Sugar Cookies at Storch!

Every Monday night I head over to the dorm, Storchenblick for a few short hours. Dinner together is first on the agenda, and is one of the only times during the day that almost all of the dorm is together in one room. 

After dinner the students do gratis' (chores) and have study hours from 7:30-9:30. Usually during this time I walk the halls helping with homework, get lunch prep ready or bake. 

Tonight was spent mostly on baking. I turned on the Christmas music and away I went. Two hours passed and I had made about 90 sugar cookies. Half were put away for a homeless shelter fundraiser and the rest were put out on the counter. I had also made some brown sugar icing and set out sprinkles for a fun topping. Within 45 minutes of the girls coming down from studying hard, there was not a crumb left. I would have taken a picture but they disappeared just so fast :)

While I sit at home feeling somewhat tired from a long day - I can't help but feel overjoyed. It was incredible just standing back and watching as the girls (and dorm brother) ate cookies and laughed together. There wasn't any special planned activity going on - they were just experiencing day to day life together. I am so blessed to be able to join them in this. 

This is just one more thing I am so thankful for in this amazing place. Thank you so much to all of you who have made it possible for me to be here. I can't imagine being anywhere else. 

"Yah this is home, now im finally where I belong" (Switchfoot) 

Not right or wrong, just different!

This phrase is one we have come to say over and over again as we experience new things in Germany. 

I wanted to give you a "Winter Comparison" to give you an idea of where I am living now, and where I come from.

This was today in Germany:

This was this week back home, in Southern, Alberta (Canada):

It seems so strange to me to be walking outside in just a long-sleeve shirt and jeans in late November. While it is different (not wrong, or right), I have come to appreciate the longer fall weather we have. It's another example of how intricately designed our world is, and how God put so much incredible detail into His creation - even just the difference in country climates is all so complex. 

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." 

(Genesis 1:1) 

My first American Thanksgiving!

Last night Heather and I were invited to Storch's Dorm Thanksgiving. There were about 40 of us seated at a long table in the kitchen. I could have sat back and just watched for hours. There were a variety of conversations going on, many filled with laughter and smiles. While this group of people consisted of teacheres, students, dorm staff, and friends - there was indeed a family feel to it all.

We ate far too much - but that's what you do on Thanksgiving, right? We had a variety of things that I am used to - like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream! A few things that were new to me this year were: fresh apple juice, bean casserole and candy pilgrim hats!

All in all it was a wonderful way to celebrate what God has done for us!

Looking forward to two more Thanksgiving dinners in the next week with friends!

                                                 Great is Thy faithfulness!

                                                 Great is Thy faithfulness!
                                       Morning by morning new mercies I see.
                                     All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
                                      Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!



"Getting back to what matters..."

This is what numerous posters around campus say. Every Thursday morning at 8:00 there is student led worship in the auditorium. This morning was the first morning I was able to attend. There were 17 students who were also at school early for this.

We sang:

All Who Are Thirsty 

None But Jesus

Never Let Me Go

God Of This City

In The Secret

The Heart of Worship

I was the only staff member there and it was amazing to watch these students come in early to school to worship. There were 3 students who led  in prayer, singing and in reading the Word. It was a great time to not only worship with the students but to see them laying down their day before Christ. It was so encouraging and powerful to see the passion that these kids have for Christ.

Please continue to be praying for these students as many earnestly seek Christ and others still seek out what that means.