The Third Day of Christmas

My Third Day of Christmas was a even smaller event. The three kids were going to have their Traditional christmas dinner at their fathers house. At the dinner there was Shefhan, the dad, the fathers girlfriend (awkward) , the grandma, mira, laurids, and I. The dinner consitied of potatos (not as good as my sister`s mashed potatos which I miss), rice, little lettace heads (i have no idea what they are called), spinage (gross), and the main course......DUCK! yep thats right duck and it doesn`t taste like chicken, or turkey for that matter, it´s ......different. Anywho after we finish eating our Christmas dinner we sat around and visited, swung on the two hammocks in the guest room, and looked up places on GoogleEarth. Then we settled down and opened even more presents. Mira received a Cocktail cookbook and Cocktail set, Laurids and I both got scarfs, gloves, socks, and a MP3-player 2GB. We visited a little longer and then headed off to home. At home we watched Transformers and The Girl With A Pearl Earring. At that time I went to bed.
The past three days have been full of Christmas Spirit and I am glad I got to share it with the Biermanski Fmaily of Willich, Germany. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and and Happy New Year. See You In 2009!

The Second Day of Christmas

My second day of Christmas was a smaller event however it was a calm one. After staying up late the night before we all slept in. Once everyone woke up, Laurids my brother taking his sweet time, we set up our breakfast which was huge, Breakfast in germany is a little different than back in America. As we have Cereal, Toast, Eggs, Bacon, and Pancakes (oh how I miss pancakes) the germans have rolls, wurst (they have like five million different kinds of wurst), cold cuts, jam, and other unidentified objects. After breakfast we had the afternoon to ourselves, I decided to clean and organize my room and organize my presents for home. I quickly finish and set off on the grand adventure in the book The Hobbit by J. R.R. Tolkien. Around 4 pm we got out of our pajamas and into daily clothes and went over to another friends house for some apple pie and talk. There we received more presents and a pedicure from the family friends daughter. My nails never looked this good. Soon we were all tired and came home where we watched as a family Victor Viktoria with Julie Andrews. By that time it was time for bed however that was the time to call my Parents and wish them a Merry Christmas. That was the highlight of my second day of christmas. I was hoping to be able to talk to my sister Viktoria who is on a mission write now at the same time she called our parents but it fell through but I still love my sister and wish her a merry christmas too. When I had finished talking to my Parents it was 2 am (my time) and boy was I tired.
That was my Second Day of Christmas.

The First Day of Christmas

Yesterday was the first day of Christmas over here in Germany. Tell me tell ya its big. I woke up a little depressed and sad but the holiday spirit wouldn`t let me stay like that for long. My host-family and I ate a small breakfast and each got ready for the day. Some wrapped their presents and some played on the computer. Around 3 pm we were visited by some of my host-mom`s friends who came with us to Mass. Yes thats right I went to Mass. At first I was a little not to friendly about the idea but in the end I decided to go with a happy heart and a opened mind. Plus my mom wrote me a e-mail telling me that she would like me to go. Mass was all together interessting and a little different. There was a lot of singing (most of the songs I didn`t know and so I kinda of stood there) and alot of praying, they pray for everything, and each thing had its own prayer. All together it was about an hour long. After Mass we came back to the house and set up dinner which was a make your own meat and rice oriental bowl. During the meal we talked and visited. Once dinner was over we took a break and the kids played games while the three moms talked and cleaned up. Then it was time for the presents. To be able to open up your first present someone flipped a coin and you had to call out heads or tales. If you got it right you got to open up your first present, if you got it wrong you had to wait for your next turn. However that soon dissolved and we were opening presents right and left. Now some of you back home might remeber that i absulotly love orange, well my family here found that out and I had a collection of orange presents plus some other things. here is what I received:
A German Calender
A Brother Grimm Story Book (in german)
The Hobbit ( the book)
Bath Soaps
Marshmallows
Oreos
Microwaveable Popcorn
Chocolate
,and now my orange collection;
Orange Gloves
Orange Beanie
Orange Bathroom Supplies
Orange Legwarmers
Orange Towels
Orange Earring (from the Porters my sisters family)
a Orange stick of candy
and
a Orange Angel,
Those are my presents and what I bought for my host-family were
Laurids (brother) - Beanie and Gray pullover
Mira (sister) - Purple jacket with fur Hood
and Gabi (mom) - a Novel and a cookbook,
After we all had opened our presents we sat and talked for a few more minutes and some of our quest left for home and we all got ready for bed.
And the last thing I did yesterday was I calle dmy Friend Debbie to surprise her for her brithday and for her family for christmas a phone call from me. And boy were they surprised!
And that was my first day of Christmas in Germany.

Frohe Weihnachten!!!!

I just want to wish you all a Frohe Weihnacten and a happy New Year. I will write all my christmas activities this weekend.

SNOW!!!!!!******

On Sunday night we had a huge snowstorm which cause us to have around three feet of snow. That night we as in the Biermanski's and I plus an few more, had a snowball fight and went sledding. It was so much fun and I now have bonded more with my host-family more than ever. Ever since I smashed snow in each of their faces a couple times. Ha hA! Although the next day melted most of the snop away I can't wait till it snows again and we start all over again with the fights. Viel Spass Zusammen!!!!

A Calling:

I have been called to serve as the Primary Pianist in the Krefeld Germany Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Yeah thats right. I now play the piano for the small and meek. I hope my playing gives them a sense that I love them even if my speaking doesn't.

The Missionaries

Yesterday on Halloween the door bell rang and it was not trick or treaters....it was the missionaries. The Elders on request of the bishopric sent out to find me. And they did. I am so grateful to those two missionaries who showed up on my front door to see how I was doing and to ask if I needed anything. They Also invited me to a concert that night, which I went to. When I arrived Brother Spence (no not the one from home) took the time and talked with me, while I was there many members came up to me and I have made some new friends. Having the missionaries here and around the world is such a blessing to those who are members and non-members. Their example has given me courage and hope to contend church not whenever I can but all the time. Thanks you Elders and Sisters that take the time and search for those who need to be found.

The Video

So far my atempts at puting the video of myself in the north sea has been difficult but I will not give up.

Holland or as the Germans say The Neiderlands

Now to tell you about Holland!
It only took us four hours to get to the house we had rented for the week and the first thing we the teens did, We went to the beach of course. It was only five minutes away by our own feet. So close! It was a some what sunny day and the tide was low. Perfect! After exhausting ourselves at the beach we had back to the house and ate dinner, played some games and went to bed. They next day after sleeping in we had breakfast went to the beach, ate dinner, played games and went to bed. Yep that was our routne for the whole week. So much fun! Each night we played a different game and watched a little tV. Near the End of the week I decided to make a mounument. My mounument was to swim in the North Sea, while recoreding it, and dedicate it to my sister Viktoria who never slacked and swimming at the oregon coast with me. And I did, twice. The first time I was by myself then the second time I got Laurids my host-brother and his friend in the water too. The next post I will try and post the video.
By for now!

Back to School

After the past three weeks it is hard to get back into the groove of things like school and daily life. However it is nice to be home and rested.
Tomorrow I will take the time to write about my experiences, casue now it is time for bed and I and tired. Tchüss. Bis Morgen.

No More Oktoberfest....:(

This week I was to travel to Munich to witness the Oktoberfest......sadly I wasn't able to make it. However its nothing to be sad about I will always be able to go to other Fest. Prost!!!!(in other words "cheers")

My Host Family

Some of you know and some of you don't. About 6 1/2 weeks ago I switcthed host families. I am now living with the Biermanski's. Mira Biermanski is a old exchange student that stayed with us about a half a year ago. She has a brother Laurids and a mom Gabi. They are a awesome family that welcomed me with open arms and I am forever grateful to them. Thank you Family Biermanski for allowing me into your home.

Prague and the Day Before

Now I will tell you everything that has happened in the past week. It will take some time though, not that your complaining. I will start some time ago...September 19th As I was walking around shopping with Mira and her Family, around the busy shopping district of Mönchengladbach. Two things happened right after another. First, Missionaries. We were walking across the street when Mira pointed at something the opposite direction we were going, two elder missionaries. My heart leapt at the sight of them I wanted to go and talk to them but decided to not bug them with memories of the states and home. As we went into the first store (H&M, yes I know I have one within bus distance) I couldn't help but think about those two Missionaries. while as I walked out of H&M, heart leapt with joy, there across the street where a group of Elder and Sister Missionaries singing the hymns in this bust part of town, while Elders walked up to people and start talking to them. Even though many shook their heads and kept walking the Elders kept talking to those with even a tiny bit of interest. I felt the Spirit and Love for this people radiated from these simple men and women like never before in my time here. It made my heart soar with peace and love. Right there in that moment while everyone bustled along in their busy day I felt proud and rejuvenated to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The second took some time to figure out. After My experience with the Missionaries as they where looking around for a sweatshirt for Mira, I didn't have anything to do so I leaned up against a pillar and watched them. then I started to realize another feeling in my heart, it was love and yearning for my sister Viktoria who is serving a mission right now back in the states and she and I used to go shopping together all the time. Shopping with my host family and seeing those missionaries made me realize how much I miss Viktoria with all my heart, and I am proud to say that is my sister and that you are faithfully serving a mission.
September 20th-26th (Sunday through Friday)
Sunday
Traveled to Prague on a double decker bus for the class trip. While walking around town late at night I had a bad feeling so asked if we (the group I was with) could head back to the hotel, with some reluctance on their part we did.
Monday
Took a tour of the City and some of its historic buildings. After the tour we separated into smaller groups and went sight seeing a shopping. There was a mall with 200 stores right next door to our hotel....yeah. The people I was with Mira, Juana, and Hopper(nickname) wanted to go to a bar for a drink. I told them I didn't want to go. They said that They would check it out and if it was okay then we would go, but I just went back to the hotel.They wanted to know what was up with me and I told them what I believe and what my standards are. I was little annoyed at Mira cause she was the one mostly wanted to go to the bar, so that I could "experience" what it was all about. She knows me and why would she of all people want to put me in that situation. But after our brief talk they understood me better and all is well for now.
Tuesday
Toured a Brewery, went shopping, had a house party (yep there was alcohol) I just hung out on my bed.
Wednesday
Toured a Concentration Camp from WWII, it was really....well I really can't put a word or phrase to it. Others that night went to a bar while I stayed behind.
Thursday
Toured a church with bones decorating it walls like "Jewelry", seriously. Took a group photo. Walked to Hard Rock Cafe and got T-shirts.
Friday
Traveled home.
That was my adventure in Prague and it was really interesting. Anyway, since we've been back the fam and I have been cleaning and resting. Next week We are going to the Nederlands for a vacay!!!! I will write aboiut that when we get back.

Well it's time to inform you all of the next three weeks and what it means to me and you..........what it means to me......21st - 26th Prague (Class Trip, oh and going to Hard Rock Cafe!!!)28th - 5th OktoberFest (That's right I am going....and no I will not drink a single drop of beer.....although I will be tempted to eat a lot of Wurst....ha ha....)6th - 11th Holiday in the Nederland's (With the Biermanski's)....you might be asking yourself why this concerns you...well I just wanted you all to know why I won't be writing for the next three weeks........oh and I will definitely take pictures so you can all be jealous....ha ha....jk...jk....Love yaTchüss!!!

A Week Of School....and more....

So I finally have a chance to write, however it will be short cause I am not much of a writer........
My week is plan and more often a little too much. Here is my schedule for the week and every week for school....

Monday
English
Päda (Social Science)
Physolophy
Chemie

Tuesday
Math
Biology
English

Wednsday
English
Deutch
Sowi (Contempary Issues)
Kunst (Art)

Thurday
Kunst
Physolophy
Math
Deutsch
Päda
Sport

Friday
Sowi
Biology
Päda
Sport
Chemie

Yeah talk about busy. It's hard to figure out what everyone is saying and what is going in every class. I have been fortunate though, there is always someone who is willing to help me.
When I get home from school I am so tired and I eat lunch, then either go take a nap or read.
On the weekends that is another story. This saturday I am hanging out with Mary-Jaunna, she is a super cool chick and we are going shopping!!!!!! (don't worry mom I will be wise). Then on Sunday I am going to Krefeld to church and then it's relax till another week starts.

Germany as a whole is a amazing place even though it has some weird things about it, nothing is prefect.

That's really about it. Nothing different than back home other then the language (which will soon be no problem).

Wanderer

As of today I find my self a wanderer. Not really belonging to my home, but not really in my new life in Gemany. When will I be placed? Who knows. All I know is the journey there will be an adventure.

Just a Thanks

ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS LEFT TILL MY FLIGHT LEAVES THE MEDFORD OREGON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

As I am getting ready for this grand adventure I look to see what really caused this quick act of courage and I find that my true friends the ones I love most dear and my family have supported me in any activity I so choose to participate in. I would just like to say thank you to those who have made my life eventful who have stood by me even when I was a real jerk to them and when they and I had our downs. Once again thank you for always being there for me, and I just want you to know that I will always be there for you even though I am half a world away.

THANK YOU.

Plane Ticket!

So I have bought my plane ticket I am leaving the 2nd of august in the evening. I will be arriving in Washington D.C in the morning......YAY!

My Agenda

Washington D.C. : 3-4 Days
Language course in Germany : 2 Weeks
With host family : 10 Months (give or take)
super exceited : priceless

Meine Host Familien

So if you didn't catch that Meine Host Familien is My Host Family in English. Now is the time to tell you about my Host Family. The parents are in their late fifties. they have four grown-up children, and a dog. They live in Essen which is above Frankfurt. My school, Viktroia-Gymanism, is a few miles away so I will be taking the bus. Thats about it. They seem like a lovely Family and I can;t wait to meet them and live with them.

My Timeline as of 05-05-08

To give you a little bit of more information of my schedule, I will give some tid bits to digest. In early August, I will travel to Washington D.C. and spend a few day chillin and meeting some very important people. Then I will fly over to Germany and take a 2-week long language course to give me a jumpstart. After that I will be sent to my host Family (see new post for more info) where I will start school and have some fun. With a little luck I will be speaking the language flutently in/around three months. Wow! Thats right buddy, I will have one sweet accent when I get back. I haven't decided on what I will do when I get back, but thats for another post down the line.

First News

Well I am going to Germany. Thats right I am going to Germany. For ten months to be exact. And all the adventures I will have will be adventures to blog....and remember! I intent to blog on a weekly basis, however, if I do not I am sorry. I will try my hardest to blog every thing I do...well not everything...most of it though!