Munich On A Rainy Day

Umbrellas everywhere.

Flowers don't mind the rain.

The always changing view from under the umbrella I hold.

Everywhere I walk in Munich turns up something new to make me take a breath. I have so much more to explore but my eyes are already so sated with beauty.

But I don't think you can ever have to much beauty. And Munich is beautiful even in the rain.
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This little fellow walked some of the way with me. So grateful for the one who always walks with me. His name is wonderful.

By The Lake

A week spent by a lake, in an ivy twisted, high storeyed house overlooking the white sails which echoed the clouds above. Swinging under the ancient fruit tree, feeding the swans that hissed imperiously when there was no more bread, sitting down to feastlike breakfasts. It was so lovely and then at the end a dashed visit to Switzerland, to see a friend's face. We sat with our toes in the Rhine, drank far to much coffee, and just revelled in the fact that we could catch up so far from home. God is good.

And Life In Germany Begins

I made it! After travelling for thirty hours I landed in a verdant, sunshine filled Germany, but what made it even better were the welcoming faces that greeted me. I have slowly been adapting to life in another family and culture, and having so much fun getting to know the children. They are such cute little characters, and it is holidays here at the moment so it has been great to get to know them on a relaxed basis. Germany is just beautiful, my notion of it being some sort of second cousin among it's European neighbours has been well and truly squashed. And as for the arch above? That leads to the green door of my little garden room, which even has geraniums on the windowsill. I am blessed.

A List Of Lasts

Lots of lasts happening here at the moment.

Last weekend for a while with my darling friends, amongst the candles and laughter and sweet sincerity.

Last roadtrip down to Auckland to the church that began to feel like family, with my brother and Mum this time!

Last preschool music group, instruments ringing with the little lisped voices and shy smiles and raucous laughter.

Last gathering for a while of friends and family, fare-welling me with love, so much love and also tears. I feel so blessed.

But oh oh oh, how I am looking forward to all the firsts!

Slipping Days

The days are slipping away quickly now. There is such a lot to think about and yet I am trying to savor the moments and life as it is now. I have been catching up with my close friends, who are all very busy so I treasure the time I can spend with them. I've deliberated on cupboard handles for the new kitchen with Mum and Dad. Spent another day in Auckland with my brother (and some friends of his this time). Made jelly from quinces and feijoas, baked sourdough bread. Whipped up sourdough pancakes. And of course smelled roses.

Shining

Ben and I zoomed down to Auckland yesterday to go to church. Loved spending time with my brother as it is only six short weeks till I leave. And I feel so encouraged by the people we met and the words they spoke to us. We stayed for lunch with some of them at a Thai restaurant and then went shopping until the night service. Which was incredible. The sun was shining in more ways than one.

Feijoa Picking

The studio where I have been teaching lately has a big feijoa tree outside the front door. Briar and I went to pick some today.

The ground was covered with them. So we ended up with three big delicious bagfuls.

This little kitten came along at the end and climbed the tree. I think Briar would have taken it home if I had suggested it!