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Random thought from Ada Overlooking Vienna

Philippians 4:19 - And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

We have had lots going on since we arrived in Vienna!! Out to dinner with some of the new and returning ICSV staff, there were about 40 of us all together!

Thankfully we are not in this alone!  God has graciously placed us at a school with a staff who greeted us with open arms.  They have all been in our place and are eager to help us in whatever way possible to transition to our new home!  We also have our special friends the Hooks, from our home church in Middlburg, who have been helping us too.  During our orientation time last week we were able to visit various places throughout the city.  Sometimes for fun, other times to accomplish a specific task (visa, purchasing household goods), and other times both.  We had several shopping days last week which was very helpful because someone drove the school van and helped us transport our goods home.  Imagine going to the store and only being able to purchase whatever will fit in your pull cart.  It makes for interesting shopping. Our new pull cart thanks to IKEA! Our apartment is starting to feel more like home.

I'm learning to cook here and my family is very grateful.  After the first week, Mitchell told his Grandmother that I could only cook two things: grilled cheese sandwiches and spaghetti.  I have added shrimp and pasta and chicken and rice to the list.  I'm hoping to make tacos and crock-pot chicken cordon blue later this week.  Having to stock the kitchen from ground zero is quite challenging.  I'm really glad I shipped a few of our favorite spices (Lawry's garlic salt, cumin, Italian seasoning) from home!   I've also successfully washed and dried clothes without a dryer (we gave ours to a family who had a greater need for an electric dryer).  It only take about 2 hours for things to dry hanging in the apartment!  Amazing, it would have taken days back home hanging stuff indoors. Preparing to cook grilled cheese sandwiches! Technically the clothes dryer is still in the living room. LOL

Many of you have asked what I will be doing at the school.  Prior to our arrival, this was not clear.  I had been asked to teach Health, but had not committed to anything.  You may or may not know that I have a Master's Degree in Health Science from UNF.  After we arrived, I was again approached by the secondary principal and asked to please teach Health.  I have agreed, trusting that God is in control and He will equip me to do what He has called me to do.

This week we had a short New Staff Orientation on Monday.  The Director and Principals commissioned us at the end of the day.  We were then given to rest of the week to begin preparing to teach and set up classrooms as needed. Next week will be full with all staff orientation and then school starting the following week.  Below are several thoughts from our New Staff Orientation which remind us of why we are here.

"What we are all about here is the gospel of Jesus."  "ICSV is all about Jesus." - James Devinish, Director of ICSV

"The mission field crosses the threshold and walks the hallways at ICSV" - Tom Mason, ICSV Bible staff

Thank you for continuing to pray for our family as we transition to Vienna and ICSV!!   I look forward to sharing more details of our first few weeks here along with new adventures to come.

Love to you all,

Posted by "Miss" Clair at 4:53 AM