Sunday, December 19

This morning, Gloria and I woke up about the same time.The bathroom floor was heated, so we didn't get cold as we got ready for the day.  

When I got back to the room Gloria had joined Carlotta and Helena in their bed, so I got out my Bible and starting having my little Church service, reading from Colossians 1-2. I was struck by what Paul instructs the Colossian church to rejoice over. It was also an encouragement to be reminded that the Lord is always near me and will continue His good work in me despite my location. Paul was writing from Prison. I think I’ll survive a few months in Germany. J

Breakfast was bread and marmalade with juice, although by the time we ate, it was definitely mid-morning. The girls were watching music videos (MTV) so I joined them. I never realized how perverse MTV really was until I watched and heard a couple of songs. I didn’t last more than two songs. I got up and went back upstairs to finish getting ready.

By the time I was downstairs again, they were watching a movie on TV, one I had already seen (The Proposal), so Rebecca and I watched that while the younger girls played on the Wii in the basement. When the movie was over, Mark and Nancy arrived to pick us up. What perfect timing!

We stopped to buy some bread and then headed to Helena’s music Christmas concert. She was singing a solo accapella (the only one in the whole concert). In the car, I helped her warm up a little bit, teaching her some warm-up exercises from high school choir days. It made me miss being a part of an organized choir!

We arrived early and had to wait before the doors opened. They had a coat service where you could pay fifty cents (euros) and they would take your coat and hang it up. Nancy and I knew it would be cold in the auditorium, so we kept our coats with us. They had decorated beautifully. Helena sang second and did a wonderful job. She was the best performer that we saw because we left before the second act started. I was surprised at how many of the acts (violins, flutes, singing, cello, etc) were off key or not tuned together (in case of duets). The kindergartners did a little Nutcracker routine, which was so cute! 

We arrived back in town in time to get to the church for the last part of the Christmas singing. Nancy had said they weren’t professional singers, but they sounded great! You could hear each part of harmony, especially the men parts, which often you can’t hear. They sang some carols I knew (in German), so I sang along quietly in English. In one song they sang the verse twice and the second time sang it in English, so I really sang along! J

The church buildings foundation dates back to the 1600’s. It was renovated in the 1700’s and maybe another time and then three years ago. The renovations maintained the original design of the building. Only the benches are heated, so there is no taking off your jacket during the winter! We sat in the loft tonight so we were quite cold by the end of the service. I had been worried about them offering communion. I asked my dad and a friend how they thought I should respond, not knowing a lot about the Greek Orthodox beliefs. I guess they are similar to Catholicism. I would rather not identify myself with transubstantiation, so I was prepared to politely decline. Thankfully they didn't offer communion, so I didn’t have to worry about it. I simply enjoyed the music.

After the service, they had some goodies to eat and the winter Christmas alcoholic hot drink. I wasn’t very hungry, so I didn’t eat anything. I politely declined the alcoholic drink. The neighbor, who was taking orders, said there was a non-alcoholic drink for the children, so I asked for that. Mark came over and wanted me to try his drink, which he argued was different than before because it was sweeter. It just had more rum in it. Needless to say, I didn’t like it, but I tried the kindercider and LOVED it!! We all laughed together. It’s not like apple cider, although it is a hot drink and has cinnamon in it (I think). It’s a red sweet drink.

About that time, my feet were practically numb and hurt. I have to admit, frostbite did come to mind with images of black toes but I pushed them away. I talked with the girls and the neighbor girl. I think she’s the one who has been practicing her English at home so that when she saw me she would be able to say something in English. What a cutie!

We finally made our escape back to the house (although Helena had to help me walk, my feet hurt so bad) and warmed up. I quickly logged online to read messages and check to see if my family was ready to skype yet. One week is about as long as I can go without skyping them, otherwise I start to get a little homesick. When I eventually did skype, the girls came in and said hello and then Nancy and the rest of the family wanted to say hi, so I introduced Mark, Nancy, and the neighbor family to mom, dad, Wendy, and Janna. Mom told Nancy to work me hard and Nancy misunderstood her to mean I hope you’re treating her well (or something like that). I explained the comment to her later. Nancy sent Gloria up later to tell me she thought dad would like to see the African trophies since he’s a hunter. Gloria said her mom thought dad looked like an African trophy. I explained that comment too. J I’m learning to use my imagination when interpreting words and statements.

I also got to skype Jon and Chelsea! Jon was so persistent about wanting to skype tonight that I finally made a few minutes available. We were talking nonchalantly, when he said he had to show me something. The next thing I see is Chelsea’s hand with a ring on it. Needless to say, I freaked out. They’re finally engaged!!!!! I got the whole story and was very impressed! I’ve not heard an engagement story like that before.

I then was able to skype Devra and Kody for a few minutes before I accidentally shut off the wireless on my computer, but I didn’t figure that out until later. I thought the internet had gone down at the house. I was so disappointed!