The Stones.

Saturday, the 14th, I had the opportunity to go to Freiburg, a university city about 45 minutes north. I spent a few hours wandering around Ikea with friends and then went downtown to wander some more and find mexican food for dinner. It was an enjoyable day and the mexican was okay, (although I am officially giving up on finding a good burrito here. Germans just don't get it.) The highlight of the day, however, was an unexpected find, Freiburg's munster, or cathedral.

I have been in this cathedral before but this time we took time and looked at it more closely. The building was started in 1120 and completed in 1230. I'm sure I learned about the architecture design in Christianity in Western Culture 1, and though Dr. Litfin tried his best, all I can say is, it's beautiful. (I do believe there are some flying buttresses, however.)

After exploring the inside we wandered back outside into the drizzly, fall evening, and were about to leave when we saw that there an access to the bell tower. 220 steps later we paid 1.50 euro only to climb more stairs. The view was increble though the weather was maybe less than desirable. Here is a picture of the tower from the ground. (Note that this was not taken by me. I, unfortunately, forgot my camera. Thank you Google images.)


While looking over this university town from the top of the cathedral my friend Amanda and I began to dialogue about what this church has been through. In the main part of the building there are many statues. One of Mary, some of the apostles, even one of a crusader. This history and the phases of church history that this building has gone through astounds me.

Amanda and I also talked about Luke 19:40 where Jesus says, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." Now, I don't want to misinterpret this passage. Jesus is actually talking to the pharisees during the triumphal entry and saying that He will not quiet the people. The munsters, or cathedrals, in the cities throughout Europe seem to cry out in praise to Jesus. Here, where so many of the people have gone silent and no longer praise the God who lives, the munsters, left empty, still cry out to the existence and truth of our God. It was an incredible and thoughtful time and left me pondering what God has planned for this continent.

On a completely different note, we just had the dorm Thanksgiving! We celebrate a week early here and though I wasn't quite ready for it, we had a good time. I baked my first ever completely from scratch pumpkins pies and I must say, they were pretty good. One of our guests, a substitute when the dorm parents have their day off, told me that I was ready to get married which is definitely a compliment. Here is a picture of one of the pies. (It got a little singed, I'm still figuring out the convection ovens and pumpkin pies are especially tricky in it.)


To celebrate we had all of our dorm subs up. The preparation was a lot of work but fun. I have a new appreciation for all the work that my Mom, Aunt Ann, and Nana have done for every Thanksgiving in the past. I also know why Thanksgiving should not happen more than once a year, I won't be ready to go through it all again until next year.

Here are a few random pictures from the night. This is what Ami would look like with blond hair.


And this is what I would look like with black hair.


While we do love each others hair, we're pretty sure there is a reason God gave us the hair color we have, wouldn't you agree?

And finally, we can say that we have kicked swine flu's booty and everyone, minus one girl who is currently getting tested for mono, is back at school! Thank you so much for you prayer and please continue to pray as we could have new cases showing up in the next week. We hope that we are done with it and will be able to finish out this semester with no more quarantine!

That's all for now. I need to go grate some cheese, fry some bacon, and sautee some onion for cheddar, bacon, onion biscuits tomorrow morning. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving on Thursday, know that I am so thankful to have a community of people who love and support me!

Peace.

3 Months!

I sat in church on Sunday morning and realized that it was the first of November which means I have been here for 3 months! Unbelievable. In some ways I feel as if I have been here forever but in most ways it feels like I just flew in yesterday. Whether I like it or not, the fact is time is flying by. The semester is more than half over and the girls are beginning their countdown to Christmas break.

There are a few important events to note in the past few weeks. We had out second outbreak of lice and this time...they got me! I can know tell the girls that I understand their pain and annoyance at these little guys that just love our dorm. Thankfully there weren't as many girls with it this time. Unfortunately we found them the day of Herbst Messe, an annual fall party in Basel, Switzerland. This festival has been going on for 500 some years and it's a tradition for BFA to go one Thursday night at the end of October. Because of our little friends, however, 5 of us ended up quarantined and couldn't go. Instead, some of us went the next night after one chemical and two vinegar washes. This is a picture of the ferris wheel set up in the church square.

And this is Hannah and I on the bumper cars, another BFA tradition. This was our first experience on the bumper cars but I think we are both big fans of them.

And here is Hannah Jo and Ashley. They are old pros at the bumper cars.

After the bumper cars we did one more ride and then hit up Starbucks. This made me feel more like I was back in Chicago than in a foreign country. And to finish off the night we got some roasted chestnuts, a must if you ever end up in Basel for Herbst Messe. So, while we were a day late for the festivities we made the most of it and had a great time with just the four of us. Even though it's blurry, here is a picture of the four of us on the Rhine.

It was a beautiful night and the city was alive with activity, the atmosphere was incredible and I enjoyed just drinking in all the culture around me. One thing I know for sure, Europeans know how to throw a party.

Even with our little epidemic, things are still good here. I am learning to much about what it means to live in community. I'm seeing what it means to live sacrificially in order to love others better. This isn't a sacrifice that leaves me drained and useless but one that energizes me. When I see those that I live with growing and learning and thriving, I have all the more motivation to give what I have. Sometimes it's hard, and I get frustrated at times but I'm learning life lessons that I wouldn't trade for an "easier" job. I am continually amazed at God's goodness to faithfully bring me to a place feeds my soul and stretches me to trust Him more and more.

A few things to pray about...

- After going through a lot of paperwork and working with my mission I found that I'm still 8% short of what I need for two years. While this doesn't mean I have to come home now it does put a strain on my longer term finances. I'm only a little over $100 short a month of my goal which is incredible but I do need to reach 100%.

- Continued growth in my relationships here with my girls. Also the the opportunities to go deeper with them.

- Energy. November is a daunting month in the dorms. The staff is getting tired and the girls are stressed. Pray that we will find ways to break up the monotony and enjoy this season.

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. It's so good to hear from you and know that you are praying for me! And as a parting picture, here is a picture of took on a walk the other day. The leaves are beginning to fall so we are enjoying our last bit of color for the year.

Peace.