Finishing
The above picture was taken last Sunday. The young woman to my right, Dorothea, has become a dear friend. She and her hubby ... and their precious son ... are from Germany. They, like us, have planted themselves and their lives in Vienna.
Ellie, Lukas and Maria, all Austrians, are a part of the church that we attend. We have shared meals, baked cookies, taken tours, studied the Bible, and laughed way too hard. Maria and Lukas, engaged to be married next May, will be in Oklahoma to visit us!
One of our church leaders is baptizing my friend, Ingrid. Ingrid, a "mature" women, greets us every week with kisses on both cheeks as if she has known us our whole lives.
This precious soul was first a teacher and now a friend. Reese has taught at the International Christian School of Vienna for four years. She has been like a sister to my Addison ... and part of our family.
This group of students and young people met in our home every Thursday for several weeks. They shared the same heart for our city and for students. For 8 weeks, we all hosted an International Student Cafe reaching out to students.
This is my little Libby standing next to her BFF, Alyssa. Libby has thrived this year at school. Her friendship with Alyssa is one thing that has been the biggest blessing to her ... and to this Mamma's heart.
My graduate will leave behind this adorable child, Marlene. Every Wednesday night ... for most of the school year, Marlene hung out at our house. She washed dishes, did homework, giggled and loved on all of us ... as one of our family.
Precious Parker nailed volleyball this season ! Shown here with her friend, Emily, she was voted by her peers to be co-captain of her middle school team. Not only did she have an awesome serve ... she was sport fashion model!
This motley crew of Austrian men have become a major, positive force in Chris' life. Not only do they meet for mutual accountability, they share a vision for seeing this city come to know the ONE we love.
As we finish ... and prepare for our big transition ... these are the images that now occupy my heard ... but mostly my heart. These faces are what make Vienna our "home". What a wonderful way to finish.
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