Berlin XEE 10 Day Short Term Team: During the first week of August one of our supporting churches came to Berlin for a short term trip. In total there was a group of 20 high schoolers and four adults. When the trip was being planned, it was not being thought of that Stephanie would not only be really sick, but that she would also be in the hospital. During this time of which our kids would be at home on summer break from school. Fortunately God had his plan. An old intern of our team here from a few years ago decided this year to come back to help with English Camp. For some reason (aka God) she decided to book her return ticket for 3 weeks later, wanting to serve our team while she was here. Neither she nor us knew just how needed she would be. During her time she helped with the kids/family, the short term team and our household. Between Elisa and Bekah, they were our two angels that God sent us to help us through this time. We are so thankful for them both and how they helped us out in so many ways. Although I was exhausted at the end of a long strenuous summer, God continued to show that He had plans for this group. It was amazing to see and hear the experiences that the students had. It was great to see how the church, no matter how far apart, can work together, encourage one another, learn from one another, and help one another to see God's Kingdom advance. (picture of one of the groups projects that they did while they were here which was called The Hand Project)
Hospital Visit: Out of everything that happened this summer, I would say that this was probably one of the most unexpected. Due to the doctor's mistake of prescribing the wrong medication, the spinal tap that was suppose to occur the week before the August short term team, ended up happening right smack in the middle of their time here. Due to the doctor's mistake of not sealing up the hole from the spinal tap, her 2 1/2 day stay in the clinic ended up being a 5 day stay and she was then sent home only to stay another 7 days flat in bed. Day one and two were a lot and were exhausting, but days three through 12 were just one day too many. What was incredibly humbling and encouraging was all of our friends that surrounded us, loved on us, provided meals for us and helped with the kids. Honestly without them I am not sure how we would have made it though that time. I am so thankful to God for each person that stepped in and served us so selflessly. God again reminded me that He wants us to be in community (just as He is) not only to serve others, but also He puts us in situations where we sometimes need to be served and we need to remove our pride to allow ourselves to be served by others.
Hanna Starts Kita (Pre-School): It was pretty hard to believe that our baby was going to be starting pre-school. There was part of us that was sad, but another part that was quite excited. It would be the first time that we would have all kids in pre-school/school, which means that Stephanie and I could go on lunch dates or breakfast dates together with NO babysitter fee. Here in Germany the process of a child entering pre-school can take up to 2-4 weeks till they are there the full day. On Hanna's first day I knew that there was not going to be a problem. The first day parents stay in the room with the child, the whole time that I was there Hanna ignored me. At one point I thought she was running toward me for me to hug her, but no, she grabbed a toy beside me and ran away as if I was not there. With that being said, after 4 days Hanna was there through afternoon nap time. This was a huge help since Stephanie was still sick and I was trying to manage work, kids/family, household etc. Hanna also started this month sleeping in a big girl bed! Picture is of Hanna and her teacher at school.
Intern leaves: With the departure of our intern, that meant that our summer madness came to an end. We were sad to see her go and are still incredibly thankful for all that she did for us this summer. I am sure that this summer looked a heck of a lot different then what she imagined coming in. It was a privilege for Stephanie and I not only to work with her, but to become part of her life. Berlin impacts all that come and it was amazing to see how Berlin impacted Bekah and the young women that she became through her experience here. We are proud of her! Bekah promised the kids to bake Ampelman cookies with them before she left, this is a picture of them baking together.
Vacation: With the summer madness behind us and all interns gone we were finally able to head on the vacation that we planned before the craziness even began. Since we were able to book in advance we were able to get a great deal on our lodging and transportation. Since we did not have much time or money we only went 3 hours outside of Berlin and city life. We headed to Dresden for a day and then to the Saechsische Schweiz and area on the Czech border along the Elbe river. We hiked and spent a lot of time outside in nature relaxing as a family. One of my favorite moments was when we woke Grace and Caleb at 11pm to watch the shooting stars as we laid outside under the blankets. This was an incredibly refreshing time without any technology.
Grace's Einschulung (starts first grade): This is a huge ordeal in Germany, almost as big as graduation. A huge party is thrown and friends and family are invited for the ordeal. The day starts off with a program in the school for all the parents and children, which is put on by the second graders. They the first graders go to their classrooms alone for their first time. Grace's pre-school teacher surprised her at the school, and Grace was ecstatic. We then headed back to the house to have a little champagne to celebrate and to finish preparations for the big party. For the Einschulung the children get a Schultuete (see pic) which is full of school supplies, candy and small gifts. While we drank our champagne Grace unpacked her Schultuete. The house was full and Grace had a smile on her face from ear to ear. Grace and Caleb both said it was the best party we had ever thrown! Grace is loving school and has made of course a ton of friends. It is so hard to believe that we now have a "Schulkind" (child in school). Picture is of Grace in front of her school with her Schultuete.
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