I realize that I have been remiss in my blogging these past few weeks and so I think it’s time to fill you in on what has been going on here in Germany. Probably the first thing I should mention is that the Tim, little boy I take care of, finally has a full time aid at school again!! We all are very excited about this and so far he has done a wonderful job back at school. Tonight we celebrated having two weeks with no red cards!! I think that between the new aid and my host mom, Anja, being on maternity leave now, the stress that has been present for the past few months is going down. I think everyone is relieved that things are finally reaching a “normal” status again. I guess that will be changing soon though because there will be a new baby in the family within the next month!!
This past week has been good overall. I have been busy with my regular activities, attending to Tim, and I have also started to study U.S. history for an exam I am hoping to take soon. I have been shifting around my schedule some to figure out where to place all my activities in my free time, but I think it has been a good thing. There was also a misunderstanding between Anja and myself this week that added some drama to our lives. Thankfully it was all worked out and everything is back to normal I have to say that it is not always easy living with your employer, and I am sure it is not always easy for the host family to have another person always staying with them. But I think we have been working well for the past, wow, almost five months. Since coming here though, I have realized that living in another family is one of the best ways to really experience a different culture because you are living with people who really understands what it means to be of that nationality. So I have to say this has been one of the coolest experiences of my life and my host family has greatly contributed to it.
This is the news to date. I have learned to take one day at a time, as no day is ever the same, and so far that is working. So, tomorrow I am going to enjoy the Sabbath. I hope you have a wonderful Saturday as well!!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
My Travels, Part 1: Berlin
I realize its been a long time since I posted anything on this blog and I figured it was time I told everyone a little about what I have been doing over the past month. My life with my host family has been going very well, and I am starting to feel more and more comforable with them. My hours have also started to become more predictable, which is very nice. These past three months I have had the opportunity to travel to three different cities outside of my normal reach and that is what I plan to spend my time on in this post. I think I will start with my most recent trip, Berlin.
Last November, when I first arrived in Germany, my host family recommended I buy a round trip train pass that was being sold and I did. I ended up using that ticket to visit Berlin last weekend. I took an ICE train both there and back, which took about 6 hours each way, but I had a wonderful time watching the scenery and relaxing on the train. I stayed with a friend in Berlin, so I can't give any recommendations fora place to stay in Berlin, however I do have some suggestions about where to go and what to do. I arrived in Berlin at around noon and the first place I visited was the Pergamon, which I highly recommend. I really enjoyed walking through the different exhibits, including the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate, and Islamic Art Museum. It took my serveral hours to walk through the entire museum, but I found the guided tour to be well explained and interesting. It's well worth the visit. I spent Monday morning visiting the East Side Gallery which is the longest standing part of the Berlin wall and recharging my camera battery. Then went on the Brewers Berlin Waking Tour. This tour, or one like it, is a must do for Berlin or any other city you visit! www.brewersberlintours.com The tour is a great way to learn about the city, see the sights, and ask any questions you might have. I also went to the Topography of Terror on Monday and that is worth visiting as well. On Tuesday, I walked around Alexanderplatz and then finally made my way back home, exhausted but happy.
Berlin is an amazing city, huge and full of life. The city was so different from the other cities I have visited to this point and I wouldnt have missed. I wish I had been able to spend more time in the city, but I really enjoyed the time I had there.
Last November, when I first arrived in Germany, my host family recommended I buy a round trip train pass that was being sold and I did. I ended up using that ticket to visit Berlin last weekend. I took an ICE train both there and back, which took about 6 hours each way, but I had a wonderful time watching the scenery and relaxing on the train. I stayed with a friend in Berlin, so I can't give any recommendations fora place to stay in Berlin, however I do have some suggestions about where to go and what to do. I arrived in Berlin at around noon and the first place I visited was the Pergamon, which I highly recommend. I really enjoyed walking through the different exhibits, including the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate, and Islamic Art Museum. It took my serveral hours to walk through the entire museum, but I found the guided tour to be well explained and interesting. It's well worth the visit. I spent Monday morning visiting the East Side Gallery which is the longest standing part of the Berlin wall and recharging my camera battery. Then went on the Brewers Berlin Waking Tour. This tour, or one like it, is a must do for Berlin or any other city you visit! www.brewersberlintours.com The tour is a great way to learn about the city, see the sights, and ask any questions you might have. I also went to the Topography of Terror on Monday and that is worth visiting as well. On Tuesday, I walked around Alexanderplatz and then finally made my way back home, exhausted but happy.
Berlin is an amazing city, huge and full of life. The city was so different from the other cities I have visited to this point and I wouldnt have missed. I wish I had been able to spend more time in the city, but I really enjoyed the time I had there.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Barcelona
I am now back from Bacelona. I actually got back last Sunday, but have just been too busy to blog before this. I had such a wonderful time there!! The temperatures were in the 50s F, or around 10-12 C. I left for Spain early Friday morning and flew on German Wings. The flight was great and I actually thought the seats were more comfortable on this flight than on some other, more expensive, airlines I flew with before. I made it to Bacelona around 9 am and then went to the hostel, Somnio. It was very clean and in a perfect location. Very close to the city center so I could stop by my room during the day to grab what I needed, but not too close. Friday I stayed around La Rambla to find my barrings and get a feel for the city vibe. Saturday I spend on a city bus tour, seeing all the sights in the area. I found Parc Guell to be a wonderful little retreat for eating lunch and seeing the city with a view. I did get to see the Sagrada Familia, but only from the outside. The lines where so long, there is free entrance every Saturday in January, and I did not have enough time to wait in line and still see other sights. Sunday I spend down by the beach, soaking up the January sun :P and enjoying the mild buzz of the winter beach. Then late Sunday I flew back into Stuttgart, safe and sound :) The weekend was busy and I was rather tired by the end, but I loved seeing Barcelona.
January!
January 21, 2011
This was not the best week, not bad, but very busy and exhausting. Monday was particularly difficult, as it was the first day we did home work this week in a while and that was not something Tim wanted to do. Monday we had a bit of a battle to determine whether he would listen and do school or not. I guess I "won" because though we had a little struggle on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, it wasnt too bad :)
This week I also had language class twice, so that ate up two of my evenings. However it is also allowing me to get out to the house in a structured setting. Today (Friday) I had off, so I am enjoying a three day weekend :) And there you have it, my life this week.
January 17, 2011
Time to catch everyone up again. Sorry I havent been on to blog lately. Last week was very busy and long, this week will be the same. Let me start with last weekend. On Sat, the 8th, I went to Switzerland for church and met several young people there and sat and chated with one of the guys, named Janic. He is pursuing a degree in law and we talked some about politics :) I havent really been able to talk about politics since coming here, and it was so wonderful to talk with him about something I love. I also met another American family, who, I understand, went to college with my parents. Sunday I spent studying in my room and planning my trips to Munich, Barcelona, and Viena! I cant wait!!!! Last week Tim and I had a lot of fun playing store, coloring, and other games.
This weekend I left for Munich early Sat morning to go to church. On Sunday I met with Brandon, an au pair living in that area, and we visited Dachau and Marienplatz. Dachau was heartbreaking and I found it rather difficult to really understand how people could do such horrible things to others.
Marienplatz was beautiful, I cant even explain the beauty that Munich holds. I am planning to go back and visit again some time soon.
January 8, 2011
Two Months!!!
I have been here for two months to the day!! Is that amazing or what?
January 2, 2011
A Muse...Part 1 & 2
Part One:
I was thinking New Years eve about the first time I stayed up till midnight. I remember watching my favorite movie which was the perfect for New Years eve because it was long and it had horses in it!! :) I think my parents slept till about a 1/2 hour before the New Year and then we all sat around the tv and watch the Space Needle light up with fireworks.
Then I started to think about the 2010 New Year, I drove with my sister over to the house of some good friends, ate great food ;), and just hung out. I think we watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding :P Haha, I remember I got a txt from someone I hardly talked to that really confused me! That was a blast. I cant believe that a year later I'm in Germany and was here to bring in the New Year!!! It's amazing how much things can change in one year.
Part Two:
I know that this time of year everyone is setting new resolutions. I dont know why but I never really got into that. I think it's partly because my Dad taught us from a young age to set goals and then to go for them. So for me, I can set a goal any day of the year and then strive to accomplish it. I keep those writen down for future reference and then check it off when it's accomplished. So I was going through my journal just a minute ago looking at my goals and came accross an entry that was written shortly before I left for Germany about spiritual dreams. I found them really inspiring and thought I would share some with you. They arent mine, they are actually some of the spiritual goals of my church family, but they really made me think. I hope they make you think too :) So here they are! Btw, they arent in any particular order.
I have a dream...
1) that all believers will one day be on the same page.
2) that God will finish the work that He started in us. Psalms 37:4&5
3) that God will put His law into our hearts. Hebrews 10
4) that our leaders will have the fear of God and will die to themselves and live for Him.
5) that society will replace the fear of government with the fear of God.
6) that I will be there to see people accept the love and light that God offers. Rev 21:6, 1 Cor 13:12
7) that God will save us from ourselves.
8) to live with God and have no pain. Rev 21:4
9) to really understand that your sins are forgiven, just before you are called home.
10) that we will remember that we do more with God working through us, than by ourselves.
I found these helpful and a good reminder of what we really look forward to. I know that this year may seem really important right now (it sure seems like that to me), but the really important thing is the goal or dream that we want to accomplish for God! These dont happen in a year, they happen over a lifetime.
I have a dream that one day I will hear God say, "Well done good and faithful servant." Mat 25:21
January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year to everyone back home!!! :D It is 1:30 AM here. Tonight I spent the evening with the Kubessa's. We stayed up till midnight and then went out to the fields in the back to watch the fireworks. Tonight is the only night in Germany were they can legally have fireworks, so the sky was lite up with beautiful fireworks. I think I will miss the 4th!
I hope that you having a wonderful end of the year and a great start to the new one!!
This was not the best week, not bad, but very busy and exhausting. Monday was particularly difficult, as it was the first day we did home work this week in a while and that was not something Tim wanted to do. Monday we had a bit of a battle to determine whether he would listen and do school or not. I guess I "won" because though we had a little struggle on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, it wasnt too bad :)
This week I also had language class twice, so that ate up two of my evenings. However it is also allowing me to get out to the house in a structured setting. Today (Friday) I had off, so I am enjoying a three day weekend :) And there you have it, my life this week.
January 17, 2011
Time to catch everyone up again. Sorry I havent been on to blog lately. Last week was very busy and long, this week will be the same. Let me start with last weekend. On Sat, the 8th, I went to Switzerland for church and met several young people there and sat and chated with one of the guys, named Janic. He is pursuing a degree in law and we talked some about politics :) I havent really been able to talk about politics since coming here, and it was so wonderful to talk with him about something I love. I also met another American family, who, I understand, went to college with my parents. Sunday I spent studying in my room and planning my trips to Munich, Barcelona, and Viena! I cant wait!!!! Last week Tim and I had a lot of fun playing store, coloring, and other games.
This weekend I left for Munich early Sat morning to go to church. On Sunday I met with Brandon, an au pair living in that area, and we visited Dachau and Marienplatz. Dachau was heartbreaking and I found it rather difficult to really understand how people could do such horrible things to others.
Marienplatz was beautiful, I cant even explain the beauty that Munich holds. I am planning to go back and visit again some time soon.
January 8, 2011
Two Months!!!
I have been here for two months to the day!! Is that amazing or what?
January 2, 2011
A Muse...Part 1 & 2
Part One:
I was thinking New Years eve about the first time I stayed up till midnight. I remember watching my favorite movie which was the perfect for New Years eve because it was long and it had horses in it!! :) I think my parents slept till about a 1/2 hour before the New Year and then we all sat around the tv and watch the Space Needle light up with fireworks.
Then I started to think about the 2010 New Year, I drove with my sister over to the house of some good friends, ate great food ;), and just hung out. I think we watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding :P Haha, I remember I got a txt from someone I hardly talked to that really confused me! That was a blast. I cant believe that a year later I'm in Germany and was here to bring in the New Year!!! It's amazing how much things can change in one year.
Part Two:
I know that this time of year everyone is setting new resolutions. I dont know why but I never really got into that. I think it's partly because my Dad taught us from a young age to set goals and then to go for them. So for me, I can set a goal any day of the year and then strive to accomplish it. I keep those writen down for future reference and then check it off when it's accomplished. So I was going through my journal just a minute ago looking at my goals and came accross an entry that was written shortly before I left for Germany about spiritual dreams. I found them really inspiring and thought I would share some with you. They arent mine, they are actually some of the spiritual goals of my church family, but they really made me think. I hope they make you think too :) So here they are! Btw, they arent in any particular order.
I have a dream...
1) that all believers will one day be on the same page.
2) that God will finish the work that He started in us. Psalms 37:4&5
3) that God will put His law into our hearts. Hebrews 10
4) that our leaders will have the fear of God and will die to themselves and live for Him.
5) that society will replace the fear of government with the fear of God.
6) that I will be there to see people accept the love and light that God offers. Rev 21:6, 1 Cor 13:12
7) that God will save us from ourselves.
8) to live with God and have no pain. Rev 21:4
9) to really understand that your sins are forgiven, just before you are called home.
10) that we will remember that we do more with God working through us, than by ourselves.
I found these helpful and a good reminder of what we really look forward to. I know that this year may seem really important right now (it sure seems like that to me), but the really important thing is the goal or dream that we want to accomplish for God! These dont happen in a year, they happen over a lifetime.
I have a dream that one day I will hear God say, "Well done good and faithful servant." Mat 25:21
January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year to everyone back home!!! :D It is 1:30 AM here. Tonight I spent the evening with the Kubessa's. We stayed up till midnight and then went out to the fields in the back to watch the fireworks. Tonight is the only night in Germany were they can legally have fireworks, so the sky was lite up with beautiful fireworks. I think I will miss the 4th!
I hope that you having a wonderful end of the year and a great start to the new one!!
December!
December 24, 2010
This was Tim's last week of school :) So now we just spend the days hanging out, having fun, and relaxing. Today is Christmas Eve back home for many people, but in Germany they give the presents to the children on the night of the 24th. So the tree is up and the presents will be under it (from "Santa") later today. For the past week we have had very nice, warmer, weather. Now it is snowing again and the Kubess's are thinking this weekend might not be one to visit family and friends unless the conditions improve. So far it is only small flakes, but I can see them beginning to gather on the roofs of the houses near by already. I feel sorry for the poor mail-men, even in the snow they ride their bikes to deliver the mail! Not today of course, but any other day they would.
Everything else seems to be normal. Though I have been able to sleep in till 8 for the past three mornings :D
One thing that I must tell you is that I will be flying to Barcelona!!!! I am SO excited!! I also have a friend from the America who I am planning a trip with as well!! I'm looking forward to these adventures :)
December 15, 2010
Saturday and Sunday
I really thank God that I found the Seventh Day Church. It has been such a wonderful place to meet like minded people and they really make me think about things in a different way. The first week I went the pastor talked about what a covenant is. He explained a covenant more as an agreement. So the Covenant is not what God told the people of Israel to do (i.e. the Ten Commandments), but rather that the two parties agreed to work together. The Ten Commandments were part of what Israel agreed to keep under the Covenant. Then he made an interesting link to the bible that in when the covenant is refered to as old and broken God was saying that the Ten Commandments were not done away with, but rather that the agreement that Israel would keep God's ways (and God would do His part in return) had been broken. Now He sent His Son to establish a new Covenant (or agreement) with God's people. So the law was the same, but the Covenant had to be reinstated. Then last week, the pastor made a good reminder of why we keep the Sabbath and how important it is. So the messages have been stimulating and the fellowship sweet. Thank you God!
On Sunday I left the house at 8ish to pick up one of the other au pairs in the area so we could go to the Black Forest together. I drove for about an hour and finally pick him up. We then went to Baden-Baden first and just walked around. We found one of the closed castles (that is actually privately owned) and so just wandered around some of the garden that are open to the public. I had just watched Pride and Prejudice again and could see Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth walking up and down the path. I love that book/movie!! It was very beautiful and gave way to a great view of the city. We then left for Weisenbach. It looks like a 1/2 hr drive or more on the map, but took us 15 mins :) (Dont worry, I went under, not over the speed limit!) We stopped to look around and went to one of the bakeries and then kept moving on. Our next stop was Bad Wildbad which is a cozy little town. Sleepy this time of year, at least on Sunday (when everything is closed). We stopped to get some late lunch and found a cute little place were we ended up being the only ones eating in a big banquet hall. We sat next to a window that afforded a cool view and next to a heater so it was warm. I ate German mac and cheese, which was delicious!
Then we moved on to Calw and walked around just a little. As we were heading back we (that is I) saw a beautiful church in a little town that we had not planned to stop at and was like, "Hey, lets take a look". So we did. In that church there was a symphony playing some absolutely beautiful music! And even though we couldnt get in because all the seats were full we stood out side and listened for a good 1/2 hour or so. Finally we got back to Stuttgart were we visited the Christmas market there quick. I finally got home about 9 PM. But that was a wonderful day. The forest was SO beautiful. It had just been dusted with snow and though not as dark as some of the forests in WA state (just because there arent as many evergreens) it was beautiful. Haha, I would totally believe a story about a dragon coming out of the forest to attack these cute little towns and there people. I could also see little red riding hood going to her grandmothers house and being eaten by a big bad wolf.
If you are in the state of Baden-Wurttemburg and have a chance to drive through the Black Forest, do it!! It is breathetakingly beautiful.
December 11, 2010
The only piece of news that I thought I would report is that I will be driving on my own for the very first time today! I am going to church and tomorrow will be going to the Black forest with a couple of friends if everthing works out. It is always kind of scary to drive on your own in a new environment and this is no exception.
This was Tim's last week of school :) So now we just spend the days hanging out, having fun, and relaxing. Today is Christmas Eve back home for many people, but in Germany they give the presents to the children on the night of the 24th. So the tree is up and the presents will be under it (from "Santa") later today. For the past week we have had very nice, warmer, weather. Now it is snowing again and the Kubess's are thinking this weekend might not be one to visit family and friends unless the conditions improve. So far it is only small flakes, but I can see them beginning to gather on the roofs of the houses near by already. I feel sorry for the poor mail-men, even in the snow they ride their bikes to deliver the mail! Not today of course, but any other day they would.
Everything else seems to be normal. Though I have been able to sleep in till 8 for the past three mornings :D
One thing that I must tell you is that I will be flying to Barcelona!!!! I am SO excited!! I also have a friend from the America who I am planning a trip with as well!! I'm looking forward to these adventures :)
December 15, 2010
Saturday and Sunday
I really thank God that I found the Seventh Day Church. It has been such a wonderful place to meet like minded people and they really make me think about things in a different way. The first week I went the pastor talked about what a covenant is. He explained a covenant more as an agreement. So the Covenant is not what God told the people of Israel to do (i.e. the Ten Commandments), but rather that the two parties agreed to work together. The Ten Commandments were part of what Israel agreed to keep under the Covenant. Then he made an interesting link to the bible that in when the covenant is refered to as old and broken God was saying that the Ten Commandments were not done away with, but rather that the agreement that Israel would keep God's ways (and God would do His part in return) had been broken. Now He sent His Son to establish a new Covenant (or agreement) with God's people. So the law was the same, but the Covenant had to be reinstated. Then last week, the pastor made a good reminder of why we keep the Sabbath and how important it is. So the messages have been stimulating and the fellowship sweet. Thank you God!
On Sunday I left the house at 8ish to pick up one of the other au pairs in the area so we could go to the Black Forest together. I drove for about an hour and finally pick him up. We then went to Baden-Baden first and just walked around. We found one of the closed castles (that is actually privately owned) and so just wandered around some of the garden that are open to the public. I had just watched Pride and Prejudice again and could see Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth walking up and down the path. I love that book/movie!! It was very beautiful and gave way to a great view of the city. We then left for Weisenbach. It looks like a 1/2 hr drive or more on the map, but took us 15 mins :) (Dont worry, I went under, not over the speed limit!) We stopped to look around and went to one of the bakeries and then kept moving on. Our next stop was Bad Wildbad which is a cozy little town. Sleepy this time of year, at least on Sunday (when everything is closed). We stopped to get some late lunch and found a cute little place were we ended up being the only ones eating in a big banquet hall. We sat next to a window that afforded a cool view and next to a heater so it was warm. I ate German mac and cheese, which was delicious!
Then we moved on to Calw and walked around just a little. As we were heading back we (that is I) saw a beautiful church in a little town that we had not planned to stop at and was like, "Hey, lets take a look". So we did. In that church there was a symphony playing some absolutely beautiful music! And even though we couldnt get in because all the seats were full we stood out side and listened for a good 1/2 hour or so. Finally we got back to Stuttgart were we visited the Christmas market there quick. I finally got home about 9 PM. But that was a wonderful day. The forest was SO beautiful. It had just been dusted with snow and though not as dark as some of the forests in WA state (just because there arent as many evergreens) it was beautiful. Haha, I would totally believe a story about a dragon coming out of the forest to attack these cute little towns and there people. I could also see little red riding hood going to her grandmothers house and being eaten by a big bad wolf.
If you are in the state of Baden-Wurttemburg and have a chance to drive through the Black Forest, do it!! It is breathetakingly beautiful.
December 11, 2010
The only piece of news that I thought I would report is that I will be driving on my own for the very first time today! I am going to church and tomorrow will be going to the Black forest with a couple of friends if everthing works out. It is always kind of scary to drive on your own in a new environment and this is no exception.
Thanksgiving and more...
Nov. 26, 2010
Before Thanksgiving
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Yesterday was very nice. The day was typical, but in the evening my host family and I met with Yvonne, the local agency contact here in Stuttgart. It was a very nice evening. I was able to talk to her some about the differences of this country. She was also an au pair as a young adult, so she understands what I am going through. I told her that the most difficult thing in Germany, and even in this family some times, is how blunt Germans can be. They dont sugar coat anything!! Haha, my host mom, Anja, said that there is a Bulvarian expression that if a German is not yelling at you then that is praise enough. Yvonne was saying that she had an American instructor come in to do some teaching at her work and after everything had been done all of the Germans said that the instructor had done ok. The poor person was like, "what did I do wrong???". Yvonne explained that to Germans saying it was "ok" is like giving it an A to A+, were as saying you dont like it would be a B. So I am learning that communication is very different here, and I am trying to adapt as much as possible.
Tim, the little boy, is so much fun to be around. I am pleased to see how dedicated and loving his parents are to him and how really well they have trained him.
We finally got our first snow!!!! About one - two inches, so everything looks like winter wonderland which makes me happy :) And we will be having a Thanksgiving dinner Saturday evening, so again, I am happy :)
December 6, 2010
Since Thanksgiving
I decided it was time to catch you all up on what has been going on. Since Thanksgiving we have had snow on the ground. It is very beautiful, but I am having to learn how to dress warmly while still retaining some "style". The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had a Thanksgiving dinner which was yummy!! That Monday I had my first language class. It was rather difficult, but I think I grasped the concept. It has been nice to meet the people in the class as well. I am really finding that I need social interation outside of my host family. Theweek went by smoothly, and on Friday we left for Aachen which is near the Belguim and Netherlands boarder. In fact, I was in the Netherlands for about 5 minutes this weekend :D
Before Thanksgiving
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Yesterday was very nice. The day was typical, but in the evening my host family and I met with Yvonne, the local agency contact here in Stuttgart. It was a very nice evening. I was able to talk to her some about the differences of this country. She was also an au pair as a young adult, so she understands what I am going through. I told her that the most difficult thing in Germany, and even in this family some times, is how blunt Germans can be. They dont sugar coat anything!! Haha, my host mom, Anja, said that there is a Bulvarian expression that if a German is not yelling at you then that is praise enough. Yvonne was saying that she had an American instructor come in to do some teaching at her work and after everything had been done all of the Germans said that the instructor had done ok. The poor person was like, "what did I do wrong???". Yvonne explained that to Germans saying it was "ok" is like giving it an A to A+, were as saying you dont like it would be a B. So I am learning that communication is very different here, and I am trying to adapt as much as possible.
Tim, the little boy, is so much fun to be around. I am pleased to see how dedicated and loving his parents are to him and how really well they have trained him.
We finally got our first snow!!!! About one - two inches, so everything looks like winter wonderland which makes me happy :) And we will be having a Thanksgiving dinner Saturday evening, so again, I am happy :)
December 6, 2010
Since Thanksgiving
I decided it was time to catch you all up on what has been going on. Since Thanksgiving we have had snow on the ground. It is very beautiful, but I am having to learn how to dress warmly while still retaining some "style". The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had a Thanksgiving dinner which was yummy!! That Monday I had my first language class. It was rather difficult, but I think I grasped the concept. It has been nice to meet the people in the class as well. I am really finding that I need social interation outside of my host family. Theweek went by smoothly, and on Friday we left for Aachen which is near the Belguim and Netherlands boarder. In fact, I was in the Netherlands for about 5 minutes this weekend :D
Nov. 22, 2010: Unlike in the USA
I miss Root beer!!! They dont have any and think I am weird for liking it.
Dr. Pepper, same as above! These crazy people ;)
I cant get regular water at any place besides my house or in the store.
There is no right turns on a red light here, and whoever is to your right at an intersection, without signs, has the "right of way" even if you stoped first. Thankfully they are not so backwards that they drive on the left side of the road :)
The tip you would normally pay after eating out is already put into the price of the food, so you dont need to tip and if you do it is 5-10% max.
The price at stores is the real price, no extra taxes are added during check-out (they are in the cost already), so you know for sure what you are paying.
For other differences, check out nothingforungood.com
I have learned that Germany is a very vibrant place. It is advanced in technologies and ideas. I new this, but being here has really allowed me to see that Germany is really not just the "old country". Ah, I am learning so much!!
Dr. Pepper, same as above! These crazy people ;)
I cant get regular water at any place besides my house or in the store.
There is no right turns on a red light here, and whoever is to your right at an intersection, without signs, has the "right of way" even if you stoped first. Thankfully they are not so backwards that they drive on the left side of the road :)
The tip you would normally pay after eating out is already put into the price of the food, so you dont need to tip and if you do it is 5-10% max.
The price at stores is the real price, no extra taxes are added during check-out (they are in the cost already), so you know for sure what you are paying.
For other differences, check out nothingforungood.com
I have learned that Germany is a very vibrant place. It is advanced in technologies and ideas. I new this, but being here has really allowed me to see that Germany is really not just the "old country". Ah, I am learning so much!!
Nov. 21, 2010: Sunday
Wow, I had such an amazing weekend. I mean like really fantastic!! So as you already know Saturday was wonderful, and Sunday turned out to be everything I hoped for. I met with the other au pair in the area that is going though the same agency. We met at around 9 am and just walked around Stuttgart talking till 5 pm. It was so wonderful to talk to him. He is from South Africa, which is cool to begin with, and has been here for 2 months. I was so happy to talk to another person, besides my host family, in English.
Nov. 20, 2010: Week Two
It is a very cold, but beautiful day :) Last night was a bit difficult. I was feeling rather emotional and definitely missing my family, but I think that good came out of it. As I was thinking about family and friends (all of you), I realized that God is here. And that in missing all of you, and in the business of the past two plus weeks, I had forgotten to really focus on Him and His love and commands. So I spent some of last night and then this morning thinking about that and how I can change my habits to really bring my days into focus. But it didn't end there. Earlier this week I had called United Church of God to ask about there church in Stuttgart. The lady I talked to said that they meet every three weeks, so I was kind of sad about not going to church this week. I had looked at a few other groups that met at around 6 PM, but that is after Sabbath and I would always rather fellowship with believers during the Sabbath. So just last night I found a Seventh-day Adventist group the meets every week in Stuttgart. So I went there today and I really appreciated how warm and welcoming they were. But getting back to today, the interesting part was that the pastor talked about what a covenant is. I thought it was such a good reminder of what I had been thinking this morning. I had such a nice time there and during the return trip I was able to talk with some of the people at the church. So overall it has been a wonderful day.
In case you are wondering about the rest of my week, it was fairly nice. Monday thru Wednesday went well, but I got sick on Thursday, which was kind of sad. This week I have been trying to find a local German school where I can learn the language. And it is my prayer that I am able to find some good friends (not to replace all of my friends at home of course). I miss having people that I can see and talk to. It feels like forever since I saw familiar faces. :) I guess I really do miss all of you.
In case you are wondering about the rest of my week, it was fairly nice. Monday thru Wednesday went well, but I got sick on Thursday, which was kind of sad. This week I have been trying to find a local German school where I can learn the language. And it is my prayer that I am able to find some good friends (not to replace all of my friends at home of course). I miss having people that I can see and talk to. It feels like forever since I saw familiar faces. :) I guess I really do miss all of you.
Nov. 17, 2010: Remember
I have been trying so many new foods and learning so much about the Germans and the German culture. But in learning about Germany, I have been reminded exactly why I love America so much and why I feel so blessed to call the US my home. We, American's, are truely blessed with the heritage we have been given.
Nov. 16, 2010: Another Day
Another day is almost done. It has gone from being beautiful and sunny last week to very rainy and cold. But it is still very exciting to be here. Today's homework with Tim went well, which I was so thankful for. Yesterday was a struggle. And I was able to get a nice amount of college studies in myself today. I am looking at the different language classes, as well as trying to finish the au pair application with the German government. Prayers that everything goes well would be appreciated! I might be meeting another au pair this weekend, so that is kind of exciting. And I am hoping to go to United Church of God this Sabbath.
Nov. 14, 2010: My First Week
My first week went well. I had a time or two where I really missed everyone back home, especially my family. Otherwise, everything has been really good. I feel like I am being fed so much information and I am having a hard time keeping it all straight. But I will be fine, it will just take some time to get used to my new surrounding. Even though there are a lot of similarities, there are a lot of differences as well. The one that has had the most impact to date is the carbonated water. I keep forgetting that all water is carbonated at any place besides the house. Haha, oh well. Today my German family (Daniel the dad, Anja the mom, and Tim their son) took me into Stuttgart, which is about a half hour away. We walked around the two castles in the city and they showed me the train station and where to find some of the best shops. We then went to a castle called Solitude that was built just so the king could entertain! It was so beautiful there and had a great view of the Stuttgart area. Overall, it was a great day. Ok, so it is late and I should go. Pictures to come soon!
Welcome!
Hello and Welcome!
I am currently an au pair in the southern part of Germany, namely in Stuttgart. I have been here for three months and plan to stay for another nine. My job is to take care of the little boy of the family I am working for, and I love it, most of the time :P I also love the opportunities that living in Germany for a year affords me.
I am currently an au pair in the southern part of Germany, namely in Stuttgart. I have been here for three months and plan to stay for another nine. My job is to take care of the little boy of the family I am working for, and I love it, most of the time :P I also love the opportunities that living in Germany for a year affords me.
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