A Mini Michelle Update

We are getting back in the swing of things here.  It is nice to have a foundation already laid here and getting the privilege to build on that.  I have greater appreciation for caring, disciplined, and sacrificial parents now that I am in this position.  It is hard to love, discipline, and guide teenagers, but it is so rewarding to know these guys and learn from the other staff, too.  I am studying to re-take my driving theory test for Germany on Monday; who knew I could learn so much about car physics, German pedisterian law, and situation responses to priority driving?  Until I pass this again, I am not driving for now in order to be legal.  Germany is cool like that.  But in the meantime I am getting to do more relational and household related things on top of studying.  Good times.  I also get a weekend break coming up, which will be fun.

Love ya,

Michelle

6 Months Ago :)

January 27 
...6 months ago on June 27 
I moved to Germany!


...Thus ends my 6 months of 
my American-driver's-license-driving in Germany.

- - - -

January 28 
...Begins my no-driving period.  
...The driving-theory studying continues.  
I am learning a great deal about the German laws of the road and physics of cars. 
Interesting stuff, indeed.


My test re-take date is TBA. :)


Love,
Michelle

Driving Test

Hey y'all - 


Here's the scoop - I did well in recall of what I studied for my driving theory test for Germany but there is far more to study and learn. Consequently, I did NOT yet pass. 2 more questions or so needed to be correct at least. I am going to research how long I need to wait to take it again.  Jan. 27th will be 6 months from when I first moved to Germany, so after that I won't be able to drive until I pass this test.  I will keep you posted on when I get to re-take the test.  In the meantime, back to studying. :) Thanks for praying!  I appreciate everyone's care and support.


Love, Michelle - Future EU/German License holder :)

Credit for the Pictures

And I'd like to give credit to Mark Powell, my dorm dad [http://www.facebook.com/powellm1], for most of the wonderful pictures I use here to share German and Maugenhard life with you.  Thank you, Mark!

Pray for Monday's Major Driving Test

This weekend I have off to rest and study for my major German driving theory test, which is Monday morning at 8am.  

My USA driver's license is no longer valid after 6 months of living here [WOAH -- I MOVED HERE 6 MONTHS AGO ALREADY!!!], so I must have a German one/EU to continue with my driving responsibilities.  I hear it is tough; far tougher than the States'.  :)  It is common for people to fail this test the first time or so.  

• Please pray for understanding and retention of the details of German driving law and conduct.  I have 2-hours or so of studying each day before Monday. 

- Michelle

A New Year with One New Brother

The Spring semester has gotten off to a surprisingly fantastic start.  It is wonderful to feel so much further along on the learning curve than I felt last semester.  This semester I know better what combination of things make the German washing-machine run; how to ask where the vanilla is in the market; who to call when I do not understand German driver's details; how to appreciate a movie more from teen guys' perspectives; when to refrain from affirmation; why some guys hung all over each other and have a hard time even giving me a high five.

Man, I love my guys!  Over break I had to keep a fellow RA's dorm dad's advice in my head: "Just get back on the plane."  Once the momentum stopped and I was in a different environment for a while, the thought of complex relationships, menial tasks, and bleak winters sounded unappealing.  But with a little sleep and some simple, yet profound conversations, God has grown in me an appreciation of being here again.  

God, please renew my vision for this place.

With the change of the calendar also came a change in the dorm.  We now have 22 guys in Maugenhard!

Josiah (in blue) with Maugenhard folks at basketball game

Josiah moved into our dorm for his last semester before graduation; Lord willing, it will be a better fit.
He is from Holland and loves photography and computer things.

• Please pray that he will adjust well and that the guys' hearts will be opened to receiving him into the dorm as one of their own.  
• Pray also that our staff will have discernment on how to best love and serve him as well as the other guys.  
• Everyday life stuff is a matter of their hearts...and ours.  Please pray for that.

Thanks for your love and support!

Michelle

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Indeed - Scotland/Germany

Even though I did not go back to the States for Christmas, I thought of you all.  I had a fantastic break on this side of the Ocean.

The first half I spent in Edinburgh with some Scottish friends, who I met at Moody in Chicago (they and there family just took me in as part of the family - it was touching!);---[see right]

and in the second half of break, I recruited for Belfast Bible College (where I studied abroad there in 2007) and participated at the European Mission-Net conference in Germany [see photos].  Overall, I loved my time and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know life-giving people from all over Europe.

God knew I needed this time to reorient and be encouraged; although I enjoy my role in the dorm here in Germany, there is some comfort that I probably won't work with teenage boys forever. :)  In the meantime, I am seeking to be faithful in my work here while I do.

I start up again with my responsibilities on Saturday and the guys return on Monday. :)
Happy New Year to all! 
Love, Michelle