This 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
-LW
Thursday, April 16
Wednesday, April 8
These boots are made for walking
On 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 =)
Friday, March 20
Playing Catch Up
Where 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!).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To all those thinking, praying, supporting, and loving us. We again thank you and miss you. Now more then ever.
Blessings,
LW
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To all those thinking, praying, supporting, and loving us. We again thank you and miss you. Now more then ever.
Blessings,
LW
Wednesday, February 25
Away 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.
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!
SW
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!
SW
Friday, February 20
A lot going on
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We thank everyone for their continued prayer and support.We would not be able to be here without you.
Blessings,
LW
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We thank everyone for their continued prayer and support.We would not be able to be here without you.
Blessings,
LW
Monday, February 16
The boys' domain
Let's just say this is the scene I walked into when I entered my classroom on Thursday morning. The "sweet" notes you see above are from Luke's small group. You see, Luke has 6 guys over to our house every Wednesday evening while I, his loving wife, meets with my small group in a school classroom. Sometimes I even leave them goodies to munch on. After being locked out of the classroom I meet in 3 times, I asked Luke and his guys if we could swap locations ONE TIME so my group of girls could have a cozy experience for once. Apparently, the boys all claim that it was ALL Luke's idea. Surprise, surprise. I'll keep you all updated as to what the pay back plan will be. It is my first item on the agenda with the girls this week!
Sunday, February 1
JERSEY
Luke and I drove a total of 8 hours on Saturday to pick up the newest addition to our family. Her name is Jersey (in tribute to the state we left behind) and she is a sweet tempered American Bulldog. She is 5 months old and we adopted her from a couple on one of the military bases. We are slowly getting her used to us and giving her lots of love!
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