Thirty Days of Thanks: A Different Thanksgiving

HC traveled most of the month and I privately began gearing up for Thanksgiving Day.  I found out early that he would be away and quite honestly, that’s not unusual for the Marson household.  We’ve certainly missed daddy on several holidays and special occasions due to war and deployments.  What I didn't or couldn't adequately prepare for was being away from the United States and any sort of community that acknowledged or celebrated the holiday. Thanksgiving is family, food, laughter, and Cowboy football.  For the last 41 years this has been the status quo.  That was about to change.  

Jesus.

I had a rough couple of weeks leading up to one of my favorite holidays.  The Explorer decided to quit on me after dropping the boys off in Switzerland.  Because I don’t live in the area and only travel back and forth I wouldn’t say I have a “network” of other moms to call and ask for help.  Eventually the car started (4 hours later) and I drove it directly to be repaired.  That morning of feeling completely alone, not speaking the language, and not knowing whom to call was tough.

Jesus.

The week following the car debacle I would arrive in Switzerland, anxious to pick up the boys, to discover Harry favoring his wrist and appearing near tears.  We headed straight to the emergency room.  Well, not straight – I had no idea where to go, what to do, or how I was going to fill out paper work that was written in German.  Did I mention HC was in France?  We made it to an emergency room in Germany and the diagnosis was a broken wrist.  Harry was casted, given a follow-up appointment, and we were sent on our way home.   This would be the first time I can honestly say I've missed drive-thru eating establishments!  It was 9:00PM and we hadn’t had dinner, done homework, or taken baths.  What I would have given for a McDonald's drive-thru!

Jesus.

Thanksgiving came and the boys had school and soccer practice. The day progressed like any other day, nothing out of the ordinary.   I had a lovely morning coffee with the wives from ISTC (International Special Training Center).  I was proud of myself; I was doing well and hadn’t shed a tear.  Then I realized we were eating grilled cheese for dinner.  Tears.  I was missing my family.  

Jesus.

But wait, I still hadn’t posted my “thankful status” on Facebook!  This month I have been posting something I was thankful for each day, along with 300-400 of my closest friends.  I needed and wanted to be thankful.  I have come to realize that He created us this way, we want to praise and thank Him.  Even in the yucky, lonely, desperate places …. we were created to give praise and thanksgiving.  He promises to meet us there, wherever "there" may be.  

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed.  “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  Matthew 26:39

Because of what He did, all I have to do is call on his name.  Is that not incredible and indescribable love?  It’s been a challenging month, but my hope is in Him.  Jesus.  I pray that I have eyes to see the way He constantly blesses me.  I want to rest in the way He loves me.  His words tells me that I'm never alone, never forgotten, made in His image, amazing & wonderful,  cared for, and beautiful.  

I want to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for the one who asked, "may this cup be taken from me."

Jesus.

Adventures at Monkey Mountain

Who knew, that just 15 minutes down the road from our home, we'd find this treasure called Monkey Mountain!  

Barbary monkeys are critically endangered and remain on the Red List of Threatened Species.  Monkey Mountain is able to provide a natural habitat for breeding and if our eyes don't deceive us, it's working! We saw several cute babies today!

Sorry about the blurry shot!  

Even dad got in on the feeding action!

Harry had a great time feeding all the little guys & they seemed to really like him too!

We were given popcorn to feed these cuties.

We fed the fish too!

One thing I've learned in Germany: take an umbrella with you!

More fish and beautiful walkways!

This handsome monkey was kind enough to let me take a picture with him ;)

We didn't do the best job following this rule and one of us was nipped .... I'll let you guess who!

We thought Nana Banana might like these birds :)

LOVE these boys.

Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.

John 15:9

Hankie Plays Soccer!

Thought ya'll would enjoy some recent action photos of Hank's football (soccer) games!  He is really starting to get in there and demand some of the action - little less twirling and singing on the fields here in Germany :)  Yesterday he even asked if we could live in Germany forever .... shocked me to say the least! I'm amazed at how quickly things can change around here (feelings, attitudes, etc)!

We are still waiting on Harry's soccer ID card to be processed in order for him to play in official games.  It's been about 4 weeks since we submitted the paperwork.  It felt sorta like applying for a mortgage loan - this game is NO joke in Germany!  Hopefully he will play on Friday night and I'll have some photos to share.  HC and I are anxious to see how he performs in an actual game.  Harry has become MUCH more aggressive since practicing with the Germans.  Time will tell ...... stay tuned!

Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a loud and joyful sound!  Psalm 33:3

Pumpkin Festival - Ludwigsburg, Germany

The boys are in the middle of their two week fall break from school.  We're all enjoying a break from the daily drive to Switzerland and the chance to sleep a little later on what is turning into very cold mornings!  

Sunday's fun activities included a visit to our first festival - The Pumpkin Festival in Ludwigsbug, Germany.  The origins of Ludwigsburg date from the beginning of the 18th century!  We continue to be shocked over the age of stuff over here, crazy!

Ludwigsburg Castle - 1704

Ludwigsburg Palace built by Duke Eberhard Ludwig von Wurttemberg - 1704

These are faces only a mother could love ;)

The pumpkin sculptures were simply amazing.  The artist used all types of pumpkins, squash, etc to build the following sports themed creations:

Hank and I really enjoyed these little guys:

Some random photos from around the festival and our yummy, yummy pumpkin lunch:

Pumpkin/sausage ravioli in pumpkin sauce with balsamic drizzle!  

Pumpkin rice with veggies

Creepy (IMO) pumpkins perserved in some type of oil.

Hunting Lodge

Harry strikes a Usain Bolt pose!

I am so very thankful for this time with my little family.  Nothing is more precious than the the ones you call "family"... whether that be by blood or spirit.  We love you all to the moon and back.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  

Ephesians 6:4

Keeping It Real

Well, today's update isn't one of those posts full of amazing photos of amazing places we've visited recently.  And, just for the record - I'm doing ok!  I'm a survivor and very thankful for the life we are living here in Germany but man, it hasn't been all sunshine and roses!

Let me start by updating you on our amazing boys.  When I say amazing, I mean A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  This has been a horribly tough adjustment for Harry and Hank.  The very good news is that their individual meltdowns came weeks apart; God knew I couldn't deal with two kids in crisis at the same time.

In the beginning Harry had a very difficult transition.  We still have challenges but he is settling into school and soccer & I couldn't be prouder of him.  He is diligent in his homework routine.  (After hearing stories of HC's behavior in school this is shockingly good news!)  He enjoys school and has made several friends there.  He's had birthday and play date invitations & that, my friends, is answered prayer.  He started running club and will compete in a cross-country meet late October.

Harry with his friend from Scotland, Ben.  Play date at a pool in Switzerland.

Harry and I have been, hmmm, how do you say.... butting heads?   Boys are different, shocking I know.... how long has this taken me to figure out?  When I'm sad, upset, anxious, or fearful I cry.  Yep, a good ole cry does the trick every time.  Not boys.  Harry has been angry and I've really been praying for grace - that I would/could allow him a safe place to just crack and let it go.  God has met me there and although it's hard we've had some really special times together lately.  I love my firstborn more than I could possibly ever express in words.  We've been battle buddies from the beginning, partners in crime, just trying to survive those early years while daddy was gone SO much.  I'm happy to report we are back on track.  I will respect Harry's privacy but I will tell you we've had some of the sweetest conversations & things are getting much better.

One of Harry's new favorites, pig belly on a stick!

On the way to soccer.  Notice the rain - no stopping for bad weather!  German motto:  No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

Date night with mom! 

Now for Hank, my little love bug!  Hank arrived in Germany and took it all by storm.  In fact, up until Monday he's been easy.  Yes, super easy.  Hank has several friends at school, ran and was elected for student council for the 2nd grade, and has so many play date invitations we can't keep up.  He is loved and adored by his teachers who describe him as "helpful and charming."  Can you see where I am going here people????  We have a mini-HC on our hands.  This boy IS HIS DADDY.  All the way down to the clothing choices, he is a clone of his father!

Hank in his new European skinny jeans.  Harry wants NO part of that nonsense.

Hank's first meltdown came last night.  He did not want to attend soccer practice.  He is the only American and only English speaking child on the team.  In his defense, I wouldn't want to go either.  Totally get it, totally.  Quick call to HC and it was clear, Hank was going to soccer and mom was getting him there.  We arrived and Hank was in full-blown tears (again, I can totally relate!!)  My heart was just breaking!  You see, in Germany it's not considered rude to stare or glare at others.  So, Hank and I got stares and more stares.  I wanted to scoop him up and run back to the car - take us both home and eat ice cream.  That didn't happen though, we stayed and I prayed.  I'm not past begging God and after a rather rude encounter with a little boy I was now not just sad but MAD as well!   I had some forgiving to do late last night :) Anyway, the practice started and Hank quickly became engaged and almost scored a goal.  Thank you Jesus.  Sometimes prayer is answered in the oddest ways, Hank was encouraged and announced to me "soccer was fun tonight."

Proud of this brave boy!

HC is doing great and loving his job.  He is traveling tons & that hasn't been much fun for me but it's all perspective.  Choosing to see the positive and thankful his travels aren't taking him to a war zone.  The last few years were tough on the family in NC, it's been wonderful to see HC back in a leadership role where he can truly connect with people and make a difference.  I think he's pretty amazing.  We still need to work on getting him home for dinner ... that's where that grace thing comes in again.  

Washing the car in Stockach.  We are not allowed to wash the car at our place of residence. 

No work is allowed on Sunday in Germany.  Even the manual car wash is "closed" 

How am I doing?  Well, I've had some amazing days and some not so amazing days.  I miss church but am thankful for online services that I can watch from home.  I miss my friends and family something fierce.  What would I do without email, phone, and mail?  Each text, email, and phone call from you is like opening a Christmas present.  A simple text or email can change this girl's day!  Everything seems to be more difficult here, I really hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining but part of me wants to remember these experiences.  I have a feeling that things will seem different in a year's time.

Some interesting differences:

1.  No stop signs (watch out people, the "right" always has priority!)

2.  Everything is closed on Sunday

3. No pay at the pump gas

4. ATMS only found in Banks

5.  Our credit/debit cards do not work in our town - EURO for everything

6.  No grocery bags provided and no baggers (photo below)

7.  No pesticides used on produce - LOVE

8.  PhD needed to figure out trash disposal.

9.  Quiet hours on Sunday.  No lawn work.  Quiet hours every day from 1-3PM.

10. No screens on windows.

If you forget your grocery bags this is how you get to the car .....

I have been running around the Rhine River in Switzerland and who gets to do that???  It's beautiful and I have a really fun running partner.  Annemette is from Denmark and keeps me motivated!  Her husband works in Pfullendorf with HC.  

So, while things have been less than easy we are really doing well.  I've met some amazing women from HC's work and the kid's school.  We have a beautiful home where everyone is safe & healthy.  I couldn't ask for more.

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."  

2 Corinthians 9:8