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.
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| 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.
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| One of Harry's new favorites, pig belly on a stick! |
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| On the way to soccer. Notice the rain - no stopping for bad weather! German motto: No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. |
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| 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!
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| 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."
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| 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.
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| Washing the car in Stockach. We are not allowed to wash the car at our place of residence. |
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| 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.
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| 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
