A Friend's Encouragement

December 29, 2007

Since dropping my parents off Thursday at the airport, I have been quite sad. We all had such a wonderful time. I think, too, we were so busy each day traveling around, and now Nolan and I have nothing but down time. Time I should be using to grade essays, and I am little by little. I think what helped me today get over some of these blues, is talking to my friend Rabe'a, who is half German and has lived over here. Talking to her on the phone helped me really appreciate this experience...and what was so cool is she understood a lot of things I was saying about my experiences here. She was also very encouraging.....This particular phone call was needed today to help my blues.

Christmas Eve Service

December 24, 2007

Outside of helping out with the church plant Mosaic, Nolan and I also attend G-5, a German church (with English translation). Nolan was asked to play the guitar in the Christmas Eve service last night. He has been busy practicing for the past few days getting ready for this service. He and one of the singers were the only English speakers on stage....so he was truly having a culture experience! One of the things we pray for is opportunities to participate in the Germany community, and this is one way God has provided. I hope to get involved by teaching some ESL classes, and will working on that in the next couple of months.

Last night was amazing, and my parents enjoyed participating in a German church service....just another experience added to their trip here in Germany. God is good and faithful!

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2007

My parents have been here visiting since the 18th. We picked them up in Frankfurt and have been traveling all over Germany. Nolan and I have seen more of Germany in the past week than we have in the past 4 months, so it has been great for both my parents and Nolan and I! My dad had a chance to see his old army base where he was stationed in 1957. The wildest thing we figured out was it was almost 50 years to the date since he left the States for Germany....he left December 25, 1957. How wild is that?

We have also visited France and Switzerland...so my parents have been to 3 countries in one week. They have had a trip of a lifetime! They are grinning from ear to ear! I has been a nice treat having them here for the Christmas holidays. Merry Christmas and much love to all!

Christmas Concerts

December 16, 2007 The past week has been crazy with the Christmas concerts and exams. I still have many exams and essays to grade. Plus, we moved into a different apartment yesterday. We have been waiting for this IMB apartment to become available. For the past 4 months we were staying in a vacation home. I have to say, our new place is very comfortable, so we are excited....and we have a washer and internet service....back to civilization. The Christmas concerts were outstanding....Nolan did an awesome job, and everyone is so pleased with his work with the elementary and middle school students. It was so adorable to watch both choirs perform. Of course, Nolan had to add some of his style to the middle school performance, so he had a student beat box (a kind of rap)to "Angels We Have Heard on High." And the audience loved it! Here are some pics from the middle school concert. Elementary pics are coming soon....so standby :)

Hanging Out at the Dorm

December 10, 2007

So tonight Nolan and I are at the dorm hanging out with the girls. We usually go every other Monday night to help since the RA's typically have Monday nights off. I am usually busy baking for the girls. Because they had so many leftover treats from the Christmas party last night, they didn't need any baking for this week...so I get a night off and more time to hang with the girls. I am enjoying sitting here watching them in their evening routines. Some girls are on facebook, some are resting on the sofas, and some are busily studying for midterms this week. These girls are becoming precious to me and Nolan, and we look foward to our Monday nights here. They are amazing "young women" with so many talents....and more amazing is there love and devotion to God. I am always learning so much from them!

Fröhliches Weihnachten!

December 7, 2007

Yesterday was the beginning of the Christmas festivities in Germany. Every Thursday, Kandern, our little town, sets up a Christmas Market. Last night Nolan's elementary choir sang at the market. Also, an ensemble from the high school choir sang a few songs. After the performances, we just walked around and had Kinderpunsch and enjoyed the bonfires. Another culture experience in Germany! And it was so neat that Nolan's elementary choir got to sing and be a part of the festivities.

High School Memories

Nolan and I had a great weekend of fellowship and rest. But I think the funniest thing was getting a message from an old friend from high school on facebook. If you haven't joined facebook, you need to! It is a great way to connect with old and new friends.

Here is the picture of me in high school. How did I function with all that hair! This was a mission trip to California with FBC DeRidder youth group in 1991. It is amazing how God truly works in our lives. God was preparing me then, in high school, for this moment in my life. At the time, I would have never thought full time missions; however, God was placing the passion and desire and preparing me for the future.