Warm greetings from a cold and gloomy Austria! The weather has been quite dismal since returning to Europe just over a month ago. That hasn't affected my travel schedule, however. I have been on the road for two weeks since returning: one week in Mosbach, Germany at the OM new recruits conference and then just last week on our team retreat in Regen, Germany. I am happy to report that I don't have another trip until the first of March, when I visit the OM Hungary team. I am grateful for some concentrated time in Vienna to enjoy living in the City and getting more settled in.

If you're interested, OM's web site, http://www.om.org/features/ is currently featuring a story that I wrote about a hearing clinic in Durres, Albania. I wrote this story after visiting the OM team in Albania last summer. It was one of those stories that I just kind of stumbled on and really didn't have much information about it prior to my visit. As a writer, I think these are the most exciting kinds of stories. I'm encouraged because this story will be carried in April in an Irish Christian magazine, in addition to the OM web site.

Please pray with me that this story would have a significant impact on this much-need service and ministry in Albania; that many people would respond with either financial donations or with hearing aids, both of which are desperately needed.

In the life-is-never-dull category: Since returning, I've had one of my most embarrasing experiences ever!! I was having dinner recently with a friend at a restaurant in Vienna. After dinner, I went to the restroom, but found only one door which lead to a urinal and then behind the urinal was another door which lead to a toilet. I just assumed it was a unisex bathroom and had this "only in Europe" kind of response, as I headed past the urinal to the toilet.

While in the bathroom, I had this wierd thought like "what if there's a man standing at the urinal when I come out?" Sure 'nuf, there stands some Austrian man who looks at me in total shock and surprise. (No, Corina, he wasn't cute.) Trying to appear European, I non- chalantly said hello, washed my hands and went back to the table to meet my friend. I just said to her that I thought it was strange that the bathroom included a urinal and a toilet, to which she replied, in shock, "what urinal?" (!!!!!) As it turns out, the ladies room was just around the corner from the men's room, but I didn't look far enough and just waltzed right into the men's room!! Oh well, just another embarrassing learning experience while living in a foreign country. :-)!!!

Thanks for reading this e-mail and for your support and partnership in my life and ministry. I hope you have a chance to read the hearing clinic story, as well. I am grateful for your friendship as I follow the Lord along His path here in Central and Eastern Europe.

Blessings,
Becky/Rebecca/Aunt Becky/BeckyB (you choose)

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says...in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)