Trek Up North

I am sorry to be late with this blog update! Last week we were in Northern Germany. I was fortunate enough to visit the Ostsee, the Baltic Sea, Plon, Lubeck, Keil, and Frankfurt (in that order). And this past Monday I started my language course. So you can see how I got a little behind on sharing all of this with y'all - so much is always happening! But I will try and do better! Last week was really great! But challenging as you know from my last blog. It was so fun to be able to hang out with the boys so much, but I have never had to put so much effort into playing with kids. I was pretty exhausted but still encouraged from our progress in communication. So it was a great week of bonding :) I hope you like these pictures that describe our great, but tiring week.

We arrived Sunday (August 14) in the afternoon and just played around. The conference center we stayed at had a nice beach on a lake. It was so wierd to see such a full lake compared to what I'm used to with Lake Travis back home. Our activities there consisted of playing in the sand, some swimming, basketball, fussball, playground shenanegans, pirates, monopoly, chess, and more board games I cannot pronounce the name of haha. When Nevena had time off, we went on adventures together!

Wednesday, we visited the OstSee where the weather wasn't great, but the sun was able to shine a little for us. After the boys played for a little bit, we toured Lubeck. We walked through the city center and took a boat tour! Lubeck has an extensive history and the parts that Nevena translated to me on the tour were very interesting. Lubeck is a major port in Northern Germany and always has been. There are many centeries old buildings that were mezmorizing.

 OstSee

On the boat tour. Can you see the ship in the background? It was from the 1500s. Pirate style haha.

Thursday when Nevena was finished in the afternoon, we all went on a canoe ride. There are many big lakes in this area so we went through 5 of them that were all connected by a small small narrow channel just big enough to fit our canoe.

On the Plon Lake with the Pince's Castle behind us. Good thing I still have my canoe skills from camp :) it came in handy!

There are swans everywhere.

Through the channel and under the bridge.

Saturday, we saw Kiel. This city is the biggest port city I have ever seen. We also took a port tour on a boat and I have never seen that many sail boats. As far as I could see, there were sail boats. It was the thing everyone clearly does in this town. In July, there is Kiel Week which is a huge event for sailer fans, Germany, and Kiel. Thousands of people come from all over for races and the festival to celebrate sailing. It's more of a modern city compared to everwhere else I have been so far.

The boys got their faces painted haha little green rascals.

hundreds

And there was a little place in the city for the boys to do mini sailing.



And Sunday, we drove to Frankfurt. The boys had a flight to Montenegro. Nevena and I took them to the airport and then went on a quick walk and drive through the city. Another incredible place! I couldn't help but chuckle to myself constantly though because I kept hearing Gilly quotes in my head (from the SNL skit - a favorite from our circle of friends just ask Christie to do the impression). Frankfurt was great though! The city center has very tradition German looking houses and there is of course a beautiful and historical church. There is a river right across the street from the city center so it really gives it an open feel. There is a mix of skyscrappers though so that was an interesting skyline look. And like everywhere else in Germany, it was devestatingly destoryed in WWII.

With Nevena in Romerberg (city center).

The coolest and biggest organ I have ever seen.

Imperial Cathedral.



But now, the boys are visiting their Grandparents in Montenegro for the next 3 weeks. So I will be taking my Deutschkurse and traveling on the weekends. I will take the train this weekend to Dresden! I am really excited! I hope all of you are surviving the heat back home. I really do miss y'all! Especially since I keep thinking about what y'all are all doing back in Texas. I can't help but think about all of the Delta girls in Rush right now too. Can't believe that was us a year ago! Miss it, but thankful for the new and exciting direction the Lord is taking us all on. I hope y'all are all doing well. And for those of you starting jobs, starting school, traveling yourself, or enjoying being a newly engaged couple (Congrats to Kasey and Blake and also to Jean Marie and Cutter) and married couple (Congrats to Sam and Amy) I miss you so much but know that I thank the good Lord for our life paths to cross at the point they did in our lives.  It made me a better person to know you and love you. Knowing that I am so loved and supported back in Texas is such a strong comfort to me. Never would I have ever thought I would be doing this. It's funny what wonderful suprises our sweet Father in Heaven has planned for us throughout our lives. I know He is thrilled to show you in your life as well. I love y'all! Ciao!