Why Vienna?

We were inspired by some of our friends to write a post like this. Recently, they shared a bit on why they are in Vienna as missionaries. They have found, as we have too, that for some people there exists a certain image of what the mission field is - the wealthy, urban, European landscape doesn't fit.

Ironically, this very setting is in desperate need of spiritual restoration, yet some find it hard to believe. In fact, perhaps it is the missionaries who understand such skepticism best of all. From the time we began praying about moving to Vienna, we have been bombarded with fears and doubt; we have questioned our abilities, responsibilities, and motivations.

And here we are: because through prayer and encouragement and, yes, even miracles, God has revealed his desire for us to be a small part of his design in Vienna.

Our school, the International Christian School of Vienna (ICSV), opened its doors this August to a little over 200 students. About 50 different nations and various religions are represented by the students. This is our mission field right now. Here's a fantastic video about the school. We interact daily with students who are angry with God, or indifferent towards Christ. We listen to the students that love Jesus, but have questions; we pray with the students who are hurting. Many of them pray with us and others feel uncomfortable.

For that's what the devil has done in Europe: he has successfully associated the name of Jesus with that uncomfortable silence after a bad joke.

So, we are here to speak honestly of that name and to honor him.

We have been blessed to do this in another dynamic as well - at our church, New City Wien. Internationals from all over Vienna walk past the doors on any given Sunday afternoon and they often find their way in. Both our church and our school are beacons in the city, shining the light.

If you feel led to join us in our ministry, please click here. You can type in our name (Dossett) and click on the drop-down that shows up. If you would like to support the school, there is also an option to do that here.

Please email us if you have any questions, or if you would simply like to talk: calebdossett@gmail.com OR britneyndossett@gmail.com

We are so thankful if you support us already. Your love and generosity are the way that God is allowing us to serve in Vienna.

Peace,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver!

A New Kind of Ministry

With Oliver due to arrive in about a month, we wanted to share what this year will look like for Britney. Last year Britney volunteered as an elementary assistant at ICSV. This meant doing anything from recess duty to computer class to working one-on-one with the students. It was such a great experience and the kids were so sweet. During the first trimester of the pregnancy, Britney had morning sickness pretty bad so she stopped volunteering at the school. This was a difficult decision because it meant she would no longer be in community with the other teachers. The rest was needed for Oliver to grow, and we are so thankful for how understanding the school was during that time. 

Having Oliver will open many doors for Britney. For example, there is a "mommy group" at our church that she will join. This will be a great way for her to connect with other women at our church. There has also been talk of Britney possibly taking a German class because there is a class offered specifically to moms that provides childcare during the class and has a much cheaper fee than most other German courses in the city. 

The biggest, and most exciting, new ministry opportunity is raising our son Oliver. Britney is looking forward to bonding with Oliver. More than anything, she is excited to tell him about Christ, teach him how to read and write and say his ABC's, and enjoy fun activities like going to the park. We are so thankful that we are in a place in our lives that allows Britney to stay home with Oliver, which is only possible because of the amazing financial support we have been given. We are looking forward to this next chapter, and appreciate your prayers as we prepare for the arrival of our sweet son.

Some specific things to be praying for are:

-comfort for Britney physically during the last 4 weeks (or so) of the pregnancy

-Oliver to continue growing and developing

-new opportunities for Britney to join in

-ways for Britney to stay connected with people at the school

-acceptance in to the German course for moms

Thank you all for your love and support! 

Peace, 

Caleb, Britney, & Oliver 

Golf, Pacman, Ice Cream, Wedding...SUMMER

Dear Friends,

Language does not do the memory of this summer justice. It was fantastic . . . but it was more. It was shimmering fireworks, spellbound stories. We laughed and laughed, at all the funny jokes and all the lame ones too - we couldn’t care less about the broken humor, but the love of our family and friends filled us with joy, as it always has and always will. We are   SO THANKFUL   for the time we shared with you. Still, we know we didn’t get to see all of you and we definitely didn’t see anybody for as long as we wanted. So, we want to share some of the memories and spread ‘em around:

Golfing has become a summer obsession in the Dossett family, so we dug out the clubs once again and putted regularly. Minigolf, driving range, 9-hole, we dominated it all. And we won’t even get started on Pacman!

One of the most Christ-centered events of the summer was the wedding of our dear friends, Jon and Chelsea Bair. Jesus reminded us of the day we got married and he spent the week with us, strengthening old friendships as well as building new ones. The ocean was cool, refreshing, awesome.

Both of us had some specific cravings that were met and exceeded throughout the summer. Ice cream runs with Britney’s grandparents were frequent and dearly cherished.

But like we said, language can’t fully convey the FUN and PEACE we felt this summer. So check out the pictures!

So, we are back in Vienna, Austria and we are excited. We are longing, more than ever, to give our lives over to Christ. HE is to be the one that designs and guides our plans. Of course, we are ecstatic to receive Oliver into our home! As we wait for him to be born and as we go into this school year of new things, we ask for your prayers. Thank you for your love, your generosity in financial giving, your consistency in prayer, and your lives.

Peace, Caleb & Britney & Oliver

St. Louis Cardinals game for Dad's birthday! 

Caleb after his wisdom teeth removal (HAHA)

Virginia Beach!

Hello Again

Dear Friends,

We landed in Vienna yesterday afternoon to begin our second year of ministry here. With a new year, come new expectations, hopes, plans, and even a new design to the blog! We are excited to share all of these things with you as the months start coming.

After we get settled in we will share a more detailed post on how great our summer with friends and family was - however, right now, we've got to paint the walls of our dear baby boy's room to get ready for his arrival in Vienna.

A short prayer request: when you think of us, please pray against jet lag and the horrors it entails. Britney especially had a really hard time sleeping last night, so please pray for rest.

Peace,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver