there

It's hard to believe we've been in Germany two weeks now!  What a wonderful time it has been! God is taking good care of us here. We experienced the warmest possible welcome into Germany by the dear believers from the Nürnberg church, and the Browns have been a huge help. Everyone has been nothing but kind and loving and hospitable as we make the transition into life here. We came to serve them, but they have been serving us since the day we arrived! We hope to return their love soon.

We are staying in a "vacation house" in Weisenhohe, a tiny little dorf out in the country. Today everything is covered with a blanket of fresh snow. The village is quiet, hilly, wooded and beautiful. Our house here is quaint, homey, and comfortable. All decorated in old world classic German art and furniture. We are thankful for our little home, but searching for an apartment to really call home. We've looked at seven so far, and there are great possibilities. We are praying for God to get us into the place he wants us to live in. 

For the first entire week here, the kids and I were very ill with flu and sinus infections. That was pretty rough - no, it was terrible. But God gave grace to get through those days without despairing! None of us could even go to church the first Sunday here. But that is behind us now, and (I hope) we have a little more James 1 steadfastness for it. 

German is coming, little by little; and wow, do I have a lot more to learn!  Everyday we feel a little less foreign and a little more normal here. Many things are different, but many things are surprisingly the same. We've been figuring out where to buy what and what to say when, and making a lot of new friends in the process. 

I will get pictures up soon. I promise. We only have internet now and then, so I need to be quick. There is so much I could write about, but I'll have to save it for later...

 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, 

To guard you in all your ways. 

They will bear you up in their hands, 

That you do not strike your foot against a stone. 

                Ps. 91:11-12 

Excited

So much to write about, but somehow the words just aren't coming... In 48 hours we will be flying over the Atlantic on our way to Germany. Packing is done - and it went well. I could almost say it was even enjoyable. Having all our stuff stacked in labeled, catalogued boxes really satisfies something obsessive inside of me. Christmas is over - sweet, wonderful times with both sides of the family. Great talks and fun memories. Many sad goodbyes already said  - and some more hard ones coming in the next two days. We had our last day at church today, and God ministered such peace and comfort to our nervous little hearts. And the hundreds of people who promised their prayers and rejoiced with us in our excitement today! Excited. That was the word of the day. And Ready.  "Are you Excited?"  "Are you Ready?"  Yes and yes...well, sometimes no and no. It's impossible to pin down our feelings into just a word or two these days.

What precious wisdom I took home from so many who gave their last minute advice tonight. One exhorted me to find all the scripture passages related to the office of the elder/deacon and pray through them for Daniel as we go through this transition together. Now that should get my focus off myself!
Another: "Just have fun and enjoy it!  See it as a special adventure God has given you!" If I don't relax and look around, I might just miss the good gifts God has prepared for us.
And another: "God is going to take good care of you. He already knows how all your unknowns are going to work out. Moving to Germany is just a continuation of the poem of your life that's already been written by God."  I really liked that.

Nearly everything about life is about to change in two days. I am quite certain this will be the largest transition of our lives. But I do know that one thing is never going to change - and that is my God. And He is coming with us!

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble. 

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

10, 11 Be still, and know that I am God. 
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, 

for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

We depart Tuesday evening at 8pm from Greenville, and three flights later we arrive in Nuremburg at 2:30pm Wed. Here's hoping that the kids will sleep on the plane. Anybody got any good tricks?