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Official Thanksgiving post...

I am sure that this will add to the flurry of Thanksgiving related posts scattered on the interwebs...but here it goes.

This drastic change in our lives has definitely helped us to focus on all these things that we are truly thankful for.

An obvious part of this move to serve in Vienna has been leaving our friends and family in the states. It is amazing what distance will do to remind you how grateful you are to have someone in your life. We are so thankful for all of you who have supported us in this transition. Rebecca and I were talking recently about how much supportive emails, notes, and packages have meant during this time of transition...Thank you!

We are also especially thankful for the wonderful love and support that has been shown to us by our new family of friends here in Vienna. We have been accepted into their families and this has definitely helped us in our transition.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve God in this place. My expectations of what to expect once we started ministering here have been completely blown away by the reality. The importance of relationship building has been so evident, and I am thankful that God has provided numerous opportunities for us to build and strengthen quality relationships with students and staff alike.

I am thankful for financial provision. Although it has at times been tough to see where the funds were coming from, all that we have needed has been provided. Even though we don't see how our expected monthly support will add up to the amount we need, every month God has been faithful in providing for us, even when our faith was shaky and weak.

I am thankful for the opportunity to visit the States over the Christmas break. We are excited for the opportunities to update all of our supporters and share with them the excitement that we feel for the ministry God has provided for us here. Although our primary reason for returning to the states is to raise more consistent support, we are definitely looking forward to spending quality time with family and as many of our friends as possible.

I hope and pray that all of you who read this will have an enjoyable and restful Thanksgiving holiday and take the time to really think about the things that you have in your lives to be thankful for.

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