Day #19

So, as described, here in Austria, they celebrate the four Sundays leading up to Christmas as Advent. We were invited by our friends, the Vuissas, to enjoy the fourth Advent, and they also had some other friends from the ward. It was very special, and we all sang dozens of Christmas songs in German and English and listened Christmas stories. All the while, we ate cookies and treats and had a phenomenal time. We love this tradition, and we are so excited to take it back with us and integrate it into our holiday routine every year. In the States, the day of Christmas is the focal point of the season, but the Advent Sundays will give us some milestones every year to focus on the birth of our Savior. We are so grateful for the things we are learning here in Austria and Liechtenstein, and are so happy to be here. It makes being far away from home much easier when people love and support you. We are truly blessed!


Here is everyone gathered around the four candles of the Advent, on the last Sunday before Christmas.

Liam is enjoying the candles. You can see Everett and Delaine in the background, as well.

There were even musical instruments: a recorder, two guitars, and even a flute!

Here is Everett's buddy at church, August Vuissa!

Here is Christian Vuissa (Director of many LDS films), Annika Vuissa (who loves Liam and Everett), and Günter Steiner (another friend from the ward)