A Month in Germany

Hallo! It's hard to believe that one month ago we drove our weighed-down Volkswagon Golf from St Andrews, Scotland to Wuppertal, Germany. I don't think I imagined I would ever move countries 33 weeks pregnant, but to my surprise, it can be done!

For dinner on Thursday night in Dover, England, we stumbled upon a quaint pub serving tapas. It felt like we were back in Spain. After complimenting the chef, he bought us each a drink on the house: a beer for Garrick and a cranberry and soda for me. Our hotel room got upgraded to a suite with a sea view, and we truly relaxed. This was an unexpected blessing for us as I had expected the trip to be something to get through, not something I would enjoy.

The next morning we caught the 7:20am ferry to Calais, France. Our drive through France, Belgium, and Germany was pretty uneventful, although Garrick just received a speeding ticket in the mail from France. We arrived and quickly looked around our new flat and planned what we could do with the space before calling it a day. On Saturday, we took of first of four trips to the place we love and hate: Ikea.

And now we've been here over a month! "One day at a time" has been my mantra. This move has been like our move to Scotland on steroids. The language barrier being one reason, and another, the fact that Garrick has to do most of the work because I'm in my third trimester. But, I feel like our move to Scotland gave us the wisdom and skills to equip up for this move. This past Friday was the one month mark of our new life here. Most nights are spent enjoying a slow dinner, followed by a game of cribbage, and then a movie. This time as a couple before our first child arrives has been wonderful in so many ways.

Here are some highlights of month one:

- Our flat is now a home! My next post will be a photo tour. Garrick hopes to never again put together Ikea furniture.

- I've established care with a Frauenarzt and have had two great appointments. Eloise was breech but turned and we now await her arrival! We'll attend an information session at the birthing hospital this evening. 

- Garrick has continued working at the Theologisches Zentrum Wuppertal and developed a routine he enjoys.

- We've set up wifi, mobile phones, etc.

- Saturdays are usually spent exploring Wuppertal and surrounding cities. We've found a few great restaurants and walked around the Botanical Gardens near our house. We also took the train to Münster and found a lovely market and enjoyed the local brewery. 

- We've attended the Evangelical church below our flat and the first two songs were in English. My favourite line of one of the chorus' was "Jesus lives in my house."

- Friday night we had our first dinner guests.

- We've enjoyed getting to know Garrick's colleagues and enjoyed meals together and birthday celebrations.

- I've slowly found most of the items we needs for Eloise. It's been quite the challenge since most of my product knowledge is North American, but things are coming together.

- I've been working on my German and making slow, slow progress. 

- Garrick is playing baseball for the Wuppertal Stingrays and has his first double-header this Sunday.

To close, here are some iPhone photos of our recent happenings. I've not taken out my DSLR in a while, but I will soon!

Downtown Elberfeld (Wuppertal)

Sankt Laurentius Kirche (Wuppertal)

A rainy view from our kitchen window. 

Our hospital bag is packed!

The Luisenviertel (Wuppertal)

Garrick's birthday spent with new friends. They gave him lots of German food to try!

Bikes in Münster.

34 weeks! (I'm now 37.)

Münster

Pinkus Müller Brewery, Münster

Pinkus Müller Brewery, Münster

Bringing the Castle Sands to Germany.

First batch of chocolate chip cookies in our new home.

Retreat in the Borders

This weekend, I joined 20 women from our church, Cornerstone, on a retreat at Kippilaw House in the Scottish Borders. We left in the evening on Friday and arrived in time for a brief session and small groups, followed by supper and socializing. I roomed with my lovely friend Liana in the White Room. It was very spacious and of course, white.

The retreat structure included sessions led by guest speaker, Dot, small groups, and free time. Saturday afternoon, I walked around the estate, painted my nails, napped, read "Harry Potter", and enjoyed conversation with friends. Meals were delicious and prepared by Becky and Abby, pictured below in their stylish aprons. I formed deeper relationships with many women from our church, and I'm thankful I had this time to rest and reflect. I hope to go back again to explore more of the Borders, including Melrose. Take a look!

 

Easter Sunday

Easter weekend began with the stomach flu in the Allen abode. Because of this, we didn't feel our best for Easter Sunday, but still participated in the day the best we could. And it was a wonderful day!

 

Every year, there is a 7am sunrise service at St Mary on the Rock overlooking the North Sea, just a few steps from our flat. All churches in St Andrews gather together to celebrate the resurrection. Hymns are sung, a sermon is preached, and communion is served. Truly, this service is something we will miss when we leave.

 



 

After resting a bit at home, we attended All Saints Church at 10:30 to watch John and Sam Brewer's baptism. It was special to be present for this significant day in their lives. I felt a bit awkward making my way through the liturgy, but enjoyed experiencing the Easter Eucharist. 

 

After eating nothing but crackers and juice all weekend, it was decided that Taste lattes and croissants were in order. The day was sunny and still and the temperature was perfect! We sat on a bench overlooking the sea and our view looked like this:

Easter dinner was hosted by Jesse and Liana. I say this at every holiday, but friends become family when you live away from home. And we are grateful for our family in St Andrews. Dinner included lamb with tahini sauce, mint peas, roasted potatoes, salad, Paska donuts, and a cake for Raymond's birthday!

 

 

Happy Easter Week!

 

And we are raised with Him,
Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered;
And we shall reign with Him,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

Easter and Gladstone's Library

Easter Sisters. :)

This Easter was unique in many ways. We participated in our first Seder Meal with good friends Andrew and Alene. We and a few other families shared in the symbolic meal which included liturgy, wine, and wonderful food. We hope to make this a tradition every year.

As Garrick was in Wales over Easter, I attended church without family this year. I enjoyed participating in the music and watching the grandparents, parents, and children take part in the service together. Although I would not choose to celebrate this way, I was reminded that the Christ's death and resurrection is the same yesterday, today, and in the future, regardless of my circumstances.

After church and a nap, the women of St Mary's graciously invited me to attend their Easter dinner. Lamb shanks, roasted vegetables, spinach salad, and bread adorned the table, and just when I though it couldn't get any better, Guinness Cake topped with chocolate ganoush and strawberries appeared.

 

A few of the women who were present share an office with Garrick, so I enjoyed getting to know them better. This community continually encourages and challenges me.

 

Garrick and his friend Chris Brewer received a grant to study at Gladstone's Library in Wales for a week and this included accommodation, breakfast, and dinner each day. Read more about their time here: thebrewerclan.com.

 

 

While our men were away, Chris' wife Rachel and I spent the week together. Garrick has travelled in the past and I've stayed on my own, but this was so much better! We enjoyed cookies, conversation, movies, and of course, Legos and UNO with the boys. I was so thankful to be an adopted Brewer for the week. Garrick arrived home on Wednesday evening with our friend from college, Ryan Gregg! More to come on his visit. :)

I think it's appropriate to conclude with this meaningful quote from a lovely hymn we sang on Easter Sunday:

"And we are raised with him, death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered."

Marching On

Honestly, the beginning of this month has not been easy. Family health concerns are tough, but even more difficult when we are thousands of miles from offering tangible help and encouragement. We praise God for his sovereignty, put our trust in Him, and realise we have much to be thankful for.

March is a lovely month. Here's why:

Whoa Baby: This Saturday, the St Mary's community celebrates 5 women who have either recently had a baby or who are very pregnant. It has been fun to plan and look forward to this baby shower.

Gladstone's: Garrick and his good friend Chris Brewer received a scholarship to travel to Wales and study at Gladstone's Library while staying at a 4 Star B&B. This means I will be living with Chris' wife and two boys for the week. I see Lego's, Pride and Prejudice, and nail painting in my future.

Piano/Yoga: I'm not flexible. My friend Laura can't play the piano. So, we're swapping our skills to benefit one another. I just finished my first yoga session and am feeling better already! I now have three piano students and find great joy in teaching piano. Thanks, mom!

Indexing: Garrick is indexing a new book by Jim Davila entitled "Hekhalot Literature and Translation" (forthcoming). It is a 600 page translation of medieval Jewish mystical literature. Apparently, it is well worth the read. I, of course, cannot speak from experience.

Day Trips: Scotland is a beautiful country worth exploring. We're planning two day trips in the same weekend and renting a car. On the potential itinerary are Oban and the castles near Aberdeen. More details and photos to come.

Brunch: We gather bimonthly at 10am for brunch with friends before attending our church, Trinity, together. Good food, french press coffee, and good conversation combine to make a great start to the morning!

Here are some recent photos from our daily life:

Glorious sunshine on the 1st of March!



Castle Sands beach at sunset.


My sunny day scholar.


My new kitchen companion!