Following the Feat

2010-09-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Yesterday Drew got the great news that he got a job!!! After 5 interviews at the Apple Store he finally got a call saying that he is scheduled to begin work this Saturday. God has answered prayers, and Drew's persistence and perseverance has paid off.

This news is such an encouragement, and a breath of fresh air. (Plus, maybe I can be his first customer to buy an iPad from him.)

I guess I'm not the only one who can't sleep...

2010-07-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

It is 2:15 am, and there are people walking around outside, others with lights on in their kitchens, people opening their windows and doors. I assumed everyone was normally asleep at this time in Germany because all of their lights are out and blinds already closed when Drew and I hit the hey at 11:00 pm.

I blame the sweltering heat with no A/C.

World Cup Fever!!!

2010-06-29T23:52:00.001-07:00

For the last nineteen days, we have been watching soccer almost around the clock. One of my favorite games so far has been Germany vs. England last Sunday. Germany won 4-1, and this place was going crazy! It was a good consolation to the U.S. loss the night before. Although, the U.S. fought hard, and I am looking forward to the next world cup already.

Anyways, incase you missed the Germany game, here is a reenactment of it done completely with Legos! :)

http://www.legofussball.eu/?Lego-Videos:WM_2010

Or you can watch one of the most memorable moments so far at the World Cup...

http://www.legofussball.eu/?Lego-Videos:WM_2010:ENG_-_USA

Almost Famous!

2010-06-12T02:15:00.001-07:00

So, last week I got to take part in the making of a commercial for a beer company in Nürnberg. It was really professional with a make-up artist, video camera on a track, spot-lights, and everything. We were there from 7:00pm until midnight, and every time it would start raining we would have to run under a little tent to wait for the rain to pass. The girls on my team and I really had fun getting to experience half of what real professionals go through. I mean for a two minute video, we were filming for almost five hours. Imagine how long a two-hour film must take!

You can see the video here.

I guess I am still getting used to the culture!

2010-06-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

Drew and I have been living abroad for almost three years, and living over here has taken some getting used to. There are differences in culture that you never notice until you are actually living here. For example, the sense of humor. (I know I am usually the only one to laugh at my jokes anyway, but over here sarcasm doesn't get you very far.) Or, the way people here are much more blunt than in America.

Well, I guess I still haven't gotten used to this because yesterday Drew and I were at the store buying groceries and the woman asked if I was pregnant. (Ladies, you all know this is hard thing to just let roll off your shoulder when you really aren't pregnant at all.) So, I just tried to make a joke about the comment and continue packing my groceries. However, the blunt side of Germany came out when the woman said, "Oh, so you've just gained some weight then." Drew and I laughed about this comment because in the U.S. no one would dare covering up their mistake in this way.

Can't wait to be back home!

The sun came out today, and so did I.

2010-05-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been rainy and gray in Germany. So, I capitalized on the sunny day today, and hung out on our balcony!

Happy Belated Earth Day!

2010-04-23T00:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Earth day, and I just found out that a major car company is designing an emissions-free electric vehicle to be available for sale in 2013.

Imagine, cars in big cities that don't emit harmful pollution, cars that don't make loud noise as they drive through the streets. A car that doesn't use gas to run, but could be plugged into Photovoltaic panels to be run on completely renewable energy. Not only will it be a step in the right direction, but it may even look good as it is being designed by BMW. This could be a great design. Now, if I can just convince my husband that it is a great investment for us.

2010-04-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

I love getting visitors...A few weeks ago, one of our best friends, Chris, came to stay with us. We had such a great time showing him around Germany, teaching him German, and drinking good beer.

(Drinking our favorite beer at Andechs Monastery)

(Chris and I livin' the life in Dinkelsbühl.)

The next week Drew's Aunt and Uncle came for a two week stay at the Kreeger Inn. We took them to the Black Forest, France, and even skied in Switzerland. (One of the best days of skiing I've had!)

(Riding our bikes around Freiburg.)

(Rusty and Kellie on the Swiss-alps for the greatest day of skiing we've ever had.)

We will only be here for four more months, so if you're hoping to come to Germany...do it!

Where have you been?

2010-03-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

Verona, Italy

Swiss-Soccer Girls

Hasliberg, Switzerland

Where have I been, you ask? For the last month, I have been traveling like mad. I spent one week with my soccer team in Italy. It was a typical Italian town called Garda, which is about 20 minutes from Verona.

I was home for four days, and then made my way down to Switzerland to enjoy a weekend of skiing with old team from Switzerland. We were skiing in Hasliberg, and I worked on my swiss accent.

I was home for another two days, and then was off to Frankfurt for work. In Frankfurt, I attended a conference for people working in Bathroom and Heating in Germany.

Now, I love traveling, and I even think I could travel for my job. However, having so little time in between trips and seeing my husband so little is not what I had in mind.

It is nice to be back at home, and stay awhile.

I know it isn't father's day but,

2010-02-02T23:11:00.001-08:00

I am so thankful for my dad! I just got off the phone with my father, who by the way has just gotten Skype so we'll be able to talk more often, and we had a great conversation. One thing that has truly been a downside of living so far away is that I haven't been able to talk with my family very consistently, but our conversation today was a blessing.

My father is a kind, determined, and soft-spoken man who has always shown me so much love and taught me how to love others. When we were kids, he used to take us every Sunday night to serve at a homeless shelter in Denver. He has always challenged me to think things through and to put others above myself. He has enabled me to do so many things in my life, and I am truly happy that he is my dad.

Here is a picture of us outside of Starbucks. It is one of my favorite memories with him because we got to talk for a couple hours before I left to come over to Europe, and we just enjoyed our time together like we always had when I was in high school.

Love you dad!!!

Shout out!

2010-02-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick shout out to Jake and Emilie for getting engaged. Congrats my friends. :)

Happy Sixth of January!!!! (Everything is closed again.)

2010-01-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas time in Germany is really wonderful because everything is actually peaceful, much like I imagine it was when Jesus came into the world. As Drew and I celebrated our first Christmas together in Germany, we didn't realize that all of Germany shuts down for three days over Christmas. Christmas Eve was on a Thursday, and almost every grocery store, shop and business closed at 4pm that day. We knew everything would also be closed the next day, but figured we would be able to buy more groceries on Saturday the 26th before stores were again closed on Sunday as normal.

Little did we know, all of the stores were also closed on Saturday because in Germany they celebrate Christmas for three days. We didn't go hungry, and we were able to buy some lunch at the local gas station.

However, surprise surprise. Today is January sixth, and Drew tried to go to the grocery store this morning. Only to find that today is also a national holiday with everything closed.

Write below if you can guess which holiday is celebrated in Germany on the sixth of January by everything being closed.

My "Best of 2009" List...

2009-12-26T07:09:00.000-08:00

(In no particular order...)

Noelle's Wedding in July

Two Visits from Jared

Hanging out with Andi and Ivan in Switzerland

Skiing with our friends Drew and Stefan in Austria

Going to the U2 concert in Berlin for the 20 year fall of the wall

Being inspired by cool architecture

Chillin' with my new Husband!

Having my new mom, Amy, visit for 2 days during Christmas time.

Our new Cappuccino machine.

Exploring Greece!

Finding great beaches

Driving my boss's solar car

Celebrating at our wedding!

An Austrian wine tour with our new friend Hans.

The view from our bed and breakfast in Salzburg with Drew's parents

An architectural masterpiece in Prague

Picture perfect vacation with Drew's parents

It was really fun!

Bethany and Josh's wedding in Idaho

Emmy visiting in February!

Without pictures....

Maren's wedding, I know it was beautiful.

Hearing that we will become an Aunt and Uncle in July!

Deciding to move home in August!

Democracy Fail?

2009-12-09T01:20:00.000-08:00

What is true democracy? When a president becomes elected with whom we do not agree, we simply say, "I did not vote that way, but I am stuck with the Majority's decision until the next election." However, this idea of democracy cannot be applied to every situation.

Last week Switzerland voted with a majority to no longer allow the building of minarets on mosques. A minaret is a distinct architectural feature of a mosque comparable to say the church bell towers of the famous European cathedrals.

Though the people voted and the ban was passed, is this true democracy when the country's very own constitution states in the second article, "The Swiss Federation protects the liberty and rights of the people...It promotes common welfare, sustainable development, inner cohesion, and cultural diversity of the country. It ensures the highest possible degree of equal opportunities for all citizens." (1)

What is true democracy? Allowing people to vote and living with the majority? Or is the voice of the minority just as important as all the others?

(1) English Translation of the Swiss Federation Constitution, http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/sz00000_.html December 9, 2009

Thanks Nevin!

2009-12-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

After taking the vote, I was ready to get my haircut into the fashionable "adventurous brunette" style. Despite my fears of chopping my hair and not being able to describe exactly what I wanted, I walked into the Hairstübchen. I showed the hairstylist my picture, and told her what I wanted.

She looked at me and said, "that is not what you want." After I explained to her that I did want this haircut, she bargained with me and started cutting. She tried really hard to tell me I didn't want short hair, then she cut my hair into her own mixture of the two pictures I originally wanted. (Plus her own little twist.)

I simply laughed as I left the shop, and wondered if Nevin always takes such authority when cutting hair....

Well, here are the pictures, and I am actually happy with how Nevin decided my hair should look.

The

Nevin

Adventure!

I need your help!

2009-11-17T02:12:00.001-08:00

Most girls get the advantage of having advice from their friends before they get such a drastic haircut. However, because of the distance I can't get input from you before I get my haircut on Thursday. So, I need your help in deciding which cut I should get. I am going for something a little different, and a little more fun. Here are the options...

Current Curls

Adventurous Brunette

Sensible Blonde

Living History

2009-11-13T03:41:00.000-08:00

As some of you may have already heard, Drew and I were lucky enough to get two free tickets to the U2 concert in Berlin that celebrated the 20 year anniversary of the Berlin wall coming down. Not only did we get to experience a band that has spanned the decades creating meaningful, beautiful, and inspiring music, but we were also part of the crowd feeling the history reflected by the Brandenburg Gate. The celebration of freedom, of choice, of unity. It was impossible to ignore the lively atmosphere that Berlin exudes because it has lived without the basic rights of life that it now promotes openly.

Despite being at the concert, I couldn't truly grasp the history of Berlin until the next day. Drew and I had met up with some friends from Berlin to have lunch, and upon their request we headed toward the nearest Subway. The city was going to celebrate the anniversary with a falling of a giant dominoe-wall over the former site of the Berlin wall. It was already being set-up on Friday with protective barriers so that no one could cross. We were on the wrong side of the wall, and could not get to the other side. My stomach growled in protest, and I had a slight sense of what the Berliners may have felt standing on one side of the wall seeing what the other side offered, but not being allowed to pass through the wall.

Good morning star-shine

2009-10-25T22:37:00.001-07:00

You know when you wake up a little too early in the morning, and are sleep-walking through the motions of getting yourself ready for the day? Every thought that goes through your head as you check and recheck the clock is, "Please let me have set my clock wrong; please let me be able to go back to sleep." Of course, it never happens because everyone is always so careful to set their alarm to the right time.

Au contraire. Yesterday I was completely ready and about to leave for the train at 7:15am when I looked at the computer which said 6:15am. At first it took me awhile to realize, but that night was the "fall back" time change. WAHOO!!! I jumped back into bed for an entire extra hour. That morning I woke up on the right side of the bed twice, and it was the best day ever!

I think I may....

2009-10-23T00:54:00.001-07:00

Walking home from the train yesterday, a thought began to form in my head. The beautiful fall colors are all around the countryside. Friendly people have consistently been striking up conversations with me. Delicious new German-meals have found their way into our kitchen. The girls on my soccer team actually make me laugh, and enjoy going to soccer. There are a few ski trips in the works. Work is a challenge that pushes me to learn new things, and to become a better designer.

I may actually like Germany!

Think pink.

2009-10-17T04:46:00.000-07:00

Apparently, in the design world, pink is in. Last year it was purple, so the only natural color to follow would be pink. I was subtly informed of this by a designer friend last weekend, and have been trying to think of ways to incorporate pink into my designs for customers. A pink toilette? A pink sink? Even as I think of these trendy possibilities, I cringe at the thought of plaguing one of my customers with a 1970's repeat of colored bathroom fixtures.

As we have been talking about worship at youth group this year, I have been answering questions about how I can worship God with my work. As a designer I want to improve people's lives through design. This may mean a pink toilette for someone who needs some color in their life to cheer them up, or it may mean a simplistic design of a kitchen to improve someone's efficiency and ease while cooking.

The worship comes in enriching peoples' lives through design; making their life easier and

hopefully reflecting God's design for joyful living.

(Thus, the creative and simple pink bathroom below.)

Trendir, laufen interiors, googleimages.com 2009

Just for the record...

2009-10-16T05:32:00.001-07:00

I wanted to blog just now, but once again I don't have enough time to write anything of substance. Sorry.

I finally did it...

2009-06-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

For almost nine months I have been avoiding it, but I finally got up the courage. I went to the doctor, and spoke to him in German. (Well, at least until he asked me if I really pronounce my name 'Nason' in perfect English.)

I have been so afraid to go to a German doctor because I didn't think I would understand, or that he wouldn't understand me.

Despite all of my worrying the experience we so easy! I even learned several new things. So, do one thing that scares you everyday...

Some of my favorite memories of the last month...

2009-06-28T02:46:00.001-07:00

The view outside our window in Salzburg...

Drew's parents and I in Schwäbisch Hall, where Drew proposed, after my soccer game.

We found this picture frame on the side of the road...then had so much fun taking random pictures with it.

We had Mexican with Andi and Ivan in Luzern...

Fred & Ginger

2009-06-16T02:19:00.001-07:00

Last week, Drew and I spent the entire week road-tripping with his parents from Nürnberg to Prague, Salzburg, and Lucerne. We were arriving late into Prague, and were trying hard to follow the GPS' directions when we happened upon this building by Frank Gehry and Czech architect Vlado Milunic.

This very modern building adds excitement to a classic and linear city-scape. It's movement inspires passion, creates a lively mood, and shows great creativity. The design of the building was influenced by the famous dancing-pair, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers from the 1930's. Perhaps a hidden meaning since Prague was alive and dancing until the German Nazi occupation in the mid-1930's, and a modern symbol of a return to the city's most vibrant days.

("Dancing House", www.wikipedia.com, 16.6.09)

Keep an eye out for design...

2009-06-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best design is found in the most unexpected places, and two Sundays ago this happened to me. Hiding in the basement of an Idaho home, playing host to eight grown men, was this Charles & Rae Eames Lounge Chair.

I have only studied this chair in classes, and have always appreciated it for its aesthetic value. However, after getting the chance to sit in such a famous chair, I can now fully understand why this chair is so famous. Not only does it look wise and classic, but also seems to be made for each sitter's individual body and transudes its qualities on the person enjoying a rest.

So, keep your eyes open for good design in random places...

(This is the Charles and Rae Eames Lounge Chair, produced by Herman Miller, and first sold in 1956.) www.wikipedia.com

Love and Marriage!

2009-05-30T17:09:00.001-07:00

As I was in Eagle, Idaho last weekend I was able to spend a few quick hours with some of the most incredible people in the world. Ya, the kind of people you would drive four hours out of your way just to get to hang out with for a little bit. Needless to say, my few hours with Becka, Maren, and the surprise guests Abbey and Marla were refreshing to my soul. Being reminded of community and the love that others can have for people, made me wish I didn't have to return to Germany.

However something more than these women's obvious love for others was a moment that will be remembered forever. Of course, the topic of marriage came up, and Abbey was asking me about my relationship with Drew. We had had some conversations before about where I used to be at with marriage, and although I have not talked with her for over a year she was getting tears in her eyes. (Maybe she was just tired, and was getting watery eyes.)

Her reaction to Drew and I's redeemed relationship was shocking to me at first. (Good thing I had the next twelve hours in a car alone to think about it.) After thinking through the conversation, I began to learn something about marriage, which will probably happen a lot in the coming years. My relationship with Drew is not only a blessing to me, but also to people around us. This is what God wants us to know about marriage, and loving someone. Through our love for each other, we are able to show love to others. Although I don't truly understand this relationship of marriage...I know that this is the same way that God shows us love. He loves others unconditionally so that we can see how others should be loved.

Abbey, thank you for reminding me that this relationship is never just about me, nor is it about only Drew. The love people share for each other is a blessing to those surrounding them, which I also saw in Josh and Bethany's relationship this weekend at their wedding in Idaho. So many people are blessed by their love for each other.

Probably not what you were expecting for today...

2009-02-17T05:03:00.000-08:00

In the back of my head I have about three potential blog posts just waiting for me to get enough time in between work, soccer, youth group, wedding planning, and hanging out with Drew to actually put into words. However, today I experienced something that I need to get out of my head in some way, and since I cannot reach Drew by phone I am going to write my thoughts here.

It is not happy, nor an exciting adventure I have been on, but it is part of life just the same...

The train had just left Röthenbach, and was pulling up to the station at Steinburg near the Röthenbach high school when the train stopped just short of the station and the doors did not open. As the passengers and I looked around confused to see our car, the last train-car, stopped about twenty feet before the station. The train-conductor came over the loud speaker and said something I didn't understand. So, when the elderly woman sitting next to me asked me what he had said, I left her to watch my bag while I went to the front of the train to see what had happened.

As I walked into the next train-car I could see school-aged children at the station looking incredibly worried and helpless, and then I could hear a strange noise, a young man's voice saying something in German, but I was confused because I didn't know who was speaking. Then, I realized there was a young man under the train, but was he okay? Why wasn't anyone doing anything? What could I do? The doors are locked...can I get out the window to help? No, so I am stuck in here, and he is stuck there. We are both helpless...

Another announcement over the loud speaker told us that we could get off the train near the front, if we wished, which I did immediately as I was trying to avoid the tears that were fighting to come out. There were medics and firefighters there in no time, and I was relieved to hear through my broken German the boy seemed to be alive, injured of course, but at least he was alive.

As I waited for the train, many thoughts went through my head. Life is a valuable thing, and I should not take it for granted. The only time I have is right now, so I should always make the most of each moment. Maybe I should become a doctor so I could help in such a situation. Finally, I was thankful it was not me, which immediately made me feel guilty, and terribly sad for this young man whose life will never be the same.

Yes, I am still helpless, but the one thing I can do is pray that God would be with this young man and make the rest of his life incredible and full.

I wish I had a fridge to post these on...

2008-11-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

For the first time since beginning my new job as an Interior Designer, I left work feeling proud of what I had accomplished today rather than feeling defeated by a computer program. I don't really have a job description, but I work with 'Kreuz Bad und Heizung' drawing the customers' future bathrooms on this German computer program to show them what their new bathroom will look like. This is my first set of drawings that went with the designer to a customer sales-meeting tonight, and with a few changes will become a real bathroom soon!

After wrestling with this design, as well as two earlier bathrooms, trying to figure out what a 'torus' is, how to make the glass walls see-through, and even how to draw a curtain with brown rings on it, this is the final product. An accomplishment to be proud of, but also a promise of improving and learning even more about this program, design, and loving the work I do. How much would you pay for this bathroom that boasts a Twinline: shower and whirlpool duo, a Keramag Silk modern style sink, a Vasco Radiator/towel warmer, and a modern trend glass sliding door?

This is estimated at around 20,000 Euros...

Where I've been, and where I am now...a brief update in pictures!

2008-11-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

Drew came to Switzerland...just for fun!

And maybe a little mischief too... Josh and I went camping during my last week in Switzerland.
We even went fishing, had smores, and cooked over the fire!

Andrea...a great friend...forever!

Daniel and my soccer team surprised me after my last game with

a huge picture of the team...and....

A brand new pair of Copa Mundials,

embroidered with the name of our team!

Switzerland, my old home.

Goodbye Switzerland, hello GERMANY!!!!

Drew and I finally together in Germany.

(This was his birthday in Wurzburg.)

My Aunt Nancy and Uncle John came to visit, and we had a blast retracking my Grandpa's steps.

I started my new job working for the interior design firm Kreuz.
www.kreuz.de

My new country, Germany...

Why my heart will stay in Switzerland long after I leave...

2008-09-21T04:16:00.000-07:00

1) Andi and Corina, my favorite Swiss-pigcheeks.
2) FC Muri, the best group of girls I know.
3) The mountains
4) Rolling green fields
5) Hearing the rhythmic, comical sounds of Swiss-german
6) Josh and Frani making me laugh
7) Ben's sincere hugs when he comes home from Effingen
8) Running along the river at dusk
9) Herr Fontobel's hearty laugh and greeting as I leave the house
10) Being able to ski on a random whim, without planning a weekend in advance, because I love being spontaneous.

I am moving to Germany in 19 days...

2008-09-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Still remembering...

2008-09-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago today, the World Trade Center in New York City was attacked; a terrible image that is burned into our memories forever. The people, a city, a country, and the world were hurt, robbed of life, and changed by the events of this day.

There is a sadness that still dwells inside me because such an event ever happened, and questions that haunt my mind about the repercussions of this catastrophy.

However, I find it rather odd because the memories I still have about September 11th, are not about the people directly affected, but of the TV pictures, the discussions with friends about this news, and the feeling of fear.

Where was I seven years ago when I first heard the news?

I was already in School at about 7:30am, Colorado time, when a friend, Chris, came into the hallway and said, "An airplane just crashed into a skyscraper in New York." The shock of this news became even greater during our third period Physics class, when Mrs. Ramsey, our principal, announced the news of the second plane over the loud-speaker.

What do you remember most about September 11, 2001?

2008-08-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so excited about something that you wanted to tell everyone in sight about it, even the ones who could care less?

This has been my exact feeling for the last three days, and yet I have withheld this desire to blurt out my thoughts because I am afraid it will be taken as bragging rather than pure excitement. So, I am going to try to convey this joy, that has hopefully subsided in the last few days, but only present the absolute facts. As with all news, the history of the story must be told or the news would be utterly meaningless.

Soccer is a passion of mine. Not the kind of fanatic-passion that is shown with constant viewing of the sport and in-depth statistical and player knowledge, but rather a simple passion that is fueled by the smell of grass as I am preparing for a game, laughing with teammates over everything except soccer, and beautiful creativity on the field. Soccer has been a passion since the seventh grade when my Coach, Chris Trujillo, would let me come early to practice to teach me slide-tackling and diving headers. It is these things that truly make me come alive.

At the beginning of my Junior year in college, a crazy idea came into my head that was perhaps encouraged by the fear of losing the opportunity to further fuel my passion at the end of my college soccer career, 'What if I could play soccer for a living?' From that moment, deep inside, it was a dream of mine to play soccer at the highest level possible, higher even than the collegeiate level. This impossible feat seemed even more impossible as I began exploring my options, but as I have learned repeatedly in life, the things we want the most, do not come without a fight.

Tuesday evening, as I drove on the German Autobahn from Nürnberg to Crailsheim, my dream of playing soccer at the highest level was becoming closer at a rate of about 120 km/hr, yet it still seemed so far away. In between me and my dream were miles of highway, a meeting with the team manager, and of course, a two hour try-out. Not only did these things need to pass by with miraculous harmony, but even more obstacles were speeding through my mind.

'How would I ever get to practice four times a week without a car when the trains stop running before practice is finished? After playing at a low-level for over a year, would I even be able to play at this high level again?'

Not only were the physics working against the car, but all the odds of achieving my dream were against me. I knew that without help from above, my dream could never come true.

As my mind raced, I prayed simply that I would not worry about the details, and that I would first just play soccer as I always have.

So, in referencing my previous post, God truly does give us the desires of our heart, and he is generous beyond our imagination, my imagination. After arriving in Crailsheim, meeting with the team manager, training with the team, and leaving Crailsheim, these are the things that have caused my overflowing excitement for the last three days:

1) I get to play soccer the Tuesday after I move to Germany.
2) I have the opportunity to train with TSV Crailsheim a Fraulein-Bundesliga team beginning in October.
3) The team pays for a car and gas for me and two other women to drive to and from Nürnberg for practice.
4) The coach said he would be excited to have me come back in October.

This truly is a miracle because really without God it could not have happened. I did not play my best at the try-out, yet the coach would like to have me back. I had no idea of how to get to practices, yet a car and gas will be provided. I played in a much lower league in Switzerland, yet the coach still allowed me to have a try-out.

That is my news, and I only hope it has not crossed the border of bragging because really it could not have happened without God willing it so...

A testament to God's Generosity

2008-08-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

Over a half a year ago, I began searching for jobs in Switzerland and in Germany so that I could stay in Europe for at least another year. At the beginning of this search, someone suggested that I keep in mind my ideal job situation. Although I had this ideal in mind, I was willing to settle for anything as long as I could stay in this beloved Europe.

Well, to my own amazement, God is generous beyond my imagination. For some reason, I have found my ideal job situation, working in a small Interior Design business in Germany and learning the ins and outs of the trade from an incredible business woman. Not only have my wishes been granted, but God has given me even more than I had imagined. So, despite my small faith, unwilling heart, and independent attitude, God has blessed me.

In God's good ways, his generosity will always exceed what is desired.

Being a grown-up means liking tomatoes and other grown-up things, right?

2008-08-11T12:41:00.001-07:00

In that case, can someone through me a coming of age party?

My childhood, teenage years, and college life were marked by my incessant opposition to anything even resembling a tomatoe. The closest I would come to the red-fruit (or is it a vegetable?) was if it had already been morphed into salsa, ketchup or spaghetti sauce.

Be it said that for the last week all of my lunches, dinners and snacks in between have included large portions of fresh cherry tomatoes from the Collicutts' garden. Now that I have been popping these sweet, round tomatoes like candy into my mouth, it can only be a sign that maturity has finally caught up with me.

But don't worry friends...even though liking tomatoes could be an outward sign of my maturing process, I will always be a salsa-loving kid at heart.

Returning to an Empty House

2008-08-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

Upon my return to Rupperswil, Switzerland, I have found myself entering an empty house. Which, as a matter of fact, is odd because the family that I have missed so much the last two weeks is home. Yet, after spending a week with Josh, Bethany, Sara, Maren, Jake, Ric, Nick and Drew in this house, cooking, eating, playing, laughing, listening, talking, and living as close as can be to one another, this house feels incredibly empty because once again we are as far away as we were before, just in the opposite direction.

So, this is just a quick shot out to my peeps...thanks for coming to visit me, and for making this already great place even more amazing...you are missed already.

P.S. I am also just thankful the house is still here, because apparently the BBQ gas was left on for an entire week....ooops :)

I'm not going to write you a blog-post 'cuz you asked for it...

2008-07-27T23:33:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here in Lauf, Germany in my pajamas that double as soccer clothes, and I am talking with Ric about what I should post on my blog. Apparently, I have a problem with posting on a regular basis, and unbenounced to me, people actually read my blog. So, despite my lack of time and creative writing skills, I am going to post exactly what is on my mind...

Spending an entire week with some of the most amazing people in the world in the most beautiful place in the world, is refreshing to the soul. The salad-bowl mixture of stories from China, Germany, Ethiopia, New Hampshire, and England were just a taste of the "dijour" life that was missed over the last year. Once again sharing life with these dear friends who have been an encouragement in this place, and creating new memories, such as Bethany and Josh's engagement, was a reminder of the blessings friendship can bring.

Reflecting over the last week, and looking forward to the next, the beautifully set table accented by laughter and good conversation deserves a toast. So, here is a toast...to friends, the swiss alps, propositions, good conversation, and being together....

Prost!

Quickly passing me by like an Eternity

2008-07-13T02:54:00.000-07:00

As I stand here waiting at the train station, an endlessly long train, zooming along the tracks of life, seems to be quickly passing me by like an eternity.

It has been almost a year since I have seen some of my greatest friends in the world. An entire four seasons have gone by since last summer, which was filled with graduation, weddings, cliff-jumping, hiking, laughing, soccer, swimming, golfing and moving. Surely, for us all, there have been mountians climbed, new friendships made, traditions created, and timeless memories experienced.

However, when I look back to the beginning of this year, it seems to have passed by so quickly. I can hardly believe that another summer is here again, nor that in just a few LONG days I will get to see the friends that I truly love. We will swim, eat, talk, laugh, play, hike, and listen to the stories of mountains climbed, friendships made and a few of those memories created throughout the last year. Most of all, I will get the blessing of just being in the same city as you amazing people again.

I am now ready for this endlessly long train to stop, and to see my friends once again. I can see the train I am waiting for just at the point on the horizon where the tracks become one, and over the loud speaker I can hear, "Gleis eins, ankunft am siebzehn uhr von die Welt..." (Track one, arriving at five 0'clock from the world)

Finally, the longawaited train has come...

Dear Dad, I want to grow up to be like you.

2008-06-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was Father's day in Switzerland as well as in the U.S., and unfortunately, I was not able to spend the day with the man who has been the most influential person in my life. However, I took a long walk on Saturday evening, and thought of the many amazing memories I have shared with him as well as the things he has taught me. Here are just a few of the things that came to my mind as I strolled through the woods wishing I could recall all of these stories with my dad walking next to me...

When I was in sixth grade, you taught me with one simple sentence, that a bad day can always be changed to a good one if I always look on the positive side of things.

You taught me everything there is to know about baseball, a fascinating sport, including the complicated third strike rule. (I loved watching baseball games with you on cool summer evenings.)

You came to almost every soccer game I had, and it meant so much to me to see you in the stands. I loved getting a hug from my biggest fan, wearing your "be a fan of your kid" hat paired with suit and tie, straight home from work, even if we had lost the game. You showed me what it meant to support and encourage.

You taught me how important it is for me to seek knowledge myself, and to learn as much as I can. Simply by showing me that I can do anything I want.

And, how can I ever pay you back for the countless hours you volunteered so that I could play soccer and go on trips with the team, and go to the Dominican Republic with Amigos?

I only hope that someday I can be like you, my dad, Steve.

Now what?

2008-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

About this time last year, things were beginning to fall into place for me to come to Switzerland...a dream come true! Now, I am again faced with the predicament of deciding where to go next...here are my options:

I would like to stay in Europe for at least another year, so I can either...

1) Stay in Switzerland for an extra six months while living and working with the family here. This is a viable option, and nothing would change for me until February of 2009.

2) Stay in Switzerland, but find a job working with an architecture firm. Several of the girls on the soccer team have helped me with this option, and have miraculously had connections.

3) Move to Germany in September, and look for jobs there. Also, try to find another soccer team to play for near Lauf.

All of these options are appealing to me, and it has been hard to discern between the three...what do you think I should do?

Experiencing Easter without Tradition...

2008-03-30T03:31:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was Easter weekend, which is usually spent in the mountains of Colorado having the best outdoor breakfast with great family friends. One of my favorite family traditions, and I look forward to it every year.

In an attempt to recreate this special day in the mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken took the place of Flagstaff mountain this Easter. However, it was unlike any traditional Easter...there were no eggs to hunt, no bacon grilling on the fire, no short hikes to the rock formation below the fire, nor any laughs with great friends like Mike and Trish...

However, this Easter I was experiencing more of Christ's Salvation than I have ever known. I have made so many mistakes in my life, and I have been incredibly selfish and sinful in the last year and a half. Despite these mistakes, God has given me the grace to be able to spend Easter weekend with the one person who I do not deserve.

Even though Easter was nothing in the way of traditional this year, my day was filled with the joy of knowing that Love is greater than sin, and grace is truly the greatest gift one can find.

Next stop...please depart the train.

2008-03-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

Riding the train the other day, looking at the Swiss-landscape filled with rolling green hills, spattered with large trees beginning to bloom, and a few sheep herding through fields, made me think about all I have seen and done in my life. It has been such a blessing to travel, meet amazing people, and experience so many different views about life. These things, people and experiences have made such an impact on me, and have helped to mold me into the person I am.

As I was looking at this beautiful landscape feeling blessed by its beauty, quickly passing through on the train as simply an on-looker to the sheep, this thought came to my head...

Soon I will be twenty-three years old, and want to be more than just an on-looker passing by, being blessed by the beauty of others. Though thankful for this beauty and these blessings, it is my desire to impact other peoples' lives, make them better by being a good friend, having joy, and helping those in need. Sharing the beauty and blessings by living in them rather than passing by enjoying them only for myself.

The next train station is just ahead, I will quickly ready myself to depart the train. Now a place is free in this train for others to see the beautiful landscape, and you can find me under the blooming tree next to the other sheep hoping you can be blessed too.

The real reason the Collicut's have an Au Pair...

2008-03-11T02:37:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I was riding the train home from church, and right behind my seat was a girl from one of our biggest rivals, FC Aarau, dressed in her Fussball Club trainers. She and the man checking tickets began speaking about women's fussball, so I naturally began eavesdropping as well as I could. I think the conductor noticed me eavesdropping because he quickly turned to check my ticket, and asked me if I also played fussball. In my best German, I answered, but my best German wasn't good enough to hide my "Auslander" characteristics. His very next question was if I was Iris Collicut's Au Pair from Rupperswil. I was so surprised that he knew this, but he told me he had worked with Iris and she told him all about her Au Pair that was here playing fussball from America.

Thus, I have realized the real reason the Collicut's have an Au Pair every year: It is not because both parents work full-time, nor because Iris needs to sleep in the morning rather than getting up with the kids, it isn't because they need help around the house, nor to help the kids with their homework. NO, the only reason the Collicut's have an Au Pair is because they need something to talk about. Something different in their lives to distract them from daily mundain routines. So, here I am, the exciting, interesting Au Pair from America. Your welcome Switzerland for giving you something to talk about besides your next door neighbor and the weather. :)

I knew the Swiss had secret bank accounts, but secret admirers?

2008-03-11T02:25:00.000-07:00

Last month was everyone's favorite holiday, Valentine's Day. Usually, this is not one of my personal favorites simply because I like fireworks much better than hearts, but this Valentine's Day was particularly special.

At first, I was expecting it to be just another day of cleaning, studying and doing the laundry. However, when Iris came home in the morning she had a lovely bouquet of roses from the village florist that had been sent to me from Drew. I had the biggest smile on my face the entire day, and it meant the world to me.

However, to my surprise, the next day as I was washing the floors with my ipod blaring, another delivery of red roses came to the door. This time, the card was not signed, and the flowers were from the neighboring town's flower shop. Richard, Iris and I were all trying to figure out who could have sent me these flowers, and we were hypothesizing about which Swiss-mister had fallen for the American Au Pair...

I have already solved this mystery, but do you have any idea who could have sent the second bouquet?

What kind of an Au Pair am I?

2008-02-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Josh and I went into the woods with our bikes and the faithful dog, Poly. We stopped at a fire pit and began playing Josh's secret game where we go on missions to fight against monsters. (oops, don't tell him I told you about it.) As I always do, I let Poly of the leash so she could explore a little. Then, Josh and I began playing around the pit.

When it started to get dark out, we headed back home on our bikes. I called for Poly, and expected her to come shortly after I called her name. However, she didn't come. We looked for almost a half an hour, and I was almost in tears when Josh finally said calmly, "Let's just go home; she'll come." We rode home, but I went back out to the woods in the Soccer-mom-van to search for another hour without any luck. I left for soccer thinking to myself, "Poly is lost...how does someone loose a dog?...The family is going to fire me...I will be remembered as the Au Pair who lost the dog." Needless to say, I didn't practice much soccer that night.

To my relief, when I came home from practice, Poly was right there at the door ready to jump up on my legs. However, I am sure the parents are wondering exactly this...If an au pair can loose a dog, what will happen with our children? :)

Swiss-mas time!

2008-01-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

Twas the morning of Christmas,
and all through the Swiss-house,
not a creature was stirring except for the au pair of course...

She woke up at 7:00am and forced herself to sleep longer,
Until 8:15 she was sure she'd be the last one awake.
Only to come downstairs where the silence was even stronger,
where were the other kids for heaven's sake?

The au pair was so excited to give her gifts,
yet somehow she new this Christmas would differ.
Everything was full of Joy and uplifts,
But the au pair was so glad to know Christmas is still there in Denver.

Some Things I've Noticed...

2007-11-30T14:13:00.000-08:00

There is a Starbucks in the next city, and the hot chocolate with whip cream is still my favorite drink. However, when I am sitting at a table for four by myself, reading, it is very likely that three other people I don't know will sit down at the same table.

Everyone rides the trains here, including famous people, so I always keep an eye out for Rodger Federer.

Swiss people eat an average of 12 kg or about 25lbs of chocolate a year, but I am going to average way more than that this year. :)

Everyone's yards are immaculate, and they actually do the yardwork themselves.

Funny things people have said to me....

Frani: "Carolyn you left your radio walking." At first I didn't understand until I realized that if it had been going a little faster, I would have left it running. :)

Rachel: She is a native Swiss-German speaker, and we were having a deep conversation about marriage. She couldn't remember the word she needed to use in English, so she asked me, "Having one husband is monotony, right?"

Mauro: He was talking about ice hockey and said, "Are you any good at walking on ice?" I told I was not great at ice-skating, but that walking on water wasn't even a problem for me...

The key to the Puzzle...

2007-11-09T01:01:00.001-08:00

There is something so great about sharing new life with old friends. Who I am spans across time, oceans, and borders, and the person I am is even more apparent when I am without the friends and family who have shaped my life. However, when the two different locations are connected by a common denominator, my life seems to be completed like a puzzle. There is no way to explain experiences, describe settings, or give details about my life here, which makes it extrememly difficult to share life with you despite my best intentions. The only hope is for a few pieces of my life here to make connections with you at home.

Last weekend one piece of the puzzle was connected when a good friend of mine, Drew, came down from Germany to visit. We did everything that I typically do on the weekend and during the weekdays; Drew got to experience my life, while reminding me about how life used to be. Although my life is far from complete, one piece has been put in to connect the old to the new.

(If any more pieces want to come help finish the puzzle, I have the perfect place for you.)

Skipping Stones and Broken Bones

2007-10-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ben and I went for a long hike the other day in the Rigi, which is a mountain that supposedly looks out over all of Switzerland and some of Germany. (Although I can't vouge for that because all I could see was fog.) Despite the cloudy weather, the hike was "Shun" or beautiful. We took the cable car to the top, like all good Swiss people do, then hiked down. On the way down we found caves that we could explore, an old goat transporter, and a 200m waterfall. We also stopped for awhile near the river, and I partook in one of my favorite activities, skipping stones. (I think I could stand at the river for hours doing that, but maybe I am just a nerd.) Then, as we finished our hike, I was walking up the make-shift stairs as Ben told me his Grandfather used to do the same hike, but there were never bridges or stairs over the river canyon. It used to just be two ladders on each side, so everyone had to climb down, walk across the river (or Fjord it of course), and climb back up the other side. I just thanked God for the invention of bridges as I looked at how far it was to the bottom of the canyon.

P.S. We finally won a soccer game, and you are never going to believe this: I scored, but I did not do it with my forehead. (I scored a P.K.) Now, I know exactly what you are thinking, "Why in the heck is Nason taking P.K.'s?" That is what I was thinking as I walked up to the line when the coach called my name, but then I just thought to myself, "Just shoot it like Shannon Lovejoy does, and you will be fine." Gosh, it felt good to win, and now I know why winning tastes so much sweeter when you have been pushed down a few times.

Die Kinder

2007-09-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I am falling in love, and all it took was a couple of weeks. The first few weeks were extremely difficult because I did not know what my role as a nanny should look like...should I try to play the role of a parent, should I be a friend, should I be the cool-fun one that everyone loves all the time? I finally decided on the older sister role; I have always wanted younger siblings (especially brothers), and I figured this is the best way to lead the kids while still having fun with them.

The three kids here took awhile to warm up to me, and for awhile I thought they never would. There were several days when I struggled to see my purpose here, and I questioned God's reasons for bringing me to a place where I had no chance of making a difference. He quickly reminded me my only purpose for being here is to love these children because they need it desperately. Just as quickly I have begun to see the kind of love that God must have for me.

Frani only talks to me when she wants something...yet I still have a heart for her, and I am constantly pursuing her. (I imagine this is what God must feel like when I pray to him only when I want something.)

Ben has an extremely unpredictable behavior, and is usually angry for no reason...yet even when he is cussing at me, I love him and think he is great. This is the kind of love God has for all of us because we are constantly cursing him when he only wants to show us love.

Josh is somewhat fickle...for example: this morning we were walking to the school house, and he gave me a big hug before he went to class. Then, the moment he got home he told me we weren't friends anymore. Clearly this is an example of my fickle relationship with Christ.

I am just amazed that through all of this I absolutely love these kids; they make me laugh, they teach me German, we just hang out together, and we are starting to become like family. (I just hope I really am like the cool-fun older sister in their eyes, and maybe they will be able to see God in me.)

The other day someone at church told me that if you want to hear God laugh, tell him the plans you have for your life. I think God is probably getting a kick out of my life right now because I never would have imagined I would be spending so much time with kids; I am a full-time nanny, I coach a little girls soccer team (that plays in the boys league), I am a youth group leader at the church I go to in Zurich, ha, and I am even taking German classes with a group of mothers, so there are kids at the classes every week. I don't know what God is up to, but I am enjoying hanging out with kids so much...they are great!

The Hike

2007-09-26T00:50:00.000-07:00

Last saturday I had the greatest idea...I was going to hike to the top of Mount Pilatus, which overlooks Lake Lucern. The website I was getting directions from said the hike to the top was only about two hours, but that most people took the gondola to the top. Being the competitive person I was I scoffed at the gondola as I walked past, and I started my hike to the top.

An hour and a half in, I was only about a third of the way up the mountain, and I thought, "Gosh, I must be really out of shape." Finally, I walked by a group of four Swiss people who asked me if I was going to the top. I answered of course, wondering why anyone would ask such a silly question...Who wouldn't be going to the top? Then, I asked how much long it would take, and the kind Swiss man said it usually takes about five hours. I laughed at myself for thinking I could climb to the top in just two hours, and was a little discouraged since I had to be at a bbq at 6:00pm. Since I had already passed the gondola, I was worried that I would not make it to the top. Luckily for me, the gondola had several places where I could board on the mountain.

Once I finally made it to the top, the view of the Alps was breath-taking. I had to keep looking down because I was so overwhelmed by the beauty. I was looking out, and I realized that yes I can hike this mountain...it may take a long time, and I will probably get there a different way than I planned. However, there is unimaginable beauty at the top.

I hope to do the same hike in the Spring, but actually start earlier so I can hike the entire mountain.

What does it mean to be a servant?

2007-09-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Learning the meaning of being a servant is not easy. There are tasks to be done everyday that are a part of a servant's job. Cleaning, cooking, and care-taking are just a few of what servanthood is composed of...then, there are the other tasks that are asked of you daily. The tasks are not noble. In fact, the only reason you are being asked to do anything is because no one else will. You are serving others; taking care of their needs and wants, ignoring your own. A servant takes all of the tasks and tries to do them joyfully, and also tries to complete the tasks beyond the expectations of the one asking. The hardest part is that there is more than one asking.

Looking at my life now, I wonder if I am really serving others. Let alone my life before now; I am not yet humble enough to truly be a servant to others. The hardest question to ask one's self is...Are you God's servant unless you know what it means to be a servant?

If God has given me daily tasks and asks me to do other tasks as well, even if those tasks are not noble, would I complete them joyfully and humbly? Would I even complete the tasks at all? Until I can answer these questions with confidence, I will try to learn what it means to be a servant.

Feierabend!

2007-09-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Pronounced (fire-a-bin). It means freedom from work. Rich, says it everyday when I am finished with the kids. He says, "Feierabend. You may go."

To Rich, freedom is being away from his kids. For him, feierabend translates to isolation, and he creates this for himself every night when he goes to his apartment after the kids are asleep.

Whenever I hear him say this I think of the night we went to Feierabend in Seattle, and we shared Das Boot. For me, freedom is not living in isolation, but living in community. It is sharing life and joy with those around you; it is sitting around a table, laughing, and passing a two-liter boot for everyone to drink from. (Okay, I would never do that with the kids.) However, I find freedom in sharing life with them.

Now that my home is in Rupperswil, I am away from the greatest friends on earth. I am trying to build a community here, but children can be fickle when you do not allow them to have candy all the time. I have to continually remind myself that I was in a similar place of trying to build a community when I went to Seattle, but how God blessed me there! Feierabend, I will find you again.

2007-08-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

My new home in Switzerland is the greatest mix I could think of between Colorado and Seattle. There are mountains just about half an hour away, woods practically in my backyard, raspberries actually in my backyard, and the greenest rolling hills I have ever seen. I live in a third-story room, and I have a cute bathroom downstairs all to myself. It is beautiful here, and the people are absolutely wonderful. They are all so kind, and my favorite part about this culture is that every time they are somewhere they know people they individually shake hands with each person. (The extrovert in me loves it!)

However, I have a lot of other things I am still getting used to. I wake the kids up every morning, and I get them ready for school. Then, I do all the cleaning around the house, and make lunch for the kids when they come home. Finally, I help the kids with their homework, make dinner, and if I am lucky I have a few hours to myself before I go to sleep. I never thought I'd be a housewife, but here I am doing exactly that. I am really trying to be positive about my situation, and serve with a joyful heart. I love everything I am doing, but the kids are a lot to handle. Their parents have not really taught them much about patience, listening to authority, loving each other, or taking no for an answer. For example the other day, the youngest got mad at me because I wouldn't do his homework for him. I didn't really understand why he was mad about that, but then his mother came home and did the entire worksheet for him. I couldn't believe it because I believe it is necessary for the children to learn how to do things themselves. I know it will be a lot of work for me, but I want to help these children learn how to be kind, patient, loving, smart, and thoughtful.

Things are already starting to get better as I am learning how to have a relationship with each child, and I am getting to know them better. I look forward to a time when I know them well, and they know me well.

2007-08-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

Last night was my first soccer practice, and I was pleasantly surprised by the team. Although the level of soccer is not as high as SPU or Princess Danny :), I am thankful to just be able to play soccer. I am already planning to go with a few girls on the team to Arau, a nearby town, tonight. Then, one of them has already offered to drive me to our first game on Sunday. Things with soccer are much different in Switzerland. The teams here actually use their locker rooms to shower after each practice, but since I did not know that I went home on the train in my soccer stuff. I got a few funny looks, and I am sure people thought I was incredibly dirty.

Sunday is our first game, and I am very excited to play...the coach is playing me at forward! Wahoo...

SPU is small...

2007-08-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

But it makes the world seem not as big.

I was standing in London Heathrow Airport trying to figure out where my gate was, and I look over to see Jacob Burningham from school standing ten feet away. I did a double take just to make sure I would not walk up to some random person and call him Jacob. It was great to see a familiar face, and I got to talk with him about his summer studying in London. I was so glad to be reminded that this really is a small world.

I arrived safely in Zurich, and the soccer coaches met me at the airport. They were very friendly, and we packed the three of us and my two suitcases and skis into their tiny car. Then, we went to my new home, which is a cute yellow house. I have a dog named Pauly, and I will meet the kids today.

Adventure...here I come

2007-08-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when adventure is staring you in the face, and it is difficult to accept the challenge. I am leaving to go to Switzerland for an entire year, and I do not really know what to expect. Although I am hesitant about what is in store for me this year, I know that I will have two familiar things in my life; God and soccer. (Which is actually pretty great since those are two of my greatest passions.)

During the next year, my hope is that I would take advantage of this opportunity. It is also a hope of mine to allow myself to be used to serve others, especially the family and kids I will be nannying. I am looking forward to traveling to new places, meeting interesting people, hanging out with kids and being one myself for several hours a day, and playing soccer. I am so excited to encounter the Swiss Alps, and even more excited for the other mountains I will climb during my time in Rupperswil, Switzerland.