July Adventures

I know it's been a few days since I've written and for that I apologize. This month has been some what of a struggle but the Lord has been completely faithful. I think spending my first birthday away from home and the cool, rainy, cloudy weather contributed to some intense bouts with culture shock during the first of this month. But God blessed me in some very specific ways during those days of struggle. He provided me with good friends, both American and German and allowed me to see Him in His word and experience His nearness through prayer. What an amazing Father He is!

The last few days have been gorgeous! It's been about 80-85 degrees and sunny! And I have had some wonderful conversations with friends in my language class and just new ones I have met. I have a new friend named Melli that I have been meeting with to help me with language learning and just to have fun with. She is the roommate and good friend of my friend Vanessa I have already written about. Melli is a German believer and speaks a little English which forces us to communicate primarily in German. She is so patient with me and allows me to struggle through what I know and corrects and teaches me. She has such a kind and fun-loving spirit and I cannot wait to communicate more with her in the future as God allows me to learn this crazy language. We had coffee last week together on a day when I really needed a friend. Yesterday, we walked around Bonn together, got ice cream and did some shopping with another girl from my class in the market. Next week, I will see her again on Saturday as we go to the German History museum in Bonn. She is such a blessing from God and I am so thankful for her!

Another adventure I have begun this month is learning to drive a stick shift! I have had some lessons in the States but they were all failed attempts and now we are on to round three! I have been once in some colleagues car for my first lesson. We went down from their house, into this field and I practiced for a couple of hours. I'm not gonna lie, I did pretty good for the first time out. I only killed it three times. Not to bad! And I got it all the way into sixth gear!! It was fast and a little scary because I was on a back road that I really should not have been driving that fast on. But, no harm, no foul! I am going to get back out again in the next week or so for another practice run. It's kind of exciting and I didn't realize how much I had missed driving. There is an element of control that comes from driving and I haven't had that in about 5 months or so. Crazy! I'll continue to update you on how this little adventure shapes up. The real test will be the autobon. I have actually ridden with someone who went about 130 mph on the autobon!! It was SCARY!! Trust me, I will NOT be going that fast (don't worry mom, I'm being careful).

I'll try to write again soon, before the end of the month and keep you posted on my crazy life. Hope every one has a wonderful weekend.