tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65909994836375551472024-03-12T19:02:54.403-04:00Luke and Stephanie at BFAPictures, updates, and daily living as the dorm parents of 20 high school girls...life is never boringLuke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-12974863570408385072010-12-02T06:54:00.000-05:002010-12-02T06:54:23.335-05:00December Snow and Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYcxS61iVpQtt4NPoKTkbAzLVbZnzcX0CZdP04WcCC0OPWS4Tv8YYvMQlvAXt0vT5Ov6AbkFLH8qOEYmHS_3FUlvEBf6MMtGZQ4lKJBjJ4LY4xqk5f9d4HcRHNHsroD7rk6WG8I1t84Ot/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYcxS61iVpQtt4NPoKTkbAzLVbZnzcX0CZdP04WcCC0OPWS4Tv8YYvMQlvAXt0vT5Ov6AbkFLH8qOEYmHS_3FUlvEBf6MMtGZQ4lKJBjJ4LY4xqk5f9d4HcRHNHsroD7rk6WG8I1t84Ot/s320/IMG_3659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The girls all dressed up for Christmas Banquet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdJTVMlUCP5RqLvDGk_YgAi5VdykuA2DGbMX4Hfcew2cKhWGQdKrjvVWU-uziOyB3u2jFI2h0QZs6wM88TMxVxlcqussan0QXIQpadYIXg6MbHSAaak1Czj0hX03mfiKjWi96VrgFB-41/s1600/IMG_3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdJTVMlUCP5RqLvDGk_YgAi5VdykuA2DGbMX4Hfcew2cKhWGQdKrjvVWU-uziOyB3u2jFI2h0QZs6wM88TMxVxlcqussan0QXIQpadYIXg6MbHSAaak1Czj0hX03mfiKjWi96VrgFB-41/s320/IMG_3600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving feast </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi96B8pXNxY57XE9WIT4Tl_XSOhFOwtCywTsymRnLNepSxerw6yzk4A68LYTwwpuXoYY6tPPViC8pMIq3D4nMswVOWW07A7MKYC14GgwJcjEOpinHphhAQvvmOdmCBuvN8TDSRShLPYjd-/s1600/IMG_3780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi96B8pXNxY57XE9WIT4Tl_XSOhFOwtCywTsymRnLNepSxerw6yzk4A68LYTwwpuXoYY6tPPViC8pMIq3D4nMswVOWW07A7MKYC14GgwJcjEOpinHphhAQvvmOdmCBuvN8TDSRShLPYjd-/s320/IMG_3780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two of our beautiful and talented seniors </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7vI4T6TP-n03zGWHqRR8-VRU-gwt846YWKzCCQ86znuXaqozGeCEaI0pPEUIwrTqTTj7TRNdnMIErEV3w3PSJDSFGrj87HcjvgjUXcuH-wf9Jp-3hfobvRUk972taZC9WpWbHGg9k3i8/s1600/n1487267034_30094195_9418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7vI4T6TP-n03zGWHqRR8-VRU-gwt846YWKzCCQ86znuXaqozGeCEaI0pPEUIwrTqTTj7TRNdnMIErEV3w3PSJDSFGrj87HcjvgjUXcuH-wf9Jp-3hfobvRUk972taZC9WpWbHGg9k3i8/s320/n1487267034_30094195_9418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kandern SNOW </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRsSQ1dLgqutTu-RwUA56gLjgkOa9f_LF202AT1deLdBLnh-t2tOXO41dl81KrkuuM5RDXCr1WDz8M1MZKcINCIotGOvBaqjiU1yMtVxCFkIwN154yeV413OtQ02JYF2HYS9C2hsGnNcO/s1600/IMG_0517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRsSQ1dLgqutTu-RwUA56gLjgkOa9f_LF202AT1deLdBLnh-t2tOXO41dl81KrkuuM5RDXCr1WDz8M1MZKcINCIotGOvBaqjiU1yMtVxCFkIwN154yeV413OtQ02JYF2HYS9C2hsGnNcO/s320/IMG_0517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas cookie frosting</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The past two weeks have been full of holiday activities. The gray skies and constant flurries of snow have added to the excitement of the last couple weeks of school. Two weekends ago, Wittlingen dorm hosted an open house. The girls dressed like movie stars and enjoyed a Hollywood themed night. This past Tuesday, the dorm celebrated American Thanksgiving, complete with turkey, stuffing and pies. It was great to have a family celebration as a dorm. This past Saturday the girls attended their formal Christmas banquet. It was a Masque ball theme, so there was some serious make-up and hair preparation all day on Saturday. The girls looked beautiful!<br />
<br />
On Sunday one of our girls came home from the hospital after a successful knee surgery. She is recovering well and just doing good all around. We are so glad to have her back in the dorm! Also, basketball season started! Our one basketball player has been working hard, and we are looking forward to cheering her on this Friday, at the first home game! On Tuesday after school, the girls came home and decorated our Christmas tree and made cut out frosted sugar cookies. They are enjoying all of the holiday activities, and are looking forward to Christmas break as well. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We are preparing the girls for beginning the study process this week for their semester exams. For some, this is a brand new endeavor and we are walking through it with them to adequately prepare them for the next two weeks. ! The last thing the girls want to do right now is study more than they already are, but at BFA these exams weigh heavily 10-20% of their overall semester grade. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The snow in Kandern has helped lift everyones spirits. We've had impromptu sledding sessions and snowball fights. This Saturday we're planning on driving up the hill to a higher sledding spot and having hot chocolate afterwards. Everyone is ready for Christmas break and for studying to be over, we are trying our best to get through the next few weeks with as much joy as possible! </span></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-32121470661046684872010-10-03T16:50:00.000-04:002010-10-03T16:50:09.104-04:00Spice of life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n-zM_1u_oGa7ocy2NyBurO2yZqXg7KQGzCBOhG-dDHLNljwz6fDgm8AG_kTCdfRtOzUlUSpNsWUBTE8GlxYUibvbtygPQedXxABg_3ewhom6fq8pv4NMKZpK0cZFAivxqFMiNsQg0ciH/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n-zM_1u_oGa7ocy2NyBurO2yZqXg7KQGzCBOhG-dDHLNljwz6fDgm8AG_kTCdfRtOzUlUSpNsWUBTE8GlxYUibvbtygPQedXxABg_3ewhom6fq8pv4NMKZpK0cZFAivxqFMiNsQg0ciH/s320/IMG_2941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">A spirit day where the girls dressed up like little kids<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TqJy1JSuyXzn03vAY7XYG4keYt11_tMmPcxEP5zLxiwwVUe3lALtcwV11amAKNyHXDI9n1MznCxPFFuHeXvdcmNyZgU2nVjyy9pOjXbtDvTAMh9M_lXdboP5li5MVFQrpv2mt6XR7ihr/s1600/IMG_2964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TqJy1JSuyXzn03vAY7XYG4keYt11_tMmPcxEP5zLxiwwVUe3lALtcwV11amAKNyHXDI9n1MznCxPFFuHeXvdcmNyZgU2nVjyy9pOjXbtDvTAMh9M_lXdboP5li5MVFQrpv2mt6XR7ihr/s320/IMG_2964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Trying to get the birthday girl in the van so they can dunk her in a fountain!<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGk-njrd5kpcPWrYZWWFxNwWxv-NsQt4UNTM3VkDvmgzswGn6PT3Odj5vlPVZSkVMH6D51BlI_NDyFxsD2C6LSTD-y7byC5FmwnufK4foNNdhjOQKZxZhbMo-YcFqnbvMrt8EJX7BIbWf/s1600/IMG_1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGk-njrd5kpcPWrYZWWFxNwWxv-NsQt4UNTM3VkDvmgzswGn6PT3Odj5vlPVZSkVMH6D51BlI_NDyFxsD2C6LSTD-y7byC5FmwnufK4foNNdhjOQKZxZhbMo-YcFqnbvMrt8EJX7BIbWf/s320/IMG_1565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Cupcakes on a shopping day over the weekend- the first cupcake shop I've seen in Germany!<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinWcg6uaQdEbDBsC7Q2zFYZfdfRpHZ9tAZrS-Gr8OaIjgLkbWLLITBWNtYrWRZZ1OoIff2wg4YxifQ6P9UTKe4JelCFY0n8-biNcVLi8oVY1_SizCawK8dM6yXSgGSyz2gKSSQkBkdDLb/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinWcg6uaQdEbDBsC7Q2zFYZfdfRpHZ9tAZrS-Gr8OaIjgLkbWLLITBWNtYrWRZZ1OoIff2wg4YxifQ6P9UTKe4JelCFY0n8-biNcVLi8oVY1_SizCawK8dM6yXSgGSyz2gKSSQkBkdDLb/s320/IMG_2939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Typical look from Luke as he puts up with crazy girls on a daily basis</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Yet another week has come and gone. This was one of the more eventful weeks due to the fact that our seniors left for their class trips to Rome on Thursdays and our juniors left for Normandy as well. It was a weekend with our 11 sophomores and freshmen which was a welcomed time to connect one on one and in small groups with them. Here is the week at a glance:</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Tuesday we started our tradition of a senior snack in the dorm parent apartment. We wanted to touch base with them before they left for a week and it was a needed break in their night of papers, studying for tests and packing for their trip. </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Wednesday we brought McFlurries from McDonald's to their lunch for room check rewards. Their rooms get checked off 3 times a week and we had 11 out of 20 girls get the reward this time. I think it was good incentive for those who didn't get it this time!</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Seniors and juniors left with goody bags in hand Thursday night. Last year we had only 2 girls here after they left, so this year it was wonderful to have 11 girls stay behind for the weekend.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">On Friday we invited the middle school dorm over for dinner, a digital scavenger hunt and a movie on the big screen. The girls were amazing with their "little brothers and sisters" for the night. The scavenger hunt was a hit, which Bonnie created. They had to run around Kandern and take photos of specific things like a group member and a cow or three people next to a garden gnome. We judged the pictures and handed out prizes. After that they watched the Emperor's New Groove and called it a night. Our girls slept in the hallway as is the tradition passed down to them by their upperclassmen for the first night of them being gone.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Saturday we had waffles and cartoons. We gave them a free pass on cleaning their rooms since they are covering for all the upperclassmen's gratis' while they are gone. In the afternoon we took two vans to Lorrach and went shopping and walking around. It was unseasonably warm this weekend (finally!) so they enjoyed being outside and getting out of the dorm. For dinner we all made pizzas together and everyone got their own half. At night the freshman were invited to a cafe masquerade at a sister dorm and our sophomores went on a late night "torch" walk with some friends and a couple staff. Corey from upstairs spent all night making homemade torches for it and they really enjoyed it.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Today has been a wonderfully peaceful day. We started having a family style breakfast on Sunday mornings which has been a welcomed addition to the weekend. We make a yummy breakfast and all the girls come to the set table dressed and ready for church at 9am. We have a family sit down meal with name tags and the whole deal. It puts us all in a better frame of mind for the morning and going to church. Nobody is racing around frantically trying to get dressed. We all walked there together in the morning sunshine and back. In the afternoon the girls worked on getting their homework done so they could hang out. The sophomores all went to HBR, a brother dorm. They played soccer, volleyball and football and I have not seen the girls have that much fun with another dorm ever! It was a great day for it and a release of energy! Tonight for dorm fellowship we made encouragement cards. We're listening to jazz and being creative. It has been a great feel of a day going into the week.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Tomorrow the freshman and sophomores have a field trip for the day. The juniors get back around 10:30am and we'll make them sleep for as long as they can! </li>
</ul><div><br />
</div></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-34546826885058090942010-09-09T09:26:00.000-04:002010-09-09T09:26:49.258-04:00First week of September<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha27oLa17I4T5s7gkUp1NIBeR6G-O0GGtZO3Nc-9qtjy_tjEx4_v0JA_Juxo1sTxd1LnJi13KWhHa6nLGxnRjF41XBBet7xqIW3m5sxoNBl0HkGJuzZg-FPZZVYMqwRnTAz4_PbNwsy38r/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha27oLa17I4T5s7gkUp1NIBeR6G-O0GGtZO3Nc-9qtjy_tjEx4_v0JA_Juxo1sTxd1LnJi13KWhHa6nLGxnRjF41XBBet7xqIW3m5sxoNBl0HkGJuzZg-FPZZVYMqwRnTAz4_PbNwsy38r/s320/IMG_2661.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think the Beach Boys were playing</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKRGDXwpesuVSpXe57Itcp-rIdEi2A00Rt2iLPKLSJwCiVDTsRXKObR9qiyN8Z6nHsR8c_cCS9x51BeDjm27MJxvTp_mYdimjneWc43xhzPF2l_iTpT3CQp_TOeMrHQGfglqKvi0SUi-1/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKRGDXwpesuVSpXe57Itcp-rIdEi2A00Rt2iLPKLSJwCiVDTsRXKObR9qiyN8Z6nHsR8c_cCS9x51BeDjm27MJxvTp_mYdimjneWc43xhzPF2l_iTpT3CQp_TOeMrHQGfglqKvi0SUi-1/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Biscuits and Gravy for HBR</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1Fe5tsixL4hOn-SO7eoEMf5Vgl2mQNnJrmiQe9Msq9SdvqKQmCq7zCsYoHnhhjiRbaJgdQGz_vaAyDfwReCDocvOfgwpaaiZfOj4ydeDpyutjQVyN-EoGMZxM1VuOVxYhOaqy6LfD9SE/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1Fe5tsixL4hOn-SO7eoEMf5Vgl2mQNnJrmiQe9Msq9SdvqKQmCq7zCsYoHnhhjiRbaJgdQGz_vaAyDfwReCDocvOfgwpaaiZfOj4ydeDpyutjQVyN-EoGMZxM1VuOVxYhOaqy6LfD9SE/s320/IMG_2684.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sure the guys know not to come down in their robes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRexl24L0nY6nBiX_9HsFQfzakYk4jDC8AIiyRq7KiEMoWpPU2rpmx4ZksMlFtcxP7uGG7SU8vs4-_0ENsQ3Q7xjURtu_Te4rLFY2TlAKhCuzS-276BbaT4WWidgx5usLl6QUW0SGXHYn/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRexl24L0nY6nBiX_9HsFQfzakYk4jDC8AIiyRq7KiEMoWpPU2rpmx4ZksMlFtcxP7uGG7SU8vs4-_0ENsQ3Q7xjURtu_Te4rLFY2TlAKhCuzS-276BbaT4WWidgx5usLl6QUW0SGXHYn/s320/IMG_2497.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off the flags of France and South Korea</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1Fe5tsixL4hOn-SO7eoEMf5Vgl2mQNnJrmiQe9Msq9SdvqKQmCq7zCsYoHnhhjiRbaJgdQGz_vaAyDfwReCDocvOfgwpaaiZfOj4ydeDpyutjQVyN-EoGMZxM1VuOVxYhOaqy6LfD9SE/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">L</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ast week started out for our staff with the yearly traditional prank pulled on us by our lovely girls. We woke up Wednesday morning to a dorm full of 22 boys and no breakfast to feed them! We had made Egg McMuffins the night before with the intention of giving the girls the morning to sleep in and have breakfast on the go. Well....they decided to take their breakfast to go and leave the boys with no food. Last year was the first year that Luke and I experienced this prank tradition where our dorm swaps in the middle of the night with HBR (a boys dorm about a 30 minute walk away). They take separate paths and walk as an entire dorm to surprise each others staff. The girls got the better end of the deal since they got Egg McMuffins AND pancakes. Smart they are.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We had our first hot lunch this past Friday. Every other Friday we bring a hot meal to school during the girls lunch time to relieve them of their regular sandwich and veggies. We made a yummy Thai dish that Luke learned from his mom and the girls loved it. Friday evening most of the girls went out to a campfire and cooked S'mores while talking. 6 of them camped outside and woke up to a wonderful morning mist. I took our seniors (minus one who was at volleyball) to HBR Saturday morning and we redeemed our Palmgarten name by making them biscuits and gravy. It was a hit and another memory for the year.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">On Sunday we had a picnic and then a more relaxed afternoon. For dorm fellowship we talked a lot about treating each other as sisters in this new found tight knit community of the dorm. I talked with them about the need for extra grace, forgiveness and proper conflict resolution. We all come from different countries, families, different parents, different siblings, and we're bound to not all be best friends, but we are a family here- home away from home. For the returners, they understand the need for a positive and loving dorm environment that is accepting of who you are and walks towards growth with you. I felt like it went well. Afterwards we served sundaes and watched the new Alive and Wonderland.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This week I can already tell that girls are tired and getting sick. We're dropping like flies, me included! It's a natural fact of life as 23 people come together and share germs. It gets better, and the girls develop better food sharing habits and things will calm down. I've been pedaling vitamin C and telling them to wash their hands all the time =) Play tryouts were the last two days and we have 4 girls who made the play! This weekend will be a much more relaxing weekend full of sleeping in and lazy days so the girls can get some rest!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Luke and I have our first weekend off starting on Thursday. I'm running the Basel Marathon on Sunday so I'm trying to get some rest and get over this cold to be healthy in time for Sunday.</span>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-51700923173700435852010-08-02T14:30:00.003-04:002010-08-02T14:50:44.486-04:00A new school year 2010-2011<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwd8BctlFBnOnpRO6RRiX7kKErKMDR6dySakzb7vu_BVVOrbXWVOQar7-la6KhkV7AyODIcjlqlnuC6kwTYQJSB_WMu_I5fFfRw0dVC4qYrKnWFZdMrtJwfX_EliN0W7ZA_wNdpAIWTmip/s1600/cruise.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwd8BctlFBnOnpRO6RRiX7kKErKMDR6dySakzb7vu_BVVOrbXWVOQar7-la6KhkV7AyODIcjlqlnuC6kwTYQJSB_WMu_I5fFfRw0dVC4qYrKnWFZdMrtJwfX_EliN0W7ZA_wNdpAIWTmip/s400/cruise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500882201203320786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">East Coast: The Welbourn's</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9e8TsqDVvF37GQcpkMpu3KaHuo7SWlvaQUW8hyphenhyphenqNIL4f9_6ALXTEXwZWPSseMYho43FQ0fnd3O9VAg08TTnITC-OGCfOPJ-rXJComE-GB0vHSfazPwpQB7YuTCC1FtUNZ8IYyym4olpF/s1600/family.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9e8TsqDVvF37GQcpkMpu3KaHuo7SWlvaQUW8hyphenhyphenqNIL4f9_6ALXTEXwZWPSseMYho43FQ0fnd3O9VAg08TTnITC-OGCfOPJ-rXJComE-GB0vHSfazPwpQB7YuTCC1FtUNZ8IYyym4olpF/s400/family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500882200837117298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">West Coast: The Reedal's and two Welbourn's</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Luke and I just arrived back in beautiful Kandern, Germany. We spent a wonderful 7 weeks in the states visiting family, churches and supporters. It went by a little too fast, but as we were flying into Basel we realized how excited we were to be back for a third year at BFA. This is the first year of our marriage that we haven't moved or changed jobs and THAT feels really great! On Sunday we started up with our resident life orientation. We were able to meet most of the new staff that will be working in the dorms and it is such a great group of people. We won't know who our new RA will be for quite a few more days so if you are reading this, you can pray for wisdom in that decision. Hopefully in the next few days we will find out how many girls and who we will have as well. There are a lot of unknowns, but we feel more confident going into our second year. The summer was such a good time for feeling all the support and prayers of all our friends and families back home. Thank you to everyone who made us feel so loved and cared for! </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-5758315158758728042010-03-21T09:14:00.002-04:002010-03-21T09:29:32.352-04:00The week before spring break...<div style="text-align: justify;">A few highlights from the week and weekend:<br />- This past week was the 2010 Music Festival. The week is filled with nervous musicians who have practiced countless hours and perform by memory in front of a judge. In Palmgarten alone we had 4 piano performers, 2 strings performances and 2 vocal performances. Out of the 8 performances, Julia, Krista and Rachel were chosen to perform in the Honors Recital which took place on Friday evening.<br /><br />- The juniors turned in their final poetry project this week. It was an intense art studio in the dining area with the girls working on the creative element to their projects.<br /><br />- Soccer tryouts concluded this week and we have 7 girls who made the soccer team, 2 who are going to be managers, and one videographer! Yes, that means 10 girls gone on away games. This weekend was their first game of the season against Bamberg and they won 4 to 0! Palmgarten's own Rachel scored one of the goals.<br /><br />- Track practices started up as well. We have two girls competing this season and one who is helping manage three days a week. Track did not compete this weekend, but will start up with a home match when we get back from spring break.<br /><br />- For the 9 girls left in the dorm, we tried to plan an eventful weekend. Friday was gorgeous outside, a nice break from the rain and snow. A few girls went to support the Honors Recital and then we had a campfire cookout with our dorm and Maugenhard. Saturday was a low key morning with waffles, eggs and sausages! A few girls went to the thermal baths with Lizzy and a few girls went with me to a volleyball championship. A teacher volunteered her home for students to watch Sherlock Holmes, so most of the girls went to see that to end the Saturday night. Sunday we are planning on dying eggs for Easter and having an Easter Egg Hunt later on in the evening.<br /></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNaEMduwCrfP5GPLxaf0lYlvF8tRyel23zTLz6R-_8Varc38Aj-H9fVCr-90pIQRB4Qdck9MJogOds62vFuA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-48216681334726032622010-03-06T12:41:00.006-05:002010-03-06T13:22:57.383-05:00I can't believe it's March 6th!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh803MAIUs6h6eBqCByJOSspIydCF-U5U9p4fpEyORaHFFoprp-xrdrkg_ikAe4PfmTAda-y3pe5mcnDGjfMGP6ADs1dDLcyoaaHotEgy_CVItvLZYPK76oZ1gRlO5Pe2ZQ4cymtSDPD1y7/s1600-h/IMG_9317.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh803MAIUs6h6eBqCByJOSspIydCF-U5U9p4fpEyORaHFFoprp-xrdrkg_ikAe4PfmTAda-y3pe5mcnDGjfMGP6ADs1dDLcyoaaHotEgy_CVItvLZYPK76oZ1gRlO5Pe2ZQ4cymtSDPD1y7/s400/IMG_9317.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445579688792197778" border="0" /></a>Polishing off a strawberry pie from the birthday girl<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XkutM_fVeErUytkpfowHIfdjBELGv0-6cpWI2AsVHh7w1wB8y1lsWnHny8d8IWzbkQcqGzimI-XUo-RSz5eCFeLj2LkMvYFxv7WJc3Pvj3LITcZGOdAtVf-490Bn_PGI3jBHKixlDbxJ/s1600-h/IMG_9303.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XkutM_fVeErUytkpfowHIfdjBELGv0-6cpWI2AsVHh7w1wB8y1lsWnHny8d8IWzbkQcqGzimI-XUo-RSz5eCFeLj2LkMvYFxv7WJc3Pvj3LITcZGOdAtVf-490Bn_PGI3jBHKixlDbxJ/s400/IMG_9303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445579688525386194" border="0" /></a><br />The girls after our Valentine's Dinner<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMCBY1gHIF88HVDQd3en5ag_ipAH6XEYDmYJILSk6PvS_WHHx3NvvOu9LIQIARttAFlNLXpgCkfa1NN0IDBEk_GgeJHnTMyFayo8haPanTxUZhnug2cSdeOIZEZeBglC-4VHKhhH7Bt7v/s1600-h/IMG_9092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMCBY1gHIF88HVDQd3en5ag_ipAH6XEYDmYJILSk6PvS_WHHx3NvvOu9LIQIARttAFlNLXpgCkfa1NN0IDBEk_GgeJHnTMyFayo8haPanTxUZhnug2cSdeOIZEZeBglC-4VHKhhH7Bt7v/s400/IMG_9092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445579678621532162" border="0" /></a><br />Cooking LOTS of pasta<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPO3wpQ6imzNKJzLtyWwQH0tqJFUC-uPpBP-2WXPdN1ZGV-P3ML5yHWZJAKMPv0s4rRqmkimmmizThW-urV_VYk4Ni9v0mynFvglC0zvnkykFFsC_sWO68_ed606mWvXqueA6j5KLDXbi/s1600-h/IMG_9049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPO3wpQ6imzNKJzLtyWwQH0tqJFUC-uPpBP-2WXPdN1ZGV-P3ML5yHWZJAKMPv0s4rRqmkimmmizThW-urV_VYk4Ni9v0mynFvglC0zvnkykFFsC_sWO68_ed606mWvXqueA6j5KLDXbi/s400/IMG_9049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445579673855784898" border="0" /></a><br />Sadie Hawkins dance: teaching the students a few Scottish dances in pairs<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBkdY_m5Sh0aeSGmWphDyzEzLjlat42AGE1g3cQ55TGeNbOi33oaH-50kxi0EZw-a1BEFdYaVehTue3I8nvmOiKXyFF6obB8CqLvsbd-EHn446qfzJxDjM4zc8gHenJO23OcsZixEnORp/s1600-h/IMG_1226.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBkdY_m5Sh0aeSGmWphDyzEzLjlat42AGE1g3cQ55TGeNbOi33oaH-50kxi0EZw-a1BEFdYaVehTue3I8nvmOiKXyFF6obB8CqLvsbd-EHn446qfzJxDjM4zc8gHenJO23OcsZixEnORp/s400/IMG_1226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445579664157901922" border="0" /></a><br />Happy ladies after buying chocolate in Brussels<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKU8iyGq-8QomuHBcjOHpekP-iv7PlQ35UVNuiqHJgzSF7QJe3o36lMviE0vv9Gn4IRWNE7xmW2gKTkWO2lELh6LFHAQ6JVqJpGGJfw121lSsw8th1dasWQp_US6LbeL0KH1oKhQKVgeyG/s1600-h/IMG_1192.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKU8iyGq-8QomuHBcjOHpekP-iv7PlQ35UVNuiqHJgzSF7QJe3o36lMviE0vv9Gn4IRWNE7xmW2gKTkWO2lELh6LFHAQ6JVqJpGGJfw121lSsw8th1dasWQp_US6LbeL0KH1oKhQKVgeyG/s400/IMG_1192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445578528492938674" border="0" /></a><br />Emily and Katey working the pancake breakfast fundraiser for Haiti<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUotXbpiL3Q2cTm0P9KTAzpguLVdFnM7D-jNEwpAr9UJN5eJjDQGcUstulP1L7GzK9bBprKff2QlP50hsyF7d7DNKxi3JZ7zBAsMBO6EpkYm0-0eOxzX0wF05M-kejkDScKTFtNB0l48mG/s1600-h/IMG_1183.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUotXbpiL3Q2cTm0P9KTAzpguLVdFnM7D-jNEwpAr9UJN5eJjDQGcUstulP1L7GzK9bBprKff2QlP50hsyF7d7DNKxi3JZ7zBAsMBO6EpkYm0-0eOxzX0wF05M-kejkDScKTFtNB0l48mG/s400/IMG_1183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445578519268053698" border="0" /></a><br />Our one basketball player at her last senior game with her parents<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDJoIucyaxuHTyhvrBUksplXysb_sEEJ0nTltQkxbgB7BACf5ZiwtklPBvqwlmZxbZtD3yoDQBcDEnUBH-k3VY4yQsEwnoPAHC-NdmP_LARnVLMEVueTv_MPOAvS3O_XKehai94Cu185N/s1600-h/IMG_1177.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDJoIucyaxuHTyhvrBUksplXysb_sEEJ0nTltQkxbgB7BACf5ZiwtklPBvqwlmZxbZtD3yoDQBcDEnUBH-k3VY4yQsEwnoPAHC-NdmP_LARnVLMEVueTv_MPOAvS3O_XKehai94Cu185N/s400/IMG_1177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445578508415319810" border="0" /></a><br />Students getting ready to usher in the varsity basketball team<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02yi0ZdvGlBXwAjw0pmaH6FG6LKTs82a5g_LQWjoAPlBfVCe3-eYXLup062oU25GVk7LOUgWOzFa0PLH37vghjRPHMsOEm8J-lIri0zGKU29VTshXKtEZw7fX6tjyh46jmgBUwDk55-S9/s1600-h/IMG_8922.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02yi0ZdvGlBXwAjw0pmaH6FG6LKTs82a5g_LQWjoAPlBfVCe3-eYXLup062oU25GVk7LOUgWOzFa0PLH37vghjRPHMsOEm8J-lIri0zGKU29VTshXKtEZw7fX6tjyh46jmgBUwDk55-S9/s400/IMG_8922.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445578502503189906" border="0" /></a>Sledding on the golf course behind our dorm<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">For those of you who receive our newsletter, you know that the past two months have been filled with activity! These are just a few of the pictures from the past two months. We just had a weekend off in Brussels with two good friends. It was very refreshing, and we had a great time driving up there. The girls are at High School Retreat right now, they will arrive back tomorrow evening. We're hoping that they've had a great weekend with a new speaker, skiing and late nights!<br /></div></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-16274143483162903862010-01-04T22:07:00.002-05:002010-01-04T22:21:41.907-05:00Past Christmas memories<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHclmk-Fgec7GGMUFRYL1sg_MIgbV2-avX5BYb_WsNvzYT9Deiau8NCddAXkZ-YuryzjCQvY4svorArSg_tWS6Aqa6u6g319PR8bV3s_rOGeWnGsniKC3gO9GKfw35AsXIdCAlf1qK5QLv/s1600-h/IMG_7202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHclmk-Fgec7GGMUFRYL1sg_MIgbV2-avX5BYb_WsNvzYT9Deiau8NCddAXkZ-YuryzjCQvY4svorArSg_tWS6Aqa6u6g319PR8bV3s_rOGeWnGsniKC3gO9GKfw35AsXIdCAlf1qK5QLv/s400/IMG_7202.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423089273649242242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">All the girls dressed in their best for the Christmas banquet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIjVDSm0Ta3dQH46EkVMrdu0bWQ82vcPGpNZnMOSep1RaEsVL_SzO85t8I5xDI8of2ryjK61Awoirs7fqwU829lRb3Hw6M8goFknAfwuToq9eMs4WtwUuV9TQZWDAa0bY-dCRIuiNrsuG/s1600-h/IMG_7163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIjVDSm0Ta3dQH46EkVMrdu0bWQ82vcPGpNZnMOSep1RaEsVL_SzO85t8I5xDI8of2ryjK61Awoirs7fqwU829lRb3Hw6M8goFknAfwuToq9eMs4WtwUuV9TQZWDAa0bY-dCRIuiNrsuG/s400/IMG_7163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423089266317380658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My makeup collection is put to good use in the dorm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuudxs7H9n4r-N9BkRs7Oar2tTvpNG8cwf63cES1rcII_CgVcCbjfASykyAZoAztHvzbh2EL5LNx7W1p4RloupqN0svkc-3pMGnfDelSkGZ7pSF_EQlRa9utKJzleRyhlXOplXG7irriA/s1600-h/IMG_7381.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuudxs7H9n4r-N9BkRs7Oar2tTvpNG8cwf63cES1rcII_CgVcCbjfASykyAZoAztHvzbh2EL5LNx7W1p4RloupqN0svkc-3pMGnfDelSkGZ7pSF_EQlRa9utKJzleRyhlXOplXG7irriA/s400/IMG_7381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423089259208203346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cheering fans at the Palm vs. Witt flag football game</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p_HO6TCHclcEO8NKlQe2eAeFSqOLqdxCP4BanJq_G9LS-O_g3BWep2yORb2jKYL0yzYjzIYa2ehecG9K8uY9w94kUKgiaFR3wZ-hUi90tQY4pf_jThL3plz95GPR-sjTxEQ4cFpiGRh1/s1600-h/IMG_7451.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p_HO6TCHclcEO8NKlQe2eAeFSqOLqdxCP4BanJq_G9LS-O_g3BWep2yORb2jKYL0yzYjzIYa2ehecG9K8uY9w94kUKgiaFR3wZ-hUi90tQY4pf_jThL3plz95GPR-sjTxEQ4cFpiGRh1/s400/IMG_7451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423089254839496562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We all supported the Palmgarten girls with hand prints on our faces. No, that is not face paint but regular paint that you have to scrape off!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-ssdTZchLrPCcf60JVOhLaSKFS0BK6FMTPfa7__mJjErXDJ4Gh8Pv1pE5x7Z6S00dkUzicnfB5ZWwD6LiOPXUM7sCpcIclPaylWoRFnuL4rz1yCAVtQEevVheyt-CtAkPVSyDnaA-uUK/s1600-h/IMG_7821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-ssdTZchLrPCcf60JVOhLaSKFS0BK6FMTPfa7__mJjErXDJ4Gh8Pv1pE5x7Z6S00dkUzicnfB5ZWwD6LiOPXUM7sCpcIclPaylWoRFnuL4rz1yCAVtQEevVheyt-CtAkPVSyDnaA-uUK/s400/IMG_7821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423089245544876274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Jersey by the Christmas tree posing for her Christmas picture</div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-78443535037602280872009-11-20T02:38:00.005-05:002009-11-20T03:07:25.284-05:00Swine Flu, The Play and Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;">Well, this has been an eventful past two weeks. Starting two weeks ago we had quite a few girls home sick. The school ended up confirming that we had cases of H1N1 and closing down the school for a few days. The play was scheduled last weekend so everyone in the audience had to wear masks! We had two girls involved in the play and we were grateful to see their hard work not go to waste. Luke and I had our last weekend off before Christmas break and we went to visit Tim and Rachel Meier in Toulouse. It was great for us to see friends and reconnect....plus they have Dominoes pizza with cheesy bread =) We got back to the dorm and immediately started prepping for our dorm Thanksgiving. All the dorms have their Thanksgivings on the Thursday before so we can invite the families that sub in our dorms. I have never cooked an entire Thanksgiving meal before and had loads of help pulling off the 36 person production. In the end it was a tasty night with amazing fellowship. We are leaving today for our dorm retreat. We will have 2 days away with no internet or tv with the girls. We're hoping for snow since we're taking them to a missionary camp house in the Alps. It should be a great change of scenery from them being cooped up and isolated in the dorm for the past week and a half!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnTCIdawyrb1zblvkAHl7aah9MB0ZkGOvB7yR3DhfoXsrLddWvvAsDOLFYjcBHK_QM-iR5uo71seXnptbaHZN-voh3-meG4iS6EHchZxD651igf53Riaj8L6kdnuAO-b47pQKn78LLRu2/s1600/IMG_6675.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnTCIdawyrb1zblvkAHl7aah9MB0ZkGOvB7yR3DhfoXsrLddWvvAsDOLFYjcBHK_QM-iR5uo71seXnptbaHZN-voh3-meG4iS6EHchZxD651igf53Riaj8L6kdnuAO-b47pQKn78LLRu2/s400/IMG_6675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406088692668858754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Brandon and Lizzy at the play in their mandatory masks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN631K3lOO66qSffweQPTVG3o3_6HrJB-U8aaRAVBQJ_jKJa867YtL4GbF5b9k4F3DSkEq9wD0J6oHXjdjq7LN5HE2v93xpEq8OZwnrUQsTtK70btBbGtNAdyjAbneNTZKx_EEjkv4cnSj/s1600/IMG_6679.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN631K3lOO66qSffweQPTVG3o3_6HrJB-U8aaRAVBQJ_jKJa867YtL4GbF5b9k4F3DSkEq9wD0J6oHXjdjq7LN5HE2v93xpEq8OZwnrUQsTtK70btBbGtNAdyjAbneNTZKx_EEjkv4cnSj/s400/IMG_6679.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406088681289823698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Rachel was a Brooklyn diva in the play- she was amazing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wdMa6M720pon7SyhzzaZVIzOQZfPz1FgO0PAqmJTr2NiVW0xPbcUozY8xOnWJRY5cjgJ2l4UCTpHpZu46wv4Bqrib08NB1N3l-rrvp0ldOX6gxscd0m8qSv4Z9kpq_gXV7lkoVOTbZWI/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wdMa6M720pon7SyhzzaZVIzOQZfPz1FgO0PAqmJTr2NiVW0xPbcUozY8xOnWJRY5cjgJ2l4UCTpHpZu46wv4Bqrib08NB1N3l-rrvp0ldOX6gxscd0m8qSv4Z9kpq_gXV7lkoVOTbZWI/s400/IMG_6707.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406088676186113474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The girls before their game of muddy tackle football</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIS5_YegQb3jWJMdVLJRc-fI55OZw4faLa6vFG6gcitBDPdBuUkuESGWF4SpHRCAj7rZU7Ei9h_2zGnzDwbqR42ieT-63QX3lTZdsumbpBTpo-wTFu_0Iw9FNdM0ceBdLpeAUC7o7fV-i/s1600/IMG_6778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIS5_YegQb3jWJMdVLJRc-fI55OZw4faLa6vFG6gcitBDPdBuUkuESGWF4SpHRCAj7rZU7Ei9h_2zGnzDwbqR42ieT-63QX3lTZdsumbpBTpo-wTFu_0Iw9FNdM0ceBdLpeAUC7o7fV-i/s400/IMG_6778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406088670311304594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving place settings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqRr74m4RcvXlSe7MAgq03LWMFVFrcIcAXmOeXPKQ__f_hPRZgQW3zjICFIvun1llLAXjqMwfNO4ncJ3A-Kk5vLMJ9qaTzLgc5TbnwTFM_3pK5Qym22HZ3WpZxr5hbfUh0471-6pV87bz/s1600/IMG_6794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqRr74m4RcvXlSe7MAgq03LWMFVFrcIcAXmOeXPKQ__f_hPRZgQW3zjICFIvun1llLAXjqMwfNO4ncJ3A-Kk5vLMJ9qaTzLgc5TbnwTFM_3pK5Qym22HZ3WpZxr5hbfUh0471-6pV87bz/s400/IMG_6794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406088666924775298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The ENTIRE oven was filled with Thanksgiving food!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLepGb2NJhzzWPTS3FLd82xgdF8FxcPfM462XlrGZqVbPIOaaPo6M-OmQijHL-k8X-ijikIQK3jV2cj0MfHLkegWJ-KrjfdZtgwaUGZst2ucZ1JBLA5_pJTTy_nIIffTk5r36MwK1609g/s1600/IMG_6796.JPG"><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLepGb2NJhzzWPTS3FLd82xgdF8FxcPfM462XlrGZqVbPIOaaPo6M-OmQijHL-k8X-ijikIQK3jV2cj0MfHLkegWJ-KrjfdZtgwaUGZst2ucZ1JBLA5_pJTTy_nIIffTk5r36MwK1609g/s400/IMG_6796.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406090557532060562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The final product layed out before everyone feasted</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZa2ZXPd85hDc8PQ1d2Ypk3qCU4VcIZBbdm7WS-T394pfQekxvvdmpRmzybNeWdJVjJpSBJdWobqRDdy665JIZRZy1TNul2r82TDoWnxnE0L2S6Aa5YPfrdz97A6qHhKzwpqhEjAGhGKV/s1600/IMG_6800.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZa2ZXPd85hDc8PQ1d2Ypk3qCU4VcIZBbdm7WS-T394pfQekxvvdmpRmzybNeWdJVjJpSBJdWobqRDdy665JIZRZy1TNul2r82TDoWnxnE0L2S6Aa5YPfrdz97A6qHhKzwpqhEjAGhGKV/s400/IMG_6800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406090564793407906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting patiently to get food</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBjSn9AwHX0XNEypPkZ_R2NXHo53ulQv7mdoM3GUZ6Nyxjrzj81lZ6Qb8b8mVYpIVl_rqk5MMWlYj5LbUQx198LWhsw7Vp0CG3kJIT4qX6KT2AqfEBcPp2JbkRJxkYO7skGck3gMqGik9/s1600/IMG_6807.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBjSn9AwHX0XNEypPkZ_R2NXHo53ulQv7mdoM3GUZ6Nyxjrzj81lZ6Qb8b8mVYpIVl_rqk5MMWlYj5LbUQx198LWhsw7Vp0CG3kJIT4qX6KT2AqfEBcPp2JbkRJxkYO7skGck3gMqGik9/s400/IMG_6807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406090575480389874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The aftermath of the food set in quickly- rolling around on the floor </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSVAi7cIh6pSwJUBvAr04YkS_Pt_HzQxsFh02iCzfoAO6ZPeJ32XnxoyCwDI57GkkIVbg5FsmiLtCrgw-52zfaOv-OjBjJQWltmuW8TBJG2VyLoKzNLD0M6q2kMyHM0pzqkmdxrcyx4hw/s1600/IMG_6815.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSVAi7cIh6pSwJUBvAr04YkS_Pt_HzQxsFh02iCzfoAO6ZPeJ32XnxoyCwDI57GkkIVbg5FsmiLtCrgw-52zfaOv-OjBjJQWltmuW8TBJG2VyLoKzNLD0M6q2kMyHM0pzqkmdxrcyx4hw/s400/IMG_6815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406090581639247314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">All of our wonderful dorm girls!</div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-76689965716850983052009-10-29T04:55:00.002-04:002009-10-29T05:35:10.855-04:00BAKE OFF<div style="text-align: center;">Every Sunday evening we have "Dorm Fellowship" which is usually a time where we come together and regroup spiritually as a dorm. The past few Sunday's we had serious dorm fellowships so we wanted to lighten it up a bit and let the girls have some bonding time. Luke came up with the idea of a bake off. We put the girls in teams of 4 and they each gave us their ingredient lists. We told them the only parameters is that they had to be done by 8:30 on Sunday evening with presentation in hand. We "flew in" three judges (from three different parts of town) and told them there would be three awards handed out: Best in Show, Presentation and Taste. They had a blast and it was a really great night for the dorm!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYNhH0wdvS1tzUzzR1iVmQbcMUum_AWGMJz7JsXHQ62xmGMcRfnn5bCpzhe-YsldTiWDfzprKJeaRs2HsLYlrNHW8lkqyoO_yFFMJSx7pototoskKqarLjIGPuvaErlZu9UQ6v2_rn9Bd/s400/IMG_1137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397944371913634034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emily and Krystal mixing their hot fudge in the kitchen</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosjO_NSaaRYG7LxRfpX6h1GUTp-8sktRsubxbe6dk5SXkuv1i9QdpcnGuutZiHsq6lKxp-oJu_AC-OoMz_8IffSbHW7pMczLECw0gDPaEYZZFjL2HNiwtAwMEGS22ApfsR_aPnHlgEpeM/s400/IMG_6431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397944374285790210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">This yummy dessert won best in show</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL9TNK0hHhSeyGFkkTQd5Zmpv4muNnx8knp1DK3ASvkDL19hVWZp3Raiu9iyEdfSnFlqiT6qg9F2-K0D2Azzy9jblhC1mNrS5L1MWrIaM7taEgsEJyO-0bgOluQrB1-mZYmrvzmHJraYC/s400/IMG_6451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397944380743929026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The very prestigious judges (naturally Luke wanted in on the judging action!)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oyHWF8_22u3XZP4gcMRahPU-jZpq0wAfgv1Rl2wegtPyNjiSXul4-FLPzxkpJHyCJN2BVJqeyw64G642zdRQZmsyCoX3C2MOtO-eDPknftbO3NrWbK8arIJe1VuAhE4_rnPsAtTVIRIB/s400/IMG_6475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397944384753452834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the three trophies we made</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j0yMpkQGLSwFZz85vGUn0xfhlJhhgleFl8M99XxRY-HxaYl5v7_Afr3szWngTUrSEa5i6puGWF9yPmR6SBEFWGatZehyphenhyphenYsFp5Bj1UxLeuKurakij7TyYWxFIoNDx8ET7ofrHByJkKsih/s1600-h/IMG_6483.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j0yMpkQGLSwFZz85vGUn0xfhlJhhgleFl8M99XxRY-HxaYl5v7_Afr3szWngTUrSEa5i6puGWF9yPmR6SBEFWGatZehyphenhyphenYsFp5Bj1UxLeuKurakij7TyYWxFIoNDx8ET7ofrHByJkKsih/s400/IMG_6483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397944389550004466" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The winning teams happy dance when we announced the results</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-10938351140500765102009-10-25T14:50:00.005-04:002009-10-25T15:19:40.892-04:00There are good pumpkins....and bad pumpkins...<div style="text-align: center;">Last weekend the dorm was invited to HBR (a boys dorm) to carve pumpkins. They asked us to bring 14 pumpkins to split between 47 guys and girls in teams. The girls had a great time and a few of our girls were even part of the top three prize teams. After lots of hot chocolate, spiced cider, delicious applesauce cake and peach crisp- we went to their rec room to play "name that tune." It was among one of the more hilarious games played with a group of MK's and young adults. A couple days later a few girls and I were driving by HBR and saw that all of our pumpkins were still on display on the dorm steps. We decided to play a mini prank and steal 4 out of the 14 pumpkins to display at our dorm. This may seem harmless since there were 14 total pumpkins and we brought them anyway, right? Well, that is thinking from my female perspective which is very different than having 28 boys witness you take 4 of THEIR pumpkins. The guys apparently got pretty riled up and later that night we had a surprise attack on our dorm where the pumpkins were smashed and pumpkin goo was spread all around. Luckily, HBR came to help clean up and like gentlemen, later on in the week came over dressed in ties with a cake in hand and sang "stand by me" to our dorm. Lesson for the weekend: never pretend to steal anything when there is testosterone involved. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZc_S_MJYKX0inJl6sioXWNuOkaPUpyqfMENgsmwAH6uUtlOvQEthiwfmeCmVKYH0A2F0zjmEReGZp-5vB7MytquqVEzN20PPbMxB1y9pv4s0VSsbEbh_U8RHzi3Rx8hApa5ilBNFEV_Y/s400/IMG_1121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396613366095956898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 of the 6 crates of pumpkins we bought</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-bZRnqeTnRSGQ0LLvKHnExQymkyZyZ7kwvWf1Q1WXVZ3q8xB1B1UyVS79sgjiGy2hiYLSZAdCJ2bnvqf8kxJiH4YrlV0igj5ZKQRyadojzDtYPnLWDtsG7yuXi_CpHdmO41Y2kWWJt-H/s400/IMG_1120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396613359130888002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a typical pumpkin stand alongside the roads in Germany</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-lrufwvGu6sUEQTBs0b07779IOv8OmtMnmRAjGkLvDle_vkS-GLGFbFje_MggTcuziCoDnJexEmWPYysJVbqiKqcHsk8NkaGGw2RqgADym58Gbh_3gwtlejc01EycP4DOG3vAOzcsZNM/s400/IMG_1125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396613373133979906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Major concentration in pumpkin carving (this was the winning team!)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SC5msAisK7d_mMvxuzJXwOLr4VZO252hRGVfE6FoIIpE05552cjCJCaOUY_5B8rkPh4Na1uJa1eaNNPTcz88HyZEnrP_DzFHCKUIOd0OWFtyP4PTLPdSw80HdRFzzwaBQWf0b6q7EE7A/s400/IMG_1130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396613380231118386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Carving out the pumpkin</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4zJh6F-B4GscCoNsJFt9BGINOU2YTMLL9xZQnaOCrNdSJMzpmIWw4EwWfaZSkmRnnmyIDAQf34w2z7cYkVf7mV5vvLkim9YcyeJqBbpt5HIh_BSQGpdEsb2jy99KtzUEf0p8aqilrpMX/s400/IMG_1139.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396613381481741634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Picking up the larger pieces of the mess after the guys came </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nfbtsXVrs-o1TegLu8Vup0znXWJuy_gagG75f564W2UxNEj8i49OIwl2uwfzzxKMcLmzvVa4Ghg3U1cp7NF43eioeX81wUt93zhynsLFF4Pgcow4KsD1N7g5qoRzrZvtiH4yZ3J25APa/s1600-h/IMG_1141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nfbtsXVrs-o1TegLu8Vup0znXWJuy_gagG75f564W2UxNEj8i49OIwl2uwfzzxKMcLmzvVa4Ghg3U1cp7NF43eioeX81wUt93zhynsLFF4Pgcow4KsD1N7g5qoRzrZvtiH4yZ3J25APa/s400/IMG_1141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396614042171899586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Luke is surveying the damage from the inside where it is safe and smell free</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMcmCdY5iK5B3tFqd_-uU6uWPDxcUUfwqFnj0F7Ba7_oqeQQd4NCb9G0Q_MhjdHHMqv4wD3_q06CV2Drlof1GETw11xrOGBOihraQ38RSaWz4vsY3M90r8JhJ92xXhmgEPEVANahRxCd/s1600-h/IMG_6528.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMcmCdY5iK5B3tFqd_-uU6uWPDxcUUfwqFnj0F7Ba7_oqeQQd4NCb9G0Q_MhjdHHMqv4wD3_q06CV2Drlof1GETw11xrOGBOihraQ38RSaWz4vsY3M90r8JhJ92xXhmgEPEVANahRxCd/s1600-h/IMG_6528.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMcmCdY5iK5B3tFqd_-uU6uWPDxcUUfwqFnj0F7Ba7_oqeQQd4NCb9G0Q_MhjdHHMqv4wD3_q06CV2Drlof1GETw11xrOGBOihraQ38RSaWz4vsY3M90r8JhJ92xXhmgEPEVANahRxCd/s400/IMG_6528.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396614035715864274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">HBR with their cake, ties, and amazing singing skills....apology accepted</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-21131875951214078602009-10-16T13:39:00.005-04:002009-10-16T14:26:48.582-04:00Before and After<div style="text-align: center;">This is our new tv room that I talked about in our last post. I finally found our "before" pictures so I thought that would help show just how much work went into this room. This is where we have weekend movie times and our dorm fellowships on Sunday evenings. It is proving to be a cozy place to be now that the weather has turned to fall!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndeXzH3M7U0fCF06CHCtIQX19G7KQUy9FTDykBh2IjO6VMUY4Tbu2K1yU6TRhNq6om0yUpDcLIwcjWoZRmAn-JLIFE3eqG9v1GQMd5b1FBpvaHklHJ8GfPjA9ZoE6HtkYZOkcN_5iN_B6/s1600-h/IMG_6345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndeXzH3M7U0fCF06CHCtIQX19G7KQUy9FTDykBh2IjO6VMUY4Tbu2K1yU6TRhNq6om0yUpDcLIwcjWoZRmAn-JLIFE3eqG9v1GQMd5b1FBpvaHklHJ8GfPjA9ZoE6HtkYZOkcN_5iN_B6/s400/IMG_6345.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393262784122769458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The new tv that Doug and Priscilla donated to the dorm. The girls love it!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMwUdq97I9dwGSzPlGuIeyd8lFlIrPZnKpACduXoaCJ5gkUncD1KTetMn4DayAGOAYtH853liwr_BgaA01fbIP1HmhZM5vxoRgBx57dY4hgK4uVuBKi41J-qhdqQfmmAAI-LmUjx8KVzU/s1600-h/IMG_6344.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMwUdq97I9dwGSzPlGuIeyd8lFlIrPZnKpACduXoaCJ5gkUncD1KTetMn4DayAGOAYtH853liwr_BgaA01fbIP1HmhZM5vxoRgBx57dY4hgK4uVuBKi41J-qhdqQfmmAAI-LmUjx8KVzU/s400/IMG_6344.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393262780037546050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2BbKVCVybOcJSYq2yvONDZra-mItQSiHZ1ppjiWsC2FzfPwU1JmxFZM9MKaEo01SwCXCCN5Vks3VjDg8JDSqQKLIXhGSFkPn88dLOylpYy1NJbZzbZ1r6mh3x0CWXaXTQj4a9suuti22/s1600-h/IMG_6343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2BbKVCVybOcJSYq2yvONDZra-mItQSiHZ1ppjiWsC2FzfPwU1JmxFZM9MKaEo01SwCXCCN5Vks3VjDg8JDSqQKLIXhGSFkPn88dLOylpYy1NJbZzbZ1r6mh3x0CWXaXTQj4a9suuti22/s400/IMG_6343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393262772403114962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The green couch in the corner was found in spermull. There are a few days a year where you can put anything out on the corner of the street and the city picks it up and trashes it for you. We rescued this gem of a velour couch and it is a great addition to the room. Some may say 70's, I say awesome.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAn2MK4mYZWlIKSSxg9Uawd_RPiTI7mVRF2WiVA6whnBnqdtkcdAJ9ecfl-_dIjXhmKmlF1ofcLrzmFdYExUrWaGc-N396EE8EkzX_aACAkJ1mHIxPnYNrXDjtEnE1YTPnCp8VeS3ayxh/s1600-h/IMG_1091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAn2MK4mYZWlIKSSxg9Uawd_RPiTI7mVRF2WiVA6whnBnqdtkcdAJ9ecfl-_dIjXhmKmlF1ofcLrzmFdYExUrWaGc-N396EE8EkzX_aACAkJ1mHIxPnYNrXDjtEnE1YTPnCp8VeS3ayxh/s400/IMG_1091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393260106894872738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mixing the cauldron of gray paint...it took two of these to paint the room.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe-Cy_zx89R522wVu-nEyjZLjb4NEdDUC6K62BLxiu24uZO2XoeGVJYb3U6A7zo7ZbYE4rxtG17bN4a5iMAbK_3iTLW78epvzeQNdQcI_PoInUcgJ1-fgjn7yEwlPp3AiHu1jZFfxR6q5/s1600-h/IMG_1090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe-Cy_zx89R522wVu-nEyjZLjb4NEdDUC6K62BLxiu24uZO2XoeGVJYb3U6A7zo7ZbYE4rxtG17bN4a5iMAbK_3iTLW78epvzeQNdQcI_PoInUcgJ1-fgjn7yEwlPp3AiHu1jZFfxR6q5/s400/IMG_1090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393260099308943714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lizzy and Bonnie working hard!</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMWpa-U7AcUhrVzppqezM0QD-as0CGwCbup63b_p_NWXgxT7ksUAZlOIP3NZbtTbvmIwFGbeCDq8N4WdRCkS7QPGDY6l6Gaps6dI_vwY11eoU8zQZ6DHFX89Ig03eTEXqgZpGWjq668je/s1600-h/IMG_1089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMWpa-U7AcUhrVzppqezM0QD-as0CGwCbup63b_p_NWXgxT7ksUAZlOIP3NZbtTbvmIwFGbeCDq8N4WdRCkS7QPGDY6l6Gaps6dI_vwY11eoU8zQZ6DHFX89Ig03eTEXqgZpGWjq668je/s400/IMG_1089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393260094065860946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulsUfPZHSrTUTkOkmJmiurX4NX1LNxHsu2qyBbMd-CQRKs9aBBeOVy8EPfNMQkRMuL0SLRZ_GSXawiWT81th6kvCs5p5TGgtTYXFnJD_VP9gRgSO80ZeM4IGGP7OU65ojAh5brH6Gh5gF/s1600-h/IMG_1088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulsUfPZHSrTUTkOkmJmiurX4NX1LNxHsu2qyBbMd-CQRKs9aBBeOVy8EPfNMQkRMuL0SLRZ_GSXawiWT81th6kvCs5p5TGgtTYXFnJD_VP9gRgSO80ZeM4IGGP7OU65ojAh5brH6Gh5gF/s400/IMG_1088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393260087129588930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Vacuuming up the bugs....look at that face!</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS5Y1gu5rzYirRnF4jT7z4l5nHcKpHOybmb5zXA_90jAOMVTPAPoeMfzMdjPVd5t_pbaonld-zN0IKQ2Zm2NwOUiljq37TWYoQQSMVeZGAOksypRXMqPwKdMM6XTFoovoOS2UpCPjWelD/s1600-h/IMG_1086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS5Y1gu5rzYirRnF4jT7z4l5nHcKpHOybmb5zXA_90jAOMVTPAPoeMfzMdjPVd5t_pbaonld-zN0IKQ2Zm2NwOUiljq37TWYoQQSMVeZGAOksypRXMqPwKdMM6XTFoovoOS2UpCPjWelD/s400/IMG_1086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393260075749499650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the floor to ceiling furniture. This was AFTER we cleaned out the room. You couldn't even walk in it before we attacked the mess.</div></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-15771704160261590372009-10-04T06:19:00.006-04:002009-10-04T07:54:11.467-04:00The last 6 weeks...<div style="text-align: center;">The seniors and juniors in our dorm are on their class trips this week, which means we have only two girls left in the dorm! It has given us a chance to connect with the two individually, but also to catch up on some much needed blogging and a new newsletter soon to be sent out. Here are a few photos from the last few weeks of events!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZlJKNaOle_VW4wvVP0aVJEGcqF7ENtoN56ikAmKwLkPuk2hQ043PhUaG8bx5oiT3CNnbjxeWv0g5fpmwvWJpz4A6tF353Cg_Tsw8T-I8Wd8aGXcAEaS9ykkamAxxZitaZg1DdbiYubZc/s1600-h/IMG_6343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZlJKNaOle_VW4wvVP0aVJEGcqF7ENtoN56ikAmKwLkPuk2hQ043PhUaG8bx5oiT3CNnbjxeWv0g5fpmwvWJpz4A6tF353Cg_Tsw8T-I8Wd8aGXcAEaS9ykkamAxxZitaZg1DdbiYubZc/s400/IMG_6343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388695664062951106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is our new tv room that we spent a couple weeks remodeling this summer. It used to be a storage closet and we installed new carpet, painted, and rearranged!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR_zMXbx3Gi9UGibmaTP-hZLbCdYybzo1l56YSvj38w_H0_LjV2q_fSAKO0sSFkzTBXuT5AFIW6LylV9YSz1gbnwYWrisHyX1b6rr5KH2qameCVxiNU6WyrnpXz09yV7B5X_FP56IAHun/s1600-h/IMG_6332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR_zMXbx3Gi9UGibmaTP-hZLbCdYybzo1l56YSvj38w_H0_LjV2q_fSAKO0sSFkzTBXuT5AFIW6LylV9YSz1gbnwYWrisHyX1b6rr5KH2qameCVxiNU6WyrnpXz09yV7B5X_FP56IAHun/s400/IMG_6332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388695655792095586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We have dorm fellowship every Sunday night. On this one we went up to a fire pit and made s'mores, then worshipped around the campfire.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhw8_VzAZ4x1XRvgg10hfP-xSWFU2XJgsV0y0fiByLm4ikQ7mqutPzpra2DEG1p4QYkN0kTEZnS1fYYaSAl3J2S5SbXzCca_0hjcSnCsCfgo0yNw9AfjTWjb-dIqbWFATeuKYvjYsUb8m/s1600-h/IMG_6238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhw8_VzAZ4x1XRvgg10hfP-xSWFU2XJgsV0y0fiByLm4ikQ7mqutPzpra2DEG1p4QYkN0kTEZnS1fYYaSAl3J2S5SbXzCca_0hjcSnCsCfgo0yNw9AfjTWjb-dIqbWFATeuKYvjYsUb8m/s400/IMG_6238.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388691498772170706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The whole dorm dressed up for Fall Party. The theme was opposites. We had "fit and fat", "baby and grandma", "coke and pepsi"...etc.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqp-AxwUwK2ZMWC1LyOWjSbLtd2CvmLpm9WSGnnarPbJxPpaSQtQzRTSK7l9FWE6NEoWLhd7U7YJTPfEaPX1uMl8IyBy0KXKyNwsJkb5g2wpYmwX8ZP7GYErnk8pJXnmdxyYhO-KC6HiY/s1600-h/IMG_6173.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqp-AxwUwK2ZMWC1LyOWjSbLtd2CvmLpm9WSGnnarPbJxPpaSQtQzRTSK7l9FWE6NEoWLhd7U7YJTPfEaPX1uMl8IyBy0KXKyNwsJkb5g2wpYmwX8ZP7GYErnk8pJXnmdxyYhO-KC6HiY/s400/IMG_6173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388691497197693378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is "fit and fat"- they won the award for best dressed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-N8ehXohvaljPACsOXff31OPT1rf0486tVBFpWtb8NE97vqJkR3rIBrmErusHON_mmxThJmoMj7SrihnWjHRgYWQx1rBKK_dwMcSo1oBlSNBdgGYScfPn3uuI8T8640N1RlIjePNwemu/s1600-h/IMG_6160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-N8ehXohvaljPACsOXff31OPT1rf0486tVBFpWtb8NE97vqJkR3rIBrmErusHON_mmxThJmoMj7SrihnWjHRgYWQx1rBKK_dwMcSo1oBlSNBdgGYScfPn3uuI8T8640N1RlIjePNwemu/s400/IMG_6160.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388691486696416274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The seniors came up with some new birthday traditions this year. This is a picture of them passing the birthday pillow with the present on it as they play a song for the birthday girl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bgZVpKkHnBBVQMnwIWPIz6MjrLXxR0V_xVpfpqyAJ-JYjJG4L7HSoi7hffiy4u8mvd8E2Gd3f1jb4ikYoQr98iwkSQvm2KeSY0jvEQ5Q4LqVZXAbr4a-A7yIIvTL6gKfGdHhrOfjov48/s1600-h/IMG_6074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bgZVpKkHnBBVQMnwIWPIz6MjrLXxR0V_xVpfpqyAJ-JYjJG4L7HSoi7hffiy4u8mvd8E2Gd3f1jb4ikYoQr98iwkSQvm2KeSY0jvEQ5Q4LqVZXAbr4a-A7yIIvTL6gKfGdHhrOfjov48/s400/IMG_6074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388691479122921970" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The boys dorms decided to have a Rugby match and our girls had a cheer off with another girls dorm. They definitely won!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLExMUzLBxEKJ7_3SpocfoqSRdi27hgxhPdMBhU0PGeSf6Ya6x6-khSvRnRgBXz72M1MKlU-1gGuWneC7n16EdUyD-rYFKrIFnWwLnqL-PtG-cNVWMkjvtYlwGZTKa8geuiM847POQtTO/s1600-h/IMG_6006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLExMUzLBxEKJ7_3SpocfoqSRdi27hgxhPdMBhU0PGeSf6Ya6x6-khSvRnRgBXz72M1MKlU-1gGuWneC7n16EdUyD-rYFKrIFnWwLnqL-PtG-cNVWMkjvtYlwGZTKa8geuiM847POQtTO/s400/IMG_6006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388691469010635778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The school added high school intramurals this year which the girls love. Our dorm is extremely talented in sports, but many girls have to choose which sport they love the most because it costs their parents money per sport. </div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-60253907408974930962009-09-06T08:19:00.008-04:002009-09-06T09:58:26.989-04:00Finally, a moment to blog!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfrLt94VAKW_djXnsI6VP7EuvNgw9zy0LMbGUXz2PidP0Y6oMyelc2Jh-Z8ex7dcoM4ua58ARAPPGahCHfijpP_Y9nvMu5LL0AwO8IXbQkME9BOXLV8ETZYo1BXnmyGFp_LgUbs4nXHsf/s1600-h/4+staff.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfrLt94VAKW_djXnsI6VP7EuvNgw9zy0LMbGUXz2PidP0Y6oMyelc2Jh-Z8ex7dcoM4ua58ARAPPGahCHfijpP_Y9nvMu5LL0AwO8IXbQkME9BOXLV8ETZYo1BXnmyGFp_LgUbs4nXHsf/s400/4+staff.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378328325838762818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our staff at Palmgarten! Lizzy, Luke, me and Bonnie. We are blessed.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are two weeks into our first year as dorm parents and so far.....we love it! We spent the last two weeks before the students got back renovating a storage room into a tv room. When we first saw it, it was stacked floor to ceiling with furniture that we had to move out and into the dorm. We then painted the walls, put in new carpet, installed lights, and moved the furniture around. The finishing touch was the 42 inch tv that Luke's parents donated to the dorm! The girls LOVED the finished product.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since they have arrived we continue to learn how to grocery shop for 23, how to cook for 23, how to communicate with 19 sets of parents, how to adjust to staying up until midnight again, how to be creative in planning events, and how to balance life in general. I went for a walk with one of the girls and she asked me what the hardest thing was about moving into the dorm. I had to think about it for a second, and then decided that it is the realization that I have 19 people watching all my actions and words. It's a big responsibility and everyday I am realizing how I am being spurred on towards holiness. You can't fake an everyday, genuine relationship with the Lord. They see through inconsistency, but they also have amazing capacity for grace and love. I am learning and loving. </div><div style="text-align: left;">-SW</div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-46277604340324371732009-07-20T13:14:00.003-04:002009-07-20T13:23:26.389-04:00Back at home<div>Luke and I just got back to Germany after being away from home for 6 weeks! After our training my parents came to visit for 2 weeks. It was a wonderful time to spend one on one with them. I'm so grateful our families invest in our lives here. It makes being away a little easier. Now we are back into a routine, we are beginning to pack up our apartment to move over to the dorm. Our dorm apartment is still under renovation so we're going to make the most of moving little by little. Jersey is happy we're home, she's had enough change for a little while. Little does she know....a new home with 22 more people around is just around the corner! <br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdvYOUGg_xvuvWZ0H7O30MHoxLfh0tRjJGRJ-zuMcxULr_4Jzsy2MpxUEyBUUGHO7FQXsABexh5wqawISQmGNrr23m3wtJV4bb-5-r7PBNRdYvYDz8SxQJtXiW481pEGXJcObarHe1LJD/s1600-h/IMG_0979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdvYOUGg_xvuvWZ0H7O30MHoxLfh0tRjJGRJ-zuMcxULr_4Jzsy2MpxUEyBUUGHO7FQXsABexh5wqawISQmGNrr23m3wtJV4bb-5-r7PBNRdYvYDz8SxQJtXiW481pEGXJcObarHe1LJD/s400/IMG_0979.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360593648204520338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We took my parents to our favorite restaurant for their 30th anniversary! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-71021505511997106032009-06-27T19:46:00.005-04:002009-06-27T21:23:49.731-04:00A little PFO update<div>Our training has been outstanding this week. The wealth of knowledge and years of experience have blow us away. It's been a stretch getting back into the "classroom" setting and sitting for long period of time, but it is well worth it. We have been hearing stories of God's faithfulness to international schools all over the world. We've been blessed by some great story tellers who recapture pivotal moments in their ministry, and stories about students lives that are changed as a result. We have been learning about the TCK (Third Culture Kid), which is a kids who lives in a culture other than their passport country. We have been talking about transition, taking personality tests, communication evaluations, and discussing differences in cultures. My favorite sessions have been our time with the group of staff who are going into boarding programs next year. The times have been extremely valuable going over relationships with parents, discipline, dorm atmosphere, relationship with Resident Assistants...and so much more to come. We have another 6 days here at Houghton College with a break tomorrow. It has been encouraging to meet other dorm parents who are going into the same situation as we are and being able to talk through our questions and concerns. Mostly, we are having fun learning about the kids we have the privledge of serving next year!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpQznarvlq1Wo1s2n8ffKUb-tu0cxvzk2VGlb8VT5-dQj9A69_7zvYqBkWjP9uYIUTqnblNaLX6iRO2AcibtQpxWt8cKd0NEYwkIx-OwQRdHgdvBv_Iv6w1l7hFVgxmFcwDdOOp0RwWq-/s1600-h/IMG_0949.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpQznarvlq1Wo1s2n8ffKUb-tu0cxvzk2VGlb8VT5-dQj9A69_7zvYqBkWjP9uYIUTqnblNaLX6iRO2AcibtQpxWt8cKd0NEYwkIx-OwQRdHgdvBv_Iv6w1l7hFVgxmFcwDdOOp0RwWq-/s400/IMG_0949.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352175334242747586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is a panel of 9 different international schools represented at this training. Senegal, Malaysia, South Korea, Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, China, India, and Ecuador.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlioFykkdxHS105x_gMtSbIMoOx9P7Zx5c0cyhK7MTQ13Ty4rS7a5pMmMlcvIIud6gXlJgPY-oQfZWQee-WPkQuTnk7vD3W8w6EKAHHg-cAoZIWWLu4d7T2aYNDPQucMwlD5jphLeafrFz/s1600-h/IMG_0945.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlioFykkdxHS105x_gMtSbIMoOx9P7Zx5c0cyhK7MTQ13Ty4rS7a5pMmMlcvIIud6gXlJgPY-oQfZWQee-WPkQuTnk7vD3W8w6EKAHHg-cAoZIWWLu4d7T2aYNDPQucMwlD5jphLeafrFz/s400/IMG_0945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352175331964643746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We have classes all day and then we play at night =) Luke is playing a little too hard and in the last two days got a black eye from a soccer ball to the face with sunglasses on and a frisbee to the nose!<br /></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-89468121992960027042009-06-21T11:26:00.003-04:002009-06-21T11:50:37.466-04:00PFO in Houghton<div>We made the 5 hour drive yesterday to Houghton, NY from New Jersey. Instantly we met people who drove from Atlanta so it made us feel much better about our short drive. We settled into our dorm room that we will reside in for the next two weeks and I am sitting here writing from a nostalgic dorm desk. Everything so far is reminding us of our first orientation with Janz Team Ministries in Winnipeg last year. You come to an unknown place, with unknown people and you have to make a community for a couple weeks. Luke and I are both thankful that we are going through this training after being at BFA for a year. I think we are taking this more seriously than we might have if we had it last year. The schedule looks packed, but filled with great information. We found out our small group leader is Evan Evans, a family friend and one of the reasons we are at BFA. We head to our first session at 3pm. Thank you to everyone who is praying over this time. We had a tremendous time being with family in New Jersey and connecting with all of our faithful supporters. I am hoping it will be productive and fruitful! <div>SW</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3XlXeDEVa2iiLuG46_EJfkgp91ceB-MzG0PaJZ1ni6Uolcet2Db2NcxB9PuOA2zpb48ZTYDIeEJDrY6rNCjsux_sPhD3mSbrwMS15CvAsuhtgNPcHaKD_yQyJjoPXlfgsQEQySY5cp2K/s1600-h/IMG_0932.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3XlXeDEVa2iiLuG46_EJfkgp91ceB-MzG0PaJZ1ni6Uolcet2Db2NcxB9PuOA2zpb48ZTYDIeEJDrY6rNCjsux_sPhD3mSbrwMS15CvAsuhtgNPcHaKD_yQyJjoPXlfgsQEQySY5cp2K/s400/IMG_0932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349808426399380338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Luke, Ryan and Landis at our favorite pizza place in the city. <br /></div><div><br /></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-18007571313807907612009-06-06T05:08:00.000-04:002009-06-06T05:55:39.757-04:00An unexpected trip homeSo Stephanie and I leave for the United States on Monday. A three hour car ride to Frankfurt followed by a nine hour flight to Newark. We purchased our tickets just two weeks ago. We hadn't planned to go back this summer, but because of some changes that are happening for us next year a trip home became part of the plan. <br /><br />As many of you might know and some might not. Steph and I will be making role changes next year. We'll be moving from working within the school as teachers and administrators to residence life as Dorm Parents. Quite a change. <br /><br />Throughout the year we've been subbing at HBR dorm on Thursday evenings and have developed a strong belief in the importance of quality residence staff. BFA has been blessed by having tremendous dorm staff that mentor and impact BFA students on a daily basis. It didn't take much time of being in that environment that we began to feel pulled. <br /><br />We feel honored the school feels comfortable entrusting us with such a responsibility. Typically the age of dorm parents has been older with actual parenting experience. The thought is the pros of having younger people in this position (more energy, relatable, less distraction, etc…) might make up for some of the cons. It is in some ways an experiment. One made with excellent support made available for Stephanie and I, and one we’re excited to be involved in. <br /><br />Some people think we're a little nuts. Its an exhausting job. We'll have twenty girls next year. That's right... girls. Those of you who know me best might wonder how I'll do in such an environment, and I'd be lying if I didn't say we have some healthy concerns. Personally, I'd feel there was something wrong if us if we didn't. Most people have been tremendously encouraging and have placed their support firmly behind us. The decision process would have much more difficult without them. <br /><br />In the end. We feel confident this is what God has for us. We hold no illusions it will be a pain free experience, but will move through the year day by day humbly pursuing God as we go. That for us will be key.<br /><br />This brings us back to our trip to the states. We’ll be home for four weeks. Two of those will be spent in New Jersey at my parents place. We’ll be visiting and sharing with our home church what the change will look like for us. We’ll also be doing some fundraising in preparation for year two as self supporting missionaries at BFA. <br /><br />The third and fourth weeks will be spent at a Conference in Houghton, New York. We’ll be attending the Pre-Field Orientation conference for TCKs (Third Culture Kids). The school believes it will help prepare us to better understand the unique characteristics and needs of missionary kids. We’re excited to see our friends and fellow missionaries, Jewel and Evan Evans as they will be part of the leadership conducting the conference. <br /><br />We’d appreciate your prayers as we enter the next month. For a relaxing time with my family, for a successful fund raising endeavor, and for valuable personal discovery and applicable info we can take away from the PFO conference in Houghton. If anyone would like to connect with us while we’re in New Jersey don’t hesitate to shoot us an email.<br /><br />-LWLuke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-43261505698621438232009-05-18T12:09:00.002-04:002009-05-18T14:12:08.872-04:00She may look like an angel but she's not....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM3BHQsrezW75Mea0QgQ4nPFo3KmSUV04UGZgBu4BEWSWr-yCFNkxNnKGq3YZyS2ZvLoJ75ZY0BVv0IUp_ZaSe8JzhvFSsv4xXby8KwcCOWsjRC27PDdiKlujJC6qG5CT1u3nw78rFopy/s1600-h/IMG_0827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM3BHQsrezW75Mea0QgQ4nPFo3KmSUV04UGZgBu4BEWSWr-yCFNkxNnKGq3YZyS2ZvLoJ75ZY0BVv0IUp_ZaSe8JzhvFSsv4xXby8KwcCOWsjRC27PDdiKlujJC6qG5CT1u3nw78rFopy/s400/IMG_0827.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337221835876074162" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">Jersey sleeping looks adorable, harmless, like she could never do </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">anything to hurt you or your household...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfQfZDjq378qi-QqpqBu5ZKoCk5bX9_BkilebvuaxTW1HvYHMkn2LiL5kTzPYaKbvPlBs9CGP9YoymRNotSeyntc36TzZ7QrXBQHUUVZZYtsq0gsYn4xh8rKgZdz-60UysiMLshJgRqTQ/s1600-h/P5180253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfQfZDjq378qi-QqpqBu5ZKoCk5bX9_BkilebvuaxTW1HvYHMkn2LiL5kTzPYaKbvPlBs9CGP9YoymRNotSeyntc36TzZ7QrXBQHUUVZZYtsq0gsYn4xh8rKgZdz-60UysiMLshJgRqTQ/s400/P5180253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337221827216887330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And then you come home to your brand new book ripped to shreds and your favorite skirt with a hole in the middle of it, socks strewn everywhere, shoes gnawed on...you get the picture.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGlR6EI2fW55ucU9HrmBRDh5i8VBEib9z0SZdflBJLimO4acchNoaMbQ3gBxljWU6UbfVMU7rIUcyofO2w5slJZkXZvNrxmoSPs6W0rVfVDGfnbyu7iq-2_YPMdPa_WWAcjnGZajqWEKV/s1600-h/P5180252.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGlR6EI2fW55ucU9HrmBRDh5i8VBEib9z0SZdflBJLimO4acchNoaMbQ3gBxljWU6UbfVMU7rIUcyofO2w5slJZkXZvNrxmoSPs6W0rVfVDGfnbyu7iq-2_YPMdPa_WWAcjnGZajqWEKV/s400/P5180252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337221825591456258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Needless to say, the honeymoon phase of our wonderful puppy came to a close today. She is capable of great chaos, but we still love her. A tiny glimpse into the world of parenting I suppose!<br /></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-85633286036419866452009-04-22T05:01:00.000-04:002009-04-22T05:10:44.546-04:00Short funny storyThis morning one of our middle school girls got a cast of her arm after having it for approximately 6 weeks. As typically happens, the arm was noticeably smaller and paler then her other arm. This was understandably alarming to the student. So much so that she begged her mom not to make her go to school. As inhumane as it may have seemed to our young friend the mom felt it was important to attend. And to school the young girl went. Completely distraught. It was several periods later a co-worker of mine noticed the student's family car leaving the parking lot with the student inside. Curious, he went by the front office to inquire as to what the reason was. Casually the front office manager replied, "she threw up in the bathroom at the sight of her own arm." Now that is dedication.<br /><br />-LWLuke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-69487682172305786142009-04-17T04:07:00.010-04:002009-04-17T04:41:39.732-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">Our spring break was filled with sunshine, friends near and far, and beautiful places to see. We had a truly relaxing time breaking away from school life for a couple weeks and enjoying the scenery. Luke and I spent the first weekend in Dublin to get away for our 2nd anniversary. I loved traveling to an English speaking country where I was able to get around so easily! We then drove to Prague with our good friends Adam and Laura. For our second week of break we meshed together our worlds from the US here in Europe by seeing two sets of good friends from the states. It was amazing catching up and hearing where they are at in life and what is ahead for them. We are back at school and loving seeing all the students again. There is nothing like BFA!</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfXl1QwCYT-6E92xNkn0Ucq_Vn5Gi0d-hI98CGIJx4pNrgox2QpeC82CDPOJXmyZsKzpYXqpEdOSMYdcBDGIVOxGPV7UQIFqdpPhNnBGoPNRGq-1s7i65ZVlsunTq-SXt9VuwCUfx3aVr/s1600-h/Meier+family.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfXl1QwCYT-6E92xNkn0Ucq_Vn5Gi0d-hI98CGIJx4pNrgox2QpeC82CDPOJXmyZsKzpYXqpEdOSMYdcBDGIVOxGPV7UQIFqdpPhNnBGoPNRGq-1s7i65ZVlsunTq-SXt9VuwCUfx3aVr/s400/Meier+family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325570021558444274" border="0" /></a>Our friends Tim, Rachel and Blaine came to visit us for four days. They are serving as missionaries in France and are currently in language school. We had such a great time connecting with them and hanging out with Blaine who is a talkative little man now!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQPgirU45Er5q-P9SEn57PtjtuEKvy0O2gOax3Q8GOBLPWG71Dohd1zuBfYqeOEW0258WnvhuwLjLeMFge6LjGPJF-4PKzI5jxyFaVKkHnLthtgL8MGOVM8LzrdDq48RtKcRSsXb3MbVP/s1600-h/jersey+now.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQPgirU45Er5q-P9SEn57PtjtuEKvy0O2gOax3Q8GOBLPWG71Dohd1zuBfYqeOEW0258WnvhuwLjLeMFge6LjGPJF-4PKzI5jxyFaVKkHnLthtgL8MGOVM8LzrdDq48RtKcRSsXb3MbVP/s400/jersey+now.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325570020878272226" border="0" /></a>Jersey had a great time over spring break too! She spent a week with one of our friends, Timmy, who is like the dog whisperer. She was spoiled with love and affection!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7q6zt0WVM2u1fIov3yz7VVVDm1fEWTOMRPqjnTMLTWTY3VV7nhQxtKA69ewbQVCG-WQDrHyFvelxcndMhWcIYlL3cM5Gazq4s0KzIB2jihnDd0K0Jaob97k31spSth2n09mVnOzLpdsj/s1600-h/bohemia+bagel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7q6zt0WVM2u1fIov3yz7VVVDm1fEWTOMRPqjnTMLTWTY3VV7nhQxtKA69ewbQVCG-WQDrHyFvelxcndMhWcIYlL3cM5Gazq4s0KzIB2jihnDd0K0Jaob97k31spSth2n09mVnOzLpdsj/s400/bohemia+bagel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325569718031197330" border="0" /></a>Bohemia Bagel is an expatriates best friend. In Prague we loved many meals we had in the city, but nothing could compare to a western style bagel with egg and cheese. Yum! We even brought some home to put in our freezer!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKdtRFoKnZO79bgv0v5L5xGNNMfqal0z8OhI9OrOffK-s59oGBxVPTy3ILp8GpgT0KdwDR48fFQjKGliPdoAf7xuWjOonNuwbg35GWq2dPTLRiqdwCWBN9-UD54AypAQAhpIhqJYKj7M0/s1600-h/Prague+at+night.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKdtRFoKnZO79bgv0v5L5xGNNMfqal0z8OhI9OrOffK-s59oGBxVPTy3ILp8GpgT0KdwDR48fFQjKGliPdoAf7xuWjOonNuwbg35GWq2dPTLRiqdwCWBN9-UD54AypAQAhpIhqJYKj7M0/s400/Prague+at+night.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325569714740081186" border="0" /></a>This is the scenery of Prague at night.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUQ6Qbtd0HnxdYpCJyWTxaiMCcEyfCsMtfiWs5PJhn9WlQipyeqTOdB_mgtTT-ISWrAxzRgEj7vQ3pC_pju9OfAXtGd2WDmGbI4kr6yg6oZmoLv0rcnLSFW9yCsI3fHfUsSfKbALZqTx7/s1600-h/On+bridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUQ6Qbtd0HnxdYpCJyWTxaiMCcEyfCsMtfiWs5PJhn9WlQipyeqTOdB_mgtTT-ISWrAxzRgEj7vQ3pC_pju9OfAXtGd2WDmGbI4kr6yg6oZmoLv0rcnLSFW9yCsI3fHfUsSfKbALZqTx7/s400/On+bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325569712618576498" border="0" /></a>Luke and I on the Charles Bridge making the trek across.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW15ikp3uwSZ4yDzjMgav_t4R4p3TrIYEJGaXl4T-dCQCZ5vFCMuHtf3KvbQEac93XJ97kolhLuwDTOu1qbyTyMXR5x_TUk2E5SzviaIk9AUE8OQ637w5cxo5sSitaSYVt6u7RKzMeGSyB/s1600-h/Trinity+with+Luke.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW15ikp3uwSZ4yDzjMgav_t4R4p3TrIYEJGaXl4T-dCQCZ5vFCMuHtf3KvbQEac93XJ97kolhLuwDTOu1qbyTyMXR5x_TUk2E5SzviaIk9AUE8OQ637w5cxo5sSitaSYVt6u7RKzMeGSyB/s400/Trinity+with+Luke.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325569709910498834" border="0" /></a>In front of Trinity College. We were able to see the Book of Kells and the Old Library. Fascinating!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76YQQYS-8wsir1-mW3WuuXIcXXhKCh66VhucT9b4voO1A16oVomuac5VVVsH1_T86QEbOmsXd2NK9c4100qVuMMsp3wetc2zaO4tKB5GCUQ5JZN0h94qf4xUEOwi2mq6o5kzxk2BlVeNR/s1600-h/couple+in+square.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76YQQYS-8wsir1-mW3WuuXIcXXhKCh66VhucT9b4voO1A16oVomuac5VVVsH1_T86QEbOmsXd2NK9c4100qVuMMsp3wetc2zaO4tKB5GCUQ5JZN0h94qf4xUEOwi2mq6o5kzxk2BlVeNR/s400/couple+in+square.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325573644541127954" border="0" /></a>This is taken in front of St. Stephens Green in Dublin.<br /></div>Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-70256463073810697202009-04-16T05:06:00.002-04:002009-04-17T04:05:00.498-04:00Life's ToughThis spring break we did some traveling. One of the places we visited was Prague in the Czech Republic. An amazing city with hundreds of years of history. In one section you'll find castles and cathedrals dating back to 14th and 15th century. In other areas you'll see cold lifeless architecture stemming from the communist era that ended less then two decades ago. The aspect of Prague I loved was the abundance of beautiful, picture perfect vantage points. Its difficult to explain a view, but the way the city is laid out makes for an amazing sunset. Almost mesmerizing. <br /><br />I've been to Prague before. I came in college. It was one of my first big adventures. We took night trains, slept in hostels, had absolutely no money, and had a blast. I came to Prague this time remembering those same views I described above. I Remembered standing on the Charles Bridge on the last night of our visit and looking up toward the old czar's castle and thinking there wasn't a more perfect moment in the world. It was more then a view, it was a frame of mind and the only word to describe the memory is "romantic." Not romantic as in pertaining to love, but romantic as in being dominated by emotion. Being overwhelmed by a view. Overtaken by a moment. <br /><br />This time around we also had a lot of fun. We went with some friends and really had a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the uniqueness of the city. An old city in a new country. It's all very exciting. I was excited to see some of the same views and experience the same moments that so impacted me in college. I visited the same spots and again was quite taken back by the amazing view. The sunset was no less breathtaking. I was flooded with memories and nostalgia from the adventures of college. It brought a smile to my face. The emotion just wasn't there though. Not sure why. Probably had a lot to do with the situation. Traveling wasn't new to me anymore. There wasn't quite the adventure in it. Contributing factors.<br /><br />It made me sad. Sad because I realized that more then just one instance this reaction was becoming more and more a typical response. There are so many things in life to think about, that require our attention. The less essential things like sunsets and cityscapes don't capture us. Don't trigger the emotion. Don't overwhelm us with optimism like they used to. We're not as easily overtaken by a moment.<br /><br />So, I guess this is the natural progression. But it still makes me sad. It also makes me think that life is tough. I can't think of any other reasons why things tend to turn out this way. No one would intentionally choose to turn off the part of themselves that would be captured by something beautiful. <br /><br />I think life kind of beats it out of us. I used to get my feelings hurt a lot when I was a kid. My parents used to say I was sensitive and it was a good thing (hard to believe in 4th grade), but it was good. I felt and thought deeply for someone so young. Life convinced me otherwise, however. Kids don't appreciate such characteristics. Life toughened me up. Makes things hurt less. Makes you feel less too. Tough consequences.<br />-LWLuke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-61158098667587939342009-04-08T12:40:00.002-04:002009-04-08T13:05:44.510-04:00These boots are made for walkingOn our recent spring break adventures I was reading a book by a British author that is now living in the US. He quotes a statistic that has become more real to me with more time spent in Europe. The average American walks less than 75 miles a year- about 1.4 miles a week, barely 350 yards a day. Since moving to Germany it has become normal to see people walking everywhere we go. The mentality of walking has gotten into my head and I'm starting to think a little more European about it. If it's within walking distance, people walk it. One thing I noticed right away is that I haven't seen very many people running. I enjoy a good run, but on the whole I think people around here and most of Europe get their exercise in by walking to the grocery store or to work or to their neighbors house in the next town. For the most part I believe it has to do with pace of life and that we don't have enough time in the states to walk to stores or to friends houses. I am enjoying picking up on this European trait. Since Spring Break started I have intentionally exercised zero times, but I've walked more than 3-5 miles a day. I don't know about you, but I would much rather stay healthy walking to the grocery store than to fit in another 45 minute slot of running into my day. This is an challenge to all of you who live close enough to a store or a coffee shop that you frequent. Try once or twice a week to walk instead of driving in your car. It's not only good for you, but good for the environment! Don't worry mom and dad, I'm not become a tree hugger =) Luke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-67568874403991482142009-03-20T06:06:00.000-04:002009-03-20T06:34:42.713-04:00Playing Catch UpWhere to start? So much has happened since we last posted. We went back to Oregon for a wedding. Came back. Have been trying to catch up on work, sleep, and everything else. Two full 24 hour travel days definitely did a number on us. Steph is just getting over a nasty bout with the flu that she caught just 2 days after being back. Our puppy is just starting to forgive us for leaving her for so long. The weather is starting to turn and the days are starting to get longer. The morning walks with Jersey not quite as cold and dark. Our amazing students actually acted happy to see us come back and I'm trying to keep my eyes open after staying up all night watching March Madness tournament games that are 5-8 hours behind (GO ZAGS!). <br /><br />The wedding was great. It was good to be there for a full week so we could really help. I realized how hard and challenging planning/setting up a wedding really is. Why you ask considering you're already married? Well, mine happened to be planned from 2500 miles away. Fellas, its the best way to do it if you can get away with it. The ceremony was graceful and beautiful minus a certain rap performed by a certain maid of honor. A rap that might have been the evening's highlight.<br /><br />Its good to be back. We missed this place, which is a good sign. It was very sad to say goodbye to family, but the departure sting was numbed slightly by the knowledge that the Reedals will be coming in July for two weeks! The year is starting to ramp up. Spring break is a week away and Graduation will be upon us after that. The thought of saying goodbye is just starting to present itself. Refuse to discuss it more then that for the time being. <br /><br />Steph and I will be flying to Dublin, Ireland for three days to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. That's right all you doubters. We made it two years. Surprisingly, it appears as if the drugs I gave her to make her fall in love with me haven't quite worn off yet. Any day now I'm sure. We'll then be driving with some couple friends of ours to Prague for 5 days. Other then that our break should be a bit more restful then it has been. <br /><br />Spiritually things are going. I continue to look for consistency with my time with God. I'm reading a new book titled Spiritual Classics edited by Richard Foster. Very good. I recommend looking into it. I also continue to pray that God will bless and have his hand on my interactions with my small group guys. We're becoming much closer as a group, but I still hope they will develop a desire to learn and grow in their relationships with God.<br /><br />Financially, we've been blessed. As you can see above we continue to make progress toward our short term goal to raise funds necessary to keep us here the rest of the year. It is our longer term vision to bolster our monthly support base and our time in Oregon was beneficial towards furthering that message. Our family and friends overwhelmed us with generosity. Reducing us to tears at times. There are different moments in life when the outpouring of love is just a bit too much to understand. Its in those moments we truly see God's love and provision. I believe Oregon was one of those moment. We're not quite there yet, but our faith in God's sovereignty is strengthened.<br /><br />To all those thinking, praying, supporting, and loving us. We again thank you and miss you. Now more then ever. <br /><br />Blessings,<br />LWLuke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-19731467974995177512009-02-25T05:30:00.003-05:002009-02-25T05:35:48.019-05:00Away for a little while...First of all, thank you to everyone who responded to our support request so immediately. We are now at $6000 out of the $9000 we need to stay here for the rest of the school year. Our hearts are full of love and encouragement from you all.<br /><br />Secondly, Luke and I will be in Oregon for the next 10 days to celebrate my brother's wedding. I am thrilled to see my family in a little over 24 hours and grateful that we get to be there for his big day. He is marrying one of my best friends....the days ahead will be filled with tremendous joy! We are going to take a break from our blog during the time we are away. When we return I will update everyone where we are at financially and post pictures from the big event!<br /><br />SWLuke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6590999483637555147.post-64502183637865098672009-02-20T04:38:00.000-05:002009-02-20T05:12:15.930-05:00A lot going onThe past few days I've wanted to post a new blog entry. The problem is there is just too much going on. I wasn't sure what to report on. I guess I can give you all a brief overview. <br /><br />The biggest event on the quickly approaching horizon is Stephanie's Brother's wedding. We'll be traveling back to Oregon at the end of next week and will be there for about 10 days. We're both excited, but Stephanie is really chomping at the bit. It will have been more then eight months since we've seen them and with the wedding it really is going to be a celebration. It will also give us some time time reconnect with some supporters and hopefully make progress in our new support raising endeavor. <br /><br />As you can see, if you school down our blog a bit, we recently got a new puppy. It has been a significant part of our lives and patience over the past three weeks. Jersey is a wonderfully sweet dog and is doing very well. Everything that goes along with being a puppy applies here and there aren't any shortcuts, but we're both learning and growing through it all. Personally, I think God knew I needed something like this puppy to help remind me of important things in life and keep my head straight. Our ministry, the school, our small groups, and everything else we do during the week are very important, but in the end we need to remember to take walks in the sunshine, sit quietly in the morning (with puppy in lap) and think about how wonderful and faithful our God really is. These things are very important also. <br /><br />Stephanie and I have begun a new phase of our fund raising as you can see at the top of our BLOG page. We have a short term goal to raise $9000 which will keep us here through the end of the summer and give us time to prepare for another year at BFA. It is no small task, but we have confidence in God's sovereignty and provision. We'll keep you updated with how this is going.<br /><br />We got into two mini fender benders on our car in two days. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning. I backed into a rock wall and cracked a tail light and then our neighbor backed into us. Other then that our car is finally running very well. We are so thankful we were able to get it running well and are ever indebted to a fellow worker at BFA who helped us out on numerous occasions. <br /><br />Otherwise, things are going well. We're staying busy. I'm looking at next year and wanting to branch out in my role at BFA. I'm fortunate to have an excellent supervisor who understands that desire and is helping me discover what that might be. Stephanie continues to do magic with her students and I often hear of students begging to be able to work with her. Doesn't surprise me. She is so dedicated. We're wrestling with what God will have us do long term. Every update we hear of schools being started in far and distant countries gets our hearts pounding. So much to think and pray about.<br /><br />We thank everyone for their continued prayer and support.We would not be able to be here without you. <br /><br />Blessings,<br />LWLuke and Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16796359890414130577noreply@blogger.com0