Rest

Well, I suppose it's been a while since I've updated you all on what's going on. I just got back from a week long conference in Bavaria with colleagues from across Western Europe and am readjusting to the quiet life I have developed here in Brühl. Last week was a wonderful time of refreshing and learning from the Father. We enjoyed great teaching, wonderful food (German food rocks), and encouraging fellowship. During this conference, I was able to spend time with old friends and make some very dear new ones. All of this took place in a hotel nestled at the foothills of the magnificent Alps! It truly was a blessing from the Lord to be there.

Now, I am home in my little apartment wondering what's next. This week, I have friends visiting from the States and a we are having a wonderful time but I can't help but wonder what comes after they leave. The weeks of August are sure to be busy with another meeting after they are gone, then preparation for activities in the months ahead. And I know the Fall and Winter will bring even more activity but I am wondering where I need to be in all this. There will be no language school this month and many of my friends are gone on vacations or doing 'hands on' work for their seminary training. I believe God wants me to take this month to refocus and seek His face for the months ahead but I cannot help but feel like a bit of a slacker right now. Perhaps this is just the mindset of Americans. You know, gotta go, go, go or you are not worth your salt as a human being? The pace is much slower in Germany and I find myself often struggling to adjust to this pace. So, I am going to rest and enjoy my company and the time of no language training. I am hoping to begin study with a tutor next month. I believe this will be much better for my practice and my comprehension.

The weather is also beginning to cool and the days are becoming shorter. I am praying that this month would bring true rest and motivation for the cold winter to come full of activities and work. My time here is flying by and I truly don't want to waste any of it! So I thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue pray for me as I seek His face to find my role in this community. The Father has been so good and I do not doubt that He will guide me these next months as I desire to know His will. I believe this month of rest is just what I need as I was growing weary of language learning and other cultural struggles.

So the goals of August are: the conference in Bavaria with colleagues from Western Europe (check), rest, time with friends from home, practice more driving (yikes), rest and a little more rest. I must learn to truly be still and relax in the arms of my heavenly Father and thank Him for these times of inactivity. He is really teaching me so much. One cool think I am looking forward to is a trip to Trier. Trier is the oldest city in Germany and was founded before 16 BC. It is along the Mosel river and contains many Roman ruins so the history buff in me is overjoyed at the prospect of seeing this city!! I am taking my friends with me and as always, am looking forward to discovering more about this land in which I live. We are aiming to visit this city on Friday! Pray for good weather. Hopefully, I can post a few pictures of my visit to this ancient city. August is a good month for me to just be a tourist instead of fighting all the time to be a resident!! Should be fun!! I'll keep you posted!