The Three D's

Destination, Determination, Deliberation....Deutsch classes. I sat at the table today and wrote the numbers 1-50 five times each and spoke them aloud each time. Might I just add that they are not short words either. Try writing, "siebenundswanzig" more than once and tell me how it feels. Then do 49 more. Even so, I still feel unproductive with my learning skills. I am behind in my class since I did not start until November and I don't have a book yet so I can't do homework. I am excited for the beginning to end so that I can feel more confident. I spent this afternoon baking cookies. I was very proud of myself for figuring out how to measure everything and decipher the temperature for the oven. I have missed making my cookies. The whole house smells absolutely divine! I have concluded that I will never bake cookies without eating too much cookie dough. It happens every time without fail. Yesterday I ventured to the library in Erkelenz, which is right next to the school and there is ONE small shelf in the entire four story library that is English! One! Even with my limited options, I found a delightful read about the 1920's and how people were trying to forget the war. I am excited. Here I come, 640 pages! I also picked up a book from the church library entitled "The Reason For God" by Timothy Keller and I cannot go one day without reading it. It is teaching me so much about why I believe in Christ. Here is one of the first things he wrote that stood out to me: "A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it." Definitely give it a read, it is well worth your time. The days are getting colder here, even for me. The air is fresh, crisp and chilly. Every morning, the ground is enveloped in a thick misty layer that once lifted, leaves shining dots on the grass and pavement. I run or bike at 8:00 and I find it quite enthralling to go through. I paid a visit to my "family" from church last weekend. Right as I walked in I felt a wave of comfort rush over me as Julia pulled me into one of her amazing hugs. Being back in Düsseldorf where I began my venture, being back in this home with people who love me, being able to walk across the street and look out at the Rhine, filled me with fond memories and a coziness that settled inside my chest. It's not very explainable but quite extraordinary. This evening, after studying, I solved a puzzle. It's a box filled with shapes that have to be placed inside the square. Usually I detest those games because they seem impossible, but I conquered it and the feeling was a good one. Now I am going to read more of my 1920's book while the kids are playing with their friends. After that I will make dinner with Britta and then put the kids to bed while she goes to a conference. I feel a contentedness and a peace about where I am. My life here has started the "settling down" period (I think) and I am very grateful for it. My days are full but in a relaxed and structured manner. I am so blessed. My prayer request is for guidance with my Deutsch classes. I fear failure! Also, something that has been on my mind is considering staying longer than a year to continue studies in Germany. I am not making any decisions but it has been in my thoughts and I would appreciate prayer. As always, I miss everyone deeply and keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I am trying to stay updated with the sermons online! I would love to hear from you all. Tata for now!!!