Too Soon for Goodbyes...

This morning I had to take one of my girls to the airport. She headed to Russia to join her family. She came to BFA thinking she would have to leave Russia every three months because that is the only visa her family could get. But after she was here for a month they were able to receive a year long visa so she decided to go home. For me it was bitter sweet. She had added such a diminsion to the school and to the dorm. Everyone felt comfortable around her and she just accepted everyone for who they were. There will be a large void for a long while...
This morning was just hard realizing that these goodbyes are going to cut deep. That I may never see these girls again but I must invest in their lives and teach them who the Lord desires them to be. As we all said our tearful goodbyes, looking into Anna's eyes as she walked through security I knew that she meant the world to me, that each relationship that I make here is going to hurt, and every goodbye is going to keep cutting deeper and deeper into my heart. But I wouldn't change it for the world.

Just Can't explain it...

I have been thinking lately about how to explain life here; how to communicate to everyone back at home what my job entails. Mostly, it is just emotionally draining rather than physically. We are in charge of making sure the girls are performing well in school, not staying up too late, understand community living, enforce rules, sustain healthy awareness of how to live...the list could go on and on. Everyday I wake up amazed at where I am and what I am doing. This is just such a different mentality of serving than anything I have ever done. Sometimes I have to check myself and remember my purpose and what the Lord has called me here to do.
On a lighter note...I went to Paris last weekend. I fulfilled my Parisian dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower at night!!! We went all over Paris, including Paris Disney...I needed a little touch of Orange County. The family we stayed with were amazing!! They made us homemade breakfasts and dinners. I love the French baguette...there is no fat in them...I could eat them all day long.
Till we meet again....

Sweetly Surprised

This weekend our Seniors and Juniors are on trips so we have just been able to relax with our underclassmen.  Every week the Lord brings little moments that I am just blessed by.  The other day our one freshman and I made a faceshake...not a handshake but a handshake with our faces.  Even though there are times when I feel like I am not making a difference or having a purpose, the Lord always makes me look at the bigger picture and the needs of the girls around me.  That is something I constantly desire to seek: to be consistently aware of what the needs of the girls around me are and how I can help.  

Last week I went to a castle nearby and this next weekend I am either going to Paris or Venice...what a hard life I have.  It is crazy to think that I am in another country.  The beauty that surrounds me is endless and every day a new pleasant surprise.  

Thanks again for your support....

Figuring It All Out!

Well now I have been here for two whole weeks. What a weird thought. The first week seems forever ago. Honestly, I have a very loose schedule with what I need to get done. I clean, cook, do laundry, chauffer, and spend quality time with our girls. It is heartbreaking to see them miss their families and be able to nothing for them. All we have are prayers and time. Tonight we have our Fall Fest...it is the Black and White Affair...I am dressing up as a Panda Bear!!! I also am taking my driving test today. I have never been on the autobahn so hopefully I will pass. I am still trying to fiind where I fit into the dorm setting. I know the personalities and things my fellow staff members offer to the girls, but I am just figure where I belong within our mix. So that is one thing I am proccessing. I love running here...there are a lot of hills, but the view is breath-taking!!! I can complain. I miss you all..Thanks for checking up on me.

FINALLY HERE!!!

As I walked out of baggage claim with three large pieces of luggage on a rolly cart that you have to push the handle down to maneuver.  I handed my passport the to Swiss police as he nonchalantly glanced at my photo and nodded me on through.  As I walked through the mechanical doors a giant scream breaks through my senses.  An uproar of gangstas cheering from my peripheral catches me off guard.  It was my staff and chicas picking me up on a traditional rainy evening in Basel, Switzerland.  

So far my experience has been marvelous.  The girls and my staff have been so gracious and welcoming.  My first official day I went to Budenfest...booth festival and ate traditional German food.  The next day was my day off and I went into Basel again...to see if I could buy items I needed.  Following that me and some of the my fellow male RAs bought frozen dinners and went to a family's house, that we know from training in Canada.  It has been such a whirlwind, but a blessing.  I can't even explain the beauty that surrounds me.  They love there gardens and everything is lush.  

Keep me in your prayers...I know it is not this simple.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Wow the day has finally come to say I am leaving...well actually I am leaving tomorrow, but I figured this would be my chance to write before I leave.  I came home from Hume and only had three days to adjust, pack, revitalize, and say good-bye to everything familiar.  At home I saw many faces and got to do many things I wanted to do.  It is so weird to think that I won't be back for a while.  The next time I am back Layne (my cousin) will have a baby, we'll have another President, Hume '09 will have passed, and the Angels will have won another world series (or at least that is what I am hoping for!! ).  A lot of things will have changed but so many things will have stayed the same...one thing that I always know will be consistent is the fact that I have a home where family and friends still love me!!! Pray for safe travels!!!

I GOT NEWS!!!

I just got news about where I am going to be living and who I am working with!!! I am living in the dorm Wittlingen. My dorm parents are Brant and Laura McGlothlin. And I am so blessed to be working with two girls that I am associated with, Rachel Hosan and Sam Christanssen. It really lightens a burden, but at the same time it adds more questions and thoughts to what is going to happen. It is official...I have a place to live and work!!! CRAZY!!