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!