putting down roots

Well, this time I am writing and repeating myself a little by saying it's hard to believe we've been in Germany for two months already! We are definitely still in the getting our feet on the ground stage of ministry in Germany, but things are finally moving along. God has provided a beautiful apartment in a little country village outside of Nurnberg. (And I could write pages more about what that statement really did in my heart, but all I can say now is that God is worthy of all our trust, and His love is steadfast and faithful.) Then things picked up quite a bit. The homes here come empty, and I mean empty. No light fixtures, appliances, cabinets, closets. So, we get to pick our own and learn all kinds of new stuff! For a week or two we practically lived at Ikea. I don't even know how many meals we've eaten in their cafeteria, but Lucy knows her way around quite well now. And Daniel's been to the hardware store so many times the car knows the way. Installing the kitchen was an enormous task, and it is almost finished! I have never appreciated a kitchen like I do now. After seeing all the work that goes into each little part, and after making do without a kitchen for a week, we will never take it for granted again. So, next came the container. Now that was a day we will never forget. For the past three months, that container has been a daily topic of conversation, especially when the kids ask about this or that toy. So anticipation was high. It was pretty much indescribable to hear that truck rumbling up our road. I think every curtain in the village must have been pulled back at the sight! We had plenty of help from men in the church and the people here who had things shipped along with us, but that's about all I can remember from the blur. And the kids having fun opening toy boxes. It was like Christmas, only better. There's still a ton to do before the last box is unpacked, and we're trying to think of all the fun things to do with cardboard for the kids. It's everywhere. Some of the boxes had smells of home that really made me homesick. And Lucy wore a shirt that mom had just given her for Christmas that really smelled like their house. And then there were the fridge magnets with pictures of family and friends. Those went right back in the box. But it's been so good for all of us to have real home again. Here comes cliche, but home is where the heart is, and our hearts are here in Germany now. 


This morning I was thinking about all the answered prayers in ways we never would have dreamed of. There are too many to count. We have sensed God's blessing and guidance in a new, amazing way. Our new neighbors, so friendly and already things in common to talk about. The way God provided a car. Our wonderful mentors, Jeff and Linda. Our new church and all the friends who offer their help with anything they can do. 


We sure do need your prayers! Sometimes I have no idea why He chose me to come out here and try to do something for Him. I am sure He could have found quite a few lower-maintenance Christians for something like this. But His grace has always been enough to give strength for today's struggles and hope for tomorrow's unknowns. If you only have time to pray for one thing, pray that I will have a steadfast heart and a faithful spirit. And trust me, God will know exactly what you are talking about.  


And if you have time for two things, pray that we'll know which language courses to take. Lots of options - time of day, level, intensity, form of training, location, and more. Glad we have so many options, just need some wisdom now to choose what is best.