These First Days......

We successfully completed our first week of "kindergarten" here in Germany. The kids really enjoy it, and they are learning more and more German every day. We only had one "problem" at school- Leonard wouldn't eat for the first couple of days. (I don't really consider that a "problem", but evidently the teachers did!) I tried to explain to them that he wasn't quite the most "daring" child when it comes to new foods, but they seemed to think that he should at least try everything. But by Friday, he was eating what ever they put in front of him. I think he even ate 2 bowls of kartoffeln (potato) soup!
LK finished one of the two weeks she will spend in the language camp. She enjoyed it because she met new people and went swimming, but I am not convinced they are "learning" like I thought they would have. But, she is hearing only german from the teachers and other kids, so I am sure she is learning more than I ever would! And, she is going to go to tutoring with us in a couple of weeks, so I know she will be good and ready for 2nd grade this fall.
This weekend we spent Saturday at a couple of the town festivals, or "vegetables" (that is what Abigail called them!) and then Sunday we had church here at home and went to the VogelPark- which means bird park. We did get to feed some birds and monkeys from our hands, so that was pretty cool!
I know that I asked for prayer for our first major Test that is coming up, but I wanted you all to know that they pushed it back a week. So it will now be on the 18/21 of September. Well, that about wraps up our week here. As always, thanks for all the prayers and much love to you all!

Lazy Sundays

I love Sunday afternoons. Actually, I love Sundays all together. I always have, even as a child. Going to church, hearing wonderful music (even if it is in German :), lunch with family and friends, and then naptime! Evidently, here in Germany Sundays are "family" days and usually make for quiet days in our neighborhood. ALL shops are closed-grocery, clothing, some of the restaurants- only gas stations and a few places to eat are open on Sundays. There aren't many people out driving around either. Since only a minority go to church, they tend to stay in and visit with each other. So, I love Sundays. I hope you are enjoying your Sunday too!
Not much has gone on this past week; we are all anxiously awaiting this next one, though. Abigail and Leonard will start their year of "kindergarten" tomorrow. They both got haircuts and new shoes for the new year. (Haircutting wasn't too bad; she was very sweet and tried to teach us "hair" terms while she cut!) And LK will be attending a language camp for the next two weeks. It is for children ages 8-10 who's second language is German. I am praying she will learn a lot so she will be better prepared for her new school year in September. So be praying for them all as we have a busy, new exciting week ahead.
Also, start praying for Len and me as we approach Sept. 11/14. We will be taking a test over the first (A1) level of learning Deutsch. Our tutor has really picked up the pace this past week as we are getting closer to that point. Although we are doing really well, I know I am beginning to feel overwhelmed with all we have learned. So prayers would be much appreciated! Love to you all!
Amber

41 years......

My parents celebrated 41 years of marriage yesterday. That is just unreal, to know that in today's world, there are still those who love Jesus and each other enough to stay committed to their marriage covenant. They have seen it all- the loss of a child, the loss of parents, kids/grandkids moving to foreign countries, and so much more. I know that we all wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for their dedication to Him and us. So, thanks Mom & Dad, we love you and hope you had a great day!

FINALLY it's happened (to me)

Praise the Lord! We finally have a phone and internet connection in our apartment! It is so nice to be able to sit in the comfort of my own home and type these words to you. Since I haven't been able to share some of the things I have been doing over the past few weeks, here goes a list of some firsts for me:
-I have driven our "stickshift" auto around town now several times! If you know me at all, you know this is a BIG feat!!
-I rode my bike around town also. Another big feat for me, since I am affectionately referred to as "Grace" by my family :)
-I made fried zucchini and cornbread muffins for supper the other night. This is huge, especially here where cornbread is unheard of.
-We went camping at a lake near here, where it actually got cold in the middle of August. What the world??!! Being from Tennessee, I have NEVER been cold in August!!
-I went camping!! :)
-I actually understood some lady at the store the other day when she asked me a question in German! (This has only happened ONCE, let me reassure you.)
These are just a few of the many things we have been doing. The kids are doing just great; even Leonard is practicing his German around town by saying thank you (danke) and your welcome (bitte). Abigail has grown at least two inches since we left- her size 2 jeans are looking like high-water waders these days! But, they do miss you all and have their days when they want to go back "home". Just the other day, our babysitter said she was sending her dog to America, and Leonard asked if he could go with him (the dog)!!
Thanks for all your prayers, comments, emails, and facebook messages. These things help me get through each day! (And if you are reading this and haven't commented yet- shame on you!!) Seriously, looking forward to hearing from you soon-
Amber

STILL NO CONNECTION......

Well, I would love to say that we got our phone/internet connection last Friday, but to no avail, the Germans stood true to their nature and didn't come. So, it looks like it might be a couple of more weeks to go :(.........On another note, we have spent this week in another city here in Germany attending a conference for the entire region of our service. There are about 400 of us gathered here to connect and fellowship, and let me say it is absolutely awesome. We have had two great speakers with us and they have brought the Word like I have never heard it before. I have heard some great testimonies to what God is doing all over Western Europe and I am excited to see what He will do through us while we are here. Thanks to all of you who are praying for us; continue to do so as we leave tomorrow and head back to our city. The kids have really enjoyed seeing friends they had met while in Virginia and being with "english speaking" people, so I know it will be another hard goodbye for them. It seems this life is full of goodbyes, and for a five year old who is struggling to find "his" place in our new city, this is a difficult life to lead at this time! But we all know that God is faithful and His presence is ALWAYS with us, so we will continue to love Him and do His will! Please continue to check in with us, I promise when we get this internet worked out we will update more often! Love to you all!!