Christmas and my niece

It was such a blessing to watch my two-year-old niece for a few days before Christmas.  Everytime I look at a little one, I'm in awe at the miracle of the creation of life.  It makes me so humbled that we serve a great and mighty God that can create such intricate human beings!  And my niece just happens to be a super cute and good one : )  The week before Christmas was also filled with a conglomoration of events -- my turn signals not working resulting in me sticking my arm out the window to signal (yes, I really did that); meeting a 93-year-old with whom I will sit with a couple of afternoons a week; my last pilates class for the season (she went easy on me once I had my foot surgery); a sunny hike through the woods on Christmas eve; meeting a friend and her family for Christmas eve services; and spending time with my family in a very relaxed and casual fashion both days.  While I love the feeling in the air and the unusual pleasantness of strangers around Christmas, I firmly believe that celebrating the Messiah coming to earth to save us from our sins, shouldn't be confined to a day -- it's possible to live life magnifying Jesus Christ year-round.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

John 10:10



God's little one, who just so happens to be born to my sister : )

How to pray

A sunny winter walk at the peninsula

 Erie, Pennsylvania, USA

I went for a sunny walk on our peninsula on Sunday.  I enjoyed looking at the blue sky through the bare trees and listening to the winter animals scurry about.  I've come to appreciate winter; a time of rest and renewal in many ways.  I even went on a bike ride today!  I've never gone on a ride in December.  I had always belonged to a gym and now that I don't, I get outside as often as I can.  And in winter, there is often a bit more time to be still when the weather is cold outside.  So, it was nice time to hear a sermon on how to pray.  Our pastor did a great job, and I found it very helpful, so I thought that I would pass along these guidelines on how to pray.

Prayer

Prayer allows us to really be with God.  Just like you marry someone and are with them (you have interactions, dialogue, you listen and respond), our communion with God is the same.  Are we really with Him?  In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, it says to "Pray without ceasing."  So, we're asked to stay in communion with Him.  Here are a few guidelines to help with prayer:

1.  Prepare to pray -- Select a time and a place, even if it's just five minutes to start.  Pick a special place or a walk where there is some seclusion/solitude, or a voluntary retreat from others and the distractions of daily life.  This is a time of special intimacy with Christ.

2.  Learn to pray -- Prayer takes practice like anything else! 

• Be simple -- Choose simple prayers, whatever is on your heart and mind; bring the mental wanderings into your prayers, don't get annoyed by them, there may be a reason that they keep popping up. 
• Pray aloud -- Also, pray aloud or write your prayers down. 
• Posture -- Lastly, get on your knees, which is a position of submission.  Not that there's anything wrong with praying in bed, but on your knees gives purposeful time.
• Structured praying -- The acronym ACTS often helps (Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication).  Especially thanking God in everything (Phil 4: 7- 8)

3.  Pray regularly -- Pray on a regular basis and use reminders to help you (e.g. when in car, make it a house of prayer; when writing to-do list, pray over it to ask what He wants you to do that is not on your list; as write out cards, pray for them).

He closed the sermon with a short exercise in meditating on a passage of scripture, letting your mind dwell on it for 3 minutes and then writing down your insights.  I hope that you found this as helpful as I did.  God bless!

Since 4th grade

Aimee's birthday (with Sharon/me)

Yes, that's how long I've know my dear friend Aimee.  Yesterday we celebrated her birthday.  I'm sure that you've heard that some friends are in your life for a reason, a season, or for a lifetime.  Who knew that when this sprightly little girl pulled my ponytail, that it would start a friendship that would endure for decades. : )

Note: Aimee claims no recollection of the ponytail incident : )

A good reminder...from Haitians

This week Prudence and Pradell visited the United States from Haiti.  They visited two of their children attending university here.  I met Prudence, who runs the Bethesda medical clinic in Cap Haitian, Haiti when I went on a mission trip there 2 1/2 years ago.  At the time, I just remember her joy as she showed us around her clinic.  Despite women waiting with malnutrioned babies, those who could not afford an x-ray to be part of the government program, those who were wheeled in a wheelbarrow because they could not walk the miles to the clinic she kept a smile on her face.  She knew that she could not save them all, but they could do their best to try. 

As Prudence spoke to the church today, it was such a good reminder about why we are Christians.  She says that she is servant of Christ first and a nurse second.  I asked her how she keeps her joy.  She readily answered with a smile on her face that she prays three times a day -- once in the morning, 5 minutes at noon, and at night to thank God.  And, she added, "you can have this joy, too, if you ask God.  God gives this to me."  Pradell didn't speak much English, but another person from the church commended him as the reason that Prudence is so strong.  Pradell pastors a church that takes an hour by vehicle plus another 2 hours to walk there.  There is so much witchcraft there that hearing the good news of Jesus Christ truly does save them from a life of treachery.  Prudence goes along to treat those that she can.  They said that being a Pastor in Haiti can be a dangerous job because the people rely on them for not just spiritual needs, but physical needs as well.  And when asked about what they thought about Christmas in the United States, they had never seen lights on houses for Christmas.  She said that the Haitians have no money so they do the best thing and go to church to worship God.  She said to decorate our hearts and not our houses.  I was so inspired by them, not only the spirit within them, but they as a couple, you could see just how much they were two servants of God serving God together. 

Tea with my mother

I had the most special time today.  My mother and I took a sunny drive to My Grandmother's Teapot tea room in Adamsville, Pennsylvania.  Only about an hour away from home, it was a nice get away in such a relaxing and cozy atmosphere.  We enjoyed little sandwiches made with chicken salad, egg salad, and cheese and pimento sandwiches along with homemade scones and welsch biscuits.  All very English because the owner's mother was from England (well, Wales actually).  And we enjoyed a pot of Peach tea out of a bone China teapot and teacups.  For dessert, the owner served us toffee pudding, which is more like cake.  But so delicious.  And several hours just went by without a care.  The older I get, the more I appreciate special times like this with my mother.

A different kind of Thanksgiving

"In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thes 5:18

This thanksgiving I reflected on how different life is for me and how amazing God's grace has been in my life.  How I would have never expected the year that I had, and how grateful I am for supportive and loving family and friends through it all.  I am so thankful that God is moving in amazing ways in my life and while I am far from perfect, I am so grateful to be part of the story of God.  And I'm even thankful for my physical health.  It seems that after sealing my own driveway and undertaking my [entire] basement, I was bound to have some back problems.  But fortuneately, some recent minor foot surgery helped heal my back because I was out of commission/hobbling for a week.  But I am on the mend, with both thankfully, and am glad that I did get some help with both issues.  For my back, my one neighbor helped me rake my leaves.  And with my foot, I had a few people help me, but the trip to the store was a hoot.  My neighbor Dorothy, who is 80, took me to the grocery store.  I gave her a good laugh when I looked at the electric carts, and said, "I wonder if I qualify?"  So I hopped on and after figuring out how to steer, I made it through the store.  I also have a new appreciation for handicapped people.  Almost no one noticed me.  I mean no one.  It's as if me and my REALLY BIG cart did not exist.  One woman did smile at me and let me through, though.  It's so incredible what a little act of kindness can really do.  And that reminds me, at church, when my foot was propped up, I had two people I did not know come over to see how I was doing and a teacher I hadn't seen in awhile asked me how I was.  Again, the littlest gestures are so special when you really need it.  I'm so grateful for so many things this year, and even for the wherewithall to complete my basement, which became the spot for my family's Thanksgiving celebration.  You almost didn't notice the hot water tank and furnace. : )

Thanksgiving in my (completed!) basement

New Shoes

My beloved new flats

Who knew that I'd go for months in Austria without ever wearing a pair of heels, and after returning home, flats became my new uniform.  Of course, since my closet is adorned with all varieties of heels, I had to invest in a few pair of [fashionable-yet-comfortable] flats.  I was also very happy to be wearing more flats after an older friend of mine showed me her feet after years of wearing heels -- what they say can be true!  Trust me, I love a pair of heels for church, or a nice dinner out, or a wedding, but they are more the exception nowadays.  But I must say, while I thought that I made progress from heels to flats, my doctor so tactfully pointed out that I might need to get more supportive shoes after looking at my beloved new flats.  Well, one step at a time. : )

Our feet are important, though, as Paul pointed out: "How beautiful are the feet of those that bring good news!" Romans 10:15

Pilates with my sister

Pilates exercise at Asbury Barn

A few weeks after I cam back from Austria, I decided to keep up the "4 units a week" routine from school.  And I quit the gym after belonging for many, many years.  How can you go into a gym and stand on the treadmill after being in the Austrian alps?  You just can't.  So, I picked up jogging again, rode my bike, and also signed up for a Pilates (pronounced pi-lat-ees) with my younger sister Karen.  It's in a lovely setting -- a barn in the woods with big wooden beams.  It's such a nice change from the gym atmosphere, and so affordable.  And the instrustor is very, um, precise.  She really works hard to ensure that we're all doing our moves correctly.  I only got yelled at once yesterday.  She does also give the "great work" feedback, but you can't help but want to be on your best behavior when there.  So, I'll keep this up for the rest of the year, enjoying my time with my sister, and hope that she gives us good marks.   : )

Reading list

Finishing up this classic

This year, I decided to start reading the classics that I had never read before.  My love of reading didn't come when I was younger, but rather in the past 10 years.  So, I've so enjoyed catching up on some all-time favorites.  When in Austria, some of the students helped me to compile a list, based on some of their favorites.

Recently Read:     To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
                              Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
                              The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain (almost finished!)

Coming up:           Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

My list is much longer than this, and I'm always adding to it.  So, if you have a favorite, I'd enjoy hearing about it.  For now, since my library book is due in two days, I think I'll go find out what the little king is up to in Mark Twain's story.

Creative thinking

I've really enjoyed this fall.  A different season of my life--literally.  But I've just so enjoyed all of the colors, taking hikes, bike rides, and just enjoying the trees in my neighborhood.  I went for probably my last morning bike ride today.  At a brisk 40 degrees, I suited up in warm gear, complete with my skiing neck gator and shoe covers.  But I didn't mind the temperature because there was little wind and the sun was just coming up.  Oh, how this made the scenery look just stunning! I just had to snap a few photos, but passersby may have looked at me strange when I stopped on my bike and took pictures with my double-mitted hands. Over an hour later, I returned home, refreshed, having thoroughly enjoyed my early Sunday morning soaking in God's creation, wondering where I woudl be next fall.

At the creativity workshop. Asbury Woods Nature Center



And over the weekend, I went to a creative thinking workshop at one of the local nature centers, Asbury Woods.  A renovated house set in the woods, it was the perfect setting for this workshop.  And with only two other participant and the teacher, sitting in a conference room with oak chairs, and woods visible through the windows, it did spark creativity.  We learned that logic is not always present when being creative.  And that it's very important to play in life, because this helps with creativity (I did, in fact, go to this workshop because I wanted to do something fun). We did go through a list of things that affect creativity, like your
environment, your upbringing, what you read and listen to, and who you have as friends.  But the professor asked if we wanted to add anything to the list.  And it took me a bit, but I added:  money.  When you have money, you buy what you need and that's the end of it.  But when you're watching your money, you become very creative.  You make due or find another way to get something accomplished.  Or you go without.  But it can also inspire you to pick-up or resume hobbies that are practical or resourceful.  I've found in my life, that when I have less, I create more, when I have more, I buy more and create less.  We finished the workshop by inventing games with kitchen utensils (see photo).  We all came up with different ideas -- especially for the can opener!  The professor said that he expected this -- if everyone comes up with the same idea, there's too many people in the room.  I left the session glad that I went, enjoyed meeting a few new people, and promptly went home to finish some painting. : )

Old friends

There's nothing like an old friend.  No matter how many years go by, no matter how many months pass since you last talked, you can always pick up where you left off.  I had that twice this week.  I visited my old neighbor, who now lives in an apartment below her daughter and son-in-law.  She's 89 and reads a mystery book or other book every two days.  She's very sharp.  She told me about her bird feeders, watching the beautiful red sky as she overlooks the countryside and lake.  She has a few pets and has a great routine with them.  We had tea and cupcakes, and amazingly, I had a taste for chocolate cake and frosting for weeks, and when I told her this, she said that she had picked up cookies, but got the cupcakes instead because they were so festive.  And we talked about her grandkids and great-granddaughter.  She really is very special to me.  Her husband died about 5 years ago and when she lived next to me we got close.  I used to go watch the olympics with her and just go over to talk.  She'd tell me about her days as a manager at a bank and how she and Carl, "just got along."  As I was getting ready to leave, I felt the unmistakable urge to pray for her.  Now, this is not something that I do very readily, so it was by God's grace that I could.  I asked her if I could thank God for our time together and she said sure.  So I did and she thought that was very nice.  We hugged and promised to see each other again soon.

A hike through Scott Park, Erie, PA, USA with my friend Norine

The second friend that I caught up was an old racing companion.  She and I used to train on bikes in the rain, snow, and even did the MS-150 (a two-day 150 mile fundraising tour around Pittsburgh) one spring.  Oh how our lives have changed!  She's now married, and today we went for a hike through Scott park, instead of racing the countryside of Erie.  It was mostly level, and we talked the whole time, enjoying the beauty of the woods and each others company. We discovered that we may be the only two people that we know not on facebook, and how we both have a love for hiking.  She just got back from her honeymoon hiking in Utah.  We also sincerely talked about how our lives have changed and how thankful that we are that they're not the same.  Since she's looking for a church, she and I may end up seeing each other more if she ends up liking my church.  I was so grateful for our hike on what would have otherwise been a cold and drizzly day (44F/6C degrees).

First American Hike

To my dear friends that I met in Austria,

To Kerstin, Isa, Daniela Lani, Caitlyn, Nat, Megan, Emily, Mirjam, Krista, Sonja, and all the others.  Oh, how I thought of you when I went on my first real hike back in the United States.  I went to an area about an our away from my house and there were beautiful bike and hiking trails through the mountains, which ran beside a river.  The area is the home of Drake's well, or the first oil drilling area in the United States.  The leaves were turning beautiful colors and as I hiked, I couldn't help but think of all of you and the many hikes that we took!  I remember the first hike with you Kerstin, Isa, and Kate, I felt like we were lost, but you, Isa, kept us on track and had no fear - I am grateful for your experience and confident ways. I'll also remembered the "roommate hike," with you Dani, and just laughing and talking about important things in life.  And how can I forget the speed hike with you, Emily?!  I specifically remember keeping up with you for only a bit then you and Lota were off !  But how challenging and fun. 

I remember how peaceful the mountains were despite their shear mass and height, but it always refreshed me to go on an hike with any of you because your hearts were always turned toward God.  And there's a special memory created when you go in nature with a fellow believer, it's almost like words aren't even necessary because of God's presence all around.  I remember hiking with you, Kerstin, and while we talked, I remember just natural silence as we enjoyed God's beauty in the moment -- you have a way of making people feel so calm.  And Lani, I remember a very nice "hike" along the river where we really had a chance to get to know each other before we went to Italy.  Megan, I remember the last group hike through the mountains behind school, just chatting with my desk mate. On the foggy hike before this, Caitlyn, it was so special to spend time getting to know your gentle spirit.  And while not a hike, I remember a very special time on our trip to Salzburg, Krista, but more importantly, I remember you giving me an encouraging verse just when I needed it. And even though I reminisced about the hikes, more so my heart just fondly remembered each of you and how special it was to spend time with you, experiencing real-life transformation through God's divine power. 

I think of you all often and pray that you are joyful, enjoying your walk with Christ and looking forward to what he can do through you. 

Your friend,
Sharon 

Not quite Austria...but a beautiful hike through the Titusville, Pennsylvania area

My favorite bike ride

From my favorite bike ride

Let me take you on my favorite bike ride today.  It's a beautiful ride that takes me about an hour and leaves from my house, goes along the lake, through a golf course and through nice neighborhoods.  It's 51 degrees this morning, dew on the grass, not even the slightest breeze, but the sun is coming up and making the trees glow.  So, I suit up in my knickers, a long-sleeve teal jersey, my yellow-greenish neon vest, arm warmers, and a hat.  I'm ready to go except - oops! -- I forgot to change my shoes in to my clip shoes.  I'm on my way now, and I head north out of my driveway around the block and right onto West Lake Road and then quickly turn onto a road where all of the houses are right on the lake.  Landscapers are out in full force since it's been rainy for several days.  I navigate around them, enjoying looking at the lake, which is the backyard for these houses.  And I begin my usual thinking and wondering.  And I think about a statistic that I read in The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Sterns, former CEO of Lenox china: $65 billion could eliminate poverty for more than a billion people -- or the amount that we spend on jewelry each year in America (interesting: we spend over $705 billion on entertainment).  And I think about what I can do about it, not getting overwhelmed with the problems, but taking my part in making a difference. 

As I head up my first hill, it's already warming up, so I slide down my arm-warmers.  I ride through some beautiful houses around Wolf Road, and then turn into Lake Shore and ride through the golf course.  I stop at my favorite spot overlooking the lake (above) and notice that they have a new bench.  I stop, admire the view, and pray for whomever comes to mind.  It's very peaceful.  I get back on my bike and ride more along the lake and then down Manchester, where I head downhill and crest 30mph as I hit the bottom of the hill.  I head up the next hill around the bend and pass some friendly walkers on the uphill -- as I 'wheee-hooo-whee-hooo' with my breathing up the hill I get in a 'hello' and at the top are more walkers and my hello is something like 'wheeee-hoooo-good-huh-morning-wheee-hooo.'  But I smile and am glad to see people out. 

I head to the intersection and turn left by Pepino's and head down and up Walnut Creek Hill.  Unfortuneately, there's always a need to navigate dead animals here, but a big hawk flies overhead distracting me as I navigate around one.  I get to the top of the hill puffing, and head right, the sun is really shining now and the dew fading from the grass.  I like this section becauase it's relatively flat and wanders along the golf course; good thinking time.  I think about how grateful that I am that God has given me courage and strength to really follow him.  I think about how neat it is that we can ride on a bike and not fall off (well, most of the time).  I think about the woman who just stopped running, with her hands on her hips, and wonder if she's training for something.  I head back and go through the neighborhood by the lake hitting my last hill before I turn onto West Lake Road and head back to my house.  I arrive and look down, 52:36 minutes later and I am appreciative of such a beautiful ride to think, pray, and get some exercise.

As for the rest of the day, I'm headed to lunch with my neighbor.  : )

Colorado

Winter Park, Colorado

I just love the mountains.  I acquired this love the mountains, and God's amazing creation really, when I was in Austria.  So when I went to Seattle and was in the mountains, it felt familiar.  And now I'm looking at the Rockies.  Just beautiful.  I'm visiting a someone that I met in school and am enjoying the remoteness of the mountains and very untouched landscaped nestled in the mountains.  I'm looking out the window and see tall pine trees, little wooden and big wooden houses, low brush, small ponds, the mountains in the backgrounds -- it feels like people will come by any minute with pans to look for gold.  It's that much in the west.  This time after school has been more amazing that I could have ever imagined.  But experiencing this didn't come without a process of seeking God, praying, struggling, and finally obeying what I needed to do.  And I just kept taking the next step.  As I was talking to a friend last night, sharing my experience, I recounted that I just kept taking a step, and in the end there were no guarantees except having faith.  And it's been nothing but a soft landing.  For someone who's relied on myself, relying on God has really been exhilarating.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

Seattle

Sunrise over Lake Washington with the mountains in the background

(from my aunt & uncles back deck)

I just love the pacific nothwest.  I'm in Seattle for a week visiting my aunt and uncle.  They're actually my godparents and not even related to me.  But they've been such a source of wisdom and support throughout my whole life.  It's been so nice to have someone to share life with who is not related in whom you feel comfortable talking about anything.  And I've visited them in many of the places that they've lived -- Erie, Kentucky, Michigan, Florida, Arizona, and Seattle. 

Yesterday, my aunt, cousin and I went wine tasting and had a good time, laughing, tasting wine and just catching up.  Today I went for a 27-mile bike ride around Lake Washington with my uncle and one of his friends.  I enjoyed riding through the pines, up and over hills, around the blue lake with many sailboats and rare-but-beautiful blue Seattle sky.  We stopped at one point to look at the lake and could see the Olympic mountains and downtown Seattle across the lake.  And for the rest of today, we'll relax making dinner and will look at my pictures from my trip.  I'll enjoy just hanging out with them as they've been married for 45 years and have so much life experience to share. 

Oh, Austria

From one of my favorite hikes in Schladming, Austria

Today is a day that reminds me so much of Austria.  Crisp, clear, 60 - 70 degrees, with the sun shining and blue, blue skies.  And on days like today, all the girls and women would be wearing scarves.  I so enjoyed wearing scarves.  Even wee ones as young as grade school would be wearing them.  It was really so darling to walk by them going to school in their scarves speaking German.  And for about 8 Euro, you could pick up a scarf, which made a whole new outfit.  While there, I learned several ways to wear them, thanks to my roommate and the other girls. I'm almost embarrassed at how I was wearing my Target scarf when I arrived in Austria (let's just say that one is at the back of the closet now).  And on days like today, it was almost a given that you would go on a hike in the Alps.  One of my favorite hikes is one that I went on by myself to just read in God's creation.  I sat in the woods and just read the Word.  I remember feeling such a peace and taking a snapshot in my mind, which is still very clear.  I knew that my time would eventually end, but I also knew that it was a great step of faith.  And now it is even a bigger leap of faith, not knowing exactly what is next.  But staying in the word and having a prayer partner has made all the difference.  And I will continue to be so grateful for this time to read, work on house projects, go for rides, visit family, and have people over for dinner.  And one of the best blessings has been getting to know my neighbors better.  Really gives new meaning to: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).  It's hard sometimes putting yourself out there, but it can also come with a gift of a new friendship. 

As for me today, I'm going to use one of my newly-acquired skills and Skype a friend.

Maria and Me

So I had my 14-year-old niece over for the week.  The week went fast.  We cooked, went to my prayer group, rode bikes at the peninsula, visited the library, went for ice cream, had Chinese on the beach, and just hung out at my house.  She even helped me work in my yard (4 bushes down, 10 to go) and watch another niece and nephew for a full day.  And she also helped me install a webcam so that I can use Skype with my oversees and out-of-state friends.  And after going to my prayer group, we were challenged on how we could be more like Christ, so I asked her what we could do.  She suggested, without hesitation, that we visit a shut-in that we know.  So we did just that the next day.  We also read the bible together, and spent time studying about God's unfailing love for us. So amazing to be studying with her when just a few years ago we were playing with play dough. 

While I don't know when I'll be able to have her over again for a full week, it makes me appreciate the fact that I could do this during this season of my life. 

My family

So, I had a birthday while in Europe, in the Netherlands, actually.  And that was lovely, just unbelievable really.  Never thought that I'd spend a special birthday there.  But it was also nice to have my family throw me a birthday party today.  I had a chance to see all of my family since I returned.  There's 19 of us in total, counting nieces and nephews.  I caught up with them a bit, and just enjoyed being with them.  They really are a wonderful, supportive, and loving family.  That alone is birthday gift.

My parents and siblings:

Jim, Sharon, Mom (Fran), Dad (Andy), Sandy, Karen, Suzanne

How hard can it be?

Where I lived, Schaldming, Austria

"How hard can this be?"  I don't know how many times I said this in Austria and when traveling.  How hard can it be to hike in the Austrian Alps?  Well...as I quickly found out, very hard.  Like perspiring in the first 3 minutes and huffing and puffing because of the altitude.  I was humbled.  And how hard can mountain biking be in the Alps?  Umm...I never walked up a hill before -- and I mean never -- but I walked the mountain bike up the hill four times on the first steep hill in Austria.  Humbled again.  How hard can it be to travel a low cost airline that I've never traveled before from Rome to Amsterdam?  Well, I felt about 2 inches tall after I was herded like cattle and boarded a plane with people openly excited about going to Amsterdam to party (perhaps with the legalized drugs there?).  And each time I went through a situation like this, I knew that I had to practice everything that I was learning in bible school.  And when I came home, I had water in the basement, my air conditioning in my car didn't work, my garage door wouldn't close, and today my drain basin next to my washer kept overflowing as I did laundry.  I just laughed.  I fully expected that I would be challenged when I got home, and these things certainly did the trick.

But in the quietness of being home again, I've been able to read more.  And this has helped me keep perspective.  When you're reading the amazing truth of God's word often, it's very hard to have a bad day, or at least not let things get out of proportion.  And so I've been reading a study on the sermon on the mount by Jacques, whom I visited in the Netherlands.  And appropriately, I've just read about "Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth."  I used to think that meekness meant being weak, but in reality it means being humble.  And even Christ said that he was humble in heart (Mt 11:29).  Moses is also described as humble (Num 12:3).  And being humble means that we are content in all circumstances.  As Paul says in Philipians 4:11: "For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." 

So whether in the beautiful mountains of Austria, or squishing through my basement in my Old Navy flips, I pray that I always remember these words.  For being a Christian means that I can't be content on my own, but with Christ, I can.

Life in North America

Well, it's still an adjustment to come back from such an amazing, challenging, and inspiring trip.  The biggest adjustment is being on my own.  I've lived on my own for years, but now I really miss living in community and eating all my meals with others.  While eating with over 75 people, mostly those in their late teens and early twenties, could be a bit crazy and loud sometimes, it was just like one big happy family.  So I pray for my future, when I can be in community and live in the blessings and challenges of being with others.

In my backyard, Erie, Pennsylvania

In the meantime, I've been busy around the house.  My sisters and my friend kept up with my house, and for that I am so grateful.  I was so impressed at how nice my house looked on the inside and out when I came home. I do have a few bushes to trim, but first I had to work on my basement because I came home to water around the walls of my basement.  I've been meaning to clean my basement...so I've spent several days just moving things around and tossing out garbage bags full of "stuff."  It's so embarassing, but I have held onto papers from grade school and had four file drawers full of college and masters materials. It just never seemed to make the priority list.  But since I lived off so little for several months in Austria and Europe, I began to chuck heaps and heaps of papers (by the way, when I came home, my closet felt like a clothing store and I still haven't cracked open my jewelry box).  And if you know me, tossing out part of my past would have been an emotional experience, but it felt good to get rid of it.  Besides what am I going to do with it, really?  I also had a little inspiration from one of the devotions at bible school.

Every morning after breakfast at Tauernhof, at around 8:30am, a student would give a devotion, or an 10-minute talk on what has inspired them recently from their bible reading, or what God was doing in their lives.  I was so impressed -- the students gave such deep and profound stories of God's grace or provision in their lives.  So one morning, Stefan, a 28-year-old, gave a devotion about looking forward.  For the first part of the school semester, he always seemed distracted, and it was hard to talk with him for any length of time.  But then there was a noticeable change in him.  He looked lighter, less burdened.  So he gave his devotion.  He said that he had met a girl just 10 days before he left, missed his family, and had left his job, so he had a lot on his mind.  But then God inspired him through this scripture:  "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" Luke 9:62. He said that it was easy for him to dwell on what he left, but that didn't allow him to be open to all that God could do during his time at bible school and afterwards. Looking forward can be hard at times because we don't know what the future holds, but then again, that can be the adventure if we trust in the one who called us.  For me, so much has happened in my life over the past few months that looking forward feels good.  So, I want to travel a little lighter, be more open to what could happen, and spend time with Christ as I find my way.

Home safely

Sharon/me home in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA

I arrived home safely late Friday night.  It's hard to believe that I was Germany just a day ago, and now I am in Erie, Pennsylvania.  It was a very long travel travel day and really difficult to leave.  Ashley saw me to my train platform to take the 1.5 hour train from Wuerzburg to the Frankfurt airport.  Once the train pulled out, I got emotional, realizing that I was leaving such a great experience.  But I enjoyed the beautiful countryside, and even befriended a young woman on the train who was also going to the airport, so I was sure to get off at the right stop.  Once at the airport, I found the check-in and my gate with some difficulty, but by now I was used to traveling in foreign airports, so I just asked someone to help me find my way.  I traveled from Frankfurt to Toronto on an 8 hour flight, and then from Toronto to Cleveland.  I arrived home at 12:30pm, which would have been 6:30am Europe time.  Even though I was so tired, I smiled as I walked into welcome home signs, a stocked fridge and cupboards, and even fresh flowers.  My family and friends are amazing.  I felt so loved.

I slept through the night and it was so strange to wake up in a place by myself.  For 2 1/2 months, I've lived in community and haved dined with others.  So, I had to adjust to being on my own again.  I talked with the neighbors and have already arranged to spent more time having tea with my 80-year-old neighbor and will go on more walks with my single neighbor.  Living in community is a blessing.  I can't wait to share my experience with my family and friends and catch up with all the details of their lives.  While being in my little house is comfortable and I feel the same God that I did in Austria here, I am now more ready than ever to follow God's leading, wherever that may be.  In the meantime, I think that I'll enjoy every day sleeping in my own bed and getting into a routine where I can spend more time with God to hear his voice.  Funny, while I am home, I don't feel the same.  I am ready to start the next adventure.

Leaving Europe

Leaving Europe is harder than I thought that it would be.  I've had such a great experience -- bible school, living in the Alps, traveling around Europe, visiting friends.  I've had so many amazing, challenging, growing, and relaxing experiences that I never dreamed of.  I've met very solid young people at bible school, befriended some of the staff, and traveled to make better friends in Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany.  And I've learned so much:  to be patient, to allow myself to fail, to adjust quickly, to live in community, to live through the stress of public transportation, and to live on a small suitcase of clothes, including 6 pairs of earrings, four pairs of shoes, and about a dozen outfits.  I really did learn to live more simply.  And when I lost my suitcase, I lived off of even less.  I also learned to take pictures, but to know when to just enjoy the moment.  Most importantly, I've learned that no matter what I do, where I go, I need to live a life that allows God to work through me.

A German meal with Ashley and Thomas on my last night in Europe

As I lived my last day in Europe, I enjoyed a breakfast with Ashley and then she went off to German class.  I spent a bit more time in her place reading, but then wandered around town and had lunch in a winery in town, where the building was built in the 1400's.  Since Ashley was at class, I dined alone, but a woman at a nearby table came over and took my picture when she saw me taking pictures.  And then a little bit after I started my meal, she came over with a wine glass and poured me some of the wine from her carafe, and said, "You're in Wuerzburg, you have to have a glass of wine."  Remember that Wuerzburg is surrounded by vineyards and famous for their white wine.  She poured me a Bacchus 2009 Randersacker Ewig Leben.  Ashley met me after class at the winery and we headed off to have a coffee.  After a lingering time over dessert, we headed back for an early dinner to make an authentic meal called spaetzle (pronounced spetz-le).  We cooked at a leisurely pace and I even helped to make the spaetzle, which is dough dropped into boiling water.  A bit similar to long thin gnocchi.  You layer the noodles with cheese and top with carmelized onions.  We enjoyed the spaetzle and a strawberry salad with some of the wine from the wine festival. We laughed and talked about travels, and anything else that came to mind.  It was nice to have a German meal before leaving.  I have so enjoyed my time here, and getting to know Ashley and Thomas better.

I don't know what is next, but I trust that God has brought me thus far, that he'll continue to guide me on my way.  And if its half as adventurous as what I experience over the past few months, I'll quickly abandon my plans to follow his.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 1:6 

German 'bibel' study

Today was one of my favorite days.  After almost two weeks of traveling, it hit me.  I was just tired.  So I slept in a bit.  Ashley made some fabulous sweet rolls, German-style, and then she headed off to her German class at 10am.  She would be gone until almost 3, so she left me the keys and wished me a restful time.  I ate breakfast on her balcony, read, and just enjoyed the sights and sounds of everyday life in Wuerzburg: a woman kicking her bike stand-up and riding off for the day, dishes clanking in nearby places, and an older woman slowly walking her dog.  After breakfast, I spent time reviewing my notes from some of the sessions at bible school.  It's just what I needed.  I was so encouraged and reminded about how much wisdom is in the bible.  I reviewed some of the notes on Galatians, where we are to live life by the spirit as evidenced by the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  A change in our inner selves will result in a change in our outer selves.  If we live in the spirit we'll  have a changed attitude towards others (e.g. love, kindness, goodness), a changed attitude to circumstances (e.g. peace, patience), and a changed attitude towards ourselves (e.g. self-control).  It was a good reminder to show the fruit of the spirit wherever we find ourselves.  In doing so, we shine the light of Christ.  I relaxed and slept on her couch, reading in between and just enjoying the time with God.  I enjoyed the early afternoon this way, and was refreshed by the time Ashley got home around 3pm.

A view from the bridge in Wuerzburg

She was to meet the girl that she is mentoring, so I decided to meander around Wuerzburg.  Ashley walked with me part of the way then went to meet Jasmine.  She showed me a local shop where the man makes leather goods.  I spent time in there browsing and talking the best I could with the owner, or lederatelier.  I walked along the old part of Wuerzburg browsing a few shops and stopping at a cafe to have a pastry.  I walked more in the historic district and ended up at the Rathaus, or town building.  I also walked on the famous bridge that looks like one in Prague.  Since I've wanted to go to Prague for years now, I enjoyed seeing this.  I could see the large fortress on the hill as well.  I walked back to Ashley's and we headed off to bible study.

We walked about 15 minutes to the bible study, which was held at an apartment.  Apartments are very nice here.  It's the German way. They're solid, clean, and quiet large for an apartment.  Ashley introduced me and they said that it was no problem to translate during the study.  We studied chapter 3 of Daniel.  Ashley did a great job translating and I learned quite a bit.  Chapter 3 is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how when King Nebuchadnezzar asked them to bow down to his idol, they replied, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up" (Daniel 3:17-18).  They had made a decision to serve God no matter the outcome (and not just when life is good).  God did rescue them from the furnace, but we talked about that God does not always do this, but he did choose to rescue them.  He rescued them, not only because they stayed close to God, but to show his power to the king. 

We concluded the bible study and talked afterward and they all talked to me in English.  Of the fourteen people there, most were over 35, so I felt quite at home.  I talked with one man who is a orthopedic doctor and he has such a passion for reaching the Islamic people of Germany.  Apparently, it is growing and could be a problem in the future.  I talked with the two other ladies there -- one is a music teacher of smaller children and the other works in a pediatrician's office.  They were all so genuine.  They were very confident that God would provide direction in my life and wished me well as I left.  Although the study was in German, even when we prayed you could feel the presence of Christ.  And it was a good reminder that God speaks more than English.  We headed home and it was almost midnight.

I'll enjoy my last full day in Europe tomorrow.

Schweinfurt, Germany

On the phone with my father in Schweinfurt, Germany

Today, Ashley and I took their bikes through several small villages and vineyards.  They were so small and quaint.  We rode along bike paths through the countryside.  In Germany, they have paths so that you don't have to ride along the road.  In every small town that we passed through, I couldn't help but think, "I can't believe that I'm cycling through Germany."  I soaked in the scenery and took several pictures in my mind as we road along.  I loved one tiny village that had just a few buildings, flower boxes and a goat in a pen. We rode for several hours and stopped to have lunch in one of the small towns.  We headed back by train because it was getting late and I wanted to visit one other town in Germany: Schweinfurt.


Schweinfurt is where my father was stationed in the army for 18 months.  It took about a half hour to drive there.  We drove past the army barracks, then walked around town.  It's like many other German towns, but a bit more industrial.  I thought that the city center was nice.  I took lots of pictures and called my father while I was there.  He was so surprised that I was there and told me to take lots of pictures to see how much it had changed.  We walked slowly through the town, taking even more pictures.  We ate dinner and I just was so happy that I could see where he lived for a short period of time. What an amazing trip.  


I'll be home before you know it....

Wuerzberg, Germany

Sharon/me and Ashley 

Sommerhausen, Germany

I arrived in the Frankfurt airport on the one hour flight from Amsterdam, however, my luggage did not make it with me.  Fortunately, I had a small change of clothes and Ashley lent me some things.  I still have not received it, so I am exercising my patience as I learned in the study of the Psalm this weekend.  Ashley and Thomas picked me up a the Frankfurt airport and after waiting almost an hour for me to come out, we headed to Wuerzburg. It was good to be with them.  We relaxed over a stir-fry dinner at their house and I got to know Thomas better.  He's studying for his PHD in physics.  Their place is so quaint and Ashley, who is originally from Kansas, but married a German, decorates so simply and has such bright and happy colors.  We finished dinner and went to bed.  I slept so soundly.


Thomas left for the university where he works before I even got up.  Ashley made crepes and we enjoyed a slow and relaxing breakfast on her balcony.  We left shortly before lunch to explore Wuerzburg.  We didn't go too far because there was a chance that my luggage would be delivered.  We also wanted to go on a bike ride, but maybe tomorrow.  We walked to town via a beautiful garden complete with old lamp posts.  We walked past a palace, which we visited later, and walked on the stone streets to see a poetry garden, a few different types of churches and browsed a few shops.  We even saw a winery built in the 1400's.  We stopped for lunch at an authentic German place, complete with the beer umbrellas on the outside tables. It was very tasteful though.  The buildings around it had flower boxes and were so well maintained.  I had a version of a light pirogi with broccoli and carrots, it was very good.  We walked to the palace and had a very detailed tour of the palace that the bishop built in the 1700's.  The place was so decadent, but the fresco's on the walls and ceilings were stunning and so colorful.  On the one above the staircase in the entryway, it had four continents pictured on it with people appropriate for those continents.  And the rooms were so ornate with gold, marble and tapestries.  Since he built it with the people's money, it was no wonder that they didn't like him. We walked through some very magnificent gardens and headed back home.


In the evening we drove to a German wine festival in a nearby village called Sommerhausen.  Just so quaint.  We walked around the village and then followed a path around the town and through local vineyards.  The evening was just the perfect temperature for strolling through the vineyards.  We walked up the hill behind the village and around and back through town to the location of the festival. When we arrived, there was a 'glas,' or brass band playing traditional German music.  Orange benches lines the streets and people were drinking local wines.  We had an onion-like flat pizza and fries and some white wine from the vineyards that we walked through. We enjoyed the music, conversation, and the town-like atmosphere.  A German couple and their two kids next to us were playing cards and the family beside us asked in German (as I looked a bit wide-eyed) if their grandmother could eat the pizza.  It was that kind of atmosphere.  We walked back along the Min river watching the sun set.  A great way to end a day in Germany with a very nice couple.

Holland for my birthday

Ruth, Sharon/me, Jacques on my birthday

Who knew even three months ago that I would be in Holland on my birthday?  Life has been such a sweet and challenging adventure over the past 6 months that it's hard to believe that I am here.  I woke up after a very good sleep (with an electric blanket mind you), to the sun and a peaceful morning.  Ruth and Jacques prepared a nice breakfast and had a few gifts waiting for me.  As they gave me a hug and wished me a happy birthday, I thought that I didn't feel any different today that I did yesterday.  But what a special place to celebrate a birthday.  While I miss my family and celebrating with friends, I'm so blessed to be with two very special and godly people.  After breakfast finished, Jacques announced with a smile, that instead of continuing on in the study of Luke, that we would read the Psalm number corresponding with my the age of birthday.  So we read the Psalm and talked about patience and how patience is a fruit of the spirit.  And patience makes us more like the character of Christ.  I enjoyed and could get used to studying the bible after meals.

Shortly after breakfast we headed to their son Steven's house to meet his family and children.  Along the way we stopped at a bakery and Ruth picked up little cakes to celebrate my birthday.  She said that it is a tradition in Holland.  We had a very relaxing time and enjoyed our cakes and with Steven's family.  Steven and his wife had met at the bible school in England.  They were very welcoming and also lived very simply.  And it was nice to be around a 12-year-old, a 10-month-old and a 2-year-old because it reminded me of being with my family.  While I was there a few neighbor children came by speaking Dutch.  It's so strange to go from German-speaking to Dutch-speaking people.  We stayed until lunch and headed off to a small fishing village.  Along the way, I just soaked in the scenery looking at thatched-roof houses, pastures, windmills, and tree-lined streets.  It's very beautiful.

We arrived in the village and Jacque explained that the brick walls just past the water to the canal were for putting up a blockade if the water got too high.  Once in the village, I just loved it.  A quaint little Dutch village with boutique shops, restaurants, and buildings as old as the 1400's.  One of my favorite things to do is to go to small villages so this was such a pleasant surprise and treat.  We had some fried fish for lunch and this was not your typical fried fish -- it was very light and the fish so tender.  We walked along the canal and enjoyed the slow pace.  They thought that we were walking slow because of them, but I laughed (because they are so young at heart) and assured them that I enjoyed just taking in the scenery.  There were old wooden boats parked in the canal and there were so many bikes parked on their kickstands.  That's one thing that Holland has is bike paths along the road.  And not just along the road, there's grass between the road and the bike path, and it's everywhere.  I saw so many bikes along the roads as we had traveled, both cyclists in full gear and others taking a more leisurely pace with baskets on the front.  We headed back to Apeldoorn after stopping at the grocery store for items for dinner, including several different types of cheese. 

Before dinner, we chatted outside, enjoying the sun and the very peaceful afternoon.  They live in an area where there are wooden fences and horses, and lots of greenspace.  So it's very, very quiet.  We talked about their time as missionaries in New Guinea and other stories that showed of how God has worked in others lives as well.  We had a Swiss meal for dinner -- 6 kinds of cheeses on a cheese plate, boiled potatoes, olives, radishes, and a salad.  And a white wine from South Africa.  Such a simple meal, but very good.  We prayed for the suffering church after dinner and read from a daily bible book.  I can't say enough how nice it is to go to the word after a good meal and before going on to the next thing in life.  It keeps you focused on what's important. 

After dinner, Jacques and Ruth shared a slide show of their 13 years as missionaries in New Guinea.  When you see pictures of people who were so primitive -- they could only be reached by plane, it's amazing to think that Jacque, Ruth and other missionaries there could share the gospel to people who spoke a different language and didn't know anything about the civilized world.  As we went through the pictures, they shared how difficult is was at times, but that God had called them there, so they did what they needed to do to spread the good news.  And as they figured out how to connect to the Dani tribe, the people went from killing, raping, stealing, and other strange practices to very free and loving people who they themselves wanted to share the good news with other tribes around them.  And they had many of their four children in New Guinea.  While Jacques and Ruth were spared, other missionaries were killed and eaten by the unsaved tribesmen.  But in the end, the gospel saved 22,000 of the 25,000 people there.  Just amazing at what the power of Christ can do to change and free people.  I was really engrossed in the slide show and just marvelled at what a step of faith by Jacque and Ruth led to -- even though they didn't know completely what they were getting into.  I asked them if they were afraid, and Ruth said yes, but you just did what you needed to do.  What a testimony to really living out the Christian life and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). 

We chatted for a bit more and then headed off to bed.  What a wonderfuly unexpected way to spend my birthday.  So peaceful and relaxing.  I'll be sad to leave tomorrow, but so thankful that I was able to spend time with two very inspirational people who were once words in an email, but now are friends.

The Netherlands

I arrived safely in the Netherlands via a flight from Rome.  I took a regional low-cost carrier known in Europe -- Easyjet.  This was quite the experience.  I felt like cattle being hurded along in the whole process.  It was all a bit stressful, so I was so grateful to land in Amsterdam and be in very organized and clean airport.  And most of the signs were in English, so I could actually better understand where I was going.  I claimed my luggage and headed to the train station.  This, too, seemed easy after our trying train schedules in Italy.  And our accomodations last night turned out not to be so good, so we basically packed up early, lost a full night of sleep and headed to the airport.  While I appreciated the adventures of Italy, I do appreciate the organized public transportaion of Austria, Germany, and even the Netherlands much better. 

Jacques and Ruth Teeuwen

I arrived at the Apeldoorn train station, and hopped off the train only to see Jacques and Ruth waiting for me with a big American flag in their hands, smiling.  I was so glad to finally meet them because they were an instrumental part of me going to bible school.  I met Jacques over email through an old Torchbearers brochure and he quickly spoke truth into my life and was words of wisdom when I would be fearful of leaving what I knew to go to school.  So, they are very special to me. 

Ruth surprised me at the car with a beautiful bouquet of peach roses for my birthday.  This was so sweet and really touched me, especially because I love peach roses.  We drove to their house and I loved it.  Beautiful garden outside, and a bungalow inside (which is what I have, so I like this).  I can appreciate the simplicity of the house -- it has kept them free to give or to go where God called them.  I rested for just a bit and then we had a lovely meal together.  We talked so easily as they shared their testimonies, how they met, we marvelled at how God brought us together.  What I love about them is their passion for sharing the gospel, and how much they see God in our everyday lives, and how much they have opened themselves up to be used by God.  We talked about 2 Corinthians 5:14, "For Christ's love compels us." How true that should be.

After dinner, since they read after each meal, we picked up where they were at in Luke.  We studied how the shepherds returned to their jobs after hearing the good news.  So, some may be called to jobs and others to full-time missionary work.  I really enjoyed this time of studying and praying together.  What a great evening in fellowship, laughing, and getting to know each other.  It's just so comfortable.  I'm headed upstairs to my room that has many family pictures and a cozy bed.  I feel so at home here.

Rome

Sharon and Lani at Fontana di Trevi

We reluctantly, but gratefully, left the B&B outside Florence today via Julia.  She's the daughter of Alessandra.  She took us to get something to eat at a local store for our train ride back and then dropped us off at the train station taking us all the way to platform 1 to be sure that we found it (there's only two platforms in Rufina, so this was so sweet).  We had an uneventful two train rides back and enjoyed eating our grain and olive salad on the train.

We arrived in Rome a little after 2:30pm and found our accommodations.  We rested for awhile and then headed into Rome.  Rome is beautiful. Very big and spacious.  We walked to our accommodations to the Collesseum.  As we walked it was hard to imagine that people walked these stone roads so long ago.  And it's very special to me to think that the apostle Paul walked here as well.  The greenery and remnants of building around the Collesseum were so beautiful.  And there weren't that many people around so it made our time leisurely.  We took the metro to the Fontana di Trevi, which is a famous fountain built in the 1400's at the end of an aqueduct.  That in itself was an experience.  People everywhere crowded subway cars.  But when we got to the area around the fountain, it was very clean, old buildings, and shops all around.  Of course there are trattorias with tables outside.  We walked around, took some pictures by the fountain and found a cozy place to eat.  We enjoyed our last night in Rome and Lani so sweetly bought me my dinner to celebrate my birthday early. She's been such a good travel companion and I've gotten to know her better.  She and I will part ways tomorrow morning.  She'll stay in Rome for a day, then she's off to Spain and Paris, then back to Germany.  I'll fly to Amsterdam tomorrow.  I've so enjoyed her company and I'm anxious to see what God does next in her life.  But this may not be the last time that I see her, she lives in Vancouver, just a few hours away from my aunt and uncle in Seattle.  No matter where our paths lead, friends born of faith are not quickly forgotten.

Florence

 In front of the Duomo (Lani taking the picture, of course)

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise, read outside before breakfast, and then had breakfast with a couple from Canada. Alessandra (I had her name incorrect as Alexandra) offered to take us into Florence because she needed to deliver some of her wine.  We took about 12 cases of wine and had a lovely conversation on the way there.  Having a farmhouse, vineyard, fruit trees and a bed and breakfast is hard work.  You could tell that she and her husband worked a lot.  She`s been so kind to us here.  We met her daughter Julia at the pool yesterday and her mom dropped her off at the train station on our way to Florence.  She`s a thin dark-haired 18-year-old with beautiful curly dark hair.  And she was as kind as her mother.

On the way to Florence, I took in the Italian scenery with the rolling hills, vineyards, and fruit trees.  Italy is more untouched.  Meaning that is more natural and just old.  The farms aren`t as fastidious and square as some other countries.  We found out more about the Il Pezzatino winery.  Alessandra and her husband make 25,000 bottles of wine each year and the winery has been in her husband`s family for 200 years.  We had the rose wine last night and it was exceptional.  She talked more about her daughter and her university training and her son, who is working in Florence.  We arrived the back way to the Florence city center amongst the crazy Italian drivers.  We helped her load some of the wine onto a cart and then she pulled it right into Florence.  She stopped at a restaurant and butchery where she needed to deliver her wine.  I never saw so much raw meat hanging.  We parted ways and started on our tour of Florence.

We used a self-guided tour of Florence for part of the time.  We started at a piazza, went into a museum that was previously a monastery.  There were many smaller rooms with one window and wooden shutters and a fresco painted on the wall.  We toured the museum and then headed to the Duomo, or a famous church built in 1436.  We walked through the art district taking in statues and very ornate buildings.  We continued on, beginning to melt a bit because of the heat, but walked over the Ponte Vecchio bridge built in Roman times.    We then found a stationary shop where the owner was the fourth generation.  We spent an hour in there just talking with him and browsing the books and stationary that he makes.  He was so nice and even told us the only place to eat in Italy -- Casalinga.  So walked just around the corner and down the block and found the trattoria (restaurant).  It looked like nothing from the outside, but inside it was quite quaint.  I ordered a frittata and Lani the ravioli.  I was still hungry so I ordered in salata di carote.  Literally, it was shredded carrots, but once I squeezed the lemon and drizzled olive oil on them it was amazing.  Lani and I laughed that I could impress my friends at home by making in salata di carote (lol). 

We just walked around Florence the rest of the day getting gelato, which melted as fast as we did, but thoroughly enjoyed browsing the shops.  I have to admit, it was much different than I expected.  When cities are so old, it`s hard to comprehend us walking the same streets that people have for thousands of years.  We left by train at 6:00pm, but it wasn't without some challenges because the train was late.  But we found it just fine and headed back to the farmhouse, where Alessandra picked us up at the train station.  Lani and I spent the rest of the night eating a leisurely dinner and chatting.

Tomorrow is Rome and dinner in the historical center.

Tuscany

Sharon and Lani at the farmhouse B&B in Tuscany

Yesterday I was in Austria, Germany and now I am in Italy.  It`s hard to believe.  Simon, one of the "older" students (he`s 29) drove me to the Munich airport and also took home Kerstin and Stefi to Germany.  Both Simon and Kerstin will be back to Tauernhof in a week to work for the summer there.  And Stefi took a nanny job for two months.  We started the drive off in silence just reflecting on our time at school.  After a bit we chatted, but were all so thankful that we were able to leave school together and for all that God taught us.  I was so appreciative of the ride and seeing Germany.  They dropped me off at the Munich airport for my flight to Rome and said our goodbyes.  I will miss all of their laughter and fellowship.

Once flying, I had the most amazing experience flying over the Alps.  So incredible to see how grand and magnificent they are.  I flew into Rome and after a bit of confusion in the Rome airport, Lani and I found each other.  I was so happy to have found her. We took a taxi to the hotel in Rome so that we could get a good night`s rest before going to Florence (our flights just worked out to go to Rome first).  We found all of our trains....except the last 30 minute train to Rufina, where our bed and breakfast is located.  We got on the wrong train.  You should have seen our faces when the train attendant looked at our tickets and told us that we were on the wrong train.  Of course, this was not a simple dialogue because he only spoke Italian.  But Lani knows some Italian, so we managed to find out when the next train would take us back.  We made it back and found the right train an hour and a half later.  The confusion happened because a train was late and arrived on the platform that we were to catch out train.  But now we have the system figured out.  You can only imagine how happy we were to get to the B&B farmhouse and swim in the pool.

Alexandra, the owner of Il Pezzatino was so nice to come to the train station twice to get us.  She and her husband have owned the farmhouse fro 30 years.  She brought us to the farmhouse and showed us our room.  It`s old with uneven wooden beams for the ceiling, a circulating fan, and the bed is dressed in very old linens.  The windows have old aqua shutters, the floors are wooden and the walls are white, but you can tell that the walls are so old because of the uneveness.  But it has it`s own charm.  They even make there own wine.  The dining room has a stove and a long wooden table about 20 feet long, solid wood.  Their wines are displayed.  Alexandra asked if we wanted to walk into town or order pizza and we decided on pizza.  She even took us to town to order the pizza and we waited at a very cozy pizza place -- Pizzeria Spaghetteria.  Very nice staff.  We went back to the farmhouse and enjoyed some of their chilled rose wine with pizza, a salad, and a light cream dessert.  Alexandra even gave us some of their own homemade olive oil to enjoy with our dinner.  We chatted the night away eating outside under the Tuscan sky.  I so enjoyed every bite of the food and the conversation.

Tomorrow we`re off to Florence.

We spent the afternoon swimming and relaxing.

Leaving tomorrow

Dinner at the hut

Dodo (Germany), Kerstin (Germany), Sharon/me (USA)

We walked 30 minutes up the mountain to get to dinner at a hut.  All the staff were present and we had a fantastic meal and fellowship, complete with an accordian player throughout the night.  I even had a glass of Austrian wine (though after two months I couldn't even drink the whole glass).  It's hard to believe that tomorrow I leave for Italy to spend 4 days in Florence and Rome.  It's been so nice to have these days here after the students left to process all of what's going on.  Today we were able to sleep in and could help ourselves to breakfast.  I couldn't believe that I slept until almost 8am.  But I really like the girls in my new room -- Kerstin, Stefi, and Megan (my desk mate in class).  We had a barbeque at the Protestant church for lunch and I spent the afternoon leisurely packing.  I also went on one last walk along the river.  It's been a bit cloudy and cooler for the past week and half, but as I was on my walk, the sun started to come out.  I so enjoyed hearing the river, reflected on all of God's creation, and thanked him for being able to go on this trip.  It's so crazy to think that I just spent 8 weeks in Austria and now I'll get to travel to Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. 

It's also been great to see that when I've trusted God, that plans seem to go so much smoother.  Like my travels for example.  For one, my camera broke the week before school ended and when I told one of the staff girls that I liked her camera -- that it was just like the one that I had, she offered to lend it to me for my travels.  And literally, it's just an older version of mine.  She's German, but bought it when she lived in America.  So my USB cable works.  So amazing.  And I fly out of Munich to Rome tomorrow, and instead of having to take the train, one of the German students is going to take me to the airport in half the time.  And there are so many other instances like this.  While I am excited to travel, I'm more excited to travel with Lani in Italy, visit the couple in the Netherlands that were so instrumental in my decision to go to school, and visit the other student in Germany. 

As I get packed up, and think about all that I've learned, I think that if I had not left work, I would not be here.  While I don't know where the path leads next, I have so much peace that if I had such an amazing experience that drew me closer to God and brought the reality of Christ to me, how can I worry about what's next?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."

Philipians 4: 6-7