October Recap

And, just like that, October has flown by. So many wonderful memories were made during this golden month. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by so many amazing people here in these breathtaking mountains. God is so good! 

That being said, here are a few highlights from October:

Hikes

Every weekend, there is an option to participate in an outing. Most of the time, this means a very intense hike up to the mountain peak, led by our hard-core sports instructor. This past month, I’ve had the chance to experience several awe-inspiring hikes in the Dachstein mountain range. 

I’ve quickly learned that the alpine weather can be pretty versatile in the fall. One moment it may be sunny and nearly 20 degrees….then just a little higher up we are venturing though snow, ice, and wind. Tackling the mountains has been a crazy physical challenge, but 100% worth it! When we reach the peak, we often read a Psalm, or stop along the way to take time to pray and reflect on the beauty of creation around us. I love the values of the Tauernhof leadership– each activity is led with intention, keeping a spiritual focus in mind.  

Often, there are chances to stop at mountain huts for a break to enjoy the view & some delicious Kaiserschmarnn (traditional Austrian dessert). After the hikes, it has become a regular custom to go to MacDonalds to replenish our calories, then spend a relaxing evening in the Sauna. Definitely a rewarding feeling! 

Mitterberghaus Trip  

Another highlight of October was the school trip to Mitterburghaus, an alpine hut in Hochkönig, a mountain group containing the highest mountain in the Berchtesgaden Alps! 

We stayed at the hut for four days. It was refreshing to get away from the busy schedule of classes and have some personal time to spend in prayer and reflection. Each night we did a big bonfire under the towering mountain range and twinkling stars…it was so amazing to spend time in worship, standing in awe of all God’s creation. A few other highlights of the trip included many stunning hikes, baking and eating homemade doughnuts and Apfelküchle with coffee, and many group games. The most notable of which being rugby…the trip ended with 3 concussions, among several other injuries. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be playing rugby again anytime soon.

Outreach

As students, we had the chance to participate in an outreach in the town. This was an unexpected surprise as we were’t originally planning outreaches due to Covid. It was cool to see God open that door and allow this ministry to happen! 

I joined the school outreach. Myself, along with a small group of four other students had the opportunity to share Jesus & our testimonies with a class of middle school students from the town. Thankfully, we had 3 native German speakers in our group to help with translation. It was cool to see the students engage and show interest in the gospel story. Please be praying for the students to come to know Christ, and for the future outreaches during the second half of fall school. 

What God has been teaching me….. 

God has taught me so much this past month. There have been so many good Bible classes, times of prayer, deep study, and conversations filled with truth. One of the assignments we have is to read most of the Old Testament over the course of 12 weeks. Reading though the Bible at such a fast pace has given me a greater perspective of the bigger picture of God’s plan. 

During my recent devotions, I read Psalm 106. This Psalm stood out to me as a remarkable example of God’s faithfulness toward me even in the times I fail to abide in His presence. I found this passage especially applicable alongside my journey reading the Old Testament, as it displays the bigger picture of how the Lord works though His people and imparts knowledge that is applicable to me in my relationship to God today. 

In the Psalm, the writer rehearses God’s mercy during Israel’s history in spite of their sinfulness. Time and time again, the Israelites forget God (v. 7). They did not consider His wondrous works, and they did not remember the abundance of His steadfast love. (v.13). In their neglect of their Creator, they even exchanged the glory of God for an image of an ox (v. 20, Ex 32, Romans 1:23). they were not living in awe –and thus missing out on the bigger picture God had for them.

Even though the Israelites forgot, God still remembered. And in his great mercy displayed His faithfulness: “Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love” (Ps 106:44-45). These verses are mind- boggling. He is still faithful in remembering, even when the Israelites have turned completely from Him. He looks upon their distress in compassion, and hears their cry. He shows his steadfast love time and time again! It is astounding to think that though I often forget God, not for a moment does he forget me. 

Yet how many times do I neglect to acknowledge God in my passiveness, forgetting to give him glory and thanks throughout my daily life? Is my mind continually dwelling on His word? Am I truly abiding in God, pursuing an intimate relationship with my heavenly Father? 

In each and every moment, I should strive to be present in the glory of God, continually abiding in him though prayer, dwelling on his word, and standing in awe of his mighty works and all he has blessed me with. And I can rest assured knowing I have a Lord who cares for me personally and will always remember me! 

Prayer Requests

Continue to pray for my visa. I have submitted all my paperwork and am awaiting the final approval. Also pray for some of the other staff who are also submitting applications. Pray for peace as we trust in the Lord’s timing for the completion of this process. 

Please be praying for the outreach, that the students’ hearts to be open to the God’s word and that the seed would be planted in their lives to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus. 

Pray for healing for the students who have been injured, and continued protection for the students and staff from sickness and injury, especially during the mountain sports. 

As always, thank you for your prayers and for taking the time to read my blog!