…I’ve had European chocolate. Talk about melt in your mouth wonderfulness! There's no way I can ever go back to the American version. Not possible. So far, my favorites are of the coffee/espresso flavors. You open up a bar of that and you’re taken aback with a sweet aroma of chocolate and coffee. Could you ask for a better combination?!! Today I vowed to have a piece of chocolate everyday that I am here. It’ll be hard to keep that commitment, but I think with a little determination I’ll be able to hold true. You might need to pray for me on that one though...
Enough about chocolate, I’m officially in Deutschland! It’s been a whole week since I set out for the land of my heritage (Fact: I’m actually full German. This trip is kind of like coming home in a strange way). This past week has been full of many ups and downs. On the more negative side is dealing with jetlag, trying to be directionally coherent while being clutched by jetlag, language/cultural perspective barriers, and just becoming accustomed to this new type of lifestyle. It’s beautiful here though, absolutely gorgeous - tree blanketed hills of the Black Forest encompassing the village, flowers in full bloom, fruit trees and vineyards ready for harvest, a few cows and cornfields on the landscape, and the blessed sound of tractors going about their daily routines. I’ve met so many great people and have definitely felt welcomed, that’s for sure! For every moment I begin to miss home or feel out of place, God gives me at least five moments that absolutely captivate me and remind me that this is indeed where He wants me to be for this season.
If you haven’t already heard, I’m living with a missionary family for the three months that I’ll be here. It’s been lovely so far – they are definitely a hoot to be around! The father is the pastor at the international church in Kandern, the mother is always up to something exciting, and their two daughters are busy with everything that comes with being high school students. The home is beautiful as well (and very old!! In fact, it’s over 400 years old! Can you imagine…). Its past uses include an old mill, barn, and printing press. I’m blown away by the amount of history that’s waiting around every corner for me to discover. For someone who loves old/antique things, this is definitely a dream come true!
Work has been great so far. It’s definitely an environment easy to grow and develop in (precisely what I need right out of college). And…the work building is located in an old renovated barn. How awesome is that! I love the people in the office. Everyone is so kind and easy to be around. I’m looking forward to getting to know them more as the months unfold. One of the projects that I’ll be working on during my time here is illustrating a small booklet that visually communicates the Creation to Christ Story using no words. This project excites me so much! Seriously. Ideas for imagery just keep popping into my head. If the sole reason of me becoming a graphic designer was to design this booklet, I would be completely satisfied. It has so much potential to spread the Gospel and aid people in the sharing of God’s Word.
So what have I learned this week? The Lord provides – I’ve never experienced His provision quite like this before. And He not only provides, He pays attention to the details as well. But most importantly, I’ve been reminded that He knows me well. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation in all aspects of this trip. There will definitely still be hard, confusing, and stressful times to look forward to while here, but I know that I’m in the palm of my Father’s hand. Knowing that puts a whole different perspective on what’s to come.
That’s enough for now. I’ll tell you more about the culture, all of the autumn festivals, the yodeling man in the woods, and my first experience at a German church in my next post! You don’t want to miss it =)
