Coming Home, Leaving Home

That’s right, my time in foreign lands is coming to an end. (At least, for now ) I’ll be flying into St. Louis on May 3rd, then driving down to Tulsa probably the 5th…wearing a sombrero in celebration of the day.

Luckily, my previous apartment has just become available again, so I won’t be living in my car. Excellent.

Good news/bad news:

(GN) Simon went for his Fiance Visa interview yesterday in Frankfurt and impressed them with his charm and skills. So they’ve approved him and are sending the Visa (hopefully by next week)!!! Hurrayyyy!

(BN) Simon won’t be moving to the States until June, which means one more time of long-distance. Boo. But happily, it’s not very long this time

So exciting. So many changes. To summarize: moving in again, going back to work (hopefully), wedding planning, Simon coming!!!

But…I’m gonna miss being a foreigner. I’ll miss the wonderful people who have helped me, included me, and gotten to know me. I hope I can be as accepting and generous to foreigners as those who I have met on my travels.

Germany, England, Ireland, Tenerife, Czech Republic…My lovely European friends, I hope to see you all again

Refugee in Ireland – review in pictures

I’m stranded on an island. An oceanic protrusion comparable to the state of West Virginia—home to four million humans, a noisy assortment of birds, innumerable pubs, and at least one dead seal. Although it was my choice to come to the Emerald Isle, I was positive at the start of the adventure that my visit was limited to one week.

I arrived as something of a refugee, Germany having determined ninety days as I the limit of my stay, yet being fine with my return after getting a stamp in my passport. So, I decided to visit my friend Rachel who is a barista for a ministry coffee shop in Galway, Ireland.

From Friday to Wednesday we talked, hung out with friends and walked by the bay. Since paying for accommodation wasn’t appealing to me, I stowed away in Rachel’s room without the knowledge of Mike the Manager nor Susan the Owner. This meant clandestine activities, such as leaving the house quietly during the morning meeting and arriving back at the coffee shop after closing time. Rachel’s small rooms were located two stories above the shop, so clever footwork down the stairs was required. I came for long intervals to the shop when my legs ached from exploring the town.

The locals are pleasant people, prone to chattiness, drunkenness, and teasing. God blessed the weather with my arrival, and so far, every day the sun has warmed the cool spring air. Historical and modern life blend together in this port town, known for its partying students. Smoking is as common as breathing here, and with the poor health system, it’s a miracle so many individuals walk around in slim bodies.

A small canal flows slowly by Rachel’s coffee shop. The water is tinted copper, and beneath the white foam bits and cruising ducks rests a variety of beer cans, metal chairs, glass, and sundry other unwanted items. I guess you could say that the river runs with Guinness here, but more from deification and trash than an earth spring.

Thursday, after a successful run for the 6am train from Galway to Dublin, a nap on the train, a bus to the airport, and hurrying through the crowds to get to the RyanAir counter, it dawned on me that something was amiss. I found out that all the flights out of Dublin had been canceled due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Simon, being the resourceful, caring fiance that he is immediately called his family in England to see if they had any connections to someone I could stay with in Dublin. I waited around for the reply, but eventually decided it would be better to invite myself back to Rachel’s.

Sunday shone with another bright Irish sun. However, things were not so optimistic for my travels. The airlines found the situation still too hazardous and delayed flights again til Wednesday. The next time I could find to switch my flight to was Friday. That’s tomorrow.

Meteorologists have predicted a change in the wind current for tomorrow. I just hope that it changes fast enough to blow the plumes back north before my morning flight.

So once again, I’m sitting in my favorite coffee shop, soaking in all the caffeinated goodness possible.

(The pictures are from my trip to Cliffdon in the beautiful Irish countryside, and in Galway.)

8 min down, 2 to go

I’m writing with one eye on the yellow sand slipping through the glass. Ten minutes per batch is what the recipe says. All my chocolate cookies seem to taste the same, even though I keep trying new recipes, odd. These ones include Müsli cereal and raisins.

I’ve stretched the computer cord so I can sit on the balcony in the sun. Well, the sun that was about 15 minutes ago. A milky substance has flowed over the upper heavens, effectively drowning out my bath in Vitamin E. That’s Germany spring for you–beautiful clear days, shifting mid way into clouds and rain.

The pace of life continues in its crazy cycle, like the weather. At times the days are packed with public transportation, people, and talking til my throat hurts. And other days I might not see much more than my roommate, the inside of the house, and the older folks next door who I suspect are Mr. and Mrs. Klaus.

I’ve begun tutoring English with a highschool girl on Monday’s. And I’ve also had recent inspiration to write more, which–who knows–might turn into the greatest novel of all time.

Last Saturday a few “free” churches (not State churches), including the one I attend, met in front of the majestic and beautiful Lorenz Kirche (Church). The young adults performed dramas about Jesus. A Hispanic church played some songs, and other people gave brief testimonies. Some of the Christians stood and watched, clapping and giving encouragement.

I walked around those who paused to watch in case I could hear anyone speaking English. I did talk for a little to a couple of American soldiers and their wives.

When we all arrived at the Lorenz Kirche, the sky was overcast and a light rain made us wonder if we’d be able to have the outreach. However, as we were setting up, the rain stopped, the sun came out briefly and then ducked behind the clouds. It stayed cold, but didn’t rain until we began loading our things back into the van. As soon as everything was put away, it poured. We knew God had held it back for the two hours we were there.

April is almost here. I’ll need to step out of the European Union this next week, since the term of visiting is only allowed for three months. I thought of going to see Switzerland.

I’ve been getting so used to life and the people here, sometimes I forget that I’m in Europe. Odd.

I read this morning in Luke 5, I believe. A verse stood out to me. All these crowds of people were always coming to Jesus and listening to him. He was a popular guy with lots to do. However, it says that he frequently went away by himself and prayed.

To me this means, don’t get so caught up in doing things and “being someone” that you forget time with God. He’s your only source of strength, and without spending time around him and talking with him, you’ll burn out. You will. But, like the spring rain, or the warm chocolate cookie I’m eating, God will give you hope and strength for life.

These Sunny Days

FINALLY the sun has returned to Germany. As my roommate, Maria, put it: the sun was on vacation in the south because it’s warmer there. Life is grand, full of twists and turns, unexpected endings and brilliant beginnings.

Due to the current pleasant weather conditions, the German men have migrated to the outdoors to work on spiffing up their cars. Elderly German women sit on benches. German girls have donned their summer attire which looks strangely like a throwback to the ’80s long shirt and tights. Oh wait, it IS! I gotta buy some tights.

The people of the Cold Country are meticulous. In everything. As I walked to Simon’s house the other day, I noticed several people cleaning their prim gardens of any stray twig. Others were armed with brooms and dustpans, and sweeping their section of sidewalk, being careful to put all the dirt and gravel into their buckets. I wonder where they put all the unwanted things? They’re so clean, where does all the dirt go?

Children play in the fenced-in ball courts. Elderly men ping pong on the public tables. You can even catch a glimmer of joy in the eyes of passersby. Lovely Spring.

Simon and I have started LifeChurch.tv Nuremberg. We’re using the sermons broadcast from LifeChurch, and Simon plays the guitar for worship time. We’ve had a group of about 7 coming. A good start.

Also, we’re working on making some sweet shirts for his clothing brand. Most excellent.

I’m learning a bit more German, but my conversational skills need a wheelchair.

The plan for the next two months: Visit Vienna, expand on all the current projects, pack up Simon’s stuff to bring to America, move/fly the end of April. Oh, and we have officially set our wedding date for September 4th, 2010. Hurray!

…and IT’S MY BIRTHDAY ON SATURDAY!!!

Germany: Where All My Dreams Come True…

Well, sort of. During a brief visit to the Canary Islands, I had an epiphany. At least, I guess that’s what you call it. You see, I was pondering the turquoise liquid rolling in front of me, and suddenly it hit me:

I’m living my childhood dream!

And I had completely forgotten what it was. The truth is, I’ve always wanted to have adventures, to travel to exotic places (or even another State), to smell and taste new cultures, and to learn from newly made friends. And subconsciously, I’ve been doing that. This last year was filled with challenges that blocked me from seeing the landscape of people, adventures, and scenery unfolding before me.

This year’s beginning slides open a glass door to a world I thought I’d never reach: reality. And what a beautiful place. I’m living now in Germany (again) until May. My mission: to learn German, to start an English-speaking church service, and to date Simon. Of course, I’ll be needing to work somewhere in between all that to fund my physical survival.

But the important thing is that I’m here. And I refuse to be impervious to the excitement around me–tall trees and piles of snow, interesting people, new culture/language. Check out what I’ve learned in just the past week:

• Germans love order–they wash and fold their trash.
• Each person is expected keep their section of sidewalk spotless.
• They will, as one mass, begin shifting back and forth in anxiety if the train is two minutes late.
• They enjoy sayings, especially ones that don’t made any sense when translated literally in English.
• There is stinky German cheese, and I have eaten it.
• Tight pants are “in”.
• So are mullets.
• Most Germans can speak casual English, so avoid commenting on the mullet in front of the person.

There you have it. Life is beautiful. Don’t forget those dreams you had as a kid; take a bit of time to let yourself drift back. Then sip a Hefeweizen and plan out how this year will continue your adventure.

My Love Has Flown

With the absence of my manly fiance comes another life adjustment. Back to “normal”. I mean, life’s never normal is it? There are always moments of interest, silly people doing silly things (like that one guy the other night who was dancing in the street in the middle of on-coming traffic), or just moments of peace and relaxation.

My newest change has been re prioritizing. Without my attention locked on Simon, I must get back into the swing of life. I’ve been cleaning my room, working more, setting goals, exercising, and generally enjoying having all the freedoms provided here in the good ole’ USA.

One big step happened yesterday: I mailed our Fiance VISA Application! For those of you who don’t know, if you want to marry a foreigner, you have to fill out a form and go through a 6-8 month process to import your “Alien Fiance”. Well, at least the process has been started. Although because of the time it might take, we may be delaying the wedding by a month. Please be praying that it’ll all go faster!

Take a moment to step back, observe the complete abnormality of your life, and thank God that He’s made you unique and interesting.

;)

I have a shiny new piece of jewelry. It’s on the third finger of my left hand. HURRAY! Simon, my studly boyfriend, proposed on September 18th on the top of Pike’s Peak. He did an amazing job setting the whole thing up. It was a day-adventure, which you can read about on his blog: SimonMacfarlane.com.

Life continues in a crazy pace. Simon’s here for two more weeks. Morgan (my awesome roommate from college) is getting married this weekend in Texas…which means another ROADTRIP! hahaha–we should get a prize for being professional roadtrippers. Or maybe a patch to put on a leather jacket. Or a balloon.

If anyone has any tips for organizing lives, let me know. Oh, and if you have any clever ideas for fun wedding games, send them my way.

What’s Next?

I’ve finally settled into my new home…drumroll…

A senior citizen apartment complex.

This hot Labor Day morning, I observed that the residents enjoy strolling slowly around and around the complex. I’m living in a two-story apartment with three roommates (in their early 20s). They’re great. But unfortunately, the apartment sustains the putrid residue of tobacco. A strange mix of old cigarette smoke and new paint assalts the nostrils upon entering. However, I finally have my own place to spread out my few possessions. What a relief to no longer live out of a suitcase!  (pictures of the apartment to come)

I’m still in search of a job. Boo. I’ve been working half of part-time (ie. 8 hrs/wk) editing and entering data for a local non-profit health clinic. And, wonderfully, there are the faithful mothers who want me to watch over their little ones on occassion. God’s been faithful to provide just enough to pay each bill as it comes, but it’s definitely a test of faith. Oi.

I’ve finally had time to start processing the last 8 months. I need to write some stories down so I don’t forget the daily adventures of life. I would suggest you do the same! Casual days can contain wonderful anecdotes to share, or even just to laugh about to yourself later.

The future? Who knows? I’m wanting to do more editing–book editing or professional editing for businesses. I’m really good, so if you know anyone who needs an editor…   My incredible boyfriend is coming to visit for a few weeks soon, so naturally, the world is brighter and I skip out my door every day. Oh, and I’ll be making a roadtrip to Colorado for a friend’s wedding and then a trip to Texas for, yes, another wedding. I believe that this is–on the Chinese calendar–the Year of the Ring.

Peace be with you. And if you decide to get married this year…I’d love another roadtrip

July/August–Gone in a Flash!

How do I start? Same place as always, I guess…

The end/beginning:

I left Germany on June 30th. Everything went well–I got all my luggage! Hurray! Met my brother in Chicago and stayed with him for a week in the quaint town of Hobart, Indiana. My welcome home present was a perfect, small-town-America, 4th of July Parade. I took way too many pictures.

Next, being the seasoned traveler that I am, I caught the train (Amtrak) to St. Louis, Missouri. First time I’ve used a train in America. Interesting. Different from Europe: darker, dirtier, slower (?). Spent a week with the parents in the Lou. Rocked out to a Styx/REO Speedwagon concert, along with my studly boyfriend, our friend Adam, and 15,000 eager ’80s fans.

Simon and I then advanced to Tulsa, stayed a few days, and passed on to a crazy roadtrip that culminated in a wedding in Florida. Not ours. On the roadtrip, we drove a beautiful, white, 1988 Cadillac DeVille…which, when driven by Simon (with long hair and a beard) was naturally mistaken by the State Troopers as a drug-trafficking vehicle.  But it only took about 15 minutes of questioning us separately for the officer to realize that we are just odd enough to drive that car from Tulsa, OK, to Nashville, TN, to Jackson, MS, to Ocala, FL, for a wedding.

Along the way, we visted friends, took pictures, and talked about life and the open road. We spent the weekend in Florida, doing wedding things, but snuck in a trip to Satellite Beach to play in the ocean and visit more friends.

Simon stayed in Florida and flew back to Germany last Wednesday, and I drove back to Tulsa with three other girls the Monday before. Unfortunately, the State Trooper didn’t approve the speed of my cruise control at 1AM, and lashed me with a disapproving stare and a vicious ticket. Oi.

Last week, I spent in recovery from all the travels–around the world and back to where I never thought I would be–Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yep. Pickup trucks, grits, and churches of every flavor. So now I’m doing all the small things to reset my life here, while looking for a job…got suggestions?? And right now I’m staying with my sister, but looks like I’ll be moving into an apartment with three other girls the end of August.

God is faithful. Never forget that. I’m looking forward to sharing with you next week on how He’s taking care of me.

Basket…Ball

Saturday morning, Simon and I scarfed some breakfast and caught the public transport to church for a basketball tournament. Simon had been fearing a low turn-out, but thankfully, there were four Senior (high school) and two Junior teams. And the Senior teams had some sweet competition. There were about as many helpers as players, but for a first-time event, I think it went pretty well. And I got to snap some excellent action shots

We collapsed in sleeping heaps back at Simon’s house to give our bodies a bit of a rest before the Big Night…

The culmination of all our sweat and sore feet: The Saturday Night Ball. Simon and I dressed to impress and showed off our moves along with our dancing friends at the church. Some parent and friends showed up to give proper appreciation and to join in the fun and food—yumm…

Sunday was an unfortunate event altogether. First, I had been asked to speak for a couple minutes in Simon’s church for missions Sunday–to talk about my time in Africa. However, as of 10pm Saturday night, I hadn’t prepared what I would say. Plus, Simon was teaching a Sunday School class during the service, and pretty much all of the youth were going to a neighboring town to see a famous German speaker. I decided that it wasn’t that big of a deal if I sent my regrets to our church and went with the youth. The Elder who had asked me to speak DID consider it a big deal…and reprimanded Simon for it. The speaker we went to listen to was good, but of course, I was listening through a translator (thanks Lea). And since it was an all-day event, I couldn’t catch a ride home until 2:30pm. More naps required.

Lesson learned: Keep your word, even when it hurts (from the book of Proverbs…and personal experience).

Monday night, we enjoyed the cooking class–eating far too much of the succulent Romanian dishes. But made up for our gluttony by biking there and back. Today, like the past few days, it is raining. (The similarities between Germany and Washington state are startling.)

We may have a few more adventures planned for these last days….such as visiting the famous Neuschwanstein castle. I’ll try to write once again before I leave Europe.

Hope you’re doing well and enjoying more sunshine than I am!