on 11.11.11 we celebrated the birthday of my lovely sister in community and my companion on this, almost, year of life in Vienna, Alina.
oh and on 11.12.11 as well.
It was a wonderful weekend full of celebrating a beautiful 21 years of her life and so many of our friends took special part in the festivities. It was a lovely time together!
In case you didn't know. Nov. 11th is also the feast of St. Martin who is especially celebrated in Austria--most children go door to door with lighted lanterns and receive treats. We didn't get any children. We don't have a doorbell. We need to work on that. And why they do this...I couldn't tell you because even after asking several people from Austria about this tradition, I didn't get an answer.
after celebrating mass at 6 am, we prepared a community breakfast, complete with a spiritual bouquet filled with prayers, masses and best wishes from Alina's family, friends, and Heart's Home family from literally all over the world. It was amazing to think that in Vienna, Berlin, Naples, India, and New York masses were being said for her and her intentions, not to mention the hundreds of other contributions we collected from all over the world.
P. Clemens, Ulli (recently moved to Vienna from Stuttgart, living with Monika, did a mission with Heart's Home in the Phillipines 6 years ago)
The day went on as normal and then that evening, instead of the usual School of COmmunity we attended a concert at one of our friends homes.
Christa, a dear friend of Alina's and really her second friend ever in Vienna, got an evening away from the husband and kids to join us in celebrating! Thanks to Anton who bravely stayed at home and watched the 4 kids to let his wife have a night out!
Our friend Ronald who at times lives in a parallel universe where electricity doesn't exist and music from the middle ages and renaissance is enjoyed fireside in a high backed chair with a snifter full of brandy and a cigar, and who's playfulness and free-spirited outlook helps him hold a fabulous program of concerts and cultural events in his "hof" helped us celebrate Alina's birthday! As he had already planned, there was a fabulous french music concert by a band called "The Little Consorts" and after they were finished playing Alina was surprised by a loud and robust "Happy Birthday" song accompanied by a cake bedecked with a sparkler.
on the following night we celebrated St. Martin's fest with a traditional meal of GOOSE, prepared by, of course, our liebe mutti and chef in "residence" Monika. It was absolutely amazing (even though I didn't actually try any of the Goose). But it wasn't only the food that set the mood--the company completely made the evening. Along with Monika, Ulli joined the party as well as our friend Celal (see sponsor letter number 1) and just in time for a real Sacher Torte for dessert, WeiWei (Monika's best friend) joined us as well! It made for am unbelievable evening and I believe the Birthday girl went to bed happy! Good thing because you only get to celebrate being 21 once!
No comments:
Post a Comment