Hello everybody, it is so lovely to be able to write in English! It has been more than 3 1/2 years since I left England for the supposedly sunnier clime of Rome. After my three years in Rome… I have moved back northwards, this time to Germany. Supposedly colder and snow filled…
The change to a more pastoral setting has been a wonderful breath of fresh air. Of course the language is a bit of a problem. We have great fun in German class… Hopefully some day in the next couple of years I will actually be able to say something sensible and say it fluently. Until then I guess it is a question of facing the normal humiliation which comes with following the Lord's call to other parts. I wonder if Abraham had such problems after he left his homeland behind?!
I can't say that it is easy to be learning yet another language, with yet another new start. And yes I do admit that there are times when I get to remembering my 10 years in England with great fondness and yes I also admit that there are times I wish I was there. I remember of course how easy it was to communicate, not only speaking but also understanding how to read between the lines… I remember so many wonderful people and wonderful friendships. But little by little I am finding my feet here. The culture has some really beautiful aspects. The people are unbelievably friendly and helpful. Family, friendship and fun are all important values which makes Germany a great place to live. The Christmas atmosphere is very visible at the moment with what they call Christmas markets where they sell all kinds of very elegant Christmas gifts, decorations, and lots of handmade arts and crafts, and of course mulled wine and German Christmas food specialities. In the centre of it all of course is the crib. It is very beautiful. So on that note I would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas, with our Lord and a fruitful and holy New Year!
Anne
