September 2021 Reflection

I (Meg) can't look at this photo without thinking about CS Lewis' "The Horse and his Boy"

We have been in Germany for five months! Can you believe it? We hardly can. We feel like we are in a pivotal part of the transition phase. We are moving out of the immediate survival season and it is now time to actually start planting roots. Up till now, our German life has revolved around short-term goals. Survive intensive language school ✅ Get a car and an apartment ✅ Complete german paperwork ✅ Prepare for camp ✅ Set up our home ✅ Host Meg’s Family ✅

As we returned from our road trip with the Guchee’s (Meg’s family) we noticed a shift in perspective from short term to long term. Now is the time to start doing what we came here to do--build an intergenerational community rooted in Christ. In ministry, that means figuring out where in the world these kids hang out and how we can put ourselves in their way. In life, we are eager to make friends and discover rhythms of work, play, and rest.

Also, we booked plane tickets for Christmas (December 21-January 11)! We look forward to seeing you! Keep scrolling for photos, prayer requests, and our personal reflections.

Highlights from September:

• A visit from Meg’s family! We spent a few days in Munich before cramming into our Skoda Wagon for a road trip through the Alps (which led us through 5 countries!)

• Enjoying the last summer days on Chase’s birthday present--a paddleboard!

• An awesome hike in Garmisch that involved cows, scrambling, and walking a ridgeline

PRAYER

For our residency permits to arrive so we can get into the school

For creativity in finding where the kids hang out

For friends!

Special prayer request for Sam Lee who is in the ICU with Covid. Join us in praying that God would be his very breath.

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From Meg:

Where I saw God: Last week I took a little solo time that led to me driving into the city from a direction we have not yet traveled. As I drove south along the tree-lined street of Leopoldstraße, the sun glimmering off the grand buildings and cathedrals resembling the Champ d’Elysee in Paris (there’s even an arch), I was struck with the wonder and joy of life. My heart brimmed with delight that I get to call this place home. I treasure such divine moments of affirmation that remind me I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

What I learned: Living abroad and establishing an actual sense of “normal life” just takes time. I am eager to want to rush ahead, to make things happen, but in many ways those old modes of being aren’t even possible (i.e. waiting on our residency permits so we can go to the school). I’m learning to take life at a steady pace, growing in patience for things that develop slowly. I’m *trying* to relish the simplicity of life in this present moment.

What I hope for: I am hopeful that October will start to bring the establishment of rhythm and some sense of consistency as we start to build our German life. I also hope we can get plugged in somewhere that will allow us to make friends (church? gym?).

From Chase:

Where I saw God: While I am usually guilty of “shoot first; ask questions later” I haven’t been able to do that this September. We are still navigating completely new systems that (much to my chagrin) take time. When I was starting in Issaquah, I was able to move and meet people very fast. Here, however, the process has just been slower. It’s very easy to be caught up in the doing - being in constant motion is often the norm on Young Life staff especially in September! I see God inviting me into deeper relationship. As much as I want to manufacture this community as fast as possible, we are having to rely on God’s timing or Godspeed.

What I learned: I was reminded this month of our calling to be here. After dropping the Guchee’s (Bob, Kelle, and Matt) off at the airport after two great weeks of their visit, I asked Meg if she wanted to jump on the plane with them to head back to the US. As much as we miss our family and friends, both of us were glad that we got to stay in Munich. It is helpful to know that we will be coming to the US during Christmas time but it reassured us that this is where we are supposed to be.

What I hope for: For friends and our permanent residence card to come through so we can get into the school and do contact work by subbing and coaching!

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