Open Doors

Hi Readers!

Just like last week I've been on the go go go. I knew that time would run short during the last couple of days in my stay, but I didn't know it would be this close. My 'Goodbye party' is this evening, between packing for tomorrow, baking, cooking, running last minute errands, it all gets pretty hectic. ...But God is so good and is guiding me through everystep. I do not know what other exchange students are feeling and if they're 'sad' to be leaving Germany, logicially I would think they be. As for me, I know that the oversea connections I've made will be kept . The relationship with my host family will be a life-long one, for that I am certain. What I have learned I will never forget. There are seasons and times for all things; my season here is ending and a new one is beginning. I don't find anything to be sad about in this situation, just gratefulness. Attached are about a dozen pictures that summarize the last week. Enjoy!

Keeping the 'Slanted House' in Wernigerode, Germany
from falling.
http://www.wernigerode.de/en/
Check the website out! The house is really slanted!

In the smallest house in Wernigerode.
From one wall to the other was eight paces.
One bedroom, one kitchen, bathroom outside.
The original owner was a woman with eight children,
the oldest child lived in the house until the late 1970's!

Walking through one of the many entrances 
to get into the Sachsen-Anhalt castle.

At the top of the castle enjoying a coffee with my host-family
in the cool of the day

One of my favorite German quotes that I've come across
this year is from a late 18th century writer.
He said, 'A door is the handshake of the house'
Germany has the loveliest doors I have ever seen.
Color, detail, and handwork.

The colors are great, right?
Teal blue, desert sand yellow, and espresso brown.

In the Raindrop caves of Harz, Germany

http://www.viatoura.de/koenig-otto-tropfsteinhoehle/fotogalerie/1.html

 

View of the Bode Gorge in Saxony-Anhalt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bode_Gorge

On the way down with the lift.

Brocken, the highest peak of Northern Germany
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brocken
We hike 9.94 miles to the top and back in 93°F.
Got my first lobster burn of the summer on my neck,
but thanks to the packet from my Uncle in the US
my Boston Red Sox hat protected my face.

Picking cherries at my host-grandparents house,
the branches were heavy of fruit and this verse came to mind...

Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doesth shall prosper.
It's a promise.
The next blog I will be writing will be in the U.S.. In the U.S. in two days, home in 3!
I give Jesus all of the glory of this last year, with Him and through Him every day was a victorious journey.
God Bless You, Genevieve