Last night in Germany (for now)

All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go. I'm just waiting on a coworker of mine that is staying in the same place I am to get back so I can take one of my suitcases down to leave it here for the next three weeks. I'll then get a few hours of sleep before I wake up at 4:30 am for the long day ahead. I thought the early Northwest flight (departs Hamburg at 7am, arrives at Indy at 4:30 pm) was a good idea when I booked it. Looking back now, I think it would have been smarter to take the later flight (departing at 10am).

Anyone that has flown back from Europe knows that the jet lag isn't anywhere near as bad as it is travelling to Europe. However, the beauty of flying from Europe to the US is that you usually land within a few hours of of bed time, so all you have to do is stay up a few extra hours, go to sleep, and the next morning you are good to go. This means that it really doesn't do any favors to leave earlier, as your day becomes several hours longer; ie getting up at 4:30am CET and still staying up until 10pm EST (awake for 23.5 hours)! And don't say, just sleep some on the flight back. Yeah right! Doesn't work for me.

But, it will be worth it as Kristy will be picking me up at the airport and I'll get to see her 5 hours sooner! I'm definitely excited about that part! So this will be the last post from Europe for a couple of weeks. Kristy and I will both fly back on Feb. 20th after lots of hectic running around in Indy and a relaxing family vacation in sunny (and warm!) Belize.

Ken

Wally World

I've grown to dispise Wal-mart. Over the past year + that I've lived in Lawrence, I've learned to go anywhere else to do my shopping if possible. This is mostly due to the fact that you're guarenteed to wait 15 minutes minimum in line if you are buying something no matter what time of day you shop. There are just never enough cashiers available. This can be really frustrating, especially if you only have three things to buy!

In talking to a colleague of mine that was over here 3 years ago, he said that he and his wife did all their grocery shopping at the Wal-mart in Hamburg. I was actually thinking that Wal-mart might be a blessing for us until I read this press release that said that Wal-mart was selling and getting out of Germany. Apparently they miscalculated their odds of surviving in Germany. When I first came over here I thought that there would be no Wal-mart option. Then I remember in my first or second week here driving by a Wal-mart, but had no idea where it was located at (I had zero knowledge of the city at the time). So my mission this weekend was to find the Wal-mart, and more importantly, determine if it was all it was cracked up to be.

Mission: Successful! It turns out that with a simple google search and a little guesswork to the german website, I was able to find the location of two Wal-marts that are in Hamburg. Apparently even though Wal-mart sold their stores here, the names, and more important the products, are staying in the stores (at least for now). So I took a trip to Wally World this afternoon and to my gratification, there were more American branded products then I had seen over here yet. I think Kristy may be able to cook me some dinner over here now without having to totally learn a whole new way of cooking! Honestly though, after shopping at the Aldi last weekend I was a little concerned about how we would eat over here, as the selection of food was MUCH different that what we have in the US (honestly, who drinks warm milk anyway?). But never fail; Wal-mart to the rescue. I thought I'd never say that!

Ken

Colts Bittersweet Victory

As I'm sure everyone knows, the Colts are finally headed to the Superbowl! And while this victory continues my amazing sports season (StL Cardinals winning the World Series, Butler ranked #11 in the college basketball polls) it kept me up in the wee hours of the morning and groggy at work. While everyone was watching the conclusion to the game at 9 or 10 pm Sunday night, I found myself waking up at 3am and not able to get back to sleep. My plan (since I had to work Monday morning was originally to get up a little early on Monday and check the coverage and results. But of course when my body woke up at 3am I knew I had to watch the rest of the game.

So I fired up the computer, turned on the Slingbox and pickup the game at the end of the 3rd quarter when the Colts were rallying. Looking back, I'm sure glad I wasn't awake for the 1st half!! Of course I watched the rest of the game and the postgame coverage. By the time I was trying to go back to sleep at 5:30 am I was still too wound up and really didn't get anymore sleep. So I arrived at work today slow and tired, but don't get me wrong; the sweetness far outweighs the bitterness!

Ken

Our apartment!

Many people have been asking about our apartment. So with no further delay, here are the pictures. Just click on this link to see the photos from our apartment. It's a quaint 82m2 apartment (pretty good sized by European standards). It is located on the fifth floor and is fully furnished with two bedrooms. We wanted an extra bedroom to entice some of you to come over and visit us. Just know that we will have room!

The apartment is located in the Eppendorf area of Hamburg and is literally a two minute walk to the subway system, which is so nice and easy to use to get anywhere in the city. Click here if you want to see a map of the area. Because this is a very popular and older area of the city, the parking is terrible, but since the subway is so handy, I don't think we'll be using the car much except for weekend trips outside Hamburg. It should prove to be a wonderful year!

Hurricanes in Hamburg

The last 24 hours in Hamburg have been quite interesting. Germany, and all of Europe, have been experiencing "Hurricane like winds." Now, it's not really a hurricane but apparently it feels like one. Hamburg has been saved from the most damaging winds, which occurred in southern Germany, well over 100 mph. While the winds only reached a constant 60 mph or so last night, it sure was difficult walking home from class last night. The winds were so strong throughout Germany that the DeutcheBahn shut down all trains running throughout the country.

Then I woke up this morning and it was raining hard, with no signs of let up. Luckily one of my colleagues from the US is staying here this week at the same hotel, so I didn't feel as bad about taking a taxi to work this morning!

One other note is that Kristy and I now have a place to live! I promise to report back on this shortly!

Ken

Mountain Top Experience- In Indiana

A mountain-top experience in your relationship with Jesus is one of those times when you feel closer to Him than you ever have before (or in a long time). Many people have these at church camp or at a concert or in church. The only certain things about them is that you will be changed and then attacked. The devil doesn't like that you are closer to Jesus so he attacks you really hard afterwards. Most times these "valleys" are really tough.

When I was in college, someone told me that when I have a mountain-top experience and God tells me to do something, I need to listen. Well.. in the 16 days of 2007, it has taken an entire mountain range for God to get a hold of me. I have been in such a roller coaster of ups and downs. Some of my valleys have been really dark.

The first valley and mountain top was in Germany on my birthday- or actually the morning after. I was miserable about all the changes involved with moving to Hamburg and not finding a place to live. God met me at 2AM on the bathroom floor of our hotel room and showed me that my life in the States was too comfortable and in that comfort, I had been ignoring Him. He was right. I was relying on myself and not Him.

Then came the busyness of the next day of flat-hunting and the emotions of leaving Ken for 4 weeks on Saturday to return. I was worried that I would be bored and lonely in Hamburg. I rapidly descended from the mountain. God showed up again in worship on Sunday to show me that even if I am lonely in Germany, He is still there (Mountain #2). He also began to burden my heart for the people of Germany. He refreshed my memory of the women on the Reeperbaum (red light district) and how all the signs there were in English. English-speaking tourists (Americans?) support the exploitation of these ladies, maybe I can do something to help them out of it.

Then on Monday, I went back to work. I love my job, so the thought of leaving it began to tear me up inside. I began to resent Germany for getting in the way of advancing my career. Satan tried to tempt me with a colleague saying, "Your husband can go on to Germany without you. Stay until the legislative session is over." This woman is a dear friend and she meant this to encourage me and tell me how needed I am in my position. However, the evil one twisted her words into temptation. I was really tempted to put my job above Ken. I said no to this suggestion, but the thoughts were there. Why did I want my job? Because I was PROUD of myself in it.

Thank goodness for Mountain #3. Tonight was East 91st's servant recognition dinner. It was a time for the church to honor the unsung (humble!!) servants. These are the folks that handle parking lot traffic, open the door in any weather, pass communion, and work the information desk. Hearing the stories of these servants made me realize how proud I have been in all of this. I have been putting all of my needs and wants in front of both my #1 and my #2. To both, I have been extremely prideful and selfish.

My #1 (God) has given me provision to work for His Kingdom for an entire year. At the dinner tonight, Kris Green said something that hit me really hard. This humble servant said, "If only I didn't have to work full-time, then I could serve so much more." Here I am wallowing in grief that I am not going to have a job. Jesus used this woman to remind me that He has provided for me through Ken and National Starch so that I CAN serve full-time. It is a gift not a curse (as the evil one has been telling me).

To Ken, my #2, thank you. Thank you for your patient companionship through these mountains and valleys. Thank you for being my provider. Thank you for pointing me to the Word in my valleys. Thank you for your patience, grace and forgiveness. Thank you for your love. I'm excited to see how God is going to use the Lawrance team in Germany.

Kristy

"You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness." Psalm 18:27-28

Revelation in Hamburg

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb (Rev 7:9).

Today I attended church at the International Baptist Church of hamburg. This in and of itself was a bit daunting as I was taking another step out and travelling out to the west side of Hamburg by myself via the public transportation. I've got the U-bahn and S-bahn (subway) down pretty good now, but this trip involved switching at the final subway stop and getting on a bus. I know, it doesn't sound difficult, but a whole new aspect is added on when you don't speak the language. So I went to where I thought the bus would pick me up, but after waiting for about 10 minutes it never came (it turns out that it picked up at a different location, oops!). So I hailed a taxi and took it the rest of the way there. It's kinda funny that the church meets in a retirement home!

After finding my way to the church, I was so glad that I went. I walked in and it felt a small bit like what John saw in his vision in Revelation; there were people from all over the world in here. I sat next to someone from Trinidad, was greeted by someone from the Philippines, the head pastor is from Wales, and the associate pastor that preached was from Ghana. And there is something about worshipping in an international environment that just sends shivers down my spine. Totally awesome! I look forward to many more Sunday's at IBC and getting to know everyone there. While this church is quite a bit different from what I am used to at E91, IBC has sound teaching and great community. Now, if I could just find an easier way to get there!

Ken

Observations from Hamburg

So I've been thinking recently about what all sticks out about this city to me. Here are the first couple that come to my mind.

1. I didn't think I was moving to Seattle! Since Hamburg is very near the West coast of Europe it is very similar to Seattle (West coast of US) in that it rains. A LOT! And there is wind. Don't believe me? Click here --> http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/weddings/tenday/GMXX0049?from=search_10day The nice thing is the rain breaks frequently and is usually a light rain, but it makes it harder to walk to work when it is rainy and windy.

2. Dogs, dogs, everywhere! If you are a dog lover, this is the city for you! Owners take there dogs everywhere; to restaurants, on the subway, into stores. It's amazing. But what's more amazing is how well behaved they are. They are often off leash, and don't think anything of the other people around. I think they are trained socially as puppies to make this a normal part of their lives.

3. Hamburg is a truly international city. Do to the large amounts of industry, people come from all over. In my German class there are 9 students from 8 countries. Represented are: USA (me only), Canada (x2), Chile, France, Indonesia, Turkey, China, and Poland. Talk about a wide mix of people!

Tomorrow I will be looking at 4 more apartments to determine where we live. Hopefully we can get this wrapped up so that we can move on with the other aspects of the move, such as setting up bank accounts, etc. I'll report back when all is said and done.

Ken

Ich bin ein deutscher Student

Yes, I am a German student. Tonight was my first German class in Hamburg. I will have the classes two nights a week for an hour and a half. I think this will be a bit frustrating, as I am in the beginning class, which is reiterating the same stuff I learned during my one week immersion course in Indy. The repitition will be nice, but there are 12 students in the class and we all learn at different paces. Many of the students have had no German at all. There are several asian students in the class that are really struggling as they are having to learn the whole alphabet AND pronunciation/vocabulary (I would struggle just as much in Japanese or Chinese). So, I anticipate this to be a slow process through this class, but hopefully I will focus on strengthening my own vocab, rather than on the progress of others. If anyone has any suggestions for this, please let me know!

Today was even more abnormally warm than it has been. It was 10 oC (50 oF) with very minimal rain; very nice! Hopefully we'll have a few more days like this this week before the weather turns south.

The Wonders of Technology

As I mentioned at the end of my last post, I was going to watch the Colts game that evening, albeit at 10:30 pm. I was able to do this through a magical device called a Slingbox. This great contraption takes an output from your TV, Satellite receiver, etc and connects to your home router. The box has it's own IP address and then streams the video from the TV. For those none technological people out there, this is a way to send your TV signal to your computer anywhere in the world that you have a high speed internet connection. It even has a remote control that pops up on the screen to change the channels and see the TV guide!

Unfortunately due to the upload speed that I have at home, the game appeared a bit fuzzy (lots of fast movements). But, I was still able to watch it and enjoyed seeing the Colts annihalate the Chiefs.The slingbox is definitely very helpful in these few weeks that I am by myself over here, as it helps keep me from going crazy. Although, I think it can be a bit of a crutch that keeps me from exploring and getting lost on my own, which would help with my familiarity with my new city.

Husbands love your wives . . .

. . . just as Christ loved the church. This small piece of scripture from Paul to the ephesians has a greater meaning to me today than it did yesterday. You see, at about 7 o'clock this morning I dropped Kristy off at the airport for her return to the US. We said our goodbyes and gave our hugs and kisses and after she went through security I got back in the taxi to return to the hotel. It wasn't until then that it set in that I will not see her for another 4 weeks. I will not ruturn to the US until the beginning of February.

So after I returned to the hotel and ate breakfast I went back to sleep (it's been tough to sleep with this jet lag). I was sitting in bed thinking about the weekend ahead and realized that I will not get to share any of it with Kristy. To be honest, it was difficult to get up. I think it's easy to realize that I took for granted the four days that we spent together over here prior to her departure. I did not cherish her as if I would never see her again. To me, that is what loving your wife as Christ loved the church is all about, loving her as if I will not see her again. It is not until someone is gone that you realize how much you truly love and will miss her. Kristy, I apologize for falling short in this the past couple of days. (*TO CLARIFY - Kristy and I did not get in any fights, I just don't thing I fully appreciated and cherished her while she was here. Sorry for the confusion to those that read into this *)

So to all the married men out there, I challenge you to take a few moments to reflect on the past week with your wife. If she were to leave today for the next month, would you have regret about how your treated her? Would you regret holding back your true affection because of the daily grind of life? Please, men, take this time to share your love with your wife and cherish her as if she will be gone for the next month. Because if and when that time comes, you don't want to have any regrets. Trust me!

On a lighter note, through the miracles of technology, I will be watching the Colts game today and cheering them to a victory over KC. Only problem is it starts at 10:30 tonight over here and it will probably be blurry on my computer. But hey, at least I'll get to see it. Gotta love technology!

Ken

Flat hunting

Just a quick note before bed. We finally got to go flat-hunting. We saw the gamut from the one that smelled like someone had died in it to the one owned by a breaking-up couple who wouldn't work together at all to the fifth floor one with 88 steps to the spacious, beautifully furnished flat with a sunroom in the sky that opens out to a balcony. Unfortunately, the last two are the same flat and is probably my favorite. You can see my "Omigoodness, I love this!" look in the picture. I can picture having my God times in that landing when I can't go out in the balcony. We are just really hesitant about the steps. I haven't had knee problems since the marathon, but if either of us would get injured, we'd be sunk.

Ken is going to look at some more with the relocation company next week and e-mail me videos of the results.

I'm heading home tomorrow. Ken will be staying another 4 weeks.

Kristy

On the Elbe

Since we couldn't go flat-hunting today, we slept in and then went on a boat tour on the Elbe and canals. It was in German, so all we could do was look.

Being the midwestern girl that I am, I have very little experience with the shipping industry. Sure I've been to the ocean, but I've never really experienced the maritime shipping industry. Hamburg is one of the two biggest container ports in northern Europe (along with Rotterdam, Netherlands). I did not know what a "container port" was. I would describe the containers like the back of a semi. Some of the ships hold upwards of 9000 of these. My pictures didn't turn out well due to the windows of the boat. I've attached a picture that Ken took the other day from the top of St. Michel's to show the cranes that do the loading and unloading.

Kristy

Questions

Thank you all for your responses via e-mail and posts to this blog. It really makes me feel like I can remain close to home. Technology is SUCH a blessing.

Ken and I have also gotten a number of questions. I thought I'd answer them for everyone.

1.) How long will you be in Germany?

We will be in Germany for about a year. Ken's process (see #4) will go live in December 2007. We'll then have to stay while he and the team make sure that everything is running smoothly. That should take a month or two.

2.) Will Kristy work?

I will probably not be able to work because I will not have a work visa. It is hard to get one if you do not have company that will sponsor you. For other jobs, you have to have a skill that a German cannot do. If a German cannot do it, the next option is a resident of the European Union. Since Germany has a 10% unemployment rate and I don't really have any professional skills that are transferrable to this country, I am going to be a student. I'm going to try to take as many German classes as possible. My goal would be to come back to the States fluent.

3.) Do you know German?

We both took Spanish in high school. We will take German classes here. It is so weird. I am remembering TONS of Spanish. You know that you need a non-English word and what pops into the brain is your "first second language". I am coming up with Spanish words that I haven't thought about in a decade. Aduana (customs) and estrella (star) are two of the most absurd.

4.) What will Ken be doing?

I'll let Ken explain this one. I get it wrong every time I try to explain it.

"I'll be the process engineer working on the team at the National Starch Hamburg plant to install a new process to expand the world wide capacity for the production of thermally treated (as opposed to chemically treated) starch. This starch behaves much the same as our chemically treated starches, but since it is treated thermally it is allow to be "clean label" ie, labeled on food products as "Food Starch," rather than "Food Starch Modified." This is especially important in Europe and organic foods. My role will be to perform the process design of the associated equipment and perfoming the hazard analyses and testing of the control system. Sorry for all the geek speak. Clear as mud, right?"

See why I didn't try to answer that one?

Kristy

The Outsides of Flats

Today was rough. The goal of this entire trip is to find a flat. The human resources lady at National Starch was sick today, so she couldn't give the Relocation company the okay to show us flats. Ken and I did drive around neighborhoods with Inge, our relocation consultant. That was nice, but we can't pick a place to live by driving by. The neighborhoods all started looking alike.

Late in the afternoon, we learned that she won't be able to take us out again until Friday. That gives us only one day to find a place. I don't think that I'll be able to do that. Ken will just have to go out in the next few weeks and take lots of pictures.

We also learned that furnished flats (which we were promised) are few and far between. So Inge recommended an unfurnished one and then buying the furnishings at IKEA. We are not talking the "unfurnished" of an American place. The flats don't even have cupboards or closets. From what I understand (note- did I say that I haven't seen the inside of one?), they are boxes with nothing but toilet, shower, sink, stove and maybe a fridge. Of course, there is no HR person there to help. It was really frustrating.

Kristy

We made it!

We arrived in Hamburg around 7:00 AM Tuesday local time after leaving Newark at 6:00 PM Monday. I only was able to sleep 2 hours on the plane, so the jet lag is hitting hard. It is a good thing that Ken scheduled a city tour in the afternoon or I would have slept the entire day.

Peter, National Starch's taxi driver took us around town. I can wait to jog the 9.5km path around the Alster lake. It is about the same distance as my Lake Webster run.

I now have a list of things to do with visitors, so you'd better come see us! We went up into the observation deck of St. Michel's Lutheran church. The view was nice but VERY cold. The design of the sanctuary reminded me a lot of St. Paul's church in Fort Wayne.


There are also boat tours of the lakes, canals, and the Elbe river. There are a number of malls and shopping areas downtown for you shopping types and a beautiful city park for those of us who are not. We didn't get to tour the Reeperbahn or red light district, nor do I plan to.

The beginning of our adventure

Welcome to our blog! We hope to post many exciting stories and pictures during the next year. We hope you enjoy reading about our travels!

We are sitting in Newark at the airport right now, waiting on our flight to Hamburg for our house hunting trip. Both a little tired and dreading the 8 hour flight ahead of us, but I guess the excitement is overriding that. Soon we will board the plane for the beginning of our adventures. We'll keep you posted...

Ken