I SURVIVED WINTER

This just in... winter is OVER! You know how I know that? I am not constantly scraping my windshield. If you know me, you know that I loathe winter. The only good thing about it is that it makes you appreciate the spring.

A few things got me through this past winter in Germany. I will talk about those things now...

1) Leaving Germany and going home for the 1st time in a year!

This was the best feeling I think I have ever had. The weather in Saint Louis was "freezing rain," needless to say the first time I saw my house we fishtailed down our hill and landed in a neighbor's yard. Picture Grandma Cummings, my mom, Brooke, me, and an 80lb piece of luggage trying to make it up a hill. Nice. It was so good to be reunited with my sisters, mom, dad, and of course that scruffy pup Toby. PLUS shortly before coming home my college boyfriend Ryan and I "rekindled" our relationship and enjoyed reuniting in Kansas City. He's the boy I've always wanted to be with and it goes to show--- sometimes you do get the desires of your heart when you trust in the Lord! :) My time at home was full of criss crossing Missouri, eating Mexican, spending time with friends, and loving being at home. It was very hard to leave and come back to Germany.

2) Ski Trips!

I have had the opprotunity to go ski in Grindelwald, Germany; St. Johann, Austria; and Interlaken, Switzerland. I love being active outside and actually enjoying the snowfall. Skiing here is so laid back and such a fun thing to do! This is the only time you hear me singing, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."

3) Salads

Ok, not necessarily salads, but what the salad represents in my life and that is...routine. I am NOT a person of routine. I don't stick to regimens. Here in Germany I have found--- I do! I like to eat the same things at work, order the same things at restaurants, go to the same work out place, spend Sundays at church. I like routine. Living in a country where everything is unfamiliar, routines give me a source of stability and comfort. So I will continue to eat a salad everyday at work because it helps more than just getting my vitamins and minerals!

4) Friends!

What's life without good friends? My woman's bible study, nurse co-workers, and church youth group girls keep me going! The laughter, accountability, and joy they add to my life give the monotony flavor.

Now...spring is here! I have many visits to look forward too including my sisters, Ryan, my friend Katy from summer camp counseling, my cousin Ben, and friend Lisa from nursing school. Bis Bald!

And so Fall begins....

Well, I just found out some rather sad news today... Fall officially starts Sept. 1st here in Germany. That's okay. I am determined to have a good attitude and not whine about the colder weather. My friend Sarah says I fear winter more than anyone she knows.

How of course did I start my fall season? I made a batch of Cummings recipe pumpkin cookies. (what? I come from a family of five women--- we bake when times get rough!) They were a crowd pleaser at dinner tonight. Here's the recipe...

Pumpkin Cookies:
1 c. sugar
2 sticks butter
1 egg
2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 c. pumpkin

Mix these ingredients and bake until done in 350 degree (180 Celsius ;) oven

3 T. butter
4 T. milk
1/2 c. brown sugar

Mix together for frosting cook on stove for 3 min. Cool and add 1 c. powdered sugar. Frost COOLED cookies. So yummy!

I can't wait to go to Pumpkin Fest here in Germany and sample some pumpkin soup, pumpkin seeds, and even pumpkin ravioli!

So what's been happening?

I am full time on the wonderful floor 10CD (ten charlie-delta). The adjustment has been rocky at times, mistakes have been made, heads have been butt, crying with patients has ensued, but it is all worth it for the meaning and purpose in my life the patients here give me. I wouldn't trade it. I am a night-shifter, so I actually have the same schedule with the states, which has helped me keep in contact better.

In July, I traveled to Palma Mallorca. An island off the coast of Spain. It was wonderful to be on the beach and under the sun attempting to put some color on this body that Germany has turned beyond pale. I went with my friends Sarah, Lauren, and Maggie. Here's a pic! It was neat to watch Spain celebrate their world cup victories while we were there. Espana! I love that country...

In July, I also went on a tour Netherlands sailing trip and tour with my friend Shannon. We had a blast sailing to a tiny Holland fishing town, exploring Amsterdam on bikes, a cheese and wooden shoe factory tour, going on a canal cruise, and my favorite- visiting the Anne Frank house. I first read her story when I was 13, the same age as Anne when she wrote her diaries, I remembered how her story influenced me. It was neat to actually be at the Hiding Place 10 years later.

A special treat in August was meeting up with my dear friend, Katy Vitek. We first met in California when we worked there as a camp counselors. We met in Paris under the "south leg" of the Eiffel- so romantic! She helped to show me Paris because she had spent some time in France this summer. What a magical city--- especially at night time. We tried on dresses at boutiques, drank tea and ate macaroons at Lourdes tea room, and sampled their baguettes and cheese at a picnic under the Eiffel. It was a blessing and a joy to visit with such a great friend and bring her back with me to see my life in Germany before she headed to Norway to finish her time in Europe.

Soon and very soon my parents will be here! I cannot wait for their arrival and to give my mom and dad a big hug! I am literally CRAVING my family and their unconditional love.

God continues to give me strength and people to help me along my way such as my new friend Alexis who precepted me on my floor and showed me the "right way."

I hope to come home in December to partake of some of the holiday season. It is hard to leave here--- mission first!

I miss YOU. Thanks for reading.

Summer in Deutschland!

Frau Cummings & Ellrich

Remember when I said that Germany was miserable in the winter? Well, imagine just the opposite with days that go have light until near 10pm! The "rosen" are in full bloom everywhere. Wildflowers cover the sides of the roads. My bike and I are having a blast cruising around the endless trails of Germany.

The other great part of Germany summers are the Fests! There is just about a fest for anything and everything. I have attended the "Fruhlingfest" (SpringFest) in Stutgartt where I bought my beloved dirndl and last weekend attended the "Erdbeer" (Strawberry) festival in Erbach, Germany. (Did you know that there are 7 Erbachs in Germany and only had to go to three to find the right one?). Fests are full of rides, beer gardens, brats, and German bands. There is no way to be sad at a fest!

May and June have been full of adventures. I went to Budapest, Hungary for an international singles retreat with my church. I met people from every continent besides Anartica (I wonder why?). It was neat to experience Eastern Europe and how different it is than western Europe. I traveled to Ireland- one of the places I have always wanted to visit. The Wicklow hills were beautiful. Remember P.S. I love you where they filmed the bridge scene where they meet? Wicklow Valley. Remember in Braveheart where they have the secret wedding? Yep! Wicklow Valley. We also visited Glendolaugh "The Valley of Two Lakes." The Irish landscape was breathtaking. The Irish were by far the friendliest people I have ever met. They just love their Guinness! I also went by train to Belfast, Ireland in the northern part of the country that is still part of the United Kingdom. It was sad to learn how much terrorism rules the city because of the terrorist groups of the Protestant and Catholic churches that still fight over hundreds of years of disagreement. The music of Ireland is contagious, and I still have it blaring in my car on the way to work!

Belfast, Ireland where the Protestants and Catholics still fight and kill

Wicklow Valley

My last adventure in early June had the most impact on me. Shannon, Sarah, and I travelled to France to go to the D-Day Festival celebrating 66 years since D-Day. We visited Omaha Beach where 9,000 US soldiers lost their lives, the site where the 82nd Airborne parachute dropped troops, Point du Hoc where the Rangers raided the Germans, and the cemetery where the fallen were laid to rest. I think that being in the United States Army took on a whole new meaning for me during the trip. The price of freedom was not cheap. So many young, young men lost their lives in Normandy. I had the privilege to see a few of the remaining vets there. As a nurse at Landstuhl the question came to mind, "How will the fallen soldiers of today be remembered?"
At the Ste Mere Eglise Village where thousands of paratroopers were dropped for battle! A reenactment with German, American, French, and British soldiers happens every year on D-day. (I wish I could have jumped too!) The hat you see my friends and I wearing we gave to two 10 year-old French girls who loved America!

I was very sad that I was unable to make it to my cousin Courtney's wedding in Saint Louis where many of my family gathered to celebrate on June 12th. Also in June, my twin sisters turned 20 on the 9th and Cassidy celebrated her birthday yesterday. I hate being away from my family, but I know that someday after this crazy adventure is over I will return!

I praise God for the opportunities he has blessed me with and the people I share the experiences with. The Wounded Warriors at Landstuhl continue to amaze me with their attitudes. If you are interested in sending the troops here items--- let me know! I have ideas.

Finding my Stride

Life continues to move at the "speed of LRMC." I am settled into my apartment that now feels oh, so cozy. I bought a bike that I have been riding like a fiend around Germany. I forgot how much fun bike riding is.

I was able to visit Barcelona, Spain for a training holiday in April with nursing friends. I enjoyed the Spanish culture. It was much more laid back than Germany! My favorite part was seeing Gaudi's architecture and riding around the city and beach on bikes.

I continue to be challenged in my nursing at Landstuhl. I officially get to my floor in July. I am both excited and nervous.

What a blessing to receive letters from friends and family. My mother sent me a recipe book of all our family recipes from back home that we grew up with. If you can't tell--- I've been a little homesick for home! I love it here, but sometimes it would be nice to see some familiar faces that I long to see. Nathan Haak, a friend from church and school, won the prize for being my first visitor here in Germany.

Unfortunately, because of the silly volcano I was unable to go to London to see my mom and aunts. They went to Cabo, Mexico instead. I am glad that they spent relaxing time together and I look forward to seeing them in the future!

My church continues to be a source of strength for me. As the Bible says, draw near to God and He will draw near to you James 4:8. I am trying to find out more how God can use me here in Germany, and I think I am on to a few ideas!

My other new hobby is Crossfitting. It is a very different workout style than my old practice of running for miles and miles. It focuses on high intensity, shorter work outs. We meet at a warehouse on Landstuhl that was converted into a gym. It is very "underground" feeling. I love the group effort part of it the best! Us female nurse lieutenants make up a big portion of the participants.

The days here are so long now. Sunshine until 9pm! I leave tomorrow to go to Budapest, Hungary for a singles retreat. I am very excited!

Take care friends and family! This seems to be a verse that is popping up a lot in my life:

"For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he has prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Spring has Sprung in Deutschland!

There was a reason I was born in March...because it is the beginning of spring and coincidentally my favorite season! Just like a butterfly metamorphs out of their cocoon, so the world awakens from its winter slumber. It gets me every year and never will stop amazing me!

Germany is finally getting warmer! Praise God! This winter was no joke. Thankfully, I had many friends in Germany to keep my spirits warm and lots of blankets to keep me physically warm. I am on the search for a bike, so I can ride the trails of Germany. I need one badly! But until then the joys of trail running will suffice!

New adventures include going back to Switzerland for a second go on the Alps. I love skiing the more I go and can't wait for next season. You can't beat skiing in a thin jacket with no hat and your toes not screaming. The snow was a bit like mashed potatoes though...

Last weekend I made a trip to visit my Scotland cronies in Bavaria. Bavaria is much more of your rustic Germany and less like the Americanized Kaiserslautern community I live in. We visited Nuremberg for the day and saw a few sights. It was even complete with a wonderful birthday party put on by dear Sarah for me and Tim, my birthday buddy. We both were born on March 31, 1987- just two hours apart.

Easter is a big deal in Germany! Did you know the bunny originated from Germany? My town has a haystack Easter bunny greeting you as you enter. Oh Erzenhausen...

I can't wait to see my mother and aunts soon in London although for a short time! I miss my family, but thanks to Skype and the telephone we keep in touch. I love technology...

I hope this post finds you having a blessed Easter season. Easter was always a big deal in the Cummings house because Cathy loves bunnies and the Cummings girls love chocolate, so a perfect fit! I look forward to celebrating Christ's resurrection with my new church, Frontline. What a blessing it is to me. God has been asking me lately how I am going to use my spiritual gifts in my life for Him and I am trying to figure it out... I don't want to go to heaven with my hands empty.

Happy Easter! Bunny kisses! (that one was for you Cath)

The Begining of my Nurse Career at Landstuhl

This may be a shock, but I actually came to Germany to work as a nurse! Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (or LRMC pronounced LARM-C) is the biggest US hospital outside of the US. It is on the "hilltop." I drive twenty-five minutes into work everyday up the hill, through the security gates, park far away, have a security officer check my ID again and bag, then I finally make my way to the floor! Security is high as it should be.

Can I talk a little bit about the mission of LRMC? I always knew that it played a huge role in the link between the conflict in the Middle East and the US, but in the past couple weeks this role of my hospital has become very clear to me. Everyday LRMC gets a bus full of injured soldiers who come from Iraq and Afghanistan. Their injuries vary from psychological to critical blast injuries. It is heart wrenching and warming at the same time. Everyone works together to accomplish our mission to take the best care of the troops until we can send them to the States or back to the battlefield. I am in love with our mission and can't talk enough about it. I love being a nurse here! I have been rotating through the flight line, OR, and receiving new patients and finally see "the big picture."

There are many, many new nurses at Landstuhl, but everyone has such a high motivation for what they do! I think that I have been negative in previous posts about being in Germany. It is all worth it to be at Landstuhl with our men and women who serve us. I am humbled by their stories and wish I could share them with you on the Internet! (but I can't :( )

Finally, I thought I would share a few pictures of my apartment if you haven't seen them yet on facebook:



Wow, it takes long to upload photos. Guess this is it for now! Auf Wiedersen friends!

Germany 6

Friends! I have pictures! My friend Sarah got her landlord's wireless internet password, so I have an Internet connection. I think I have mentioned in previous post how difficult it can be to get things done around Deutschland! Here are some pictures of what I have been up to! The pictures are of my trips to the Alps to go skiing and SCOTLAND! I feel extremely blessed for the opprotunities I have had recently to see Europe. Haggis, tatties, neeps- traditional Scottish food!

My first hostel experience! We had a group of 6 and stayed in this "lovely" place in dowtown edinburgh!

Downtown Edinburgh

The Edinburgh castle- what a fortress!

Skiing with friends in the Alps--- so much fun!

Nurse Corps Buddies!Wow! Thanks God for your beautiful creation and the beautiful day to ski! You are so awesome.

My apartment is coming along smashingly. Thanks to Ikea, my household goods arriving, a spritful 14 year old neighbor who likes to help me put things together, and many Euros. It looks way better than the flashback to the 80s it was before! I can't wait for family to come visit. I also can't wait for the weather to get warmer! I can't wait to run on the trails (hopefully bike too once I get one!).

My church, Frontline, is amazing. I can't wait to get involved more. It is so alive and rockin'. I am blessed to find the community. Aaaand there are lots of kiddos running around so hopefully I will find an opprotunity to babysit! (I need a kid fix)

The top 3 things I miss about the United States:

3) My phone plan... goodbye free minutes

2) the dollar

1) my drink being filled with endless amounts of water at restaurants!

The Army Nurse Transition Program is...slow. I am trying to be patient about the process and enjoy the weekends off and the things I am doing. Sometimes I just want to scream, "I AM AN RN! LET ME ON THE FLOOR!" I know I have much to learn, but also know the only way to learn is to start actually doing it and not sitting in the classroom. Please pray for patience for me as I will be in this transition program until July.

Okay, I think that is good for tonight! I wish I could watch the Olympics more, but with the lack of Internet and T.V. It's been difficult. USA all the way!