Guten Tag!

This is the first time since my last post that I've had some time to write a little. I have had a packed half week. I think the last time I blogged was last Thursday (or Friday?), I don't remember. Friday I had all day to explore, get lost and see Biedekopf (or wherever I wanted to go). Since I still don't trust my German at all and don't want to end up in Bermuda, I'm trying to keep away from the train system for a little while. I'm hoping to go to Stuttgart this weekend though, to visit a friend. I guess we'll see if that happens!...

I did lots of active things this weekend. We rode bikes around town (and a surrounding town). It's going to take a while to get used to riding in the hills. I'd like to train myself to be able to bike the mountains too. I've heard it's incredible and there are amazing trails.

I officially tried like 10 "german specialties" this weekend also, including Wiener Schnitzel, grilled goat cheese and Biedekopf's 'amazing' sausage. There wasn't anything I absolutely hated, but there were a few things I just blah...... yah. I wasn't a fan of the cauliflower with horseradish sauce. eww.

We also have gone swimming the past 3 days in a row. The public pool is great- but this weekend is what so incredibly crowded. It was 32 degrees celsius this past weekend (about 90 % farenheit) and so everyone and their mothers were at the pool.

I also discovered a great little cafe/pub/coffee house in Biedenkopf. It's like Zeke's will be- it's run by the local E-Free church in town, and it's great. It has a bunch of tables, they serve simple foods (crepes, sandwiches) and have a wide variety of drinks. They also have a stage for some concerts and shows. What sealed the deal for me was that the only music they play is english Christian rock. Sanctus Real, Relient K, etc. It made my day to hear a cafe/pub in the middle of Germany playing contemporary Christian music (all in English). And it's only like 3 minutes from the house here. It's great- I found my new journaling and reading spot!

It has been very tough to stay encouraged the past week or so- not being surrounded by the body and having the fellowship that I have grown so accustomed to. And not having someone even just to talk to in English who's a strong believer and (my age). But I did meet a girl who is my age. She plays violin in the E-Free band (yes, they have a band- it's awesome!) and she spent a year in the U.S. during high school. I'm having coffee with her in a few hours, so hopefully that friendship will be a blessing to both me as well as her. Also, the time difference has really hindered being able to communicate with people at home. Since I have already been up for 3 hours (it's almost 11 here) and it's like 3 in the morning in Iowa, it has been difficult to find time that works for me any my family/friends to be able to talk, even if it's over Skype. So yes, my encouragement level has definately been pretty low, but I am still trying my best to stay optimistic and positive.

I'll update more later- I'm going to read a bit. Auf Wiedersehen!