Paris Holds the Key To my Heart!

*song from Anastasia*

So today was our first official day in Rome! So let me tell you about Paris. We arrived late on December 23. We got delayed getting to our hotel, but the hotel was right beside the Notre-Dame and beautiful and great! The first day was basically our sight seeing day. We got on the 'Open Tour' Bus and saw all the big sites. The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalids, the Louvre, and obviously the Notre-Dame. The big cool places, but it was Christmas Eve so we had to go back to the Louvre because it was closing by the time we got there. And then we went out for dinner and went to the Midnight Masse at the Notre-Dame, which was all in french. What an experience!

On Christmas Day we went is Disneyland in Paris, also called EuroDisney. It was definitely an unusual Christmas, but it was fun. Disneyland in Paris is basically the exact same in California, except that it was cold. And when you first walk in to Disneyland they have 'Main Street USA.' That was funny and fun. And then we went back to the hotel and crashed.

The next day we went to the Louvre basically all day, it is huge! And then that afternoon we switched from our hotel to our hostel, which was basically at the edge of town, so it was not a very good location and switching places was just tiring.

So then on the 27, which was our last day in Paris, we decided to walk to the Eiffel Tower, which was on the other side of the city. It took around 6 hours to get to the Eiffel Tower, however we did have a Starbucks stop on the way (I picked up my Paris mug from Starbucks!) and went to go see Napoleons tomb. It was a super long day, and we took the Metro back. So that was a long day, but we got to see the Eiffel Tower at night and take a ton of pictures!

And then on the 28 we went to Rome, which happens to be only yesterday for me. We waited at the airport forever, and the flight was delayed, and we finally made it to our hotel at around 1 am in the morning. So it was a very long day, however very productive for me because I read a book and a half in my bible. I am still very behind in my bible reading, but I am catching up slowly.

And God had been providing for us the entire time! I can't believe how faithful our God is. I can only say that God is good and deserves all the credit for the safety we have had so far. Please pray for us in Rome. Our group split up in the last 2 to 3 days, so it is just me and two other girls in Rome. We know that we must be super careful, but please pray for safety and wisdom on our behalf. And yesterday was officially our half way mark for Christmas break, so that is exciting. I cannot wait to get back to Bode and have routine and stability again.

And in a week from now we are moving again for the last couple day to a flat through the Church of God just on the coast by Rome. And then that'll be the end. I will try to update again in a couple days.

Thanks for all the pray! We are feeling it and God is certainly protecting us.
Happy New Years!
Jessica

The Dublin Adventures!

So, one country gone and two more to explore. I am now in Paris, and it is Christmas time. I just got back from a midnight service at the Notre-Dame and I am going to Disneyland on Christmas Day. But let me tell you about Dublin first:

We arrived in Dublin on Dec. 18 at around 6 pm. We went out to a great Irish pub with great food, and of course some beer and cider. Then we got up in the morning for our first day in Dublin. We got up on Sunday and decided to hit Christchurch for a church service. It was a crazy big, and beautiful, and amazing church. Then that afternoon we took a train to the coast and took pictures at a place called Howth, a fishing town on the coast.

Then the following day (Monday) was our 'sight seeing' day. We walked around Dublin (it is really not that big) and saw St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, Stephen's Gardens, and some stores. The grand sights! Of course I hit up Starbucks! Dublin is beautiful and if you have a chance, go see it! I would go back any day.

Then the following day was the shopping day! Found a pair of boots (needed some), and got some souvenirs. Us girls had a fun, and tiring day; finding the hidden gems, meaning stores, that Dublin holds! Then that night we went out again to Temple Bar, and to The Clarence Hotel, which is the hotel U2 owns and it is the hotel U2 lives in when they are not on tour.

Then the last day was just a chill day. Finished up some shopping, took some pictures, cleaned our apartment, and the guys made us supper! Taco's, it was great! And then we went to bed...only to wake up at 4 am the next morning and fly to Paris. Dublin was so amazing, in fact I found it so great I would live there. The people truly are as friendly as everyone says!

During our time in Dublin God was nothing, and is nothing, but good. He has protected and provided for us the entire time. Thank you for your prayers and support, we have felt them here. Our trip to Paris from Dublin was crazy. We had a 5 hour delay in Dublin, but still got onto our connecting flight from England to Paris. Then when we hit Paris we took the train to the Notre-Dame (our hotel looks out onto the Notre-Dame). The train was stuck on the tracks for an hour (someone committed suicide, so please pray for their family) and it took forever to finally get to our hotel. Tension was high and we were tired, and we saw fights break out and all, but God is good. We all got to the hotel safe and sound, and nothing was stolen. Thanks for your prayers again!

And now it is Christmas, and today (Dec. 24) we went and saw all the sights, and then we went to the midnight mass at the Notre-Dame. And now it is 1:30 am here in Paris, and it is Christmas Day. Today, being Christmas Day, we will be going to Disneyland in Paris. We all thought it would take our mind off of family, and besides, everything is closed in Europe on Christmas! And then on the 28 we will be flying on over to beautiful Rome.

The time is flying, and before I know it I will be back at school with only three months left. Life is crazy and every morning I wake up, and all I can think is: God is good, and to thank Him for all He has done for me. I woke up this morning (our first morning in Paris) and I could not believe that I was in this beautiful country. All I can do is thank God! I am so happy to be here.

Know I am missing you all so very much at this time. I love all of you and think of you many times a day. Mom, one day we will have to come here together. I know that together, we would have so much fun! We would have an amazing time!

Please continue praying for us: especially for calmness and peace. Tensions have been running high. Especially for me...I just get on edge easily, and everyone here can tell. Pray for safety, Paris is know for it's pick-pocketing. And that we all continue to focus on God and all his goodness and blessings.

Merry Christmas to all, and remember the reason for the season: Jesus!
Love you all!
Jessica

Last Day in Dublin

I don't have a ton of time to update, but I just want to ask for prayer! Tomorrow we are flying to Paris, and flying in Europe right now is sketchy due to crazy weather. Please pray that we get to Paris. We are flying from Dublin to Paris via England, and what is getting me nervous is England. When we came in Dublin, on December 18, all flights in the UK were cancelled. And England is in the UK, therefore making me nervous. So please pray pray pray! We will be doing to same here.

We are all having an amazing time, except that I am sick. But God is providing and protecting us each step of the way, He is so good and only God deserved the praise and credit.

I miss everyone back home, and am especially praying and thing about you all this holiday!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
Love you all,
Jessica

Let The Adventures Begin!

So today is the BIG DAY. I leave in an hour and a half: our group is being driven to the Friedrichshafen Bahnhof, and then we take the train to the airport. And by tonight, which is late afternoon for all of you back home, we will be in Dublin...hopefully relaxing in a nice apartment. I am just now starting to get excited, however there are some things I would love prayer for:

Our group is kinda random, which definitely makes the adventure that much more exciting, but please pray that we all bond well and that there won't be any drama. I know that if we all just stay focused on God, that we will be good. Pray that we are just patient and understanding, and that we can show God's love to each other.

Pray for me: that I do not worry and that I give everything to God. I have had trouble sleeping for a week now and feel nauseous most mornings, especially this morning. Also, please pray that I am understanding and not judgmental. I tend to be super sensitive and take things out of context. I am just super sensitive sometimes over the stupidest things, ask my brothers :P, and I know it's one of my weaknesses. So please pray for that. Plus I am more homesick then I thought I would be. I know that God is my all and my comforter, but please pray that I don't get too homesick!

Pray for safe flights. RyanAir is really strict with carry-ons, and we weren't planning on checking in luggage, but we are now. So that has made me nervous because we've already checked in but when we first bought our tickets we thought we would have no luggage checked in, so technically RyanAir can refuse checking in our baggage. So please pray for that.

And most importantly, please pray that we just stay focused on God the ENTIRE time. That if there is a problem, we want to always pray first and just that we can just uplift each other in prayer and support. I want us to be lights for Christ, since this really is our first time back into civilization. Bode is a nice bubble, and so pray that when we get out of out little 'Christian Bubble,' that God is still priority.

And as I am typing this out, my friend Kirsten is looking how much it will cost to go to Disneyland in Paris on Christmas, so I cannot complain and all I can do is praise God for His goodness, without Him and my wonderful parents I would not be here and I am so thankful for that.

I miss all of you back home,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jessica

PS I will try to update my blog every time we switch a country, so I will try to update when we go to Paris on Dec. 23! And if there are any amazing places in Dublin, Paris, or Rome that we HAVE to go see, just write in as a comment and I will see what we can do!

Christmas Time Is Here!

Well, like I always start these posts....time is flying fast. And it has hit an all new speed as I am officially done half the year this Saturday. On Saturday we are kicked out the building and can only come back on January 8, 2011! And I think, only a week ago I was back from my outreach. I guess I should start there.

My outreach was so great. I really wasn't looking forward to it, but it was a blast and God just reveals Himself is the craziest ways. We went to schools, had Konfi Kids - which are kids that go through Confirmation mostly just for money (they get a ton of money once they graduate) but not for God. We also had a Childrens afternoon and two open evening. Plus we did the Sunday Morning service. And this was only in three days....so life was crazy busy. We were running basically from 9 am every morning till 9 pm. And the best part: Nuremberg. We went to one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany in Nuremberg. I went to Starbucks...TWICE! Plus bought a traveling mug; don't tell my brothers :P And our God is nothing but faithful! Everything we prayed for happened. The Elders of the church realized you can a christian and have fun, and they also saw how important kids and youth are; I am so thankful our church knows that!

And since then, life has been non-stop. Last week we had a guy called Johan Shep in; he loved singing and playing guitar, so all of us obviously loved him! He taught about the life of David, and he was good. And last week was the never-ending singing week. We went Christmas caroling on Monday night, in the rain, for two hours. And the on Wednesday we sang for an hour at the Friedrichshafen Christmas Market. And last Saturday we had something called 'Advent International' where we invite people in the neighbourhood to come and listen to english Christmas music and a message. It was packed and the entire school went on stage, all 108 of us, and sang two songs like a choir. Fun, but enough singing for a lifetime! Ha ha, or for at least December...!

And Peter Reid, the principal here, is doing talking about the Life of Elijah this week, but tomorrow (Tuesday) is out last day of classes. And tonight we have our K-group Christmas Dinners. Tomorrow we have a memory verse test, Wednesday we are at the Stuttgart Christmas Market all day (more Starbucks!) Thursday we have a 'Morning of Silence,' Peter said he just wants us to have pure and content hearts with God before we leave for Christmas. And then Friday we have have 'PACKING DAY!' Which I think is actually pretty sad, because I have come to love my room and my roommates...plus I have a lot to pack :P ha ha. So the long process of packing and figuring out what to pack for three weeks for Christmas, since I am not considered a light packer in my family. Plus packing means more change, and I don't really want things to change. And then Friday evening we have our Christmas Banquet. Get to finally pull out the $12 dress I found in Vernon! It is black and sparkly...I'll try to put up some pictures in the next month. And then on Saturday at 9 am the adventures of Christmas starts!

So everyone is asking about Christmas...so let me tell you all: I will be getting to Dublin, Ireland this Saturday (the 18th) and we, being a group of eight students, (half guys half girls) will be getting all the Irish beer we can drink till the 23rd. Just kidding, I hate beer! Ha ha, and then on the 23rd we will be flying to Paris via England. We have a seven hour lay over in England, so we shall go out and explore for a couple hours. Then we will get to Paris and enjoy a lovely Christmas in a hotel right beside the Notre Dame, which happens to be around 3 or 4 blocks from the Eiffel Tower. It will be tough not to be home, but I guess I will stick with the next best thing: Paris. And then on the 28th the group splits, and then two girls and me will be going to Rome. We shall finish our holidays in Rome and spends New Years there, then back home to good old Bodenseehof. And when we get back we will have new rooms and new roommates! How exciting. :)

And God is just continually showing His faithfulness. Even with planning this trip, I prayed a lot about flights and hotels, and He is just so good. God is helping my just tear down walls of fears and helping me to continually give my life over to Him, step by step. I find that when you pray about little things and see God's faithfulness it is easier to give Him the bigger problems. And Kirsten, my good friend here, and me just really want God to be the complete focus this entire trip. God has everything in control and I know that with God with us nothing will be too big for us to handle.

And as I know that we only have three months left, it is hitting me how much I've been growing and changing. It also makes me realize just how close we have gotten here at Bode. These people here truly are like my family. And I am so happy I am not coming home yet, because I am not ready to come home. I know God still has more to do to me here and I know that I still have so much to experience before I come home and tell all of you guys about it! And as I write, know that I really do miss all of you back home. It is sad knowing that Christmas decorations are up and that your guys are making Christmas cookies and listening to Christmas music...not that I don't have enough sweets and chocolates here! But it will be tough. But as Peter was speaking last Sunday about Elijah, I realized that God is enough. For some reason the longest path is to get stuff from our mind to our hearts. I 'know' God is enough, but last Sunday it dawned on me that if I was a long in the jungle, single, working with a tribe in Africa...it would be okay. Not that that is what I want, but just the idea that God is enough and sufficient. And through Christmas, even though I am not home and I will be missing you all, it is comforting knowing that God is with me and that He truly is all I need, plus I will be with seven other people.

Keep praying that I continually turn to God first, that our trip goes good and that we stay focused on God through out trip. That everything goes smoothly the next three weeks away and that I don't get too home sick.

And I better get to finishing my last paper, and study for my last test this semester. I love you all back home and I continually think and pray for you.

Jessica

Oh, PS: We had snow here but right now, as I look out the windows into our back garden all I see is beautifully green grass. I am hoping for a Christmas with no snow, how exciting would that be!

CRAZY!

Hey Everyone!

So again, time is flying by and December is now here. We got snow a couple says ago, and so Christmas feels like is really is here. I can imagine home al decorated, and all I want is a day at home, sipping some apple cider at the dining room table hanging out with the family. I know that Christmas will be hard, but this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I have to milk it for all its worth. And right now I am in a vehicle driving to Herbruck to go out to my first outreach! It's super exciting. I am on a drama team and we have seven dramas we are doing; so it should be good. Although, to be quite honest, I am not too excited about the outreach. I have gotten so used to Bode, and it feels like home; however no Christmas decorations are up yet...but hopefully soon! And here is what has happened the last two weeks:

-We had Rob Whittaker talk about the early life of Abraham
-We had a bingo night, and the theme was 'old people' so we all dressed like old people. It was hilarious!
-We finally had thanksgiving dinner last Sunday night...it was greatly needed. However we didn't have sweet potatoes, which was sad.
-We had a scavenger hunt!
-We had George Verwer in, who started the missionary organization 'Operation Mobilization' or better known as OM. He was crazy and super passionate about missions and I thoroughly enjoyed him!
-This week, though I am missing a couple lectures, is Richard Dahlstrom. He is the pastor of Bethany Church in Seattle and he is talking about Exodus. He is super informative and talks about Exodus in a whole new light, especially the ten commandments. I kinds thought they were Old Testament and not too relevant, however I was very wrong and have now made it a goal to have a actual Sabbath day once a week when I get home.

And I will tell you all about outreach! Life has been crazy and I will try to continue updating. :)

Miss and Love you all