My sister went to Minnesota with her boyfriend for the weekend to visit his family, but I chose to stay behind in my new hometown. So, this is what I did during my time alone!
Friday - First off, I'll just let you know that my first interview up here went pretty well! I should know by Thursday if I got the job. :D
Laura helped me bake some bread before she left, so I just snacked on the bread. It was so delicious. I went to the library and picked out five movies. I knew that was going to have to last me, since 5 is the limit, and the library is closed this weekend.
I got :
Sense and Sensibility (BBC) - I liked it! It also came with Miss Austen Regrets, which I also liked.
Fiddler on the Roof - I saw this years ago but really didn't remember any except the wedding.
The Inheritance - A foreign film that I decided to try...don't get it, it's not worth it.
Martin and Lewis: At War with the Army - This was quite funny! What with Martin and Lewis isn't funny?
Master and Commander - I still haven't seen that one, so I might tackle it tonight before Laura gets back.
I watched both BBC movies on Friday night. Did I tell you that I like movies a lot? Having the noise helps me not to get nervous when I'm alone. While watching them, I was working on a secret project. I'll fill you in on that later. I'm not exactly sure when I went to bed, but it must have been pretty late!
I was actually able to sleep in on Saturday, which astounded me. I made some banana bread and pizza. Fiddler on the Roof was the movie of the day. I've since decided that if I ever sing on Broadway, I want to be Hodel, the second daughter. :D Saturday was also spent at the library, for quite a while, and extensive amounts of reading. I love reading too much sometimes. My phone was also a handy companion. I ended the night off with watching military appreciation shows on TBN, one of the few channels we get here.
Sunday was interesting! I picked dad up from the airport, and then said goodbye as soon as we got back to the apartment. He hopped in his truck and embarked on his 6 hour drive home. My poor father..he has had to endure more than one fast trip for my sake. Germany, California..you name it..he's probably done it for me. :D I watched the Inheritance...bleh.. don't watch it. Talked on the phone some more. More reading. Made myself some pasta and asparagus for supper. Yum! I had intended to go to church for the evening service, but they ended up not having it because of the holiday. That was a disappointment for sure, but I made up for it by searching the apartment high and low for an internet signal. Much to my delight, I finally found one! And it's perfect, because now our patio actually has a purpose! :D So, I enjoyed getting an encouraging email, and hearing from some friends. That definitely cheered me up. I watched the Martin and Lewis movie, and enjoyed it greatly. Then, I put Little Women on while I worked on typing my great-grandfather's autobiography into my computer. I have that movie memorized, so I didn't need to be watching it, and it wasn't distracting either.
Today has been lovely. I was able to spend some time talking to my dear dear friend. *sigh* It was so great! I also got to chat with some other friends on the phone! I love to talk, it's true. I love my friends..it's awesome. I'm been doing a lot of singing and hymn-playing today. I've missed some of these hymns dreadfully while being out of the country. What a blessing it's been to sing them again. Tonight I made myself a salad, mostly to use up the veggies. Sadly, the nutritional value surely went down as I fried up some of the veggies, but it really was so delicious! I'm quite pleased with the outcome. It wasn't until I was cleaning it all up that I realized what a pity it was that I hadn't taken pictures of my previous conquests! There's always next time! I still have a dreadful amount to learn. And that's been about it, up until now.
The highlight - definitely talking to all my various friends! I miss you all, and can't wait to see you again! Now, I'm off to watch my final movie, and hopefully finish up on my secret project...shh..
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Apple of His Eye
I know that not all of you love reading as much I do, but have you ever found a book that you could just not put down? A book that you were willing to stay up late to finish? I found a book like that yesterday, and I did stay up very late in order to finish it. The book is called “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers- have any of you read it? The story is basically a re-telling of the story of Hosea the Biblical prophet and his wife, Gomer, who was a prostitute. Rivers did not display the occupation of prostitution lightly, and that being the case, I would not suggest this book for everyone. I do ask you though, to bear with me as I tell how this book has touched me. I will try not to give too much away.
As many of you know, during my last week in Germany, I was able to spend two nights with a missionary family from my church who I have grown to love dearly. Both Buddy and Krista have a heart for women in prostitution – Krista works directly with them, and Buddy is more behind the scenes, praying and also has a heart for the men who run it. The closer I got to this family, the more I learned of their passion for this work with these people. Through their blog I have 'met' several women whose lives are being touched by Krista's heart. The hard truth of the lives of these women was something I could not grasp until I joined Krista for a night of street ministry in Hamburg.
The thing that most impressed me about that experience was that these prostitutes are not what they do - they are people. Some of them are extremely young and have been sold into this sexual slavery, for that is truly what it is. Others are very old, and I mean very old! If I remember correctly, there is a woman in her 70s who still works on the streets. Can you imagine that? What kind of damage has been done to that poor woman's heart. They all have emotions that they have pushed down deep inside of them and barred and locked the door. It's much easier not to feel at all...right?
There was one girl who Krista had already started forming a relationship with who I met on that night. Krista has decided to name her “Apple” because she is the apple of God's eye. Krista has chosen to give the girls new names for her blog to protect their privacy, and it also helps us who read it to get a glimpse of what Christ sees when He looks at them. Apple was one of the first people we talked to on that night, and one of the most incredible girls I met there. She is nineteen, like me, and has dealt with things that I cannot even imagine. We could not speak with her long, but in our short time together, I saw a hunger for truth, for freedom. How I wanted to just take her away with us. You can read more about my experience here .
Apple, and the rest of the women I met were who I thought of as I was reading “Redeeming Love”. The main character, most commonly referred to by her brothel name of Angel, was born the daughter of a prostitute with a father who wished she had never been born. Her first eight years of life were difficult to say the least, but paled in comparison to the next ten years. After her mother passed away when she was eight, she was sold to a brutal man to serve as his mistress and to serve others as well. As her life continued, she learned to hide all emotion and to stop thinking as she worked, and she became completely embittered by her life. She had no escape from her situation on her own. Page by page, you get to see this character grow, and how God used different people in her life to teach her about His redeeming love. I don't want to give too much away, so I will stop there.
This book touched me so much as I thought about Apple and what her life could be like. She is not the only one in this horrible situation. I would ask you to come alongside and join us in praying for these women, that they would see the truth of God's word, and feel the peace of God's forgiveness in their lives. I would strongly suggest that you check out my friends' blog here, and pray for them as well as they continue seeking the Lord in all their work.
As many of you know, during my last week in Germany, I was able to spend two nights with a missionary family from my church who I have grown to love dearly. Both Buddy and Krista have a heart for women in prostitution – Krista works directly with them, and Buddy is more behind the scenes, praying and also has a heart for the men who run it. The closer I got to this family, the more I learned of their passion for this work with these people. Through their blog I have 'met' several women whose lives are being touched by Krista's heart. The hard truth of the lives of these women was something I could not grasp until I joined Krista for a night of street ministry in Hamburg.
The thing that most impressed me about that experience was that these prostitutes are not what they do - they are people. Some of them are extremely young and have been sold into this sexual slavery, for that is truly what it is. Others are very old, and I mean very old! If I remember correctly, there is a woman in her 70s who still works on the streets. Can you imagine that? What kind of damage has been done to that poor woman's heart. They all have emotions that they have pushed down deep inside of them and barred and locked the door. It's much easier not to feel at all...right?
There was one girl who Krista had already started forming a relationship with who I met on that night. Krista has decided to name her “Apple” because she is the apple of God's eye. Krista has chosen to give the girls new names for her blog to protect their privacy, and it also helps us who read it to get a glimpse of what Christ sees when He looks at them. Apple was one of the first people we talked to on that night, and one of the most incredible girls I met there. She is nineteen, like me, and has dealt with things that I cannot even imagine. We could not speak with her long, but in our short time together, I saw a hunger for truth, for freedom. How I wanted to just take her away with us. You can read more about my experience here .
Apple, and the rest of the women I met were who I thought of as I was reading “Redeeming Love”. The main character, most commonly referred to by her brothel name of Angel, was born the daughter of a prostitute with a father who wished she had never been born. Her first eight years of life were difficult to say the least, but paled in comparison to the next ten years. After her mother passed away when she was eight, she was sold to a brutal man to serve as his mistress and to serve others as well. As her life continued, she learned to hide all emotion and to stop thinking as she worked, and she became completely embittered by her life. She had no escape from her situation on her own. Page by page, you get to see this character grow, and how God used different people in her life to teach her about His redeeming love. I don't want to give too much away, so I will stop there.
This book touched me so much as I thought about Apple and what her life could be like. She is not the only one in this horrible situation. I would ask you to come alongside and join us in praying for these women, that they would see the truth of God's word, and feel the peace of God's forgiveness in their lives. I would strongly suggest that you check out my friends' blog here, and pray for them as well as they continue seeking the Lord in all their work.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Going Far
It finally happened. After planning for around three months, I am finally in the windy city. I was pretty nervous to drive the five and a half hours by myself, but knew I could do it. Dad helped me pack up his truck on Monday night, and thankfully, most of it fit in the front cab! Yay for packing light! :D
Yesterday, I finished up my room and my last bit of packing and got on the road at 11am.
My drive was pretty uneventful. I had a few stressful moments, but it all worked out, and not a single person honked at me! I'm so glad I wasn't driving in Germany!!! I spent my time listening to some old tapes. Quite enjoyable if you ask me!
I got into town right around 4:30pm and met Laura and Edwin at Walmart! Then we went out to eat at Usher's House.
I might try and get a job there! :D
The evening was spent unpacking my belongings and organizing my room. Everything fits quite nicely! The only problem was that I left the cap to my air mattress back home.
At 10:30pm, Laura and I met Edwin at the Avalon to go dancing!! Woot!! I love dancing, but I don't know very much. I'm really excited to learn more. I danced mostly with Edwin, but I did dance with one other guy who teaches dance..so that was really nice! We got back around midnight I believe, and then started a Spanish movie with English subtitles. It was pretty funny! I didn't watch for too long though - I was super tired after my day!
Today my job hunt begins! Laura has several establishments that she wants me to apply at, and I'm really excited to see what comes out of this! :D
Yesterday, I finished up my room and my last bit of packing and got on the road at 11am.
My drive was pretty uneventful. I had a few stressful moments, but it all worked out, and not a single person honked at me! I'm so glad I wasn't driving in Germany!!! I spent my time listening to some old tapes. Quite enjoyable if you ask me!
I got into town right around 4:30pm and met Laura and Edwin at Walmart! Then we went out to eat at Usher's House.
I might try and get a job there! :D
The evening was spent unpacking my belongings and organizing my room. Everything fits quite nicely! The only problem was that I left the cap to my air mattress back home.
At 10:30pm, Laura and I met Edwin at the Avalon to go dancing!! Woot!! I love dancing, but I don't know very much. I'm really excited to learn more. I danced mostly with Edwin, but I did dance with one other guy who teaches dance..so that was really nice! We got back around midnight I believe, and then started a Spanish movie with English subtitles. It was pretty funny! I didn't watch for too long though - I was super tired after my day!
Today my job hunt begins! Laura has several establishments that she wants me to apply at, and I'm really excited to see what comes out of this! :D
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Moving Day!!
This is it guys!! I can't believe that I got everything I need packed up. It's taken me a while, but my room is now clean! Precious few have seen it this clean! :P
Yay! The REAL Windy City...here I come!
Yay! The REAL Windy City...here I come!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Career change
Over my life I have had several 'career' changes. I've wanted to a mailman, librarian, marine biologist, doctor, singer, actress, historian, photographer...plus more I'm sure. Most recently it has been between historian and photographer. The more I've thought about it, the more I've realized that I really don't want to study history OR photography! I love history, it's true..but I have a hard time remembering dates and other very important things! The thing that sticks with me is an impression of the event, not the minute details. I also have a passion for recreating an image into a picture, and I think I can do it well enough, but I don't want that to be my life...I want that to be for fun and fun only. I can't really see photography as a very stable job either.
So what, you ask, am I planning to do now? After much consideration I have come across that idea that I should study English. That might be surprising to some, especially considering my recent difficulties with my native tongue. I understand that a lot of this might have to deal with my teachers, but upon examining my previous courses again I saw how, despite having a history and an art class, I enjoyed my English class much more than the others! I have always been an avid reader and writer and I think with the correct training, I could become a successful editor. I know that there is a massive amount for me still to learn, but I know that reading and writing will always be something I enjoy doing.
We'll see how long it takes for a new idea to form in my head!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Airports
Airports have become a way of life ever since my mom started working in the airline business. I have been very fortunate to fly many places, but flying standby is not always an enjoyable experience. It can be extremely stressful, as you have no idea when you will actually be allowed to get on a flight. For the most part, I have gotten the flights I've wanted; but there have been some situations that were less than desirable.
The biggest one was definitely flying home from Germany in December 2009. In total, it took my friend and me 7 days to get home. We started out in Germany and flew to the Netherlands. There we stayed two nights with a good friend of mine. Then we left out of Amsterdam and flew to London. Here was the main issue...London. There had been some extreme weather conditions in London a few days before we arrived, and it had caused at least two flights to the USA to be canceled. This meant that we now had 500 people ahead of us. All in all, we spent four days in London just waiting for the flight that would get us home.
During that time we were able to make some friends and have at least a little fun and laughter, but most of that was just sleep deprivation. :P We only had one flight left to hope for, and there was still a group of us who needed to get on. You cannot imagine the celebration that occurred once we found out that we had all received tickets to fly to New York City.
After arriving in the States, we learned that we were to take a bus/van to Connecticut where my uncle would pick us up. That all went pretty smoothly, and we got back to his house at 2am on Christmas Eve. After getting a few hours of sleep, we headed to the Hartford airport and there our paths split. My friend was able to change her purchased ticket and was therefore set to go. She got back to California Christmas Eve night after flying through Philadelphia. I still had to fly standby, but thankfully I had no issue getting from Hartford to Detroit.
In Detroit there was more bad weather conditions which made it necessarily for me to seek shelter with another good friend of mine. They were gracious enough to include me in their Christmas plans. What a blessing they were! Then very early on Christmas morning I headed out of Detroit and made a flight to Minneapolis, and then after a few hours wait, I finally made it back to my home airport. If you lost count, I had to go through 9 airports when only 3 is usually sufficient.
This all came back to mind as I am sitting here in Minneapolis airport trying to get out to California. This could take a while...
Have you had any interesting airport experiences?
The biggest one was definitely flying home from Germany in December 2009. In total, it took my friend and me 7 days to get home. We started out in Germany and flew to the Netherlands. There we stayed two nights with a good friend of mine. Then we left out of Amsterdam and flew to London. Here was the main issue...London. There had been some extreme weather conditions in London a few days before we arrived, and it had caused at least two flights to the USA to be canceled. This meant that we now had 500 people ahead of us. All in all, we spent four days in London just waiting for the flight that would get us home.
During that time we were able to make some friends and have at least a little fun and laughter, but most of that was just sleep deprivation. :P We only had one flight left to hope for, and there was still a group of us who needed to get on. You cannot imagine the celebration that occurred once we found out that we had all received tickets to fly to New York City.
After arriving in the States, we learned that we were to take a bus/van to Connecticut where my uncle would pick us up. That all went pretty smoothly, and we got back to his house at 2am on Christmas Eve. After getting a few hours of sleep, we headed to the Hartford airport and there our paths split. My friend was able to change her purchased ticket and was therefore set to go. She got back to California Christmas Eve night after flying through Philadelphia. I still had to fly standby, but thankfully I had no issue getting from Hartford to Detroit.
In Detroit there was more bad weather conditions which made it necessarily for me to seek shelter with another good friend of mine. They were gracious enough to include me in their Christmas plans. What a blessing they were! Then very early on Christmas morning I headed out of Detroit and made a flight to Minneapolis, and then after a few hours wait, I finally made it back to my home airport. If you lost count, I had to go through 9 airports when only 3 is usually sufficient.
This all came back to mind as I am sitting here in Minneapolis airport trying to get out to California. This could take a while...
Have you had any interesting airport experiences?
Saturday, May 15, 2010
What happened?
I have been packing up and cleaning out my room over the past week or so. To begin with, I was packing up everything I own, pretty much. Gradually, I realized (with the encouragement of my sister) that it would be best to live the life of a minimalist. Many of my things are staying here in Iowa, while only the things I truly use on a daily basis will be moving with me.
In the process of cleaning and packing, I've had to go through several containers of miscellaneous things that I've gathered over the years. (I'm a pack-rat, at least to some extent.) Going through all my things has been very interesting. All the projects that I set out to do but never finished, all the knick-knacks. Occasionally I would find something truly special that made me happy to be dealing with all this, but mostly I found myself wondering why I kept all of this junk.
What is it that motivates kids *especially* to hold on to things? How do they see so much importance in a bag of beads and yarn? So many little things seem to hold such value in the eyes of a child. I can't decide whether this is good, bad, or really not that important in the long run.
Before I went to Germany I never really thought about going through and getting rid of any of my things. I was just used to how everything was. I knew, as soon as I got back, there was a little lot of work to do in my room. Little by little it is all going away; some to the trash, some to Goodwill, and some to be stored for later.
I guess my question is, what happened that I'm not only 'okay', but actually quite happy to be getting rid of all these things that I've held onto for so long? Will I be sorry for it later, or will I even remember what is missing? I don't think I will be sorry. By getting rid of all those little things, I am letting go of emotional clutter that I just don't need. Now is a time to grow into the woman that I've been called to be, and I'm excited to see how I change over the next few years. What will I be like when I'm 25? That's an interesting thought!
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Plan.
Naturally, I have a plan. Wanna hear it? Let's see how much it changes!
Today - Clean, pack, watch Monk, work at the Chinese restaurant.
Tomorrow - Clean, pack, lunch with a friend, watch the Court Jester!! Play cards with mom. Shop for snacks for Monday.
Sunday - Sing special music for church, church (obviously), more cleaning, packing and cards.
Monday - Finish up my cleaning and packing (hopefully). Watch another movie from the library. Have company! Woot! I love having company. We'll eat at the restaurant of course. If you ever come in my area, we'll be sure to treat you to the best Chinese in the country!
Tuesday- Leave before the guests to fly to California! Love it! Spend some time with a dear friend.
Wednesday - Chill out in Cali.
Thursday - Fly back home. I know..such a short trip. *sigh*
Plan A -
Friday - Pack up all my stuff and drive up north with mom, who could help me move.
Plan B -
Friday - Continue packing and cleaning and card playing.
Saturday - Work all day at the southern plant of the Chinese restaurant.
Sunday - Church again.
Monday - Pack up the truck and move to by myself.
What shall it end up being?
Today - Clean, pack, watch Monk, work at the Chinese restaurant.
Tomorrow - Clean, pack, lunch with a friend, watch the Court Jester!! Play cards with mom. Shop for snacks for Monday.
Sunday - Sing special music for church, church (obviously), more cleaning, packing and cards.
Monday - Finish up my cleaning and packing (hopefully). Watch another movie from the library. Have company! Woot! I love having company. We'll eat at the restaurant of course. If you ever come in my area, we'll be sure to treat you to the best Chinese in the country!
Tuesday- Leave before the guests to fly to California! Love it! Spend some time with a dear friend.
Wednesday - Chill out in Cali.
Thursday - Fly back home. I know..such a short trip. *sigh*
Plan A -
Friday - Pack up all my stuff and drive up north with mom, who could help me move.
Plan B -
Friday - Continue packing and cleaning and card playing.
Saturday - Work all day at the southern plant of the Chinese restaurant.
Sunday - Church again.
Monday - Pack up the truck and move to by myself.
What shall it end up being?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Normalcy
It has taken a while, but things are finally beginning to feel normal again. It is amazing how much can change in one year. When I first got to Germany I felt so out of place. It was an entirely new situation for me. The family I worked with, the culture, the language- all things that I had to adapt to. And I did adapt, though it wasn't easy.
The odd thing to me is coming home and having to adapt to this life again. I grew up in this town, in this culture, in this environment. Why would I have any problems just jumping back into this life? This place, and this circumstance may not have changed, but I've changed. It is strange to think about, but I am truly a different person than before I went to Germany.
I'm definitely more health conscience, and that is a huge bonus! I get tired with just sitting around. I need to be walking somewhere, or else I just feel so lazy and unhealthy. It's shocking that this is ME writing!! :P I was never a health nut, growing up. I took more pleasure in laying around doing nothing.
I watched so much t.v.. You know what I've realized after a year with very limited t.v.? There really isn't that much good on. Yes, I still have my favorites, like Psych and What Not to Wear - but so many other shows, they're really just garbage. There's no use in watching them. What good are they doing me? I suppose I could even say the same about the two shows I already mentioned.
Television is just a distraction from more important things. Now, that isn't to say that I'm never going to watch t.v., but I don't think I'll watch as much as I did before, and that makes me happy.
It has been interesting to see people's reaction to me when I walk to do my errands. I may just be imagining it, but it seems like at least some people think I'm really weird for walking everywhere. Ha, I even turned down a ride home from church when it was windy and cold. I really must be weird! :P Oh, and people don't wear scarves here that much. It's quite sad really. I love scarves.
Anyway, the point is that despite what others may think of me and the different circumstances, I'm really finding myself. It's not 'the old Lindsay in a new place' or 'the new Lindsay in an old place'...it's just... me.
I would normally care what people thought about me, but I honestly don't care so much right now. I know who I am and what I like, and that's enough for me. I don't need everyone to do things my way or anything like that. I still have a lot of improving in my life...like my 'talent' for organizing. ;-) Day by day, I will continue to grow and change. I feel confident in that.
It's really a different thing to be home. I'm really excited to see where God takes me from here, and I am excited to see how my relationship with Him grows! That's always an area of needed improvement. That is for sure. Through it all, God is good. He provides and sustains. He will not leave me behind. I have a lot of wisdom from my year in Germany that I know He is going to use and apply to my life. Every day will be an adventure!
The odd thing to me is coming home and having to adapt to this life again. I grew up in this town, in this culture, in this environment. Why would I have any problems just jumping back into this life? This place, and this circumstance may not have changed, but I've changed. It is strange to think about, but I am truly a different person than before I went to Germany.
I'm definitely more health conscience, and that is a huge bonus! I get tired with just sitting around. I need to be walking somewhere, or else I just feel so lazy and unhealthy. It's shocking that this is ME writing!! :P I was never a health nut, growing up. I took more pleasure in laying around doing nothing.
I watched so much t.v.. You know what I've realized after a year with very limited t.v.? There really isn't that much good on. Yes, I still have my favorites, like Psych and What Not to Wear - but so many other shows, they're really just garbage. There's no use in watching them. What good are they doing me? I suppose I could even say the same about the two shows I already mentioned.
Television is just a distraction from more important things. Now, that isn't to say that I'm never going to watch t.v., but I don't think I'll watch as much as I did before, and that makes me happy.
It has been interesting to see people's reaction to me when I walk to do my errands. I may just be imagining it, but it seems like at least some people think I'm really weird for walking everywhere. Ha, I even turned down a ride home from church when it was windy and cold. I really must be weird! :P Oh, and people don't wear scarves here that much. It's quite sad really. I love scarves.
Anyway, the point is that despite what others may think of me and the different circumstances, I'm really finding myself. It's not 'the old Lindsay in a new place' or 'the new Lindsay in an old place'...it's just... me.
I would normally care what people thought about me, but I honestly don't care so much right now. I know who I am and what I like, and that's enough for me. I don't need everyone to do things my way or anything like that. I still have a lot of improving in my life...like my 'talent' for organizing. ;-) Day by day, I will continue to grow and change. I feel confident in that.
It's really a different thing to be home. I'm really excited to see where God takes me from here, and I am excited to see how my relationship with Him grows! That's always an area of needed improvement. That is for sure. Through it all, God is good. He provides and sustains. He will not leave me behind. I have a lot of wisdom from my year in Germany that I know He is going to use and apply to my life. Every day will be an adventure!
Friday, May 7, 2010
My Great-Grandpa
My Great-Grandpa Hansen is a man that I have heard about many times, but never had the chance to meet. I have long wanted to know the truth about his incredible accomplishments. You may imagine the eagerness I felt as I read my grandma's most recent email in which she answered many of my questions about him.
She started out by declaring that it was “wonderful having Lyndon E. Hansen as a father”. While they were on vacation he would tell her brother and her about his experiences from bicycling trips across Europe and his travels to Asia with a dance band. My grandma recalled how much he enjoyed it when she combed his hair while he drove.
My great-grandfather was a man of many talents. He could speak 18 languages fluently, and 25 others with varying levels of ability. A total of 43 languages in his repertoire was extremely beneficial for his world travels. He would frequently teach my grandma and her brother words in different languages, and how to recognize from which country a person's name was derived.
He also was a remarkable musician and an exceptional music teacher. He could play every instrument in the orchestra. “He believed,” My grandma said, “ That in order to be able to teach these instruments, he needed to be able to have a good working knowledge of each one.” Of all the instruments he played, his favorite was the violin. My grandma expressed how marvelous it was to hear him play. She said that his passion for life came through his music, as well as everything else he did. He often told her: “Whatever you end up doing in life, always strive to do your very best.”
After absorbing what my grandma had experienced, it made me proud to be related to such a man. His passion for learning is something I would love to emulate. He will always be an inspiration to me, and I will continue to strive to do my best to honor him.
She started out by declaring that it was “wonderful having Lyndon E. Hansen as a father”. While they were on vacation he would tell her brother and her about his experiences from bicycling trips across Europe and his travels to Asia with a dance band. My grandma recalled how much he enjoyed it when she combed his hair while he drove.
My great-grandfather was a man of many talents. He could speak 18 languages fluently, and 25 others with varying levels of ability. A total of 43 languages in his repertoire was extremely beneficial for his world travels. He would frequently teach my grandma and her brother words in different languages, and how to recognize from which country a person's name was derived.
He also was a remarkable musician and an exceptional music teacher. He could play every instrument in the orchestra. “He believed,” My grandma said, “ That in order to be able to teach these instruments, he needed to be able to have a good working knowledge of each one.” Of all the instruments he played, his favorite was the violin. My grandma expressed how marvelous it was to hear him play. She said that his passion for life came through his music, as well as everything else he did. He often told her: “Whatever you end up doing in life, always strive to do your very best.”
After absorbing what my grandma had experienced, it made me proud to be related to such a man. His passion for learning is something I would love to emulate. He will always be an inspiration to me, and I will continue to strive to do my best to honor him.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Noting the Differences
Okay, so on the top you have a German street.
On the bottom you have a USA street.
Do you see the difference?
On the bottom you have a USA street.
Do you see the difference?
FYI, three American cars can fit on this street. That's pretty big.
Again, on the top you have a German light switch and door knob.
You can see my light switch and door knob on the bottom.
You can see my light switch and door knob on the bottom.
Isn't that purple a lovely color?
I don't have a comparison picture for this, but just trust me. German sidewalks are different.
In fact, I saw many sidewalks that were cobblestone!
We also do not have a bike lane.
In fact, I saw many sidewalks that were cobblestone!
We also do not have a bike lane.
Another one that I can't show you, but in Germany, all the traffic lights are on your side of the street.
That means you have to strain your neck to see the light which is directly next to your car.
Illogical in my opinion, but oh well.
*Note: Here is your glimpse of the widest main street in the US!
There was no comparison to make with this one.
Walking around Germany, you will rarely see a German flag.
I came home, and it seems like American flags are all over the place!
Walking around Germany, you will rarely see a German flag.
I came home, and it seems like American flags are all over the place!
I like patriotism a lot!
That's right..my time in Germany is now OVER.
What will God do with me next?
Only He knows.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Settling In
It is so strange to be back in the States after a year away. I didn't realize how different the two places are. Things you wouldn't even blink at normally become so important. I'm working on getting some pictures of the differences, but I'll just give you a list for now.
Light switches
Power outlets
Door knobs
Clouds
Wind
Sidewalks
Width of the roads
No house shoes or shoe horns in the US.
Recycling
Toilet flushes
Air vents
Traffic lights
Bike usage
Is that enough? I bet it was entertaining to see my reaction to seeing all these minor details. It has been very interesting to look upon my hometown. It is different to me now. It's just a small town..things don't ever seem to change. Very slow paced. It just makes me think of those sports movies where the whole town is involved in the game..well, that's what my town is like. Small town values and goals. The whole town shows up for the school recitals, and dance recitals, sports events. You are almost guaranteed to sit next to someone you know. It really just intrigued me. I hadn't really thought about it before. I don't know if anything I just said makes any sense. Hopefully!
I've already messed up and spoken German to people here. It is really difficult not to!! You just get used to things after a while, so this could stick around for a while. I have been thinking more carefully about my speech since arriving here, but mistakes will happen.
I don't have anything else to write right now. I'll try to get some pictures up soon. G'night!
Light switches
Power outlets
Door knobs
Clouds
Wind
Sidewalks
Width of the roads
No house shoes or shoe horns in the US.
Recycling
Toilet flushes
Air vents
Traffic lights
Bike usage
Is that enough? I bet it was entertaining to see my reaction to seeing all these minor details. It has been very interesting to look upon my hometown. It is different to me now. It's just a small town..things don't ever seem to change. Very slow paced. It just makes me think of those sports movies where the whole town is involved in the game..well, that's what my town is like. Small town values and goals. The whole town shows up for the school recitals, and dance recitals, sports events. You are almost guaranteed to sit next to someone you know. It really just intrigued me. I hadn't really thought about it before. I don't know if anything I just said makes any sense. Hopefully!
I've already messed up and spoken German to people here. It is really difficult not to!! You just get used to things after a while, so this could stick around for a while. I have been thinking more carefully about my speech since arriving here, but mistakes will happen.
I don't have anything else to write right now. I'll try to get some pictures up soon. G'night!
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