Joys in June

With summer now in full swing, new smiles have made it on our faces and those with whom we serve here in Austria.  June has been a busy month, full of joyful moments.  We'd like to share some of what has contributed to our "Joys in June".  

Though we find ourselves living in different cities, states and countries, and under a variety of circumstances, there are common contributors that bring Joy into our lives.  Hopefully, those we've listed here will trigger a happy response for you as they have for us.

This first picture is an invitation to find Joy you've overlooked.  

Enjoy Good Food

Many years ago we learned from our dear friends, Neal & Annie Call that sharing good food is the Language of Love and that Chocolate is its most perfect expression.  In German there's a saying "Der Weg zum Herzen führt durch den Magen", or as we say in English, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach".  Trudy has become a master of sharing her message of love through the many delicious regional meals and desserts she prepares for those in our small congregation and for the younger missionaries that we support.

Inspired by Esther Signer's Swiss Kuchen, Trudy makes an excellent fruit tart with custard, which everyone loves.  Trudy is expert in preparing many local dishes, including Dinkelmehl (spelt flour) and Sourdough breads.   

Great Music

As we shared in our New Years post, Austrians have a deep love for music.  This love extends from opera and symphonic productions to performances in smaller communities across the country.  One of the wonderful sisters in our church branch performs in a local band that recently celebrated its 75th year.  Uli is the band's sole obo player and a talented musician.

Each year the band performs in Bruck an der Mur town square and plays a variety of great tunes.  A few musicians form an ensemble during a break-out in the photo above. Click to enjoy some happy 'oom-pah-pah' music.  If this doesn't make you smile, nothing will!

Complete a Project

Everyone has a checklist of projects waiting to be completed.  Summer time presents us with a great opportunity to check off a few items on the list.  We always feel great when we do.  We offered to help Horst and Andrea work on their list.   Near the top was to either fix or recycle an old clothes dryer.  "Try as we might" to fix it, Horst and I and finally opted for plan "B" and took the dryer to the recycling center.  Truth be told, this was Andrea's wish from the start, as she dreamed for a new unit.

One of our continuing responsibilities is to support the younger missionaries by inspecting and making repairs to their apartments.  Many of the apartments have been occupied by the Elders and Sisters for many years and have accumulated unwanted articles, mostly clothing, for other missionaries who might have a need.  One of our on-going efforts to clear out items that are rarely ever wanted by the next missionary.  Of course, there are also repairs, painting to be done, as well has some hands-on, side-by-side cleaning assistance.   Making a team effort out of any job makes it fun.

Getting Together with Friends

A true joy came into our lives in June when Richard, Claudia and their daughter Julia Evans came to visit.  We've been friends all our lives.   We were able to spend wonderful time together as we caught up on what each family member has been doing and reflecting on heaven-sent blessings and life lessons learned.

We met in Salzburg where we visited a historical site that we had not yet seen, Hellbrunn Palace.  In the early 1600s, Markus Sittikus, both prince and archbishop of Salzburg, oversaw the construction of numerous water features throughout the property for the entertainment and often the dismay of his guests.  You can imagine the surprise when fountains spray from within your seat while you're eating dinner!  Notice the seat at the head of the table has no fountain (see in the picture below). 

Go Outside

There's nothing quite as therapeutic as being outdoors, and it's fair to say that the Alps offer an unsurpassed outdoor experience.  The Dachstein Alpine range covers a vast area and is also home to a permanent glacier.  A real highlight was to stay overnight in an Alpine Hütte, or hiking lodge, which we reached via a series of alpine gondolas taking us high into the mountain range.

We spent the better part of a day making a large hiking loop from Gjaid to Simony Hütte and back--a beautiful, but also strenuous hike.  We traveled over limestone carved by eons of glacier and ice melt flows. 

Just a few kilometers from the northern Dachstein gondola station is the town of Hallstatt.  It is possibly the most recognizable Austrian village, owing to the lakeside view, stately church and beautiful mountains, all reflecting across the lake.  

Enjoy God's Creation

Depending upon location and altitude, May and June offer a wonderful opportunity to view all types of wildflowers.  The variety is substantial. The colors are vibrant and the designs are quite varied.  They truly gladden the heart!

By Saturday we returned to our apartment in Leoben.  On Sunday, we all attended church in our Bruck an der Mur branch.  It was a delight for the Evans to enjoy the same spirit there as we do each week.  Following lunch after church, we went for a short drive to two of our favorite locations.  I never cease to be amazed at the beauty found in nature, all part of God's handiwork to bring us happiness.

Celebrate Important Moments

The few days during the Evan's visit went quickly, and our normal missionary activities continued.  These moments are often made even more special by looking for the chance to celebrate life.  Here you can see several examples.  Whenever someone has a birthday, we always celebrate, of course.  For one of our weekly District Meetings, a young missionary suggested that we all wear traditional attire.  

In our area we have an honest-to-goodness chocolate factory.  Zotter Schokolade produces some of the finest chocolate you'll ever find.  Together with the younger missionaries, we toured the facilities.  What a great experience!

Celebrating with members in our congregation is a highlight.  This last month, Klaus retired from the Austrian Railways, where he worked round-the-clock shifts making locomotive engine assignments for freight transport through the middle of the Austria.   We celebrated the completion of Klaus' great lifetime work and looking forward to the future.  In Austria, the favorite way to enjoy a good meal is in the mountains where you can savor a wonderful, traditional meal away from life's hustle and bustle.  

Giving Thanks - The Ten Lepers

This last month, one of our gospel study lessons at church centered around Christ's blessing the ten lepers.  As we remember, it was just one of these ten, a Samaritan, who, having been cleansed, returned to thank the Lord.  In so doing, the Lord blessed him spiritually and said, "Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."  

Just as with the thankful Samaritan, gratitude to our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus opens the door to greater happiness. Thankfulness turns our attention to what God has given us, instead of focusing on what is missing in our lives.  Of course, the Lord promises more.  He pronounced the thankful Samaritan whole.  I think we can understand this to mean forgiven.  Christ is ready to forgive all who come unto Him with a grateful heart.   He offers the greatest Joy--not just in June, but anytime we come to Him. 

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