More questions and even more answers

I received several more questions in my inbox after the last post. Really, I'm not making this up. So here goes.

Is it everything you thought it would be? Did you expect something to be different than it actually is -- either with everyday tasks or the mission strategy that was planned?

Honestly, I can't remember what I expected as far as everyday tasks. But I don't think I've been shocked by anything.


As far as the mission strategy, one thing we've learned since being over here is that it's not normal for Austrians to invite people into their homes. Generally, an Austrian will prefer to invite you out somewhere -- a cafe or restaurant -- rather into their home for a meal. This is what we've read and have been told, but of course, we haven't been here long enough to experience it yet. (We have been here long enough to notice that some of the things we have read and been told do not seem to hold true, so I'm curious whether this social habit will fall into that category.) How, and whether, this will affect our plans for small groups is yet to be seen.



Have you had many opportunities to meet people or has the language barrier been a big hindrance?

Meeting people will probably be one of the hardest things for me and Brian since either of us are extroverts. We plan on joining an organization or finding some kind of activity in the neighborhood that will allow us to meet people with similar interests. Of course, this will be easier once we speak German. For now, I plan on using English to my advantage. Once I learn a little German I will find a language partner or two who wants to practice English and with whom I can practice German.



Is being over there (on the mission field) scarier than you thought it would be? Do you think being able to speak the language will change that?

Our arrival in Vienna is somewhat of a blur. It took a while for everyone to get their luggage. Then we went through customs (which was basically just getting our passports stamped -- no questions or anything). Then Brian and I found the driver who would take us to the apartment we were staying at for a few weeks and we left. None of that was scary and it was all a little exciting. But then as the we were on the way to the apartment, I distinctly remember thinking, "Oh no, we live here now." It was just a fleeting little moment of terror -- we had no home, no country and we knew hardly anyone. It only lasted about two seconds and I haven't worried about it since. (Of course, having a home now really helps.)


One of the scariest things is figuring out how to talk to people. I mean, that's what we're here for, right? But we can't just go up to people on the bus and tell them they should be going to church. Unless you're six. Because Carli did exactly that and she didn't seem to have any qualms. Sometimes I wish I had fewer inhibitions. I think learning the language will help some with that, but the biggest help will be meeting people and starting relationships. I think it will get easier over time and with practice.


And finally, the most important question: Can you watch The Office?

I was surprised to find that there are a lot of TV shows from the U.S. aired in Vienna. I've seen signs for House. And one of the electronics stores Brian and I checked out was playing Scrubs in the TV section. And I think I saw "Without a Trace" and one (or more) of the CSI shows when I was flipping channels one day in our temporary apartment. But The Office doesn't air over here. And the shows that do air are dubbed in German. Plus, we don't have a TV. Fortunately, none of that matters with The Office because we're planning on buying it on iTunes. :)