I believe I could write a book about the sights, smells, sounds, taste and feelings of Haus Edelweiss. Here are just a few things I would put into it.
Sights – Because I am working outside I am surrounded by the gift of God’s beautiful paintbrush literally anywhere look. The landscape changes throughout the day as the sun goes in and out of the clouds or moves across the sky. The grounds are so well kept throughout the year and they have some of the richest soil. This country has strict recycling laws and the Haus abides by them and they are so resourceful and use everything. Today I watered the roses and pruned and pulled flowers that will not make it through the winter season. Sounds small but by having STW/LTW’s here doing this saves $300,000 per year in spending cost.
Another wonderful sight is seeing the people I have met from previous visits once again. The staff and some of the students make me feel like I am home as they welcome me with hugs. I enjoy catching up with them as they tell me what has gone on since the last time we have seen each other. They along with our other STW/LTW’s are what I love best about this trip. I watched one of the professors and a student that had just arrived run toward each other and gave one another a huge bear hug. Relationships are so sweet here.
Smells – Today they were able to cut the grass probably for the last time until next spring. Oh the smell of cut grass! The smell of althe different foods being cooked for us are indescribable. The use of food here is like non-other that I have ever seen. All food can be remade into something amazing. There is absolutely no waste and they truly know how to stretch a budget while making you feel like you were eating in one of the finest restaurants.
Sounds – The buzzing of saws, blowers, clippers and lawn mowers were prevalent today. The house will be closing up after this session and there is much to do before that can happen. The best sounds are all the laughter and conversations being held during our meals and work time. We have laughed at each other trying to pronounce our foreign friends names and certain words to help with the meal process. There is so much conversation being held at the dish drying table that you really have to listen hard to get the full story. Tonight, a Hungarian pastor sat next to me and said that God had given him a vision to pray for a revival for New York City. Y’all! It is something that you do not expect when you are there to be blessing them. Can’t wait for the church service on Sunday morning. Many voices, many languages praying and praising God.
Taste – Well, pretty sure there isn’t anything better than the Haus food. Whether it is hot dogs or turkey and dressing it is all good.
Feelings – My heart runs the gambit of emotions here, happy to be serving in such a wonderful place; hopeful for our friends here that have so little and work so hard to get the gospel message out the best way they can; concern for the STW worker from Arizona that came here because her husband really wanted her to have the experience only to find out the two of their five and possibly a third is really sick and there isn’t a thing she can do. We gathered around her, professors, STW/LTW’s and staff to prayer for her to have peace, for her husband to be able to handle everything and healing for her children.
The feeling of dread is creeping up on me. This time next week I will be back home. I pray that God will allow me many more trips so that I can serve in the happiest, most organized, loving environment I have ever had the pleasure of serving. Love to all at home!
Pat
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