Athens, Hellas

So, Greece. Awesome. A lot of fun, and oh yeah. A lot of old stuff. Perfect place for a History major. And, oh by the way, I finished my semester. How incredibly awesome is that. Everything is officially out of my hands. I am now solely focused on teaching, and you know what, I have never felt more relaxed. Praise God for that one. So stories... the flight over to Athens was pretty fantastic. In fact, pretty much everything went off without a hitch. We get there and immediately are greeted by 70 degree weather. For those of you in the states, specifically Missouri, Illinois, Maryland, regions...sorry, but I am totally gloating on this one. It was incredible. I must admit finding our hostel and being able to walk and be at the foot of the Acropolis was pretty awesome. I mean we were literally five minutes away from all the major tourist attractions. And just to let everyone know, I love the major tourist attractions, especially when I all have to spend is four days in all of Greece. I have to recommend those sites to anyone because this is where democracy started. It was pretty cool. I kept trying to imagine what it was like when everything was not of the ancient nature, and it was just mind blowing. All six of my roommates were able to go, so we had a blast getting to see the ancient and modern world of Athena. Did I mention the Acropolis? Um, talk about an experience! It overlooks the entire city and basically is a walled fortress, something that is pretty incredible to think about. And it was never taken by an invading force, including that of mighty Sparta (Which I hope to go visit soon). I put pictures on here to try and show you what it was like in this area, but I don't even think they do the buildings justice. And some of the ruins were pretty incredible too. I was able to visit most of the major sites in the city, but I know that I am going to have to go back and see the rest of the country. One of the days we literally walked 10 or 11 km in the rain. It was not fun, but an adventure at the same time. Literally burned so much energy, that I fell asleep as soon as the head hit the pillow. We also were able to make it to an island, Agena, and were able to goof around on a beach for about an hour before we left for good. The flights home were also extremely interesting as we were on time all the way up until Zurich. We literally get on the plane, and sit for an hour before we take off. What was supposed to take "6-8 minutes" (direct quote from the captain) ended up taking an hour. We were in line getting deicer sprayed over the wings and such. Now, for me, I am all for getting deicer sprayed on the windows and such to protect the flight, and I feel like God was doing just that, just looking out for everyone like always. Apparently two of my fellow passengers were not so forgiving. A fight nearly broke out in front of me, and all I could think about was... well, now we are here for another hour... (fight is exaggeration maybe, perhaps something less threatening... stern words were exchanged? ) It was resolved quickly, but I literally thought it was going to go to fists. Luckliy cooler heads prevailed and everyone decided to just enjoy the flight. (Both gentlemen also had a drink to help calm the nerves :D ) We finally roll in at 1:30 in the morning, and I can say that I wouldn't have had it any other way. I loved the city, but I found out that I really hate pollution and overcrowded areas. And Athens is packed. I think that if I were to visit again, that I would stay out away from the city for at least a week and go on day trips to the city. That would make more sense to me, but you live and learn, and I learned a lot! Athens was an incredible experience for sure. I can't believe that it is finally December. I am really looking down the homestretch now. It is really exciting to get to see everyone again. I hope that you are all doing well, and that you had a wonderful time eating turkey. I know that the Greek food was not exactly the same, but it made a great Thanksgiving meal. :) Hopefuly though, some of that turkey will be made for Christmas, along with some cheesy potatoes, and Godfathers' Pizza? Disgusting? Yes, but I miss that really bad. I figure that my greasy pizza intake is low. I mean, I am craving that stuff so bad! I love you all dearly, and I thank you all for your continued support and prayers. I just want to let you know that God is totally rocking my life right now. And yesterday, I knew I was going to be taken care of. Just like I know that today, and tomorrow, that I am taken care of by something so much more greater than me. I know that my plan is being revealed to me and that I am going to just totally make a difference wherever God places me. And while here, I have come to even more the realization of how Jesus is my protector, and through him I am saved. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I can't wait to share it all with you. (don't worry mom, the beard is now gone) I miss you and I love you all, and I leave you with pictures from Greece.

Futbol Anyone?

Hey everyone! Sorry it has been so long, but school has gotten insane lately! I am officially looking down the home stretch, so that is really exciting. And God has been totally rocking my life. I have had such an awesome experience over here but it has been really stressful. I feel like Truman has basically forgotten that they have interns in Germany right now. Maybe that will change down the line as we have a few more professors coming to observe our experience over here, but frankly, I don't believe it. The following weekend, I visited Berlin and went to my first professional soccer game! Go Heretha BSC! It was incredible! Hertha was in fourth place and was playing the first place team from Hoppheim (Sp? I know its wrong), so this game actually mattered and the stadium was completely filled. I can't even describe the energy coming from the stadium. And when they scored a goal to go up 1-0, WOW. I literally thought Olympic Park was coming down. It was nothing like an football game in the states, no artificial sound, just 78,000 people chanting and singing for their team. It was awesome! We sat in the 6th row down with the soccer crazies and it was by far the coolest sports experience I have ever had. We had some drunk German fan if we were just enjoying the game, but my buddy David told him in German that he was a Hertha BSC fan and he bled white and blue. The guy pours him a beer, and says to him, "we bleed together" and goes back to singing and chanting... I have never been more impressed or scared in my life. Also really cool was that the team plays at the stadium where Jesse Owens single handedly beat Nazi Germany in track and field. Now Jesse Owens has some sentimental value to me because he was my first history report ever and frankly I am super impressed with his accomplishments in the 1936 Olympics. It was pretty cool to see the place where Jesse Owens said "up yours Nazi Germany" and took home all the gold that he did. During the day, we went and saw Checkpoint Charlie, and the Berlin wall, and it was really incredible to see how close we were to war here in Germany. I never realized that they had a tank confrontation and were basically at a high noon showdown daring the other person to draw first. I really admire the soldiers on both sides for not getting an itchy trigger finger and starting world war III. Being at the Berlin Wall also reminds you of the extent of the Cold War. It was an awesome time, and Berlin seriously must be like New York, because that city never sleeps. (Although I have never been to New York... maybe that will come along later) School has been challenging, but I have decided that I am no longer going to let that stress me out as much. I am going to give the kids my best effort, and if they want to get a great education from me, then they will accept it. I hope they do take it. Psychology has been going way better than expected and I am having a lot of fun learning along with them, although they will never know it. We are talking about conditioning, and I have been telling them that I have been conditioning them from day one, and if they can figure out what it is, I will stop it. So far they haven't figured it out yet, but it is basically the way I operate class, turn on the lights, the know notes are over... turn off the lights...notes start up. And it is quite funny. I also used the Office clip of Jim conditioning Dwight to show them what classical conditioning is... they thought it was hilarious. I miss you all so much, but like I said, I am definitely in the home strech! Keep praying for me, as I am finishing up my classes at Truman, and my classes here in Germany. :) I miss you and love you all, and I leave you with pictures from the Checkpoint Charlie, Dacchu, where the now infamous line "work will set you free" as you enter the gate, and the soccer game at Hertha BSC. Love you all!

Munchen, Duestchland

Greetings all! 

So, this past week has been challenging. But I am learning a lot about who I am and who I need to become. :) I know this tends to be the continuous theme, but, God is really rocking my life right now. And I am all for that type of continuous theme. I have been just praying to him so hard lately, and I am getting the reassurance I need. However, I would like to ask for specifc prayers of physical protection. 

I am working really hard in school, and am up to 14 hours a day in the classroom just trying to fix everything and make sure that all of my stuff is ready to go. It is really frustrating and it is really rewarding too. I am working to bring my kids the best lessons possible. My biggest struggle has been with the Psychology class, so... that has been quite interesting. But, I am now getting into stuff that I understand more, and Mom sent me some stuff that is definitely going to help, so that is relieved some of my stress. I am going to ask that you continue to pray for me, as my stress level is climbing. And I thank you all so much for that. 

School has been, well rather interesting. I am trying to understand and work through my research project, but my kids don't really seem to care about whether or not they are learning. And as far as taking responsibilities for assignments and projects and quizzes.. None. It is almost as if they expect learning to take place from me to them. Amazingly, some of my students don't understand the idea that if they turn all their work in, it doesn't automatically qualify them for an A. Umm.. hello.... you turned in crap work. I mean it would have been better for you to just put your name on the piece of paper and leave the rest of it blank. That isn't even the best part though, after I tell them there grade and they ask me why it is so low even when they had turned everything in, I explain to them that there grade has not been quality. THey then get frustrated with me like it was my fault for their grade. Weird. Parent teacher conferences are this week, and I expect some upset parents coming and talking to me, especially once grades are mailed home. It so funny too, because I tell my class, turn something in. I can't give you a grade if you don't give me something. And still they turn in nothing, and to top it off, they then expect me to give them make up work or extra credit.. NOT happening :D

On a positive note, my research continues to go well, and I think my kids are really enjoying the kinesthetic movement lessons. I know that they are more excited  about that is for sure. Today for example, I had taught the difference between social classes by teaching the proper upper class line dance, followed by the polka, a social dance typically known for the lower classes. It was awesome! I think my kids really understood what concept I was trying to get across, and I think also they just love getting up and moving around. I hope that my project turns out well. It is going to be kind of intense these next couple of weeks :)  

So, I went to Munich this past weekend and walked everywhere. We went to Olympic Park and Allianz Arena. And it was awesome. I am pretty sure that just by standing in the same place where Mark Spitz won his seven gold medals, that I automatically became a better swimmer. We tried to be as pro-American in that building as possible and I don't know if our German counterpart were too happy with that. I mean it has to be pretty embarrassing to get your butt kicked in every major swimming event by the same guy. After Olympic Park, we went to the BMW museum, and saw some really expensive cars something like... oh... 85,000 EUROS. You know something I could totally afford on a teacher's salary... Afterwards we chilled and watched a soccer game in a sports pub which was an awesome time. 

On Sunday, we made our way to Dacchu and it was one of the more sobering experiences that I have had in a while. We basically made our way through the concentration camp and I couldn't count the number of time I was blown away by what happened. I mean some of the thing done to the Jewish and Russian prisoners were just plain sickening. Just to give you somewhat an idea of what was going on there, the camp was built to only hold 6000 "prisoners" nearly 300,000 went through Dacchu to different camps. When it was liberated, U.S. troops were shocked to find nearly 30,000 prisoners living in this confinement. I took a lot of pictures that I hope to use in my classroom in the future, but I couldn't believe some of the stuff that was being done. 

On a lighter note, I have finally realized how much I hate Doners (Dooners). Doner are basically a stuffed sandwich. You would think this would be a prized food, but I am so sick of this stuffed half sandwiches. Well hate might be a strong word,  and I keep eating them in hopes that I will someday find one that I enjoy immensely. Haven't found that yet. They are freaking terrible. And its funny because now my roommates make fun of me for it, but I am sorry, I can only take so much more of these. My new mission is to try and find a new German based food and see if that doesn't change my idea. So far not good. :)

Please keep in your prayers! Specifically for God to physical protect me :) I miss you and love you all! And I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I will leave you with pictures from Munich... USA! USA! 

Life on Post

So... first things first, Can someone please answer me why a team would play a home game 37 minutes away from their city. That makes no sense. But alas, that was my day yesterday as I tried to find the Eintracht Bamberg soccer team. It was quite the adventure. Only after I came  home from the unsuccessful attempt at finding a soccer game, did I find out why I couldn't find the home game. Funny huh?  My roommates and I have now decided that we are going to go find a soccer team elsewhere and hopefully see a German Bundesliga game soon. We are pretty pumped for it. 

Anyways, work has just gotten ridiculous the past week. But, I feel like I might have some more time because of football being done. It was an interesting season, but I am very thankful for it. I saw a lot of talented kids who just didn't care about whether or not they won or lost. It was more about, that they got to wear the jersey.  Now, I am not talking about all of the kids, but most of them definitely went along those lines.  The team lost there last game this week 47-0. It was a learning experience for sure, but the coaches were great and they taught me a lot, and as one of them stated to me "at least you know what talent without heart looks like."

Today, was a great awakening for me. I have been feeling distant and lethargic about where I was going in my faith. I was even late to church, but am I glad that I went. The sermon today was one of those things that I needed to hear at exactly that moment. It's funny how that usually works. God totally is rocking my world when I focus on him. The sermon talked about putting my daily actions to the test of the scriptures and basically gave a guideline that offers quick ways to test my intentions. Now, I don't mean it was the exact way, but it did give me a new way to approach the scripture. It was refreshing to hear how my approach to the day might affect those on their path and how I can be more mindful of that. It was really awesome. 

I am enjoying Bamberg, but I think I am ready for another big trip somewhere. I am trying to figure out the best options for me, but I am ready to go somewhere else, just to have a break. School is a challenge, and I am shocked at how much I am working. It has not been unusual for myself to be putting 12-14 hours a day. Just to let you all know that I haven taken over all of my classes. I am doing well, but I struggle with the apathy within the school. I guess I have never really faced students just not caring and not doing their work. That has been a real big challenge for me. 

I appreciate all of the love and support that I am receiving. I got a letter from my grandmother the other day, and it literally brought tears to my eyes every time I tried reading it. Thanks Grandma! :D Know that I am doing really well, and that I am really working hard and trying to be the best teacher I can be. One of the exciting things that I have done has been with my project. I am studying Kinesthetic movement and how it affects student learning in the classroom.  Kinesthetic movement is basically any type of movement associated with learning. For one of my data collection days, I used swing dancing to show how cultures create distinct identities to identify themselves. I taught a swing line dance, and I have now been asked to teach swing dancing on a regular basis. So that is always a positive :) Also, the other day, I had my students become planets to help them understand Kepler's laws of planetary motion. They were spinning and laughing, and hopefully learning all over the place. I am curious to see how my research project on Kinesthetic movement ends up.

I miss you all dearly, and I can't wait to see you all again. Thanks so much for all of the prayers and support. It helps more than I can ever express :)  I would like to ask everyone for prayers for specific guidance in service and recognition of what God is calling for.  I love you and miss you all! 

The Joy of Victory

Hello all! 

Well, we did it. We finally won a football game. This means that my first experience as a football coach is not for lost. We will not go 0-fer in this season. I am pretty pumped about this if you can't tell. 

So this past weekend, my advisor came to visit. It was good to see a friendly face. One of the nights he took all the interns out to this steak place in Germany, and we basically cooked our own steaks on hot rocks in front of us. It was.. interesting? But seriously the food was really good. I am going to post some pictures of it soon. 

I know that this is extremely short, but I wanted to make sure everyone knows that I am doing ok. :) I miss and love you all! 

Venezia, Italia

So.. for all of you getting injured and crashing your bikes... Stop it. Stop it right now. I am serious Steven, if you ever do something like that again, I swear I am coming at you like a spider monkey (for those of you who don't know, it is a reference to a movie) 

So this past weekend, I was able to travel to Venice, Italy. It was awesome, and a really beautiful place. Sadly, I did not get to ride in a Gondola because I was a chaperone for the football team, but maybe next time. Venice right now, is going through a major renovation as Italy tries to keep the city from sinking all together. It was really awesome going through the city and seeing all of the shops that I will never be able to afford on a teacher's salary. But that is ok, it was fun to look through. There was also really cheap designer label stuff for sale on the streets and if you believe that it was real (like some of my football players) then I have a Brooklyn Bridge to sell you. Walking through the city, you realize how much those who explored the world for Italy, STOLE. It was crazy, art and everything from all over the world was placed everywhere and claimed as Venice's own. In particular, this winged tiger was stolen from Turkey. It just kind of reminds you how close the world really is, even during the renaissance era. Oh, that was awesome too by the way, seeing structures and art from the Renaissance. Seeing something as old as the 14th century was incredible. On a fun note, I did find the Murano glass that the city is famous for, and bought Mom a really nice piece of Italy (Don't worry Dad, Steven, I got you souvenirs too). Saturday, after the game, we went to an Italian pizzeria, where I ordered , what else, pizza. It was pretty good, but nothing like American pizza. I know right now people are reading this, or hearing this, and going, your crazy, but I simply have to have way greasier pizza. Godfathers, comes to mind.  

I had a really kind of rough weekend, I found out that Truman is making me edit my IRB form. This form basically allows me to work on my research project. It is frustrating because in the email sent to me, the form states, "drop this off, as soon as possible." TRUMAN, LET ME BE JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE CLEAR, I AM IN GERMANY! I mean, come on! What do you want me to do, fly it to the states and drop it off personally? I know that I can email to my professor and have him drop it off again, but that is simply not the point. The mass email sent out, shows that Truman really has no idea what is going on with some of their student interns. I can't turn this is in as a hard copy because of being...umm.... out of the country.  You would think that they would at least send another email, encouraging action to be taken, but at least taking into consideration some of the difficulties of living and studying abroad.  I am asking for numerous prayers this week. I found out that my brother got in a pretty big bicycle wreck, and that my grandma was in surgery. Two of my friends also left for Uganda for a mission trip. Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers. 

I miss all of you dearly, and I love Europe. School as been... quite the experience. I am working hard and trying to get my students to learn, but sometimes, I feel like I am just pulling teeth. But there are some who work really hard, and those who can be pains, really like learning too, they just don't know it yet. I am working nearly 14 plus hours a day, especially with trying to keep up with my online classes... and I am now done complaining.. because, A) I am in Europe, and B) I know that there are hundreds of people praying for me. I just re-read the post, and if it comes across like I am complaining, I am sorry. I know others out there are dealing with so much more, and frankly, I don't need to complain. I apologize for that. 

On a much more positive note, I am visiting SO many awesome places, I love Europe and the history I am experiencing while I am here. I am working hard and trying to understand my purpose. I leave you with a few pictures from Venice. Keep praying for me, I miss and love you all! 

Oktoberfest

Hey everyone! 

Well, I am now officially a part of German heritage. I went to Oktoberfest and it was ridiculous. I was only able to stay for a couple of hours, but it was one tremendous party. It was a lot of fun to get away from the school life for a weekend. I mean, what could have been better. Lots of German beer and food at one of the biggest festivals on the planet? It was a great experience. Something that you might find kind of interesting... Apparently, germans like to get drunk and ride carnival rides... Just sounds like the right thing to do right? I think not... :) 

It was really fun going to Oktoberfest, but I had to get back to Bamberg for my second football game. So I didn't get the full experience of the Oktoberfest, which was completely ok with me. I was so tired by that point, that anything more than one beer might have made me unbelievably tired. Funny story, the train to Oktoberfest was like a 4 and half hour long ride. My train ride back was about an hour. So that was nice. The team played really well in a losing effort, but it was a lot of fun. I managed to put a full weekend in which was just absolutely probably not good for my health. I am realizing how much I am putting into work, school and fun, and it has completely worn me down. I have some kind of cold that is just kicking my butt right now. Hopefully, I will get better soon. 

I am kind of stressing out with the workload that I am now carrying. It would be one thing if it was just about being a student teacher, but I am not. I am a student as well and that more than anything else is giving me the trouble. The workload has progressively gotten more difficult, and it frustrates me beyond belief.  It has been frustrating, but I am trying to understand what I am supposed to be doing. I really feel like I am just barely treading water. 

I do miss you all a lot, and I am still working hard in developing my faith. I appreciate any and all prayers, and know that I am working to be better. God is totally rocking my life right now,  and I am learning a lot about what I am supposed to be doing.  I am reading through Romans and learning a lot.  I am also reading C.S. Lewis The Four Loves and it has really been good for me. God is truly blessing my life right now, and helping me understand my purpose. I am so thankful and so in awe of his incredible plan, and I know that he does have a great plan for me. 

I miss you all and I leave you with a picture from Munich. :) I love you all!