Strange hours

Since we over here are from the USA, we need and want to connect back to the states every once in a while. This can lead to some strange hours. This was brought on by my fellow RA staying up to watch a baseball game of his Red Sox that started at 2am. Another RA I know calls her family in Alaska at 5am.

Last year we watched the Super Bowl which wasn't over until 5am. We frequently will call people back in the states between the hours of 11pm and 1am. This is when they start to get back from work.

Strange hours are held by us who long to connect with our other part of our life.

New in Life

Hello from cold Sonne,
It is snowing today. Nothing major, just flurries. The first of the year. The guys are really excited about that. It has been pretty cold for going on a week and finally the flurries broke through. It has been a busy week with things happening everywhere. We got to go see the US men's national team play Switzerland in soccer. That was very enjoyable and hopefully I will put some good photos up soon. We took a van of guys up to Freiburg yesterday to walk around and do some shopping.

Things are going well and I am tired. That is just part of things here though. I pray that all of you are doing well.

October in Germany

Es ist Oktober hier in Deutschland.

After September was in the 50s most of the month, for the first week of October we are in the 70s at least. It has been a nice change. Today the seniors leave for Rome. They spend a week traveling with stops in Venice, Florence and a couple days stay in Rome. Most of them have been looking forward to this trip their whole BFA life.

The juniors are gone to Normandy this weekend. They will stop in Paris on Friday and then be in Normandy on Saturday. They will be exhausted when they get back, but will have a great time.

That is the latest here.

What's happened

It has been busy. Sports are in full swing with tennis, volleyball and girls volleyball. We have 2 in tennis, 6 in guys vball and 1 in girls vball (dorm parent's daughter).

I was creeked a couple of weeks ago for my birthday, but I don't have any pictures yet. I'll get them at some point. A two friday nights ago was the fall party. The theme was movies and tv shows. I joined 5 other RAs to go as the Gilligan's Island crew. I was the skipper. Here is a pic.


Last week was Spiritual Emphasis Week. The topic was 2 Peter and talking about being fully equipped in God. The week ended on Friday with a very powerful service where many people took some big steps in moving towards God. It was nice to see the students make some important commitments.

Hard things

Many great things are happening from being over here. Some really hard things happen too. Today is the wedding of one of my best friends. I can't be there because I am here in Germany. It really stinks and I wish that I could be there.

It hurts that I can't be there.

I just have to trust. Sometimes, even the good things in life throw you nasty curveballs.

A Week In.

Here I am, a week after the students have arrived. We got 11 new students and most everyone seems to be integrating quite well. Our last guy arrived at 11.30 on Monday night. It was good to see everybody. Many happy reunions from all of us which haven't seen each other all summer. It was a busy weekend here at Sonne. Friday night the school had a big party called Chillin' and Grillin'. A chance for food and fun and everyone to meet new people. The RAs here at BFA did a fashion show on the different things that we as RAs do. Sonne was the sports dorm. I portrayed soccer, basketball, golf and fishing. It was quite fun. We all did Zoolander's Blue Steel to end the skit.

Saturday we took the guys to a big shopping area called Carrefour. They got all kinds of school supplies. Saturday night we played a bunch of soccer and then had a fire in our fire pit. The Blauen girls from across the street came over and we all had a wonderful time. Yesterday we played floor soccer. In Sonne we have three floors which have the same number of people. This year second floor won. Then we had a water balloon fight. All in all it was a crazy weekend and I am glad to have this be my first day off.

Coming Attractions

It is sunny today. I haven't seen the sun since Saturday so that is nice. We are getting the dorm ready for people to arrive. Starting Sunday 27 guys will unload their stuff at Sonne. It will be great to see old faces and to enjoy the year with them while having some history. The new faces will also be exciting because they will find out how wonderful it is to be a part of the Sonnenhof dorm.

Please pray that everyone arrives safely. Thanks.

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.