Oh Olympics, how I love thee

The year I was an RA (2001-02), the Olympics were going to be held in Salt Lake City, so there was never a question in my mind as to how I would decorate my hall. Giant rings hung on the end wall surrounded by laurel wreaths and pictures of athletes doing their thing. The girls' names were etched into fake medals for their doors, and between February 8 and 24, viewing parties were held nightly in the TV lounge, where the girls graciously allowed me to fly my Austrian flag for the skiing events.

I love the Olympics. And as I’ve watched my fair share already over the past week, I’ve tried to put my finger on why exactly I love them. It isn’t as if I’m a hardcore athlete or all that patriotic. When people speak of the enduring human spirit of the games, I work hard not to roll my eyes. I’m also not ignorant of the fact that abuses, scandals, and economic debts have followed most games and some beloved athletes. Still, the lighting of the unique Olympic Torch and the joy with which participants wave their nation’s flags gets me. I cheer when a race ends well, whether the final result was exactly as everyone predicted or a surprise upset (I’m looking at you, Anna Kiesenhofer). 

The “internationalness” of the Games is one thing I love. Yesterday I witnessed an archer from Nepal go up against one from Bhutan - the two nations with the coolest flags on Earth. For the most part, I like that, at least for a moment, politics are put aside, and the Mainland Chinese table tennis player can show respect when losing to the Chinese-Taipei (Taiwanese) player. Sometimes we have to practice on the outside what we wish was true on the inside. Another aspect I enjoy is the heart-pounding thrill of a race well run. Swimmers thrash in the pool for 90 seconds, and suddenly my heart is pounding for the lone Austrian in Lane 8, willing her forward to a place in the round of 16. It’s also fun to see sports I know practically nothing about, like handball, and to suddenly find myself invested in the outcome and learning all the team members’ names from Sweden.

For two weeks the Olympics allow me to dive into a world that is beautiful and diverse and feeds an ache in my heart that I know will only be perfectly fulfilled in heaven. Maybe I have on blinders to some of the negative parts, but I will continue to celebrate the victories of the many nations, praying for their ultimate good to be recognized in the true Victor, Jesus Christ.

Cheering on some of the countries I love.

A Year in Review

It’s July 15 - exactly 365 days since I left Germany! 1 day more and I have fulfilled the legal Totalization requirements in order to return, and let me tell you: I’m thrilled. My bags are (somewhat) packed as I prepare to return on Monday. Reaching this longed-for milestone is causing me to look back over the past 12 months of Home Assignment and get all mushy. God’s goodness is evident in the many miles, relationships, and explorations I got to travel despite it being a COVID-Home-Assignment. Below I’ve selected personal highlights by month. (This may be more for myself so that I have a record in the coming weeks when people ask “how America was”).

15 July - 15 Aug, 2020

two weeks of quarantine, reconnecting with friends, moving in with Amanda and her family, going to Grace Church’s outdoor services, having fun with Andi/Jen and family, vacation with my sister-in-law’s family, joining a Grace Small group on zoom

15 Aug - 15 Sep, 2020

driving to Colorado with Ellen, being with the parents, attending a Debrief with Barnabas Ministries, hiking Black Canyon, starting to teach my online History class, seeing extended family in Nebraska, settling into routine

15 Sep - 15 Oct, 2020
Wednesday zoom calls for Grace Kids ministry, meeting with friends and supporters in Minnesota, making the decision to join ACSI’s Paths to School Improvement Team AND return to BFA, designing new prayer cards, hiking in Duluth with Ellen, volunteering for Walk for Water

15 Oct - 15 Nov, 2020

10-day road trip through Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan with Ellen to see many friends, BFA students, and supporters, volunteering for Pumpkin Carving Night, Amanda’s cancer diagnosis, driving the niece/nephew to Colorado, starting regular PSI Zoom calls, getting Cardigan donuts for Amanda’s post-surgery

15 Nov - 15 Dec, 2020

routine of seeing people I love, weekly zoom calls with kids and colleagues, volunteering for Thanksgiving distribution, watching Huskers games with Kristin, Thanksgiving with Amanda and family, computer problems start, decorate for Christmas, limousine tour to see lights, Christmas Around the World at Grace

15 Dec, 2020 - 15 Jan, 2021

stocking up on German goods from Aldi, falling love with my Small Group, driving to Colorado, Christmas with the family, visiting family and supporters, New Year’s, speaking on two panels for WorldVenture training, going to the dentist, solving computer problems, exploring Colorado parks

15 Jan - 15 Feb, 2021

driving to Texas to see family and supporters, leading first PSI trainings on our App, fun memories with niece/nephew, hot springs, second-semester teaching and Grace Kids ministry, driving to Arizona, speaking at Palmcroft Church, car break down, fly to Hawaii, WorldVenture Debrief on Zoom

15 Feb - 15 Mar, 2021

exploring Oahu, time with Scott/Fiona and nieces, weekly zoom calls at early times of the day, Amanda and Lizzie visit, celebrating 40, chasing sunsets, learned to boogie board, in love with hammocks, vacation on the Big Island, Manuela’s visit, luau, making new friends at International Church

15 Mar - 15 Apr, 2021

special flight around Molokai for Scott’s birthday, Becca’s visit, hiking Oahu, fly to Arizona, car troubles, drive to California, visits with friends, BFA peeps, and supporters, Easter with Jim/Lori hike through Yosemite National Park, drive to Oregon

15 Apr - 15 May, 2021

speaking at Treasure Valley Baptist Church, wrapping up online history class, visits in Portland and Seattle, new BFA staff, hike through Glacier National Park with Ellen, 4-day drive back to Minnesota, more connecting with friends and supporters, Grace Kids in person, vaccine, loss of car due to catalytic converter theft

15 May - 15 June, 2021

prayer weekend in Hibbing, meeting my Small Group people in person, new pastor at Grace, puzzling, fly to Colorado for Custer reunion, weekend at The Barn, tea party with the nieces, time with Grandpa and Nana, becoming IT person for PSI

15 June - 15 July, 2021

Up North cabin time, fly to Chicago for 24 hours to see Rachel and fiancé, hear Andi speak at camp, fireworks for July 4th, Shakespeare in the Park with Kristin, adjusting KLM flight, many many good-byes, 40th Anniversary celebration at Grace Church with bouncy slide, kayaking

Wow, if you're still reading, I'm impressed. Thanks be to God for all the safety and fun that was had this Home Assignment year and also for the hard the lessons learned. I wouldn't have chosen COVID, cancer, or catalytic converter theft, but I'm grateful for generosity and goodness I experienced because of it.

Germany - here I come!

Minimalism and Me

 

I did not grow up in a minimalist home. As a child of the eclectic 80’s whose parents were children of the booming 50’s whose parents had survived the Great Depression of the 30’s, I was instilled with the values of saving most everything. Random items could be repurposed into all kinds of treasures like door-stop commentaries and upside-down CD centerpieces, and you never knew when that 10-liter bag of powdered sugar on sale would come in handy. Truth be told, I didn’t mind the many knick-knacks that lined shadow boxes and reminded me of our family travels or the fact that our city apartment had every sports equipment a kid could want for the park or that we generally had the ingredients handy to whip up any midnight snack. Things were organized and cared for (mostly), and the clutter - if it can be called that - was comfort; it was home.

Still, like many Millenials, I have been at least partially drawn to the minimalist trend of the past few years. Credit Marie Kondo, if you wish, but I think the appeal was there before her spark of joy philosophy. My artistic friends wanted to create an aesthetic, clean, designed look in their homes. Stressed-out friends hoped to rid their living space of unneeded toys or clothes in an attempt to pare down the required upkeep. Conscientious friends desired to reduce their environmental impact by buying and owning less. And I wanted those things, too, having always valued experiences over possessions anyway. 

Yet at the same time, it felt impossible. I watched with envy while these friends swept through their homes, tossing items into garbage bins without regret. They would purchase the perfect contraption that could fulfill the function of three others and sell the superfluous ones on Facebook Marketplace. It was like a game. How small of a backpack could you carry onto the plane and still meet all your needs for that weekend trip? Every time I tucked a laundry basket under my arm and walked from shelf to shelf, I would talk myself out of tossing it. That tattered Chinese fan I never touch? Well that was given to me by sweet Rosemary whom I still try to pray for. That stand-alone Russian teacup? That belonged to my Aunt Barb and is dripping with sentimental value since her passing. That novel set I read in high school? It changed my view of Christ, so while I don’t intend to re-read it, I can’t toss it! You can see how poorly the process goes for me.

Thus it was with almost instant relief that I recently heard a podcaster speak about her slightly twisted philosophy on the minimalist trend: Love the things you have. “Yes!” I shouted in the car. In the decluttering process, I can’t help but wonder how many people have purged themselves of items they actually liked for the sake of living more simply. Personally, I can’t fathom living in a sterile home, so opposite of the one of my childhood. The idea that you get rid of something that has outlived its purpose or receives no love from you and keep the items you still love or - best yet - actively choose to love the things you keep strikes a chord. It feels much more true to who I am: someone attempting to be purposeful and intentional with her purchases and possessions yet filling her heart with gratitude and love. Jesus, help me.

The luggage for my trip to see Rachel last weekend.

Class of 2021

 On Saturday, I woke up at 6 am to watch the live stream of BFA's Graduation Ceremony. I cheered, I laughed, I cried, and I was so proud. These were some of my favorite "kiddos" back in Middle School, the 7th graders who welcomed me back from my first long Home Assignment with joy and excitement, even though they didn't know me from a stranger on the street.

As I look at this picture from their 8th grade trip to Lugano Switzerland, various memories flood my mind. I see Joe and instantly remember his attempt at an Italian accent when he was trying to sell me pizza. Sweet Esther opened up with me on the hike during this trip and shared vulnerably about how hard it was being compared to her younger sister all the time, even though she had incredible athletic talents herself. I recall the students who were both new and who walked some of the roughest transitions I've witnessed, but have absolutely shined in high school to the point where both of them received the character award for intense Personal Growth. Well deserved, Lizzy and Daniel. Jaedon and Beth wowed us on stage while Melody and Joel stole our hears on the court. And sweet Sarah - how could we not beam with pride when she became only the second ever female Student Body President; her soft-hearted and clear-visioned leadership in this COVID year was invaluable.

I have nothing left to say but that my prayers go with you, Class of 2021. "Be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you!" (1 Samuel 12:24).

Double Emotions

Jan was so proud as she flipped the puzzle box around and watched my face as I eyed the inner-workings of a human head. Skull and sinews, nerves and blood vessels, brains and teeth, even a realistic eyeball, it was all there.

“So cool! And so creepy!” 

It was weird how intense both emotions were inside of me. Touching the pieces made me cringe a little bit at the thought of the muscles inside my own neck and how they were tensing and working even now to hold up my head. Jan pointed out the thyroid to me, and I was done swallowing my tea for a while. Clearly I was not created to be a scientist, and yet it was really cool to learn English terms for all the body parts I’d last discussed in my German-speaking high school biology class. I was repulsed and fascinated!

I’ve lived enough years to know that the coexistence of two seemingly contrary emotions is a perfectly normal thing, and yet still it takes me by surprise. Transition always highlights this phenomenon more than any other time. It is the end of May already; my time in America has dwindled from 12 months down to 7 weeks! And as I pack and prepare to move back to Germany, I’m both elated to return and sad to leave. Joy and grief. Sorrow and delight.

“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.” Prov 14:13.

I read this verse on Thursday and wondered about flipping it as well: “Even in heartache, there can be laughter, and the end of grief may be joy.” They’re both true. Simultaneously. When I am dropped off at the airport on July 19, there is no doubt I will cry with sadness at saying good-bye to Amanda and her beautiful family who have provided a haven for me. At the same time, Ellen and I will screech with excitement to be boarding that plane and returning home, to feel like we’re being put back into the game. I can’t wait to be reunited with my favorite prayer team, and yet I grieve saying good-bye to the Best Small Group Ever at my home church.

I guess I’m not really saying anything new with this blog, just pausing to acknowledge that a skinless puzzle has reminded me how I am indeed in this phase again: fully in sorrow and fully in joy.

Our finished product!

Mythical Ice Cream Trucks

Growing up overseas, the ice cream truck was this magical thing that I read about in books and heard about on tapes (yes, tapes), but never got to experience for myself. Somehow, even during four years in college, these magical vehicles that dispense goodness to your front door never appeared. I began to think it was one of those stories from my parents’ childhood that hadn’t lasted. So imagine the scene when as a fresh graduate on assignment in Taiwan, I was languishing on my first evening in my new home in what felt like 115-degree August heat and suddenly perceived some music in the distance, Beethoven’s “Für Elise” to be exact. I gave it a minute or two to see if the sound was drawing nearer. My housemate, Jenn, down the hall suddenly confirmed my suspicions: “Guys, I think there’s an ice cream truck coming!”

I’ve never moved so fast in such heat. The two of us grabbed our wallets, which had been filled with colorful Taiwanese Dollars mere hours earlier, and dashed down the five flights of stairs. The tinny music was indeed getting closer, and neighbors started to join us on the sidewalk. "If they have Oreo, I'm getting that," I told Jenn. I was too excited to notice that instead of wallets, everyone else was clutching little plastic bags. The truck rounded the corner, and I probably clapped my hands giddily. That is until I noticed the ominous smell radiating toward me as the truck rolled relentlessly toward us, not stopping long enough for people to make any orders. Neighbors closest to the truck stepped off the curb and began tossing their little plastic bags into the back, retreating as quickly as they could. That is when our third housemate came home and in passing by us remarked, “Why are you two waiting for the garbage truck? We haven’t lived here long enough to make garbage yet.” What a let down!

More proof in my mind that ice cream trucks were an elusive thing of the past. Until last week.

Amanda and I went out around the neighborhood for a walk, when a familiar tinny sound reached my ears, and I shuddered slightly. (Oh right, did I mention that garbage truck came every single night of my 365-day sojourn in Taiwan and played nothing but "Für Elise"? It got old by Day 3.) She looked at me with smiling eyes, “Is that an ice cream truck?” “No, I’ve been fooled by that before,” I told her. Unperturbed, she dragged me home quickly and got her kids to come running outside with us. And to my shock: a little white van, non-smelly and covered in ice cream stickers, rounded the corner. They do exist!!!! 

I thought fondly of Taiwan and ate my Oreo bar.

That time I lived in Taiwan and drove a scooter to work. Pictured here with Jenn.

Another Blog I Once Wrote

 So, I'm a bit behind on posting my end-of-the-month blog, and I have nothing written. April has been a bit crazy ....

Thus, I present to you a highly fancy link to a blog I was privileged to write for my Sending Agency. The topic was "How to Create Authentically Christian Schools." Sub-title: "One Teacher's Opinion."

Enjoy

https://worldventure.com/how-to-create-authentically-christian-schools/

a misty morning in Oregon this month