Being in the Middle East is an experience that jolts the senses more than a triple latte.  The cities and land are laden with the wonder of so many biblical events.  Modern day Amman, Jordan sprawls over rolling hills and its two million inhabitants create a buzz of activity on every street you turn down.  The incessant scratchy call to prayer from the ubiquitous minarets assaults your ears and breaks your heart.  Yet every person I spoke with in the hotel, in a store, or on the street was gracious and respectful.  They are dear people made in the image of God who desperately need to hear the truth about Jesus Christ and not the myths propagated by spiritual counterfeits.  The gathering that WorldVenture just completed here left a profound impact on its participants.  Dr. Mark Young articulately drove home the need for all of us involved in theological education to totally align ourselves with the eternal mission of God.  That may sound bland and even obvious but the week could not have been more stimulating.  It will be stirring to watch how training ministries around the world are changed as a result.  

The following are a few snapshots of my friends and the sights we enjoyed

It was year ago, and I was taking somebody through Venice for the umteenth time, and I remember saying to myself, "If I never come back here again that will be just fine with me."  I wasn't angry.  I wasn't even mildly upset.  I just had had enough of pigeons, bad pizza and overpriced everything.  The city that once left me wide-eyed and charmed was now a yawner.  I mentally waved "arrivederci" and set my sights on other destinations to take our future guests to. 

Well, all of that was before our two special young guests with Italian heritage came to be with us.  We had to drive from Spittal to Nice, and naturally that autostrada runs right past Marco Polo's home town.  So, sensing they would be interested we suggested spending a few hours there.  Their faces lit up like Christmas morning and my fate was sealed for another walk through crowded cobblestone streets.  However, as I pointed out the landmarks and rattled on about what little history I knew, I couldn't help but be caught up in their utter fascination and non-stop picture taking.  They were overwhelmed at the uniqueness of Venice and so profoundly thankful to see it.  Something they never dreamed would ever happen in their lives.  While holding all the backpacks and waiting for them to come out of San Marco, I slapped myself out of my lethargy and tried to take a first time look at what I already knew so well.  Slowly the frescos glowed with new life.  The architecture returned to prominence.  The gandolas were quaint again.  The Murano glass and Burano lace truly were impressive craftsmanship.  And my street vendor cappuccino was strong and sweet.  It was like bumping into an old friend who I had lost contact with over the years.  What a perfectly delightful day it turned into.  Now, the pizza is still bad and they definitely need to reduce the pigeon population, but I am ready to go back to Venice again anytime.  It truly is fabulous.  Here are a few pics from day and night:

First Class Short-termers!

Katie and Abby Martino have been a true delight to have in our home for the last two weeks!  They have been ready and eager to do any kind of work that needed to be done for the Krauses, for us, and for the Spittal Church.  They were welcomed and instantly loved by the Youth Group.  We keep being asked, "when are they coming back?"  At dinner last night we told them that we hoped they caught the disease.  That thing that won't let you rest until you come back to Europe to share your faith in Jesus Christ with those living on this spiritually dark continent.  A big thank you for coming girls, and we are so going to miss you both.

Scottland ist Zwanzig!

Snow on March 19th is pretty unusual in southern Austria, but that is exactly what it did twenty years ago - the day that Scottland Dougglas Custer was born in Villach.  And seemingly in celebration of his second "round"  birthday, that is precisely what it is doing outside again today!  Yesterday was 18C and now we are supposed to get about 30cm of the white stuff.  Beautiful.  Happy Birthday son!  We love you and are very proud of you.