Orientation

Well, orientation has been going on for the past two weeks. So far things have gone well as we get ready for the new year. Here at Sonne we got a new RA. Her name is Kristy and it seems like she will be a good fit for the dorm. There has been a lot of time to get to know people and develop those relationships that will take us through the coming year.

We are learning different things and the new approaches to how things can work this year. The Residence life leadership team does a great job of putting sessions together for us which are very useful.

On the fun side, we have spent time in Freiburg, Germany walking around and this last Saturday 8 of us went to the Alps for some hiking. My word is it beautiful. The Gimmelwald/Murren area is amazing. God has a great imagination. So that is what is going on.

Back Again

Well, I am here in Germany again. Not sure what is happening, but many memories from the beginning of last year are coming back. Lots of RAs are here. Many returners and 8 new people. It is interesting to see where the new people will go. I am glad to be back and very thankful for the time that I was able to spend in the states visiting many of you. Thank you for your kindness. Life will be crazy for the next year, but I am excited and am glad to be going.

Back in Germany

Well, after a quick four weeks in the States, I am here in Germany again. When I got back it felt like I hadn't left. Very comfortable. That being said, I know that I left and I am very glad that I did. I got to be around some wonderful people that I know and love. Life wouldn't be as good if I hadn't gotten to see them. These people are dear to me and pour their wonderful lives into mine.

I had a great time in the US and got to do many things that I enjoy and that are harder to do over here. I lost my luggage coming over here, but that was my only hiccup. My luggage showed up the next moring though. So God is good and I have some clothes to change into.

Thank you to all who I met with over the last month. I appreciate your generosity and relationship.

Where do I fit?

I definitely don't feel like I fit here. It is great seeing all kinds of different people. But I don't fit in here. I don't know if people actually understand this experience that I am going through.

I know that I fit with God. That is a comforting thing.

I fly back to Germany in 9 days and start the second year. Yeah.

Things I have done so far

-Gone to see a baseball game.
-Eaten at Fresco Cafe
-Had hoagies and Chic-fil-a
-Seen live jazz
-Given a presentation at a VBS
-Shown tons of pics and talked constantly about Deutschland
-Taught a few people some nice German phrases
-Enjoyed time with lots of people
-Actually updated this blog

I still need to write a letter which will be done in the next week or so.

Things to do in the states

-See live music
-Sleep
-Watch movies
-See family and friends
-Watch baseball
-Go to eaterys that don't exist in Germany
-Enjoy life
-Etc.

I'm still alive

As July has come, a change has come. I have flown back to the states for the month. This allows some wonderful time with the family and hopefully some great time with friends. This past year has been very tiring and the most important thing that I can do over this month is rest. That will prepare me for the coming year and allow me to be ready for the energy of 27 teenage guys.

June brought times of painting and yardwork while working at the school for a couple of weeks after the students left. All projects that need to be done while the kids are gone. These weeks also allowed for some more normal work/free time as the work was done during the day and we could enjoy having free time on evenings and weekends.

Have a wonderful summer and I hope to see many of you who read this over the next month.

The End?

Well, tomorrow is the graduation of all the seniors. School ended yesterday and people are cleaning up and enjoying talking to each other and signing yearbooks. Many good things are happening right now although it is very tiring and emotionally draining. Just a short update, but wanted to give one.

The End Comes...

Well,

The year is winding down. There are only 3.5 weeks of school left. It gets busier and busier. The seniors are slowly starting to get ready to say goodbye. The rest are looking forward to the summer and time away from school. It will be a crazy few weeks but a good few weeks. So many people have done so many great things this year.

The sports teams head to tournament this year. It should be a great time and maybe some winning. As for me, I am sliding into this RA thing and having a blast. It s great to be here and enjoy all that God is allowing me to.

Romania

Recently I had the privilege to spend 9 days in Romania with 11 wonderful high school kids and another wonderful adult. We spent those days in Marga, Romania at a youth center. This youth center is for kids of the village to come to and have a chance to learn about God and also hang out and play ping pong, soccer and other assorted activities. The center is run by a married couple. She grew up in Marga and he has been in Romania for about 12 years. She really has a heart for the kids of her village.

We presented a program which included a Bible lesson, music, games, crafts and a mime. After that was over and dinner we would just hang out with the kids for many hours into the night. These were long days.

We also did some work projects. We helped a family plant their potato field. We got done in 3 hours what would have taken them a couple of days. It wasn't that we were that good, we just had 13 extra people. We also added on to the ministry center's basketball court. Pouring concrete can be fun.

Romania is so poor and it was shocking at times to see how people lived. It does seem to be improving though. That is good. Overall it was a great experience and I was really blessed by it.