34_Austrian Adventure
Come, amble through the Alps with me...
“Dink? Dink?"
My little one's incessant pleas for a drink become increasingly demanding as I try to pack the last of his brother's clothes into the suitcase. I finally fit everything into the right side and snap the strap shut. The left side gapes at me, waiting to be filled with baby clothes, but I pause the packing to cuddle and nurse my thirsty kiddo.
He relaxes so deeply that he nearly falls asleep, but today's nap has to wait for the long drive ahead of us. My husband takes the baby to liven him up, while I finish packing the clothes. I quickly cram my own things into the second suitcase before dashing to the kitchen to make a pot of broccoli cream soup. From the window, I watch my husband and the boys play Tetris with our belongings in the trunk of the car. Once everything has found its place, lunch is ready. Emotions are running high, which is usual for travel days. We manage to get food in all the bellies, clean the kitchen, and buckle up for almost five hours of driving through Germany's and Austria's prettiest landscapes.
Vacation can begin.
This vacation holds many firsts for me: for the first time, I know all the people staying in the hotel rooms on our floor, and every face is familiar when we sit down to eat in the dining hall. This is also the first vacation that includes daily Bible studies for the adults and activities for the children. We plan outings with the other hotel guests and trust each other to keep the little ones safe in the swimming pool. A knock on the door means someone wants to borrow a toy or walk down to lunch together. The entire experience is infused with fellowship, like a family vacation. The beautiful truth is, we are members of God’s family - almost fifty members of our church are here until Friday for a summer retreat.
I missed the first Bible study last night because I was tucking our overtired children into bed, but I am eager to attend this morning's lesson. Our speaker is an American missionary who helped plant our church over thirty years ago. On a sweet side note, the church and I share the exact same birthday - as I was being born in a hospital over two hundred kilometers away, these missionaries were finalizing the statement of faith for the baby church plant that is now my home.
The missionaries have been back in the States for several years now, so our speaker's German is a bit rusty as he begins. However, he soon finds his flow as we study the ways to walk in Ephesians 4 and 5.
Walk worthy of the calling you have received.
Walk in love.
Walk as children of light.
Walk in wisdom.
Should I look close or gaze afar, The whole world proclaims who you are: From flowers to flowing fountains, Morning mist to mighty mountains... Lord, by your word you made all this, My lack of praise would be remiss. Open my eyes each day anew That I may always worship you.
Today, we hike.
My big boy is so excited that he kneels to lick the pavement. Honestly, sometimes I wonder who is raising that child. He runs to the front of our group and leads the way. His energy is contagious. My husband's long strides also keep him at the front, even though he must push the stroller up the mountain. I keep pace with my guys for a while, but then our group breaks into smaller sections. I stay towards the middle to chat with a dear friend. We meet some cows along the way and stop for pictures, because it turns out we have a shared love for these gentle giants.
Our conversation continues to cover everything from light-hearted life updates to heartbreaking hardships. As we reach our destination, I praise God for the gift of a friendship that is rooted in Him and for unity through the Holy Spirit.
Our children finally sleep longer this morning. Just as they adjust to a new routine, the time comes for us to head back home. How quickly these days of fellowship and fun have flown by!
One last breakfast and Bible study are followed by a few minutes of play and a group photo. We sit down for a quick lunch, and emotional outbursts pop up all over the room. Parents try to calm their tired kiddoes for the final few minutes.
We load the cars and bid one another farewell. The little ones are soon snoozing away in their sun-warmed seats as we start the long journey home.
Home is full of beauty, too…
Thank you for being my guest. In God's word you will find rest; Seek Him, be bountifully blessed. 💚
So fun to follow along through your week. Thank you for sharing! The stories and pictures were very engaging!
What a wonderful journey you took me on. I am glad that it was such a lovely space for community and respite.