Practice makes almost perfect

I got lost biking to the park. Instead I took him on a stroller ride into town to get some buns. Right as I came into the bakery, the lady pushed a bun into his hand and when he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out his pouch of coins, she laughed and said,"nein, nein!' So as he munched on his bun, I walked through town just looking at my surroundings. My eyes were very happy indeed. I went to a coffee shop and ordered a small coffee. My second time buying coffee, and I am in love with the experience. I am not so sure yet, but I think my voice is already adapting somewhat to the accents I hear around me. I'm wondering if that is good or bad... I helped the children bathe in the evening before dinner and it brought me to memories of when I was small and all 5 of us kids would cram into our tub and splash water at each other. They did exactly that except for the small difference that they decided I should be wet too. I decided to succumb to it instead of being angry which was a good idea because at that moment of decision, the middle girl jumped out of the tub and gave me the biggest hug she could, soaking me to the skin. I chose to laugh. After dinner, I talked with the parents about work and also a lot of ideas to ponder upon. After the next 2 hours passed by my brain felt tired with information. I have a lot to do these next few weeks so be praying for strength and faith. After the last few nights of little sleep, I finally slept a full 8 hours without constantly waking up! I have concluded that my sweet sleep was due to the glass of champagne I drank with dinner. Which would also bring me to the conclusion that I should have champagne nightly to insure my rest. Logical, isn't it? I made scrambled eggs for breakfast this morning and we also ate strawberries, (the best I have ever tasted) rolls with butter and jam, and hot tea. A bit after breakfast the girls had their piano lessons. After lessons, we played together for a bit. I brought them to my room and they explored all my belongings. They are so cute. The 'Boogie Box' is the first thing they notice and we take out all the notes, letters, photos, and jewelry and they inspect everything and read some of the notes. It is cute hearing them speak slow English in their accents. My vast supply of jewelry is fascinating to young girls of course, so I spend time putting on their favorite pieces and they ooh and awe. After browsing my room, we go to the music room and I paint their nails with the pink and blue polish Mrs. Dewinter bought me. They are SO excited and talk about which colors they want to use and about the size of their nails compared to mine. The eldest girl chooses pink on one hand and blue on the other, and on her toes she alternates the color. The middle girl chooses to alternate on her hands and her feet. I had so much fun being girly with them. We go and make lunch once we realize it's 2pm and we choose some silly straws to drink our juice with that matches our nails! When I had some free time I chose to stretch in the exercise room and it was very relaxing. My muscles are very tense from traveling still. I biked along the Rhine River for an hour and on my way back I noticed an opening in the trees and I thought to myself, "Hmm, this looks thrilling, let me inspect." I walked into a a rocky path with vines and branches close to my face and it opened up onto a bed of rocks by the river and a massive climbing tree with a rope. Naturally, I took my shoes off and started climbing up the tree! I stopped, sat down and leaned my head against the trunk and as I looked out over the river and the breeze swirled around me, I started crying. They were not sad tears and they were not happy tears. I just cried. A peace was in me, despite the newness of where I am and what I am doing. A large amount of prayers were spoken and a few answers were given. I must remember that no matter how far away from my family I am, God is as close as ever. He created the whole world, and he is as present in Dusseldorf as he is in Wasilla. I must cling to the hope he has set in me. If I let negative thoughts invade my mind, I will not further his kingdom. Filling my life and my actions with the fruit of the spirit, and living by faith will bring the obedience by faith that we are called to. (Romans 1) I am learning new ways to live, new rules to remember, new things to teach the children, new foods to make, new cleaning supplies, new everything. I am a woman of routine and my brain prefers to have that routine in a very straight line. At this moment, the routine is all there, but extremely scrambled. Practice will make almost perfect over time and I must be patient. To conclude for today, I must add that the m&ms and reeses that Anna gave me for the flight have been most popular with the kids. They figured out quickly where I stashed my sweets. I then figured out quickly how to lock my door. I love you all. I miss you all. Tschüss!