America invades Germany!

Well as it happens, it seems that almost every American we know came to Germany the same week. If you read my last post you know that Hillary visited me, but what you didn't know is that along with her we had the immense pleasure of 6 other men coming to Neuenburg. I have to say the woman population was a little low...meaning I was alone, but it was such a joy to have the large group to show around. Here is a picture of everyone in the castle near our town.

Stephen, Mr. Tommy James, Bill Spanjer, Dr. Duggar, Doug, Mr. Geiger, Matt, Alex, and Pastor Aaron.

Here is Matt in the middle of the Black Forest. 

We had the opportunity to explore the baths in Badenweiler. 

The view from the top of the castle.

Along with visiting sites in the area, the men were able to make a big impact on the community and the attendees of our church. Bill Spanjer (Stephens brother, who is a softball coach and pastor in New York), blessed us by preaching in the Sunday night service while he was here. He also was able to help coach our softball team and give the morale of the team a boost. For our Monday night bible study all the men were put to the test in a question and answer session dealing with everything from serving in the church to living as a christian in day to day life. It was really well received, and I know from the girls that it was helpful to answer some of the questions they have about different issues. After the question and answer session we gave them their final challenge of mastering Rockband. They were naturals!

Dr. Duggar was pretty incedible, Doug was tearing it up on the drums, but no one was as good as Mr. Geiger!

The Lord used the men in mighty ways to help spur us on in the race. We were all very thankful for the encouragement, and I hope they had a wonderful visit as well. 

"Hillary, Laura"... wait, I mean "Laura, Hillary"

So I know it has been forever and I am very sorry about that. Life seems to be moving at a rapid pace and I am just trying to stay afloat. In the middle of June I was blessed to have one of my closest friends visit me here in Neuenburg. It was such a joy to see a friend from home and just be encouraged by someone so close and dear to my heart. We had a wonderful visit and I know the Lord used Hillary to encourage the other girls here as well. When two southern gals get together in Germany there is no stopping us. I don't think people could believe there was someone else who had an accent like mine! We had the pleasure of spending the first day in Zurich, Switzerland and could not have asked for better weather. It was so relaxing to sit around and talk about all the things that were happening in Germany as well as on the home-front. Here are a couple pictures from the day.

Glamour shots by the tower!

The lake in Zurich.

Hillary "diving" into the lake. So realistic!

Along with visiting Zurich, Hillary had the exhilarating experience of watching one of my softball games! She was pretty much astounded with my skills and took a video to prove how incredible I am. We had a great time at the game...even though we got killed! Here is the video she took and a sweet picture of me in my uniform.

Lucky #13!!!

It was a delightful visit with Hillary and I am so thankful she got to meet all my friends and go to church. It is very encouraging for the girls to meet other christians and see that they are not alone in this world. Thanks for coming Hillary, you are greatly missed!