Can it be July 3??

I can't believe this day has finally arrived!!! It is 2:36 AM and I am still packing and preparing to go, but that's pretty normal for me. :) I have decided to stay up through the night to enjoy my final hours in the states and get as organized and prepared as possible. For those of you who may need a 'lil clarification I will break down the next 5 months of my life....

July 3 - August 8 Taurenhof Bible School.

Here's a little blurb about the course and our studies...

UPWARD BOUND is designed to facilitate the deepening of faith in and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to promote the development of the Christian as a whole person: spiritually, mentally, and physically. This unique and intensive course also aims to increase Biblical knowledge and application, promote Biblical values, develop leadership potential, a sense of personal responsibility, and self-confidence, and encourage cooperative teamwork and appreciation for others.


To this end UPWARD BOUND consists of teaching on subjects including Prayer, Ecclesiastes, The Armour of God, Leadership and various topics. These studies are integrated with a demanding program using the mountain and wilderness environment as a classroom providing both inherent and controlled challenges. Included in the course are lectures, seminars, backpacking, map and compass skills, hiking skills, camping, climbing, rappelling, caving, canyoning, rafting, river crossings, initiatives, solo, assignments and opportunities for further application and interaction in devotions, services, and regular practical work and household duties. Participants will be divided into smaller groups of six to nine persons for various purposes such as small group problem solving tasks, leadership training, debriefing, and fellowship.


Time for personal reflection, relaxation, and recreation both individually and as a group is also vital. Besides planned activities and social events, the alpine environment of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls offers great recreation opportunities such as sightseeing, hiking, and running. Tauernhof has outdoor volleyball and a climbing wall. Within walking distance there is also a gym, outdoor basketball court and soccer fields, as well as an indoor- outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts, and fitness center (these all charge fees). Other recreation possibilities include mountain biking and horseback riding.


Tauernhof in Schladming is the base location for UPWARD BOUND. Because of our smaller size (capacity of 40 participants) Tauernhof enjoys a warm and personal atmosphere, in a close community made up of participants from various countries and cultures. The accommodations are dormitory style, with rooms being shared by about six roommates. Much of the time is also spent away from Tauernhof as we move out into the fabulous mountain environment on several multi-day tours. Besides camping, sometimes we will also stay in alpine lodges.


For anyone interested in sending letters or packages during my stay in Austria (July 5 - August 8) here is some vital information:


For students from overseas:
If your families and friends intend to send you a package during your stay in Europe, they should know and take into consideration the following:
Please make sure that the value of the package is not higher than 50 USDollars, as the receiver will need to pay for import tax (customs) otherwise. The custom law has become very strict these past years, and we had many students in the past that got packages from home and because the value was above 50 Dollars, they needed to pay customs on top of it... Even if the content of the package were personal belongings (such as cameras, clothes, sports equipment, etc). This can become very costly for the students here. Also, it is forbidden to send medicine from overseas to Europe (even vitamines have caused problems in the past!).
In other words: Care packages from home should be kept small and the value of it should be less than 50 USDollars.

COMMUNICATION INFORMATION

Mailing address:
Tauernhof
Coburgstrasse 50
A-8970 Schladming
Austria

PrAyEr ReQuEsT --> For safety as we are scaling the alps. For lifelong relationships to be formed and unity among the students at the school.

August 8 - 18 --> Traveling Switzerland & France

PrAyEr ReQuEsT -->Please pray for safe travel for Ashley and I. Also, pray that we would be refreshed and ready to serve apart from each other for 3 months.

August 18 - November 13 --> Mercy Ships, Benin

During this time I will be on Mercy Ships serving as a hospitality hostess. My job description is as follows:

*Clean and prepare crew and guest cabins

*Welcome new crew & assist with embarkations

*Bake (my personal favorite :)

*Set up function on board for as few as 3 and up to 150 people

*Serve customs and immigration officials upon arrival in port

*Assist activities dept with functions when necessary

*Bless the crew when time and opportunity arises

*Will be required to work after hours when scheduled on the “duty roster”

*Perform all duties as assigned by the Head Hostess


Mailing information for my time on the ship (August 18 - November 13)... no pressure, but I am pretty sure receiving anything while on the ship would be amazing. ;)

Mail: Mail: Letters, packages, etc will be forwarded regularly to the ship. Please advise your family and friends that it could take several weeks for mail to reach you in West Africa. If you are sent packages (or anything over 1 ounce), you will be charged $5.60/ pound ($0.35 per ounce or 28.4g). US and UK stamps are available on board and crew returning home to these countries are often asked to carry mail back with them to be posted.

To receive personal mail, have your letters mailed to the International, Holland or UK office.

Please also note: due to hazardous material regulations we cannot mail or ship the following items: fingernail polish, polish remover, hair color and perfumes so crew should plan to bring a sufficient supply with them.

Katie Eisemann

Mercy Ships

M/V Africa Mercy – Hospitality

PO Box 2020, Lindale, TX, 75771-2020, USA

1-954-538-4258


PrAyEr ReQuEsT --> For relationships to be formed among the crew members and for the hearts of the people to be turned to the Lord.


I am so excited to take this position and meet so many people and serve Benin together. :)


November 13 - 20 --> e3 Partners, Ethiopia


Teki, Ashley and I will finally be reunited!!!! :) This trip is taking place in a NEW location for e3. We will be distributing wheelchairs, eyeglasses and sharing the gospel with anyone who will listen.


PrAyEr ReQuEsT --> Please pray for open hearts and boldness to share the gospel in this unreached part of the country.