Tuckered and Tired

Remember the phrase, “Not on a school night,” we told our kids?  Well, I need to remember those words for me.  

Every week there has been some evening event, valuable time, but depleting thirteen hour days have been almost a weekly occurrence  As if that were not enough, this past Saturday was another thirteen hour day.  What started out as only an evening of listening to the Kandern men’s choir, soon became dinner and the musical concert. Friends invited Pat and me to dine with them, however, that did not seem too much as Saturday would be an entire day at home, delightfully restful and overdue.  But, that did not happen.

The train travel we planned for the following Saturday, October 27th, had to be pushed ahead to this past Saturday.  It was more than my body wanted to do, but my mind said, “This is an opportunity to see how the train system works--something you’ve wanted to learn, to see a little of Switzerland for the ride, and enjoy good company...Carpe Diem.” 

Kristin, Debbie, Grace, and the Pat you always hear about

The ride through gorgeous countryside was quiet and comfortable, and the conversation delightful.  Our destination, a waterfall, was obscured by fog when we arrived, so we had to go into town for coffee and try something new in the pastry line...a requirement on such outings.  However, this proved to be a difficult endeavor as my left knee decided to “act out”--yes, act out like an unruly kid. Just the day before I was thinking of writing and telling everyone how much better my knees were from the walking required here. Now I had to retract all my positive thoughts about getting better.  I limped so badly that Pat and I did not return to climb down the torturous descent and eventual trudge back up.  Instead we took a different route back to the depot, had a delightful experience getting tea served by the proprietor of a closed “beirgarden!”  Charming and refreshingly different.  We sat outside in the beautiful weather, chatting while our other friends worked at enjoying the scenery.  The ride back was so relaxing and restful, that if I were traveling alone, I could easily have gone to sleep and missed my stop!

The dinner and music concert that night were enjoyable, quite a different experience than usual.  However, it was all possible as our friends picked us up in a car--no walking required.  Sunday morning I wasn’t any better, so I stayed home, concerned about even getting to work the next day.  Fortunately, it improved enough to walk better in the apartment that evening.  Something will need to be looked into, but even though medicine here has an excellent reputation, I would much rather go to my own orthopedist. The frustrating thing is not knowing when this will happen.  All I did was ride in the train...no difficult or odd experience at all.

Resting all day Sunday should make someone feel rested.  Not so.  Yesterday after school our neighbor, Julia, took me to another little town to see about a winter jacket at a consignment shop (I’m covered for really cold weather and slightly cold weather, but not the windy, in between weather) and then some groceries.  After returning, unpacking, and fixing dinner, I was shot.  In bed early last night and getting up later this morning was not enough to get me through this day, especially with German class later in the afternoon.  Right now I’m headed to bed early again.  Hopefully this extra rest will help tomorrow seem less difficult to stay awake.

The week's goal--getting through to this weekend...for which no plans have been made.  Thursday two couples, dorm parents, are joining Pat and me for dinner;  that is this week’s “night out.”  (Yep, another thirteen hour day, I'm sure because we have an early start again.)  Dorm parents only have Thursdays off, so we could not do this on the weekend, a more logical time.  Because German class dismisses around 5:20, and they’ll be here about 6:00, Wednesday will early prep time.  This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time because they are always taking care of someone else. It just seemed like someone should let them know they are special.  Imagine parenting a houseful of high-schoolers--especially girls--24/7, every day of the week, every week of the month, and every month of the school year.  They are my heroes.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to a totally dull, boring weekend, and after this week I’ll try to take my own advice, “not on a school night.”

PS:  Do you think my no longer being 39 has anything to do with this fatigue and all?

I just loved the iron work and old doors at the castle we visited the previous weekend.  Check out the size of the keg they had inside.

It's Wednesday, and tomorrow is Tuesday

The days march, twenty-four-hours, one-thousand-four-hundred-forty minutes, eight-thousand-four-hundred seconds, and it starts all over again. Sometimes it feels like I’m on the ground looking up at the soles of all 160,800 shod seconds.  Here it will be Thursday tomorrow, and the week seems like it just began and tomorrow will be Tuesday.

It’s Wednesday night, the blog has been postponed from having been to a meeting last night, and all the things I wanted to tell you have eluded my mind.  Actually, I could dredge them up, but that what it would sound sloppy and forced.  (Visions of the road workers shoveling the muddy, clumpy dirt on the road excavation we pass on our way to school each day filled my mind...unclear, drudgery, and often in the rain.) The students are special and I don’t want to take away from the pleasure they provide.  

Even as I say that, one wisp of a refreshing memory returns.  Lizi.  Last Friday she came up to me after class and said, “I want to apologize for my bad attitude.”  That came as a total surprise.  When I came into the classroom she and another student were sitting on a couch, but they quickly and pleasantly went to their seats when asked. I never saw any of it.  Chatty and social because that’s who she is, yes.  Less than an honor roll student, yes, but always pleasant and cooperative both in and out of class.  Then she went on to explain.  “I’ve always had a hard time in science, and I never feel like I can do well, and  I’ve not even been trying,” as she sighed. How refreshing to have a young person sensitive to life like this. Am I blessed or what.

Well, this is not as planned, but now at least you have a small taste of daily life here.  Maybe next time I’ll be a little more “on.”

Fall in Germany--Fests, Food, Photos and Facts

Loved the vine-covered garage/barn

Facts, the latter, would be best to get rid of first--rather like a child eating his vegetables before the other food on the plate.  Thank you to those praying for my “out of field” assignment in science.  Until we went out of town last Wednesday, during the day off due to German Reunification, I did not realize how many hours were consumed daily with either research, preparation, or agonizing...we’re not even talking about teaching here.  Last Friday’s prayer request was for focus and some greater understanding of the end from the beginning to ease this constant pressure of lots of information and a lack of direction.  (Thanks to those of you praying with me.) That afternoon, as I was going through material on my computer stored for future use, I came across an on-line course that did not make much sense earlier; I did not have enough information at that time.  The great things is how it fills in the big areas for the overall pattern desired for the year.  Yes!!!  Between the research plans and this presentation of various segments, it seems like it will come together; now if it could just magically fall into place while I was sleeping. I’d really like that.

“Fests” and “food” equal the vocabulary of the season.  “The Holtsen craft fair is fantastic; you have to go the weekend of the 6th,” was heard repeatedly in one form or another, and I love craft fairs.  Well, it was uncertain because without a car it was too far to walk.   That, too, became a matter of prayer on Friday morning.  (Trying to help Him out, I checked the bus schedule Friday afternoon--yes, a bus goes to there, but not on the weekends.) Late Friday evening Laura, our host, FBed asking if Pat and I would like to go to Lörroch for the Kürbisfest, the pumpkin festival the next day.  Long story short, Saturday afternoon Pat, Laura, Brant, and I were headed there.  Delightful.  While there, my food choice was the creamy Kürbissuppe, of course!  Delicious.  These red, roundish pumpkins can even be cooked and eaten with the skin on!  While strolling amid the various pumpkin related tents,  naturally the storekeepers had wares out to attract as well, lots of eye candy.  After a morning of productive study and walking around the fest, the day was topped off by finding computer speakers so I can listen to iTunes radio, something I’d been looking for online.  Double jackpot!  Then we headed back, and Laura said, “Plan on coming to Holtsen with us after church tomorrow.”  Well, I’m not a gambling gal, but isn’t that like the slot machine handle that is pulled and the pictures whirl around, and if you’re lucky, three of the same things coming up at one time...home run. (jig dance here) Oops, mixed metaphor.  Excuse me.

MISSING PHOTO:  In the Kürbisfest one vender of food had an entire cow carcass on a rotisserie from which they sliced off meat to make the sandwiches.  By the time we were there it was almost all bones.  I'll have to get that one for you.  And this is in the city!

Laura & Brant, our hosts, w/ a hand carved deer

Holsen is a stork preserve...they're all over 

Sunday’s message was MUCH more encouraging than the dreary, rainy weather that started the day.  However, being true to the German fortitude--can’t refrain from going in lousy weather or nothing will ever get done attitude--we went.  The food tent was the first stop in hopes the rain would give up.  Kürbissuppe could be had, but I opted for another local food, a thin crust pizza with sautéd onions in a cream sauce, one of the few pizzas they have here that I do care for.  Then the rain stopped and we could look around. I loved the felted scarfs and hats, beautifully colorful and gauzy. Farther down one lady had rocks painted with cats, “Ruth” written on every one, but especially the tabbies.  As we walked, a woman walzed among the crowd dramatically dressed in black with red roses liltingly playing an accordian.  To add to the effect was her partner dancing to the rhythm, circling her while covering her with an umbrella...wonderful!  We agreed to meed at certain time...where else but a place for Karottenkuchen (carrot cake) and Kaffee...really inexpensive at fairs and home-made-by-a-baker-person good.  Afterward I had to return to the one thing that grabbed my attention--uniquely shaped and glazed tableware at one booth. The slightly arched mug in variegated greens and brown glazes perfectly complements a bowl and plate with a slight triangular shape, all delicately and finely crafted.  After getting it home, I wished it could have been a set of each of the color it is so gorgeous...a perfect finish to a delightful outing.

Yes, I started back to work that evening, but not for long.  It was good to have a chance to talk to Ruth.  This time difference really makes calling difficult.  I go to bed around 10 here, which is 6 in the Eastern time zone...not very flexible, especially for those who work until 6 in the evening.  That was a great way to end a full weekend.

The next time we’ll have to talk about the kids, school, and some unusual announcements there.

The dishes 

Shopping and Touring

I’m inside this rainy and cool Saturday morning, suffering with my self-imposed exile... and relishing every moment.  Getting my new-to-me printer onboard with the Mac, doing laundry, cleaning this huge apartment, and doing online business provided a sense of accomplishment at a leisurely pace.  A delightful day so far and it’s only noon.  This is especially appreciated as this week’s germ-share has left me rather run-down.  Part of the ability to relax is know that the next week will be rather light. 

Just having received a phone call, I now have to make a trip to the grocery store for more ground beef and taco seasoning for tonight’s pot luck gathering.  How great everything is within just a few block of walking.  Several of us are converging on Gail’s place for a pick-me-up for her.  She just had arthroscopic knee surgery and has been rather housebound as she lives up three flights of stairs.  (I’m so thankful for my bottom floor apartment!)  We (Pat is going, too) will be picked up and driven, making it much easier.

Yesterday our other neighbor , Julia, asked if we would like to drive to Lörroch for shopping.  To clear Saturday and avoid the crowded parking, we opted to go early from school.  Though having been there and shown around briefly when we got our visas, this time we explored many other places.  Pat opted to shop at a department store while Julia and I went to other places.  At the health food store we scored natural peanut butter!  Any peanut butter was hard to find before, but the PB with sugar and salt can now be found in small jars in the local markets.  We also visited a euro store, like our dollar stores, a great way to purchase basics like printer paper, and odds and ends...no nylon net bath scrubbers though.  

We met up again and headed to the huge basement level grocery store, which like many others here, carries a wide range of goods aside from groceries.  There I was able to get something totally elusive up until then--scotch tape!  Can you imagine?  Index cards here are not 3x5 but almost 2x3...lined or graphed.  With the small stapler purchased, I’m almost complete in the office supply department.  They even have quite a selection of fresh fish.  Julia, with her Japanese cultural experience introduced me to a marinated mixed fish pieces that need only sautéing for a meal. I also now have a one serving fondue cup and raclette cheese (I’m not sure about this, but it is used on some device for making melted cheese sandwiches with veggies on top--more after next weekend’s gathering).

(Guys reading this can skip this paragraph...girls will understand.)  I’m excited about one of my purchases yesterday...I now have all-weather boots!  That may sound silly, but that is something on my list since before coming.  None of my shoes from Naples would serve the needs of wet and cold weather, especially walking everywhere.  These aren’t fashion statements, but one pair is cute enough, and both have wool lining, all weather exterior, and no high heels to cause me to be klutzier than I already am, plus being reasonably priced.  Perfect!  They had so many cute styles, but spending that kind of money on leather that would be getting wet and ruined kept me in line.  

I was ready when we headed home.  By the way, did I tell you Julia’s car is a cute, two-door  Mini Cooper (do they even have a 4 door model?), one of those really adorable little cars that are so perfect for these narrow roads and the expensive gas (though it isn’t the best for gas milage).  Well, don’t be envious if you're the third passenger.  These cars really seat two people with a back seat for looks only.  Actually, it isn’t too bad to sit in, it is the getting out that is the problem.  I was on the passenger side rear seat.  Pat slid the seat forward and tilted its back forward, leaving a few inches between the front seat and the frame.  Well, the best way to describe this extrication maneuver is to imagine pulling yourself up from the bottom of a large, wide vase with a narrow neck opening.  I reached out with both hands and managed to get one leg out past the seat...just not far enough to touch the ground.  I could also get two legs out and not touch the ground.  There was no place inside to turn around for leverage to push up and out.  Well, since you’re reading this, you know at some point I did get out.  Such were the adventures of Friday shopping. 

Fast forward to Wednesday...today

We just returned from a day trip to Titisee, a tourist area and lake in Swartzwald, the Black Forest.  The rainy, cold start found us under prepared for the cooler, higher Titsiee area.  Warm, spiced wine (typical for here) and a brot helped as we ate in a glass enclosed area, but having the doors closed on either end would have been better yet.  Once fed, we perused a beautiful glassware shop (all my mind could think of was the word "breaks") and, of course, we had, just HAD to check out the cuckoo clock stores.  They were at least two shy by the time we left, as  Pat and Grace both purchased one.  What a variety: little magnet-on-the-fridge size to monstrous wall hangings.  Clocks were always a delight to Bill and me (even though neither of us cared to be governed by time), and this would have been a special day.  In memory, I did find one that would interest me, rather different than the usual.  It is elongated rather than wide, with the beautiful wood working, and three weights: time, cuckoo, and music.  However, now is not the time as it needs to be shipped home.  Maybe that will be the special memory purchase  I'll take back when I return...if there is another like it at that time. 

Why were we not with the kids at BFA, you're wondering?  It is German Reunification Day and nothing is open in the Kandern area, not even a grocery store or an apothecary.  Since we’ll have no Thanksgiving Day off here, we gave thanks for this holiday!  Actually, I have to (and am glad to) say that this is the first day of feeling better AND the first day that a constant pressing forward to prepare or do school work has not occurred.  Teaching science has allowed little relaxation on that front. This was totally relaxing, a welcome gift.  As soon as I send this is off; however, it is back to the books and preparation for class, plus there is a quiz in my German class, too!

Pupils and Pottery

For the sake of alliteration all charming nouns were dismissed.  (Seems to follow suit with dismissing the format of the blog, too.  Sorry.)

Being in the middle of week four at BFA and after quizzes and other assignments. I find my students better than before.  That doesn’t mean they all work hard and are always on task, those would be robots or in a perfect world, but it does mean they are becoming individuals with stories...and slowly I’m getting to know them.

This week I’d like to introduce you to Sven, a local German student who rides the bus into school 40 minutes each morning from Lörrach, the town that actually has shopping.  As a senior he has chosen to return to school and graduate from BFA.  As this is an American high school diploma, it won’t do him much good here in Germany as an entrance into higher education, nor will it suffice for finishing the German school system, but he has chosen to to this to improve his “resumé” as a step beyond those in his situation.  He actually learned of the school from playing basketball against BFA teams and having gotten to know some of the boys.  This polite young man is impressed with a caring faculty, and he works diligently each day.  And I am impressed with him; imagine returning to school this after having been out of school for a year and knowing it doesn't promise a thing.  That is quite a responsible, mature decision.  Pray for a good year for him academically, socially and for spiritually.ding.  

If you did not already have a chance to view the video of a coworker during Spiritual Emphasis week, watch this to the end.  See what an amazing thing it is to be with these kids regularly---awesome; these songs run through my mind often.  It is just a couple or three items down on my FB page.  I wish I could attach it to my e-mail for those without FB.

The Bathers

This area around Kandern, southern Germany, is known for its pottery, and this past weekend was the greatly anticipated annual festival. Walking into the Blumenplatz, the quaint town center, prepared one for threading through the crowd.  Amid all the activity, a tent was set aside for children to practice their hand with clay.  Then I viewed the  delightfully creative products which ranged from the unusual beach swimmers and towering water features to an array of tableware and decorative pieces.  Thank goodness I have a little apartment and the prices were more than would be realistic to spend, or I would have had way too many breakable things to bring home!  Enjoy the pictures.

The tower

Brilliant Bubbly Ball Fountains

One of my favorite "vases"

School’s Start

You saw the pictures of the parade of flags and opening ceremonies from last week; the opening of doors to the new year slammed shut the door of retirement, no more leisurely time of choice. As it turned out,  the pace was perfect:  Monday’s 8 minute meet and greet with parents went quickly.  Tuesday we had an equally short time with students, not even starting until after 2:00 p.m. because the opening ceremonies took and hour and a half.  After that the students were given time for goodbyes with parents and hellos to former friends before they went through their separate orientation meetings.  Then came tryouts for various things such as theater productions or music auditions, and other activities.  Only after all of that did they have a brief 8 minute tour of each of their classes. Then Wednesday through Friday we finished the week with normal school days.  This abbreviated academic week was just enough to get started, but not be wearing, a wise way to begin after all the energy needed for the new year and adjustments for students, faculty, and staff.  The concern about the gap in teaching is now a non-issue.

Before saying more, I must preface the comments that follow with a statement context about the students.  In the little over a week I’ve seen them, they are unlike any student body I’ve ever taught.  Respectful to adults and one another and focused in work sums up the overall attitude.  Yes, there are differences in maturity and ability, but I’ve not observed a negative or defiant attitude.  In addition to respect is responsiveness in class and willing compliance with requests.  That's who they are.

Fortunately, having been mentored by a godly principal at the beginning of my teaching career, the concept of teaching the whole person (not just a brain at the desk) has been the norm. Our pre-school orientation sessions focused on this more, using the term “teaching redemptively.”  The goal is to discard approaches based on factory education where one size fits all and address not only academics but the total person.  That’s vague, so perhaps illustrating this approach in one area will give you a feel for it...I’ll use study hall.

My past experience could be described as “military silence required”  so those who wish to study can.  Not the approach here.  The seniors and NHS students can sign out any and every day.  Students who remain are permitted to visit, listen to music with earbuds, and/or eat if they wish.  Envisioning chaos, that just did not set well with me when I first heard it, but I listened to the explanation.  They are given this choice because the long school day is often followed by activities for most, and from there to a dorm for many of those.  They have need of some down time, and this allows students to choose when that best fits.  Also involved with the rational, many of these students are here only during their high school years, primarily as juniors and seniors, away from family already and headed to college in the States for the most part.  BFA is a transition time for them in learning to make good choices, and the responsibility needs be begin resting on their shoulders.  Also, administration does not want us to assume an adversarial role, but rather a facilitating one.  Weekly we do get a report, and if anyone in below 70% that triggers a discussion about the choices they are making. Recognition of maturation is built in by allowing more freedom for seniors, as well as recognition of the need for growth in decision making under supervision.  I’ve been most impressed with how well this has worked.  Those who remain (and sometimes seniors do so) use the time well.  Conversations that do go on are mainly at the beginning and do not disrupt others.  The redemptive approach goes farther than just these practices in study hall, but you now have an idea how different it can be.  Obviously a large part of this success also has to do with the student population and their parents, college educated believers for the most part who recognize authority beyond themselves and deference for others, and they have raised their children in that manner.

After the first full three days, finally the weekend arrived.  In thirty plus years of teaching, I’ve never had a first weekend like this. Oh, I’ve experienced hurricane weekends right after starting the school year or go-home-exhausted-after-the-first-week-and-collapse weekends, but would you believe they planned a teacher’s retreat for the first weekend (making planning for two weeks necessary at the beginning) just to further flesh out the idea of redemptive teaching?!  This falls under the category of “someone has to do it,” so, dutifully, I signed up for the weekend...a three hour trip to the Swiss Alps at the Jantz Team  chalet.  Can you believe that!  Yes, we did meet with intent, but there was also provision for plenty of “white time”...games, excursions, food and visiting. Not only that, the weather, which can be rainy, was perfect:  sunny, clear blue skies, cool yet not cold temperatures, and low humidity.  Those Swiss homes with all the cutesy sculpted wood eves and flower baskets from railings really exist outside of Disney World.  I played my first game of Risk (on a German game-board) and won! (Don’t be mislead, that was only only because of the communal help given.) To top it off, my bed (a bunk) was even more comfortable than the one at my apartment.

At then end we returned to Germany, some cars making side excursions.  Two cars, seven of us, went to a Swiss castle built right on a gorgeous lake in the 1500s that is now a museum.  Before touring we ate our sack lunches in the beautifully landscaped garden area.  While outside, alone, I just stared at the colorful, manicured formal walkways and garden areas with its vibrant yellows, whites and reds outlined in green, and then looked up at the turrets and zebra striped shutters against the brilliant blue sky...and tears came to my eyes.  THIS had never been part of my plan, I can’t think that large.  It was His gift to me.  I later told someone that if felt like He did all of this for me and just let all these other people come along for the ride.  Sometimes there are not adequate words to express “blessed.”

Upon our return to Kandern it was necessary to get supper.  While gone we missed out on most of the Budenfest, an annual weekend event here.  Each of the clubs--wrestling, accordion, gymnastic, tennis, pingpong, etc.--set up booths (we’re talking major lumber and wood panel construction with heavy equipment hauling it and building it for three days type of set up) that sell food and beverages (yes, lots of beer) as their source of fundraising for the year.  (I actually had to give up things to go on that retreat, a little sympathy please.)  Of course each evening there is a band complete with accordion and dancing--into the wee hours of the morning I’ve been told.  Thankfully our 22 inch thick stone walls and being a block or two away kept me from knowing this first hand.

Yes, there is work going on here.  The Environmental Science curriculum and text need lots of pulling together--no scope and sequence and the student text is college level.  As a result many hours daily are spent pulling from a variety texts and other resources to plan what needs to be introduced and when.  Getting a big picture is difficult so early in the year.  Do pray for wisdom with that. My t.v. worked for one day, but there has been no time in the evenings to even miss it.  That will give you an idea that the days are filled...walking everywhere takes time, preparation is a huge factor going on even into the evenings, keeping up with e-mails and writing all keep me busy.  It’s good; things are beginning to fall into a routine.  I’m thankful for that, but also on the horizon is a pottery festival in two more weeks...then fall and all of its colors....   :)  Hope keeps us going.

Opening Ceremonies! WOW

Upstairs on the second floor in the science department office, the tall almost floor to ceiling windows tilted inward for air circulation, and more than that enters as I type.  Squeals from friends parted by a summer's absence as they embrace, parents and children who will soon be separated by miles and months say their last goodbyes, and the general clamor of catch up conversations all mingle and waft through these windows.  What a morning this has been!

Opening ceremonies, no previous description did justice to being there amid sensory impact.  Walking to the auditorium the first thing encountered were the seniors assembling with a colorful array flags, a part of the anticipated procession.  Then we teachers and residence staff congregated, lining up two by two, preparing to enter.  Meanwhile streams of returning and new students and parents entered taking their places for what would soon begin.  Then it started.  First the residence staff and RAs marched down the left isle, and then we teachers entered down the right...amid clamorous cheers and enthusiastic, continuous clapping.  One teacher said, "This is the first time I've ever been applauded as a teacher!"  Once we were seated, the seniors--with uninterrupted cheers and applause--created a moving spectacle as they each marched in carrying a flag of one of the countries represented by families attending BFA. What a procession, 52 countries--each read aloud after the parade; BFA undergirds the ministry in all of those places!

That was just the beginning.  Scott Jones, the director, spoke to all of us about our theme and mission, but then there were separate charges given--first to the residence staff who are now the "parents," imagine.  Then the charge to the teachers, entrusted in the development of these young lives in preparation for futures, but also for their examples in their spiritual lives.  These were moving, but the most impressive to me was the senior class president's speech.  This young man, cheered to the stage by his classmates, spoke with ease and comfort.  He opened and sustained an interesting and somewhat humorous litany of suggestions of things the seniors could aspire to accomplish this year, but ended up with a sober reflection of the calling they have in Christ and as leaders at the school, masterfully and touchingly done.  I really wish you could have heard him.

Once all the other agenda items were finished, we were dismissed, and that is when I retreated to the planning area, moved and wanting in the worst way for you to have been able to experience this with me.  Pictures will be posted as well as a video clip so you can see and hear the enthusiasm yourself.  Again, thank you for helping this all be possible...in my life, but more importantly in the lives of these precious students, our future, and their parents.