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.