First Days

As I sit at the desk in my room in Sonne, I can hardly believe that I’m here. The last weekend at home flew by, and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to mom, dad, and the boys, and boarding a plane for London, then Basel. The flight to London was not as long as I remembered which is always nice for a transatlantic flight. When I arrived at London-Heathrow, I was a little confused because its huge, and it was also 6 o’clock in the morning. My flight to Basel left a little late because French pilots and other flight staff had gone on strike that morning, but we still made it to Basel in good time. I was very relieved when I had pulled all four of my bags off the luggage belt. It seems that the only time I have trouble with my luggage is when flying domestic in the US. Ironic. Marty Shilling, our dorm dad, met me at the airport after customs, and we loaded my luggage into the car. Thankfully, all of it fit! They have lots of great culturally rich traditions here, and I was introduced to a new one on the ride to Mulhaus. There are farms here that grow flowers which the public can stop pick, and pay for on the honor system. I now have some lovely chrysanthemums sitting beside me on my desk. 

When we arrived at Sonne, Debbie, our dorm mom, Tommy, and Chris were there for a warm welcome. The friendliness of the other res life staff here is such a blessing. They helped get my luggage upstairs to my rooms, and I spent the afternoon meeting the guys and unpacking. Somehow, I was able to unpack everything in one shot (which if you know me well, is quite uncharacteristic for me J). Everything fits great, and I love my little set up here. I also witnessed my first creeking that evening. Creeking is a ritual accompanying the birthday celebration of any given resident here at Sonne. As soon as the candles on his cake are blown out, the birthday celebrant makes a run for the door where he is headed off, picked up, and carried out the door, down the driveway, and doused in the creek. It’s really a fun tradition here, but personally I’m glad to have a summer birthday!

Since I’m jumping into an already started school-year, I wasn’t sure how easily I would get to know the guys. But I’m doing pretty well with names so far, and I’ve had some great breakthroughs and chances to get to know some of them. There are some really special people in this student body. I’ve already discovered some that enjoy music, and for those who are wondering if I’m getting a chance to use any of the musical part of my brain, rest assured that I am! More on that later, though. Suffice it to say that I’m loving it here already.