Last week marked a very exciting step in the process of getting our new branch of Street Buddies running. We had our first Linz group meeting! All the amazing folks who were interested in going out on the street or helping organizationally came to our house to ask questions, get to know each other, and of course eat pizza :). I had a ton of fun. There was a portion of the meeting where we went around the circle and shared about who we are and why we want to participate. It was so encouraging to hear all the different stories. People spoke about all the incredible things Jesus has done in their lives and how they just want to be a source of love without conditions or judgement to young people. I also had to challenge my fear of public speaking in German and share a little something. For some reason talking in another language gets infinitely harder when fifteen sets of eyes are watching you, it's so different from one on one conversation. Despite my fear it went well and of course my audience was very sweet and understanding. After the meeting I had the distinct feeling that God is building the perfect team for us. There was such a good mix of ages, genders, and personalities. The great part is that the goal seems to be universal, to bless others and try to be a source of Jesus' love to anyone on the street who wants or needs it.
Melia and I also had our second gospel choir performance recently. We were set up in an adorable town called Waldhausen. It was another joyful celebration with lots of singing, clapping, and dancing. The set up was so charming and the market had food, several nativity displays, and horse-pulled carriage rides. Holiday decorations made it into our community house too. Jonathan went into the backyard and found an epic shrub and cut it down. We now have an awesome ornament covered "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree in our living room. It feels so cozy and American :) it must seem a little unusual for Austrians because I think the national tradition is to decorate the tree on the 24th and not a day sooner. I think they understand though we get a little over excited about the different seasons.
Recently I've been connecting with an amazing woman in Mauthausen who is a riding instructor. She offers lessons of all kinds from standard riding to vaulting, which is kind of like acrobatics on horseback. Much to my delight she was very open to the idea of letting me volunteer at her stable. Another component of her work is horse therapy for those with special needs and she holds sessions for the local refugees to ride as well. So far I have acted as a helper in her therapy and refugee riding lessons. It has been such a privilege to be a part of it! Both the instructor and the students are just the best. Every time I've volunteered joy is one of the things that stands out.
Thanks for reading, wishing all of you a blessing filled Christmas!
-Rachael
Melia and I also had our second gospel choir performance recently. We were set up in an adorable town called Waldhausen. It was another joyful celebration with lots of singing, clapping, and dancing. The set up was so charming and the market had food, several nativity displays, and horse-pulled carriage rides. Holiday decorations made it into our community house too. Jonathan went into the backyard and found an epic shrub and cut it down. We now have an awesome ornament covered "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree in our living room. It feels so cozy and American :) it must seem a little unusual for Austrians because I think the national tradition is to decorate the tree on the 24th and not a day sooner. I think they understand though we get a little over excited about the different seasons.
Recently I've been connecting with an amazing woman in Mauthausen who is a riding instructor. She offers lessons of all kinds from standard riding to vaulting, which is kind of like acrobatics on horseback. Much to my delight she was very open to the idea of letting me volunteer at her stable. Another component of her work is horse therapy for those with special needs and she holds sessions for the local refugees to ride as well. So far I have acted as a helper in her therapy and refugee riding lessons. It has been such a privilege to be a part of it! Both the instructor and the students are just the best. Every time I've volunteered joy is one of the things that stands out.
Thanks for reading, wishing all of you a blessing filled Christmas!
-Rachael