Thanksgiving, Christmas Banquet, and Basketball

With the holidays that come with this time of year, the pace of life has definitely picked up. We’ve had several different exciting events already, with more to come. To start, we had an exciting Thanksgiving meal for the dorm the week before American Thanksgiving. Lots of yummy dishes, like green bean casserole, stuffing, turkey, and sweet potatoes were included. As we enjoyed the food and fellowship, and reflected on what we are thankful for, one of the biggest things on my mind was the fact that I feel more at home here than I ever thought I would this soon. To be able to sit at the table and talk and laugh with those around me after knowing them for less than two months; to feel like I’m fitting into the ways of the dorm; and most of all to find reassurance every day knowing that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I truly have much to be thankful for. I know that this post comes a bit after the fact, but I also want to say how much I am thankful for my family. Many parents have trouble letting their kids go, especially when it’s to someplace they’ve never been halfway around the world. While my parents would probably tell you that it hasn’t been easy, never for a moment have they questioned God’s direction in my life, and that means more than words will ever be able to express. I’m also thankful for my sister Carolyn, and brothers, Jonathan, Tim, Peter, and Mark. While being six completely different people, I couldn’t ask for a more loving group of people. I miss being part of their lives, but they’ve been amazing so far with keeping me informedJ. Keep it up guys! I love you!

Dorm Thanksgiving dinner

Last weekend was the annual Christmas banquet. The banquet is a formal event, so students, especially the ladies, had been preparing for several weeks. I had a chance to help the Blauen ladies get ready and spent several hours across the street doing hair and hanging out with them. When I returned to Sonne to finish getting myself ready, the transformation I found in our Sonne Knights was incredible. In my opinion, they’re already a handsome group, but this particular evening found them looking positively dashing! The theme was a masquerade ball, and the evening was full of food, lots of pictures, and featured a program in which students shared their various talents. The highlight of the evening was a group waltzing lesson. It’s a little tricky, but lots of fun once you get it.  

Sonne guys getting ready to leave for the banquet

Josh McKeown and me at the Christmas Banquet

Students and staff enjoy the Christmas Banquet

BFA hosted it’s first home basketball games this past Friday evening, and most of the student body as well as many faculty and staff came out for a great night of school spirit. Sonne guys were particularly enthusiastic in cheering for one of our own, Sunshine, on varsity. He scored with in the first few seconds of being on the court, and the team also won! Very excitingJ.

BFA Falcons during a time out

Boy's varsity team enters the court

In other news, I’ve learned to drive our stick-shift vans, and am now approved by BFA Residence Life to drive students. This is particularly exciting because I didn’t have a clue how to drive stick before arriving in Germany. I’m glad to have gotten over this hurdle, and pick up more of my part of the load. While the staff here doesn’t complain, I think it’ll be a relief for them as well!

Snow continues to fall here, and the landscape is beautiful. It’s snowing right now, and from where I’m sitting in the living area right now, I can see a hillside already covered in beautiful powdery whiteness. God’s fingerprints are all over His creation! With only two weeks left in the semester, I’d like to ask you to pray for special strength and grace for everyone here. The students are working hard to finish strong, and we as staff want to be as supportive and loving as possible. Please pray that we will continue to show Christ in everything we do and say.  

Lauren