Changes

It is really starting to hit me that I am leaving soon. I cannot believe this is all going to be over in a matter of 8 weeks. It still feels as though I just arrived back in summer '06. A part of me--a big part of me--is sad. I was riding my bike yesterday through the meadow and then took a detour into the woods. The birds were chirping and it was a beautiful day, something that I have rarely seen the last month with all the rain. I started to think about the things--some little, some big--that I would miss. The tree down from the school that stands by the brook. The festivals in the fall that lead up to Christmas. Riding my bike into Switzerland and France. Hopping on a train to go to a different country. Most of all, I'm going to miss my church. I have made some of the dearest friends there that I've ever had in my life. My pastor and his family have been so gracious to me while I've been here and the Bible study that I'm a a part of has been a source of strength and a second family to me. I try not to dwell on the fact that in August I won't be flying back here or in October I won't be going to the Herbst Messe. Right now all I know is that I'm going to Jacksonville June 25th and after that there looms a big question mark in front of me. I'm trying to think of all the positives that will come out of going back to my hometown, but it's still hard to see the positives when I think of what I'm leaving behind here. Most everyone says I'll be back again. Maybe I will. I hope that I will.

And since this post is titled "Changes" perhaps maybe some of you can help me start to think of a new name to title this blog as after June 25th there won't be any more Adventures in Germany. Any thoughts?

Little Wooden Shoes

When I was in Amsterdam last year I bought a pair of wooden shoes. They are tiny and couldn't fit on anyone's foot but they were exactly what I'd wanted to bring back as a souvenir. They sit on the bookshelf in the den at my apartment and everyone can see them displayed. I often catch myself looking at them because they are one tangible thing I can take back with me in June. I know that wherever I set up house next, they will be out and about for all to see. They will also help me to remember that the world is small and that not that long ago I was living in a foreign country that over time became like home.

I've started to get into the mindset of leaving and it hurts worse than anything. I can't imagine not coming back in August or having a week to go somewhere in October. There is something that captivates me about this continent like nothing else. I'm truly an American girl at heart, but experience has led my heart to be torn between two continents and that's OK. It doesn't mean I'm unpatriotic or love America any less. I think it's just the part of transitioning between two places that are so different.

I know that I will spend a great deal of time missing this wonderful place. Looking at pictures and reminiscing in my mind is going to happen a lot that first year back.

But at least I have my little wooden shoes.