Today I took free time to really pray and decompress from all the new things I've been learning.
With such an accelerated rate of change, it seems like my mood takes a lot of ups and downs. I know that usually isn't a good thing, but it is so constructive and exactly what I came here for, so I am really learning to rejoice in the confusion and frustration just as I can in the new understanding.
After free time, we started our "International Night" with a traditional German dinner of sauerkraut, bratwurst, pretzels, sparkling apple juice, and Bavarian Cream with strawberries (once again, so much for eating healthy :P).
Afterwards, each country represented here gave a presentation. We began with Germany, whose citizens had created a sort of game show with a couple lessons about their country, followed by a play showing the common stereotypes held about the German people.
Next was Switzerland, then Canada had a history of their country and a series of lip-syncing students depicting Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, and Michael Buble.
Then came the Netherlands and the Philipines. Then the U.S. with a movie about a few American stereotypes, some making fun of Canada, and a music video we made to the tune of Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA", quite classy. (I even danced in the video! Needless to say, I have an incredible amount of talent=P) Also represented was Israel, Serbia, Russia, and Malaysia.
A small group of us finished off the night with an all-girls swim in the freezing cold lake. I figured I had to do it at some point, and it turned out to be quite the bonding experience.
Ezekiel 34:11-16
New International Version (NIV)
11 “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
9/27
Today Annelie had a half day off, so after doing some reading and homework, I found her and we went for a walk and talked about family and prayers and the things God's been laying on our hearts since we've been here.
There's lots of trains around here, but about half a mile from the school is a set of tracks that isn't used anymore, so we walked on the tracks and it was nice to sort of relax and get to know one another on a little bit deeper level.
The tracks go through a forest as well as through the orchards and it's fun to try and balance and walk on the rails themselves.
After seeing what school is like for the students, Annelie is considering attending spring school in Sweden, which I've really encouraged her to talk to someone about. If that works for her, she might even be able to travel with me after our six months here ends!
My plan for right now is to spend a little bit longer in each place I visit. I think that will save a lot of money compared to moving around every other day, and I'll really get more of a feel for the cities I get to see. I'm thinking of taking a week for one of the bigger cities in Italy, then traveling through to Paris and spending a week there, and then England for that final week.
With travel time and taking it slow, that will be about four weeks, but I need to look into it all a lot more and make sure I have a well-planned budget. Annelie has invited me to go with her to Denmark as well, so we shall see how everything factors in!
It's interesting, because with all the free time here, balanced by hours of Bible lectures every day, and no tv or media to distract me, the speed at which I'm thinking things through and learning new lessons has increased exponentially. I'm so used to being busy, getting up early and going to bed late, and always having something in the background so I don't need to think so much.
Here, I've found myself listening to music a lot more often just to kind of escape my own mind and take a break from the intensity of all the new thoughts. I've also found that I need to journal more to sort everything out.
I'm loving it though, and am experiencing stronger convictions regarding lessons I've learned in the past, as well as new realizations about my life, and the ways I tend to limit Christ from living through me. For this week, I've realized the importance of honoring Christ in the simplicity of my daily walk, not just through my works.
Because I am constantly surrounded by people who may or may not be like me or act like I think they should, He has revealed to me my need to live out the true and unconditional love of Christ. It's such a basic truth of our faith, but something I have been able to overlook quite a bit simply because at home, I have the luxury of being able to take time alone whenever I choose.
1 Corinthians 13
New International Version (NIV)
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
There's lots of trains around here, but about half a mile from the school is a set of tracks that isn't used anymore, so we walked on the tracks and it was nice to sort of relax and get to know one another on a little bit deeper level.
The tracks go through a forest as well as through the orchards and it's fun to try and balance and walk on the rails themselves.
After seeing what school is like for the students, Annelie is considering attending spring school in Sweden, which I've really encouraged her to talk to someone about. If that works for her, she might even be able to travel with me after our six months here ends!
My plan for right now is to spend a little bit longer in each place I visit. I think that will save a lot of money compared to moving around every other day, and I'll really get more of a feel for the cities I get to see. I'm thinking of taking a week for one of the bigger cities in Italy, then traveling through to Paris and spending a week there, and then England for that final week.
With travel time and taking it slow, that will be about four weeks, but I need to look into it all a lot more and make sure I have a well-planned budget. Annelie has invited me to go with her to Denmark as well, so we shall see how everything factors in!
It's interesting, because with all the free time here, balanced by hours of Bible lectures every day, and no tv or media to distract me, the speed at which I'm thinking things through and learning new lessons has increased exponentially. I'm so used to being busy, getting up early and going to bed late, and always having something in the background so I don't need to think so much.
Here, I've found myself listening to music a lot more often just to kind of escape my own mind and take a break from the intensity of all the new thoughts. I've also found that I need to journal more to sort everything out.
I'm loving it though, and am experiencing stronger convictions regarding lessons I've learned in the past, as well as new realizations about my life, and the ways I tend to limit Christ from living through me. For this week, I've realized the importance of honoring Christ in the simplicity of my daily walk, not just through my works.
Because I am constantly surrounded by people who may or may not be like me or act like I think they should, He has revealed to me my need to live out the true and unconditional love of Christ. It's such a basic truth of our faith, but something I have been able to overlook quite a bit simply because at home, I have the luxury of being able to take time alone whenever I choose.
1 Corinthians 13
New International Version (NIV)
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
9/26
Today was Annelie's day off and she and I have been wanting to go to a cafe nearby called Cafe Hopka, so we invited a couple other girls and walked the mile to the cafe.
I've been trying to eat super healthy and small portions cause the food here is so saturated with butter and fat, but we walked into that front room and saw a window full of cakes and we all quickly gave up our diets for the next hour and a half=P
There were six of us and we each ordered a different kind of cake and then shared, so we had a slice of rhubarb pie, apple pie with meringue, chocolate cream cake, chocolate cake with orange, fruit cheesecake, and cherry pie.
All were very good, probably the chocolate cream was the best, and we ordered some coffee to go with it and sat in a beautiful little courtyard with a goldfish pond and little trees and pretty tables...I might fly all the way to Germany just to have my wedding reception there, cause it's the cutest little place!
It was the epitome of girl time, something I'm usually not fond of for various reasons, but this was so much fun to just talk and laugh and relax together. We all told embarrassing stories (I told the one about vacuuming my cake, for those of you who know it) and got to know each other better.
The total charge for a big slice of nice cake and a caramel machiato in an incredible outdoor atmosphere was 3.50, which puts starbucks into perspective for me.
The weather here has been really nice. There have been a couple days of rain and usually it's light sweatshirt weather, but today made shorts tempting. I'm still surprised at this, because I was subconsciously expecting to have to buy a snow parka as soon as I got off the plane! From what I've been told, the snow doesn't really come until November.
Psalm 126:2
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
I've been trying to eat super healthy and small portions cause the food here is so saturated with butter and fat, but we walked into that front room and saw a window full of cakes and we all quickly gave up our diets for the next hour and a half=P
There were six of us and we each ordered a different kind of cake and then shared, so we had a slice of rhubarb pie, apple pie with meringue, chocolate cream cake, chocolate cake with orange, fruit cheesecake, and cherry pie.
All were very good, probably the chocolate cream was the best, and we ordered some coffee to go with it and sat in a beautiful little courtyard with a goldfish pond and little trees and pretty tables...I might fly all the way to Germany just to have my wedding reception there, cause it's the cutest little place!
It was the epitome of girl time, something I'm usually not fond of for various reasons, but this was so much fun to just talk and laugh and relax together. We all told embarrassing stories (I told the one about vacuuming my cake, for those of you who know it) and got to know each other better.
The total charge for a big slice of nice cake and a caramel machiato in an incredible outdoor atmosphere was 3.50, which puts starbucks into perspective for me.
The weather here has been really nice. There have been a couple days of rain and usually it's light sweatshirt weather, but today made shorts tempting. I'm still surprised at this, because I was subconsciously expecting to have to buy a snow parka as soon as I got off the plane! From what I've been told, the snow doesn't really come until November.
Psalm 126:2
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
9/25
Today was blue skies and beautiful, so Steph, Lia and I decided to go for a walk right before dinner. For the most part, we are spread out during school, so it's nice once in awhile to have some time together with just the three of us to relax and enjoy the old jokes and comfortable conversation.
We went for the walk on the street just across from ours that I think I mentioned earlier, passed a pretty church, flower gardens, forest paths, and apple orchards. One yard had a dog/bear in it behind way too low of a fence that I didn't see until it started barking ferociously and made me scream and jump eight feet, followed by laughter from my compassionate companions. Afterwards I even tried to make it my friend, but it was sort of rude about it, so I ran away like the brave person I am.
Some of the apples here are the brightest, most vibrant red you've ever seen. They remind me of Snow White's poisoned apple, but I'm not gonna test that theory on the outside chance that Prince Charming doesn't make it on time to save me. Plus the barbed wire fences that surround the orchards make the farmers' intentions pretty clear.
The sunset was so gorgeous, we lost track of time and ended up getting back to Bode a couple minutes into the lecture.
Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
We went for the walk on the street just across from ours that I think I mentioned earlier, passed a pretty church, flower gardens, forest paths, and apple orchards. One yard had a dog/bear in it behind way too low of a fence that I didn't see until it started barking ferociously and made me scream and jump eight feet, followed by laughter from my compassionate companions. Afterwards I even tried to make it my friend, but it was sort of rude about it, so I ran away like the brave person I am.
Some of the apples here are the brightest, most vibrant red you've ever seen. They remind me of Snow White's poisoned apple, but I'm not gonna test that theory on the outside chance that Prince Charming doesn't make it on time to save me. Plus the barbed wire fences that surround the orchards make the farmers' intentions pretty clear.
The sunset was so gorgeous, we lost track of time and ended up getting back to Bode a couple minutes into the lecture.
Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
Monday, September 24, 2012
9/23-9/24
Plane from Frankfurt to Friedrichshafen:
We made it!!! Doesn't he look like a world traveler?
Waiting for Steph to arrive, we decided to grab a quick snack at the bakery across the street from Bode:
The friends:
The new friends! Autumn on the left and Annelie on the right:
Took the bus into Meersburg, the town with the Disneyland castle in it. Only had about an hour to check it out, so we're gonna go back later. Steph took a ton of pictures of the town itself, very pretty and typically European with cobblestone streets and everything. She'll upload them on Facebook for those of you who want to check them out. Here's what I wanted to take pictures of though: there was a church in the middle of town with a bunch of creepy paintings. I thought it was hilarious. Look closely at what they're holding.
Pictures from around the campus:
Back porch and apple orchard:
"The Honeycomb" (little kitchen/hangout room):
Main hallway:
Backyard. You can see a little bit of the volleyball court and smaller soccer field:
Creepy basement hallway. Reminds me of the Tower of Terror at night, cause there's a window at the end that you can see a reflection of your silhouette in:
Laundry room. Washers/dryers in German:
Library. The seat that's pulled out has become my little prayer place. For some reason, I love the smell and feel of old books. The ones you see on that particular shelf are all in German, and sometimes I get distracted trying to figure out what their titles mean:
Prayer room. Painted by a past student:
Shoe room. *smells like death*
Back walkway. Under the big tree is a basketball hoop:
Tea room sink area:
Our room bunks:
View of volleyball court from our room:
Sanctuary/classroom view from my seat:
Outside view from my seat. (black birds on the windows are popular all over here, and yesterday I realized why: it's to keep the birds from running into the windows!!)
Bookstore/more internet access:
Sauna in the basement. I haven't gotten up the courage to try it yet, but I hear it's fantastic. I think I'll wait till it's cold outside and enjoy it more:
Front of Bode:
Tea Room on my floor:
Bathroom sinks. I figured you were curious:
Shared sink in our room:
My closet:
View of weird possible bomb shelter from our room:
View of neighboring campground from our room:
My accidental formation of the bat symbol out of the eggs mom made me the morning we left. (Sorry, these pictures are a little jumbled):
Another view of the back porch:
Game room in basement:
Hebrews 12:1-2
New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
9/22
Today we went for a hike in the Alps!
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Expectations:
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Reality:
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People in Laderhosen. Echoes of yodeling ring through the hills.
Goats. Bells. Those really long horn things.
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Attractive people in Laderhosen coolly leading cows through town. Not
a single attempt at yodeling. Sheep.
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Scattered snowdrifts, crystal clear skies, wildflowers.
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Rain. Fog.
…Rain.
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Possible direct contact with Abominable Snowman.
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Eight attempts to pronounce “abominable” followed by silence.
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Best hot chocolate in the world.
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An ounce of warm milk and a packet of powdered cocoa for 3.50
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Refreshing nature hike.
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120 kids trudging up a mountain in the rain. Various sicknesses. Near-death
experiences. A million awkwardly humiliating trips, slips, and falls. Running
mascara. Fear of heights…Odors.
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Warm clothes to change into when we got back to the buses.
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The only person other than Annelie who thought to bring a dry change
of clothes. Mother you should be so very proud.
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Lots of rocks, scattered green.
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Lots of green, scattered rocks.
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Haha I know it sounds bad, but the hike was actually a lot
of fun. We rented a couple buses for the day and drove into Switzerland and up
the scary wet potentially deadly winding mountain road (headlines about Bode
students dying in the alps ran through my mind on several occasions) to our
starting point. The view during this trip was stunning. The sky was cloudy up
high but clear down low with sunbeams streaming in on the valley below and it
was all just gorgeous.
During the hike itself, Steph wasn’t feeling too great, so
Annelie and I took it slow with her most of the time, which actually ended up
being better anyways because we got to enjoy the surroundings more. We started
with a tough upwards climb through the forest, then it flattened out into a
valley of rolling green hills with scattered old-fashioned mountain cottages
(reminded me of Heidi or Wee Sir Gibbie) surrounded by huge rocky crags peeking
through thin mist.
We reached our halfway point at a little shallow lake with
blue water like from glaciers and had lunch. Several of the guys went swimming
even though it was freezing cold. It started to rain pretty hard, so we
finished eating under umbrellas (Annelie and I were the only two smart enough
to bring umbrellas. We were pretty much destined to be friends.) and continued
on for the second half of the hike, which took us into the forest again under
pouring rain. The path, basically a series of steps taking switchbacks up the
mountain, turned into a little muddy river.
We kept a steady pace up the side of the mountain, coming
out of the forest to a clearing with a giant rock wall coming up on our left (so
perfect for rock climbing), and a cliff on our right. Into the wall, people had
built a couple barns with giant rabbits, pigs and chickens. Also, there was a
restaurant that smelled like American breakfast (which I just realized probably
used the animals…sort of sad), and a little tiny church with a bell on the
outside, an altar like what I described in the last post, and then pews and one
of those things that the preacher preaches from that’s called something I
forget… Someone said they’d love to get married there. Someone else said it
would make a nice spot for a funeral. One of the guys said “what’s the
difference?” Haha, typical=P
We climbed through the mountain inside of a naturally lit
cave and the view after we got through that was incredible (it had stopped
raining for a little bit and the fog cleared for about 5 minutes of great
pictures overlooking the little Swiss valley town and beautiful mountains).
After that, we came to a hilltop and hiked up in sideways drenching
rain underneath the cables of the gondola that we all had sworn we weren’t
going to pay to take us down before we started hiking. This last stretch
probably took about eight years. I’m not in too bad of shape and it was tough
for me. I don’t know how some of these kids made it, but everybody did!
The hateful monopoly of a business at the top sold cocoa for
3.50 and coffee for 4.20 and wouldn’t let us inside unless we bought something.
Craziness. We spent probably 45 minutes inside, sopping wet, freezing cold,
enjoying our cocoa, before a group of energetic guys started their insane
running caravan down the mountain. Our little gang took the gondola for 10
Euros I didn’t want to spend, but I told myself I had to ride on a Swiss
gondola before I left so I didn’t have to feel lazy :P (Just for honesty’s
sake, Steph walked down even though she felt sick. She makes me feel slightly
less awesome than I want to.)
Hosea 2:19-20
New International Version (NIV)
19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the Lord.
9/21
Today began with the first meeting of our Koinanea groups.
Koinanea means “fellowship” or “family”, so they’re supposed to be like family
groups that pray for one another and encourage each other in the more personal
matters as well as just growing together as a smaller group.
I’ve been told that the first few meetings are a little
quiet, maybe a little awkward and I’m seeing that a bit, but I know it will get
better.
During free time there was a 2 versus 2 volleyball
tournament, and Steph and I were gonna try it but ended up starting up a game
of soccer instead.
We ended the day with another K-group meeting, this time
about 20 minutes away at one of our leaders’ houses. We shared some important
points in our lives and she had made cake and set out some snacks.
Once again I am struck by the hospitality of the people
here. I haven’t been in a house to which I haven’t been invited back “anytime I
miss home”. All the houses are quaint and traditional, very pretty with wooden
floors and concrete walls, lace curtains, and shutters on all the windows. You
can hear the church bells ring every night and on Sundays.
A couple random things:
Apple juice is very popular here because of all the apple
trees, but they drink it sparkling for the most part, or plain with sparkling
water. You can get a huge (like a liter maybe?) bottle of sparkling apple juice
for 75 cents!
While this is a notoriously Christian country, most of the
Lutheran church is very liberal and many pastors don’t even believe the message
of Christ. They consider their church more of a social organization. The Catholic Church is also corrupt and
largely financially based. Regardless, everywhere you go there are little
altar-like things with a picture or statue of Jesus on the cross and a place
for flowers and other gifts.
I have seen at least four women with “enormous forearms”
open their shutters and shake out their laundry leaning out of the window for
no apparent reason. To me, this image is so ridiculously cliché and Disney-like
(I think of maybe the town from Beauty and the Beast?) that I can’t help but
laugh when I see it..
Hosea 2:14-16
New International Version (NIV)
14 “Therefore I am now going to allure her;
I will lead her into the wilderness
and speak tenderly to her.
15 There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.
16 “In that day,” declares the Lord,
“you will call me ‘my husband’;
you will no longer call me ‘my master.’
Friday, September 21, 2012
9/20
A German girl from staff named Annelie and I have become pretty good friends over the last few days. She's eighteen as well, just graduated and is doing this as something called a "German Social Year" that's paid for by the government. Next year, she will go to college to become either a movie translator or a newscaster. Today was her day off, so we decided to spend some time together.
We took a long walk to the local store called Kaulfland, and talked about everything from snakes to jobs and the differences between breakfast foods in Germany and the U.S. (they don't have pancakes here!!) She speaks English very well even though she thinks she's bad at it.
This is the first time she's ever needed to apply what she learned in school or actually speak it out loud at all! I guess most of what they learn is American politics and history in English, which i think is odd.. Her final was to translate a page out of the New York Times. Impressive. It's fun when she doesn't know what a word means, trying to explain it to her. Yesterday, I had to try to explain "pie" without using the word "crust" or "pastry" because she doesn't recognize either of those words. ...Turns out they don't have pie in Germany!
Her sister had just come back from the U.S. and brought her peanut butter (they eat Nutella here instead), and since her favorite movie is the Parent Trap, we decided to try peanut butter on oreos, the first time for both of us. Delicious. Try it. Seriously. Leave your computer this very instant and go out and buy yourself some oreos and try it! Haha it tastes like those peanut butter chocolate girl scout cookies (also difficult to explain to a German: girl scouts). I told her to try it on an apple too, but she didn't like that quite as much.
Afterwards, we went to her flat nearby and she couldn't believe I never paint my nails, so I let her paint them for me and now they feel weird, but they're colorful and make me smile=)
She was so surprised to find out that I've been to Hawaii and wants to go someday.. We've talked about travelling a little bit and since she says Berlin is her favorite city in Germany, I think she and I and a couple friends will try and make it up there for one of the travel weekends and have a German-speaking guide! She even invited me to come stay with her family when I'm travelling after school is over. That's something I've noticed here is that people are a lot more naturally hospitable, they'll offer tea and chocolates and bread when they invite you into their house, which they do quite often.
Annelie is so sweet and fun and our personalities are a lot alike, so it's so nice that we've gotten to know each other. Especially as I don't quite move at the speed a lot of the students here do, it's nice to talk to someone a little bit more relaxed. I feel blessed that God has brought her into my life.
Philemon 1:7
"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people."
We took a long walk to the local store called Kaulfland, and talked about everything from snakes to jobs and the differences between breakfast foods in Germany and the U.S. (they don't have pancakes here!!) She speaks English very well even though she thinks she's bad at it.
This is the first time she's ever needed to apply what she learned in school or actually speak it out loud at all! I guess most of what they learn is American politics and history in English, which i think is odd.. Her final was to translate a page out of the New York Times. Impressive. It's fun when she doesn't know what a word means, trying to explain it to her. Yesterday, I had to try to explain "pie" without using the word "crust" or "pastry" because she doesn't recognize either of those words. ...Turns out they don't have pie in Germany!
Her sister had just come back from the U.S. and brought her peanut butter (they eat Nutella here instead), and since her favorite movie is the Parent Trap, we decided to try peanut butter on oreos, the first time for both of us. Delicious. Try it. Seriously. Leave your computer this very instant and go out and buy yourself some oreos and try it! Haha it tastes like those peanut butter chocolate girl scout cookies (also difficult to explain to a German: girl scouts). I told her to try it on an apple too, but she didn't like that quite as much.
Afterwards, we went to her flat nearby and she couldn't believe I never paint my nails, so I let her paint them for me and now they feel weird, but they're colorful and make me smile=)
She was so surprised to find out that I've been to Hawaii and wants to go someday.. We've talked about travelling a little bit and since she says Berlin is her favorite city in Germany, I think she and I and a couple friends will try and make it up there for one of the travel weekends and have a German-speaking guide! She even invited me to come stay with her family when I'm travelling after school is over. That's something I've noticed here is that people are a lot more naturally hospitable, they'll offer tea and chocolates and bread when they invite you into their house, which they do quite often.
Annelie is so sweet and fun and our personalities are a lot alike, so it's so nice that we've gotten to know each other. Especially as I don't quite move at the speed a lot of the students here do, it's nice to talk to someone a little bit more relaxed. I feel blessed that God has brought her into my life.
Philemon 1:7
"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people."
9/18-9/19
I am going to start posting highlights rather than day outlines because the schedule is pretty steady. I like that about it, I think it's been difficult for me because I'm so used to just go go go all the time and now there's so much free time!
The extra time combined with some pretty intense lectures makes spiritual growth very quick and powerful, which is good but also difficult. Different people handle it differently, I know for me it's meant lots of mood changes and shifts between very quiet and kind of quiet, haha! The group atmosphere is tough for me to adjust to with such a flow of people all the time, but the temporary camp-like feeling is starting to wear off as we realize that we'll be here for six months rather than just several days.
As time goes on, I expect that the pressure to make friends and remember names will fade into a more genuine social atmosphere. I can see that happening more and more every day as we all relax into the new schedule and environment.
Let's see...highlights. On the eighteenth, we had a pretty lazy day. Steph and I needed to catch up online so we took advantage of free time that way. Even though each day starts out foggy and cold, and fades into sun, the nineteenth was our first fully foggy, rainy day. It created a more lazy day here, and Steph, Lia, Sarah (mentioned earlier) and a couple guys went out for a walk. The rest needed to get back earlier, but I had been having some pretty intense realizations about my life and faith and needed a little time to process, so I continued on the most beautiful hour long walk.
There are apple orchards surrounding the school, parted by small sections of forests covered in ivy, so pretty. I love the style of all the houses too, I guess there are rules on certain necessary styles throughout Germany, but the color is a free choice. You see a lot of natural, normal colors mixed in with some very vivid greens, oranges, and purples. Lots of historical places nearby, especially houses, surrounded by faded signs in German explaining their historical significance. Ivy grows up many walls.
As I walked, I was surprised by how many people I passed, taking advantage of the misty day for bike riding and running (to all you parents at home who call yourself "too old", I was surprised by how many "older" people, even in their late 60's and early 70's go on jogs as a normal part of their exercise regimen! ...not that I've run for even one minute since I've been here, so I guess I can't talk =P). Everything is so green here, and I learned yesterday that a lot of German people don't have room in their yard at home for a garden, so they will actually buy a small plot of land to plant with all kinds of flowers as well as a few vegetables and a greenhouse for orchids and other warm-weather plants (orchids are very popular here). On my walk, I passed probably fifteen of these properties and they are so wild-looking and smell so good, it makes me smile.
I felt very close to God on that walk, like I haven't for a long time. I have been convicted to pray for a renewal of my childlike spirit, and a softening of my heart. I would appreciate prayer from you for this as well :)
Even though we can't speak the language and most of the people in our area of Fischbach don't speak any English, it is fun to smile at people as they pass and get a smile in return.. reminds me of how alike everybody is even though we live in such different environments. It is interesting getting used to the new culture where waving, friendly hugs, and animated conversations like "the Americans" have, are rare among locals. We have to ask some of the German students why we get weird looks when we do certain things.
Germans are more quiet and stoic in person, but on the streets they are aggressive drivers, and very open about honking and shouting if they find a girl attractive. I was surprised at how open they are about that kind of thing. The first day we were here, we saw a man flipping through a Playboy magazine on the bus!
A lot of odd things are different here as well and a little hard to get used to... Doors open inwards. Light switches go up for off, down for on. Windows tip in from the top to open rather than sliding. Toilets flush from the front and have two buttons, one smaller, one larger. I'm sure you can guess the purpose as I did...
Apparently, Americans are pretty universally disdained here. I knew we were mildly disliked, but didn't expect quite the attitude that we have gotten several times. I was also surprised by how many have legitimate opinions on our political situation! On the bus on the way here, a big burly man asked us who we thought would win the election and was rather disgusted by our answer, rolled his eyes and said something in German to his friend next to him, followed by loud laughter, haha!
People in general are nice though...on the same bus, we met a couple boys our age who taught us how to say some things in German. Of course I forget what they taught us...all I remember is that "excuse me" sounds a lot like "enchilada". Not much help.
On the nineteenth, we separated into guys and girls and had a little private talk and prayer time. All the staff here lives either on campus or within a couple miles of the school, and are very welcoming when it comes to visitors. The girls all filed into the principal's house, which is wooden and very warm and welcoming inside, and we were told to come over anytime.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragements as we continue this journey!
Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
The extra time combined with some pretty intense lectures makes spiritual growth very quick and powerful, which is good but also difficult. Different people handle it differently, I know for me it's meant lots of mood changes and shifts between very quiet and kind of quiet, haha! The group atmosphere is tough for me to adjust to with such a flow of people all the time, but the temporary camp-like feeling is starting to wear off as we realize that we'll be here for six months rather than just several days.
As time goes on, I expect that the pressure to make friends and remember names will fade into a more genuine social atmosphere. I can see that happening more and more every day as we all relax into the new schedule and environment.
Let's see...highlights. On the eighteenth, we had a pretty lazy day. Steph and I needed to catch up online so we took advantage of free time that way. Even though each day starts out foggy and cold, and fades into sun, the nineteenth was our first fully foggy, rainy day. It created a more lazy day here, and Steph, Lia, Sarah (mentioned earlier) and a couple guys went out for a walk. The rest needed to get back earlier, but I had been having some pretty intense realizations about my life and faith and needed a little time to process, so I continued on the most beautiful hour long walk.
There are apple orchards surrounding the school, parted by small sections of forests covered in ivy, so pretty. I love the style of all the houses too, I guess there are rules on certain necessary styles throughout Germany, but the color is a free choice. You see a lot of natural, normal colors mixed in with some very vivid greens, oranges, and purples. Lots of historical places nearby, especially houses, surrounded by faded signs in German explaining their historical significance. Ivy grows up many walls.
As I walked, I was surprised by how many people I passed, taking advantage of the misty day for bike riding and running (to all you parents at home who call yourself "too old", I was surprised by how many "older" people, even in their late 60's and early 70's go on jogs as a normal part of their exercise regimen! ...not that I've run for even one minute since I've been here, so I guess I can't talk =P). Everything is so green here, and I learned yesterday that a lot of German people don't have room in their yard at home for a garden, so they will actually buy a small plot of land to plant with all kinds of flowers as well as a few vegetables and a greenhouse for orchids and other warm-weather plants (orchids are very popular here). On my walk, I passed probably fifteen of these properties and they are so wild-looking and smell so good, it makes me smile.
I felt very close to God on that walk, like I haven't for a long time. I have been convicted to pray for a renewal of my childlike spirit, and a softening of my heart. I would appreciate prayer from you for this as well :)
Even though we can't speak the language and most of the people in our area of Fischbach don't speak any English, it is fun to smile at people as they pass and get a smile in return.. reminds me of how alike everybody is even though we live in such different environments. It is interesting getting used to the new culture where waving, friendly hugs, and animated conversations like "the Americans" have, are rare among locals. We have to ask some of the German students why we get weird looks when we do certain things.
Germans are more quiet and stoic in person, but on the streets they are aggressive drivers, and very open about honking and shouting if they find a girl attractive. I was surprised at how open they are about that kind of thing. The first day we were here, we saw a man flipping through a Playboy magazine on the bus!
A lot of odd things are different here as well and a little hard to get used to... Doors open inwards. Light switches go up for off, down for on. Windows tip in from the top to open rather than sliding. Toilets flush from the front and have two buttons, one smaller, one larger. I'm sure you can guess the purpose as I did...
Apparently, Americans are pretty universally disdained here. I knew we were mildly disliked, but didn't expect quite the attitude that we have gotten several times. I was also surprised by how many have legitimate opinions on our political situation! On the bus on the way here, a big burly man asked us who we thought would win the election and was rather disgusted by our answer, rolled his eyes and said something in German to his friend next to him, followed by loud laughter, haha!
People in general are nice though...on the same bus, we met a couple boys our age who taught us how to say some things in German. Of course I forget what they taught us...all I remember is that "excuse me" sounds a lot like "enchilada". Not much help.
On the nineteenth, we separated into guys and girls and had a little private talk and prayer time. All the staff here lives either on campus or within a couple miles of the school, and are very welcoming when it comes to visitors. The girls all filed into the principal's house, which is wooden and very warm and welcoming inside, and we were told to come over anytime.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragements as we continue this journey!
Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
9/17
It's starting to feel like a pattern here now:
Breakfast-Lecture-Break-Lecture-Lunch-Free time-Dinner-Lecture-Break-Bed-Repeat
It's nice. Very productive, I feel like we're learning a lot, but we're also given time to process, work, and just have fun and get to know people.
During free time I finished several personal examination-type papers that are due soon. Feels good to get that out of the way, but it was also very nice to reflect as the transition does bring about a lot of new thoughts and emotions.
For the night time lecture, there was a worship time and then a few members of the staff gave devotions followed by a talk by the principal here, whose name is Peter Reid. He spoke on the topic of surrender, how we feel like we want to be independent, but really, we "need to need" God. Everyone I've talked to agrees that he is a very gifted and powerful speaker.
People are starting to settle in and become more comfortable talking to one another, not as much of the impersonal introduction stuff and a lot more depth. It's refreshing.
Psalm 122:7
"May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels."
Breakfast-Lecture-Break-Lecture-Lunch-Free time-Dinner-Lecture-Break-Bed-Repeat
It's nice. Very productive, I feel like we're learning a lot, but we're also given time to process, work, and just have fun and get to know people.
During free time I finished several personal examination-type papers that are due soon. Feels good to get that out of the way, but it was also very nice to reflect as the transition does bring about a lot of new thoughts and emotions.
For the night time lecture, there was a worship time and then a few members of the staff gave devotions followed by a talk by the principal here, whose name is Peter Reid. He spoke on the topic of surrender, how we feel like we want to be independent, but really, we "need to need" God. Everyone I've talked to agrees that he is a very gifted and powerful speaker.
People are starting to settle in and become more comfortable talking to one another, not as much of the impersonal introduction stuff and a lot more depth. It's refreshing.
Psalm 122:7
"May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels."
Monday, September 17, 2012
9/16
Sunday. Got to wake up later for breakfast, then church in the lecture hall. It's pretty neat, some local families come to our service because they like the school's ministry and to learn English. Our speaker talked about David and Goliath, I felt bad cause I couldn't keep my eyes open, I was pinching myself and everything! Steph had to kick me a couple times to keep me awake=P
It's really nice having Steph, Lia and Erik here, just to come back to when all the outgoing stuff gets tiring. Realizing that, I've been trying to reach out to the people who are here alone, but everybody's so nice, there isn't anyone who's just being left out of things, which is great.
Names are tough to learn, but we have to keep reminding ourselves that we've only been here a couple days, so we've got time.
During the free time after lunch, there was lots to do, some went to play soccer again, some went into town to buy stuff or grab ice cream, and others took a bike ride to Meersburg, which hosts the oldest castle in Germany, the one after which Walt Disney designed his sleeping beauty castle. Pretty cool stuff. We passed it on our way to the hostel in Uberlingen the first day we were here and it's gorgeous. The countryside is so pretty too! I was surprised to learn that the area is famous for wine even more so than beer!
But I chose to stay in and start this blog and catch up on internet time while everybody else was away. It's tough to find time when the bandwidth isn't so overloaded you can't even pull up Google home! We're learning though..
After free time, we had dinner and then the Sunday evening service, which consisted of worship and more testimonies. There were a lot of tears and some really intense things were shared that have never been shared before. Porn addictions, drug use and selling, weaknesses and abuse. Very eye opening to realize how many people you walk by every day are actually hurting so deeply, and you don't even realize it.
They offer milkshakes and coffee and the like after the night time service for pretty cheap in our little kitchen called "The Honeycomb" and it's open until lock-up at 10:30 (actually, 22:30. SO confusing. It takes me like eight times as long to figure out times..) But I'm still catching up on sleep and I've been trying to get up early to use the internet, so I grabbed a quick-ish shower and went to bed.
Great day overall. Lots of things running through all of our minds as we try to adjust to new faces, new times, a new schedule, and just a new environment entirely. I'm so excited to watch as God continues to soften hearts during the time we have here.
"Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped." -Isaiah 35:5
It's really nice having Steph, Lia and Erik here, just to come back to when all the outgoing stuff gets tiring. Realizing that, I've been trying to reach out to the people who are here alone, but everybody's so nice, there isn't anyone who's just being left out of things, which is great.
Names are tough to learn, but we have to keep reminding ourselves that we've only been here a couple days, so we've got time.
During the free time after lunch, there was lots to do, some went to play soccer again, some went into town to buy stuff or grab ice cream, and others took a bike ride to Meersburg, which hosts the oldest castle in Germany, the one after which Walt Disney designed his sleeping beauty castle. Pretty cool stuff. We passed it on our way to the hostel in Uberlingen the first day we were here and it's gorgeous. The countryside is so pretty too! I was surprised to learn that the area is famous for wine even more so than beer!
But I chose to stay in and start this blog and catch up on internet time while everybody else was away. It's tough to find time when the bandwidth isn't so overloaded you can't even pull up Google home! We're learning though..
After free time, we had dinner and then the Sunday evening service, which consisted of worship and more testimonies. There were a lot of tears and some really intense things were shared that have never been shared before. Porn addictions, drug use and selling, weaknesses and abuse. Very eye opening to realize how many people you walk by every day are actually hurting so deeply, and you don't even realize it.
They offer milkshakes and coffee and the like after the night time service for pretty cheap in our little kitchen called "The Honeycomb" and it's open until lock-up at 10:30 (actually, 22:30. SO confusing. It takes me like eight times as long to figure out times..) But I'm still catching up on sleep and I've been trying to get up early to use the internet, so I grabbed a quick-ish shower and went to bed.
Great day overall. Lots of things running through all of our minds as we try to adjust to new faces, new times, a new schedule, and just a new environment entirely. I'm so excited to watch as God continues to soften hearts during the time we have here.
"Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped." -Isaiah 35:5
Sunday, September 16, 2012
9/15
First full day at Bode. Breakfast. Lots to do after.
Steph, Lia and I went with the group to play soccer on the turf field that's a 5 minute walk from school. Turf is sand instead of rubber-Steph scraped her knee off =P We were told we were much better players than the girls from last year. Thanks Trent!
After soccer, showers then German BBQ out back with traditional ribs, very good.
Steph and I discussed how it seems to feel almost like a camp so far. The permanency of it hasn't set in yet, and since we haven't gotten into lessons yet, it hasn't become real. There seems to be a lot of pressure that we've put on ourselves to get to know everyone, memorize names, be social. It seems crazy that we've only been here for one day.
Everyone is very nice though, many people from Canada, several from the US, a few from Germany and then one from Serbia and another from Israel who seem to be a little overwhelmed with the onslaught of immersion in their second language but are getting along fine and fun to talk to.
Finished the night off with a worship service and a sharing of testimonies. Very impactful and encouraging.
My adrenaline from sleep loss is wearing off and I needed to go to sleep soon after the service.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9
Steph, Lia and I went with the group to play soccer on the turf field that's a 5 minute walk from school. Turf is sand instead of rubber-Steph scraped her knee off =P We were told we were much better players than the girls from last year. Thanks Trent!
After soccer, showers then German BBQ out back with traditional ribs, very good.
Steph and I discussed how it seems to feel almost like a camp so far. The permanency of it hasn't set in yet, and since we haven't gotten into lessons yet, it hasn't become real. There seems to be a lot of pressure that we've put on ourselves to get to know everyone, memorize names, be social. It seems crazy that we've only been here for one day.
Everyone is very nice though, many people from Canada, several from the US, a few from Germany and then one from Serbia and another from Israel who seem to be a little overwhelmed with the onslaught of immersion in their second language but are getting along fine and fun to talk to.
Finished the night off with a worship service and a sharing of testimonies. Very impactful and encouraging.
My adrenaline from sleep loss is wearing off and I needed to go to sleep soon after the service.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9
9/13-9/14
Flight took off from San Francisco way too early. Saying goodbye to family was tough, but I'm excited for what is to come.
Erik and I flew together to Philadelphia where we enjoyed two Philly Cheese Steaks for the airport's frigid charge of $19.50.
From there, we flew to Frankfurt where we conquered our first strikingly English-less experience with flying colors. Got passports stamped, found our bags, printed boarding passes, checked bags again, German security doesn't make you take your shoes off. Awesome. We took an airport bus to the tiny plane that flew us down to Friedrichshafen by 8am.
Figuring out transportation and timing once we arrived was tough, but we eventually made it to the train station and bought tickets to the main bus plaza in town. Bought a group day pass for the bus. Headed to the school to drop off extra bags, then back into town to try and find wifi and charge appliances (free wifi at the library, pretty nice).
Back to the airport by 1pm to pick up Steph. Perfect timing. Trains don't check tickets, so we walked on and were fine. Back to Bode with Steph's bags, then down the lake to Uberlingen where we had a room reserved at a hostel.
Walked around for awhile to find the hostel, got there, lots of young teens, checked in, five extra euros for a nice authentic dinner there. Attempted to use wifi somewhat successfully. Quick nighttime walk. Sleep. (for the first time in 24 hours for me since I couldn't sleep on the plane)
Up early for breakfast. Traditional breakfast is warm rolls with lunch meat and cheeses.
Took the bus with another all-day group pass to the local Walmart-like store called Kaulfland for basic supplies, then on to Bode by 11am. Unpacked at school. Met up with Lia and she and another girl from Colorado named Sarah came with Steph and I to Friedrichshafen to make use of our all-day bus pass.
Got ice cream and climbed to the top of a tower that overlooks the harbor. Everything is very pretty.
Back to school by six for check-in. Dinner. Introductions and rules. Bedtime.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." -Ephesians 4:2
Erik and I flew together to Philadelphia where we enjoyed two Philly Cheese Steaks for the airport's frigid charge of $19.50.
From there, we flew to Frankfurt where we conquered our first strikingly English-less experience with flying colors. Got passports stamped, found our bags, printed boarding passes, checked bags again, German security doesn't make you take your shoes off. Awesome. We took an airport bus to the tiny plane that flew us down to Friedrichshafen by 8am.
Figuring out transportation and timing once we arrived was tough, but we eventually made it to the train station and bought tickets to the main bus plaza in town. Bought a group day pass for the bus. Headed to the school to drop off extra bags, then back into town to try and find wifi and charge appliances (free wifi at the library, pretty nice).
Back to the airport by 1pm to pick up Steph. Perfect timing. Trains don't check tickets, so we walked on and were fine. Back to Bode with Steph's bags, then down the lake to Uberlingen where we had a room reserved at a hostel.
Walked around for awhile to find the hostel, got there, lots of young teens, checked in, five extra euros for a nice authentic dinner there. Attempted to use wifi somewhat successfully. Quick nighttime walk. Sleep. (for the first time in 24 hours for me since I couldn't sleep on the plane)
Up early for breakfast. Traditional breakfast is warm rolls with lunch meat and cheeses.
Took the bus with another all-day group pass to the local Walmart-like store called Kaulfland for basic supplies, then on to Bode by 11am. Unpacked at school. Met up with Lia and she and another girl from Colorado named Sarah came with Steph and I to Friedrichshafen to make use of our all-day bus pass.
Got ice cream and climbed to the top of a tower that overlooks the harbor. Everything is very pretty.
Back to school by six for check-in. Dinner. Introductions and rules. Bedtime.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." -Ephesians 4:2
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