So it's funny, even though I'm in Germany, I have yet to interact with many Germans. So, even though I would love to write to you about the spirituality of Germany, I really don't feel qualified to bring up the subject. Still, the spiritual atmosphere here is interesting. One thing I have observed is that we NEED the body. Christ made the church the way it is for a reason, and none of us is an island. It's been a little interesting not having any brothers or sisters around so to speak. I definitely don't recommend it, but the Lord always blesses the situations we're in! I'm learning to be sensitive to His Spirit (ever a process). He is everywhere with us, and I'm learning just how much I need Him! With noone to encourage me spiritually, or really to have a heart-to-heart with, I find myself desperate for the Father's presence and guidance. The lust of the flesh is so deep here, and it is difficult not to be consumed by it. Keep me in your prayers!

I have learned a little about the spirituality of Europe overall. My friend Selene is from Italy, and I was telling her about what I do with campus ministry. She was shocked and surprised, and said she had never heard of anything like it before. The thought of a group of college-age Christians who hang out just to have fun and encourage each other was completely foreign. Church to her (and many here) is simply an institution, and laced with politics and tradition. God is very distant. He is something to point a finger at when things aren't going well. I told her I thought what God really wants is to know and be known by the people He created. Her eyes grew huge and she nodded in agreement. Please pray that God would open her eyes to His love!

Yikes! I guess I've been busier than I thought. I won't lie, there were ups and downs last week. I was a little bit homesick at times (especially missing one person!) and I think I had a little more culture shock than I counted on. They don't call it an "intensive immersion program" for nothing. It IS tiring when you constantly have to concentrate really hard to have a conversation, but it's getting easier. One thing that has made life here better is FRIENDS! I LOVE my classmates! They are all hilarious and sweet. It amazes me when we eat lunch together there is a minimum of three languages (usually four or five) going around. It makes me feel guilty for only knowing two! Arabic is next!

Last weekend I was in Koln. Wow-the cathedral is stunning...absolutely beyond words. I cannot describe it here so I'm not going to try, but definitely a wonder! If you have seen it, you understand.

Some highlights from this week:
*playing frissbee or football (soccer of course!) every day!
*concerts concerts concerts!
*Beer+Rhine+friends+night=fabulous!
*the chocolate museum!

German chocolate is just as good and plentiful as the rumors. They should call Germany the land flowing with beer and chocolate. :)

Two days in Germany. First of all, it's strange to be typing this auf Englisch. I have gotten so used to speaking Deutsch it seems like second nature now-almost-I still get hung up quite a bit! Well, for starters, public transportation will get you anywhere here, and I think I've spent more time on the S and U Bahn then anything else (except maybe getting lost in the Altstadt last night).

I'm living with a very sweet lady who lives in a lovely apartment furnished entirely by IKEA (photos coming!). The best part-she has an espresso machine! I will not have to buy coffee during my stay here (which is wonderful considering that could double my cost of being here, ha!)

I started classes today, four hours every morning. I have classmates from South Korea, Russia, Syria, England, Turkey, Ecuador, France, Spain just to name a few! So many stories to hear, so many adventures to have...

12 days till take-off!