This weekend while we were out at a beer garden, a lady bug crawled up my partner for the week’s sleeve and lucky enough, this week I have internet. It is an amazing luxury. I don’t know what I would do without it. However, I will soon learn because my Italy trip is fast approaching, as well as an overnight camp to follow.
This weekend I stayed in the boy scout house in Wolfsburg. It is the place with the windmill, where once I again I have taken a 10 minute shower. Probably less than that. The shower is in the basement, which the only entrance is by going out the front door and turn immediately to go down four steps. It is a place where you ponder the though of “why you are you showering? ” Because even as you are in the shower, you wonder if you are really getting cleaner. It is like a garage shower. My friend, Bob once had a garage along Route 11&15. The building was a puke green color and paint would peel off. Anyway, this shower reminds me of his place. I think it might even smell similar. Not in a gross way, but in a familiar “I know that smell” way. Moving on, the walls are something else too…
What else can I tell you? Oh this afternoon we spotted a castle from the road. Mike decided to find it. It wasn’t far and ended up being beautiful, complete with a restaurant. We didn’t stay long because to view the inside you needed to pay. But here is a glimpse from the outside.
I’m learning to be grateful and thankful. I know I am ready to go home. However, I have prayed for this trip and God has allowed it so there must be a reason. I think I have planted a small seed. I continue to pray that God teaches me how to patient, thankful, and willing. Willing to do what he wants. Willing to do what he says. Willing. I will continue to learn. I realize that I have never had it altogether and how much I need God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy.
So the plan. This week I am in Hannover where Myrl and I will be teaching. I will have a group of 6 to 9 year olds. Most likely none of them will speak English. Which is great for me because then that means lots of pictures, repetition and a long time for journals. Hopefully, they are the same level as the first group that was perfect! In the evenings, I plan to send e-mails, place phone calls, which some TV shows online, and send my mom the incredibly long list I have complied for back to school shopping. Poor mom! I told her, “I can’t think of anything.” Although when I sat down with my pen and paper it got a little out of hand.
After e-mailing mom, I plan on heading to Michendrof for the weekend. It is a small town outside of Berlin. It is where training was held when I first arrived. I will stay there until Monday morning and then I fly to Italy! I will spend a week there. Not sure exactly where yet. I have two options. Either way, I think it will be beautiful and worth the money. I’m not going to get too ahead of myself because I know I am in the clear. I’m so close I can smell the PA farm fields.
Which reminds me, I received some mail. I love this! (At college, too! HINT HINT!!!) My Aunt Ellen was sweet enough to send me a little card. I loved reading it and I have read it maybe five times since I first opened it yesterday afternoon. I have also reread the other cards I received before I left. I tend to carry words very close to my heart. Encouragement. Anyway, Aunt Ellen -thank you very much and I wish you, Mam, Gram, and Aunt Ellen were rich too! A trip with you ladies would be amazing and life changing. I’m sure of that. 
Miss and love you!
Well, first day of camp with a new partner. It was odd to leave Gareth at the over night camp. And to be honest, I am very nervous about working with someone else. Once you have a rhythm for three camps and know how each other handle different situations. It will be interesting and exciting to work with someone new.
Thinking of you.