Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy

I was sitting at one of the train platforms waiting to meet with a man from Christ Church Dusseldorf who was going to take me to a bible study. I had never met him and had no idea who to look for. I also felt like I had gotten off at the wrong platz... Not wanting to sit in agony wondering if I was in the right place, I pulled out my bible to distract myself. A man walked by me talking on the phone. He said, "chow" before ending the call. He tapped my shoulder on when I looked up he asked me in German if I had any cigarettes. I said no and that I spoke mostly English. He immediately began speaking to me in English but it was obvious he did not know it very well. I talked with him for a few minutes just to be polite and discovered that he was from Italy, and was in Dusseldorf for college. After 10 more minutes passed and he had included "is their a special man back home," "do you have a boyfriend," and "oh you're not married" at least 2 times each, I started getting nervous. I tried reading my bible again but he didn't seem to mind talking anyways! He asked me the same questions over and over like he had forgotten the last few minutes of our conversation. That frightened me. He also kept shamelessly flirting with me and I did not know how to escape other than to get up and start running. At long last, his train arrived. He reached out, grabbed my hand and kissed it! The moment he left, I said, "Oh God, that was such a bad idea, I'm so sorry I talked to him!" Then after a few moments, I said, "You know what, I am safe, I met a man straight from Italy, and he kissed my hand!!! I will not complain about this, I will soak up such a magical moment." So I did, and it was a marvelous choice indeed. The bible study was very good and I met some wonderful and cultural people, plus some delicious Indian food!!! 

While out walking a few days ago, I saw a fox staring at me on a meadow to my right. What a beautiful creature! Guess what? I have been very productive this week! I got a bank account (which is confusing in a foreign country, I promise) and the woman who was helping me might need an Au Pair in a years time so she gave me her card and I might have another job after this one! We shall see what doors the Lord chooses to open up. Having that possibility was a moment of sunshine in my day.

The middle girl had her birthday party last Saturday, so the entire day was filled with small children, food, presents, messes, you get the point. I was drained by the evening time. Fun, but not so fun... The kids all stuffed teddy bears and I stuffed the little boys with him. I got to sew them together once the kids stuffed them with some fluff. I really enjoyed it. I had 2 glasses of champagne and some coffee, and by about 7pm I was feeling REALLY dizzy. I know that's pitiful, but I don't usually drink more than one glass of alcohol. My dreams were filled with the events of the day except changed ever so slightly so when I woke up, what had actually happened and what I had dreamed were slurred together. I have limited myself to one glass only since then...

Sunday morning, I made breakfast for the family, then got on my bike to ride along the Rhine to Christ Church Dusseldorf! I was pumped since it was my first church service since being here. Halfway through the ride it started pouring rain. My instinct was to be irritated since I had put mascara on to look fancy and now it was all going to slide off. But that irritation didn't last long. I began to laugh like a crazy person and revel in the downpour around me. If I can't stop it from raining, why bother wasting negative energy on it? I was going to church to worship God, not look fancy. I even biked a bit fast and had time to stop at a cafe and have some hot coffee while I studied my bible. The service was not what I expected, and I haven't given a definite opinion on it yet, but I know for sure that I love the people there. They are so welcoming. I enjoyed the afternoon with the family I met at the first home group I attended. They are so wonderful! Their children are so adorable. We went to a festival in their village and it was so cultural! Their were hundreds of Germans in crazy costumes parading around the streets, singing, dancing, marching, playing music, riding horses, sitting in carriages being pulled by Clydesdales, shooting guns, the list goes on and on. I soaked it in while drinking ONE mug of beer. 

I met with the chaplain of Christ Church today and really enjoyed the company of a strong church leader. It was comforting. I have met a lot of new people and have been in touch with a lot of new people that I hope to meet in the future. I am excited as I continue stepping with God through each day. All I can do is focus on the day ahead of me. Looking forward more then that will put me in a state of panic! I have trained my mind not to wander, but to be in the moment I am in. 

The little boy and I went to a music class on Monday and it was one of those 'out of the movies' moments, where I sit down with him in a circle with 7 other mom's and toddlers. The entire class was in German so I could not memorize ANY of the songs! I followed along as best I could without looking like a total idiot, as we did various exercises with the kids. He stayed very clingy and lovey dovey with me since he did not know anyone. I can't say I minded. At one point, the kids would run to specified parts of the room and make music with the walls, cabinets, etc. He would come running back to me every time and jump into my arms, kissing me and squeezing me. I had never felt that bond with him so strongly. It was a good step. He is becoming attached to me and I am loving it! The girls are very easy to talk and relate to. Anytime I spend alone with them, they become glued to my side, holding my hand, sitting by me at the table, talking endlessly to me. I am glad I don't feel quite as alienated as the first week!!! 

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. The little boy about dies laughing every time I say that. He tries to repeat it but can't even come close. It is beyond adorable. I wish I could say that my life here is easy peasy lemon squeezy. But then again, where would be the growth if there was no challenge? I still don't know what I was thinking when I bought my ticket to Germany. It was so out of the blue and though it seems sensible to doubt myself, I can't. Every time I try, this sense of peace and confidence comes over me. I know this is where I should be. I made the right choice. It wasn't an easy choice but this year is going to refine me. This morning, I cried the entire way through getting ready for the day. I miss my family. I miss my home. But today was one of my better days here, despite the rough start. I cried out to God to be my comfort and I sought His words through the Psalms during any breaks in my day. I sought his love and faithfulness and he answered me! He comforts me. He fills up all my empty spaces.