Many of you have e-mailed me with questions about life in Germany. I think this is the perfect opportunity to put to rest some of the myths about Europeans, while at the same time giving credibility to the things that are true. For instance, we've all heard about the infamous "autobahn" where there are no speed limits. This just simply isn't true. There are places on the autobahn where speed limits are posted and strictly enforced, and those limits are pretty similar to ours back home. In other areas there are "recommended" speed limits, although those are not enforced, meaning you can go much faster if you'd like. The autobahn is designed pretty much like our interstates in America. There are 4 lanes in most places, 6 in others. The main difference here is that it is illegal to drive in the passing lanes unless you are passing. What that means is that you never have to worry about some shmuck from Florida cruising in the passing lane 10 miles below the speed limit. Ain't gonna happen here, folks. If you cruise in the passing lane (or what I affectionately call the bat-out-of-hell lane), you'll get run over. Literally.

Now on to my favorite subject of all--FOOD! It is so true that Europeans in general take meal time seriously, as if it's a social event rather than a sporting one. You know how it goes in America: your waitress takes your drink order 5 seconds after you sit down. Then 3 minutes later she takes your meal order. Then you have about 7 minutes to eat your meal before she asks you if you want dessert. Of course, if you say "No, thank you," she will gladly bring you your check, demand a 20% tip for 11 minutes worth of work, then casually shove you out the door so that she can seat another unsuspecting family. Yeah, that sounds about right. Over here it's different. Food is to be experienced and enjoyed, not eaten as if it's the Indie 500! Usually we wait about 15 minutes before the server comes to take our drink order. Once we get our drinks, the server won't ask for our food order unless all menus are closed (this is how they know you are ready to order). The food comes shortly thereafter, and we don't get our check until we ask for it. I love it. Oh, and FYI, you don't have to tip! No, restaurants pay their servers enough so that tipping is not required, nor is it expected. If the service is great, and you want to leave a tip, fine, thank you, and good night. Otherwise, just sit back, relax, visit with friends, and enjoy delicious cuisine. Now why didn't we think of that?

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Germany? Yes, there are cultural and language differences, not to mention extreme differences in driving! But it's amazing to me how we are still the same, in spite of our differences. I've told you about my neighbor, Petra. She doesn't speak any English, although I am able to communicate a little through her daughter, Stephanie, who has been studying English for 5 years. Petra loves to garden. Her yard looks like something straight out of a Southern Living magazine. She just has a knack for making things grow, and I'm not just talking about flowers. For Petra, language is not a barrier to cultivating a friendship. I've only known her a few weeks, but she bought me a birthday present. I casually mentioned one day to Stephanie how tulips are my favorite flower. Three days later I had a birthday present sitting on my front porch with a balloon attached (on which Steffie had written "Best Witches"--her English still needs some fine tuning!). Inside the box was a set of spring flowers, including tulips! Not only did Petra buy the tulips for me, she came over just last week and planted them in my yard! She speaks no English, and I speak no German, but we were able to spend time together and "plant" seeds of friendship nonetheless. Isn't it amazing how God can bring people together no matter what their differences? I've been praying for a friend (maybe I should have been more specific in asking for one who can speak English!), and He has provided so much more. Now Petra and I are teaching each other how to speak English and German. This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Bloom where you are planted." One of Blake's favorite bands, Bon Jovi, just released a new album. They have a song on that album (I don't know the name of the song) whose words go something like this: Welcome/to wherever you are/this is your life/you've made it this far/I say welcome/you gotta believe/that right here, right now/you're exactly where your 'sposed to be/Welcome! I love that song.

We went to a carnival last night in K-town. It was so much fun! The rides were great, the food was even better. Blake and I shared a brat that was 1/2 a meter long! (Get out your math book, convert that to inches, and be amazed!) The Germans take their brats very seriously, and I must say, the American version pales in comparison! In addition to the brat, we had cotton candy, a pretzel the size of a frisbee, and chocolate-covered fruit...bananas and strawberries. I came home with a horrible stomach ache and memories that will last a lifetime. By the way, Blake and I celebrated 11 years of marriage this weekend. Let me say again, God is good. Isn't is good to know that He is faithful even when we are faithless? Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of our family and friends who have prayed for us all these years. We love you!