Saturday, September 28, 2013

Year 2 begins......


Sweet sign in front of Lydia's friend's home with Austria added.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,  always offering prayer with joy in my very prayer for you all,  in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
Philippians 1:3-5

We returned to Vienna on August 8th and look forward to seeing what God has planned for year 2!!  We can hardly believe the first year is behind us!  We are thankful for how God helped our family transition into another culture and serve at ICSV.  The opportunity to share the gospel daily with children who may otherwise not hear is incredible.  We are also able to disciple and mentor other believers as they grow in their relationship with Christ.  In addition, God has allowed us to be part of a church plant (Crossway International Church) that ministers to the English speaking international community in Vienna.  We head to the Visa Office on Monday and are praying our application process goes smoothly and our visas are renewed without difficulty.


During most of summer break, Billy stayed in Vienna to work on graduate classes and renew his teaching certification which will expire in December.  Ada and the children were able to be in Florida most of the summer.  Mitchell had a wonderful opportunity to go to upstate New York and serve at PFO (Pre-Field Orientation) for families going to International Christians Schools this year.  He worked in the children’s program with 2-3 year olds.  Lydia enjoyed being home with friends and attending church camp where she got to minister to children in a youth center and share the gospel. 





We enjoyed our time in the Florida sunshine!!  While home we were blessed to see many relatives and friends, but were sad that it is impossible to see everyone! 
The beach and swimming were the kids favorite activities!!

 Upon returning to Vienna, classes began on August 22nd at ICSV.  Billy is teaching 7 different classes this semester, not all meeting daily.  His classes include Bible (8th, 10th, and 12th grades), physics, current events, 6th grade math, and 6th grade life skills.  He is also part of our church leadership and is helping lead a men’s Bible study.  Ada is not be teaching this year, but is working four days a week at ICSV in the school office.  In addition, she is hosting the women’s Bible study for our church.  Billy teaching new classes and Ada learning a new job at the school has kept us quite busy these first weeks back to Vienna.




 Mitchell, now in 10th grade, has jumped into this year with both feet.  He is playing soccer, in the praise band, part of student union, and has a part in the upcoming school musical.  We were also excited that he was asked to go to the Student Leadership Conference in Budapest this week.  Our 8th grader, Lydia, is playing soccer this year and really enjoying hanging out with her friends from her class.  They can often be found laughing and dancing and making music videos.  We were so grateful that both Mitchell and Lydia were excited to return to Vienna. 


It is starting to look like fall here with the leaves changing.  The cooler temperatures feel wonderful!  We are excited about all God has planned at ICSV this year!  We welcomed many new students and currently have 56 countries represented at the school.  We cannot thank you enough for your faithful support of our ministry at the International Christian School of Vienna (ICSV) and Crossway International Bible Church in Vienna, Austria.  Your prayers, financial support, and encouragement are so appreciated!!

Love and blessing from Vienna,

Ada (aka "Miss" Clair)