the Rathous. Inside, we painted tea lights for Christmas gifts. It was so much fun!

Aren't we cute? I have to edit the picture for our little boy's safety. After the tea lights were done we went out side to the Christmas market.

Look at their faces! They are in awe of the candy! This is before one of them threw up on my pants. :-)

Me and "Miss Mac". It was cold and raining! One of our kind mothers bought us some kinder punch to keep us warm.

What I'm Thankful For...

2009-11-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day to reflect on all the things the Lord has done for me this year. As I look back to this time last year, I had just heard that Vienna Christian School needed a Special Ed teacher and was still trying to figure out if this is where the Lord was leading me. In December, I sent out my first round of support letters. So many things fell right into place. My lease was up at the right time, I had just paid off my car, my parents had a place to store some of my things. I started to sell my things and they either sold for asking price and a couple times the people gave me more than asking price...when does that ever happen? My support came in a couple weeks before I was scheduled to fly out. And it was just evident that this is where the Lord was leading me. Once I was here, the Lord provided a great apartment and furnature. I'm living with a great roommate!

The hard part of this year was leaving my two jobs that I loved so much. I came here and wasn't sure what my purpose was. I went through many tears and frustrations. I had expectations that weren't met. I realized that I had a lot of pride in my old job. And I brought that pride here thinking I would be able to bulid this program with no problems. The Lord really streached me and taught me that I needed to rely on Him and that I wasn't as great as I thought I was. And for that, I'm thankful. I'm also thankful for my first graders who are the smartest and cutest first graders in the world! They keep me on my toes and they keep me laughing! I'm also thankful for my 3 special needs students...I pray that the Lord will allow me to show them they are able to succeed and there is no better way than to show them Jesus in the process!

I'm thankful for my family that I left behind. My dad had surgery a few weeks ago where they found some pre-cancer. He also got some skin cancer removed. I'm so thankful that they found it and got rid of it! I'm so thankful for my Dad! I'm also thankful that my mom was able to get her knee replaced. It was a long stretch of pain for her but I'm thankful the surgery went well and that she is walking again without a walker or cane. I'm very thankful for for my mom. I'm also thankful for Dustin (my brother). He and his fiance, Alex, are getting married in June. They just moved to a nicer part of WI and have a puppy named Molly. Dustin was able to get a keyboard and a computer to set up a new music studio. I'm thankful for my brother. Alex has been a blessing to our family. She is such a sweet girl and I'm thankful that she will be my sister!

I Dish Out Consequences Because I Love You

2009-11-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

Some how on Thursday of last week I started to explain to my class that the reason I gave consequences when the students disobeyed was because I loved them. Then that conversation moved to why parents punish us. From there I felt the Spirit moving to explain how we are all sinners and deserve punishment from God. From there we had a lovely conversation about how God came to earth to take that punishment away. We must have talked about this for a half hour (and this is a long time for 1st graders). The kids just kept asking questions! It was amazing! They were a little concerned that we weren't on schedule and we should have been doing phonics...but I explained that this conversation was probably the most important thing we could talk about! After that conversation, I could tell that the kids were still thinking about it. Questions came up in their journals....they were asking questions like..."What happens to people who die that don't know Jesus." It's crazy that little 6 year olds can comprehend something so big. And it's amazing that when kids ask these questions I'm free to have a half hour conversation with them about it...whether they come from a Christian family or not!

On Friday, I gave a detention to one of my middle school students for not turing in homework. When she came to serve her detention I told her I gave her that detention because I cared deeply about her and I wanted the best for her. She rolled her eyes (she's in 7th grade) and said, "I know Miss Braun...I know, ok?" This student is so far behind in school she has given up trying. My goal is convince her that she is capable of graduating and show her God's love in the meantime. This student's father is Islam and her mother claims all relgions are right. They have decided to let her choose whatever she feels like...and then put her in a Christian school. What an opportunity we have!

Please pray that the Lord would continue to open doors of conversation to share about Him.

How I Help my Teacher

2009-11-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

Today's journal article was "How I Help my Teacher". One of my students wrote, "When I help my taecher I listin to her so I can learn something from her. I know math, phonics, reading, all ckinde of things. Also I learn'd something to God loves us so much."

Another one wrote, "I help my teacher when she can't remember where her things are." This is true! I carry things around my classroom and lay them down in strange places and then I ask the kids where I put it! Ha!

This is How We Christmas Shop!

2009-11-14T04:50:00.000-08:00

Today was my first experience at the Wiener Christkindlmarkt (auf dem Rathausplatz). Rows and rows of ornaments, nativity scenes, jewlery, baby items, toys...you name it! Since it's so cold out, they sell hot punch in real mugs. You can also get sandwiches, hot dogs, and candy.

Fall Festival

2009-11-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was fall festival! It was a time for all the students to come come with their families for an evening of fun. Each teacher manned a booth. This is one of my students at the fishing pond. It was the weekend of Halloween and so I was picturing all my students coming in costumes. One of my students told me she was going to go home and get all dressed up. But what she meant was she was going to go home and put on a pretty dress! I manned the arm wrestling booth. One of my students getting beat by his sister.

Serving Coffee for Jesus

2009-10-02T03:12:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Reesa and I did an outreach at our church (Calvary Chapel of Wien). The goal was to pass out free coffee to people in the third district of Vienna. We just wanted to serve them and be a blessing to them...no strings attached.

We had two tables set up. One was by a strassenbahn (train) stop and another by the airport. As people walked by, we offered a hot cup of coffee. Many were skeptical and asked why. My friend Nate would tell them, “two things are free today: coffee and God’s love.” Some would just smile and take the coffee others would stay and talk. Some wouldn’t even make eye contact and walked quicker if you tried to offer them a cup. J

I have my visa!!!

2009-09-25T03:21:00.000-07:00

Tour of my Flat

2009-08-29T23:41:00.001-07:00

Hello and welcome to Reesa and my flat!

Entry way and kitchen. (Reesa made treats.)

Dining room.

We have a great view from our living room.

The toilet is never in the same room as the shower and the toilets are very different here. For everyone's sake, I won't go into detail.

On the left is Reesa's room.

My Bedroom

The view outside my bedroom window...looks a little like the view out the living room window. We can hear everything that happens because everyone's windows are wide open. I can't wait until the neighbor's baby starts sleeping through the night!

Thanks for visiting!

Shopping in Austria

2009-08-29T05:50:00.001-07:00

Shopping in Austria is a quite an experience. They are "green" here so they don't give you bags you have bring your own. You fill your bags as you go through the store and try to decide...hummm...I would like that but do I want to carry it home? Once your bags are full and your back is breaking you go through the check out. This is also a hoot. They greet you and try to hurry you along by going as fast as they possibly can, piling all your groceries on the other side. They don't have baggers here so you must bag your own...as the woman is piling them on faster than you can put them in your bag. You start to wonder how you got that much in the bag in the first place. Then as you're are frantically bagging the woman is long done and expecting you to pay her. So you stop, quick pull out your money, and in a jiffy she hands you back your change and starts checking out the next person and that persons food comes flying your way. Ahhhhhh, so you start loading your arms with the aquardly packed bags and all the items you couldn't get to fit back in them and head to a place designaged for repacking as the Astrian behind you is laughing at you because they know we aren't from around here. And that's only a third of the battle...now you have to get it home!
This was me riding the U-Ban after shopping at Ikea for the last of our house decorations. I have my purse held over my right shoulder, my teacher bag with two teacher edition text books, a large plant and an over filled bag with two pillows some fake flowers, candles, and other decorations. Try hanging on to all that and not topple over as the U-Ban starts and stops!Here I am carrying groceris home. Trust me...they were much more heavy than they look. The camera takes off about 20 pounds. :-) OK we are 2/3 of the way done...

OK, now we are home and the last part is fitting all that into the very small fridge (the freezer is in there, too). Once, it's all unloaded we sit down and think, "Whose gonna cook it for us? We are way to tired!"

2009-08-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

Can you pick out the American in this photo? The little girl in the back two from the right was born in America but lived in Hong Kong and Ethiopia. Other than that they are all internationals. I have a couple from Zimbabwe, one from Uganda, one from the Philippines, one from S. Korea, and the others I can't remember. I have one who speaks no English at all. I have twelve students (one I can't picture and the other hasn't come to school yet). I am just loving these kids. They all are very well behaved (though squirrely) and have a great sense of humor. I get love notes and hugs all day long. What more could anyone ask for?

I have never taught first grade before and didn't know what to expect. I thought they would come in not being able to read at all. So, I sat down to see what words they did know by giving them an easy book with only 2 words on each page. The book was called "I Go." I said, "Can you read this to me?" and the little boy says "Benchmark A." Which was written on the top of the book in smaller letters. My mouth dropped open. Some of these students are almost a grade level ahead in reading.

The first day I had the students doing some writing. The project they were working on said I like _______. I thought, "Oh, I hope they can write at least one word." They wrote a paragraph! I told them I have the smartest 1st graders in the world.

We start off each morning with "Community Circle" where we share something about ourselves and then we have prayer time. It is so sweet to hear these little people pray for each other and praise God for each other. Truly amazing!

I will start up with special needs next week. I'm excited to dive into that. I have an hour and a half in the morning that my kids are at specials, German, and Bible. I have three students right now that need my help for sure, one middle schooler and two elementary. Others are going through the process. Please pray for me that I can juggle both positions well and that I'm not cheating my first graders or the special needs students.

Going to the Doctor

2009-08-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to doctor because I needed refills on my prescriptions and it turned out to be the most interesting cultural experiences I’ve ever had. In social medicine its first come first serve. You can’t call ahead and make an appointment. Judie and I got there at ten ‘til 5 and they close the doors at 5. If you are in the door by five the doctor has to see you. So, sometimes Gabbie (my doctor) will stay for hours after closing to see all the people. Then she has to make her house calls to all people who couldn’t make it to the office. Next morning, she wakes up early and does it all again.
Well, if you like people watching you would have died to have been a fly on the wall in this waiting room. We had one couple making out (hope she doesn’t catch what he has!), a mother and her baby, one man who was so high on drugs he couldn’t sit up or hold his paper, a mom and her baby, an old woman, a man talking to himself and hoping everyone else would listen to him, and many others. I knew we might be here a while but thinking that each visit should only be 10 minutes like they are in the states I thought we would be out of there in a jiffy. Little did I know, each apt lasts 20-30 minutes. But this left many hours of entertainment for Judie and I…well, until Judie fell asleep.
The drug addict starts sweating and falling over and realizes he might not make it to his turn so he starts asking people if he can go before them (in german of course). Well, here in Austria you better follow the rules and no one likes waiting in a line. So the man would argue but no one would let him cut in line. Well the man talking to himself thought this was a great opportunity to strike up a conversation with the man. This was hilarious to watch because the druggie would get annoyed with the man who couldn’t stop talking and roll his eyes and yell at him but the man would keep talking to him even while he was passing out. I don’t think the man ever stopped talking the entire time! Here in Austria, you greet the entire waiting room when you come in and say goodbye when you leave. So it was funny to watch all the madness stop when someone would leave and say “auf Wiedersehn” and everyone would say it back and the madness would all start up again.
After four hours it was my turn and I got to see the doctor. Here, seeing your doctor is like going to visit your accountant. You sit behind a desk and talk about sickness then she gives you some options and you pick which one is best for you. At the end of the visit she would not let me pay her because I had to wait so long. So, all in all, it was a good visit, I got what I needed, and saw what seemed like a reality TV show.

Getting the Internet

2009-08-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

YEAH! Today we finally have the internet. I'm so glad because before Reesa and I would have to go over to other teacher's houses to use theirs to call home or check email. Although the teachers were gracious we no longer feel like a burden. When we got here we were told that it would be "about a week." Well what that really meant was that it would be about a week until we would get into our flat. Then another week to meet with our landlord, then anoter week for a guy to come by the flat, then another week for him to send us what we need to hook up. So, I'm sorry for the lack of communication but now you know why! And boy do I have lots of stories to tell...

Tomorrow's the Big Day!

2009-07-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind this summer has been. I can hardly believe that tomorrow I fly out. I can hardly contain my excitement!

Three weeks ago I stood in front of Community Bible Church (my home church in Omaha) and told them I was at 68% of my support and needed 80% to go. I prayed that I could just be at 80% so I could go and continue to raise support while I was there. But, the Lord has went beyond my request and I now stand at 98.6% of my support! Can you even believe it? I only need $32 a month to be fully funded! That's only $768 over the span of two years! I'm praying that that money would come in today or tomorrow. I know it's possible!

There are two girls that were planning to go to VCS this fall and are not able to because their support has not come in. Please keep them in your prayers so that they can be at VCS soon!

I remember when I was meeting with the recruiter at VCS and I had told her that the church I had grew up in was unable to take me on as a missionary and I was not well known at my home church. During the four years I went to church there I was either in grad school or working as an adjunct professor on top of my full time job. I feared no one would give to someone the did not know. She was honest with me and told me I'd have to work really hard to bring the money in. I sent out letters and that brought in some donors but not enough. I started calling churches and all but Sully Community Church told me they only allowed members to raise support at their churches. It was looking dim but I stepped out in faith and quit my job. My family and friends thought I was crazy and often times I feared that maybe I HAD made the wrong choice. I did many fundraisers but still did not have enough. I made phone calls and flat out asked people for support. That was the hardest thing! About a month ago the church I grew up in let me come speak at church and I sent out more letters. Even THEN I wasn't sure I would be able to go. In the last two weeks, people have called, emailed, facebooked, or sent in commitment cards. The Lord has truly done all the work!

But the thing I don't understand is why me? Why are there people who couldn't bring in the money but the Lord has allowed me to be so close to fully funded? I don't even have to raise support once I'm there. I was probably voted least likely to succeed when we all started raising support. I'm not the the strongest, wisest, or even the best teacher! I don't know why He chose me but I'm so glad that He did!

John Janett (the elementary administrator) called me a week ago and let me know I would be teaching first grade. Although I was recruited to go to VCS to set up a special ed program I am excited about this opportunity. He or someone else will come teach a class or two to allow me to get out and help those who need extra help. I will be assessing students and finding their needs. I will then get to the students when I can and be a resource to their teachers. Please pray that those students who need my help will get it and that I can be the best first grade teacher to these students.

Visas, donations, and goodbyes,

2009-07-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I officially reached 80% of my support which means....I'M GOING TO VIENNA!!! Praise the Lord! 2 Cor 10:17 "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." I'm now at 88% of my support and need only $300 more a month to be at 100% of my monthly support. Wow, God is good!

Yesterday, we got the very good news that all the staff for Vienna Christian School were approved for our work and residential visas. Once we are there for 2 weeks we will all go as a group to file our paperwork right there in Vienna. Praise the Lord, I don't have to drive to Chicago once again to apply for my visa before we leave!

In 8 very short days, I will be boarding a plane from Milwaukee to Chicago where I will meet up with Reesa and head to Vienna, Austria. I will be there for two years as I help set up a special education program.

Sunday night my friends Dawna and Tammy threw Reesa and I a going away party. I have also been slowly saying goodbye to my Omaha friends. Tuesday was a hard night as I said goodbye to Dawna and Tammy for a long time.

I'm submitting a plan to my mission organization that states how I will reach 100% of my support before December. If I'm not able to make it they will start to recruit for my position. Please pray that the remainder of my support comes in before I leave so that I will not have to raise support while I am overseas.

Community Bible Church

2009-07-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today, Reesa and I spoke at Community Bible Church in Omaha. This is my sending church. We were commissioned this morning. I spoke about the school and where I was at financially. This is the poster I have been carrying around with me to presentations. I have 68% of my monthly support. The blue part is the support that has been pledged and the red stickers are what I have left to raise. I'm still in need of 3 $100, 3 $75, 4 $50, and 2 $25 a month pledges.

Reesa and I stood in the middle of the sanctuary and the congregation came around us and laid hands on us while Frank Fast prayed for us.

Frank had a great analogy about faith being like a rope. How thick does our rope need to be to feel secure? 2 inches? 1 inch? 1/4 inch? A quarter inch rope is fine when you are tying down a box but what if you were hanging off a cliff and it's the only thing keeping you up? In this economy, can you imagine what the world is thinking about where Reesa and I are at right now? We have given up our jobs, our apartments, our things, etc. WHAT WE ARE DOING DOESN'T SEEM LOGICAL! And even though I feel like I'm hanging from dental floss right now...I know it's gonna hold me up because God is hanging on to the other end.

MY FAITH CARRIES ME!

2009-07-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

God has been teaching me so much about faith lately. If you have faith in someone, you feel confident about their ability or goodness. You have allegiance to them. You have complete trust in them. My faith has really been tested these last 6 months. I have given up my job, my things, and my place to live. I’ve bought my tickets and shipped my things to Vienna. I’m supposed to leave in 3 weeks, however, I’m only at 65% of my support. Doubt and fear have defiantly set in! Will my faith crumble or carry me through this time of uncertainty? The truth is, what seems so big to me, is not bigger than the God I serve! God has shown me before that he is in control and He will provide for me. He has always been faithful. Why would today be any different?

Luke 22:31-32 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, THAT YOUR FAITH MAY NOT FAIL, and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Matthew 6:34 Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Run with endurance the race that was set before us.

2009-07-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Friday night was the Royal's game concession stand fund raiser! Our stand sold over $5,000 and I will get 10% of the profits. It was a lot of work but I had a great group of helpers. Thanks to Jean Vacha, Alissa King, Andrea Clark, Cody Bittner, Matt Paul, and Dan Bundrick!

2009-07-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here are my boxes on my skid. They leave for Vienna today.

My belongings are on their way to Vienna...

2009-06-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I drove from Cedar Rapids (where my boxes resided) to Chicago to put my belongings on the container, and then back home to Omaha. I left at 5am and walked into my apartment at 10:30 pm. What made the day more enjoyable was seeing my friend Stacy in Chicago for lunch and having coffee with Mike in Des Moines.

Things have been different being back in my empty apartment. I wanted to flip the chicken I was cooking and had no flipper. I can't open my cans because I don't have a can opener, and it didn't dawn on me until my chicken nuggets and french fries were done in the oven that I had no hot pad to pull them out. It's been a hoot to find new ways of doing things. :-) But in all honesty it's been nice not having a TV or the Internet. It has given me extra time to read books I've been wanting to read and delve into the scriptures more.

Faith Bible Church

2009-06-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 28th I was able to present at Faith Bible Church where I grew up. What a great time! I got to see my 4th grade teacher, old Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, kids I babysat that are all grown up, and a couple of my best friends I hadn't seen in years. I've never felt so at "home."

After my second presentation, a couple I did not know came up to me and introduced themselves and told me they would like to support me $50 a month! What in the world! Who would have guessed! An old youth leader said, "Of course we are going to support you!" Then, one of my high school friends dad said he'd like to help monthly. One lady I didn't even know slipped me some cash. I also get a large sum of money from the church. I thought, wow! 3 new donors and money from the church I can split up into monthly support! Then, Christy (one of my best friends and the one I was staying with) went to HyVee to grab something and we ran into my school secretary from elementary school and she TOO said she and her husband would like to help.

It's like the Lord bonked me on the head (as they do in the V8 commercials) and said, "What are you worried about? I have this all under control!" I'm at 100% of my set up costs and over 53% of my monthly. (I still have yet to find out how much 5 couples are supporting me.) Oh, the Lord is good to me!

Sully Community Church

2009-06-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

On July 21st, I had the opportunity to go to Sully Community Church to speak about my trip druing the evening service. I was amazed when I walked through the door and saw 29...that's right 29 missionaries on their missionary board. What a mission minded church. They supported my parents while they were at camp.

There was around 15 people there that night. I wasn't expecting much but during the offering they gave $675. What a blessing! God provides for me in such surprising ways. A few weeks ago, I worked so hard on this Rummage Sale and raised a little money. Here I was not lifting a finger, just sharing my passion about this ministry, and people opened their wallets and wanted to be apart of it. Then about a week ago, I open my donor report and there was an anonymous gift of $1500. I can't even believe it! I'm now at 89% of my set up costs and 50% of my monthly. God continues to do amazing things and open doors that I never thought He would.

Thank you Sully Community Church!!!

Rummage Sale

2009-06-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay...I'm just now getting pictures up! May 28 and 29 was the Rummage Sale Fund Raiser. Many people donated items and I raised $310 that went towards my set up costs. Praise the Lord. Thanks to everyone who donated and a special thanks to the Bittners who let me use their house and to Dan who was there the entire time to help! Thanks guys!!!

2009-06-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

The view of me in the car with my boxes. They have traveled with me from Omaha, NE to New London, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA and next week from Cedar Rapids to Chicago, IL. I look forward to putting them on the container and forgetting about them! :-)

View from the rear view mirror.

On the road again...

2009-06-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow my boxes and I will be on the road again. They have taken quiet a journey from Omaha, NE to New London, WI. Now, I will be taking them to Cedar Rapids where they will stay with my friend Christy so I do not have to take them all the way back to Omaha again. When the papers are ready for me, I will drive back to Cedar Rapids, IA, pick them up, and take them to the container in Chicago. I can not wait until they are finally on the container and I can forget about them.

Tomorrow, I'm traveling to Sully, Iowa to give a presentation at Sully Community Church. There is a very kind and generous woman there I met at camp named Sandy Grey. I'm so thankful for all she has done for me so far! This church is so very kind. They supported my parents when they were raising support at camp. (My parents were the managers of East Iowa Bible Camp for 5 years.)

Monday, I meet with the Pastor and the head of the mission board of the church I grew up in. Please pray that the Lord's will will be done in both of these encounters.

Packing and driving, driving and packing...

2009-06-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'm so thankful for the past few days with my family. We celebrated my birthday and then celebrated Alex's birthday (my brother's fiance). I got to look at wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses in anticipation for Dustin and Alex's wedding.

But now, it's time to get back to preparations for Austria. I'm elbow deep in boxes. I've been living out of them...I've been moving them from place to place. I've been packing and repacking changing my mind a million times on what to take and what I can live without. Today was my trial run to see what all would fit into my car to drive to the container in Chicago. While I'm there I hope to start the process for my Visa. I hope to drive there early next week.

But before then, I have the opportunity to go to Sully to speak at a church there. This is the first church besides my home church that has said yes to allowing me to come! Praise the LORD!!! I'm so excited to share about the ministry there in Vienna and hopefully share my passion with them.

Reesa and I hope to leave in 45 days! I still have 55% of my support to raise in 45 days! It's coming down to the wire! Please pray for me as often as you think of me!

Fear...

2009-06-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

When I admitted I was scared, my friend Dan reminded me that courage isn't being brave with a lack of fear but being brave even when you are scared. This was encouraging because lately I have been fearful.

This week, my recruiter called and told me the school had not gotten the exemption that they needed. The school used to automatically get visas for everyone who worked at the school but not getting that exemption meant one of three things: the school would be shut down by the end of the week, the school would be open one more year with a limited number of visas, or the school would stay open but each person would apply for a visa individually. We prayed hard and the Lord granted us the last option. So, you would think that fear would have subsided.

However, now is the decision on whether or not to ship my things overseas. I'm at 41% of my monthly support. I've been raising support since Christmas. I've watched Reesa slowly grow in support and my support stay the same. Many questions fill my mind. Am I praying enough? Am I working hard enough on support? Is this truly where God wants me next year? If not where do I go next?

Along with this exemption issue the school found that they owed some back taxes which cost the school $10,000. This meant that our Pre-Field Orientation training was canceled. Although I was sad about that, I really could use the extra two weeks to support raise.

On top of all this, John Janet (my principal next year at Vienna Christian School) called to ask me how I felt about possibly teaching kindergarten/first or second grade general education next year. I was thrilled! I would love to! I'll work wherever they need me to! I just want to be there. Mr. Janet would teach one of my subjects so that I could get out and help those students who need my help. Where this wouldn't be my first choice, I would still be in the school giving advice to teachers who need it and getting a little bit of time with students with special needs. The school really needs me there.

But the one question that haunts me is, what do I do next to raise support? I guess the next step is calling individuals and asking for support. The thing that scares me most. Pray that God would give me boldness as I try this approach and wisdom on who to call. Pray that my faith and trust would be strengthened as I wait on Him.

There's no place like home...

2009-05-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

There really is no place like home! As I drove into town and saw Mays Island, the bridges, the City Hall, and the Court House my mind was filled with old memories of the 4th of July. I drove past the history museum where a project I did in photography class hung. I went to Christy's (one of my best friends and roommate) house and we reminisced about old times and stayed up late watching chick flicks. The next morning I drove past both of my old houses and what used to be Drug Town (where I worked in high school). Ahhhhhh...the memories...

I had a home presentation to share about the ministry at VCS. Jenna and Jeff came with Riley and Mrs Grey came as well. They all had many questions and it was a fun time to catch up. After that, Christy and I went to a graduation party where I saw many old friends from camp. I was also able to share about my upcoming plans to many there as well. The Lord is good!

I am now up to 46% of my set up costs! Praise the Lord! And 40% of my monthly. All though the Royal's game fell through, the Lord continues to show me that He is in control and he will provide the way...He often needs to remind me that I'm not in control. :-)

Well, I'm off to go to Faith Bible Church this morning (my ol' stompin' grounds). Keep Reesa and I in your prayers!!!

Jeans Day

2009-05-20T13:57:00.001-07:00

Jeans day was a success! Our principal allowed us to wear jeans this Tuesday if they donated $5 to my ministry. I raised $170! I also had a chance to share with some people at work about my ministry and what it was all about.

Next Wednesday is the Royal's game concession stand. Pray that lots of people would buy food and that it would be a success. I will get 10% of the proceeds.

Next weekend is the Rummage Sale Fundraiser. Lots of people have already donated. Come and check it out if you live in the area. I don't just need people to donate I need people to shop too!

It's hard to believe that I move out of my apartment in less TWO WEEKS! Woo hoo!!!

Quick Update

2009-05-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well, believe it or not another month has gone by. God has been teaching me so much through this process. He has shown me that He is the source and my prayer life has been strengthened.

Reesa and I bought our plane tickets and I found myself squealing with excitement like a girl at Christmas time. We were able to get really great prices and we are even on the same flight!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Things are starting to wind down for me. The night class I was teaching is over which has given me my week nights back. There are 2 and a half weeks of school left. I do have 5 IEPs (special education paperwork) to write before then. So, my weekends have been full of paperwork. I'll be glad to see that done! In my "spare time" I have been support raising. I am currently at 39% of my one-time costs and 40% of my monthly support. The Lord is so good!

Up next: running a concession stand at a Royals game where all proceeds go to my ministry, a fund raiser at my church like a dodgeball tournament, a rummage sale where donated items are sold, and a home presentation as well as coffee dates in Cedar Rapids.

One month later...

2009-04-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a month since I blogged last. Besides less furniture in my apartment not much has changed. I'm selling my things on Craigslist and Ebay and look forward to having that part done. I have a computer desk still up for sale but other than that and a few more little things I've sold everything I wanted to! Praise the Lord! In many cases, I was able to get asking price and twice I even got more than asking price!!!

New neighbors moved in across the hall and they gave me all their old boxes which will save me lots of money! The Lord provides in so many ways! I'll be moving the things I want to store at my dad and mom's house on June 4th and then spending time with my family until the 20th when I leave for Pre Field Orientation for two weeks. After that, I teach three weeks of Extended School Year (summer school for special education students). Then one more week with family and off to Austria (Lord willing).

Currently, I have 19% of my one-time costs and 36% of my monthly costs. This weekend a man from Reesa's church said he would like to support me and Reesa. The people God is raising up to support me are coming from places I would never have dreamed. He gets all the glory!

The next step is more home presentations and a fund raiser at Great Adventure Ministries (a singles ministry in Omaha). Pray that God would use these to get the word out about this ministry and possibly support me.

If you'd like to contribute to this ministry on a monthly basis or a one-time gift please send checks to: R.C.E. International, P.O. Box 4528, Wheaton, IL 60189—4528 and put #2987 in the memo.

Risk...

2009-03-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today my friend Trevor sent me a text to listen to truthforlife.org with Alistair Begg. It was all about Ecclesiastes 11. Verse 4 says, "Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every could, they never harvest." Verse 5 goes on to say that we cannot understand the activity of God.

Begg quotes Julius Caesar who says, "There is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads onto greatness but if you miss the tide you're going to be paddling out there for a long time waiting for the next wave."

Waves don't come along all that often...not the kind that will rush you off into a whole new opportunity. If you constantly sit waiting, watching, wondering, analyzing, doing all the pros and the cons and the ups and the downs, you'll be sitting there until the day you die. Of course, it's good to do that but you can't let it paralyze you.

Ephesian 5:16-17 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

It's not an ideal time for me. It's not ideal to quit two amazing jobs in a time where people are loosing their jobs. But if I don't go, where will I be years down the road...farther behind. I can't watch the clouds...or I'll never harvest. Don't wait for ideal conditions...there are no ideal conditions!

With this being said...I turned in my letter of intent saying that I would not return to school next year. Ecclesiastes 11:1 Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.

To sign or not to sign...

2009-03-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

I've been seeking wise counsel about the decision of signing a contract for next year or not. I met with Pastor Chuck and he explained to me that God doesn't always want us to go directly from point A to point B. We may be on our way to point B when God causes us to go in a zig zag. But sometimes in moving towards point B we end up where God wants us to be. He reminded me that if I didn't end up raising all my support and serving in Vienna it wasn't the end of the world. In fact, that might be how He gets me where I'm suppsed to be. He asked me where my heart was and I told him serving the Lord. He asked me why I was so scared of not signing the contract and I told him I was scared of not having a job next year if I didn't raise all my support. He then asked what I loved more, job security or serving the Lord. Am I more in love with my job or Jesus?

After this meeting, I talked to a retired missionary from my church on the phone. He told me they had a missions meeting where one of the elders talked about his cell phone. Having a cell phone was convenient, he could call people on his way home from work, and people could get a hold of him on the golf course. However, it cost him $65 a month and he thought about how much that would benefit a missionary. Then another elder talked about how he had cable and he wasn't sure how much TV God wanted them to watch anyway. And he, too, wondered what that money would do for a missionary. This really encouraged me and showed me that God could bring in the money in ways I never dreamed of!

It was after much thought and lots of prayer, that I have decided not to sign my contract here at Lewis Central. I'm moving towards Vienna and if He chooses not to bring in the support, I'll be interested to see what He has for me next. I'm putting my total trust in Him. Jesus has my heart; and I'm going to serve Him wherever He leads me.

Take my life and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my hands and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Missions Festival

2009-03-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was our church's missions festival as well as one of the worst snow storms we've had all year. Ha! Reesa and I set up a booth and shared with those who were brave enough to face the ice.

Many were excited to hear about our future ministry at Vienna Christian School. But not only that, many people were supportive about my situation at work and a sweet couple prayed with me as I still face the decision of what to do about next year.

The disciples were out fishing and not having much luck when Jesus says, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish." and Simon says, We've got fish folks! Soon, both boats were filled with fish. Is Jesus asking me to drop my nets in Vienna.

Luke 5:11 says, "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people! as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus." Jesus comes right where we are and invites us to follow Him. Jesus calls us to not be afraid. They left everything.

My delima is knowing the difference between stepping out in faith (leaving everything) and being a good steward of what God has given me. I have two wonderful jobs and am at 25% of my monthly support. Honestly, I am scared. Each day at work I am faced with the question of what I have decided. Please pray for wisdom!

Lord, teach me to pray...

2009-02-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

This week has been amazing. Tuesday my good friends the Bittners brought home their beautiful baby girl, Mariah. We have been praying for their adoption for a long time now. In church this morning we sang "How Great is Our God" and "I stand Amazed (How Marvelous)." Tears flooded my eyes as I thought about how marvelous He truly is and how He really does answer prayer. In Sunday school, we read the passage from Luke 11 where the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Verse 3 really stood out to me, "Give us each day the food we need." God's provision is daily. If He gave me all my support right off the back I would no longer need to rely on Him. He goes on to teach the disciples to be persistent in prayer. Practicing persistence in prayer helps us recognize God's work. Would you join me in being persistent and bold about praying for my support money to come in?

Feb 27- March 1 is my church's Missions Festival. Reesa and I will be setting up a table and talking to people about our trip. March 15 Reesa and I will have the opportunity to speak during the Sunday School hour at our church about our trip. I have plans to call a lady in WI this week to see if it would be possible to speak at her church. After that is set up I hope to call my Grandma's church and see about speaking there. From there I will be starting "tea parties" with girls in different cities to talk about my trip. Pray for safe travels and open hearts.

Friday, I have a job interview for a summer job opportunity. It sounds like they would be flexible during my PFO training in the middle of summer. Plus, I would absolutely love working there. Pray that God's will would be done one way or another.

I'm starting to sell furniture from my apartment. So far, the Lord has really blessed me by giving me my asking price or close to it...and one time even more than my asking price!!! PTL

Standing on the ledge...

2009-02-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

This week has been very difficult emotionally. At work we are already planning for next year and discussing student placements. I felt that I needed to let work know about my plans but was not ready to quit as I only have 19% of my support raised. I'm confused about what to do. I told one of my associates and the teacher I co-teach with and they were both very disappointed. My co-teacher was wanting to loop with me (have the same kids the next year and teach 3rd instead of 2nd). I feel like I am letting people down. I talked to my boss this morning and filled him in. He has given me until the end of this month to give my notice.

Many emotions are flooding my brain at this point. Am I being stupid for quiting my two amazing jobs? Is this really where God is leading me? What if I quit my job but don't raise all the support? What if I'm not able to go but no longer have a job in the states? What if...?

I see myself as standing on a ledge. I'm ready to do God's will and have committed to serving Him for two years in Austria but am afraid to take the leap. Why is it so hard to jump? My faith is so little. Please pray that I would have a peace about quitting my job.

I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli
My heart beats standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge
Like it or go back
There's no turning back

I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So, I'm letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
A fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It fees like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So, I'm letting go
Giving into your gravity
Knowing you are holding me
I'm not afraid

I'm letting go of the life I've planned for me and my dreams
I'm loosing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
It fees like I'm falling and this is the life for me
And I'm letting go

Blogging

2009-01-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

Well, here we go...my first BLOG! I have no idea what I'm doing! Hee hee.

God is so amazing! Right now, I'm at 8% of my set up costs and 19% of my mothly support! This is just from sending out letters. In a couple of weeks, Reesa and I will be setting up a booth at the missions festivle at our church. We are praying that God will be preparing people's hearts and showing us who He will have to support us. A couple of people have mentioned some names of people in their church to contact about raising support at their church. So, once the weather calms down I will be calling and making appointments at churches to present there. I see alot of traveling in my future! :) If you think this could be a possiblity at your church, please let me know.