Hallo from Austria!

Well, it's official. For the next three months I will be sleeping, eating, studying, and traveling in Vienna, Austria.

We flew out last Wednesday. After a nine hour plane ride from Charlotte, NC we landed in Munich, Germany. We then took a bus to a quaint little village named Dorfgastein in the Alps of Austria. That's why I haven't posted a blog yet... our wifi (pronounced 'vi-fi' in German) was scarce and my team and I often ended up accidentally pushing one another off as we vied for connection.

We were staying in the Alps to slowly immerse ourselves in another culture and to get over jet lag. The first two days consisted of hiking, hiking, and more hiking, the third day we took a train to Salzburg (where the sound of music was filmed!) and then on the last day we had a free relaxing day and a few friends and I traveled to Bad Gastein, a little town about a 20 minute bus ride away.

Overall, it's been a wonderful, beautiful experience. Granted, we all have stress pimples forming from the occasional social blunders and language barriers we experience, but there is no doubt that this is a once in a lifetime experience.

I know that I said I wouldn't write a ton, but I have to share something quick. A friend and I recently read through the book of the Bible Job together. Towards the end of the book, after Job has suffered immense amounts of pain, received no comfort from his friends, and questioned God because of all of it, God calls him out.

Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you will instruct Me! "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell ME, if you have understanding, who sets its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning starts sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy?" Job 38

The LORD continues to explain to Job that he has absolutely no right to question God. Who was he, a measly man, compared to the God of the Universe? Reading that passage makes me feel very small and yet very humbled at the same time. We get to serve the God who made the earth, who can move mountains, who can instruct the wind and the waves, and who can put into motion every living thing. Um, wow.

Our hikes this week have brought us to views that are BEAUTIFUL and literally breathtaking. As I looked out at them, I couldn't help but to feel very very small. Who am I that the Lord would let me see such a beautiful thing? He created the world so that we could enjoy it... and we should sing his praises forever because of it.

Below are pictures from my travels and adventures thus far. Enjoy and remember that ALL good things come from above.

In Nashville before leaving.

Our backpacks that were later killing our backs... Lesson learned. Bring less next time.

Out of the bus window, from Munich to Dorfgastein.

My room in Dorfgastein. We stayed in a little Bed and Breakfast. 

My view from the porch of my room in Dorfgastein.

Dorfgastein! Very little and peaceful!

Our first meal in Austria- Lasagna! 

The view of Dorfgastein on our hike up the mountain!

Our first hike was to a family's house where they hand make cheese, bread and meat.

Sarah and Sarah.

Tasting Austria's version of Ginger Ale. 

Cheese making demonstration.

I'm not much of a cheese person... but this cheese was good!

Cheese in the cellar.

We were headed to a 'concert' in town but we weren't sure where it was at... so we followed the band!

For our second hike, we took gondolas up the mountain and then hiked down.

We hiked to this lake on the mountain. BEAUTIFUL.

The Lake was 4 degrees Celsius... about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Around the lake are little things to walk on that are supposed to help blood flow in the feet.

Can't get enough of these pictures... And neither can they do it justice.

Iced coffee!

Pizza...

and Ice Cream!

Train ride to Salzburg

We attended mass in this Church in Salzburg... I loved it!

One of the oldest coffee houses!

Mozart's Balls!

This is a very old and beautiful cemetery. It is the one that the scene in the Sound of Music is based off of... but in reality you can't hide behind the tombstones. :(

We hiked up to this fortress and toured around!

This is for Sam.

This bridge is where lovers put locks and then throw the keys into the river.

Where we stayed in Dorfgastein.

My home in Vienna for the next three months! Apartment style!

I'll post more pictures soon! Hope you enjoyed!

Love,

Sarah