Preliminary Preparations Continue

Constant business and little noticeable progress aptly describes the week.  However, don't be misled into thinking the time was wasted, not so.  It just takes time to acclimate.  

Since writing last week, afternoons have been spent reviewing course guidelines and the text, making a syllabus, and studying to prepare lesson plans for the Physical Science class.   I guess one way to explain it is through an exercise we did for a preference assessment related to working with others.  We were told to write out name on a paper.  Then we were to rewrite out name--this time using the other hand.  Obviously our preferred hand was effortless and easily read while the other was quite time consuming and less skillfully done.  Well, that aptly describes me and how I feel trying to do this science.  Yes, I firmly believe God would supply the need, but not without a great deal of frustration, discouragement and effort.  Pride may be part of it.  I'm used to helping others, not feeling inept and overwhelmed...and near tears at times.

This afternoon the department chairperson called me aside before our high school meeting began. To my surprise my schedule now has been switched to Environmental Science and that teacher will do the Physical Science!  Am I better prepared, NO.  The syllabus and first two weeks lesson plans still need to be completed by Friday and the previous curriculum  upon which these decisions will be based for this class is less structured and helpful.  However, the approach to the content is more researched based into issues rather than concentrating on the specifics of physics and chemistry.  That is a much better fit.  However, it will still require much preparation, just a different type...oh, yes, and prayer, too.  Don't forget.

Yesterday and today was a special time in the morning as each new person to BFA shared their personal background and experience leading here.  This being the largest group ever, you can imaging the rich diversity of stories.  I'm hard pressed to relate any specifically meaningful due to the sheer numbers, but the opportunity to see various personalities and hear the unique events and paths blessed.  To me the most demanding job here would be that of the dorm parents, and each couple who spoke showed a blend of gifts and backgrounds that will meet a variety of needs  for students so well; they will be greatly loved.

Obtaining a visa here is a multifaceted experience. Last week a native speaking German who works at BFA, Ellie, started the paperwork process here on campus in half hour interviews and then sent that work over to Lorrach (umlaut needed over the "o"), a city compared to the villages around here.  Yesterday afternoon Pat and I rode with the Barbers, a couple who have been here before and are returning, drove us and guided us through most of it...older ex pats are very helpful to us green people.  Imagine trying to do this and not speaking German--they do!  Before we left, we had to purchase biometric photographs for the visa.  Then while there we were fingerprinted electronically  and all the paper work finished...by the way, I'm officially I'm 161 cm tall.  To pay we do not use checks or credit cards.  Frau Ackerman gave us a plastic card the size of a credit card and told us the cost, but we had to go to an entirely different building to pay.  When we got there, the regular doors across the walk way were locked!  Then we read the hours and saw they were closed between 12:00 and 16:00--something else to get used to, a 24 hour clock and having hours off mid-day.  After going back we learned it would be necessary to enter the building during closed hours from another entrance all the way around on the other side.  Once inside we had to ask in English from a German speaking receptionist where to go to pay...fun.  It turns out to be an ATM in reverse.  Once we located the machine (hidden down a hall to the right and located behind a potted plant) we had to figure out how to read the machine, insert the card, and read the currency it said we also needed to insert to pay. In these situations I always envision myself failing to do something correctly or having the machine fail to work, and loosing all those euros--imagine having to explain that not speaking German!  Fortunately all went well.  In a few weeks we should have our official visas--the EU now issues something like a credit card with all the information and signatures for security purposes, no more papers glued into the passport documents.

A side note:  Was I ever fortunate.  I had my picture taken yesterday morning at 8:30 a.m. (they open earlier here for business, close mid-day, and reopen until about 6 in the evening).  Today we learned that the optical store that does the photos is closed for two weeks--crunch time at BFA!  The others at achool will have to locate the photo place in Lorrach, not far but more time consuming, and have all of this done before the students get here next week.  I may have to teach science, but I'm still blessed. :)

Upcoming special things to report...the opening exercise next Tuesday--which is supposed to be something quite special and the following weekend retreat in a Swiss chalet.

The first week at BFA

German language study is on the calendar for this week each day from 9:00 till noon.  Remember my asking you to pray for a flexible tongue...keep praying. I have Pimsleur's language (the first set of CDs) which is just listening to native speakers and trying the dialogue (good).  I also have Level I, II, and III of RosettaStone, also good.  However, neither one is able to describe the way the mouth needs to be shaped and where the tongue needs to be, nor what letters have omitted sounds.  That is where this class has really been helpful.  The "R" that sounds similar to Spanish's rolled "R" is actually produced in the throat.  The "L" we use has the tongue tip at the roof of the mouth near the teeth, but the German "L" is made with it flat on the roof of the mouth.  Listen to the difference yourself.  One store here is named Lidl.  Say it, and use the long "E" sound for the "I".  Quite different, right?   Then today we were going over numbers.  Also, the Germans seem to love compound nouns. If you had to write a check for a bill of $999, you would be writing out "neunhundertneunundneurzig" on the amount line.  Maybe that is why they use ATMs and do not write checks!  This is a practical class as well.  We discuss things we'll come across living here (she took the class to the recycle center and the store for recycling plastic bottles like our host did for us), and on Friday we'll have a scavenger hunt that will cover our week's work.

Even thought I've gone out with Pat and watched her eat, Monday I was ready to try something good, finally.  Well, first off, the planned restaurant was closed on Monday...we used to do that.  Then when we did eat, we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited for a bill when we were done.  Have you been any place like that in the States lately.  Here dining is relaxing, no rushing you out for the next set of seat fillers.  Someone has said that they do not bring the bill until you ask for it.  One of the next two days in language class will cover this and I'll know for sure.  

Today I spent about four hours talking with the science department chair and discussing both courses.  Right now I'm going over the ninth grade Physical Science book to get a feel for the text and how to prepare.  There are course guidelines made a few years ago and with a different text.  Changing a class for a new text is major in itself, but going over content for which constant preparation is needed makes the task much more daunting.  I have to make a decision whether to teach the Environmental Science class for juniors and seniors.  Pray with me about this.  I want to do what is good for the school, good for the students, and what is wise.  That would be a different preparation for older students.  While the Physical Science class will stress much more on skills for reading, note taking, making meaning, and vocabulary for major concepts, the Environmental Science class will have the expectation they are well beyond needing that level of direction.  Here it would be a matter of facilitating learning they do with guidance in their research resources and direction in decision making as they cover materials.  Should I teach both, there will e a great deal of reading to fill in my own background. A decision needs to be made fairly soon and I want to be sure to do His will.  Thanks for your prayers.

I have to say that it has been nice to be "back to school" myself with the German and the idea of preparing and working with students to help them learn.  Thank you for being a part of letting me come here to do this.

Kandern transition continued

We left off on Thursday after my long sleep-in.  Later that afternoon I did venture past our Greater Europe Mission (GEM) apartment/office building to check out the nearest grocery, the one I'll pass every day to and from school.  Clean and modern, but smaller than Publix, Heibert's is the best place to find what may not be in other places.  I wandered up and down isles assessing availability of the usual fare, but where we have many products of the same type and of different flavor or aroma, their selection is quite limited.  Dryer sheets, for example, cannot be found at the other stores, but Heibert had them, but in one brand and only in two fragrances.  Such poverty, can I survive?

That evening Pat arrived and selected the apartment with the bathtub, no concern at all about the walking issues; she likes taking a bath!  I have to say I really feel more soothed and calmed in my apartment with it's layout than the one she selected.  It has a long uninterrupted visual line from the open front door to the back wall and window of the apartment.  Upon entering there is a small computer desk to the right followed by the dining table and sideboard across from the kitchen, and past that is the seating area with a couch, two wicker chairs and a t.v. console.  The left side of the apartment begins with the bath--larger than mine at home, which includes a washer and dryer.  After that is the kitchen which is WONDERFUL.  It is a small U-shaped area, fully equipped with even a dishwasher!  They have everything I could need already supplied: measuring cups and spoons, coffee press and maker, plates for a family of 8, silverware, and pots that I like better than mine at home, assuming they cook as well as they appear to be made.  The last room on the left is the bedroom.  Now that is the one sparse looking room, all else has had a touch of decoration to make it homey, but the room is adequate, even if the wardroom isn't.  The only drawbacks are the wardrobe and the couch that feels like leather upholstered wooden bench, minus the padding, and two wicker chairs that are slightly more comfortable. The t.v. and phone are here, but how to use them is on the "to do" list.

Friday was to be busy, but it turned out to be more than expected.  First we had to register, something we in the Stages are not used to doing, at the Rathause (doesn't sound too good, does it).  There we also obtained our garbage can and recycle materials.  Brant took the three of us new people to a coffee place to explain the garbage/recycle business, very complicated.  We pay a yearly amount for the recycle pickups, but the garbage cans are picked up each Monday in Kandern. Each can has a barcode that is scanned for a fee of 2.60 euros each time it is picked up. Dividing trash among the various bags is confusing even to people who've been here over a year, so I feel better.

After the trash talk, we walked into a nearby grocery, Lidl's, for a quick inservice training on recycle bottle machines and right back out and walked to the apartments.  There we got into the car to take another couple to another town to find a microwave to their Wal-Mart equivalent...too far for us walkers to ever make it alone.  After that excursion, we dropped them of and proceeded to the third grocery here in town and did some shopping.  Brant really knows why having a harem is not desirable, too much shopping!  (Actually, the purpose is to explain the unknown, but when it came to baking, we saved him time because we won't be doing that.) When checking out the cashier had to remind us to take the items off the small counter that quickly became too full because we were talking not paying attention...no bag boys here.   When we loaded the car and returned there were a couple of hours before walking to the McGlothlin's house for dinner that night.  (That route had been part of our training in the morning as well, but of course we missed to right turn off and he had to show us that route again on the way home.)  I just love being able to walk to so many places so easily.  One reason everything is so close is that there is everything is zero property line buildings, all attached in weird configurations, leaving numerous paths in various directions to cut through to other streets.

Dinner lasted from 6:30 until 10:30 with all of the conversation!  Denise, another BFA employee was there and the conversation was just delightful.  We laughed and discussed and learned much about the school and these people.  A delightful evening.   That was a 12+ hour day, exhausting but enjoyable.

UNTIL about 4:00 a.m. it was good.  I awoke and remained miserable for several hours with what seemed like the 24 hour bug, but fortunately it was much shorter.  Saturday turned out to be a non-day as a result. After I was no longer miserable, the day was spent sleeping.  For a brief reprieve I went with Pat and watched her eat while I drank tea, returned home, and went to bed again.

This morning, Sunday, was our first church service at Black Forest Christian Fellowship.  Though feeling a little less than normal, I was a great deal better than yesterday.  Pat and I walked there, a most comfortable trip, and seeing so many others do the same is also inviting.  Once there the praise songs were familiar and welcoming, and the message on James a good reminder that our faith is demonstrated by what we do.  When the service was over, I saw the church was appropriately named,  many people most comfortably came and chatted, and when we finally left, many remained visiting with others.  Interesting note:  our host said that here we are considered a cult.  The two state churches, a Lutheran and a Catholic, are the accepted ones.  

Later Pat and I went for lunch, came home to nap, and went out for a walk this evening.  Now I understand what I was told earlier:  it is customary here to go out for exercise in the afternoon.  With weather now in the low 70s and bright, glorious blue skies how could you not want to do that!  Tomorrow starts LANGUAGE!  Pray for keen hearing and a flexible tongue...at least that is what it seemed was necessary when I started at home two or three months ago.

GOING and COMING, the transition to Germany

Leaving on the 7th

Approximately 12:30 p.m. the tan van caravan arrived.  The Weimans and friends from their church drove their family and me over in a rather uneventful trip, thank goodness.  Daniel, their 9th grade son, and I talked all the way across the Alley and later on I learned that he thought the trip had only been 35 minutes... Conversation does make time fly.  We stopped at Subway and made it on to the airport and terminal without problems.

Once there, the skycap carted 15 huge suitcases and we towed the carry-ons, but once in line progress was very slow.  It turned out that our flight had been delayed by two hours and we would now be taking off at 7:20 p.m., two hours later than originally planned. This caused us to need a new connecting flight to Basel that now had a five hour layover in Heathrow!  Maybe we’ll catch some Olympic games...dream on.  

Right now I’m sitting in the airport waiting for departure.  Having no phone (how did we ever exist before?) made it difficult to let Bill and Ruth know of the delay and calling about to verify business matters was not possible.  Just as I was thinking on this dilemma, Susan Weiman came and offered her phone. Now Ruth and Bill would not be worried when they did not hear from me when expected.  In fact, when I called they were already headed to Gainesville.  What lifesavers they proved to be with my dysfunctional stress of the last few days.  They will return and finish up the chaos either this coming weekend or the next.

British Air

   We boarded Flight 206 from Miami to London about two hours later than planned, and now I’m sitting in Heathrow for our 5 hour layover before heading to Basel.  Seeing the security in every airport this year only reminds me that at onetime we never had a concern.  What a loss for travelers today.  

   I have to say, however, that the BA flight was much superior to the Delta ones on the trip to Israel.  First off it seemed cleaner, but the seats themselves were much more comfortable with wrap around wings for the head area (an micro wingback chair), making sleep much more comfortable for any seat, not just for those next to the window.  Fortunately, too, I had an isle seats and will on the next flight, too, which allows opportunity to get up without having to climb over other passengers.  Even the meals were much more palatable.  Last night’s dinner included a fresh salad with crunchy greens, chicken curry with actual flavor, and even cheesecake for dessert!  I started watching Chariots of Fire, one of my all time favorites, but missed the end as sleep won out.  This morning I just loved the brown breakfast box marked ME, myself & my.  The oval cutout in the top displayed a 2 oz. strawberry yogurt, and inside was a cranberry orange muffin, some little round scone-looking thing, plus a mint taped to the underside of the top!  Besides being cute, it was acceptable fare.  I just adored the little “freshener” toothbrush with it’s mini--to the fullest extent of the word--tube of toothpaste.  The blankets and headset were also accommodating, not skimpy.  The entire experience has been positive, especially since some sleep actually occurred, but more would have been appreciated!

   Right now I’m writing while sitting in Heathrow for our five hour layover, but not much here in the way of lounging.  It’s quite possible to shop for perfume, eyeglasses, watches, wines and a myriad of other such purchases, but it seems to lack the numerous restaurants and sitting areas I’ve come to expect. David Weinman and is daughter are sitting across from me playing cards on a pillow spread between them to serve as the table.  This family has really been most helpful.  It is nice to not have to figure out all the answers yourself, someone else assumes or shares that role.  It is also quite easy to tell the Olympics are here as the back of the nearby Omega watch mini store has on it back side a background silhouette of the London skyline in blues.  At the top a white five interlaced rings reminds viewers they are the “official timekeeper” of the Olympics. Lower down in much larger, all caps LONDON 2012 is emblazoned.   Just below this on the floor a red, tri-level replica of the winners’ podium.  Now I have a picture of the Wienman family with this as the background to remind me what winners they have been in my experience during this travel.

Arriving on the 8th

The trip to Basel was short and uneventful, other than my head drooped in sleep and almost drooling.  (not a nice thought)

The McGlothlins (my host family) picked up the five of us, all 15 checked suitcases plus the carryons and our personal backpacks.  Fortunately there were two vans as another person joined us on the last leg of the flight.  We had a lovely drive back to Kandern, where the Weinmans were dropped off at their house where their host family was awaiting them.  Then I was taken to my apartment or apartments.  The two are in the same building but there are slight differences.  Brant was concerned that the steps to one may be more difficult for Pat to manage as she has more difficulty walking.  However, the other apartment has a bath tub over which to step and the seating is bar stools at a counter.  I suggested we wait and let Pat decide which would be better for her.  Either way, both apartments are much larger than the cramped quarters expected.  They are each attractive and well appointed, with baths larger than in my house!

The McGlothlins took me to dinner a few villages away. The drive back meandered through various areas just to get a taste.  The vineyards are due to be ready in September so the area showed beautifully.  Mountains in the backdrop along with farmland really soothed.  Then they left me off after showing me how to work the windows and where some things were in the apartment.

MORNING One. the 9th

Didn’t happen.  I didn’t wake up until one in the afternoon.  So much for my first morning alone. :)  Brant came by to see how things were going only to find that I had just awoken...no time to know how things were!    As I write this, at least a cereal of Multi-Frucht Musli (two dots over the U) has been eaten.  By the way it has 40% Fruchtanteil, in case you wanted to know.  (Now that I know, I don’t know.)  They stocked the apartments for a couple of days with basics.  What a hoot, the mayonnaise comes in a huge, school bus yellow tube about the size of an extra large tube of toothpaste.  Bonus, I have a loaf of hearty German bread, not the run-of-the-mill wimpy stuff.

Well, the day is beautiful:  blue skies, wisps of clouds, and balmy.  I do have to check out some things.  Thank you for your encouragement all along.  Next week the work begins, but I will resume my language study (missed the last 3 to 4 weeks so there’s been a set back) later today.

Less than 48 hours!

Oh, that I were a gifted wordsmith to capture the joys, pressures, frustrations and events where you could see and feel them with me.  Bill has arrived, we are headed out to CiCi's with Ben, his mom, and the three of us as a last chance to have our time together for awhile.  There's been quite a bit of that lately.  TeachBeyond at orientation advised us to "leave well,"  and that has happened.

How do the special efforts made by friends and family ever get explained adequately?  The time spent with Suzi, a very special sister-in-law, who drove all the way over from Davie to spend the day--what a treat as we discovered an new Alpine lunch/dinner place next  where we intended to eat, warm, light crepe "sandwich cones" replacing the regular fare!  An added bonus--the quiet ambiance allowed the conversation we so wanted.  Then later that evening my Apple mentor and clothing advisor and house preparation guide--Kathie took me for a lovely, unforgetable dinner--crushed pistachio and macadamia encrusted grouper!  Though the meal and surroundings were perfect, we experienced conflicting feelings of excitement and loss.  It was hard to look into her eyes and know we couldn't see each other when needed.  The next day, Friday, most of Pine Ridge's seventh grade "lunch bunch" met a last time at Sunburst cafe to giggle, chat, and catch up with family and events from lapsed time.  We have always felt so blessed to work together with such a dedicated, fun, upbeat group who encourages one another...treasures all.  Then "Grandma," a feisty 90 year-old who has endeared herself to Ruth, bid a fond farewell to Ruth as she cleaned the last time.  From there we drove to Gwen and Larry's to show her how to "trim the tummies" of her three Havanese that Ruth has pet-sat and groomed, and of course we ended up sitting and talking about many other interests; they are always involved and willing to help. That night my personal shopper and tastefully coordinated person who keeps trying to help me be the same (she's quite the optimist), Marianne, came by for a final farewell visit and we got lost in genealogies.  "Leaving well" really is special.  I'm thankful for these any many other such special times--our art group who shares beyond drawing, paper, and paint; we share in our experiences and faith; my small group whose individual lives each contribute so much to the whole, with the diversity making it so rich.  I can never forget how God used them to provide direction and encouragement on this journey since Bill's home going; our Friday morning prayer group whose faith and prayers have grown me tremendously.  How gifted am I.  Thank you for these treasures and for the time to enjoy them before leaving.  Thank you to TeachBeyond for advising of the importance of such things.

Amid all of this have been frantic moments of shopping for endless "needs" as a move of two years is anticipated.  Of course the bed in the furnished apartment was a full sized one.  I have twin and queen sizes of everything, but not that.  Then "no coffee pot" meant a French press would be transportable so coffee would be possible the morning after arriving...three mornings from now!  That is unbelievable.  No one will be in the house, no familiar sounds or faces, no familiar routines, no getting something quickly at the store that was forgotten.  A new life begins soon.

Before all of that happens there is a day left to finish all the "business" that needs to be completed, and much is left hanging.  Legal papers to be packed, car transaction to complete--and I did not see the people today, and the housing situation after I leave has gone back and forth (someone will be here, nope, no one will be here, and again today that possibly changed).  Whether or not someone stays is not stressful to me, I'm comfortable that He is in control; either way He will meet my needs.  However, what is stressful is not knowing how prepare the house if someone does comes.  Yes, it is going to be cleaned once we leave, but beyond cleaning how clearing out all the extraneous "stuff" get done if such preparation has not been part of the plan all along?

Mixed with all of the above has been a cram course on this new Mac computer, quite different from a PC.  The iPad was easy to use, but the computer has been a different animal to me.  Also, I have to plan on clean up work with old hard drives, which is scheduled for tomorrow.  On the new one, fortunately enough one-to-one computer time has occurred to make me far more comfortable with this computer, but that involved many separate trips.  Tomorrow is another half hour session to answer more questions about the contact list.  Factor these classes with packing, shopping, visiting, etc. and it becomes clearer how fragmented time has been.  I'm ready for a rest from this routine of irregularity, but thinking about how different things will be in three days when I wake up in Kandern, Germany, does give me pause.  Keep praying as the transition thickens.