Hello! Or should I say...Bonjour!
I have just gotten back from an amazing day spent in Strasbourg, France. Yesterday I was feeling brave and decided to look up cheap bus tickets. Lo and behold, there was a train that would take me back and forth to France for only 12E. And who am I to ignore a great deal? I spent the rest of last night planning my day away. I was planning to see three museums, four churches, and visit a library for my dear Olivia.
However, plans always change. As I stepped off the bus and found my tram, I was planning on having a week of visits within a six hour time period. Ambitious, yes -- but anyone will tell you I walk too fast for my own good. Since I was by myself, I constantly watched for pickpockets. I'm not sure what I would have done, but I have some cardio-box routines in my arsenal. I stepped off the tram at Langstross and followed the steeple. Finally, I was at the base of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg. This church took my breath away. I have never been in such awe. The church was constructed around 1200 and still stands as one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. I planned to spend about 20 minutes in the cathedral, but that turned into an hour. The stained glass had such detail. The entire church looked like it was planned by God himself. It was beautiful.
After tearing myself away from the church, I headed towards St. Pierre's. The church is closed during the winter months, but I was able to take some outdoor pictures. Since it was around 12:30, I headed off to a French bistro. I promised my dad that I would eat something French-y while in France. I was not brave enough to try the escargo listed on the menu, but I settled on a quiche that was mind-blowing. I never finish my plate in the states. I was practically licking the plate clean for these people. Plus, it was under 5E and I was stuffed to the gills.
Since my adventures were taking longer than planned, I realized I only had 3 hours left in the city before I had to catch my bus. I decided to go see the Notre-Dame museum. Within this museum, there were stone artifacts dating back to 900 and 1000 AD. There were ornate stained glass depictions of the Christ story, the original top of the cathedral, and so many more artifacts in this beautiful museum. I was distracted for 2 of my 3 hours. With one hour left, I decided to try my very first French beignet. It was a whirlwind of raspberry amazing ness. We should have these in the states. I'm not sure what it is, but they are WAY better than cream-filled donuts. After stuffing my face some more, I decided to just take the city in during my final time.
The amazing thing about Strasbourg is that the city effortlessly unties German and French culture into a beautiful place. Although the city looked like Bavaria, it had the classiness of a French town. I loved every second of my time spent in Strasbourg. I'm ready to go back. :)
Tonight I was able to Skype my wonderful roomies back in the states. It is so wonderful to have a support group to listen to your crazy stories. Even though there were much better things to do on a Saturday afternoon (like sleep), they were willing to bring me up to date on their life. I am just so lucky to have these girls. It is wonderful to see people in the states, even if only through a webcam. I love being able to stay in touch with everyone.
That's all I have for now. Au revoir!
Faith
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Growing Pains
Hi all,
First and foremost, I hope you are doing well. Please contact me on Facebook with any updates in your beautiful lives. I am writing this tonight with a heavy heart. As some of you know, my cousin Mikey was diagnosed with cancer during the end of summer this year. He was a former soldier and served the Nashville Fire Department. He passed away this week and left behind a wonderful wife and two amazing children. It is hard to see someone so young go so quickly. Mikey leaves behind an incredible legacy. I am blessed to even call him my cousin. My mother and brothers trekked out to Nashville to attend the service. Although I am unable to make it, I am hopeful that the family knows how much I truly care for them.
Last Saturday, Alexis and I were able to go to Heidelberg. It is such a beautiful city. We had a wonderful time seeing all of the historic locations and visiting the palace. We went to the top of a church tower and were able to see the entire city. Visiting Heidelberg felt like stepping back in time. I really enjoyed being able to see another part of Germany.
Throughout this week, we have been able to teach our kids about America. Most of our students approached us and asked if we would teach for the day. It was so interesting to hear about their views of America and compare the US to Germany. The students were very interested in what a lunch period was. Since they only go to school until 1, this has never been a part of their life. The students also wanted to know if America was fat (haha). After we explained that it depended on your lifestyle, they were quick to point out that Alexis and I were not fat. They seem to be very worries about upsetting us -- which is a little amusing.
We were able to negotiate with our hostel, so we no longer have food as part of the deal. I will be eating Fruit Loops all weekend. :) Although the hostel is costing me an arm and a leg, I am having a wonderful time. One of the things that I am learning is this might be my only time in Germany ever. Even if I come home wearing a burlap sack and have to work nonstop, I am going to enjoy myself. And I am going to see Paris...even if I have to walk there. So for anyone who knows me and how I worry about my money, you would be surprised to see me now.
Also, the bread here -- it's pretty dank (Thanks Noah Hughes for the word choice). They make these things called a Nußehornchen. It's like a bear claw, BUT in a croissant. I am going insane. Plus they're like a dollar. My diet is on hold for the next 3 weeks.
Oh! Story! Alexis and I went to McDonalds this week. The portions are incredibly different. Other serve so much less food over here, but for much higher prices. The only chicken nugget option was 6 pieces -- which is a kids meal in the states. I found it interesting that fast food is so expensive here, which is probably why no one eats it.
Overall, I am having a wonderful time. I am so thankful for the opportunities God has placed in my life. My mother is currently being my rock. So if you see her, please tell her thank you for me. Please pray for my family as we say goodbye to Mikey. I know I am currently ensuring I live my life to the fullest.
Tschüs/xoxo
Faith
First and foremost, I hope you are doing well. Please contact me on Facebook with any updates in your beautiful lives. I am writing this tonight with a heavy heart. As some of you know, my cousin Mikey was diagnosed with cancer during the end of summer this year. He was a former soldier and served the Nashville Fire Department. He passed away this week and left behind a wonderful wife and two amazing children. It is hard to see someone so young go so quickly. Mikey leaves behind an incredible legacy. I am blessed to even call him my cousin. My mother and brothers trekked out to Nashville to attend the service. Although I am unable to make it, I am hopeful that the family knows how much I truly care for them.
Last Saturday, Alexis and I were able to go to Heidelberg. It is such a beautiful city. We had a wonderful time seeing all of the historic locations and visiting the palace. We went to the top of a church tower and were able to see the entire city. Visiting Heidelberg felt like stepping back in time. I really enjoyed being able to see another part of Germany.
Throughout this week, we have been able to teach our kids about America. Most of our students approached us and asked if we would teach for the day. It was so interesting to hear about their views of America and compare the US to Germany. The students were very interested in what a lunch period was. Since they only go to school until 1, this has never been a part of their life. The students also wanted to know if America was fat (haha). After we explained that it depended on your lifestyle, they were quick to point out that Alexis and I were not fat. They seem to be very worries about upsetting us -- which is a little amusing.
We were able to negotiate with our hostel, so we no longer have food as part of the deal. I will be eating Fruit Loops all weekend. :) Although the hostel is costing me an arm and a leg, I am having a wonderful time. One of the things that I am learning is this might be my only time in Germany ever. Even if I come home wearing a burlap sack and have to work nonstop, I am going to enjoy myself. And I am going to see Paris...even if I have to walk there. So for anyone who knows me and how I worry about my money, you would be surprised to see me now.
Also, the bread here -- it's pretty dank (Thanks Noah Hughes for the word choice). They make these things called a Nußehornchen. It's like a bear claw, BUT in a croissant. I am going insane. Plus they're like a dollar. My diet is on hold for the next 3 weeks.
Oh! Story! Alexis and I went to McDonalds this week. The portions are incredibly different. Other serve so much less food over here, but for much higher prices. The only chicken nugget option was 6 pieces -- which is a kids meal in the states. I found it interesting that fast food is so expensive here, which is probably why no one eats it.
Overall, I am having a wonderful time. I am so thankful for the opportunities God has placed in my life. My mother is currently being my rock. So if you see her, please tell her thank you for me. Please pray for my family as we say goodbye to Mikey. I know I am currently ensuring I live my life to the fullest.
Tschüs/xoxo
Faith
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Sprechen sie Deutsch?
Hello everyone,
First off, I hope YOU are doing well. Thank you so much for your continued kindness and love for me. I have definitely had my doubts about this trip, but everyone has been so caring and encouraging that it's hard to imagine why I was even scared.
Also, a huge thank you to my wonderful German buddies. These are student volunteers who have taken Alexis and myself under their wing. They are so kind and genuinely care about making sure we have the best trip possible. I am amazed at their continued kindness towards us and patience in translating everything.
So German school is quite different from American school. For starters, the Gutenberg-Schule begins at 7:45 and the students go home at 1. The students have a class period from 7:50-9:20, a break for twenty minutes, class again from 9:40-11:10, another twenty minute break, and finally class from 11:30-1:00, at the end of which they go home. Each class period is broken into two forty five minute lessons. One teacher may teach the entire 90 minutes or teach for only 45 and move classrooms. One huge advantage I see of the German school style is that the teacher moves rooms. Instead of having students constantly forgetting things in their locker or being ill prepared for class, the students stay in the same room all day, with their materials at the back of the room for each class. The teachers have their own room, like a teachers lounge, where students can come ask them questions during their break. There is no lunch time because students eat after school. However, during their breaks, there is a snack window where they can get cheap goodies to tide them over.
Currently, Alexis and I are both traveling with one teacher who instructs English to grades 8, 9, and 10. The students have an oral English examination in April, which Alexis and I are helping them prepare for. Once our schedule gets more nailed down, I hope to shadow one of the math teachers for a few days. Since math is primarily numbers, I have a strong feeling I will know what is going on, even if I do not speak fluent German.
I have really enjoyed our time at the school so far. The students seem to be interested in what we have to say and how we can help them. I am able to translate some bits and pieces and am praying for a miracle of German ability to come. :)
Our living arrangements are not exactly what we were anticipating, so we are hoping to discuss some potential changes in the near future. I ate my first Mozzball today. I only knew what it was because of too many episodes of Chopped. It seems that everyone over here eats bread, all the time, for any and everything. And although I am not part of the Atkins diet, I'm still not entirely convinced I can eat the bread without running 7 hours a day.
For anyone wondering why all my photos contain minions, Tim and Dave will be the Flat Stanleys of my trip. I think that's all my updates for now!
Xoxo/Tschüs
Faith
First off, I hope YOU are doing well. Thank you so much for your continued kindness and love for me. I have definitely had my doubts about this trip, but everyone has been so caring and encouraging that it's hard to imagine why I was even scared.
Also, a huge thank you to my wonderful German buddies. These are student volunteers who have taken Alexis and myself under their wing. They are so kind and genuinely care about making sure we have the best trip possible. I am amazed at their continued kindness towards us and patience in translating everything.
So German school is quite different from American school. For starters, the Gutenberg-Schule begins at 7:45 and the students go home at 1. The students have a class period from 7:50-9:20, a break for twenty minutes, class again from 9:40-11:10, another twenty minute break, and finally class from 11:30-1:00, at the end of which they go home. Each class period is broken into two forty five minute lessons. One teacher may teach the entire 90 minutes or teach for only 45 and move classrooms. One huge advantage I see of the German school style is that the teacher moves rooms. Instead of having students constantly forgetting things in their locker or being ill prepared for class, the students stay in the same room all day, with their materials at the back of the room for each class. The teachers have their own room, like a teachers lounge, where students can come ask them questions during their break. There is no lunch time because students eat after school. However, during their breaks, there is a snack window where they can get cheap goodies to tide them over.
Currently, Alexis and I are both traveling with one teacher who instructs English to grades 8, 9, and 10. The students have an oral English examination in April, which Alexis and I are helping them prepare for. Once our schedule gets more nailed down, I hope to shadow one of the math teachers for a few days. Since math is primarily numbers, I have a strong feeling I will know what is going on, even if I do not speak fluent German.
I have really enjoyed our time at the school so far. The students seem to be interested in what we have to say and how we can help them. I am able to translate some bits and pieces and am praying for a miracle of German ability to come. :)
Our living arrangements are not exactly what we were anticipating, so we are hoping to discuss some potential changes in the near future. I ate my first Mozzball today. I only knew what it was because of too many episodes of Chopped. It seems that everyone over here eats bread, all the time, for any and everything. And although I am not part of the Atkins diet, I'm still not entirely convinced I can eat the bread without running 7 hours a day.
For anyone wondering why all my photos contain minions, Tim and Dave will be the Flat Stanleys of my trip. I think that's all my updates for now!
Xoxo/Tschüs
Faith
Sunday, January 12, 2014
And We're Off
Hi all,
Saying goodbye is so hard, even when you're about to head off to a wonderful journey. Even I will admit that my heart of stone has been very warmed by the outpouring of love to me over the past few days. I am so lucky that my family was willing to take me all the way to the airport and helicopter me all the way through security. Speaking of family -- please keep Roo in your thoughts as he epically battles Strep Throat this week.
Rest assured I arrived safely this morning in Frankfurt around 11 am local time (5 am EST). It was a very bumpy flight and I wasn't able to sleep much (less than 2 hours). But, like the rock star that He is, God brought us to Germany safely. Once we landed in Frankfurt, I got my first passport stamp EVER. It was super exciting -- the customs man looked up, took my book, and stamped it. The train station was definitely an adventure, but we were able to make it on the train to Karlsruhe with the assistance of many sweet German employees.
Let me say that Germany is beautiful. It is like everything you see in picture books -- and then a bit more. The country side just rolls on and on, speckled with sites of brick churches and Bavarian households. When we arrived in Karlsruhe, I was amazed at how close everything is to each other. It's like NYC on a smaller scale. For the most part, there's not really a need to use the public transportation, but it is readily available if we need it.
Our room is quaint, but pleasant. Once we were settled, we went out to dinner with some of our German buddies. I had my first experience with spätzel and schnitzel. I have been amazed with how much of my German is coming back to me. All of our buddies are so sweet and willing to teach us how to say anything we want. Tomorrow, we will get completely settled. We will not be at school on Monday, but will begin teaching on Tuesday.
I think that's all I have for now. I am horribly messed up on sleep, so I may pass out for a long time. Please send me your thoughts via Facebook, NOT via my cell phone.
Tschüs/xoxo,
Faith
Saying goodbye is so hard, even when you're about to head off to a wonderful journey. Even I will admit that my heart of stone has been very warmed by the outpouring of love to me over the past few days. I am so lucky that my family was willing to take me all the way to the airport and helicopter me all the way through security. Speaking of family -- please keep Roo in your thoughts as he epically battles Strep Throat this week.
Rest assured I arrived safely this morning in Frankfurt around 11 am local time (5 am EST). It was a very bumpy flight and I wasn't able to sleep much (less than 2 hours). But, like the rock star that He is, God brought us to Germany safely. Once we landed in Frankfurt, I got my first passport stamp EVER. It was super exciting -- the customs man looked up, took my book, and stamped it. The train station was definitely an adventure, but we were able to make it on the train to Karlsruhe with the assistance of many sweet German employees.
Let me say that Germany is beautiful. It is like everything you see in picture books -- and then a bit more. The country side just rolls on and on, speckled with sites of brick churches and Bavarian households. When we arrived in Karlsruhe, I was amazed at how close everything is to each other. It's like NYC on a smaller scale. For the most part, there's not really a need to use the public transportation, but it is readily available if we need it.
Our room is quaint, but pleasant. Once we were settled, we went out to dinner with some of our German buddies. I had my first experience with spätzel and schnitzel. I have been amazed with how much of my German is coming back to me. All of our buddies are so sweet and willing to teach us how to say anything we want. Tomorrow, we will get completely settled. We will not be at school on Monday, but will begin teaching on Tuesday.
I think that's all I have for now. I am horribly messed up on sleep, so I may pass out for a long time. Please send me your thoughts via Facebook, NOT via my cell phone.
Tschüs/xoxo,
Faith
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Let's Go!
With tomorrow being my last day of work, I thought I should give everyone a quick heads up of what my future holds.
I leave Charlotte at 8 p.m. Saturday night. It's a direct flight to Frankfurt. I should be on the ground around 4 a.m. Sunday morning (EST). After that, I will take a train to Karlsruhe and we will reach our destination! I'll be staying in a hostel with another girl from ASU. Hopefully by the time we are settled in the hostel, I'll have time to update this with more information. I will appreciate any and all prayers as I travel!
Tschüs/xoxo
Faif
I leave Charlotte at 8 p.m. Saturday night. It's a direct flight to Frankfurt. I should be on the ground around 4 a.m. Sunday morning (EST). After that, I will take a train to Karlsruhe and we will reach our destination! I'll be staying in a hostel with another girl from ASU. Hopefully by the time we are settled in the hostel, I'll have time to update this with more information. I will appreciate any and all prayers as I travel!
Tschüs/xoxo
Faif
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