Looking Back

Usually, the end of the year is a time when we reflect on what we have accomplished over the past year and what we want to do differently next year. As I think back over our family in 2005, I notice many changes in us. I'll list a few.

In the past 365 days our German has drastically improved, though we still have a ways to go. Our circle of friends in Austria has enlarged. Not only do we have more friends, but our friendships have grown deeper. Our ministry has also expanded in 2005. I preach about once a month in the Baptist Church and Krista sings regularly (in German) with the praise team. Because my German is better I can also communicate God's Word better in the Persian Ministry. Currently, I am going through a discipleship course with an Iranian man who is then teaching the material to the entire group in Farsi. Krista has also been able to have a greater influence in the Mother/Child group that she and Nate attend. In 2006 they will be doing "Secret Sister" because of her suggestion.

Nate has obviously, changed the most out of all three of us. In 2005 he has gone from barely being able to walk to running so fast that it is hard to catch him. In January 2005 he could not utter a word. Now it is hard to keep the boy quite (I won't say which parent he takes after in that respect). He doesn't know a lot of words but he knows how to use the ones he does know. He has also grown up from a chubby little baby into a tall, not so chubby little boy. He has gone from starring at the TV because of all the pretty colors to laughing at the funny parts at the right time. When I look at him I am so amazed and so proud.

Many people make resolutions this time of year. I have never been big on that, but I do think goals are important. My goals for 2006 are to improve my German, to be able to start a home Bible study in German, to finally begin work on my Masters Degree, to be a better husband to Krista and a better father to Nate and most importantly to grow closer to God. Maybe today's blog was more for me than for you but maybe you can follow suit and do some reflection of your own. Feel free to post your reflections as a reply to todayÂ’s blog. Well, I guess I will talk to you next year. Have a great rest of 2005 and a great New Year.

Danny

P.S. Check out our web site [ http://bbfi-europe.org/Caldwell/ ]. There is a Free 2006 Calendar available to download and print. I will warn you that it is a large file and could take up to 2 minutes to download with dial-up. Enjoy!

The Big Day

Well, today is the "Big Day" for my brother-in-law Zach and my soon to be sister-in-law Jill. Pray for them as they start their new life together. Nate and Krista are looking forward to being a part of the wedding. Krista is singing two songs, then helping Nate (the ring bearer) and the flower girl walk down the aisle. That should be interesting. I'm sorry I won't get to see it.

When I talked to Krista this morning she said they were doing good. Today, they are going out to buy Nate some black shoes for the wedding. She said Nate is getting attention from everyone. All of Zach'z friends love him. That sounds like Nate to me! Well, I gotta get going. Have a great day!

Danny

Still Snowing

Today has been pretty uneventful. I have been working in the office most of the day trying to take advantage of the time off from language school. I talked to Krista earlier. She and Nate are doing good. Below are some pictures of the Brown and Lantrip kids playing in the snow yesterday.

Danny

More Snow

It snowed again over night. It is amazing how snow can make anything look beautiful. Even our compost bin in the back yard looks nice with snow covering it. I don't know how much more snow we are supposed to get, but I know I'm tired of shoveling the driveway. I shoveled it 3 times yesterday and once today. I’m heading to the Browns in a little while to watch their kids and the Lantrip kids play in the snow. They have a great sledding hill behind their house. Who knows, I might even get in on the action myself.

I just talked to Krista on the phone. Their flight went well and they had a good nights sleep at her aunt's house in Richmond, Indiana. Today they are driving about three or four hours to Youngstown, Ohio where her brother is getting married on Friday. Please pray for her and Nate as they travel with Krista's parents.

Well that is about all the news I have for today. Have a great day in the Lord!

Danny

A White (2 Days After) Christmas

I just got back a little while ago from taking Krista and Nate to the Airport. They are flying to Ohio to attend Krista's brother's wedding. There's nothing like shoveling 8 to 10 inches of snow off the driveway at 4:30 in the morning. At least the roads weren't too bad on the way to the airport. Their plane was scheduled to leave at 6:00 AM. I haven't received a call on my Handy (or cell phone to you) from Krista saying that there was trouble so I assuming that they are halfway to Frankfurt by now.

I realize that we haven't posted since Christmas Eve. Hopefully your life is so exciting that you didn't notice. We had a good Christmas. We went to Church and had to be there a little early because I preached. Church was eventful to say the least. About 5 minutes before church began I ripped the crouch of my pants. We live 20 minutes from church so their was no way I had time to go home. Did I mention I had to preach. Someone found a safety pin for me but it didn't really help. I just held my Bible in front of me throughout the service. Preaching was no problem since I had the pulpit to hide behind. Needless to say we left right after the service was over.

When we got home we exchanged Christmas gifts, right away. Nate was interested in his new toys until he found the animal crackers in his stocking. He is used to coming home from church and eating lunch. So, while Krista and I opened our gifts Nate ate animal crackers and beef jerky. After lunch, we spent the rest of the day relaxing as a family. It was very nice. I hope yours went well too. Have a great day.

Danny

A-Team Christmas

Our ministry team met together this evening to celebrate Christmas. We also invited a family from England that we are all good friends with. We had a very nice time together. The children exchanged gifts in the traditional way, while we adults traded "White Elephant" gifts. Krista and I brought home a pudding mix and Chili powder. We were fortunate enough to avoid such iteams as a Collins-Hunt (our English friends) original painting, various cds and cassettes from world unknown artists and a bag full of Happy Meal toys (which we brought)! Everyone seemed to have a good time.

While we Americans and Brits were celebrating together, our Austrian counterparts were having Christmas dinner and opening gifts with their families. For them Christmas Eve is a bigger day than Christmas. They will spend tomorrow visiting friends and relatives as you probably did today.

Well it's getting late. I need to go. From our family to yours, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and remind you not to forget the real reason we celebrate.

Danny

Christmas Party

Tonight is the Christmas Party for our Persian Bible Study. For many of those in our group, this will be the first time that they've celebrated Christmas as a Christian and for some the first time they've celebrated Christmas at all. We are looking forward to an exciting evening. We are going to have a meal together, then exchange gifts and play a game. We are also hoping to have vistors tonight. Please pray that all goes well. Have a great day!

Danny

Cloudy day

I was hoping to find snow on the ground this morning, but just frost from the dew. It is cold though 23 F or -5 C. I like the cold...the house is cozzy, bundling up to go out, the smell of people's fireplaces going in the neighborhood, the smell of baking in the kitchen, getting together with friends, and the list goes on! This is definetely my favorite time of year.

Today I'm going over to Curt & Melinda's to help stuff the gift bags we have for our Farsi Bible Study Group. We are having a Christmas party for them tomorrow night. This will be a 'first' Christmas for many of them.

Danny had class early this morning then he's going to finish his shopping...3 days before Christmas!!! haha! Remember to keep him in prayer this Sunday as he preaches in German for the first time.

Krista

Intercultural Interaction

Today in my German class, a group of Austrian high school students will join us. They are studying international business and since everyone in my class is obviously from a country other than Austria, interviewing us gives them a glimpse into other culutres. It also gives my classmates and I an opportunity to use our German. I'm a little nervous but I'm sure it will go fine.

Krista and Nate are about to leave to attend the Mother/Child group from church. This morning they are meeting at one of the ladys' houses rather than at church. This is their last meeting before Christmas and New Years. Krista and Nate always enjoy going. Nate is usually worn out afterwards because he plays so hard with his friends.

Well I need to finish getting dressed so I can leave. The bus comes in about 20 minutes. Have a great day.

Danny

Baking

Today I am baking cookies, cookies, and more cookies!! I started last year when we moved into our house. I wanted to meet our neighbors. I couldn't speak to them at the time because I had only had a month or so of German class. But what better way than with food!?!? They all seemed to really appreciate it, the funny thing is within 15 minutes or so they all came knocking on our door with a plate of cookies too! haha!! Oh well, it has opened doors either way.

Nathan has a regular Dr. appointment this afternoon and I need to finish Christmas shopping. My cookies are in the oven and Nathan is napping. I hope it snows this week!

Krista

Monday

Today begins my last week of German class before Christmas break. The timing is perfect if not a little too late because I'm really needing of a break. There is just so much you can cram into your head at one time. After having two weeks off I'm sure I'll be ready to go back. That's usually the way it goes for me. Just pray that I can make it through the week without my head exploding. Have a great day!

Danny

Our weekend

Well, we didn't go shopping yesterday instead, friends of ours invited us to go to the park and for a walk in the forest. It was such a nice day and a much better way of spending time. Nathan enjoyed the day too...he played and climbed all over the place. The kids had a lot of fun together. There are some pictures below of our day.

Today there was a full house in church. The worship team needed another voice and asked me to sing today, I have found that singing helps my German a lot! Nathan had a little part in the services too. He helped light the 4th candle today.

I think since my guys are napping that I'll take advantage of this quiet time too. Danny has another Bible study this afternoon and I have some ladies studies to prepare for this next week too. Have a great day wherever you go to worship!

Krista

"The last weekend"

Christmas being only a week away.... I wonder if I can sell Danny on going shopping with me today (SATURDAY)?!?! haha! Maybe if I tell him it's his gifts I need to finish shopping for...hmmm. I need to also work on some baking to take to all my neighbors this next week. It is a beautiful and crisp day! It's 37 F and sunny! Nathan is playing and sounds like he could use some company. Have a wonderful weekend and don't stress out...remember what next weekend is really about celebrating!

Krista

Comments Welcome

If you would like to comment on a particular post simply click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the post you would like to comment on. That will bring up a new window where you will have to choose your identity. If you have a Blogger ID choose that, if not choose "other" or "anonymous." Then follow the on-screen instructions and type your message. It doesn't have to be anything profound and it doesn't even have to be relevant to the post. If you enjoy reading our blog you can simply say that. If you would prefer just to read the post without commenting that is fine as well. Hope you are having a good one.

Danny

TGIF

Well, our deep dish pizza that we made from scratch last night turned out good! We need to "tweak" it a bit...maybe cut the recipe in half, it was too much food. It was interesting looking for all the ingredients yestereday, since we were already in Slovenia that's where we did our grocery shopping. It's hard enough in German, but in Slovenian, well.... haha!

It dawned on me this morning how fast our Nathan is growing up. He's no longer a baby, he's a little boy. He has his own way of doing things. He has an opinion. He likes and dislikes things, food, places, etc. He is a beautiful little boy. We are so blessed to have him in our family. Hug your families and thank God for them....on the good and the bad days.

I need to go make myself useful while Nathan is napping. Merry Christmas!

Krista

Slovenia

Today we took a "family day" and drove about 45 min. across the border to Maribor, Slovenia. They have a mall there and a Mexican restaurant. It's no way near a TaMolly's (a restaurant in NE Texas for those who are scratching their heads)...but it works. We feel really good about our German when we go because they don't speak German or English (well, the waiter spoke some English) and when we need to ask a question at the store or say "Excuse me" when you bump into someone, the first thing that comes to mind is German! That is a great feeling to know that our minds are starting to think that way. Well, we're getting ready to make supper, I found a recipe for 'deep dish pizza' and we're going to try to make that. Have a great day!!

Krista

Wednesday

Not much exciting going on here today. I had German class this morning. On the bus ride back I sat beside a friend who is also learning German through the same program in which I'm enrolled. He is a Catholic Priest from Poland. Even though there are blatant differences in our theological beliefs it is nice to be able to discuss "work" with someone who has basically the same occupation. Today, we were discussing the fact that so many people in Austria are more focused on making money for now rather than making plans for eternity. We also agreed that this is the case in both of our homelands. Unfortunately, as a pastor in Austria (or rather in general) I have job security. There are many, many people here who need Christ.

When I got home, Krista was in the middle of making Christmas cookies. I am waiting for them to come out of the oven now. I began this post by saying not much exciting is going on today. On second thought what could be more exciting than homemade sugar cookies fresh out of the oven. Well, I think there almost done. I need to take care of some urgent business.

Danny

Snow

We woke up this morning to find a fresh covering of snow on the ground. It's amazing how a little snow can change the whole landscape. Though I don't particularly enjoy shoveling the driveway or walking to the bus stop in snow, I still get excited when it snows. That may change after we are here a few more years, after the new wears off. I will say that it is easier to enjoy it by seeing it through the window as opposed to actually getting out in it. Well I need to get going so I can get something accomplished today. Have a great day.

Danny

Deutsch Kurs

Here is my Deutsch class. We have about 9 countries represented (though not everyone comes on the last day). Whenever we focus on an Austrian holiday we like to discuss the differences with our own culture. Today I was asked what Christmas means to me and how my family celebrates it. In German, I was able to say what Christmas means to me and that Jesus is the reason. I can't explain how nervous I was!!!

Krista

Last day...

Today is the last day of my German class for this semester! Woo-hoo! I am in need of a break. It is sad though, my teacher will not be returning. I have had a lot of different teachers and she's the one I learned the most from, she was easy to understand and creative. Well, I need to get going to catch the bus, it's 19 F! Brrr...

Krista

Sunday

We had very good services this morning at the Baptisten Gemeinde (Baptist Church). A 40-voice choir from Romania visited us and presented a mini Christmas concert. That is huge considering we only average around 40 in attendance on a normal Sunday. The Romanian church that meets in our building on Sunday afternoons met with us as well. We had a packed house.

We just finished lunch and are relaxing as a family in the living room watching "The Santa Clause 2." Nathan is about to fall asleep next to Krista on the couch. We usually try to chill out for a little while on Sunday afternoons then around 4:00 PM I will head back to church for our Persian Bible study. Hope you have a great Sunday as well.

Danny

Family Day

Today is Saturday, which means we are going out to do something as a family. Today we are going downtown to the Christmas Markets. These are booths that are set up downtown during the Christmas season where you can buy anything from cotton candy and punsch (traditional holiday drink) to Christmas ornaments or even Christmas gifts. For those from Texas, it is a mini-Canton with a Christmas flare. All public transportation is free today so people can get out and boost the economy (I mean go Christmas shopping). We just enjoy getting out and strolling through the downtown area. We'll its almost noon and we need to go. Have a great day!

Danny

Friday Morning

Yesterday was an Austrian (or rather Catholic) holiday so I didn't have my language course and today is free as well. I have been trying to take advantage of the time off by getting some extra work done in the office. I'm trying to get some needed study time in and also trying to get our fourth quarter newsletter finished. It should be posted on our website (see profile) by Monday or Tuesday at the latest depending on how busy our webmaster is. Krista's most recent "Family Update" is already online. Well, I need to get rolling.

Danny

We're here!

We have decided to join the band wagon of bloggers. We'll try to post a few times a week to keep you updated with what is going on in our lives. Have a great weekend!