Departure with Obstacles:
An Injured Ankle, Open Doors, and God's Abundant Care
An Injured Ankle, Faithful Partners, and Looking Ahead to Spain
Hello dear friends,
Behind me lie weeks full of contrasts, farewells, and wonderful new beginnings. On June 26th, we had our last day together at EMC in Maria Enzersdorf. We celebrated and closed this extraordinarily formative year in deep gratitude for everything our Lord Jesus Christ has done in us and through us.
But as life sometimes goes, this year couldn't end without a bit of a final drama...
Three Stings and an Unfortunate Start
On the evening of our last day, I really just wanted to unpack my new blender. In the process, the extremely sharp blade slipped out of my hand and gave me a deep cut right on my ankle. It bled quite heavily, and so my celebratory evening ended in the emergency room, where the wound had to be stitched up with three stitches. A small setback, but in hindsight, also a reminder that God carries us even through life's unplanned moments.
God's Preparation: Our Mission Partner Team is Growing!
The main focus for me now is entirely on building our mission partner team. I had the privilege of sharing my testimony in my home parish and telling people about my life as a missionary. I also hosted a cozy barbecue in my parents' garden to talk about the many miracles of the past year.
And what can I say? The Lord had already prepared the way long ago! Time and again, I get to have wonderful conversations with people who want to support our mission in the coming year, both financially and in prayer.
Living with two priests at the moment is a huge help for me to stay deeply rooted in prayer throughout daily life. The regular catch-ups with my EMC buddy Nina are also incredibly good for me and strengthen me during this time of transition.
A Summer Full of Gifts and Encounters
God is showing me every single day anew just how well He provides for me. He gifts me moments of pure joy for which I can only say thank you:
Community: I have been invited to meals so often by wonderful people over the past few weeks.
Freedom on two wheels: After more than a year, I finally got to ride a motorcycle again!
Encounters in the Neighborhood: Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of joining the house-to-house mission in Cologne, knocking on doors, and bringing the peace of Jesus Christ into people's homes.
New Horizons: I had the opportunity to get to know the Shalom Community and celebrate their anniversary with them. I also visited Auxiliary Bishop Ansgar Puff's impressive "Burning Bush" project at Kölnberg.
A Sense of Home: I got to join my old volleyball club for training and was welcomed back with open arms and so much warmth.
Looking Ahead: Next Stop Spain!
God is good, He provides, and He shows me time and again: “Nici, just trust me. I have everything under control.”
With this deep trust, I am now looking ahead. In just one week, I will be heading to Spain, where I get to help out at a summer camp hosted by the Diocese of Barcelona. I am excited to see what adventures and encounters the Lord has prepared for me there!
Thank you for being by my side, carrying me in prayer, and being a part of this adventure.
With all my love and God’s abundant blessings,
Nici