Austrian Christmas

 Are we really experiencing this?  It is magical!  Each town has a Kris Kringle Markt in the Haupt Platz (town square.)   These are just as charming as you would expect.  Shoppers are grateful to buy gifts at last… since the lockdown ended on Monday!  

We are busily preparing the music for our sacrament service tomorrow.  Judd and I are performing a beautiful musical number “Peace, Peace, Peace” on piano and violin by Sally DeFord.  It is actually a choral number but Judd is performing the heavenly melody on the violin.  He translated the lyrics into German.  The lyrics will be read before we perform the piece.  

The best musical part of the service will be:  “Silent Night” played on the guitar!   Judd learned to play it and was planning on accompanying the congregation.  Then we found out that Anneliese Reidner, a dear friend in the branch, can play it…and will!   

The poem was written by a young Father Joseph Mohr in 1816. Two years later he asked Franz Gruber to compose the beautiful melody. “Silent Night” was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 in Oberndorf (a village near Salzburg.) Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr sang a duet as Gruber accompanied on guitar.  It was played on the guitar because the organ was in disrepair! 

Monday we traveled to Salzburg Austria for our Zone Conference.  Pres. Scott Naatjes gave an address that we felt was meant just for us.  We told him and Sister Naatjes afterwards. They are so loved by the army of missionaries serving in the AGSM (Alpine German German Speaking Mission.)  We observe how he leads by inspiration from Heavenly Father.  He serves with all his heart, might, mind and strength as does Sister Naatjes.  Our president has been prepared by the Lord through many years of church and professional leadership.  One of the things that sets Pres. Naatjes apart is his humility and his desire to “Let God prevail” in his life.  What a blessing it is to serve under their direction.  We love them! 

Recently, we were invited by Anneliese a dear friend in the branch to enjoy a wonderful meal in a Gasthaus in Kapfenberg.  We ordered a platter of food for the five of us to share. (see attached photo!)  It was piled high and  loaded with Wiener Schnitzel, beef, chicken, vegetables and rice etc etc etc.  It was a real feast and fed all five of us!  Would you believe there were even leftovers!  Beforehand, we had an amazing salad made from endive lettuce, corn, green beans and potatoes and Kerbis Kern Ol. (This oil is pressed from pumpkin seeds and only made in this part of Austria…Streirmark!)  It has a nutty flavor and is the best ever… in salads.  This delicious oil is famous all over the world.  Another dear member gave us a miniature French hand painted nativity scene.  Her sister buys them at flea markets and sends them to her to give to special friends.  It is a perfect size for our little apartment!

We have been invited into members homes this week for meals and we really appreciate being remembered.  We are thinking about all our children and their holiday celebrations.  On December 26 our son Andrew arrives and will be here for 10 days.  We are sure excited to have him here from Boston.

We miss our dear family very much!  The last time we were away was in 1995 when we were living in Tucson Arizona when Judd was in graduate  school.  However, our children were with us then!  

We plead with the Lord to protect our children and grandchildren.  Some of our children are having some heart wrenching trials right now.   Judd keeps reminding me that we are being prepared for greater blessings. We are waiting upon the Lord and staying in gratitude for all these experiences!  Our daughter Kristen shared a comforting insight from her stake president.  He said that our family will be blessed for years to come for our service. We love and miss each of our children, their spouses and every precious grandchild.  In a little over a month we are expecting Zane…another grandson. Sarah, Mandy and Wyatt are busily preparing for his arrival! We can’t wait to meet our 16th grandchild!

Merry Christmas to all our dear family and friends.  May 2022 be a year rich in blessings to you!