Merry Christmas

Well, a post with pictures and detailed summaries will have to wait awhile until I am back in Karlsruhe with my computer and my camera cord and such, but I want to write you all and tell you how much I truly love and miss you all. I think as far as "Christmas without your family" I may be the luckiest person ever. I am currently staying in a condo in the Black Forest of Germany. Thomas' mother manages vacation condos in the small tourist town of Schluchsee (not to far from Tittisee, which you may have heard of...) and so I have a comfortable bed, kitchen, living room and bathroom here and it is simply wonderful! We have hiked a fair amount and seen the breathtaking beauty of the Schwarzwald - I cannot tell you how happy I am to be in the mountains with snow!

Anyway, all that is to reassure you all that I am safe and warm and happy this Christmas. However, being away from family also provides a unique perspective of just how thankful I am for my family and 23 years of being "home for Christmas". I couldn't ask for a better family or a better support system than the network of people who have raised me into the person I am today. Thank you. I love you all so dearly.

Giving Thanks, International Style

At last - the story of Europahaus Thanksgivng (aka: how Bekah and Amy, with the help of a few others, cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 35-40 people) Months ago Amy, Jonathan and I began discussing Thanksgiving and how much we really wanted to celebrate here properly, not just with Americans, but with the people here who have become our European family. Now, that is pretty enough in a theoretical sense...I mean, Thanksgiving is a holiday about friends and family, generosity and thankfulness. The logistics of such a fest, are something entirely different, however. Luckily Amy and I are quite laid back and "go with the flow" kind of people - open to experimentation and mistakes. We began the night before with baking - pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, cookies, and cake. 10 am on Saturday morning we began the "real deal" cooking - more pumpkin bread, a 5kg turkey, 2 turkey breasts, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Unfortunately, neither of us had ever in our lives cooked a whole turkey ... needless to say, we were a little nervous: 

Clearly, I was a little nervous. To ease the tension, we named the turkey: it was much easier to work with Marv than with a rather intimidating mass of raw flesh and bones. (at least from my perspective) At this point of the day we made the executive decision to serve sloppy joes if the turkey flopped. We also comforted ourselves with the knowledge that most all of the people who celebrated with us  had ever celebrated Thanksgiving and thus had absoultely no idea what everything was supposed to taste like.

Marv nestled in his lovely home...stuffed and laying on a bed of vegetables (aka: just before the point of no return) Note the smiles on our faces: one part hopeful joy, the other part sheer terror! At this point we still had two more turkey breasts to cook (and had no idea how we were going to cook them) We ended up getting a little creative and making an orange-turkey breast and one with lots of vegetables. I would like to say that we pulled off everything flawlessly on our own, but that would be a gross exaggeration: without the help of Cindy (of course - her middle name is Save Bekah's Life Whenever Possible!) Sophie, and our Italian friend Giorgio no one would have eaten mashed potatoes or gravy...the were the 11th hour heroes! Also, Vicki, Melissa, and Justina did all of the decorations: what amazing friends we have!

Somehow, everything really turned out. Jonathan made chicken, sweet ham and apple pies, some people brought salad, some dessert, some drinks...it was an incredible group feast. We talked a little about why we celebrate Thanksgiving (origins, traditions, etc) and thanked everyone for being there...once everyone started eating, I finally started breathing again! Thomas was kind enough to stick by in the flurry and make sure that, in spite of my excitement, I ate something. 

I cannot even begin to describe to you the overwhelming number of compliments we recieved, or the joy that I felt in being able to share such a meal with so many of my good friends here. A friend lived in the US for a summer and lost like 15-20 pounds because he didn't like the food, but went back for 6 plates of food - we restored his hope in American cooking. The family of one of our good friends was in town and they joined us for the celebration - the entire night was just a shower of praise from them: how none of the French stereotypes about Americans seem to ring true with us, that they were so impressed by our work, generosity, cooking, and mostly the amazing community that we were able to gather. I had at least 5 people ask me for the pumpkin bread recipe (which everyone here is convinced is actually cake...) The list goes on. My thankful heart grew at least 10 sizes that day

Our smiles of terror turned to smiles of disbelief, relief, and sheer joy by the end of the night. I could not ask for a better person to do all of this with...and I still can't believe we pulled it off!

My Europahaus (and Karlsruhe) family...most of the group was still there when we took this picture (although a few had to leave a little earlier) I am so thankful. So blessed. ~love~

Confessions of a Delinquent Blogger

My faithful readers:

I am a delinquent blogger...you wouldn't believe the backlog of half-written blogs that are clogging up my thoughts, and yet, I cannot seem to find the time to upload the pictures and write them. Subsequently I have two thoughts/hopes: 1. that you all are just as busy as I am in this crazy time of year and aren't checking my blog that regularly 2. that you all will overlook this delinquency and continue reading my blog as soon as I continue writing in it! 

To tide you all over (because of course I am on my way out the door to go to lunch then go see Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carole" at the Jakobus Theater here in Karlsruhe...so cultured, I know) I would like to fill you in on some of the intricacies of cultural differences that I encounter daily. Today's lesson is about food. The following are two actual conversations that have taken place within the last week or so (translated, of course, for your convience)

Incident #1:

(setting: the train, approximately 6:30pm)

Thomas: I'm hungry

Me: Me too...maybe we should eat some dinner

Thomas: Ok, well, what are we going to eat?

Me: Well, we could make pasta, or chicken stir-fry.

Thomas: But I've already eaten warm today.

Me: You are so German!

Thomas: Well, why do you think Americans have an obesity problem?

Me: I'm pretty sure it has nothing whatsoever to do with the temperature of the food.

Thomas: Well, I guess you're right, but I still already ate warm today.

Me: (laugh and roll eyeballs)

Incident #2

Me: Thomas, what are you doing for lunch?

Thomas: I don't have plans. Lets eat together. But I don't have any food.

Me: Well, I have lunchmeat and cheese.

Thomas: Oh, well, I do too. And I have tomatoes and mozarella.

Me: Mmm...sounds good to me.

Thomas: But thats all breakfast food. 

Me: (rolling eyeballs) You are so German.

I am so not even exaggerating these conversations. They happened (more or less) exactly as here replicated. Germas are so funny about their food. Who cares how many times you eat warm in a day? Who cares when you eat warm in a day? (here its mostly midday, then something cold in the evening) Also, since when is salad, lunchmeat and cheese only for breakfast? I tell you what, these Germans are crazy! As much as I am blending in here more and more, I just can't break myself of my "American" conceptions of food and meals...and thats okay with me! 

More to come, I promise! ~love~

Thankful

Of course on Thanksgiving my thoughts are occupied with the things in my life for which I am most grateful. I have to say that today most definitely does NOT feel like Thanksgiving (going to class on Thanksgiving kinda kills the mood...) but nevertheless, as I stop to reflect, I am overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the things (people) that I am most grateful for. Count your blessings one by one...for me that would most definitely take several days if not weeks! So, since I am apparently lazy, I will just paste the copy of the letter I sent to Lisa as "Because I can't be at Thanksgiving, here are some words so you can feel like I am there for a little bit at dinner time..."

Family and Friends,

I sit here in wonder as I reflect on the journey in the last year that has brought me to this place...Two months in Germany already passed and I have so much to be thankful for. As I embarked on this journey, I had as keen a sense now as I did then that all of this is made possible by the incredible network of love and support provided by you all. You all truly lift me up and make me strong enough to face whatever the future holds because I rest assured in the knoweledge that I have an incredible safety-net of love backing me up (and probably the loudest cheering section as well) So, as I think of what I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving, the first thing that comes to mind is of course the small army of loved ones who believe in me and challenge and encourage me to chase my dreams. 

Beyond that, though, I am accutely aware of the Source of the strength and love that you all provide me with - our Beautiful Savior - whose unending, unchanging love challenges me every day to see creation and his people through His eyes. Thank you all for teaching me aspects of the Father's heart through your words and actions. As I live in a vastly different culture and come to know and love people here, I rejoice in the unending source of love that fills me anew each day.

Life in Germany has shown me in new ways the things that I am thankful for (both superficial and not so superficial) I will forever be thankful for people who bag groceries...trying to pay and bag my groceries in the bags that I brought is always an interesting adventure. I will also always appreciate the wide array of ingredients and gluten-free foods we have at home...Germany is about 10 years behind the gluten-free bandwagon, apparently. I am also thankful for Target and the availability of one-stop shopping. I can't decide yet if I am more thankful that stores are open on Sundays in the States or if I am more thankful for the mandatory pause and rest that closed stores provide on Sundays in Germany - that one might come out a wash (although, there have been a few tight weekends with a mostly bare refridgerator)

In my German Thanksgiving spirit, I would like to wrap up by expressing my thankfulness for our nature as relational beings and the value of communication. Living and interacting in another culture has lent new meaning to communication and relationship. Because of this, I truly cherish the incredible instances of relationships that cross cultural backgrounds - what a gift we have in our hearts for others, and what a gift to be able to communicate our hearts to others. I am daily awed by the beauty of human connection, and the vehicle of that connection, language and communication. I am thankful that our hearts are so intertwined that I can miss you all so much from an ocean away. I am also thankful that our hearts are so structured that they continue to reach out and form connections even in the aftermath of pain, hurt and confusion. The power of connection and the satisfaction of understanding and being understood are great and powerful gifts. 

Sorry if that got a little philosophical :) I am thankful for you all and miss you more than I have the power to express with words. I carry you all in my heart, and thank our Heavenly Father, giver of all good things, for such a privilege.

Now, because we all know that I have an extremely high word-quota, I would like to include a list of things that I am especially thankful for this year (in no particular order)

-Skype

-Not having to pay separate utilities

-bicycles

-online dictionaries

-internet in general

-scarves

-crocks

-the incredibly generous International office here (that just offered to fund our Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday...hooray! I'm not going to go broke feeding 30-40 people!)

-German coffee, chocolate and ice cream

-Peanut butter

-the bar :)

-trains, and student tickets

-maps

-good friends, old and new

As you can see...I am overwhelmed by things to be thankful for...I love and miss you all, eat some extra turkey, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes for me :)

Reflections on 2 Months

As I walked home in a pink dusk last night, I was suddenly struck by the realization that 2 months have casually passed since I began this journey. Thusly, I find it appropriate to record some basic thoughts and reflections on how my life has changed in these past few months (in no particular order):

I don’t get to drive a car here…I never realized how American I am in that sense: I really miss driving my car!

Instead of orienting myself according to the mountains, directions are all given in relation to the castle.

I walk a whole heck of a lot more.

I somehow find more of a need to express myself profoundly in English – never in my life have I felt such a deep need to write.

I find it strange when I walk down the street and overhear a conversation in English – I actually notice the “rrrr” of the American accent, which is kind of hilarious.

I never could have imagined the boldness that has been instilled in my heart in my drive to learn German. In the past few weeks, I have really branched out from my English-speaking friends and find myself walking boldly into new situations in which I meet new people and casually converse in German. Unbelievable. The only exception to this ability to converse in German is one of the Germans who lives on my floor. For some reason, I absolutely cannot understand him when he speaks. Germany is a land of diverse dialects, and the accent here in Baden, while I must really concentrate to understand, is at least clear enough that I can understand at least 75% of what is being said. With Dennis, he might as well be speaking Chinese half of the time. Anyway, bottom line: I am really enjoying making German friends here. I also enjoy the confidence that I am gaining as I truly relish every moment that has been granted to me in this place.

I daily gain a deeper understanding of cultural identity. It is funny to observe another culture and begin to realize how much of my perception of self and world comes from being an American. Walking the tightrope of cultural sensitivity and personal pride is becoming ever easier, however, as I find my feet in this sometimes strange world, and learn to step away from the wall and live my differences boldly. I am learning that a large part of the American psyche (at least mine) revolves around a sense of empathy. I have a strong propensity to identify with the feelings and experiences of others…because of this, I apologize a lot, I laugh with people and conversely take their hurt on and hurt with them. I have been told countless times that I mustn’t apologize so much or utter such sympathetic mutterings when hearing the plight of others. To which I now reply with a smile, laugh and expression of genuine camaraderie: I am an American, and proud to be so.

I no longer find it strange to visit several different stores over a period of days in order to purchase my groceries.

I am becoming a pro at working the train system here.

However, I continue to miss you all dearly. I looked back on the first few posts and remember easily the tears shed in the airport and on airplanes as I embarked on this adventure with the support of a small army of family and friends. Without your network of support I am certain I would find myself here a little adrift and uncertain. I know that my boldness here comes from a deep sense of security in being loved, missed, and encouraged. I continue to carry you all in my heart with a deep sense of inexpressible gratitude. Thank you. ~love~

Karlsruhe in Pictures

One Sunday, I took a walk in the gardens and forest surrounding the castle (Karlsruhe Schloß) This pond is a lovely peaceful spot, beautifully accented by vibrant fall colors.

Solitude

Center

Reflection

Botanical Gardens

Fun fact: The German Supreme Court is located in Karlsruhe, just next to these botanical gardens. I would include pictures, but pictures of the building are not allowed.

Walking across cobblestones in heels and other adventures of the old world

I have officially entered the chapter of my life in Karlsruhe entitled: Life as a Student in Germany. Therefore, I am utterly devoid of the page-turning adventure stories that keep you all coming back for more! For those of you who nevertheless search for updates, exciting or not, here is a little overview of this somewhat mundane chapter of my life.

Short version: I go to class about 14 hours per week and in the mean time, read, work on grammar, watch movies, and cook. (not necessarily in that order)

Bekah version: I am still getting used to the German system of classes meeting only once a week (for 90 minutes) and the fact that I am taking 9 classes right now. 3 of those classes are classified as "German as a foreign language" classes (translation, I am reminded how terrible I am at German grammar) where I am there as someone who is learning German. I have a love-hate relationship with these classes. They are comfortable in that I am with fellow foreign students who empathize with my hatred of noun genders, adjective endings and subjunctive prepositions (aka "verb kickers"). However, these classes deal with the finite details that formulate the border between being able to speak a language passable and true fluency. 

3 Other classes are for German students and include: Film and Literature of the Weimar Republic, Modern German Literature and the EU in International Relations. Number one: I love these classes. Number two: I may or may not be in WAY over my head. The fantastic news is that the professors are glad to have exchange students in their classes and are very sympatheic to my situation. One of the coolest things that happened was that last week one of the most well-known modern German authors came and talked in our modern-lit class and read a selection from his new book. It was a surreal experience to look at the picture of the author on the back cover of my book, then look up and see the man in the flesh. I was a little star-struck. 

I am also doing a teaching internship at a high school, teaching English one day a week. That starts tomorrow...I'll keep you updated on that one. 

Meanwhile, I am working on my skills of reading in German by mostly not allowing myself to read in English for a little while. I eat a rediculous amount of chocolate. I found popcorn at the grocery store last week (translation: I have been eating a rediculous amount of popcorn as well). Homesickness comes and goes...which means that homesick comes most notably when the sun decides to take a vacation and leave rain to rule the weather for 4 or 5 days. I MISS COLORADO SUNSHINE!! Luckily the sun returned yesterday and decided to stick around for today, so things are looking up at the moment.

For those of you who are curious about the post title, I went out with Cindy for her birthday on Friday night and we decided to get all dolled up for our night on the town. That means that even though it was raining and gross outside, I wore a skirt and heels. It will take a very big occasion to convince me to wear heels ever again in this city full of cobblestones! As we were crossing a side street, my heel was stuck and my foot came right out and landed directly in a puddle. I had to retreat back several paces to retrieve my shoe from its wedged position. Lesson learned. Now that I have entered the time of "everyday life" in Karlsruhe, I am becoming acquainted with the intricacies of German student life. The learning curve is a bit like a roller-coaster here, but I really enjoy it.

Hope you all feel better informed, if not more entertained! ~love~