Where do I begin to try and summarize the last three weeks. Three weeks ago today I landed in Germany and started this new adventure. I have not had access to internet so I apologize for not responding to e-mails, etc. A sweet neighbor has allowed us to use hers while we wait to get connected.
In the last three weeks I have gone through a week of survival German, a week of new staff orientation, a week of all staff orientation, moved into a new apartment, met lots of wonderful new people, opened a German bank account and tried to learn how to deposit, pay bills, etc., figured out the grocery stores in town among many other things. I have had moments of being completely overwhelmed, moments of culture shock, moments of information overload, moments of feeling like I am figuring things out, moments of victory in accomplishing small tasks that feel difficult with the language and culture barriers, moments of homesickness and moments of not being able to believe that Jesus has called me to this beautiful town in the Black Forest and to this wonderful and unique institution called Black Forest Academy.
About ten days ago one of my new roommates, Emily, arrived. After being here by myself I was glad to welcome her. We have enjoyed getting settled in and getting to know each other. One other girl, Kristi, will be joining us this Saturday. We look forward to her arrival. Our apartment is really beautiful and in a wonderful location since the three of us do not have a car. So it is wonderful to be within walking distance of the school and of grocery stores. The Lord is so good to us. He has also provided for us through the generosity of others to furnish our apartment.
I have been diving into my curriculum and trying to find out what has been done and learning how BFA works. It looks like I am teaching one middle school class of immersion French and French 1 and 2 in high school. I think it will be a good mix. I have been blessed by the two other French teachers who have been willing to take me under their wing and truly guide me through so much and answer my many questions. The kids come on Monday, opening ceremonies are on Tuesday and Wednesday is the official start of school. I would really appreciate your prayers for me this next week. I feel excited but it is a lot to jump into with very little preparation as I just got my curriculum the first of this week.
Jesus gave me a very sweet love gift last weekend with the visit of my cousins the Searls who serve Jesus in Hungary. They helped us move in some furniture and also took me to France for the day. What a treat that was. We were able to visit a beautiful castle that I had visited as a 12 year old. It was as beautiful as I had remembered and so much fun! Plus I was able to read signs and communicate. One of the nights that they were here we had a wonderful dinner with Peter and Laurel and their boys (an LCC family that is here at BFA) and that was a real treat as well.
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| Katy Beth, Laurel and me |
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| Haut-Koenigsbourg |
So all of this to say – THANK you for praying. Jesus is answering and helping me in so many ways. Thank you for continuing to pray.
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| The Searls Girls in front of my apartment |
So glad to hear from you, and to hear that things are falling into place....you'll be fine with the curriculum: I kno w A LOT of teachers who don't plan past the first week until the year is underway...and it all comes together!
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