Wilkommen!

Alright, So I have arrived!

I can't believe that I haven't even been here a week, and I already have too much to say, it would take forever and ever, amen to read and write. SO! I will update you on my highlights, however, I'm sure that if you are reading this, I probably have already told you about everything.

I had a super, super long day of traveling on the 4th of September! I drove with the grandparents, Elisha, and Spence to Kelowna to catch my flight. This was at about 8 AM in the morning. We met up with John and Janet Irving, who were so sweet to come to the airport to see me off! And then I boarded the plane and waited for lift off at 11:35 AM. I then went to Seattle, where I spent about 7 long hours there. I tried my very best not to fall asleep in the airport. From Seattle, the plane took me to Copenhagen! (ha, or hey, it doesnt really matter how you pronounce it) It was funny too, because the airport was like this huge shopping mall! And all these differnt things going on at once. Then from there, I traveled to Stuttgart. On the plane ride there, I fell asleep before the plane took off from the ground. It was so exhausting!

So when I arrived in Stuttgart, my precious host family had t-shirts that said 'WELCOME KAY!' and a flag slash poster with the same as well as Herzlich Wilkommen! I was so happy to see them and that they were so happy to see me! It was very good. Then it took us about an hour to get home.

I slept the first day here away and I met, in the evening, my second host familiy and some other friends of my host mom's. They are all very nice. It is a great big family, I have seen them SO many times this week. And it isnt even a full week that I have been here! It seems like so much more. So I have found out that I will have only two host families. Which will be nice. Then there is not a whole lot of changing around. I like them too, both of the families, so that is a huge plus!!

I have started school already. The first day was MOnday. It was very interesting. But the last couple of days have been very long. Not necessarily only because they are long school days, but because I cannot understand what everyone in school is saying! So I sit there with Eugenio (who is the exchange student living with my second host family from Argentina) and do nothing. It is very boring. Although today was better because I had 'sport' which is what they call P.E. and it was good because I could actually participate in the class and run around. There wasnt a whole lot of talking.

I am very tired all the time. But at night I am awake...who would have thought? There is a nine hour difference from Germany to Canada. It is difficult to sleep off sometimes.

I am getting used to being here. I have gotten a little familiar with some of my surroundings. I go to school in Heubach, so I have walked around a bit in the village there. Also, Nils (my host brother) wanted to show me around Mögglingen, but I have yet to be taken for the tour. Perhaps some time soon.

I am looking for some sports to play, and something to do with my free time. Although most of the time that I have that is free I rest or talk with my host family. It is nice that they talk very good English. So I am thinking about dance. and Perhaps fußball. We shall see.

I am having a difficult time making friends, but I think once I have some activities to belong to,it will be a little bit easier. Also, I have been trying to get my bank account and visa info set up. Alles Klar. It will turn out just fine.

I met with my counselor from the Rotary Club in Swänisch Gmünd today. He is a nice fellow. But he and Bebe did most of the talking. Which was fine with me. As long as Bebe understands, I know she will take care of everything and tell me what I need to know. :)

I have a very beautiful and big bedroom in my house. I am staying in Kimi's room. She is in the U.S.. She is so very nice. :) I have an orientation weekend comming up. Hiking in the mountains and such. It will be very nice.

I like it here, in Germany. They houses and vehicles are very cute. THere is this house down the street that has the barn underneath the house. I think that it is very funny. Bebe says 'yes, they are hobby farmers.' The one guy has about 3 cows and 10 chickens. Or something like that. It is very different to me because they live in town, with no fields or anything.

I start my German language course on Monday. I am very excited for that. Perhaps, then after taking it, I will know a little more German, and perhaps I will be able to understand what people are saying. Then school will be a little less boring in not being able to understand.

Anyhow. Things are good, and I am having a good time. I just wish that I could sleep more often! I need to go.We will go and give a present to Paulie for the first day of school for her. I have not met her yet, but Bebe says that she is very cute. :) okay, by for know.Bis bald. Tschüss!

k

Travel Times

I am finished at camp and have received my travel times! The week before last was my last week at camp. It was so nice to relax and not have to worry about chasing 11 girls around all week! Although, I do miss being at camp some of the time. Just learning more about God and being around such wonderful people.

This week was full of running around: to the bank and the mall - getting everything set to go before I leave. I have been planning a going away party too, which is next week. That will be nice, to just hang out with everyone before I leave for the year.

It is a strange feeling, knowing that I my exchange year starts in just under two weeks now. Having prepared for this beginning all year...interveiws, orientations, meetings, etc, etc. It has been a wonderful year of preperation, and I'm almost scared to actually go! But, I know that it will be such an awesome year! I am excited to start it! Most every outbound has already landed in their country of destination. So its down to the last few exchange students.

Anyhow. With all that said; I am most excited and most nervous about the year comming up fast in the next week. Things will be so awesome, I know. But just trying to imagine everything being so differnt, is so very difficult. We will see when we get to the other side, I guess.

Everyone has been so wonderful to me this year. I can not thank everyone enough for their generous help with everything! I owe so much to everyone! May God truely bless everyone around me for the loving help they have given me! I am so indebted to Him for the many blessings He has rained upon me! :) God is so good!

So, I guess my next entry will be when I get to Germany. I will try to blog once a month. So keep in touch, and I will try my best to soak up all of my adventures that await for me! Thank you so much, and I will see you in Germany!

K

Camp

Wow, it is unbelievable to think that a month has past since graduation (actually, more than a month!). I have been at Camp for about three and a half weeks. :) It is great! Really busy during kids camps, but nice and relaxing now that the first week of family camps is here! I have made some new friends, and have been growing a lot personally, and spiritually. God has taught me some wonderful things these past weeks! It is wonderful! I have been learning so much from my campers. It is amazing to see them grow in Christ, and to just be such an influence at such a memorable stage in their lives. Anyhow, as things are reaching the midpoint of summer, my exchange year draws very near. I can almost smell it. I received an email today from my host mother, and just the email reminded me how incredibly close to my exchange it really is! I am so excited!

Being at camp has helped me to prepare for my exchange. I have been home during the weekends, so it isnt too bad, but I have been placed in a new place with new people, and just new surroundings. This summer will definately be good for me - especially for learning to lean on God for everything - even strength and enthusiasm when I am weary (especially with the kids!).

Anyhow, I have to get back to camp stuff. I look forward to my year with anticipation, although I so wish I could bring all the people that I love in my pocket. How wonderful that would be! It is so great to be out of school and even more wonderful to be at camp! I am excited to see how God will further use me!

K