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! 

Football at AFNorth

Hello all! 

I hope everyone is doing well back at home. I am doing well and started teaching for good this past week. It so far has been quite the experience. I haven't really had to deal with any problems, but I do have some mouthy kids who tend to be really loud. Fortunately, I just pull out the cattle prod that Mom sent me and set them straight. Totally kidding... it is actually a ruler....  :)

I coached my first football game ever on Saturday, and I wish I could tell everyone that we won in blowout fashion. Unfortunately, (or fortunately... I guess from a coaches perspective) we were the ones blown out. The football team lost at AFNorth in the Netherlands 54-18. It was not a pretty game, but hopefully the kids will learn from this experience. The sad thing was that the team just quit after the first big play the other team had. Hopefully, through practice this week, we will be able to squash that bug before it gets any bigger. I really enjoyed coaching though especially seeing kids get it for the first time. I am learning a lot too, as the coaches are really helpful in getting me to understand what is going on. I ask a ton of questions and they answer each one and make sure I understand it. The six hour bus ride home from the Netherlands was quite the experience, and I promise to put up pictures of the game as soon as I get them. 

School hasn't exactly been what I thought it would be, and it is scary how close to the United States this place really is. I have to leave base just to remind myself that I am in another country. It is way to easy to just be stuck on base with all the work that has to be done, but I am continued to be invited out by the teachers and seeing Germany a lot more. We had our first teacher dinner last Thursday and it was just nice to get away from school. It was a great home-cooked meal, a lasagna of some type. I do miss home-cooked meals, I am tired of the peanut butter and honey sandwiches that I find myself eating all the time. I always end up getting home way to late for the grocery store (as it closes at 1900). Oh well, it is good that I like the peanut butter and honey, because if I didn't I might have gone insane by now... :) 

I was also asked to teach some of the show choir kids some swing dance moves, as the choir teacher found out that I was a swing dancer. And I found out about the swing dancing in Germany, so I might go there a couple of weekends to the different places. I am excited and nervous at the same time. We are planning a couple of more trips too, one to Vienna, Austria and another to Italy or Spain. It should be awesome! Plus as the weekends come up, I know that we are planning trips to different parts of Germany. We are headed to Rottenber (I think?) here within the next few days, and hopefully see the torture and medieval village. I am pumped! 

I know that there is a ton more to talk about, but I am drawing  a blank right now. We are working on a Constitution day presentation for Thursday, and it will be presented in front of the entire school.... so that should be fun. It will be interesting to see how the kids react. Anyways, I miss everyone very dearly, and I hope that you are all doing well. :) I love you all! 

Welcome to Prague

Hey everyone! 

First I hope everyone is doing fantastic. I am really adjusting and doing well in Germany and really starting to sink my teeth into the teaching thing. It has been a real eye opening experience. I am asking that you all be praying for me as I student teach. I have had some slight frustrations with the way in which things have been going, but I am hoping that they turn around for the better :) I am trusting that God has a great purpose for me at this high school. 

So.. did you know that a cathedral in prague took over 700 years to build? I didn't either, at least until I went there. It was one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been too. The only thing that was really disappointing was the amount of grafitti. Other than that, it was awesome. I saw the Prague castle which surrounded a cathedral that was one of the prettiest I have ever seen. I think I will let the pictures speak for themselves. It was such an incredible experience, one I almost didn't go on. 

I had made a commitment to the football team, and was going to bypass the city when the head football coach came up to me and told me to go to Prague, his words were, "you could have done your student teaching in the states, go travel" And really, it was what I needed to hear, see I have been hesitant to go to new places without a set plan, and Prague was definitely not a set plan. But I did go, and it was awesome. I am so glad that God was once again prodding me to expand and open my horizons, and it was another growing opportunity for me. I am nervous to travel, but never will I doubt going somewhere again. I did go with my roommates and we had a fantastic time. I am so glad that I went.

I do miss everyone so much, but I am making sure that there are going to be some pictures on this post. I put on a picture of Bamberg, and one of the view of Prague from the castle and the cathedral. And for my mom, me next to a baby cow.. :D  I hope you all enjoy. I love you all, and the next post will come sooner, I promise. 

European Tour III

Greetings from Germany!

I hope everyone is doing fantastic! I am doing well and adjusting. I have joined the football coaching staff at Bamberg High as like a student intern type of situation. It has been a really rewarding experience already. We started working and kids seem to listen me, and stuff I don't know, I at least fake really well :). It has been awesome. I think the coach is going to let me work with the defense. I hope it continues to be a rewarding experience. I am already deciding how I would coach and teach my students if I ever decide to coach in high school. 

My roommates in Germany are all really awesome and we are having fun hanging out and getting to know one another. We have had some fun times already, we went out to the Bamberg festival on Thursday night and sampled some of the breweries around. The beer was fantastic. But don't worry Mom, it was all under control. We can't go crazy, because we live in such a small American community, so if we want to go party somewhere, we have to leave Bamberg, otherwise we will see our students out at the pubs and clubs. A) That is really weird B) It is apparently a norm.. I am trying to decide what else I can help out with, as I will probably be living at the school once it starts. 

I started staff inservice last week. It was extremely... interesting? The school is really laid back, and very low key. There is no official attendance policy and the school said something like expecting to lose 50-60 kids just in the first semester. This is just mind-blowing to me. But it makes sense because of the military lifestyle.  The school is highly diverse and we are actually going through an accreditation process. It is going to be an intense year. I hope I am able to handle it OK. Keep praying for me, like I know you all will. My first day of school as a teacher is Monday! I am slightly nervous, but I am ready. I have been told to not expect much of kids doing work and maybe that is the case, but I will expect a lot from them. I hope it isn't false optimism.  I am now finding my way around Bamberg and base easily, so that has been a relief. I have bought groceries and find the like "Wal-Mart."  I haven't really been as sad as I was in the first couple of days. I am hoping that as I get busier, I won't have time to think about everyone back home.. but every once in awhile.... 

I do miss you all dearly but don't worry. I am also keeping my room relatively clean and fixing meals on a regular basis. My phone is acting weird, and I don't really know how to put money on it, which is also frustrating. But hopefully, I will be able to do that soon. :) It's really frustrating calling somewhere, and having to figure out an automated service in German. It's funny though too. I just press buttons that I think are right... maybe one of these times I will get it right.  In fact, the two other guys and myself in the apartment have fixed or will be fixing meals for the three ladies on a regular basis. And! I have found a lindy-hop exchange in Munich! (Swing dancing for those who aren't familiar) I am super pumped for it, and I am going to go to the dance! I am going to email the people and try to figure out where it is Munich. Hopefully I get an answer.

I will post a couple of pictures soon of Bamberg. As a history person, It is really awesome being in a town that is older than your entire country! I love it. The people are really nice, especially when you make an effort to embrace their culture. We are headed back to the festival tonight. It should be an absolute blast. OH! Funny story. On Thursday in downtown Bamberg, we ran into this GIGANTIC line and immediately, I thought, that it was for one of the local breweries. It wasn't. Everyone, the line was for kettle corn. Kettle corn! It was literally backed up three blocks! Are you kidding me? Kettle corn is OK, but am I waiting three city blocks for popcorn?! No way!... kind of really funny. 

I miss you and I promise, eventually I will get an address for everyone. I love you all! 

Welcome To Europe II

Hello all! 

I hope everyone who is wanting to read this is getting a chance too. It has been quite the transition here in Germany, and I am still not officially moved into an apartment yet. Kind of a big bummer. Oh well, I am sure that it will happen soon. I am trying to keep positive. 

Friday and Saturday I toured around Bamberg to try and familiarize myself with the city. And so far, I think I have done an O.K. job. I now know where a bunch of famous landmarks are and a bunch of really good beir gartens... and yes that is the correct spelling. I haven't sampled them all yet, but hopefully we will get to as the semester passes on. I am still trying to accustom myself to all of the wurst... if you know what I mean. The german people sure do like their sausage. Also pretty neat to talk about, there was a blues and jazz festival this entire week in the downtown area and I went to listen to some songs. Apparently Jazz and Blues includes Mariachi Bands.. I think someone needs to remind the Germans about what Blues and Jazz really are.  Also, I had a small victory the other day, I was able to find a grocery store and buy some fresh fruit, always positive. I know you were all worried about wether or not I was going to be able to find my way to food... don't worry. It took no time whatsoever. On Saturday,  I actually went downtown by myself and tried to get lost and find my way back to the bus station. It worked and I did.. on all accounts. It was kind of stressful, but kind of fun too. Apparently there is a castle around here somewhere, I am going to find it and explore it. That is the goal for this weekend. 

We start staff in-service this week, really exciting. I get to meet my teacher for the first time this Monday.  I am also going to help out with the football team (American) and coach, at least for as long as it doesn't interfere with my studies.  For those of you who don't know, I coached soccer for a long time in Kirksville and absolutely loved it. So I am hoping that this will be a great experience for me too.  School starts sometime next week, so keep me in your prayers as I get headed into the first day of school.

I have been having some struggles with the adjustment of  Germany, but I want to let you all know that I feel like this is going to change me in a way I could never understand.  This morning was especially tough, and sleep hasn't been easy. But today I was led to the story of Jonah. And I know that when I had read it before, it was always about the big fish eating Jonah, and I never paid attention to the rest of the story. Basically Jonah, ignores the call of God, God smacks him around, and Jonah goes to do great things. And after being smacked around, I am now realizing that I have had to rely on God more than ever, and he is definitely challenging me to become the best person I can possibly be. Your continued prayer and support is greatly appreciated. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. Email is greatly encouraged! And as soon as I get an address, I will let you all know. I love you all! 

Robert 

Welcome to Europe

Hello All! 

I hope this post finds everyone well. I must confess that this is a new experience for me. I mean the idea of a blog in which everyone can actually see what is going on in my life? Awesome. The wonders of technology. 

I am going to try and keep at least a weekly/bi-weekly deal, especially with the writings about how I am doing in Europe. Hopefully that way I won't interrupt busy lives with useless posts about how terrible the chiefs will be this season. And I will also try and keep the European stuff under the same title. That way, everyone can get to it really easy and keep track of what is going on from the very beginning. This is such an exciting opportunity. 

Couple of ground rules/house keeping stuff

1) I love you all. Thanks for all the wonderful support. I know the prayers helped immensely. (more to come on that later) Please keep me in your thoughts and continue to give me support, it helps out more than you will ever know! 

 

2) Steven. DO NOT take all my stuff to Mizzou. I swear if I come back and my wardrobe is cleared out, I am personally coming down to Columbia to have words. (j/k- take all you want)

3) Mom, PLEASE, PLEASE do not edit this... I will try to keep mistakes to a minimum. I promise. (J/K- please edit it if you feel the need, I will be editing the entire time anyway) 

4) I haven't really figured out the posting for you all yet, so I don't think that I will pay attention to that too much. No offense to you all, but I don't think I would keep too much track of the comments on my post. If you really want to get a hold of me, please send me an email. I check that way more often, and am more likely to respond. The purpose of this is to just fill people in. Which is what I now intend to do:

The beginning... (Epic Hero Music- I am thinking Star Wars) 

First things first. The flights went really well. I left the States around 9:15PM. I was able to  make all of my connections and arrived in Bamberg shortly after 10:00 PM here... (I am about seven hours ahead over here, so about 3:00 PM (CST) in the states) Anyways, the flights were really good, especially the one from St. Paul to Amsterdam. My mom and my brother wrote me letters which really spoke to me at that exact moment. Steven, at 3 Am this morning on the flight, I laughed out loud at some of the quotations you put into the letter. Fantastic. And Mom, I can't tell you how appreciative of I was of your encouraging words. Really, nothing to exciting happened until I got of the plane in Nuremberg. You know, you never really realize how little you know until your staring at a map of Nuremberg, in German mind you, wondering how the heck your supposed to get from the "Fluegzeugan (sp?) to the main train station and catch the main train to Bamberg.  At that exact moment, every fear and doubt about this trip came rushing to the forefront of my mind. Those constant whispers from the evil one saying "your not good enough" and "time to give up" were really starting to gain a footing. And to be honest, I was scared to death. I kept thinking to myself. "What am I supposed to do now? What if I am not good enough?" I was literally frozen with fear and it took a small act of God to get me moving again.  Well I did it, but not without the help of some great and wonderful people.

Tonight could have been a lot worse for me. However, (and this is how I know God is real) the people praying for me and sending me their support was an absolute blessing because at every instance when I was about ready to lose it and go into full-fledged panic mode, God sent someone or something to remind me of his power and glory. In Nuremberg, something made me calm down and think clearly. I asked myself- what would Jesus do in this situation. I know that seems corny sometimes, but literally it became clear. I knew I had to rely on the kindness of Germany. With that thought in my head, for the first time, I noticed directions to an information booth where two lovely women helped me get situated and on the right track... literally... to get to the Nuremberg train station. They even helped me understand what train I needed to get on. It was awesome. But it doesn't stop there, I get of the subway at the train station and am trying to find my train to Bamberg, when an older gentlemen asks me if I speak English and directs me to the right place. Just to let everyone, know, he came up to me. (I am thinking the look of panic came back and at that exact moment, God sent an angel to direct me).  I make it to Bamberg and literally take twenty minutes to decide whether or not I should risk the base or go directly to hotel. Problem was, I didn't know where the hotel was, and I was having a heck of a time figuring it all out on my own. I decided to catch a cab to the main gate of the American base, only to end up having my cab leave me (forgot to tell him to wait, should have done that) and being denied access to the base, because no one was there to check me in. God, for the third time that day intervenes. Just as they were suggesting where I should go and while I was asking if it was in walking distance (a difficult task carrying my luggage), a cab comes from out of the base. The driver not only takes me to the hotel,  but makes sure that I have a room for the evening. He even waited to make sure I got into the hotel okay.  It was incredible. I find my room and literally fell asleep within minutes. 

It was such an incredible and humbling experience being lost and alone in Germany. Frankly, I could only rely on God and when I completely did that, he completely took control. I know he is with me because even this morning, when I woke at 4:30 in the morning and was feeling homesick, I was able to get a hold of my dad and was able to tell my family that I was safe. That made me feel way better,  And at near 10:00 when Dad should have been in bed, he sat on the phone an extra five minutes in order to give me that boost of confidence that I needed to make it through this day. Thank you for that Dad. Those extra minutes helped me regain composure and look at the challenges and opportunities awaiting me. It meant a heck of a lot to me. 

It means a heck of a lot to me that my family and friends have been so supporting as well. The prayers and support sent to me were so incredibly awesome. Thank you all so much and please continue it for me. 

Well, I think that that about wraps it up. Hopefully today, I will be able to get on base and into my apartment and find some food at some point :) I miss and love you all.  Please keep in touch!  

Email- rns733@gmail.com 

Base Address to Come Soon