Whoda thunk?

Well, the big news in my life these days is that I have been given a car- FOR FREE! I'm so excited! And the bigger news is that it is a MINIVAN! Never in my unmarried life did I think that I would be the owner of a minivan, but it has turned out to be a great gift. Just a few minutes ago, I returned from lunch with the singles. We were going to a new restaurant, and only a few people knew the location. So, I volunteered to drive. It was so fun! We laughed and listened to funny music like, "Mm-Bop, by Hansen". It has been nicknamed the party van. :)
What a blessing to my soul to reconnect with the single community here- and whoda thunk it would come in the form of a minivan?

Knowing the Shepherd's Voice

I have been staying with a friend here in Germany, until I find an apt. Her landlord, who lives beyond the small pasture in her backyard, has sheep and a rooster. Growing up in the city, it's been quite funny to me to glance out the window and see these furry sheep (although they recently met the shears).
Well, my friend, Heather, told me that they always bleat more when the shepherd enters their pasture to feed them. So, I have listened and watched, and sure enough, around 5:30pm you will hear an uproar in the field.
A couple of days ago, I was cleaning the house in the middle of the afternoon and there was crazy "BAAAAAA, BAAAAAA, BAAAA" in the backyard. Knowing that it was not feeding time, I looked out the window to see what was going on. The shepherd had entered the pasture and was working on a small shed. I had to smile.
These sheep have brought to mind many Biblical pictures for me. Everytime I go outside, I say, "Hi, little sheepies!" They usually just look up at me, like, "Who are you talking to?" and then continue to eat their tasty grass. They never "Baaaaa" for me! That is because they know their Shepherd and his voice.

Music in the Silence

Last week I was sitting in the living room of my friend's house, when all of the sudden I heard hymns being sung. I sat there trying to recognize the refrain, and realized it was being sung in German. I looked out the window, and there walked a single-file line of people in robes singing hymns as they were walking through the nearby field. It was like a modern-day scene from Lord of the Rings! I found out later that it was in honor of another German holiday, Ascension Day.

Cadence Video

Joining forces in military ministry: Partnerships from Cadence International on Vimeo.

Here I am

One week ago, I returned to Germany for another two-year term ministering to military women. All went well with the flight, although it seemed like the longest flight ever...I guess multiple hours cramped in a small area next to someone you don't know will do that to you! Anyway, after 30+ hours, I finally got some sleep. Even though I've been here a week already, it is still hard to believe that I am actually here! It has truly been a leap of faith, as there is still support to be raised.

Everything has not been easy since I arrived either. Several days after arriving, I actually made a trip to the Emergency Room. I have been having pain on both sides. Long story short, they have run multiple tests, and discovered that I have an enlarged spleen and liver. The Dr's really have no explanation for the pain, because apparently it is not too uncommon to have enlarged organs. So, I am trying to find an internist. A funny story about my visit to the E.R. They were trying to draw some blood, and I quickly told the nurse that they usually have a hard time finding my veins. She immediately handed over the needle to the DR. As the Dr, who spoke great English, was flicking my arm and hand trying to find a good vein, he said, "Wow. It is so unusual for someone so young to have such small weens." If he didn't have a needle in my arm, I think I would have burst out laughing. Ahh- the joys of living in another country. :)

Another kink in the plans has been the vehicle that was going to be loaned to me...well, the transmission died. Truthfully, I'm glad it was not in my hands when that happened, but it has sped up the search for a vehicle. Currently, I do not have the funds for a vehicle in my work account...so, this is yet another need.

I have truly seen God's hand at work in bringing me to Germany in His timing. All of these "issues" are not a surprise to God. It can be frustrating at times, but it has been fun to see how God has provided and I know He will continue to do so.