Since returning from Germany, I've hit the ground and haven't stopped running!

On the 19th- we had a 50th Anniversary Party for my parents! What a great night! It would not have been possible without Maria and other friends who pitched in. It was nice to have some family up from down south and about 140 friends there. My parents really enjoyed themselves. There was so much laughter and joy through the whole night. I loved looking around the room and just seeing everyone enjoying one another. Some people had not been in touch for some time. We enjoyed music shared by various friends and a lively "Newlywed Game"- that was a hit!

Here are some pictures from the party and a video that we shared.

A friend copied Mom and Dad's wedding cake. It was beautiful!!!

The food was delicious- someone asked me if Maria knew the caterers. I laughed, "Maria IS the caterer!!" Everyone just had a blast and loved the entire evening!

The Monday after the Anniversary Party, the youth group began a work week at our church- called "give back".

We had an amazing time. The youth worked so hard and with such good attitudes. I did not hear one person complain about what they were asked to do. We got so much done- here are some of the projects.

-stained all the windows and door trim

-washed windows

-painted window trim

- painted all doors interior/exterior

- painted three rooms and the bathroom

- put up wall paper in two rooms

- painted a book case

- cleaned and painted a storage unit

- sanded- a lot

- painted the boiler room (after cleaning/priming)

- painted pastors porch

- cleaned out the overgrown trees in the cemetary

- completely organized the church library

- painted a huge chalkboard and painted magnetic paint on it

- scraped and cleaned 2 large dividers

- straighted and cleaned all the radiators

- lots of cleaning

I'm sure I'm missing some things, but as you can see- we did a lot!

Enjoy the pictures- I work with the most amazing young people! (And yes, it really is that blue!)

Then, we took 7 teens to an overnight conference in MA. Josh McDowell was the speaker. There were also a lot of bands there. It was a great time with these special kids. We laughed a lot- learned a lot about defending our faith and left quite encouraged!

My partner-in-crime- I honestly don't know where I would be without Maria.

Now, school has started. It has actually gone relatively smoothly. I have a great case load and really enjoy all my classes. I'm working with some new kids- and I'm enjoying them. I actually feel like I have a good handle on things and that I'm prepared. There still is a lot of work to do- but I'm enjoying it. I love going to work each day.

Youth group starts on the 10th- I have a lot to do to prepare. So many projects to get going on.

But that's how we roll!

Love

Elisabeth

I heart my class.

Germany 2

My two other updates from Germany- pics to come soon (once I get over jet lag!).


We are about to begin Day Three of class. Right now, the teens are having quiet time with their counselors. What an amazing time the counselors are having with the campers- digging in the Word and hitting real heart issues. These devotional times have been rich in discussion and truth.It reminds me that these teens are no different from me or you. They experience the same hurts and struggles that we do- and God's Word is sufficient to meet their needs.In journals, I've been able to talk quite a bit about finding our identity in the Lord and not in what others say or think about us.What a treasure it is to communicate unchanging truth! Yesterday, we took the campers to Black Forest International Church. We enjoyed worshipping together- the message was about "Why I'm not an Atheist"- and hit home many important truths for these teens that struggle in a culture that says God does not exist.After a relaxing afternoon watching "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe" and a hearty game of soccer- we worshipped together.I was overwhelmed hearing the campers singing songs honoring our Lord- and realizing that whether in German or English, we worshipthe same Lord. Our messages each evening have been on Living Dangerously- and they have been challenging both to campers and staff that we are involved in a battle. Most of the teens, if they have trusted Christ, make up a very small minority in their villages and schools.This week truly becomes their "spark plug" for the year! Today, we are celebrating Christmas! We listened to The Night Before Christmas last evening, sang carols this morning and passed out stockings w/treats this morning. It is just another way for us to share American culture and communicate love to our teens. Please continue to pray for us here- God is at work and we are excited! As teachers, we have been asked to put together a special lesson for Wednesday, and need an extra doseof creativity to make Lewis and Clark interesting to German Teens. We also have one girl who has demonstrated some special issues- and as a staff we are not sure how to meet her needs.Pray for wisdom and understanding- sometimes it is hard enough to come along someone in your own language- it is doubly hardwhen language is a barrier. Pray for wisdom for Tina, our main translator, as she works with this young lady. Thank you for your prayers- they are felt here!

It is hard to believe that our campers leave tomorrow morning. It has been an amazing 9 days with them.We enjoyed "Adventure Day" on Wednesday and a talent show on Thursday night. So many good laughs.English classes today went so well- and I was able to share with them Ephesians 3:14-21. Russ mentioned thispassage earlier in the week, and I've been mulling it over since. It really is my prayer for my classes (and the campers asa whole)- that their roots will go down deep into God's love, that they will know His great power, that they would make a home for Him in their hearts- and truly know how high, deep, wide, long is His love for them. It was awesome to end our class in prayer- hearing them pray in German and thank God for His abundant love for them. After a special dinner (staff serving campers- and doing their evening chores), we had our final meeting. We've been challenged this week to live dangerously for Christ- not safely or recklessly. It was something that I know I needed to hear. We have seen God break throughwalls and soften hearts as well as strengthen and encourage believers. It has been awesome to play a part in each one's spiritualjourney. Tomorrow morning will be difficult for these kiddos- it is amazing how close they get in a short time. Many have no christian friends back home- and othersare going back to difficult situations. This is truly a haven for them. Pray that they keep in touch and attend a special reunion planned in November. After the campers leave, we have quite a bit of cleaning to do (this dorm is massive!)- and then we will head to Freiburg for dinner! We leave Sunday at 5:30 pm (11:30 am EST) from Zurich and will arrive at 7:30pm in Boston.Pray for safe travel and that we finish well!

Germany Pics

Hello from Germany!

Below are two of my recent email updates-

Wednesday, 7/30/08

Tomorrow is the day! Our campers arrive at 1pm (7am EST)! We are excited to have them come but I think we're all a bit nervous. I know thatI am! We had a good flight over- but ran into some problems finding the right train from the airport to Basal. It was frustrating for a bit (especiallywith all of our luggage)- but the Lord sent a lovely Swiss couple to help us.We arrived hot and tired- and so thankful to settle into Maugenhard- our home for the next two weeks. This is a boys dorm for Black ForestAcademy. It is very comfortable and homey. I have my own room- which allows me a quiet place to prepare- especially once our house is full of manyexcited German teens. Our first three days were spent getting ready for camp. There are actually three camps going on right now at different locations. We had some training sessions all together. In the process, I discovered that the material I was provided was not challenging enough for the students I will be teaching (advanced level).This was initially very frustrating as I had put many hours at home into preparing lessons/materials. So, I've had to start over from scratch.But after some prayer, encouragement and time to re-plan- I have the first two days mapped out. God is using the circumstances here to force me to set myself aside- and allow Him to work. This experience has taken me out of my comfort zone- and I know this is exactly what I needed. It is exciting to see God at work in our staff already- and to know thatHe will be doing the same in the lives in our teens. Today, we were able to take a day trip into Luzerne, Switzerland. We enjoyed a beautiful drive. The city is gorgeous. We were able to see the old city walls and some beautiful old homes and churches. It was lovely to sit by the river in the shade and enjoy the swans. It was a great day to just relax and get to know our team better before we jump into camp. Please be in prayer as our campers come tomorrow. We know that God is going to be working mightily in the lives of the 30 teens- our prayeris that each teen will leave with a growing, personal relationship with Christ.Pray that we are an authentic representation of the love of Christ.

Friday, 8/1/08

What an amazing day we've had! It's hard to believe that just yesterday our campers arrived! We have already fallen in love with themand even chosen a few favorites! For any bit of nervousness they had when they came, it has now been replaced with smiles, laughter and TONS of energy. Our first full day with campers went really well. My class includes 8 boys and 2 girls, ages 15-17. The girls are as sweet as canbe. I've enjoyed just sitting with them, talking, singing and answering their questions. My boys, who seem to think that their smiles and charm willget them out of "hard work", have stolen my heart. Today, we simply got to know each other. I shared a powerpoint of pictures from home and they enjoyed "meeting" loved ones in CT. We played a game called "Would you rather?" where they were given crazy scenarios that they had to pick from and explain why they choose the one they did. They especially enjoyed asking me some pretty far out questions from the game.The most special time was sharing with them a mini-devotional from Matthew 22:37-39 and talking about loving God with our entire being and loving others.Each day, they are asked to respond to journal prompts which I read and respond to. Today, they were asked to tell me their "God Story". What a treasureto read about their relationship with the Lord- and to be able to respond back, heart to heart. One girl came later and thanked me for what I shared. This experience is a thrill- I'm enjoying every moment! Our team is working so well together - and truly enjoying one another.I know already, it will be so difficult to leave English Camp. Please continue to pray that spiritual battles will be won here at English camp. There are some hard hearts- but God has already begun a workin them and is softening them. Pray for encouragement and spiritual growth for these precious young people.

Serving with JOY (more than I can say!)

Elisabeth