The Fall colors in Germany are coming in quickly now. A long, dry, hot summer has had an effect on the change. Some of the trees just dried up with no color. But there are plenty that are starting to come in with yellows and oranges. Our little Japanese maple is bright yellow right now. Pic of the front of our house a few days ago.
We are almost 18 months into this adventure…nearing our halfway point. The time has gone quickly with lots of trips and visitors. Though, it has not been what I expected after living in England for four years. Life here in Germany has been different…quieter, slower. Well, except during travel times. Then I’ve got Mr. Energizer Bunny (aka JT) to keep me going full speed!
Our favorite people from our little local cafe have moved to go full time in the travel business in Spain. I will miss seeing them terribly. I told them that they were my “social life.” What will I do without them? All of our neighbors are very quiet people who we rarely see. I miss my front porch where I always saw people coming and going. My mornings up until about 2 pm are very quiet. It’s the hardest part of my day. John leaves for work. Everyone I know at home is sleeping. I often hear from Beki and Holly on their way to and from school, which is nice but then I don’t get to see much of Hadi because she is home with Nana. Sometimes the quiet wants to swallow me up and I feel very alone in this foreign land.
I have started playing piano consistently again. But as always, struggle with not being perfect. My brain sees and must play every note and shorts out when my fingers can’t keep up! 😆lol! Thankfully, I seem to find plenty to keep myself busy. My poor Etsy shop, which did so well for several years, has taken a nose dive and with algorithms and changes, I’m struggling to get it back on course. I think I am growing weary of the design process…takes so much time with little compensation. I have sold over 3000 patterns that have traveled around the world, so that feels like an accomplishment. Maybe it’s time to find projects to make for me. And maybe time to get back to some old hobbies that I loved. Here's the latest published pattern.
I believe there is a purpose for being here in Germany; haven’t quite put my finger on it yet. I’m here, while my family is back home struggling. And I question why? A Lot! But my faith keeps me going because God’s plan is better than my plan. And He’s never steered me wrong yet. Through it all, moves, crisis, family struggles, illnesses, fears, anxieties, loneliness, Jesus remains my true North. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
