Valerie's Adventures

Thanksgiving in Germany

Sunday, November 25, 2012 Valerie 0

This was my first Thanksgiving away from home, and it was an especially difficult one for me.  I am really close with my family and I value the relationship I have with each member, thus I was really sad to miss out on the big Thanksgiving gathering that took place in California this last week.  The memorial service for my Aunt Mary Jane was on Monday, so most of the family stayed through the week and they all celebrated Thanksgiving together...without me.  Not only did I miss out on spending time with my family, but I also missed out on cranberry pudding!  I guess it just means that I will especially enjoy eating it on Christmas Day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">streets of Göttingen</td></tr>
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A couple days before the holiday, I headed up to see my friend Maria in Göttingen.  The city is full of beautiful old houses and the buildings are all mostly traditional style.  It has a walking path that goes around the city, which is perfect for a little fresh air and exercise.  Because of the university there, Göttingen has a lot of young people, which was a little strange for me to see so many people my age packed into one town.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eating a <i>Döner</i></td></tr>
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Maria and I have only ever seen each other in California, when she lived in LA for a year.  We met the week before Palm Sunday 2010 at the German church I attended in Glendale, where she sang in a concert with the <i>Junge Stimmen des Nordens</i>, a choir directed by her mother.  In the year Maria lived in LA, we met up every now and then, and she even came home to Reedley with me one weekend.  In the States, Maria and I mostly spoke in English, so we thought it was really funny to be speaking German with each other in Germany!  We hadn't seen each other since she left CA over a year ago, so it was nice to catch up on what has been happening in her life.  Maria introduced me not only to the city of Göttingen, but also to these Turkish <i>Döner</i> wrap things that everyone has been talking about...<br />
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From Maria's, I headed to the small town of Elsdorf, just a 12-minute train ride from the metropolis of Köln.  It was here I met and stayed with the Kratz family.  Mrs. Kratz (a.k.a. Amy) is from Reedley, went to high school with my cousin Sarah, and sang in choir under the direction of my Aunt Melody.  Because she's a Mennonite, and my parents go to the Mennonite Brethren Church in Reedley, Amy and I know a lot of mutual people.  She married a German and has been living here for the past 6 years, so she invited me to join them for Thanksgiving.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving Dinner!</td></tr>
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We actually went over to a friend's house for the celebration, and enjoyed all the usual fixings.  I was so happy to have cranberry relish with the meal, because it reminded me of home.  Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, and cranberry relish.  The only thing I missed was a glass of Lambrusco to wash it down.  Of course, I stuffed myself!  After the meal, we took the kids for a walk to the playground and let the food settle in our stomachs.  Then we went back to the house for pumpkin pie.  Ironically, Amy's friend is from Kansas and has Mennonite background, so she made some traditional <i>pfeffernüsse</i> (pepper nuts) too.  It was a leisurely day of eating and talking, just like Thanksgiving should be.  I really missed my family, but it was nice to celebrate with other Americans.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally made it to the Kölner Dom!  It's huge!</td></tr>
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On Friday, Amy and I did our best to round up the kids (ages 4, 2, and 3 months) and take the S-bahn into Köln.  By the time we made it to the Kölner Dom, it started raining on us.  But with two kids running around and a crying baby, we decided going inside the Dom was a bad idea.  Instead, we bought some <i>Streuselkuchen</i>, sat under an umbrella, and enjoyed the magnificence of the cathedral's exterior.  The rain didn't let up, so we went into a couple stores downtown and finally settled at a Starbucks.  Since I had already tried the Lebkuchen Latte, this time I had a Toffee Nut.  Although it doesn't sound like much, that was literally our entire day.  By the time we took the train back, got in the car and drove home, it was time for dinner and bed.  I found out that having 3 kids means everything takes a really long time to do.  Amy kept saying, "It used to be easy with just two, but it's so much harder with three!"  I thought that was funny, because everyone else I know says, "It used to be easy with one, but it's so much harder with two!"  I guess having kids is tough task to take on.  But I hear the lack of sleep is worth it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Amy in Köln</td></tr>
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On Saturday morning, Amy's husband Stephan made us all homemade pancakes.  I liked talking to him and finding out his perspective on marrying an American.  Amy and Stephan have a unique household in that Amy only speaks English to the kids and Stephan only speaks German to them.  They mostly speak English to each other, but sometimes Stephan will speak in German and Amy will respond in English.  Hearing their kids speak both languages showed me how easy it is to solidify languages at a young age.<br />
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I then left the Kratz house and returned to the Bamberg Hospitality House where the Huisjen family is with Cadence International.  I first met them last month when I attended chapel services on post with them.  This weekend they had their annual bonfire with hot dogs and smores.  (I avoided the hotdog buns, but my stomach still hated me after that meal.)  Mostly families and couples attended, so I got to meet a few new people.  It was entertaining to watch everyone roast their hotdogs on skewers while trying to shield their face from the heat of the fire.  But the best part of the night for me was singing worship songs.  While everyone was running around and chaos abounded, Matt pulled out his guitar and started singing.  I guess I was the only one interested in joining him, so the two of us sang together and I got to harmonize.  Some of the songs were modern, but most of them were "oldies, but goodies."  I stayed the night with the Huisjens (Matt, Tina, and their 5 kids) and joined them for chapel this morning.  The message was about how God uses trials to build our character and trust in Him.  The pastor was speaking mostly to the families with uncertainty about relocation (the post in Bamberg is closing in 2014), but it really applied to me too.  I have no idea what the next few weeks holds.  I don't know where I'm going to work or when I'm coming back to Germany after Christmas.  And as desperate as I am to figure out my plan, I think God wants me to trust Him.  What else can I do?  I'll either stress myself out worrying about it, or trust that He will make a way for me.  <br />
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Thanksgiving in Germany

This was my first Thanksgiving away from home, and it was an especially difficult one for me. I am really close with my family and I value ...

Gearing up for Advent

Monday, November 19, 2012 Valerie 2

Although no decorations are up yet in Germany, people are starting to prepare for the first Advent in 2 weeks.  Wreaths are for sale, you can buy <i>Lebkuchen</i> in the bakeries, and there's a special feeling in the air.  But what I appreciate about the Germans is their sense of tradition.  <i>Weihnachten</i> is close, you can feel it.  You can think about Christmas and start preparing, but you can't start celebrating until the first Advent.  That's when Christmastime really begins.  (I know, Janice, you've had your Christmas tree up for a month already...)<br />
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This past weekend I putzed around Hof and ran errands with my cousin.  At the garden store, they have fresh tree branches and decorations for sale, so you can make your own wreath.  All the Christmas chocolate is out at the supermarket; it's quite overwhelming, really.  But I have a Christmas shopping list, and hopefully I will stick to it.  I'll be back in Hof for the first and second Advents, so we'll go to church and then see some <i>Weihnachtsmärkte</i> (Christmas markets).  I'm sure it will be beautiful!  In any case, I'm just glad that I get to spend the first part of the Advent season with my German family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Haas Family in Hof</td></tr>
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Gearing up for Advent

Although no decorations are up yet in Germany, people are starting to prepare for the first Advent in 2 weeks. Wreaths are for sale, you ca...

The Adventures Continue...

Sunday, November 18, 2012 Valerie 1

A lot has been going on the last couple of weeks, and although I've had the time to write about it, I haven't had the motivation.  I'm really sad about the passing of my dear Aunt Mary Jane, but I honestly don't want to deal with it emotionally until I'm home with my family.  I suppose denial is part of the grieving process.<br />
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But time doesn't stand still, so I guess I need to update all of you on what's been happening over here in Deutschland.  Two weekends ago I returned to my friend Susi's in München for a girls' weekend.  It coincided with a voice lesson in the city with an American professor from the <i>Musikhochschule</i>.  This teacher has lived in Germany since 1978 and she struggled with some of the English words at first, like "diaphragm" and "soft palate."  But she was patient and her teaching style was peaceful, for lack of a better word.  She practices Eastern meditation and breathing exercises, so I think that contributed to her personality.  This teacher confirmed my suspicion that I am not ready to audition for schools in December.  First, I still have no idea what I should be singing.  And second, I am still not singing consistently, because I have more technique work to do.  Also, I found out that graduate students in Munich are on the emerging professional level, and basically, I don't have a chance there.  However, she said that there are a lot of other <i>Musikhochschulen</i> in Germany, and I have a good chance at the other ones.  She said that if I stay and study privately for the next few months, then I'd be ready to audition in June for the other schools.<br />
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On the one hand, it's frustrating to have to wait...again.  But on the other hand, I would rather be prepared before I start a master's program, because I want to get the most I can out of the experience.  So that has led me to the decision to search for a job here in Germany and study privately until the next round of auditions in June.  (Most of the schools I want to apply to don't have auditions in December anyway, so <i>es ist egal</i>.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Susi at <i>Schloss Nymphenburg</i></td></tr>
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My friend Susi observed my lesson and thought it was really funny.  It was her first voice lesson :)<br />
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We had a lot of fun that weekend watching movies, playing board games, and skyping with my sister/cousin Sarah.  We walked around the grounds of beautiful <i>Schloss Nymphenburg</i> and enjoyed an afternoon hot chocolate in the sunshine.  We also visited the castle in Dachau (no, I did NOT go to the concentration camp...I know the war was awful, I know we must not forget what took place...but I've seen enough movies to know what happened and I don't need to see it in person...thank you very much).<br />
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From München, I headed back to Susi's parents house in Spaichingen.  Once again, Kurt and Elvira were amazing hosts and we had a week full of activities!  Besides a daily <i>Spaziergang</i> (walk), highlights from the week included:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting <i>Rheinfall</i> near Schaffhausen in Switzerland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing <i>Die Fledermaus</i> by Johann Strauss at Oper Stuttgart - staging was too modern for my taste, but still educational</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking around <i>Burg Wildenstein</i>, which is now a youth hostel next to the Donau River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking a good ole sweet potato pie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7xPAuP8BmLi9RlylKMN8ympF6ruCUwpLt-B3sw_-rqu5Z6X6p9uZgWuPgSQVnOgj1eAoYDQfHlL7CA8NOxEwBNFB5fl5JWY5DVRfLjzRXoigZgkWgS85rJjflpFJRrehDj_ycvhXIxrU/s1600/PB110313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7xPAuP8BmLi9RlylKMN8ympF6ruCUwpLt-B3sw_-rqu5Z6X6p9uZgWuPgSQVnOgj1eAoYDQfHlL7CA8NOxEwBNFB5fl5JWY5DVRfLjzRXoigZgkWgS85rJjflpFJRrehDj_ycvhXIxrU/s320/PB110313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attending festivities in Spaichingen for the first night of <i>Faschingzeit</i>, where they crown the <i>Prinzenpaar</i> </td></tr>
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Unfortunately, I woke up sick on the day I was supposed to depart Spaichingen.  I had awful stomach pains all through the night, and by morning I was starting to get worried.  It wasn't my usual kind of stomach pain (I can tell the difference between pain from eating too much bread or sugar, pain from the flu, or pain from being a woman).  Kurt has a friend who is a doctor, and he graciously stopped by to see me on his way to work.  He felt around to determine that it was NOT appendicitis (whew!), and that I simply had a stomach bug.  Apparently the German stomach bug is different, because I felt atrocious.  He prescribed some medicine, which Kurt picked up at the <i>Apotheke</i>.  Don't ask me what it was, because I have no idea.  All I know is that 20 minutes after taking it, my stomach pain went away and never returned.<br />
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On the plus side, I learned a new word that day: <i>Durchfall</i>.  Some German words make perfect sense.  <i>Durch</i> means "through" and <i>Fall</i> is a fall.  Hence <i>Durchfall</i> means "diarrhea."  Oh the practicality!  (For the record, I did <u>not</u> have diarrhea, but everyone kept asking me if I did...)

The Adventures Continue...

A lot has been going on the last couple of weeks, and although I've had the time to write about it, I haven't had the motivation. I...

My Aunt Mary Jane

Wednesday, November 07, 2012 Valerie 1

Yesterday evening my beloved Aunt Mary Jane went home to be with the Lord.  I am truly saddened and also frustrated by the turn of events that led to this tragedy.  In August she was healthy, and now less than 3 months later the cancer won and she is gone.  But I'm still keeping Aunt MJ alive in my heart, where she will be for the rest of my life. <br />
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My Aunt Mary Jane is one of the strongest people I know, she doesn't take crap from anyone.  She speaks up for herself and for others, speaking the truth in wisdom.  She loves deeply and takes care of the people around her.  She is practical and hard-working, doing whatever it takes to get the job done.  She is welcoming and hospitable, opening her arms and home to friends and strangers.  She is humble, never seeking praise for the work of her hands, but always doing the grunt work that no one else wants to do.  She is orderly, keeping track of dates and deadlines, and making sure everything is in its proper place.  She values the important things in life, and doesn't worry about things that don't really matter.  She lets you know when you're being ridiculous, and scolds you when you're being <i>really</i> ridiculous.  She is an excellent listener, giving advice and encouragement.  My Aunt Mary Jane is one of the best people you could ever meet and I will miss her greatly!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTTB1dGzlOAWvRPkiZ04Tu7t-M9erAbDZJNtqjWDoBrNtluljLCKWJH4dOXucegAIendxeGT2H18sbbPyRXYszx5nDfJqt0EhiUMxRiuH3zQ1RaWGoisoFntM7d_6PbRD6ndgAhSvI4tW/s1600/P7162129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTTB1dGzlOAWvRPkiZ04Tu7t-M9erAbDZJNtqjWDoBrNtluljLCKWJH4dOXucegAIendxeGT2H18sbbPyRXYszx5nDfJqt0EhiUMxRiuH3zQ1RaWGoisoFntM7d_6PbRD6ndgAhSvI4tW/s400/P7162129.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Mary Jane "MJ" in the middle, with my mom (left) and Aunt Melody (right)</td></tr>
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My Aunt Mary Jane

Yesterday evening my beloved Aunt Mary Jane went home to be with the Lord. I am truly saddened and also frustrated by the turn of events th...

Another Birthday Celebration

Sunday, November 04, 2012 Valerie 1

This week was my cousin Jeanette's birthday.  Like a true Haas, she waited until the actual date to open all her cards and gifts.  It's tradition!<br />
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I had fun cooking in the kitchen that day, and I <i>think</i> everyone enjoyed trying new cuisine.  Here's what I made: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo4LxE1QB1UjV1cr1_8UkylUC2fSxY3SLkIdTUG-ro5J2z593VkXAJIS1UVZRIzEJS784tXB42mUfVKWTVTpX7hyphenhyphenrZ9i234b5KMN8dVd2LeO7VORgBtz6m9dySQ6TNKQ1drN0I22Symxs/s1600/PA300210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo4LxE1QB1UjV1cr1_8UkylUC2fSxY3SLkIdTUG-ro5J2z593VkXAJIS1UVZRIzEJS784tXB42mUfVKWTVTpX7hyphenhyphenrZ9i234b5KMN8dVd2LeO7VORgBtz6m9dySQ6TNKQ1drN0I22Symxs/s320/PA300210.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Raisin Bread (thanks to Landon & Jen for the recipe!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCg9DU5N9LB6Hfl0WFpP_IBjTW0oM8BJFTAX1sF4p25XI_03IVb78hyphenhyphenUueFoBh6zM5-yAb-oYsWiuFwkwINvFCk0PP4UaHsz9novcA9SLgoyPgCnme6T61_-hWjvIlvqljEjcC11pme4Yg/s1600/PA300213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCg9DU5N9LB6Hfl0WFpP_IBjTW0oM8BJFTAX1sF4p25XI_03IVb78hyphenhyphenUueFoBh6zM5-yAb-oYsWiuFwkwINvFCk0PP4UaHsz9novcA9SLgoyPgCnme6T61_-hWjvIlvqljEjcC11pme4Yg/s320/PA300213.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Potato Soup (you can see where I took out the hand blender)</td></tr>
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After lunch, Jeanette and I went for a long walk together in the outdoors.  It was nice to get some fresh air and exercise after a heavy meal!  There was still a little snow on the ground, which made for beautiful scenery during our <i>Spaziergang</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ho2TH3mfB9Wf1tLbT20LaO_pB3nEpFHVYqmDVzUkAvSl-cHWK6yBOub30-nk60HBDk26bNxsdoElOKgOGkZgFbkcZmHlCqQP-Ro-WW8pBq9rBqowMGMXtBfz2yMSc-c1TJjs6uCd2Wwo/s1600/PA300217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ho2TH3mfB9Wf1tLbT20LaO_pB3nEpFHVYqmDVzUkAvSl-cHWK6yBOub30-nk60HBDk26bNxsdoElOKgOGkZgFbkcZmHlCqQP-Ro-WW8pBq9rBqowMGMXtBfz2yMSc-c1TJjs6uCd2Wwo/s320/PA300217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Jeanette!</td></tr>
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Upon on our return to the house, Helmut had our afternoon coffee ready, which we enjoyed with a homemade apple pie.  There is no real translation for "pie" in German, so you just have to say <i>Apfelkuchen</i>, which means "apple cake."  I tried to explain that "cake" and "pie" are not the same thing, but the only way to really know is by taste testing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxETDAGqPYV_eqwy4gQ0J_N3lREh57LrMwLASbjSjHF0QayhCJeA30J7nunEGpuTWuRISTn72rJkI2VBpHBF0DmTrNEEu4Jv_VLgyli8B93RkmQNwOfGDv_sVBQG_9ARA39L-LPUAdPDk6/s1600/PA300211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxETDAGqPYV_eqwy4gQ0J_N3lREh57LrMwLASbjSjHF0QayhCJeA30J7nunEGpuTWuRISTn72rJkI2VBpHBF0DmTrNEEu4Jv_VLgyli8B93RkmQNwOfGDv_sVBQG_9ARA39L-LPUAdPDk6/s320/PA300211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUltr3MwfVxMxsBDJcC0das1bBwAJqDTOu429SaA8yhJ4uuNz0tBsolTNnqVIlmhlQJaLTiB4waPFZ2ptPkqOpK-_bg-d7RpY3wfiwLc0wGZXn0WxCDo1onosJeuxAYsywR3TuWLy8l2iK/s1600/PA300212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUltr3MwfVxMxsBDJcC0das1bBwAJqDTOu429SaA8yhJ4uuNz0tBsolTNnqVIlmhlQJaLTiB4waPFZ2ptPkqOpK-_bg-d7RpY3wfiwLc0wGZXn0WxCDo1onosJeuxAYsywR3TuWLy8l2iK/s200/PA300212.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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Another Birthday Celebration

This week was my cousin Jeanette's birthday. Like a true Haas, she waited until the actual date to open all her cards and gifts. It...

Thanksgiving in Germany

Gearing up for Advent

The Adventures Continue...

My Aunt Mary Jane

Another Birthday Celebration

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