Adventures in Germany Part II Begins
I started this blog in the fall of 2012 when Jesse, Valerie, and I visited Germany for about a month for Jesse's work. Little did I know we'd find our way back as a family of 4 to experience the adventure of a lifetime together. I'll use this blog to post more in-depth updates about our time and experience in Germany.
Week one of our time in Germany is in the books. We have adjusted to the time change and the reality that this is our new home (for now) is setting in. Our last few days of packing and preparing in the US were a whirlwind. We left for the airport on March 31st to begin what seemed like the longest day of my life. Jesse and I began the trip running on about 3-4 hours of sleep. Everything with the flight went about as well as can be expected with two small children. They were amazed at their very own personal TV/Tablet at their seat on the airplane. Eating meals and snacks was a novelty as well. Sleeping was definitely a challenge, but the kids both slept for a few hours (parents-not so much).
When we arrived in Frankfurt it was the morning here, but it felt like the middle of the night to us. We were picked up from the airport in a 19 passenger bus (just for us). I wish I had gotten a picture of us getting through the airport after we picked up the luggage and went to meet our driver. Jesse got a cart and somehow loaded 1 car seat, 4 large suitcases, 2-3 carry-on suitcases, and several smaller bags onto the cart. He then proceeded to push said cart while carrying another carseat in a bag on his back and pulling a bag or two that didn't fit. My job was to push the stroller and hold Valerie's hand. :-) This was quite a sight because the airport was under construction and our driver took off speed walking through parking areas while it was cold and rainy. The rest of the day was a blur of driving about 2 hours to our destination, registering in the town, setting up banking, and keeping two very tired kids happy. We all slept from about 8pm to 9:45am that night.
Our apartment is spacious, but could use a little updating. The kids each have their own room, and we are lucky to have our own laundry. We also have a nice shared backyard space (there are 4 apartments here). From outback we have a great view of the castle in Heidenheim up on the hill. Seriously, a castle in the backyard?? How awesome is that. However, when we arrived and pointed out the castle to Valerie she replied (with a disappointed tone), "Ew, that castle is old and dirty." I think she was expecting something a little more....Disney.
Week one of our time in Germany is in the books. We have adjusted to the time change and the reality that this is our new home (for now) is setting in. Our last few days of packing and preparing in the US were a whirlwind. We left for the airport on March 31st to begin what seemed like the longest day of my life. Jesse and I began the trip running on about 3-4 hours of sleep. Everything with the flight went about as well as can be expected with two small children. They were amazed at their very own personal TV/Tablet at their seat on the airplane. Eating meals and snacks was a novelty as well. Sleeping was definitely a challenge, but the kids both slept for a few hours (parents-not so much).
When we arrived in Frankfurt it was the morning here, but it felt like the middle of the night to us. We were picked up from the airport in a 19 passenger bus (just for us). I wish I had gotten a picture of us getting through the airport after we picked up the luggage and went to meet our driver. Jesse got a cart and somehow loaded 1 car seat, 4 large suitcases, 2-3 carry-on suitcases, and several smaller bags onto the cart. He then proceeded to push said cart while carrying another carseat in a bag on his back and pulling a bag or two that didn't fit. My job was to push the stroller and hold Valerie's hand. :-) This was quite a sight because the airport was under construction and our driver took off speed walking through parking areas while it was cold and rainy. The rest of the day was a blur of driving about 2 hours to our destination, registering in the town, setting up banking, and keeping two very tired kids happy. We all slept from about 8pm to 9:45am that night.
Our apartment is spacious, but could use a little updating. The kids each have their own room, and we are lucky to have our own laundry. We also have a nice shared backyard space (there are 4 apartments here). From outback we have a great view of the castle in Heidenheim up on the hill. Seriously, a castle in the backyard?? How awesome is that. However, when we arrived and pointed out the castle to Valerie she replied (with a disappointed tone), "Ew, that castle is old and dirty." I think she was expecting something a little more....Disney.
This week we've focused on mapping out the nearest stores, trying to get onto a new schedule, setting up German cell phones, setting up internet, visiting the kids school and getting them each physicals here (required for school), and settling into our new place as best we could. Not to mention Jesse has also been going into work. We are still waiting for the majority of the items we shipped ahead from home to arrive. The kids and I visited the park down the street this week and let's just say it's a little different than parks in the US. First, every park I've seen has a sand area. Seriously messy. At the first one Valerie insisted on taking off her shoes like she was at the beach even though it wasn't that warm. In the US it is unusual now to find what I'd call a "Merry-Go-Round," a see-saw, or a slide the size of something you'd see at an amusement park. But these were all novelties that the kiddos enjoyed this week.
The picture of the slide just doesn't quite do it justice. First you have to climb up a rocky hill or use the rope. Then you have to climb a straight ladder that's about 5-6 rungs. Next the slide, which is steeper than it looks. At first I said no. But somehow the kids both (even Ian) scampered up the hill, then the ladder despite me trying to talk them out of it. I finally told them they could try it and I would catch them. I literally almost had a heart attack. They came down with some fierce speed. I think it took them by surprise-but they were ready to conquer it again. However, I said no absolutely not unless Dad is along next time :-)
So far I'd say my biggest adjustments to every day life (other than learning a new language) are sorting trash into 4 or 5 different bins, paying to use a public bathroom, and doing laundry in a washing machine that is half the size of mine at home and takes twice as long. It beats having to walk to shared laundry in the building, or worse yet a laundromat.
This is getting rather long, so I'll leave you with this:
As the prospect of moving to Germany took shape there were many things that scared me (too many to list), and many hurdles to cross. However, each step of the way God eased my specific fears and I felt at peace (though still scared!) with the life change we were about to embark upon. We worried and wondered about what to do with our house while we'd be gone, God took care of it. I cried and worried about how we would travel with Valerie and find her gluten free food despite not knowing the language, God gave me friends that prayed with me. Then when we arrived a lovely German friend who speaks excellent English took us grocery shopping to help us read the labels for Valerie. Plus, the grocery store down the street has an excellent GF section. We were concerned about the timing of selling a car before we left, God took care of it. We questioned what to do about leaving behind two beloved pets, God took care of it. There were a few other things along the way as well, but you get the point. Then a few weeks before the move God showed me these verses (Ephesians 3:20-21) through a song:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
What a comfort and confirmation of all God has in store for us. These same two verses "happened" to pop up again two nights ago in a book I was reading as well. Challenging, but exciting times are ahead. Here we go.....
Thank you Lisa for sharing. I look forward to being able to keep up with how you all are doing. We miss you, and Sydney has already filled her Tuesday nights with volleyball. Michele
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