Well, yesterday my oldest child celebrated her 9th birthday here in Germany. Wow. Not only is it amazing that I have a 9 year old, but that we are celebrating it in GERMANY of all places! What a story she will have for her own children one day. We took her and 6 of her friends to an indoor play-place here in Lörrach, where they played and played for several hours. Then one of her friends came home to spend the night with her. This little girl is special because she speaks both English and German fluently- her Mom is American and her Dad is German. I told LK that it was cool that she and her friend could speak in both languages, she said "No Way Mom! We speak only English and it is SUCH a relief!!" Sometimes I forget that learning the language is not only hard for us big people, but for these little ones, too.
We were also able to skype with the Sunday School Class at FBC Union City today so they could sing Happy Birthday to her. That was so sweet. At first she was very emotional and wasn't sure if she could talk to them without getting upset, but she loosened up and was able to chat for several minutes with some old friends. It made her day! (Thanks, Chapy and Carol for getting that all set up.)
I am so blessed to have such a beautiful daughter. She is always so protective of her siblings and looking out for their safety and welfare. She has literally "saved" them from various predicaments!! She is doing so well at this present "life-change" and even though she would go "home" tomorrow, she is making great friends, learning the language so well, and striving to be the best at where God has her now. And, although her current title at home is "Drama Queen", I don't think I would want her any other way. Love you LK, and look forward to many more years watching you grow into a lovely young lady.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
What I Miss (and Don't Miss!)
I have seen before where other m's (and people living overseas) post what they miss about being out of the States, and what they don't miss. Essentially, what we love about living life abroad and what we don't love! So, I have decided it's time for me to do an "initial" list. That way, in 3-4 years, I can look back and see if I really do miss these things or if I have learned to fully adapt to my new culture. So, without further ado:
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN GERMANY(therefore don't miss from "the other side"):
--Eating healthier! We eat more fruits/vegetables and less fast food than when in the U.S.
--The Yogurt! They have every kind/flavor you can imagine. (Some being quite gross, actually, but they are all healthier here.)
--More family time together. We are not near as "busy" as we used to be. I love that we are home together every night!
--Learning a new language. Is it hard? YES. Do I get frustrated? YES. But, hey, call me a nerd, but I love learning!
--Learning a new way to "do" church. This will be a post all in itself at a later time :)
THINGS I DON"T LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN GERMANY( henceforth, I miss from "the other side"):
--My washer and dryer :( Laundry here takes about 2-3 days rather than 1-2 hours like it does in America.
--Playing the piano at church. However, I did get a nice keyboard for my birthday and am so excited that I get to play again!
--Even though we do spend a lot of time at home now, I do miss some of the restaurants that I love (Outback, Mexican!!!, "my" Chinese :))
--The convenience in the States. Everything here is, well, difficult. Enough said.
--Of course, the only "real" thing I miss is my Family and Friends. Our friends, who are m's on even ANOTHER side of the world :) said it best and I hope they don't mind, but I am sharing their hearts with you today. Because their words express so well how we feel everyday-- "....We are so thankful for each of you and are glad we have people like you to miss…this kind of sadness comes from a happiness found in knowing you all! So, we miss you…we are thankful for you…we are where we need to be! Somehow that all fits together and makes the tears of a 5-year-old worth it in the long run…For his glory…together."
With all that said, and I am sure I will say this a hundred more times while we are here-- We are where we are supposed to be for this season of life and regardless of how "hard" it may be at times, I wouldn't have it any other way.
P.S. Thanks "twins" for letting me "steal" your words!! Love ya!
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN GERMANY(therefore don't miss from "the other side"):
--Eating healthier! We eat more fruits/vegetables and less fast food than when in the U.S.
--The Yogurt! They have every kind/flavor you can imagine. (Some being quite gross, actually, but they are all healthier here.)
--More family time together. We are not near as "busy" as we used to be. I love that we are home together every night!
--Learning a new language. Is it hard? YES. Do I get frustrated? YES. But, hey, call me a nerd, but I love learning!
--Learning a new way to "do" church. This will be a post all in itself at a later time :)
THINGS I DON"T LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN GERMANY( henceforth, I miss from "the other side"):
--My washer and dryer :( Laundry here takes about 2-3 days rather than 1-2 hours like it does in America.
--Playing the piano at church. However, I did get a nice keyboard for my birthday and am so excited that I get to play again!
--Even though we do spend a lot of time at home now, I do miss some of the restaurants that I love (Outback, Mexican!!!, "my" Chinese :))
--The convenience in the States. Everything here is, well, difficult. Enough said.
--Of course, the only "real" thing I miss is my Family and Friends. Our friends, who are m's on even ANOTHER side of the world :) said it best and I hope they don't mind, but I am sharing their hearts with you today. Because their words express so well how we feel everyday-- "....We are so thankful for each of you and are glad we have people like you to miss…this kind of sadness comes from a happiness found in knowing you all! So, we miss you…we are thankful for you…we are where we need to be! Somehow that all fits together and makes the tears of a 5-year-old worth it in the long run…For his glory…together."
With all that said, and I am sure I will say this a hundred more times while we are here-- We are where we are supposed to be for this season of life and regardless of how "hard" it may be at times, I wouldn't have it any other way.
P.S. Thanks "twins" for letting me "steal" your words!! Love ya!
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