Tenaciously Patient

a little behind...

2012-01-02T17:07:00.007+01:00

back in Cincinnati and the reality of snow

Christmas morning

Christmas Eve with Britty's family

so excited about the Christmas lights at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville

They got to ride in the back-back seat

We went to a Chinese restaurant and Fiona asked for chopsticks and ate her entire meal with them. No one taught her and she didn't just stab the food, I was impressed!

this is how noelle says cheese

got into puzzling this year, Grant, not so much

trip to wal-mart with gunk-u-gunk (uncle Grant)

Christmas trip to Tennessee, Noelle did not feel well, as evidenced by cuddling

mother daughter trip to Starbucks

best bud, Jack

visiting with Johannes

pretty excited about this huge lollipop

2. Advent, what a tired cutie!!

Thanksgiving in PA

Family (well, minus noelle) movie night.

we carved a pumpkin!

Fiona's class had a little production--12 days of Halloween

celebrating my birthday at Don Pablo's across the river

reading with Opa when mom and dad came to visit in October

hanging up some curtains that mom and I made.

leading a little German story time in September

is it really november?

2011-11-14T01:06:00.003+01:00

Well, soccer's over. This picture may be deceiving, it did not go as planned, but she says it's her favorite sport (besides golf, which her father has successfully talked her into loving, how convienent).
I only have three more weeks of school, which seems impossible considering how many projects are still unfinished. Overall it has been very challenging and overwhelming, but I'm glad I'm doing it.
Brett is doing much of the same, though I have no pictures to prove it. He is playing the stay at home dad game and preaching on Sunday in addition to his two classes.
Busy, busy. Noelle is just wondering why in the world everyone is acting so crazy.

pictoral update

2011-09-16T18:48:00.004+01:00

first day of school!

moving day, we had so much help!

obviously a very fitful sleep

visit to Tennessee--great times were had by all!

"Cousins"

An overdue update...

2011-07-08T20:34:00.005+01:00

So I wanted the pictures in the opposite order, but that's the way it goes...

July 5

Fiona turned 6, can you believe it? She wanted to invite some friends from school to a water party at our house--slip and slide, water balloons and water guns.

Independence day

July 2--family birthday

Noelle loves rocks, she was so happy to found this little slice of heaven on earth!

learning to golf in Pennsylvania--June

weeding and reading the Secret Garden with Oma and Opa

just because it's summer doesn't mean there's no homework

meeting new friends

visit to the zoo

going to church

to the store

first official haircut

and last day of school, obviously wearing the fanciest dress she owns.

When one door closes...

2011-04-11T00:08:00.002+01:00

So I checked the emails the other day, without expectations for something great. As I read and clicked, deleted and laughed, I had to stop, re-read and re-read again. My adviser at UC had written, which was much unexpected since I've had to postpone starting on my MA in German to meet residency requirements. So when I read "I have some very good news..." my heartrate quickened. He went on to explain their offer, someone made ME an offer!! In exchange for teaching an undergrad German course and working full-time on my MA, they will pay for my schooling and give me a stipend. My jaw dropped and the tears they were a flowin'. I called my mom to make sure I had understood it right. I had and Brett and I cannot believe this provision.

To say we have been worried about where things should go after this semester, would be a gross understatement. I mean, we have hopes and dreams, made plans and backups, but THIS was not on our radar! God knew what he was going to provide and when. Why His timing is such, I'm satisfied not to know. I'm just thankful He lets me tag along for the ride.

Breaking News in the Seybold household

2011-03-13T01:04:00.001+01:00

Cameraless

2011-03-04T17:20:00.006+01:00

After a Cameraless February, now begins a Camerafull March!!

Princess with princesses. Cannot believe this is my baby girl!

Neighbor, classmate and friend, Emma.

This is truly a 5 pound (2,5 kilos) tube of ground beef. Random, I know, but just more proof that EVERYTHING really is bigger in America.

Opening the package from the Pauls, it was long awaited and, apparently, Fiona's present even more so than her own.

Not impressed

Wacky Wednesday, celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday. They were supposed to be as mismatched as possible.

Roller skating!! If you haven't been in a while, you should totally go with your kids! A trip back to the 80s never hurt anyone!

They even blew up the bounce house for us.

Noelle, Ellie Bell, Seybold turns one!!

2011-02-02T17:18:00.006+01:00

A big thanks to Taylor Caddell for the birthday garb, a tick too big, but whatever, I still rocked it.

Searching for the birthday gifts due to the wrapping paper deficit.

Figuring things out with big sis.

Our new favorite game.

Totally looking forward to that cupcake.

"I cannot believe mom is letting me get this messy."

This will be shown at your sixteenth birthday party.

Not wanting to get left behind.

That's about all a one-year-old can take.

so you may have been waiting...

2011-01-13T20:32:00.003+01:00

It has been a while, a long while. Living without something you have grown accustom to isn't easy. It is annoying and brings the feeling of complete unsettled-ness. That is the way we feel about leaving our lives in Germany and getting started here. We had a life, it made sense and we knew how it worked. Getting settled, even in what might be "home" has been a long haul. Slowly things are falling into place and turning into a routine.
None of it, though, would have been possible without friends and family taking care of us in more ways than we can count. It is humbling to be on the recieving end of such grace and hospitality.
So here are some long awaited pictures, begging to be commented on...

Saying goodbye to the Johnsens

and the Kmietschs

and Thorsten, Nina and Titan

the Pauls

Sven

and the Roehrekasses

tons of snow follows us EVERYWHERE we go--this is Indiana

how many college students does it take to put our first new bed together?

Up in Pennsylvania with Opa

Christmas with my whole family, a tradition not repeated since 2003

and our little ski trip to celebrate a great 10 years of marriage.

How blissful is your ignorance?

2010-11-15T11:13:00.004+01:00

So our friend, Daniel, wanted to buy our car. He took it to his mechanic friend to see how much needs to be fixed on it before he buys it. Well, we figured it would probably be a lot since we were admittedly bad at the upkeep of this car. What we weren't expecting, is to hear that it is late on passing inspection. This is a serious offense that entails a heafty fine, some points on your driving record and possibly having the car towed away. We were obviously oblivious to this fact, having read the expiration date wrong. We also found out that our tires were mixed (every car has winter and summer tires), also illegal with a large fine. Knowing all this could have been very expensive, as we would have had to pay for all the other repairs (brakes, power steering, shock absorber, new tires) that amounted to 2,500 (without labor) in order to get it through inspection. Or live without a car for the last 5 months. Just thinking about all that could have happened, and didn't, still blows our minds--we drove all the way down to Bavaria!

Then we tried to get rid of the car as quickly as possible. Called here, there and everywhere and found someone who would take it, despite all its issues. He is a very nice Muslim man. Trouble is, we sent the title on the ship with the rest of our stuff. So Brett goes with him to get a replacement title, and on the way back "God" comes up. A somewhat nervous, yet excited, Brett decided to just listen, throwing a poignant question or two in.

Car is gone, got enough money for it, and we discover the owner's manual on the desk. No big deal, but an opportunity. Look in to getting an Arabic NT through Mission for SE Europe (http://www.msoe.org/), which came in the mail the very next day. I'll send it off today, along with a prayer.

All this has got me thinking about ramifications--what if we'd have gotten caught? Will he open it? What if we had sold it to someone else? What if we had been worried about getting as much for the car as possible? We had a missionary at church say, your faith in God doesn't have to be huge, but the God of your faith is. He has a plan and he works everything out according to it (Eph 1:11).

What a relief! I will take my ignorance and live a blissful life.

What did you do on Friday morning?

2010-10-31T18:06:00.005+01:00

I sat, worried, waited and prayed. As you'll see, the packers came. Inspecting the mountains of stuff, though drastically reduced due to insane shipping prices, I thought "No way!" The guys came, said we'll be done by noon (starting at exactly 8), and that all of it and more would fit. So I was still a doubter, just call me Thomas.

Getting started

They worked really fast!

The containers

trying to take a break from worrying

we even got Noelle to worry with us

very thorough

and did I mention quick?

First one full! And at this point I'm thinking, what if it doesn't fit what else can I live without? What else can I sort out?

Second one full! And can you believe it? He said, not quite full, what else you wanna send? I could not believe it, metaphoric weight fell from my shoulders (wouldn't it be nice if worrying made actual weight fall off?).

And they were off at 12:15! Just like he said, we thought he was crazy, that there was no way they'd be done that quickly. I guess that's what 20 years of experience'll do for you. I'm sure there's a spiritual lesson to be learned it that...

I must say, that though we are living in a pretty empty house, it is quite a relief to know (or hope?) that our stuff is on its way. One step closer to establishing a new household. Home really is where the heart is and you don't need stuff for that. We are so blessed with a wonderfully healthy family, friends willing to help see us off and then get settled on the other side.

That's all folks!!

Happenings...

2010-10-17T16:55:00.004+01:00

It is exhausting as we get ready to leave.

Saying goodbye to our sofa.

Singing at church

celebrating 30-something

looking good

reading a book

Driving home yesterday from Peine, it hit me. This is the last time we'll drive down this road. I teared up, but didn't cry because in the very next moment I thought about how very exciting the next chapter will be. That's about where we are, sad and happy, at nearly the same time. The packers come next week, which will be extremely sobering as the only remaining things will be that which is left behind or on the plane with us. I keep thinking about a song we sing at church "zwischen zeit" (time between). As much as I don't like being between places, it has made me think a lot about home. Home can be very relative if you've moved around a lot, but Jesus talks about a home I definitely don't want to miss out on. I think I'd really like a place where there are no tears, until then, I guess I'll just have to get used to the time between.

of late...

2010-09-14T11:30:00.005+01:00

Me being in a skit at church. It was about the nice co-worker at an investment bank who knows about the impending bankruptcy but doesn't want to say anything and possibly make a fool of himself.

Part of Brett's birthday party, this was after having played 4 hours of basketball. Watching sports at our house isn't nearly as cool, it's truly not because we don't have the fancy sports channels.

Sporting my favorite shoes, thanks Mrs. Casey!!

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Dave and Amanda Knapp came for a visit--and took a bunch of our stuff!! Well, okay, we made a deal. They needed stuff and we need to get rid of stuff--works out well.

view of Göttingen from the Bismarckturm

Making cookies. See, what a good mom, I'm letting her get messy!

Pictoral update--August-ish

2010-08-30T09:58:00.003+01:00

Noelle helping Papa get ready to teach his classes at CCU.

Random fact #213: the price you see here (€1, 75=$2.19) is for A can.

Doing better at ballet this year.

Lovin' her first french fry.

The church in Peine invited Brett to preach.

And play softball at the annual Ascension Day (40 days after Easter, but we had to reschedule) game between the churches in Hildesheim and Peine.

A trip to southern Germany...

2010-08-05T13:39:00.004+01:00

Brett and Fiona in front of Hohenschwangau, right across from...

Neuschwanstein!! Well, it's very small in the background, but it gets closer.

Alpsee (Alp lake) right beside the castles.

neuSCHWANstein and hohenSCHWANgau. Any guesses what schwan means?

Marienbrücke (mary's bridge)

I think Fiona was confused about there being no princesses at the castles.

Alps!

Neuschwanstein up close

Ready for the last year of Preschool!

What have you been up to?

2010-07-24T14:11:00.003+01:00

There's a tradition involving this little statue (elizabeth and her goose) and getting your doctorate. This is our friend, Ronald. He is from a German Mennonite colony in Paraguay.

Celebrating Ronald's doctor-ness at the lake (flooded gravel pit)

Our mother's Biblestudy at church.

Thomas and Sabine came for a visit. She's trying to get transferred to the university here, she's told that her chances are pretty slim.

Celebrating Frank and Johanna's 1 year (cotton) anniversary. They used to live in Göttingen until they heard we were moving there. No, but seriously, we've never actually managed to live in the same city despite being good friends.

Brett is very proud of himself for slimming down the book collection for the move.

Aren't they cute?

Fiona turns 5

2010-07-08T16:42:00.003+01:00

Waiting outside for the other guests.

Buddy Sean's birthday is the day before Fiona's so they celebrated together.

The kids had way too much fun and looked like a bunch of sweatballs. Heat must not distract you from fun when you're a kid.

Wearing her birthday crown and gift outside her preschool.

2010-07-02T18:54:00.003+01:00

We haven't seen our friend, Sven, in a while and I wanted to document exactly how much taller he is than me. We had a great time talking about God and the world (a saying in German--über Gott und die Welt) meaning a bit of everything.

Going to the Race! Brett had been training for a while. He ran to represent our Preschool. But also notice the street cafè's--lovely part of European life!

One of Fiona's friends, Helen, had her Papa, Marcel, run.

They were pretty exhausted afterwards.

Oh, and I thought this was super mega cute and will treasure it my whole life long. For those of you not keeping up on your World Cup, now that the US is out, Germany is doing really well. Tomorrow they're up against Argentina at 16.

long days...

2010-06-20T13:38:00.002+01:00

I was sitting in the living room thinking, "wow, it is still really light outside for 10:30, this would be hard to explain." A picture speaks a thousand words. Interesting fact, Göttingen is on about the same line of latitude as the southern tip of Alaska.

Pictoral update...

2010-06-06T17:01:00.004+01:00

Noelle eating her first bites of real food. She's a big fan!! Parsnips, potatoes, beef and canola oil--a recommended recipe.

Helping Papa study

Cory Isaac Hester came for a visit!!

Papa's turn!

Fiona was soooo super excited about "Cory and Fiona afternoon", she told Brett and I we had to leave.

The obligatory changing of the tires. We always seem to have company just in time to do this.

I'm pretty sure I've done it the past two times, but Brett got his hands dirty this time (though not as dirty as Cory's)

At the playground

Getting ready for church

Getting ready for Samed's fifth birthday party at this fantastic children's indoor fun park.

2010-05-25T17:56:00.002+01:00

Our friends recently blogged about something that is near and dear to our hearts as well, please check it out.

hauptstadt...

2010-05-14T12:36:00.005+01:00

On our way to Berlin to get the girls' passports. This is a play on words describing Göttingen. It is a University town and so it produces knowledge in one sense ( Wissen schaffen). Wissenschaft also means science.

This is Fiona in the train with some friends she met, who were on their way to Poland.

That is how you make a donut! We've tried the German variation and it just doesn't compare.

At the zoo!!

How we adore the gorilla!

Brandenburg Gate

with our token German. Noelle has duel citizenship until she's 23.

Brett reading the Bible with our friend, Nils.

Good deed with the student fellowship Brett works with.

Cleaning a local business owner's Café, turned out to be a bigger project than at first anticipated.

Celebrating Christ's ascention into Heaven (Himmelfahrt--big holiday, everything's closed) with friends from Hildesheim.

of late...

2010-04-26T09:46:00.007+01:00

Our friends, the Pauls, came to visit last Wednesday. The boys and Fiona went swimming. Renate and I went shopping with Noelle. We tried on crazy shoes and then got kicked out for taking pictures.

Neal is a big Noelle fan.

Fiona and Scott playing in her room, the fancy dress obviously played a very important role.

Me and Renate with our babies.

Guess what they're doing

Learning to tie the cloth on my back. She cried for like 2 minutes before falling asleep.

3 months old!!!!

We met some fellow Americans at church, this is their son, Ayden, when they came over to play. We take royalty very seriously.

At the birthing center birthday party. It was actually hot for the first time this year.
Steffi is in my "new mommies get back in shape" class.

This is Claudia, my midwife.

Noelle's a thumbsucker, too!! Yeah!

Fiona at church. She was so excited about the purple glue. They made little pigs and when I asked her what the story was about she said "Moses"

This is what happens when Brett and I make plans independent of each other. Neighbors asked us to grill and an out-of-town friend came to visit. Walter, our landlord, doctor and friend, had just gotten back from visiting his son in the States. He had some wild stories to tell.

Ronald has been wanting to hold Noelle. He wasn't very sure what he was doing, but Noelle is very gracious.

Family

2010-04-19T09:40:00.004+01:00

My friend, Heike, from Peine, sent Fiona a photo album. She was very excited to put her own pictures into her own album.

Easter Sunday! This is typical decoration for Easter time--eggs on branches.

This egg machine is close to our house. We think it's pretty random.

Fiona loves this advertisement for our favorite bakery. The little pretzel rolls in her hair are called Küstanien, which is a little play on words since the bakery is called Küster and they look like the German word for chestnuts (Kastanien).

Falling asleep on the kitchen table.

Brett bought this little hat when we went to France when Fiona was a baby. He was very excited to use it again.

Bubblebath!!

This little village must be named after us!!

Lately...

2010-03-30T09:00:00.004+01:00

Me and my babe!
She falls asleep as soon as I put her in
(which is quite the complicated process since it's 4 yards of cloth).

Brett asked Fiona to do something and she said, "But Papa, I'm busy!"

A lovely view of the Johannes Church and the old city hall in downtown Göttingen.

We dropped Fiona off at her best bud Scott's house, so she wouldn't be jealous of all the attention. This is Scott's papa, Neal, holding her.

Noelle's first game evening. She was a hit!
Here with Uwe and Dagmar Bullert and Sara Sutojo.

Everything is usually closed on Sunday, but this advertisement is letting everyone know that stores were open on the 28th.

2 months old!!

Swinging with Helen. It's nice to have such a big girl who can play by herself, so Helen's mom, Bianca, and I can talk.

Brett was asked to preach at church on Sunday.
"Wohin mit unseren Zweifeln?"

It's been a while...

2010-03-14T16:31:00.003+01:00

One month old, very much dealing with baby acne!

Brett bought me flowers!!

I don't know who's the bigger fan of whom.

Marcel came down to Göttingen with his class and snuck in a visit, though they were actually supposed to visit the University here.

We treated ourselves to Subway and ran into our friends, Christine and Linus Kmietsch.

Fiona and Brett went to a basketball game, I think Papa was a little disappointed that the cheerleaders were the only interesting part.

Anne, Daniel and Hanne-Lea came to visit.

Brett preached at an area youth service. "Ansprechbar" is a word play that means approachable but also a place to talk.

And our two princesses

Tag

2010-03-01T16:12:00.003+01:00

My friend, Grace, photo tagged me on her blog. Cute little game:
open your first picture file folder and post the tenth picture, including the story behind it.

April Fool's Day last year. Fiona had pink eye and had to stay home from preschool. She was just miserable, but we went into town anyway? I don't know why. This is her in one of the department stores riding a horse, looking as miserable as she feels.

I tag:
Carisa at The Curtis Family
Jason at Under the Marchegian Sun
and Brian at The Roterts in Italy

Visiting with "Oma" and "Opa"

2010-02-21T17:52:00.005+01:00

Grandma brought a Cinderella dress, I think she's worn it every day since!!

Meeting the Johnsens at Mr. Jones

After Noelle's first church service--this is what she did before, during and after.

Brett and his "son" Satchel

Professional pictures in Hildesheim, thanks Anja!!

I'm pretty sure we stressed the big sister out.

Grandpa and Noelle

What a great weekend!!

2010-02-10T18:20:00.002+01:00

Emil's family is from Celle, a nearby town, and we've known him for many years through the church in Peine. He was baptized into Christ this past Sunday

Ann-Kristin, from Hildesheim, was also born into Christ.

My parents landed on Monday.

I don't know that my girls have had so many kisses.

What a weekend...

2010-02-01T10:39:00.006+01:00

On friday Fiona said she was an ice princess,

all I know is that her sleeves were almost completely blue from wiping her face and asking if her makeup was still on.

cuddling on friday afternoon

and friday night

ready for some visitors on saturday

Johannes, Heinke and Stefan Duckeck came down from Peine

Fiona AND Noelle love Fiona's thumb!

first bath on Sunday afternoon with midwife, Claudia

and some of Brett's friends from the campus ministry group came by for a visit on Sunday evening.

2010-01-25T15:45:00.008+01:00

My lovely wife just days before Noelle's arrival!

What a cute kiss!

Here she is! Noelle Anastasia Seybold

Noelle joined us on Friday morning at 12:49. She weighed just a tad over 7lbs. and was just over 17 inches long. She probably won't be an NBA center.

Look at all those cute girls! Fiona was so excited to finally be a big sister!

Believe it or not the birth made papa tired also.

Our dear friend Wijaja Sutojo stopped by for a short visit on Saturday. He made sure our freinds in Peine got to see some pictures of Noelle.

Extreme sport baby wear. Look, no hands!

This has to be one of our all-time favorite pictures. What a good big sister you are Fiona.

Happenings

2010-01-13T11:16:00.004+01:00

Raclette with the Kmietsch family

yummy!!!

SMD campus outreach Biblestudy

Johannes enjoyed his visit at Hotel Seybold

Emil Nilsson, probably the last guest of Hotel Seybold that gets to stay in "the guest room", also came to visit. He and Brett got to talk about his next step in his walk with Christ, his baptism will be in February.

Random picture of the drama team at church--Wilhelm and Katja Lambertus and Michael Walde

Christmas Eve through New Year's

2010-01-04T17:35:00.005+01:00

Driving to Peine for the Christmas Eve service, the new carseat isn't as condusive to sleeping.

Afterwards at Yolanda and Stefan's.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree...

Christmas morning

At the Mid-Winter Rally--Daniel Irwin, Sara Bridges and Lara Bratcher

Playing Blitz with Brian Rotert, the Jones' and Elizabeth Barnes

Prayer time

I scared everyone away from my chair by calling it the pregnant chair.

Packing up to head home.

Fiona and her best friend Zach.

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-23T15:09:00.003+01:00

Last Tuesday some of the campus groups hosted a lecture--"I think therefore, is this the right place for me?" The picture is taken in a church building.

Brett said it was very interesting, but they had hoped more "seekers" would come.

Milling around afterwards, always a good opportunity.

Fiona with some friends at the dress rehearsal for the Children's Musical at church.

Fiona was not one of the sheep, like her friends beside her, but the preschoolers did join the rest of the kids for the finale.

All the grown-up helpers being thanked (with chocolate). See the big lady in black on the left, that's me

Fiona and I after the show, infront of our lighted Christmas tree (real candles).

Fiona showing off what she's learned at ballet at their little Christmas party. Her teacher's name is Tabea.

Such a big girl, maybe she's getting used to the stage after all.

We had a bit of an Open House last night, not as many visitors as we expected, but it was still a nice time.

2009-12-16T17:02:00.003+01:00

Picking out the perfect tree...

that was exhausting.

Fiona at gymnastics. The "trainer" is like over 80, but the kids love him and he does a good job.

Oh, my goodness! Have you ever heard of this? Recordable storybook. My dad made it for us and as you can see, I could not stop crying.

Getting ready to decorate the tree.

And done! We're very proud of ourselves! Now everything's ready for our little Open House next tuesday.

We'll keep you posted!!

Thanksgiving 2009 and other happenings

2009-12-07T16:35:00.003+01:00

Look at all those pies! Is there a Heather pie among them? No, Heather has cried over one too many a pie crust to keep trying when this many people are amazing at it. I didn't get a picture of the main course, but there were carbs enough for all. I contributed 4 dishes of Sweet Potatoe Casserole (and only took one home).

Did I spill something on the belly? Of course! Applying (and reapplying and reapplying and reapplying) starch truly can remove grease.

Fiona refused to allow me to take her picture during the festivities.

Unlike in this picture, proudly showing off one of her beautiful Christmas dresses.

Loving on little sis.

NOT saying her line at the preschool's Christmas play.

But doing pretty well singing in the Choir.

At Randy and Katy's Christmas Open House. I haven't seen Dino in like a 1 1/2 years. She was a nanny in the states for a year and is studying in the Netherlands.

Sara (25), Katy, Randy, Marcel (18), Brett, Fiona and Dino (20). Makes me realize how long we've been here since these are the "kids" we came here to work with.

Family update

2009-11-24T12:25:00.003+01:00

Dressing up as princesses, Fiona obviously has a lot more apparel to choose from than I do. I'm pretty sure every princess has an alabama t-shirt, Kelly.

Fiona and Brett love to wrestle, I think they were resting here, though.

After "naptime" one day.

After quite the literal "run in" with the grocery cart. We then proceeded to the frozen foods section to get some kind of cold compress, I think we ended up with cauliflower.

2009-11-12T11:45:00.003+01:00

Fiona enjoying some "Zuckerwatte" (cotton candy). Such a strange invention.

Brett went to Peine last weekend to visit some friends, he stayed with Stefan.

And saw Johannes, Benjamin and Andreas at church.

He also got to watch his old Edemissen Basketball team play.

And watched the Vöhrum game with them. The two teams had been asking him to come check them out and it just so happened that both had a home game that weekend.

Then we had the annual "Laternenfest" at Fiona's preschool.

It was pouring down rain the entire time.

After walking in the rain with our lanterns, we ate pumpkin soup and baked pretzels to warm up.

And we got to see the baby again, she was moving around like crazy, gave us quite the show!!

What do you smell like?

2009-11-06T11:29:00.002+01:00

We live in a three story house. There is a doctors' office on the second floor and we live on the third floor. So to get to our apartment, we have to walk through the doctors' office. Usually, it's no big deal.
I went for a walk this morning and when I came back, all the nurses were scrambling to open windows and get the place "aired out". I wasn't exactly sure why since Germans have this kind of phobia about breezes, especially in the winter and especially, I would think, in a place where people come when they're sick anyway. Well, as I came to the waiting room by the door to our apartment, I smelled why. An unassuming, nicely dressed older woman sat waiting to see one of the doctors. I'm not sure how one gets to the point of smelling like this, but the stench was one of a long-ignored armpit. I expected the smell to fade as I traversed the stairs, but it did not. Brett sat in the living room also wondering how dirty the dirty clothes were that I was in the process of washing, unaware of the unaware carrier of the scent. While getting rid of my own comparitively mild odor, I realized how this situation can be applied to how we personally come across to the people that we know, meet or walk past. Do people want to get to know me better? Or do I leave a trail of sadness, joy, anger, mystery or indifference? Or do people turn around and wonder how they might know that stranger who just said hi?
Then I thought about how I hung up on someone yesterday who told me it'd be a week before they could mount the new tire to replace the spare. I'm sure that didn't go unnoticed. (I called him back to apologize, after this realization, and his colleague knew who I was) So, the question stands. What do you smell like?

Pumpkin night....

2009-11-02T09:50:00.004+01:00

At our neighbor/landlord/doctor's house, getting ready to slaughter a huge pumpkin.

Trying to figure out how much pumpkin we actually put it (3x what the recipie called for)

Walter changes the recipie every time, I insisted on the scale.

Zach and Brett pondering the meaning of something meaningful, I'm sure.

talking to Walter's son, Leon, who is in the states for an exchange year.

Fiona was missing Rafael, who was...

trick or treating with his friends (Rafael is on the right)

watching a little tv before bed

Changing tires

2009-10-31T13:12:00.003+01:00

Zach Murphy and his wife Alyssa (photographer) came for a visit and we put him right to work.

Even Fiona had to work.

And Brett supervising it all.

2009-10-23T15:11:00.003+01:00

Doctor's visit!!
The doctor said everything looks normal, but that she probably won't be really tall. She must have been in a very photogenic mood, we got to see her face really well.

An update...

2009-10-22T08:50:00.002+01:00

Me and the baby at 26 weeks. We go to the doctor tomorrow. Cindy Roehrkasse will be joining me for breakfast at my favorite Café and the doctor's appointment. I'm really looking forward to her visit, I very much look up to her. She and her family have been living and ministering here in Germany for over 20 years.

Random Fiona picture. Today is picture day at preschool.

Brett and I both mentioned today that he should have taken the camera with him last night. The fall semester just started this week, a lot later than in the states. There were lots of new faces at the Christian Campus group he helps out with. He is preaching at the official kickoff program next week so we'll try to get a good one of that.

a date, a birthday and an invitation...

2009-10-12T09:39:00.004+01:00

Fiona and Papa getting ready to go on their first date. Fiona picked out her outfit, the restaurant and the movie. She even got flowers!

And I turned 31. It had to happen. We had a girls night out, but for some reason I took no pictures! We had a great time--saw a movie and went out to eat, which may not sound very unusual for a birthday celebration, but Germans generally celebrate at home with a lot of guests and food. All my friends said that my way makes a lot more sense in that it involves a lot less planning and clean up. I couldn't agree more.

My friend, Renate and family, drove down all the way from Peine to celebrate. Fiona was so happy to see Scott and Sean. The dads took them swimming and ordered Pizza while we were gone. (Note: Scott is only 5 weeks older than Fiona and Sean just turned 2)

We invited some students Brett met through one of the Campus Outreaches to dinner. Fiona was really into Ronald, who is from Paraguay.

All 6 of us around our tiny kitchen table, Alireza (from Iran), Elizabeth (Fiona's favorite baby name) and Ronald stayed for a round of Carcassone afterwards.

Oops...

2009-10-08T18:03:00.003+01:00

Has this ever happened to you? I find it a bit unfair that the cops get to let a camera do the dirty work, but be careful out there. You never know who's watching...

The perfect question

2009-10-03T10:50:00.002+01:00

An experience this week got me thinking...

You know, we can pray, be hospitable, invest time, plant seeds, ask leading questions, whatever you want to call it, but you know what it comes down to?

Personal curiosity, the perfect question

And that's gonna be different for each person. That's why Peter talks about giving an answer.

So what's your perfect question? What's got you wondering? Who are you going to ask?

Do your friends have questions? Our God is big, no question's too difficult, even if it's got us stumped.

Rome and Pompeii

2009-09-18T14:43:00.006+01:00

Roman Forum

Pompeii

Colosseum in Rome

Trevi Fountain in Rome

Brett and Iva went with tourguide specialist, Marcus Van Dorn, to see some unforgettable sights. Fiona and I, who weren't as interested, stayed in Ancona and hung out with the Casey's. We all had fun and learned a lot!!

Iva's visit and vacation

2009-09-18T13:56:00.006+01:00

Breakfast at our favorite Café.

In Göttingen's old city hall.

At the train station ready to go! Fiona was an amazing traveller--she carried her own backpack and pulled her suitcase the whole time and was a model citizen while on all the trains.

In Salzburg...

Marcus made Brett a birthday cake. They travelled to Rome on his birthday.

Hanging out with best bud, Harrison Casey.

Girl time in Ancona with Heather, Haven (photographer) and Jenova.

Walking through the market.

Not sure what Harrison is, but Fiona is a spanish princess.

At a restaurant in Ancona, minus the kids.

At the beach, close to Rotert's house, to whom we are very thankful for letting us borrow their home. We also got to see Munich on the way home. We had a great time, and Brett, of course, planned everything perfectly, but if I never see an Italian train again, it will be too soon.

Friends

2009-08-31T08:09:00.003+01:00

At the playground with the Ballhausen's. We have the best job ever!!

Firsts and Lasts...

2009-08-19T11:08:00.006+01:00

I put the pictures on in the wrong order, so if you want to get the whole story, you're going to have to scroll down to the end of this entry.

Fiona in her leotard at ballett class.

Saying goodbye to Tyler at the trainstation

There is some kind of park close by with "wild" animals who know no ones pays attention to the "do not feed" sign.

Tyler reading a goodnight story to Fiona.

Looking good in our 18th week!

Lili and Raj's wedding. Remember them? I wrote about their baptisms a while back.

We also went to Anja, the photographer (her pictures will show up later) and this was one of our poses.

At the doctor, Tyler got to see baby #2 on TV (well the ultrasound). The doctor told us to start picking out girl names.

Jonah was not impressed.

Visiting Joy (and her family) for the first time after Jonah's birth, which obviously didn't phase the girls.

She, of course, loved it.

Watching my little girl grow up at her first ballett lesson. It was hard to walk away and leave her there, but I could tell she really wanted to stay (despite the begging for me to stay).

Actually at preschool. She is in a new group this year, there are twice as many kids and still only two teachers. I'm expecting some attention-getting behavior.

This is Fiona's first day back to preschool, she may not seem impressed, but this next picture will prove her fickle-ness.

Camp Highlight

2009-08-09T17:54:00.002+01:00

Fredi decided to spend his birthday differently than most 16 year olds in Germany. With 16 being the legal drinking age, giving your life to Christ is quite the witness. He is a friend of one of the campers and comes from an atheistic family, though, his mom came to support his decision. Be with us in prayer as he begins his journey. He is from Frankfurt, but Brett met him last year at camp and was able to encourage him. Markus Zobec is baptizing him.

Camp, cont'd

2009-08-05T16:30:00.004+01:00

Fiona's idea of "swimming", laying on the float. The water, though, is under a refreshing temperature.

Tyler being the helpful guy he is. We have four cleaning groups--so everything gets cleaned everyday, and despite our efforts, a stink still looms...

Aliisa and Lisa sharing their blanket with Fiona.

Getting ready to illustrate a point.

And now, try to put it back in! It's hard to take something back once it's already been said, so we should keep a tight reign on our tongue.

On being at camp...

2009-08-04T16:32:00.003+01:00

Brett playing soccer, they're pretty serious about it. Tyler says it's a lot different than playing soccer in the States.

I obviously didn't play, but am just as obviously good at being cute!

Camp picture--no one got thrown in, that costs 50 € with clothes on

Fiona chillin' with the girls. She thinks she's one of them and has quite a few fans.

More has happened and I realize there's only one picture with Tyler in it, but I left my "connect the camera to the computer" cord at home, so more to come later...

What a weekend!

2009-07-22T09:08:00.004+01:00

Friday night was Spieleabend and, for some reason, I didn't take any pictures of it. But it was good to reconnect with and meet new friends.

Saturday was Frank and Johanna's wedding. (Brett met him at the fitness studio back in 2002.) You may be thinking, well, that surely isn't an all day event, but let me tell you we celebrated for a full 12 hours! Starting at the court house, then at a restaurant and then at her parent's house. We took Fiona to the Paul's for the day and she had so much fun with two of her favorite boys!

We stayed in Peine for church on Sunday, which was good since they had a pot luck dinner planned. We hadn't seen Sara Nilsson or Sarinah in a good long while. The Kretschmar's, missionaries to Africa, were also visiting.

Oh, how I missed my Sarinah. She was in Lilongwe, with the Kretschmar's, for two years!

2009-07-17T08:39:00.003+01:00

Yeah! He passed, his grade wasn't as good as he'd hoped, but it's over!!! Many valuable friendships have been formed, hebrew basics have been learned and more insight into the German University system has been gained. One young man, Benjamin, was very concerned about how to stay in touch. And many doors have been opened for these relationships to continue.

Hebrew

2009-07-15T12:33:00.002+01:00

This is Brett and I at a breakfast Café on his next to the last day of class. Thinking about what to say to his beautifully pregnant wife? No, studying.

A secretly taken picture during church. Following along with the sermon notes? No, studying.

His written test was yesterday. He feels very neutral about it--could be anywhere from a b- to a d+. Please pray for a peace that passes understanding and a clearness of mind for the oral exam tomorrow. It'll be quite the challenge explaining a third language in his second.

Someone in our house just turned 4!!

2009-07-07T09:22:00.005+01:00

The birthday girl asked for cake and chocolate anytime I asked what she wanted and so I took it upon myself to start with Barbie stuff.

Papa got her drums so they can jam together.

Obligatory chocolate cake

Treasure hunt with friends--Lara, Helen, Samed and Raphael

Some friends from one of the student groups gave her a huge monkey.

Our strawberry Pinata, I'm so very proud of it. Fiona kept pronouncing it "Pintiata"

Ice cream sundaes!!!

It was a great day, Fiona did very well. We cannot believe we have a four-year-old. She is such a blessing, one you wish you could spend more time with, but know you must let grow up.

2009-07-07T09:15:00.001+01:00

I love it when they do this!

Happy 4th of July!!

Life

2009-06-29T09:04:00.004+01:00

Getting ready with the other runners.

The Ballhausens, good friends we met at tumbling class.

Fiona and Sofie

Helen, Sofie and Fiona

He's so fast!

Good race! Nothing like warm bubbly water to help cool you down!

Me and the baby, I'll not tell you how many weeks.

2009-06-15T17:08:00.004+01:00

Reading a book to mama when she wasn't feeling very good.

Getting ready to go to Samed's birthday party at McDonald's.

Friends of ours, Raj and Lili (he's the one with the mic) have started an amazing journey together. Last weekend they both got baptized and this weekend they got married. Praise the Lord!!!

Finally an updated blog...

2009-06-02T13:06:00.005+01:00

Fiona and her daddy practicing.

Brett and Frederick, a friend from one of the College outreaches.

Visiting the Paul's in Peine for Scott's 4th birthday!

Keep in mind Fiona will also be turning four in one month!!!

This week....

2009-05-16T18:38:00.002+01:00

Johannes Duckeck came to visit this week after finishing up all his final exams for his Abi, something like your high shool diplomma, but much, much, much more difficult. Anyway, he thought he was coming for a vacation, but we totally put him to work--changing tires, helping me out at the restaurant and not sightseeing at all (the church tower was closed every day he was here execpt the day I had to work). He was a great sport about it and did get to read quite a bit.

Saturday, after getting back from Spieleabend and visiting with Catja in Peine, we went to Fiona's favorite playground.

Then we had to go to the grocery store to get enough food to feed Fiona for her all-day fieldtrip on Monday. I'm a little nervous about this, but also looking forward to helping my friends, Chrissy and Christine, shop all day!

ZOO

2009-05-05T13:59:00.003+01:00

New slide!!

2009-04-29T09:25:00.002+01:00

Fiona's preschool has been trying to build this slide for a year now.

Everyone was very glad to dedicate it last friday.

Fiona stuck close by her buddy, Lena.

2009-04-23T13:28:00.002+01:00

Daniel, a young friend of ours, was baptized back in January and we just wanted to share this great news with you all!

Easter Retreat

2009-04-17T15:53:00.004+01:00

Playing with Emil Nilsson.

Fiona and Emma vs. Davey and Cindy

We heard they had American "canned goods" at the nearby Rewe!!! Mug root beer was so worth the €1,65!

Easter egg hunt

Jan, Emil, Brett and Markus

Brett teaching about the different camps of Creationists.

Singing on Monday morning

Wish I could say she was sleeping, but she was pretty good during Marcus' sermon. I think it was because she was a little tired from being at the hospital the night before! Nothing major, something in her elbow slipped out and the weird ER doctor flipped it back into place--nothing like your nightmare coming true!

This is Brett driving home after having driven 45 minutes in the wrong direction, which, by the way, I thought we were doing the whole time. Doesn't he look proud.

For Fiona Fans...

2009-04-05T16:46:00.003+01:00

This is the bike Oma and Opa got her for her 3rd birthday. She is finally big enough to ride it.

She had pink eye this week and had to stay home from preschool. We went into the city for some window shopping.

Our friend, Joy, had it, too.

Feeling better by Thursday, we met some other chics from church for an afternoon of playing.

You might notice the changing weather based on the outerwear--a vest, a coat and neither. There's a saying in German, "April, April, macht was er will"--April will do what it wants.

A whole new world...

2009-03-30T18:36:00.003+01:00

We visited our friends, the Pauls, on Friday. They have two boys, and the toys to match! Fiona was in heaven! That's her riding Scott's motorcycle with his Papa, Neal. Scott is about 5 weeks older than Fiona. Sean, Scott's brother, and 1 1/2 years old, is about Fiona's size.

They are very early risers. This is also how I felt, having gotten up at 6:30 on a Saturday morning. We were all up and waiting for Neal to get back from his firefighter sift at 8.

How you doin'?

2009-03-26T10:47:00.002+01:00

Fiona at our tumbling group. She built a house with a boy and they each wanted a small house that only one person could fit in. I'm not sure I convinced them that it was only cool to have a house for one person if you are that one person, but his dad laughed.

Our friend Christian stopped by for a visit this week. I didn't cook for him, but swear I can!

And Fiona needed a little "mama time", so we made a princess crown. I drew the princesses myself, just kidding. She wore it very proudly to preschool today and everyone thought it was her birthday. I guess that's what they do when it's your birthday, the little twirp tricked me.

Wallking with friends...

2009-03-14T12:18:00.002+01:00

We went to visit our good friends, Christin and Joy, on Wednesday and took the girls to a Café.

We had a grand time and it made me think how very symbolic taking a walk with friends is. This is how we are to live, hand in hand through life. Sharing in the laughter, stumbling blocks and traffic. Watching out for one another and maybe speaking a stern word. Jesus showed us how, he didn't shy away from building deep relationships, though he knew he wouldn't be here long. On the contrary, the deeper the relationship, the more of our lives shared, the more likely it is that the investment reaps eternal reward.

So go on a walk and see where it takes you.

Our weekend...

2009-03-10T10:56:00.004+01:00

Found this adorable hat, which she, of course, refuses to wear. Anyway, we're going grocery shopping.

René came to visit for the weekend. Brett met him the youth Easter retreat a few years back and when we saw him in Augsburg over New Year's, he said he'd like to come for a visit. And so he did.

Then we had our small group meeting with the Johnsen's and this is Fiona making a joyful noise!!

Then Björn came to visit on his way to England. We've known him for a while and were glad to catch up with him a bit.

And on our way to breakfast with Björn, Antonia and her mom (from Fiona's preschool) stopped by to see if she could stay with us while she went to the doctor. And then she came up for some coffee afterwards.

All in all it was a great weekend of sharing lives and building relationships, but one after which you need a weekend.

What's up?

2009-03-02T18:32:00.004+01:00

This is Brett, looking very professional, at the youth retreat he spoke at in February.

This is Fiona dressed up for "Fasching". I have not been able to investigate this holiday properly and so can tell you absolutely nothing about it except that Fiona dressed up as a fairy the week before last. They had a very big party at preschool and it was fun.

This is my little frog, green is a hard color to get off skin. She still has a hulk-tone to her. Fiona was practicing sleeping when we picked her up from Kindergarten today. They are having a "slumber" party at the preschool this friday and talked about where everyone would sleep.

This is what we do...

2009-02-17T16:57:00.002+01:00

Since I've gotten my new camera, I have made it a point to carry it everywhere I go. My family is notorious for not ever having the camera when you need it and I am determined to break the mold. And I thought it'd be nice to "see" the things we see. This is Fiona (left) at Sunday School.

And this is dropping Fiona off at preschool. Brett says it's about 700 meters from our house, I'm thinking that's like a half mile. We usually take my bike with her little carriage, but when it's snowing, I revert to the car.

Fiona's been busy...

2009-02-09T13:09:00.002+01:00

On Friday, I was a tiger and really wanted to pose with my monkey that Marcus Van Dorn gave me for Christmas. That was a pretty busy day. After my nap, mom and I went to our tumbling group and then I stayed at my friend Helen's house so mom and dad could go on a date.

Then on Saturday we went to IKEA with my friend Rahel from church. We thought it was a race and totally beat our moms to the finish line, they were pretty upset that we won, something about always knowing where we are?

And then today, when I found out that my teacher, Ulrike, was painting faces again, I told her I wanted to be a hippo. Mom made me wear the headband for the picture, I would never wear something like that. I love having my hair in my face.

Following doctor's orders...

2009-02-06T11:05:00.003+01:00

I cannot explain how ridiculous I thought the doctor was being when she suggested this method of treatment. It's true, sitting in front of a red light. She looked at me like I was a moron because I didn't own one. Since we live above a doctor's office, I thought the chances of one of the workers having one was pretty high, since all the cool people have one.

After crying because she said I have a ball of slime in front of my eardrum that will take a while to melt (or whatever), I was willing to try anything. And I will say, after the first time sitting beside this lamp, I could no longer hear myself inside my head (like the pop-your-ears feeling in an airplane). Crazy, but helpful.

Brett and Fiona think I look funny, but I don't care. Aren't they the cutest?!?!?!

Saturday night!

2009-02-02T18:49:00.003+01:00

Welcome to our home!!

This was the first, of what we hope will be a reoccuring, game evening for young families. The Kmietsch's, Ballhausen's and Johnsen's came over for Chili and games. The kids played really well together (except baby Joy, she was a bit under the weather) and we got a lot of talking done. Brett and I just kept saying to each other, this is really fun. It's also nice introducing friends to other friends, connecting the dots, which we love.

Helen and Fiona got a lot of playing done, as you can see, dispite a few tantrums, which you can also see.

When was your last supper?

2009-01-26T12:46:00.000+01:00

2009-01-26T12:42:00.004+01:00

Two young men and brothers, Daniel and Manuel, Brett got to know at camp last summer were baptized in December in their hometown. We celebrate with them and are happy to be a part of God's sowing, watering and reaping.

2009-01-26T12:30:00.002+01:00

Well, what do you want with a 3 1/2 year old photographer? We went to Peine this weekend (even though Brett and I weren't really feeling up to it) for game evening. Fiona and I spent the night at Catja's house. It was a wonderful time with a great friend and I'm so glad I could be there for her. Brett spent the night at the church since some young adults from Hannover like to stay up late (I'm talking really late) and play risk.

2009-01-11T19:15:00.001+01:00

Meeting with the Johnsen's at their house. We're getting ready to sing, which the girls are very enthusiastic about.

2009-01-11T18:12:00.004+01:00

Friday was a long day, after Kindergarten and work, Fiona and I went to our tumbling group and then Brett and Fiona went to a friend's birthday party while I went to a Tupperware party. Brett and Fiona got back at around midnight with 5 out of town guests of the birthday boy. We had a nice visit with them over a pretty late breakfast and then decided it was time for a family outing.

first sledride!!

Kies lake has frozen so we thought we'd go check it out, along with the brave half of Göttingen.

Where have you been?

2009-01-05T13:42:00.004+01:00

Yeah, see the castle looking thing up there? That's the youth hostile we met in for the Mid-Winter Rally in Colditz. It's full of history and very impressive.

Wittenberg, where Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses. He is also buried there in the church, a tick of irony.

Circle of friends, chatting about the last year and being content. We kicked the men out, so they could talk about postmodernism and the emergent church in the european context.

Brett preaching from 2 Thess 3:1-5

After the rally, we had a night to get repacked and head to Augsburg for a teen retreat. The tricky part was, our toilets didn't work and neither did the washing machine. A quick call to our landlord on his ski vacation informed us that since it hadn't rained, the well was empty and he had to walk me through how to switch it over so we got city water. This was fixed after Brett and I handwashed the bare necessities.

Fiona was so excied that there was a playground in the child's section of the train. It made a
3 1/2 hour train ride a lot quicker.

Brett didn't plan on such an intense illustration (New Year's Eve didn't go as planned), and the teens really seemed to take a lot away from Brett's devotion.

We had a good time getting to know the people in the Augsburg church (they have amazing facilities!!) I refused to take any pictures of the return trip because we got on a ghetto train that took forever and didn't have such a nice children's section. Bitter, yes, but I know many have it worse...

2009-01-02T18:03:00.002+01:00

Thanks for the presents, mom! There will be Mid-Winter Rally and Brett preaching at the youth retreat pictures coming soon!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T21:00:00.004+01:00

The cookies sweat shop. Everyone kept saying, "where are all the cookies?" My answer: It certainly felt like we made a lot more.

You'll have to excuse the key, or lack thereof.

Decorating for Christmas

2008-12-14T11:18:00.004+01:00

This is Fiona's advent calendar. Christin and I each made one for our daughters. This kind of advent calendar (with a small present for each day of the advent) is very popular here and I've always wanted to make one, but never did. Isn't it perfect!?!?!

Putting the tree in the stand. We had a hard time finding a place that was already selling Christmas trees, on the 12th of December.

Fiona's 2008 ornament.

Do you see what I do in this picture? "This isn't as much fun as I thought it would be because mom isn't letting me put anything on the tree." Maybe next year.

Okay, we're done! I don't know if you can tell, but Fiona saw the stockings in the box and said, "Oh, socks!" and put them on.

This is for you, mom. It's the Joshua 24:15 verse. It's just the way I pictured it! Thank you.

Haircut!

2008-12-11T12:52:00.004+01:00

Fiona getting her haircut is nothing new, I've been cutting it regularly to avoid the inevitable knot from twirling. But this time we actually went to a hair cutting place. I thought it'd be really quick because there were only two boys in front of us. Well, their dad (a real estate agent who showed us an apartment, that we didn't take) told the lady really late to just use the clippers, so it took a lot longer than any of us thought. Whatever, lange Rede kurze Sinn (long talk, short meaning)--I thought Fiona would have long sense lost her desire to sit still. She suprised us all by sitting stiller than I've ever experienced. Even the hair cutting lady (what do you call her?) said she was better than most.

And this is what it looks like.

In her new bathrobe with her new haircut.

A Fiona video

2008-12-08T20:37:00.003+01:00

Dad, this is for you!! I guess this is what they do when I go to work.

Göttingen

2008-11-28T21:10:00.002+01:00

No picture with this one, sorry, dad, but I just really wanted to share something. Fiona and I went to see a friend of ours, Christin, and her choir perform. It's a Gospel Choir, which is quite the "culture attraction" here. I'm not sure what it is, but a lot of Germans are interested in this kind of excitement or show, as the case may be. As I thought about what my friend said about not everyone in the choir being a strong believer, I asked myself what, then, motivated them to sing with "soul" if not for the meaning of the texts. I have no answer, save the overwhelming sensation that fills my heart everytime we drive over a certain hill and see the lights of Göttingen. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have." (1 Peter 3:15) I am so thankful to be here and part of God's plan.

First snowman

2008-11-24T19:05:00.002+01:00

Brett and Fiona had to take advantage of the daylight and make a snowman right after lunch today. Fiona is very frustrated when she wakes up from her nap (4:30) and it immediately starts getting dark. We've gotten quite a bit of snow the past two days. More, actually, than I ever remember getting in Peine.

Laterne laufen

2008-11-13T09:42:00.003+01:00

So you can't see it really well, but this was our first "Lantern walk" at Fiona's preschool. The kids get a Lantern, which traditionally has a tealight in it, but, what we didn't know, usually has a battery operated light in it. I also didn't know it was supposed to be on a stick, so when we got there I was scrambling around trying to find a stick somewhere, in the dark. So then you walk around the neighborhood and stop to sing a song every once in a while. I don't have the "why" figured out, though, yet.

This is Fiona's best friend, Samed, he and his family are from Turkey. She insisted on holding his hand the entire time, which was very cute, but somewhat difficult, at least as a parent, when you're worried about a lantern catching fire (and why she's not carrying it in this picture, she did not forsee a fire hazard).

I'm pretty sure our two families were bringing up the rear the entire walk. And a big thanks to Samed's mom for sending me the pictures, as we of course had no camera with us.

An unlikely visitor

2008-11-09T13:27:00.003+01:00

So, if you know Fiona, it's no suprise that she immediately welcomed Martin into our home by taking him by the hand, showing him her room, where he'd be staying and calling him her friend. What might be suprising, though, is his past. He'll talk about it with anyone who's interested and it's quite shocking to hear what Jesus saved him from. Having just celebrated his first birthday in 8 years outside of jail, he's got quite the tale to tell, not the least of which being his christian roots. Upon reflection, Fiona's innocent and unconditional welcome was an example to me.

He spoke on Friday night here in Göttingen and we all went to Peine on Saturday so he could speak at the Upper Room. The conversations he inspired where quite moving, gave me goosebumps, to be honest.

Movie Night

2008-10-27T18:55:00.002+01:00

Fiona loves her Marcel! We invited some of the youth from Peine and some new friends from Göttingen to watch some movies at our house. Fiona cuddled right up to Marcel.

Cute Girls and church

2008-10-21T16:16:00.002+01:00

We got together with Steve and Christin on Sunday. We ate together and had a little Bible study and sang our favorite worship songs. It felt like, well, church. The girls really like playing together and so I thought I'd share some pictures of them doing so.

2008-10-16T16:47:00.002+01:00

Here's where I work.

Busy weekend!

2008-10-05T11:24:00.006+01:00

So I turned 30!! We had some guests on Friday, Thomas and Sabine, that stayed until just after midnight to usher in my birthday. There's something just not right about wishing a happy birthday before the actual birthday here in Germany.

I was able to celebrate just like I wanted to on Saturday--with a girls night out!! It was loads of fun! We went to see Mama Mia, which was great since they had the volume incredibly loud so as to allow for the karaoke-effect Abba has on most people.

One of my presents from my friends was a day of pampering at a hair salon in Peine (so we can all be together again!). They also gave me nail polish and Fiona was very sad when I wouldn't paint her fingernails. I promised we'd do it today, so here's the proof!

Jon and Shonda Hall came for a quick visit on Sunday. They're stationed in Landstuhl, Germany for the next couple of years. They brought us many American treats--Taco Bell, Cinnabon, Mountain Dew, pillow cases and fire escape ladders (since our house is made of matchsticks). It was great to meet them and made sweeter (pun intended) by the treasures that accompanied them!! Thanks a lot to them and Rhonda and Jared Adamson!!