Happy Fall everyone! I can just imagine the torrent of pumpkin themed things appearing in stores all over the states right now, the official marker of this season right? Sadly I haven't seen an increase in pumpkin treats around here but we definitely have plans to make a pie for Thanksgiving. The days and nights are getting chillier. Slippers, sweaters, scarves, and ponchos are all coming out of storage. Beyond the weather lots of other exciting changes have been happening!
Jonathan and I got to experience our first Enten Rennen or duck race. This event was organized by a youth organization in our area to raise money for the refugees that just moved into Schwertberg. All the normal party elements were present like live music, things to eat and drink, and entertainment for small folks (a jumping castle in this case). The aspect that made this get together different from others was the numbered rubber ducks that people purchased which were then tossed into the nearby river in one big dump. Whoever owned the duck that reached the designated finish line first won a prize. It was a great opportunity to chat with neighbors and people we've met at the fire department. Most of all it was the perfect chance to meet the refugees. Micah, Jonathan, and I got to shake all their hands, sit down, and strike up a conversation. Two of the men spoke amazing English but all the guys regardless of language were interested in communicating so either through translation or through hand motions and smiles we all got to know each other. Currently they are living in a community type set up of mobile units. They invited us to come over anytime and as they just recently got a ping pong table they said we should join them for some rounds. The next day we went over and met the sweet Austrians that coordinate things for the refugees and we got to relax, drink coffee together, and of course test our skills in table tennis! Basically we looked like total newbies compared to these guys but we still had a lot of fun. We are looking forward to visiting again and perhaps bringing some tasty baked goods with us :).
It has also been birthday central over here. Jonathan turned 24 on the 19th and Silas turned 8 on the 21st. We celebrated Jonathan's by playing an epic 18 hole round of disc golf. The course was set up in a huge circle throughout Austrian fields and countryside. It took my breath away in more than one manner, 1. it was truly beautiful 2. there were lots of steep climbs so I was literally fighting for air. For Silas' birthday we went to a town called Wells and visited a pirate themed water park. It was awesome!! There were slides, slippery jungle gyms, and a wave pool. The park also happened to be celebrating an anniversary so they gave us coupons for a free meal, talk about good timing.
Things with the fire department have also been going well. We should start our basic training in October but until then we have been going most Tuesdays to watch different practices. So far we've seen a course on tying knots and using ropes and harnesses for rescues, car accident protocols, and how to use spine boards to transport injured victims. We have also been meeting more members of the team. It was particularly fun for me to meet the two other women I'll be working with in the future.
Thanks friends and family for reading! If you all could be praying for the refugee situation in Austria and Europe that would be awesome. It is a very tumultuous time and I think everyone needs a little peace. Also Jonathan and I will need to renew our visas soon so prayers for that would be appreciated. Love you all!!
-Rachael
Jonathan and I got to experience our first Enten Rennen or duck race. This event was organized by a youth organization in our area to raise money for the refugees that just moved into Schwertberg. All the normal party elements were present like live music, things to eat and drink, and entertainment for small folks (a jumping castle in this case). The aspect that made this get together different from others was the numbered rubber ducks that people purchased which were then tossed into the nearby river in one big dump. Whoever owned the duck that reached the designated finish line first won a prize. It was a great opportunity to chat with neighbors and people we've met at the fire department. Most of all it was the perfect chance to meet the refugees. Micah, Jonathan, and I got to shake all their hands, sit down, and strike up a conversation. Two of the men spoke amazing English but all the guys regardless of language were interested in communicating so either through translation or through hand motions and smiles we all got to know each other. Currently they are living in a community type set up of mobile units. They invited us to come over anytime and as they just recently got a ping pong table they said we should join them for some rounds. The next day we went over and met the sweet Austrians that coordinate things for the refugees and we got to relax, drink coffee together, and of course test our skills in table tennis! Basically we looked like total newbies compared to these guys but we still had a lot of fun. We are looking forward to visiting again and perhaps bringing some tasty baked goods with us :).
It has also been birthday central over here. Jonathan turned 24 on the 19th and Silas turned 8 on the 21st. We celebrated Jonathan's by playing an epic 18 hole round of disc golf. The course was set up in a huge circle throughout Austrian fields and countryside. It took my breath away in more than one manner, 1. it was truly beautiful 2. there were lots of steep climbs so I was literally fighting for air. For Silas' birthday we went to a town called Wells and visited a pirate themed water park. It was awesome!! There were slides, slippery jungle gyms, and a wave pool. The park also happened to be celebrating an anniversary so they gave us coupons for a free meal, talk about good timing.
Things with the fire department have also been going well. We should start our basic training in October but until then we have been going most Tuesdays to watch different practices. So far we've seen a course on tying knots and using ropes and harnesses for rescues, car accident protocols, and how to use spine boards to transport injured victims. We have also been meeting more members of the team. It was particularly fun for me to meet the two other women I'll be working with in the future.
Thanks friends and family for reading! If you all could be praying for the refugee situation in Austria and Europe that would be awesome. It is a very tumultuous time and I think everyone needs a little peace. Also Jonathan and I will need to renew our visas soon so prayers for that would be appreciated. Love you all!!
-Rachael