Hey Everyone! We have created a new blog on a different site. We hope this doesn't cause confusion for anyone. Our desire is to post more frequently and keep you updated. Check out our new blog for a video update!
Peace,
Caleb, Britney & Ollie
NEW BLOG:
dossettsinvienna.wordpress.com
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Saturday, July 11, 2015
America 2015
Dear Friends!
When we wrote our last post, we were within Austrian borders. Today, we are on American soil. It's been an exhilarating past few weeks. We landed on June 14 and spent the first couple of days with Caleb's family. We focused on sleeping off jet lag; his family focused on smothering Oliver with hugs and kisses. Next, we spent two weeks in Granite City, visiting Britney's family. We focused on eating American cheeseburgers and melting-chocolate-lava-explosions. They focused on smothering Ollie with more hugs and more kisses.
Then, about a week ago, we came back to Bloomington and have settled into a familiar routine of cherised time with Caleb's family and . . . you guessed it, lots of hugs and kisses.
As always, we are in awe of God's grace and provision at every turn in our lives. The flight over the Atlantic was extremely comfortable and we have been protected throughout these several weeks of driving here, there, everywhere.
And, we are blessed beyond comparison with dear family and friends who support our ministry. Ever since the spring of 2013, when we first considered moving away from family, to go to Vienna, to teach at ICSV, the Lord has been building and sustaining a strong foundation of prayer, love, and financial support through all of you. This past year was, as we hope we have been able to adequately share with you, a fulfilling time. Caleb's first year of teaching 9th & 10th grade English was exactly what we feel God is calling us to in Vienna. He was able to share the love of Christ with students from more than 50 different nations, 60% of whom don't know that love personally. Furthermore, Britney was able to grow in relationship with moms from all over Vienna, through church, baby clubs, and more. She will be able to go back to those relationships when we return and water the seeds that have been planted in that ministry.
None of this could have been possible without you.
Now that we are back in the States we would LOVE to see you. We desire to nurture those friendships with all of you who are already on our team and we want to build new friendships with anybody who is interested in supporting our teaching ministry at ICSV in Vienna. Unfortunately, we won't get to see some of you because of distance and time. However, if you are anywhere near Bloomington, Illinois for the next month, then please let us know. We are excited to share, in person, our stories of Jesus and how he is touching lives in Vienna.
Peace,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver!
Friday, June 5, 2015
It's a Beautiful Day!
Hello Friends,
The sun has returned to its rightful place in the sky, the trees are exploding in green, white, and pink, and the air carries the sound of summer in every breeze. Our lungs cannot avoid shouting along with Bono every morning:
It's a beautiful day!
Just a week ago, we got all fancy and drove up to a converted palace on a hill that overlooks the city. The reason? PROM! Bowties and high heels, dancing and eating. So. Much. Good. Eating. The whole thing was organized by Britney, a fellow teacher, and a committee of students. It was a complete success; check out the pictures for evidence of the glee.
And it just keeps getting better. In one week we will be returning to the US for a summer furlough / vacation / mega-life-spa session. We will be spending time with family and working on raising more support for the upcoming school year. We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as we possibly can - hopefully, that can somehow be all of you!
The details: We will arrive in Chicago on the 13th of June. We'll be focusing on family down-time during the first few days, first with Caleb's family and then driving over to Granite to be there the 17th of June through the 3rd of July. Then, we'll be back in Bloomington until the 8th of August (when Caleb flies back and Britney / Ollie return to Granite before they come back to Vienna on the 22nd of August).
As we already said, we truly (and even desperately) want to see you. Please contact us and we will try to work it out to meet and fellowship together.
We are thankful for you and so blessed,
Caleb & Britney & Ollie
The sun has returned to its rightful place in the sky, the trees are exploding in green, white, and pink, and the air carries the sound of summer in every breeze. Our lungs cannot avoid shouting along with Bono every morning:
It's a beautiful day!
Just a week ago, we got all fancy and drove up to a converted palace on a hill that overlooks the city. The reason? PROM! Bowties and high heels, dancing and eating. So. Much. Good. Eating. The whole thing was organized by Britney, a fellow teacher, and a committee of students. It was a complete success; check out the pictures for evidence of the glee.
The junior class
Britney & other ICSV teachers
And it just keeps getting better. In one week we will be returning to the US for a summer furlough / vacation / mega-life-spa session. We will be spending time with family and working on raising more support for the upcoming school year. We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as we possibly can - hopefully, that can somehow be all of you!
The details: We will arrive in Chicago on the 13th of June. We'll be focusing on family down-time during the first few days, first with Caleb's family and then driving over to Granite to be there the 17th of June through the 3rd of July. Then, we'll be back in Bloomington until the 8th of August (when Caleb flies back and Britney / Ollie return to Granite before they come back to Vienna on the 22nd of August).
As we already said, we truly (and even desperately) want to see you. Please contact us and we will try to work it out to meet and fellowship together.
We are thankful for you and so blessed,
Caleb & Britney & Ollie
Monday, May 18, 2015
Full and Fulfilling
God has blessed us with overflowing opportunity. We have our hands and hearts full; it's been busy lately and so fulfilling. This past weekend was a long, four day vacation - thanks to the generosity of the authorities in charge of the Austrian holiday calendar - and it was very much needed.
As a family we drove to Bled, Slovenia and relished the hours spent in nature. We were able to wander around the pristine Lake Bled, take a boat ride to the cozy, island church in the middle of the water, and soak in the beauty of the Vintgar Gorge. God's provision was overwhelming: for starters, we weren't sure we could afford the trip until friends offered their car! Instead of spending hundreds of Euro on a rental, we were able to borrow their van for free. Then, while in Slovenia, we were healthy and safe while hiking and exploring; furthermore, we were able to witness his glory in nature.
We got back to Vienna on Sunday and have been easing back into The Swing of Things as smoothly as we can. Yet, despite the frantic busyness of the end of a school year, we are excited about what is to come. Not only do we still have a church retreat to rejoice in this upcoming weekend, but in two weekends we have prom and in a little less than a month we will be in the United States.
We really appreciate prayer for the retreat, that God would use it to rejuvenate the church and deepen friendships. Please also be praying for Britney because she is the prom coordinator this year and has a lot on her plate.
Finally, please think of us in prayer for our upcoming summer trip to the US. We will be flying back on June 13 and will be staying for about two months (Caleb will come back a little earlier to start the next school year, while Ollie and Britney will stay until August 22). Our goals are to spend most of our time with family and to connect with all of our supporting teammates. We hope to see all of you and will be in contact with you soon to work things out.
Thank you for your prayers and love,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver
As a family we drove to Bled, Slovenia and relished the hours spent in nature. We were able to wander around the pristine Lake Bled, take a boat ride to the cozy, island church in the middle of the water, and soak in the beauty of the Vintgar Gorge. God's provision was overwhelming: for starters, we weren't sure we could afford the trip until friends offered their car! Instead of spending hundreds of Euro on a rental, we were able to borrow their van for free. Then, while in Slovenia, we were healthy and safe while hiking and exploring; furthermore, we were able to witness his glory in nature.
We got back to Vienna on Sunday and have been easing back into The Swing of Things as smoothly as we can. Yet, despite the frantic busyness of the end of a school year, we are excited about what is to come. Not only do we still have a church retreat to rejoice in this upcoming weekend, but in two weekends we have prom and in a little less than a month we will be in the United States.
We really appreciate prayer for the retreat, that God would use it to rejuvenate the church and deepen friendships. Please also be praying for Britney because she is the prom coordinator this year and has a lot on her plate.
Finally, please think of us in prayer for our upcoming summer trip to the US. We will be flying back on June 13 and will be staying for about two months (Caleb will come back a little earlier to start the next school year, while Ollie and Britney will stay until August 22). Our goals are to spend most of our time with family and to connect with all of our supporting teammates. We hope to see all of you and will be in contact with you soon to work things out.
Thank you for your prayers and love,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
A Few New Things
Hello Friends!
It's time for updates - family, ministry, updates of all kinds.
Let's go with the most recent first: Today, Caleb turned in an application to pursue a Masters degree at the University of Vienna! Since graduating from college, he has anticipated going back to school, but hasn't been sure when to start. Now that Ollie is here, it feels like things need to get moving before anyone gets any older and any other kids start showing up (ps: this is not a pregnancy announcement in disguise). Please be praying that God will direct this new adventure. It isn't even certain yet whether or not Caleb will even be accepted, so prayers can start there!
In another realm, more prayers against sickness in our family would be a huge blessing. God is so good to us and we have experienced his provision day in and day out while living in Vienna. Still, the evil one is not lazy; for about six weeks we have dealt with illness in our family and it's been stressful. This week, Caleb was supposed to be on a missions trip to Romania with the students. However, Oliver has a bad cough, so Caleb decided to stay at home. It's been a good decision so far - Ollie is still coughing and, while he has beaten his fever and is growing healthier, his sleep has been hurting . . . which means our sleep has been hurting too.
Finally, as the summer draws closer and students begin begging to have class outside, more prayers for the Spirit of God to move in the classrooms at ICSV are coveted. It's incredible to learn later how much impact one can have on a student. Please be praying for positive, gospel-centered influence to move through Caleb and Britney to the students (by the way, yes, Britney is once again involved in the school: she is planning the prom dance with the junior class!)
Hopefully this post finds you well and at peace in God's goodness. We love you and are so thankful for your prayers and financial support.
Peace,
Caleb & Britney & Oliver!
Friday, March 6, 2015
Long Overdue...
*This post is coming to you about 5 1/2 months late. This past week has been rough for us. Oliver was in the hospital for a few days and then both of us got food poisoning later in the week. We decided to share this story, because it is so incredible, and a great reminder of God's protection. The first part is from my (Britney's) perspective and the second is from Caleb's. I'd also like to say that no matter how a baby comes in to this world, whether it be completely natural, a c-section, or any other number of ways, it is BEAUTIFUL. Also, this is a very detailed account of Oliver's birth, so if you don't want the gory details then don't read this post.
It was Monday morning, 5 days past our little guy's due date. I had been having contractions all night, but to me they were no different than the annoying Braxton Hicks I had been having for weeks. Our friend, Stacey, drove me to the hospital for a routine checkup. After about a half an hour of being hooked up to the contraction monitor (I have no idea if there's a real name for that thing), a midwife came in to check me. She said I was having contractions regularly and that I was 3 cm. She then told me to go home, get my things (and my husband), and come back to the hospital. I remember feeling so excited and nervous. I called Caleb during one of his classes and told him it was time.
After collecting the carseat, hospital bag, Caleb, and Stacey's husband, we headed to the hospital. Well, we tried. Brad & Stacey's car battery died while we were getting our things. It was pretty funny. I think Brad was more nervous than I was as he frantically searched for someone to jump his car.
We got back to the hospital some time shortly after noon. And then we waited. My contractions eased up a bit, and I didn't dilate any further. I was worried they would send me home, but to my relief they checked us in to a room and said I would be staying the night. Around 9 p.m. we went to sleep. I woke up at 11 p.m. feeling like I had peed the bed. Let me tell ya, the water breaking is so weird. And that's all I'll say about that.
The next few hours consisted of trying to ease the pain naturally. Showers, the birthing ball, bending over the bed, I tried it all. Throughout my whole pregnancy I knew I wanted to try a natural birth, BUT I was definitely not opposed to having an epidural. I mean, I had never given birth. I had never even broken a bone, so I had no idea how I would handle the pain. A few hours of contractions and I decided I wanted the epidural. This meant we would move to the birthing room. Once we got there the midwife checked me and said it was too late for me to get an epidural. Talk about disappointed!
Everything started to move pretty quickly, and before I knew it she was telling me I could push. I always thought that once they tell you to push you are only moments away from seeing your sweet baby. Boy was I wrong. 3 hours later and I was still pushing. Oliver just couldn't move through the birth canal very quickly, probably because of my small frame and how big he was. Things happened that I didn't even know were possible, like my body shaking uncontrollably so the midwife had to put warm blankets on me to make it stop. I kept my eyes closed basically the whole time. It was my way of dealing with the pain. The midwife started to worry and decided to call a doctor in. I wasn't aware of what was going on at the time. After being there to observe for what seemed like forever, the doctor came over to me. All he said was, "I'm going to help you." Then the REAL pain came. They had to use a vacuum extractor to get Ollie out. But it wasn't that simple. Once his head was out his body was still stuck. It took a lot of yanking and me screaming so loud that at one point the midwife looked at me and told me to stop it. But then he was here. Once I heard that ear-piercing cry everything was okay.
His little life is such a miracle. God was with us the entire time, and has been with us ever since. We don't need to worry, God is protecting him.
-----------------------------------------
When Britney woke me up around 11:00 p.m. that night, I reacted in the same way that I always do when she wakes me up. I quickly fell back asleep.
That lasted about four seconds - just long enough for Britney to realize and wake me up again: "MY WATER BROKE!"
Even I couldn't stay unconscious for this.
I remember three distinct stages. By the time her contractions really got going, we were already at the hospital and, as previously mentioned, asleep. The first stage was a spontaneous, impulsive road trip: at first, things are exciting and everybody feels adventurous. After a while . . . people start getting uneasy and that guy in the backseat keeps shouting, "Are we there yet?!?"
No way, Jose.
Stage Two: We moved from our private room to the Kreißsaal, emphasis on the "cry". This was the calm before the storm, if by "calm" one means "an excruciatingly unbearable and overwhelming tension". The time to push came and simply never left. For about three hours, Britney pushed as Oliver tried to make his way into the world and I . . .
It was Monday morning, 5 days past our little guy's due date. I had been having contractions all night, but to me they were no different than the annoying Braxton Hicks I had been having for weeks. Our friend, Stacey, drove me to the hospital for a routine checkup. After about a half an hour of being hooked up to the contraction monitor (I have no idea if there's a real name for that thing), a midwife came in to check me. She said I was having contractions regularly and that I was 3 cm. She then told me to go home, get my things (and my husband), and come back to the hospital. I remember feeling so excited and nervous. I called Caleb during one of his classes and told him it was time.
After collecting the carseat, hospital bag, Caleb, and Stacey's husband, we headed to the hospital. Well, we tried. Brad & Stacey's car battery died while we were getting our things. It was pretty funny. I think Brad was more nervous than I was as he frantically searched for someone to jump his car.
We got back to the hospital some time shortly after noon. And then we waited. My contractions eased up a bit, and I didn't dilate any further. I was worried they would send me home, but to my relief they checked us in to a room and said I would be staying the night. Around 9 p.m. we went to sleep. I woke up at 11 p.m. feeling like I had peed the bed. Let me tell ya, the water breaking is so weird. And that's all I'll say about that.
The next few hours consisted of trying to ease the pain naturally. Showers, the birthing ball, bending over the bed, I tried it all. Throughout my whole pregnancy I knew I wanted to try a natural birth, BUT I was definitely not opposed to having an epidural. I mean, I had never given birth. I had never even broken a bone, so I had no idea how I would handle the pain. A few hours of contractions and I decided I wanted the epidural. This meant we would move to the birthing room. Once we got there the midwife checked me and said it was too late for me to get an epidural. Talk about disappointed!
Everything started to move pretty quickly, and before I knew it she was telling me I could push. I always thought that once they tell you to push you are only moments away from seeing your sweet baby. Boy was I wrong. 3 hours later and I was still pushing. Oliver just couldn't move through the birth canal very quickly, probably because of my small frame and how big he was. Things happened that I didn't even know were possible, like my body shaking uncontrollably so the midwife had to put warm blankets on me to make it stop. I kept my eyes closed basically the whole time. It was my way of dealing with the pain. The midwife started to worry and decided to call a doctor in. I wasn't aware of what was going on at the time. After being there to observe for what seemed like forever, the doctor came over to me. All he said was, "I'm going to help you." Then the REAL pain came. They had to use a vacuum extractor to get Ollie out. But it wasn't that simple. Once his head was out his body was still stuck. It took a lot of yanking and me screaming so loud that at one point the midwife looked at me and told me to stop it. But then he was here. Once I heard that ear-piercing cry everything was okay.
His little life is such a miracle. God was with us the entire time, and has been with us ever since. We don't need to worry, God is protecting him.
-----------------------------------------
When Britney woke me up around 11:00 p.m. that night, I reacted in the same way that I always do when she wakes me up. I quickly fell back asleep.
That lasted about four seconds - just long enough for Britney to realize and wake me up again: "MY WATER BROKE!"
Even I couldn't stay unconscious for this.
I remember three distinct stages. By the time her contractions really got going, we were already at the hospital and, as previously mentioned, asleep. The first stage was a spontaneous, impulsive road trip: at first, things are exciting and everybody feels adventurous. After a while . . . people start getting uneasy and that guy in the backseat keeps shouting, "Are we there yet?!?"
No way, Jose.
Stage Two: We moved from our private room to the Kreißsaal, emphasis on the "cry". This was the calm before the storm, if by "calm" one means "an excruciatingly unbearable and overwhelming tension". The time to push came and simply never left. For about three hours, Britney pushed as Oliver tried to make his way into the world and I . . .
Dude.
I kept my eyes open and watched my wife become my hero.
Stage Three: When I first saw Oliver, I was worried. After hours in the birth canal, he didn't look very good. I remember watching the doctors pull and twist and all I was thinking was, "What . . ."
It was surreal to see a person, my son, come out of a person, my wife, and slip gently onto the platform.
It was life-changing to hold Britney's hand, gaze into her eyes, and smile as he took his first breaths and screamed the most beautiful note I've ever heard.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Exhale.
Exhale.
In one breath, expel the fear and doubt. In one breath, a simple sigh of thanks. It's a small act, signifying a monumental moment: God is present in our lives.
Praise be to the Father, Ollie is home. It's almost impossible to relate the experience of yesterday morning in words…but that's never stopped a person before, so let's go.
Around 10:15 Britney was told that she would be staying yet another night. First of all, it's so important to mention that we are more than grateful for the medical care Ollie was given. Still, the situation in the hospital was less than ideal: Britney and Oliver were in a room with four other sick children and their parents. By yesterday, he was showing great signs of improvement, so sticking around seemed risky - wouldn't he just get sick again? Monday night, neither Britney or Oliver could sleep because of the crying, coughing, and snoring.
When, at 10:15, we were told he would need to stay, it was nearly too much.
However, this post is a testament to God's overwhelming goodness, not our own power. We had thoughts of wild arguments in German ensuing in desperate escapes through the corridors of the hospital. What could we possibly do to get out of Dodge?
Nothing. Close your eyes. Still your heart. Give it to God.
Sound familiar? It's a lesson we are learning over and over and we are desperate to share the good news. God loves us. He loves you.
At 12:15 yesterday, Caleb rode the Straßenbahn to the hospital, asking God for wisdom, patience, and the self control to keep from exploding. Specifically, he asked for a change in the protocol, a change in the hearts of the doctors and nurses.
Please design a way for Oliver to come home.
And now, here we are, another day, all together at home. There are still worries ahead (which parents don't face worry?) but we know now - and we pray that we will remember more easily and confidently - that the Lord will provide.
In one breath, expel the fear and doubt. In one breath, a simple sigh of thanks. It's a small act, signifying a monumental moment: God is present in our lives.
Praise be to the Father, Ollie is home. It's almost impossible to relate the experience of yesterday morning in words…but that's never stopped a person before, so let's go.
Around 10:15 Britney was told that she would be staying yet another night. First of all, it's so important to mention that we are more than grateful for the medical care Ollie was given. Still, the situation in the hospital was less than ideal: Britney and Oliver were in a room with four other sick children and their parents. By yesterday, he was showing great signs of improvement, so sticking around seemed risky - wouldn't he just get sick again? Monday night, neither Britney or Oliver could sleep because of the crying, coughing, and snoring.
When, at 10:15, we were told he would need to stay, it was nearly too much.
However, this post is a testament to God's overwhelming goodness, not our own power. We had thoughts of wild arguments in German ensuing in desperate escapes through the corridors of the hospital. What could we possibly do to get out of Dodge?
Nothing. Close your eyes. Still your heart. Give it to God.
Sound familiar? It's a lesson we are learning over and over and we are desperate to share the good news. God loves us. He loves you.
At 12:15 yesterday, Caleb rode the Straßenbahn to the hospital, asking God for wisdom, patience, and the self control to keep from exploding. Specifically, he asked for a change in the protocol, a change in the hearts of the doctors and nurses.
Please design a way for Oliver to come home.
And now, here we are, another day, all together at home. There are still worries ahead (which parents don't face worry?) but we know now - and we pray that we will remember more easily and confidently - that the Lord will provide.
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