Progress and (Hopeful) Future Travels

Yesterday after the church service they offered coffee and tea, so I went to get something to drink. I wasn't really trying to interact with people because I was feeling a little shy. I tend to be pretty outgoing, but sometimes it can be tiring - especially when you feel like you aren't getting anywhere. But there wasn't a spoon where I got my tea so I went to another table to grab one. While I stirred my tea, a woman said hello to me! Yay! She asked me how long I'd been coming to church, and when I told her I was an Au Pair from America she got excited and said that her friend was from America. When her friend was done talking with another person, I introduced myself and then the three of us chatted for a while. They were women I'm assuming were in their thirties or forties, but they were very nice and I really appreciate that they were willing to say hello to me. I told Angela (who had lived in California, Nebraska, and Colorado) about an English service I had gone to and that the next one is on the 13th, and if she can she's going to go with me! I exchanged numbers with both of them since Heika said that she has three kids ages 20, 19, and 18 and that her daughter(s?) might be interested in meeting me. Honestly, I'm taking any opportunities I can get.

Yesterday evening they had their once-monthly youth service. Esther went with me in the beginning but had somewhere else to go halfway through. We watched a video interview with Bono of U2, which was REALLY interesting. I had no idea he was a Christian and that all of his humanitarian efforts are really scripturally based. Anyway, afterwards we sat around the tables to discuss which was PERFECT. The age groups really ranged and there were mostly teenagers, but I had seen a table of college-age looking people which I quickly joined. They were really nice, as well, and complimented my German :) I had trouble following the conversation, but was mostly able to get the jist. After the Pastor formally closed the service, they sat around chatting for a bit, so I stayed, too. I left before they did, though, because it was getting dark and 1) I didn't know how to use the light on my bike, and 2) I hadn't ridden my bike so far alone yet. I'm really glad I went to the youth service, and really hope that I'll be able to develop friendships with some of the people I met there :)

In other exciting news, today we got a new bike for me! A new store opened and had lots of SUPER cheap stuff, including a bike for only €100. We had talked to one of Esther's friends about maybe taking her old bike, but she has mysteriously dropped off the face of the planet and isn't responding to phone calls or emails. We also saw a bike at a repair shop that would cost (according to Frank) about €60. I told Esther I would be happy to get the cheaper old bike, but Esther told me that she and Frank thought the new bike was a really good deal, since it was about the same cost as getting an old bike fixed... and it's new.

I tried to ride it, but the seat was WAY too high and we had to wait for the guy with the key to come back. They set it as low as possible and I think it's just right. I can't put my foot all the way on the ground, but I can actually steady myself with my foot while seated! YAY! It's also much lighter and easier to handle - I can actually turn with it!

Unfortunately, the pedals have brakes so I can't readjust the pedals like I would prefer, but when you move it back and forth (only for about a foot or so) the pedals go with so they're easier to adjust. It also doesn't have gears, so I guess that means my legs are just going to have to get stronger. DANG IT. Also, my brother once said about the old bike that the seat looked like it was pointed a little upwards... and after riding the new bike, I think he was right. Now I feel like I'm going to slip off! I think I'll easily get used to it, but it was kind of funny at first. Also, you have to lean over more when riding (my other one was meant for more leisurely riding) so now my arms are actually involved in the process. Weird.



Although the picture is blurry (from my already replaced old camera), please note my frowny face of dissatisfaction with the old bike.



My face isn't in the picture with the new bike, but it is assuredly more satisfied looking.


All in all, I'm VERY happy and excited! I think now we can put an attachment on my bike so I can take the kids in the "fahrrad anhanger" (I am drawing a total blank as to what it's called in English). Yay!

Lastly, odds are good that I'm going to Munich for Oktoberfest!! One of Jenny's good friends from Carleton, Emily, became a friend of mine, too (due to our mutual awesomeness, duh) and she's going to be there the weekend of September 25-27. She said she thinks they'll have room for me in their hotel room, but if not I will just have to get another one! I really was wanting to go to Oktoberfest (since I can't really go to Germany for only one year and NOT go) but was wondering who I would go with since I don't know anybody yet. Plus Esther will be taking the kids to visit her parents that weekend and Frank will be gone for a few days then, too. If that isn't the hand of God, I don't know what is! Emily will be flying into Prague, and while I'd love to go there, too, it will be there all year and Oktoberfest... well, won't.

So, pray that things will work out and Emily will let me come with :)
And that this bike works out well.
And that I'll make friends soon.

Okay, thanks!
LG,
~Julia~