A couple of cool stories of God's glorious nearness in the lives of his children - to be told in order of occurrence . . .
. . . it costs money to take the train. Sad, but true. Hence, the dilemma: at the train station, sitting on a bench, pondering the likelihood of getting cornered by a Schaffner - a ticket inspector. They don't come by every time . . . will it be a burly, ferocious Austrian man with a frown for a face? Can I weasel my way out of a fine with the "American tourist" persona?
You don't know the true depths of your depravity until you find yourself gauging the cost/benefit of purchasing a train ticket.
Shamefully enough, that's exactly where Caleb found himself this afternoon, on the way home to Vienna from Tulln. After muddling through the ticket ATM (is that what we call those??) a few days back, Caleb purchased a week ticket . . . for the wrong week. So, he sat on the bench in Tulln earlier today. And he prayed.
And here's the reason we are sharing this story: in the midst of great fear over Oliver and great stress, God has not left us alone. He is present with us, even in the little things, like buying a train ticket. After praying, Caleb was reminded of what Jesus said once, "Give to the ÖBB what is the ÖBB's" (or something along those lines). Thus, with great reluctance, but certain of the Spirit's guiding hand, he bought yet another ticket to cover the trip home. At this point, he did this purely because he felt the Spirit saying it was the right thing to do.
When the Schaffner came by, Caleb realized that it was that and more. Paying fines for riding black is not part of the budget we have written up. God knows that, of course, as he is the Great Provider. He kept us from experiencing more stress than we need - he speaks to us and guides us.
. . . and here's the second story: Oliver is healed.
The doctors came to Britney only a short time after Caleb shared the story of the ticket with her. They told her that the blood results came back and the infection he had is now gone. He still needs to stay in the hospital and finish out the antibiotics, but he is healthy.
Our Lord is with us in the ordinary. He is with us in the unbearable struggle.
He is with you.
Thank you all for your prayers,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Oliver
Dear Friends,
May you be blessed, as we have been, to hear that Oliver James Dossett was born on the 23rd of September. May you think back on the early days of your children, grandchildren, siblings, nephews, nieces, and all of the beautiful babies you have ever known. God, the Creator, the great Father, is good.
Indeed he is and glorifying his name seems to be the only way to begin this post. Since Monday - the day Britney went into labor - the Spirit has been a constant comforter and source of peace. There is so much to tell about Britney's confidence and her strength through the birth. There is so much more to share about Oliver, about his beautiful eyes and rascally hair.
Yet, the aim of this post is two-fold: to celebrate and to petition.
It's hard to go into full-party-mode right now because Oliver has an infection, which sprang upon us quite suddenly, but has been affecting him since the birth. In short, it's causing him to lose weight and it's exacerbating the little bit of jaundice that he has. Because of this, he was quickly transferred from the hospital in Klosterneuburg to a much larger hospital in Tulln. He is being treated there by a very caring and capable staff.
Everything about this is scary . . . and awe-inspiring. It's terrifying to watch your little boy be taken away from you in an incubator. It's humbling and relieving to realize that if we had left the hospital in Klosterneuburg any earlier, Oliver would be suffering much more now - we may not have even identified the infection if it hadn't been for the wonderful staff there. Instead, now he is being cared for in the best way possible.
And then again, it's still scary: Britney is in the hospital, sleeping a few floors above our wonderful miracle; however, Caleb is at home because the hospital wasn't able to accommodate him. So, all three of us are feeling incredibly alone right now.
And yet, it's something else as well and we leave you with this: On Tuesday, the 23rd of September 2014 at 5:23, God brought another person into the world. He shaped this person from a strange collection of DNA into a cuddly, soft baby that kicks and wiggles in his sleep. He took this person out of another person, which should bring each and every one of us to our knees.
God is good and we have seen his goodness because he has made it evident in our world, as well as in our lives. For now, we ask that you would all petition him in prayer that Oliver will recover in full health, that Britney will be at peace tonight and receive supernatural rest, and that Caleb will rest well & quickly in order to be back at the hospital in the morning.
Peace,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver!
May you be blessed, as we have been, to hear that Oliver James Dossett was born on the 23rd of September. May you think back on the early days of your children, grandchildren, siblings, nephews, nieces, and all of the beautiful babies you have ever known. God, the Creator, the great Father, is good.
Indeed he is and glorifying his name seems to be the only way to begin this post. Since Monday - the day Britney went into labor - the Spirit has been a constant comforter and source of peace. There is so much to tell about Britney's confidence and her strength through the birth. There is so much more to share about Oliver, about his beautiful eyes and rascally hair.
Yet, the aim of this post is two-fold: to celebrate and to petition.
It's hard to go into full-party-mode right now because Oliver has an infection, which sprang upon us quite suddenly, but has been affecting him since the birth. In short, it's causing him to lose weight and it's exacerbating the little bit of jaundice that he has. Because of this, he was quickly transferred from the hospital in Klosterneuburg to a much larger hospital in Tulln. He is being treated there by a very caring and capable staff.
Everything about this is scary . . . and awe-inspiring. It's terrifying to watch your little boy be taken away from you in an incubator. It's humbling and relieving to realize that if we had left the hospital in Klosterneuburg any earlier, Oliver would be suffering much more now - we may not have even identified the infection if it hadn't been for the wonderful staff there. Instead, now he is being cared for in the best way possible.
And then again, it's still scary: Britney is in the hospital, sleeping a few floors above our wonderful miracle; however, Caleb is at home because the hospital wasn't able to accommodate him. So, all three of us are feeling incredibly alone right now.
And yet, it's something else as well and we leave you with this: On Tuesday, the 23rd of September 2014 at 5:23, God brought another person into the world. He shaped this person from a strange collection of DNA into a cuddly, soft baby that kicks and wiggles in his sleep. He took this person out of another person, which should bring each and every one of us to our knees.
God is good and we have seen his goodness because he has made it evident in our world, as well as in our lives. For now, we ask that you would all petition him in prayer that Oliver will recover in full health, that Britney will be at peace tonight and receive supernatural rest, and that Caleb will rest well & quickly in order to be back at the hospital in the morning.
Peace,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver!
Friday, September 19, 2014
Our Little Headache
Dear Friends,
As some of you may know, this past Wednesday was Oliver's due date!!
. . . however, as some of you may know, our little boy is still chillin' in the womb. It's been a full three weeks or so since the last surprise hospital visit we took when Britney was having contractions. At the time, we thought we were going to meet the little guy sooner than anticipated; instead, we've learned, as they say, "the hard way".
We've learned that pregnancy doesn't necessarily rise to a water-breaking climax - at least, as in our case, not before multiple false starts. This kid can really cry wolf.
It started all over again last night when Britney started complaining of a headache. She rarely deals with headaches and has no history of migraines. So, after two and a half hours of brain-shattering pain, we started doing some research. According to the omniscient Google, headaches in the late stages of pregnancy can possibly indicate pre-eclampsia.
After praying and reading, we decided to call our dear friends, Brad and Stacey Hunter. Brad came by, picked us up (this was at midnight!) and took us to the hospital, where the staff took really good care of Britney (and Oliver).
We stayed overnight, against Britney's wishes, and she underwent several tests / blood-work to make sure there wasn't any danger of pre-eclampsia, or anything else.
The doctors and midwives at the BabyVilla in Klosterneuburg are so hospitable and joyful. Although we didn't want to be at the hospital for anything other than a birth, their care made the experience quite comfortable.
Now, we are back home, praying that the big headaches will stay away . . . and that our little headache will get here ASAP.
Peace,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver!
As some of you may know, this past Wednesday was Oliver's due date!!
. . . however, as some of you may know, our little boy is still chillin' in the womb. It's been a full three weeks or so since the last surprise hospital visit we took when Britney was having contractions. At the time, we thought we were going to meet the little guy sooner than anticipated; instead, we've learned, as they say, "the hard way".
We've learned that pregnancy doesn't necessarily rise to a water-breaking climax - at least, as in our case, not before multiple false starts. This kid can really cry wolf.
It started all over again last night when Britney started complaining of a headache. She rarely deals with headaches and has no history of migraines. So, after two and a half hours of brain-shattering pain, we started doing some research. According to the omniscient Google, headaches in the late stages of pregnancy can possibly indicate pre-eclampsia.
After praying and reading, we decided to call our dear friends, Brad and Stacey Hunter. Brad came by, picked us up (this was at midnight!) and took us to the hospital, where the staff took really good care of Britney (and Oliver).
We stayed overnight, against Britney's wishes, and she underwent several tests / blood-work to make sure there wasn't any danger of pre-eclampsia, or anything else.
The doctors and midwives at the BabyVilla in Klosterneuburg are so hospitable and joyful. Although we didn't want to be at the hospital for anything other than a birth, their care made the experience quite comfortable.
Now, we are back home, praying that the big headaches will stay away . . . and that our little headache will get here ASAP.
Peace,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver!
Saturday, August 30, 2014
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!
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!
Monday, August 18, 2014
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
Friday, August 8, 2014
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! |
Monday, August 4, 2014
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)