sheesh. here i am, in some random internet cafe in Hannover, because the Languths home computer is broken after Raffie's week-long LAN party. I cannot even come close to expressing how wonderful it is to be with the Languths again... much has changed... gained and lost weight, shorter and longer hair, but much has also stayed the same. And Im not alone either. The Languths other "kid" is here, actually sitting next to me in the cafe... Kyla. Since going to college, I havent talked to Kyla much, but here in Germany, its almost as if my parents are spending another week in NYC, and she's staying at my house-only slightly different since we're the ones who are away and we're with the Languths.

It was so cute last night. Because of how busy everyone was (Sarah and Raffie with school, Jutta and Klaus with work), Kyla and I headed to Celle for the day (site of the Landesgestüt, for those who are interested in the Hannoverians, and a midevel town, for those who are interested in that). On a whim, we went into one of those photobooths that are ALL over Germany, and made a picture. Kyla wasnt really sure what she would do with the photo, but as soon as Klaus saw it last night, he was like "i'll take that." Then later, Jutta asked us both for a passport photo, and promptly placed them in her wallet IN FRONT of the photos of Sarah and Raffie.

its really quite bittersweet that tonight is my last night in europe. My train comes early in the morning, so I wont go out, sondern stay home and pack. It hasnt always been an easy trip, and some parts were better than others, but on the whole, I wouldnt trade it for anything. I have made many dear friends, and look forward to the time where I can visit them again. I would love to go back to Straubenhart, to Schloßäcker, to Appenzell, and of course, Leipzig and Hannover and see everyone. Yet I realize that there are people in the States that I need (and want) to see.

I will truely miss the European culture. Funny how throughout the trip, I really havent missed much of the American culture. Perhaps a few things here and there, such as free water in restraunts, Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin worship music, saddles that fit, and wishing for a few other conviences, such as dutch oven cooking, and spicy foods, and only having to worry about where the cops are hanging out when Im driving. I know coming back to the States I will miss much, from the door handles, to the Baden-Wüttemburg horses, Früstück, pizza, doners, chinese food (FARRRRRRRRR suprior to chinese food in the US, except the stuff Dat recommends). I suppose I will even miss parking my car on the street and having to weave around the parked cars.

Last time I was in Europe for 5 weeks (3 weeks living, 2 weeks travel), and I had culture-shock coming back to the US for several days. Now Ive been in Europe for 14 weeks, and I can only brace myself for the culture-shock that is to come.

oh, for those who are wondering what Menschen/Würden/Arbeiten means from my last blog, its the St Nikolikirche slogen for the protests... it means People/Would/Work (if there were jobs).

There is only one thing left to say...

Tomorrow comes to take me away
How I wish, I wish I could stay
But, oh, I've got to go

wow. i had no idea at the time how influencial this one little protest was, last monday, but i guess it made international news. wow.

i got to interview Pfarrer Fueher today. it was a really incredible experience, as i was able to gain insight into this incredible and influencial leader, and phenomon. i then spend the rest of the business day in the library making photocopies and figuring out which books i simply MUST get my hands on back at MHC.

MENSCHEN
WURDE(N)
ARBEIT(EN)

life is different, life is exciting... and i dont want it to end

the world keeps turning, and i keep on learning

and living

im relieved to be in good ol germany again, and am loving it in leipzig. i ve spent the past couple days talking to people for my thesis, hanging out, sorta, at the chruches... met a lot of cool people, and have several interviews scheduled for later on this week. im excited about the interview tomorrow with the Pfarrer Fuehrer, who started the freedom prayers and was interestemtal in the 89 protests. speaking of protests, there was another monday demo last night.... its absolutely awesome to be in the thick of things and to see history unfold before my eyes. theyve done it once, and the leipzigers wanna do it again. {only the economy this time, not the whole political regime}

and for those who are worried, and wondering,

IM ALRIGHT

{praise God!}