The Thrill Of The Normal

So after almost four weeks of living in Germany, we are finally beginning to feel as if living here is normal. As the novelty of fresh bread, public transportation, and good German chocolate begins to fall into the norm, the reality of living here begins to sink in more. However, it is such a joy knowing that we are in the will of God and what he has for our lives. Although we are only in Düsseldorf for a short time, it is home.

Our next great hurdle of course is the language. How great would it be to just be able to walk up to someone and ask if they know Jesus? However I do not know how to ask that question, and even if I did, how do I communicate to them the reason they need a Savior, and how they can be reconciled to God. I know it will take time and until then we are praying that God gives us an ability beyond ourselves to learn the language, so that we might communicate to love of Christ verbally. Until then, we are hoping our actions and love for each other communicates love to the people around us. We pray God gives them a curious heart so that we can make every effort to build meaningful and lasting relationships.

This last week was especially great for us. Kristen’s cousin Courtney stopped to visit us on her way home from India. It was great getting to know her, and having her stay with us. I have to thank her for all the great pictures she took of our city. We were also able to take her over to Cologne to see the Cathedral. This was my first time in Cologne since our move to Germany, so it was really great to get a lay of the land and Courtney took some great pictures for us. As you see these photos, pray for Cologne, and the people there.


Well, that is all for now. Continue to lift us up as we study the language. Also, pray Kristen and Emma continue to feel better. Kristen was pretty sick, and had to miss a day of language school. She is starting to feel better, but does not have all her energy back yet. Emma is sleeping a lot more now, and does not have that nasty cough anymore. Continue to pray that she heals up quickly. We truly know you are praying for us. Knowing our church and family is praying for us gives us great hope and strength. God has us here for a great reason, and although we do not see it all yet, we know that He is working.

Düsseldorf. It's my kind of town

Well, we arrived just a couple weeks ago now, and it has really flown by. Our first impression of Düsseldorf was just how busy it seemed to be. As we drove through town on the way to our apartment, I could not stop thinking to myself, "I can't believe I live in Germany." It is a very nice town, with a beautiful down town (or what the germans call, "Altstadt") right along the river. As we pulled up to our building we were amazed at the huge fountain with the larger than life statues guarding over it. We knew our apartment was next to a park, but pictures really did not do it justice.


Walking into our apartment building, we were excited to see that is was in an older building. It had been renovated after the war, so it was in good shape, but still retained the old feel to it. The building is one of many that surround the park, and it is near anything we need to get to. There is a grocery store, and a bakery just minutes away, and we live just across the park from a street car that goes directly to the trainstation. From their you can get anywhere in the city.

The apartment was better than we expected. The landlord is a really nice lady who furnished everything. There is a room for Emma, and Kristen and I have a room connected to the living room. Unfortunately we do not have a door to our room, so a curtain is going to have to suffice for now. The kitchen came with everything we need, and we are learning rules and regulations for recycling. The dining table is in the kitchen, and it also has to double as the laundry room since the washing mashine is at the end of the counter. It works out good.


We are so thankful to God for all he has blessed us with. As we begin our language school we are excited and eager to communicate with others so that me may be able to share more freely and expressivily the Gospel. We have already come into contact with some young believers and are eager to learn more from them about their culture and country. Although we are only in this town for a short while, we are praying that God will give us many opportunities to meet people and share with them the message of salvation. Because we are in language school, we are in contact with many internationals. Perhaps God will give us opportunities there. I ask that you would continue to pray for us as we are still adjusting to the move. We are beginning to settle in, but there are still difficulties living in a new country.

That is all for now. Tune in next week for more news...