Fasnacht (Eve of the beginning of Lent)

Greetings from Kandern!  I am sorry I have not found as much time to update our blog.  Here are some of the things I have been meaning to share about our life in Germany...

So what do Germans do before they contemplate their "sins" before Lent?  They hang out their "dirty laundry" in their town square and have parades and parties to celebrate their "wild side" before they have to live a "holy" life for the 40 days before Easter.  Wow!  So little did we know, our quaint village square would be adorned with many hanging "undergarments" for the month of February.  Instead of seeing the traditional Valentine decorations that are usual to us we were able to view many "Fruit of the Looms".  The louder parts of these celebrations were the nightly parades where people wear costumes, much like Mardi Gras and banged their drums.  We decided to not take part in these festivities when we heard many of the masks were not "child-friendly". 

The cold spell I last wrote about continued in Germany for another week.  It was beautiful to see what freezing temperatures can do to a flowing stream through our town.  One person that has lived here for 13 years said she has never seen the stream freeze over.  Even the waterfall by our covered bridge was a frozen masterpiece.

Last week,we also had our twelve year old enter the stage of braces. After two orthodontist and one dentist appointment she prayerfully is on her way to a more healthy mouth alignment.  Last week challenged all the "German" language I had in my tiny brain with many opportunities to practice it with the receptionists and assistants.  Thankfully, now that the worst of it is over, Kaylin is once again smiling. 

Last weekend we enjoyed being the "Dorm Parent Substitutes" at a BFA dorm for 22 girls.  After much cleaning, cooking, baking and visiting with girls, we returned to our apartment thoroughly exhausted but so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know the students better.  Rick was able to teach from Ephesians 4 on Sunday morning.  We also partook in a very fun "birthday" tradition in which the birthday girl first hears the LOUDEST singing of "Happy Birthday" and then is drenched in water.  She then proceeds to chase her dorm sisters until every one has received a very wet hug.  Our girls thought this game of chase was very fun and wondered if we can start this birthday tradition in our home.  :) The following three pictures are from our time at the Wittlingen dorm. 

This past weekend we had a visitor from Cincinnati.  Nancy Gore from Faith Bible Church stopped in Germany on her way home from India where she was helping at Asian Christian Academy for the last month.  On Friday, we gave her a whirlwind tour of all three BFA campuses.  Beginning in Lauren's 4th grade class and then went and observed Rick teach a "New Testament" class with 10th graders.  We attended the school's chapel service as well.  In the afternoon, Nancy accompanied me to the Middle School where I was the substitute Speech teacher and we were able to see Kaylin's school.  In the evening, she happily endured 6 hours of BFA basketball.  It was special to see Anthony's last home basketball game at BFA and hear his name announced many times after each of his baskets. 


Lauren and her friend Jael doing a class project.

On Saturday, we showed Nancy the area where we live by taking her to the towns of Badenweiler and Staufen.  We also took her to the Haut Blauen (the tallest point in our region).  We stood above the clouds and saw the amazing Swiss Alps in the horizon.  (Note to the wise:  Ask the people you are touring with if they are afraid of heights before you ascend there however. We forgot this question.  Poor Nancy.)


A Lutheran church in Badenweiler, Germany.



Kaylin and Lauren enjoying the castle ruins with France in the background.



Kaffee and Kuchen Time!  We had to be cultural, you know! 




The town of Staufen.  Little did we know most shops are closed on a holiday weekend. 

 

Our girls were thrilled we showed Nancy the highest point in our region so they were able to play in the snow.  We weren't quite appropriately dressed for it however.  The girls didn't mind.   

Our weekend ended with a very special treat.  Karen played at BFA in a "Candlelight Concert".  Her beautiful classical music blessed all the ears that heard.  Vince and Karen also did a tremendous job at sharing how God has shaped their hearts as they have trusted in Him through many hard times.  Their life stories helped others hear about the love of God and our need for Him.  We were thankful my new friend Rosa and her husband Christian were able to come to the concert as well.  What Karen and Vince shared was translated into German as well. 

Well, if you have made it to the end of this very long entry, BRAVO!  We are so blessed by your care and concern for our family in Germany.  We are praying this next season in Germany as people prepare for Easter (and take down the underwear in the town square) will be a blessed time for all of us.  Now go have some kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) after reading this long blog... you deserve it.  :)
Blessings and hugs!  Melissa for the Bushes