I debated about posting this today. However, I want to be as honest w/you all as I can, especially those of you who are supporting me either financially or through prayer!
Before anyone jumps to any conclusions let me assure you that I am HAPPY. I love Germany and love living in Europe. God has blessed me with wonderful students and each day brings something new with it. But that doesn't mean that I haven't been somewhat lonely as of late. There are days when I feel like I'm the only one going thru this transition of living abroad. They warned us about this at orientation but for most people, it doesn't happen until after Christmas. The last time I lived abroad I experienced the transition phase the minute I landed after Christmas break. This time it was the minute I landed and stepped foot off the plane in Basel. It's definitely an adjustment. There are times I forget that I am living in another country. And then I step outside my apartment and realize everyone else (sans my roommate and coworkers!) is speaking another language. Everything isn't written in English. The longing I have to give my parents and brother and friends a big hug lingers and I know it won't happen for another few months.
It seems I've always had this urge for adventure inside of me. And following God requires an adventurous spirit b/c you never know where He is going to take you! However, He seems to always place desires in my heart that take me around the world! I'm not complaining so please don't think that I am sitting over here whining. I can't imagine doing anything else right now. I can't imagine teaching in Florida or anywhere else in the States for a few years. I am right where I'm supposed to be. But it doesn't mean that I don't get lonely and struggle with reasons in my head and heart why it is that God chooses me to fly 4,000 miles away from everything and anyone I know and love.
So how am I right now? I will admit that I am struggling w/a bit of homesickness. I think ever since Anne's dad got out of the hospital I've been missing my dad a lot more than I have. It is harder to keep in touch w/my friends and since 2 of them are planning a wedding a part of me wants to help out but that's kind of hard at the moment! I long to get emails and snail mails from friends and family and when I do, it's like a bit of home has come to Germany. On the other hand, there are many days that I wake up (even when it's freezing cold in August!) and think 'Wow! Thank you God for bringing me here to have a ministry!' And then I get to school and start teaching and I see a glimmer of hope in some of my students' eyes. Especially those who have never gotten positive reinforcement from a teacher before. That's when I know that I know that I know that I'm not here by accident. It reminds me of how small the human brain is and that God is bigger than anything I could ever try to accomplish on my own.
Please don't read this and feel bad or sad or anything for me. I promise everything is OK (that last line was for my parents who, upon reading this, will immediately email me wanting to know if I'm OK!). I am just going thru the reality of transitioning to a new place in a new country. As they say in German "ALLES GUT!"
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
LOTS to tell...
It's been an incredibly busy week as I'm sure everyone can guess. The first week of school ended at 3:00pm today and for as much stress as I felt, I think it went rather smooth. A ton of stuff has happened this week and so there's much to share...
On Wednesday afternoon, our staff was invited to town hall (in German it's known as the Rathaus) to meet the mayor of Weil am Rhein. He was a very charming, distinguished man and at first I thought he was American b/c he spoke with such great English! He told us all about different events going on in Weil and gave us some information on local festivals, concerts, and things to do around the area. I got some info on an all women's contemporary choir. The director is American so there would be no language barrier w/her. I'm still contemplating a/b auditioning for it as I do have a lot on my plate right now!
Anne and I also met our neighbor across the hall from us. Her name is Nina and she is from Russia! She speaks very good German but her English is not as strong. She was very sweet, however, and invited us over for tea next Thursday.
Last night was my first time attending my church's small group, or life group, as they are called here. I was introduced to some very sweet people, including an American couple from Alabama! I was so excited to meet someone else not only from the States but from the South as well!! We had a great time of sharing testimonies w/each other and eating delicious Greek food! I love the group that I'm in and feel so blessed that God has put me with those other people. I love love LOVE my church and it is the highlight of my week!
I miss the States a lot...but I have to admit that Weil am Rhein, Germany is really starting to feel like home. I love the fact that I can see Basel while walking to school. I love the fact that I can bike to France. I love the fact that God had this all planned out before I was even thought of and that there was no way I could have planned it any better!!
It's nearing 4pm over here and I'm still at school. Anne and I are a/b to go grocery shopping and then head home. Tomorrow is cleaning day and then a hike up to the vineyards.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! Big hugs!
On Wednesday afternoon, our staff was invited to town hall (in German it's known as the Rathaus) to meet the mayor of Weil am Rhein. He was a very charming, distinguished man and at first I thought he was American b/c he spoke with such great English! He told us all about different events going on in Weil and gave us some information on local festivals, concerts, and things to do around the area. I got some info on an all women's contemporary choir. The director is American so there would be no language barrier w/her. I'm still contemplating a/b auditioning for it as I do have a lot on my plate right now!
Anne and I also met our neighbor across the hall from us. Her name is Nina and she is from Russia! She speaks very good German but her English is not as strong. She was very sweet, however, and invited us over for tea next Thursday.
Last night was my first time attending my church's small group, or life group, as they are called here. I was introduced to some very sweet people, including an American couple from Alabama! I was so excited to meet someone else not only from the States but from the South as well!! We had a great time of sharing testimonies w/each other and eating delicious Greek food! I love the group that I'm in and feel so blessed that God has put me with those other people. I love love LOVE my church and it is the highlight of my week!
I miss the States a lot...but I have to admit that Weil am Rhein, Germany is really starting to feel like home. I love the fact that I can see Basel while walking to school. I love the fact that I can bike to France. I love the fact that God had this all planned out before I was even thought of and that there was no way I could have planned it any better!!
It's nearing 4pm over here and I'm still at school. Anne and I are a/b to go grocery shopping and then head home. Tomorrow is cleaning day and then a hike up to the vineyards.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! Big hugs!
Monday, August 21, 2006
The First Day of School
Today went great! I will try to remember as much as I can since it is the very end of the day and school ended 2 hrs ago!!
The kids and their parents came at 8:00 for a short introduction of the new teachers (me, Anne, Andrea, & Kelly). Then we took the kids to class right at 8:30. In my 2nd/3rd grade homeroom I have Aliyah and Anna Luca (twins), Daniel, Gaby, and Odile. Odile reminds me of Ramona Quimby. She is so cute and very "grown up" for a 3rd grader. We went over the rules for class and then I allowed them to go around to the different centers (Reading, Writing, and Fun) until it was time for snack. At 10:00 was snack and bathroom break and then they switched to go to their Math and Science classes while I got the 4th/5th graders. In that class are Joe, Anya, Nathaniel and Chelsea (twins, too!), Ashleigh, and Tiffany. Both of my classes are great and I had a terrific time getting to know the kids today.
After lunch we took the school (all 35 kids) across the street to Truz which stands for something but I can't remember what! Anyways, we got to see what it is like to harvest wheat and grain and at the end made our own bread! It was yummy!! We stayed there for the remainder of the day and then brought the kids back to the school where their parents were waiting.
It was a great day and unlike any first day of school I've had before (how many schools in the States harvest grain?!). I'm already excited about what God has planned for the year! You can see the hunger in some of these kids' eyes for Truth.
Thank you all for your prayers. They are truly lifting me up!
The kids and their parents came at 8:00 for a short introduction of the new teachers (me, Anne, Andrea, & Kelly). Then we took the kids to class right at 8:30. In my 2nd/3rd grade homeroom I have Aliyah and Anna Luca (twins), Daniel, Gaby, and Odile. Odile reminds me of Ramona Quimby. She is so cute and very "grown up" for a 3rd grader. We went over the rules for class and then I allowed them to go around to the different centers (Reading, Writing, and Fun) until it was time for snack. At 10:00 was snack and bathroom break and then they switched to go to their Math and Science classes while I got the 4th/5th graders. In that class are Joe, Anya, Nathaniel and Chelsea (twins, too!), Ashleigh, and Tiffany. Both of my classes are great and I had a terrific time getting to know the kids today.
After lunch we took the school (all 35 kids) across the street to Truz which stands for something but I can't remember what! Anyways, we got to see what it is like to harvest wheat and grain and at the end made our own bread! It was yummy!! We stayed there for the remainder of the day and then brought the kids back to the school where their parents were waiting.
It was a great day and unlike any first day of school I've had before (how many schools in the States harvest grain?!). I'm already excited about what God has planned for the year! You can see the hunger in some of these kids' eyes for Truth.
Thank you all for your prayers. They are truly lifting me up!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
School starts tomorrow!
I'm sitting in my classroom and looking around, satisfied at how put together it all is now. There for a time, I wondered if I'd EVER get it in order. Now, it's all ready to go and ready for the eleven students who will come in and out of it tomorrow. It has been a wonderful and relaxing weekend. I've enjoyed going back and forth to Switzerland since it is so close. For my Jacksonville peeps it is a/b the distance from San Marco to Downtown Jax!
Friday night I went into Basel to see the Jazz Festival with some new friends from church. We had a great time together and I have discovered a new love for Bratwurst. YUM! We also got homemade crepes which were out of this world. I am one of the only Americans at the church among Brits but I LOVE it. I have come to appreciate all of these different cultures in the melting pot of Central Europe.
Today was another wonderful day at ACB. Pastor Geoff was back and welcomed me back "home" which made me feel great! I miss Christ Church PCA but must admit that Sundays at ACB are the highlight of my week!
It is nearing 5:30pm over here and I'm getting hungry. Oh yes, another miracle--I am cooking! Anne and I have decided that it's the best way to save money instead of constantly eating out. In fact, we didn't eat out at all this past week. We've come up with some pretty neat dishes if I do say so myself. Emeril, watch out!
I hope you all had a great weekend. Big hugs from Europe!
Friday night I went into Basel to see the Jazz Festival with some new friends from church. We had a great time together and I have discovered a new love for Bratwurst. YUM! We also got homemade crepes which were out of this world. I am one of the only Americans at the church among Brits but I LOVE it. I have come to appreciate all of these different cultures in the melting pot of Central Europe.
Today was another wonderful day at ACB. Pastor Geoff was back and welcomed me back "home" which made me feel great! I miss Christ Church PCA but must admit that Sundays at ACB are the highlight of my week!
It is nearing 5:30pm over here and I'm getting hungry. Oh yes, another miracle--I am cooking! Anne and I have decided that it's the best way to save money instead of constantly eating out. In fact, we didn't eat out at all this past week. We've come up with some pretty neat dishes if I do say so myself. Emeril, watch out!
I hope you all had a great weekend. Big hugs from Europe!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Some fun words in German...
Since living over here the last two weeks, I've become somewhat acquainted again with the German language. Our language class should begin in the next month or so but Anne and I have already started working on some phrases and words. And since most of the people in the city of Weil don't speak a lot of English, we've had to speak a sort of "Deutschlish" as we like to call it (a mixture of Deutsch aka German and English). Anyways, here are a couple of my favorite words and phrases so far...
Tschuss - bye!
Wunderbar- (pronounced Voonderbar!) -wonderful
Schöne Tag! - Have a nice day
Gleichfalls - same to you
Genau- exactly
Tschuss - bye!
Wunderbar- (pronounced Voonderbar!) -wonderful
Schöne Tag! - Have a nice day
Gleichfalls - same to you
Genau- exactly
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Castles and Community Service
A lot has happened in just the last two days. All this week has been orientation week for the seven of us staff members. Yesterday, three of us went to the Recyclehof outside of Weil and did some recycling for the school. They recycle EVERYTHING here in Germany and as a matter of fact I have 3 garbage cans just in my kitchen alone! It is actually something that I've gotten used to now and I wonder how it's going to be when I get back home for Christmas and go to find the Gelbesack (recycling can) for the glass! Anyways...we took pictures so I will be posting them later.
Today we took a break from working and drove to the Alsace area of France. I'd already been the last time I lived here but I love that area of France and couldn't wait to get back! We spent the day walking around and eating wonderful Alsacian food. For lunch I had a flambe' pizza which is a really flat piece of bread with cheese and ham. It was DELICIOUS! I'd had some previously when I was in Colmar 3 yrs ago but forgot just how awesome it tasted!
After we walked around, we then drove up to Castle Koeningsbourg (I think that's how you spell it...) and it was BEAUTIFUL!! I really think France is one of my favorite places to visit. I especially love the French countryside and the fact that we can drive to it in about 15 minutes!
Tomorrow it's back to work and on Monday school begins. Anne and I had the pleasure of having 3 of our students visit us on Monday night. They live down the street and were out riding their bikes when I was walking home from the grocery store and wanted to see where "Miss Stroud and Miss Langshaw" lived. It was great to get to know them before the school year begins.
Well it is nearing 9pm and I've yet to get home. (Don't worry, Dad, it's still very light outside!!). It's been an awesome day and I'm beat!
Love you all!
Today we took a break from working and drove to the Alsace area of France. I'd already been the last time I lived here but I love that area of France and couldn't wait to get back! We spent the day walking around and eating wonderful Alsacian food. For lunch I had a flambe' pizza which is a really flat piece of bread with cheese and ham. It was DELICIOUS! I'd had some previously when I was in Colmar 3 yrs ago but forgot just how awesome it tasted!
After we walked around, we then drove up to Castle Koeningsbourg (I think that's how you spell it...) and it was BEAUTIFUL!! I really think France is one of my favorite places to visit. I especially love the French countryside and the fact that we can drive to it in about 15 minutes!
Tomorrow it's back to work and on Monday school begins. Anne and I had the pleasure of having 3 of our students visit us on Monday night. They live down the street and were out riding their bikes when I was walking home from the grocery store and wanted to see where "Miss Stroud and Miss Langshaw" lived. It was great to get to know them before the school year begins.
Well it is nearing 9pm and I've yet to get home. (Don't worry, Dad, it's still very light outside!!). It's been an awesome day and I'm beat!
Love you all!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Lots and lots of pictures!
Basel from atop the Munster church
Basel and the Munster church (yes that's the Rhein)
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Yes that is me on a John Deere! These were taken Saturday at the Tractor Pull in the cute little village of Arisdorf just outside Basel. The guy with the trophy was the winner and was nice enough to pose for the camera!
Basel and the Munster church (yes that's the Rhein)
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Yes that is me on a John Deere! These were taken Saturday at the Tractor Pull in the cute little village of Arisdorf just outside Basel. The guy with the trophy was the winner and was nice enough to pose for the camera!
GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!!!!
I couldn't wait to post all about my day yesterday! I will be so glad when we get internet access at our apartment and I don't have to wait until I get to school to update this thing!
Ok, yesterday I attended my old church in Basel which is the Anglican Church of Basel also referred to as ACB (which is what I will be referring to it as in these posts). It was so great to be back! They have moved to a new building than the one they were in 3 yrs ago but it is much more suitable for them to have a nursery and Sunday School.
The minute I walked into the sanctuary I spotted my old small group leader! It was so good to see him. He and his wife have just had a baby in January and so they have stepped down from small group leadership. The worship service was awesome. We did the Nicene Creed and the Lord's Prayer which made me think of Christ Church and that was great!! After church, I went to the information desk and filled out a card and spoke with the assistant pastor about joining a small group which then lead to talk of joining one of the 3 praise teams. I was then introduced to the new worship leader (the one who was there when I was there left last month) and I will be singing in the service a week from this Sunday with one of the praise teams! I was also told that they do Drama in their services every quarter and I will be helping out with that as well! Afterwards, I was given some information about a small group in the town right next to mine which meets every Thursday. I also saw some more familiar faces at the coffee and tea time which is directly after the service. The church is probably 80% Brit population so my American accent is definitely going to stick out!
I left church feeling better than I had in a few days. As I said in my last post this last week had been an extreme time of adjustment and homesickness and just being back at my old church made a HUGE difference. Anyways, since the staff of RIA all go to different churches we had decided to meet at 1:00 for lunch. It was only noon when I left church so I had an hour to spare. I decided to go to Starbucks and sit upstairs with a nice Chai Latte and read 2nd Peter until I had to meet the others. Well, I had just sat down when a girl approached me. She asked me if I had been to church at ACB that morning and when I said "yes" she said "I thought you were there. Would you like to join my friend and I at our table?" So of course I jumped at the chance to meet new friends!! The girl and her friend were Joanna and Vanessa. Joanna is 25 and an English instructor at one of the Language schools in Basel. She's from Britian. Vanessa is 29 and works for DHL. She is from Argentina. Both speak fluent German which is great for me b/c I need to always brush up on mine! Anyways, they told me about a jazz festival this Friday in Basel and would I like to come? How awesome is that!! Just the night before I'd been praying that God would send me someone I could click with outside of school and instead He sent me 2!!!
I was praising and thanking God all day yesterday. Thank you all so much for your prayers for me. They are DEFINITELY working!!!!
Ok, I really should be working on lesson plans right now! We start school a week from today. Yet another change. I will be teaching 2nd-5th Language Arts and 4th-5th Social Studies and 2nd-5th Music. You definitely know you are teaching in a small school when you are the teacher of 3 separate subjects for 4 different grades!!!
Gotta run. Hope all is well with you wherever you may be reading this!
Ok, yesterday I attended my old church in Basel which is the Anglican Church of Basel also referred to as ACB (which is what I will be referring to it as in these posts). It was so great to be back! They have moved to a new building than the one they were in 3 yrs ago but it is much more suitable for them to have a nursery and Sunday School.
The minute I walked into the sanctuary I spotted my old small group leader! It was so good to see him. He and his wife have just had a baby in January and so they have stepped down from small group leadership. The worship service was awesome. We did the Nicene Creed and the Lord's Prayer which made me think of Christ Church and that was great!! After church, I went to the information desk and filled out a card and spoke with the assistant pastor about joining a small group which then lead to talk of joining one of the 3 praise teams. I was then introduced to the new worship leader (the one who was there when I was there left last month) and I will be singing in the service a week from this Sunday with one of the praise teams! I was also told that they do Drama in their services every quarter and I will be helping out with that as well! Afterwards, I was given some information about a small group in the town right next to mine which meets every Thursday. I also saw some more familiar faces at the coffee and tea time which is directly after the service. The church is probably 80% Brit population so my American accent is definitely going to stick out!
I left church feeling better than I had in a few days. As I said in my last post this last week had been an extreme time of adjustment and homesickness and just being back at my old church made a HUGE difference. Anyways, since the staff of RIA all go to different churches we had decided to meet at 1:00 for lunch. It was only noon when I left church so I had an hour to spare. I decided to go to Starbucks and sit upstairs with a nice Chai Latte and read 2nd Peter until I had to meet the others. Well, I had just sat down when a girl approached me. She asked me if I had been to church at ACB that morning and when I said "yes" she said "I thought you were there. Would you like to join my friend and I at our table?" So of course I jumped at the chance to meet new friends!! The girl and her friend were Joanna and Vanessa. Joanna is 25 and an English instructor at one of the Language schools in Basel. She's from Britian. Vanessa is 29 and works for DHL. She is from Argentina. Both speak fluent German which is great for me b/c I need to always brush up on mine! Anyways, they told me about a jazz festival this Friday in Basel and would I like to come? How awesome is that!! Just the night before I'd been praying that God would send me someone I could click with outside of school and instead He sent me 2!!!
I was praising and thanking God all day yesterday. Thank you all so much for your prayers for me. They are DEFINITELY working!!!!
Ok, I really should be working on lesson plans right now! We start school a week from today. Yet another change. I will be teaching 2nd-5th Language Arts and 4th-5th Social Studies and 2nd-5th Music. You definitely know you are teaching in a small school when you are the teacher of 3 separate subjects for 4 different grades!!!
Gotta run. Hope all is well with you wherever you may be reading this!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Rainy day in Weil..
This morning I woke up and knew it was going to rain all day. I could just tell by the clouds in the sky. I was so enjoying the sunshine but having lived in this area before I already knew that it rains a lot. So, I woke up and read a chapter of Beth Moore's BELIEVING GOD which is exactly what I need to read at this moment! I've also discovered this awesome cereal over here called Schoko Crunch. It's chocolate and granola mixed together! YUMMY!! So I had some Schoko Crunch, then made my way over to the school. It hadn't started raining yet and so it was a nice walk over to RIA. Since about 9:30 I've been setting up my classroom. My theme for this year is Under the Sea so my entire room is filled with sea life. Very cute if I do say so myself ;)
I just wanted to let you all know that this week has been quite the adjustment and I've found myself getting a bit homesick. I miss everyone A LOT. Please know you all are ALWAYS in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya!
I just wanted to let you all know that this week has been quite the adjustment and I've found myself getting a bit homesick. I miss everyone A LOT. Please know you all are ALWAYS in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Setting Up and other stuff..
Today was spent sweeping and cleaning the inside of the school. Right now my room looks like it exploded into a billion pieces of SCHOOL AIDS! I have so much that I brought over but I am excited about using it all. My theme for the year is Under the Sea. Once I get it all set and done up I will post pictures (yes I know I still owe some pics from Basel the other day!).
As I'm sure most everyone knows, there was a terrorist alert at London Heathrow this morning. Please be in prayer for those who were stranded today and say a BIG thanks to God for not allowing the threat to go forward! I must say that living in the secluded little town of Weil am Rhein, Germany keeps me in a bubble. The only time I even hear about the news is when I sign online. I am praying for President Bush and the leaders around the globe during this time of uncertainty in the world.
Well, it is almost 5pm here and the grocery store is going to close in an hour so I need to run. Big hugs!
As I'm sure most everyone knows, there was a terrorist alert at London Heathrow this morning. Please be in prayer for those who were stranded today and say a BIG thanks to God for not allowing the threat to go forward! I must say that living in the secluded little town of Weil am Rhein, Germany keeps me in a bubble. The only time I even hear about the news is when I sign online. I am praying for President Bush and the leaders around the globe during this time of uncertainty in the world.
Well, it is almost 5pm here and the grocery store is going to close in an hour so I need to run. Big hugs!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Meeting and Weeding
Today was a very eventful day at the Rhein International Academy. We weeded the entire front garden which took all 6 staff members and 3 and a half hours! However, it was a success and we were quite proud of our progress. Tomorrow we are cleaning the inside of the school. I am getting excited about school starting. Only a week and a half to go!!! Anyways, as we were weeding, three of our students came up to the school to say hello. I will be teaching one of the kids whose name is Joey. He seems like a lot of fun. Oh yes, newsflash-- I am now teaching 2nd and 3rd grade AND 4th and 5th grade Language Arts. Social Studies is up in the air right now but it's all good. I will be the 2nd and 3rd grade homeroom teacher and then will have 4th and 5th later in the day.
Hopefully I will be posting some pics up of Sunday very soon. I've had some issues with the internet over here and by the end of the week I hope to have full access of both internet and phone at my apartment.
It's a beautiful day in Germany today. We haven't had rain in almost 3 days which is rare around here so I'm enjoying the sun and the walk to and from school. I think I've already started losing weight due to all the walks!!
Will post pics later. Hope all is good on your side of the world.
Hopefully I will be posting some pics up of Sunday very soon. I've had some issues with the internet over here and by the end of the week I hope to have full access of both internet and phone at my apartment.
It's a beautiful day in Germany today. We haven't had rain in almost 3 days which is rare around here so I'm enjoying the sun and the walk to and from school. I think I've already started losing weight due to all the walks!!
Will post pics later. Hope all is good on your side of the world.
Monday, August 07, 2006
International Worship
Last night was probably the most incredible worship service I have ever been to. My roommate and a new friend of ours, Janell, went to ICF Basel which stands for International Christian Fellowship. The church is a planter church of Willow Creek outside of Chicago. The service is all in German but they give you headphones where there is a translator saying everything in English. The praise and worship was amazing!! The songs were either in English with German subtitles or vice versa. Everyone was worshipping God together in their own tongue and at one point there was a song just in German. It was as though God broke thru the language barrier and I could understand what I was singing!!!! I can only imagine what Heaven is going to be like after experiencing something like last night. I was overwhelmed with God´s presence like I have never been before. Next week I plan on buying the worship cd they have of ICF Zürich so that I can share it with everyone back home. It is truly going to be the most unique worship cd you´ve ever heard...
I will post pictures later this week of our day in Basel yesterday. I just had to get this out first!!
I will post pictures later this week of our day in Basel yesterday. I just had to get this out first!!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
We serve a BIG God!
Tonight I am back at the home of the family I au paired for 3 yrs ago. It is almost like I never left. I am staying in my old bedroom and tonight had dinner with the girls and Paula at one of my favorite restaurants near the village. I was writing earlier in my journal and thought of how this was where it was that God brought me back to Him. I had searched and searched for so long before I came abroad almost 4 years ago. This was what God used to show me who He is. This is my prayer for the next 2 yrs. I want to know God in a way like I have never known Him before. I want Him to reveal Himself to me in ways I never thought possible. I want my students to ask me about who God really is and be able to give them the answer in words and in actions. This is what I hope and pray for and what I want you guys to be praying for for me. God is bigger than anything and God can do anything and if He wanted to use the little school in Weil am Rhein, Germany to bring the entire continent of Europe to Him He could. I want my faith to be that strong and to remember just exactly how BIG God is.
Saturday in Germany
I woke up this morning at 9:30 and had forgotten that I had put down the blinds on my window. I still thought it was the middle of the night until I went to the bathroom and saw the sunllight streaming in the kitchen window. Anne and I decided that today we would finish organizing the kitchen. We unwrapped some more boxes and are truly blessed by how many dishes and utensils we have. GOD IS SO GOOD!!! It started raining while we were unpacking but that´s to be expected since it has rained almost every day since we`ve been here. It is so cool that we can still leave our windows open and the doors to our balconies open while it rains. I never thought I would be used to not having air condition but so far it hasn´t been bad at all.
We still haven´t gotten shower rings for the shower curtain but I´ve enjoyed taking long, hot baths in our bathtub. It is really big and the water can go over your shoulders without getting all over the floor!! Way to go German bathtubs!!!
Tonight I am going into Switzerland to see my family that I au paired for 3 years ago. I haven´t seen the kids since they were 6,5 and 3. Now they are 9,7, and 5!! I am excited and anxious to give them all big hugs. I will be spending the night over there and coming back to Weil tomorrow. Actually, I will probably be meeting the rest of the staff in Basel because tomorrow is free museum day!
First weekend in Germany seems to be going great so far! I miss everyone a TON and sometimes have to be careful not to let my mind wander to what everyone else is doing or I get really homesick. No worries though--God is my protector and I can feel His hand leading and guiding in every single step I take over here.
Have a fabulous Saturday!
We still haven´t gotten shower rings for the shower curtain but I´ve enjoyed taking long, hot baths in our bathtub. It is really big and the water can go over your shoulders without getting all over the floor!! Way to go German bathtubs!!!
Tonight I am going into Switzerland to see my family that I au paired for 3 years ago. I haven´t seen the kids since they were 6,5 and 3. Now they are 9,7, and 5!! I am excited and anxious to give them all big hugs. I will be spending the night over there and coming back to Weil tomorrow. Actually, I will probably be meeting the rest of the staff in Basel because tomorrow is free museum day!
First weekend in Germany seems to be going great so far! I miss everyone a TON and sometimes have to be careful not to let my mind wander to what everyone else is doing or I get really homesick. No worries though--God is my protector and I can feel His hand leading and guiding in every single step I take over here.
Have a fabulous Saturday!
Pics of the first few days in Weil...
This is the front of my new apartment. Mine is the balcony on the third floor
This is me at the playground at the school next to us..This was the first day in Weil am Rhein
The cheese aisle in the grocery store. My director Diana and I are showing off all of the selections of cheese..My favorite that I´m holding up is Brie!
This is me eating my first meal in Germany..
a yummy salami pizza!
Second day in Weil..This was on the way to
school.
I can`t get over the fact that we can swing indoors at the school!!!
This the path I´ll take everyday to get to school
I can´t wait to see this in the winter!
Enjoying left over pizza on the balcony of my apartment!
This was taken yesterday at a local Eis Cafe (aka ice cream parlor). This is probably the best cup of cappucino I´ve ever had!
This is me at the playground at the school next to us..This was the first day in Weil am Rhein
The cheese aisle in the grocery store. My director Diana and I are showing off all of the selections of cheese..My favorite that I´m holding up is Brie!
This is me eating my first meal in Germany..
a yummy salami pizza!
Second day in Weil..This was on the way toschool.
I can`t get over the fact that we can swing indoors at the school!!!
This the path I´ll take everyday to get to schoolI can´t wait to see this in the winter!
Enjoying left over pizza on the balcony of my apartment!This was taken yesterday at a local Eis Cafe (aka ice cream parlor). This is probably the best cup of cappucino I´ve ever had!
Friday, August 04, 2006
FINALLY A NEW POST!!
I have now been in Germany a total of 5 days. So far it has been WONDERFUL. The first day was spent getting unpacked and somewhat settled. I am still nowhere near being settled in the apartment. We still have to get light fixtures and put together my closet. However, I´ve been able to get out my pictures and set them up so that it feels a little more like home.
Anne and I have had a great first few days here. Our apartment overlooks a ton of grape vineyards that we are hoping to one day soon go and walk through. I think one of my favorite things about the first day was sitting on our balcony eating an apfeltasche (apple pie) and watching the scenery around us. We live right next door to an elementary school with a playground and so every morning we´ve heard the voices of little children playing when we wake up.
I love the town of Weil am Rhein. It is really cute but is by no means a village!! We´ve walked to and from a few times now and I love that we can go to the grocery store and WALK home!! The weather has been perfect. There is always a cool breeze and it sure beats the heat of the Florida sun!
I´m still fighting jet lag and can´t wait for the day when I am not constantly exhausted all day. Lately I´ve been laying down for a long nap and I´m still tired and ready for bed a few hours later.
Tonight Anne and I are going to a birthday party for our director´s pastor´s daughter. Tomorrow I am going to see my family in Switzerland that I used to au pair for. I´m excited about seeing the kids who are now all grown up!!
Hopefully soon I will be posting pictures of our first few days in Deutschland. I want you all to know I am EXACTLY where I am supposed to be. I LOVE IT HERE!!
Anne and I have had a great first few days here. Our apartment overlooks a ton of grape vineyards that we are hoping to one day soon go and walk through. I think one of my favorite things about the first day was sitting on our balcony eating an apfeltasche (apple pie) and watching the scenery around us. We live right next door to an elementary school with a playground and so every morning we´ve heard the voices of little children playing when we wake up.
I love the town of Weil am Rhein. It is really cute but is by no means a village!! We´ve walked to and from a few times now and I love that we can go to the grocery store and WALK home!! The weather has been perfect. There is always a cool breeze and it sure beats the heat of the Florida sun!
I´m still fighting jet lag and can´t wait for the day when I am not constantly exhausted all day. Lately I´ve been laying down for a long nap and I´m still tired and ready for bed a few hours later.
Tonight Anne and I are going to a birthday party for our director´s pastor´s daughter. Tomorrow I am going to see my family in Switzerland that I used to au pair for. I´m excited about seeing the kids who are now all grown up!!
Hopefully soon I will be posting pictures of our first few days in Deutschland. I want you all to know I am EXACTLY where I am supposed to be. I LOVE IT HERE!!
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