Journey Across ... America

BFA 4th grade classroom (Lauen is at the back row, left corner)

Miss Brown (Lauren's GREAT teacher) and Lauren

Wow, how can another week have gone by so quickly.   It has been a full but great week.  This was BFA's "Spiritual Emphasis" week which was a wonderful time for the middle school and high school students to hear from Dr. George Murray (Chancellor of Columbia International Univ.) each day and be challenged to fix their eyes on the truths of the Bible and who Jesus is.  It was a privilege to sit in the "chapel service" each day and not only see the girls from my small group hearing such wonderful challenges but also to know Kaylin was hearing the same messages. 

German class felt like a "fire hydrant" turned on high to my brain.  :)  I am thankful for my sister-in-law that has great patience to help me when I have questions.  Because of the other amount of activities this week, it's easy to put language learning on the "back burner".  I now know why so many missionaries that go overseas take the first year to do very little other than learn the language.  I will try very hard this week to carve out time each day to study German ( I better have my stash of chocolate next to me, to keep me motivated). :)

Rick is at the BFA staff retreat this weekend in Switzerland.  The girls and I enjoyed a picnic at a park and a "movie" night at our apartment last night.  Today (Saturday) we drove to a town about 25 minutes from Kandern.  Karen (my sister-in-law) was so kind to help us get a cell phone (now I won't feel so fearful of driving around the area by myself) and showed us where you can get your car washed (good thing it rained an hour after it was cleaned).  The girls were happy that there was a McDonald's right next door (with an outdoor play place).  This is a real treat to go since it costs more than US fast food.  We will save this for "very special" occasions (didn't think I would save McD's for a special treat).  :)

Friday, I was glad to help Lauren's teacher, Miss Brown by sharing in the classroom about living in the Midwest region of the US.  Lauren's class is studying the regions of the US week by week.  What a delight to print off pictures of all of the things we like about the region.  It made me a little "homesick" though as I printed off pictures of Graeter's ice cream and Skyline Chili.  I made "Rice Krispie" treats to share with the class.  So nice that some groceries are available here. 

In the midst of some homesickness by the girls (and even me at times) we talk a lot about all the things from "our US home" that we like and miss.  However, we also add to our list of things we are blessed with by living in Germany.  The Lord has been so gracious to add to our list daily.  Here are a few we have said in the last few days...Extended family living so close, McDonald's with a play place, a cell phone for peace of mind, stars seen brightly out Lauren's window, yummy apple juice from a local farm store, letters and fun packages received by the girls, Rick enjoying his teaching and his students and the girls in my small group. 

Always thankful for friends and family like you that bless us with your prayers and encouragement!