home at last, home at last

It was a long journey getting here, but I finally walked into my home at 3:00 this afternoon. We were delayed only an hour this morning in Atlanta due to fog, but the pilot put it into overdrive and got us to KCI in an 1 hour 40 min (normally at 2 hours 15 min). I couldn't believe the emotion that came over me when I saw Chris waiting at the airport. I missed him.

All the luggage made it too, which is always a relief. Unfortunately, I still brought a memory of the trip home with me...during the week, I had been having some pain in my right index finger that probably started with a hangnail or something. Well, it was getting infected and progressively got worse in the last 36 hours. My finger tip swelled to the point of bursting (but there was no open sore) and the pain was becoming unbearable. I got an appointment with my doctor today and it was pretty bad.

I won't go into the details, but I am now on 2 antibiotics and will have to get it x-rayed on Friday to make sure the infection didn't go into the bone. At least the pressure is relieved and I'm not in as much pain.

Now, on to the reflective part of my trip. What did I learn from traveling abroad? More than I can pinpoint right now. It did make me appreciate some things in America, but it also made me wish that we, as Americans, can be more earth-friendly, healthier eaters, better walkers, and more gentle. I loved meeting so many young people from around the world and listening to their views of how life is in their world. I know I will go back to living my life the same way, but I do hope that I can take time to reflect on this adventure every once in a while and know that I grew just a little.

Thanks to all who kept up with my daily rambles, so now I don't have to retell it all over again! Until the next time I stray from Topeka...

so close, but yet so far

Yesterday was one of those days. It seems like eons ago, that we got up at 5 a.m. to catch a shuttle to the Stuttgart airport. At that point everything was looking good. We got our boarding passes, my luggage was under the weight restriction, all our paperwork was in order to leave Germany.

As the seating at the gate was overflowing into the next area and boarding was getting ready to take place, the Delta worker announced over the loudspeaker that our plane was having some mechanical problems and they would report back in an hour. A low groan came from the crowd, but an hour was till within our 3-hour layover time we had in Atlanta.

The hour passed and this time the captain came out and announced that there was a fuel leak on the plane and the mechanical crew was working on it, it should be about another hour..."we apologize for the delay."

Surprisingly the crowd was fairly patient, what could they do? Fixing the fuel leak was a strong enough argument for patience. Finally after three hours, we were able to board, but that put our flight out of the rotation for runway usage, so another hour on the ground in the plane (I took a sleeping pill, so I got some shut eye) before we left the beautiful land of Germany.

The flight west is a lot longer than east (not sure, maybe flight route or headwinds) but it took more than 10 hours to land in the states, but the journey didn't end there.

Of course we missed our connecting flight to KCI, but getting through customs was stressful enough. Nothing moves fast in the world of the CBP. I didn't check my watch, but I would suspect it took us 2 hours, including the rescheduling of our flight home.

Nothing was available last night for us (one in our group did get on a late flight), and at first I was scheduled to go out at 1:30pm today with Shalyn and Lana at 10:50 a.m. That really made me sad, but with the persistance of the Delta employee, she found a back door way to get me on that 10:50 flight. So armed with hotel and meal vouchers, we were determined to make the best of it, knowing at least we would get a good night's rest.

My body is on a different time schedule yet so I was up early this morning and thought a little blogging would pass the time. I am so ready to see Chris and sleep in my own bed tonight. One last post when I make it home safely...

the last supper

With no restaurants within walking distance, we decided to eat at the hotel restaurant. It was also an excuse to use up our euros instead of trying to get them converted back in the States.

It was a wonderful meal. I finally had my kraut and sausage. The plate was artistically arranged with a pile of mashed potatoes layered with six sausages in a radial pattern, then the kraut placed on top. One of the best meals so far. Of course I also had to get some dessert of apfel (apple) strudel with cinnemon ice cream. All washed down with a dunkel bier.

We had nice quiet evening, reflecting how much we have done in such a short time. This was only a taste of Europe, but I know that when the opportunity comes along again, I will be back to see more of it. There will be some culture shock going back to the U.S. and I'm not looking forward to the jetlag this week, but it is worth it.

My next blog will be from the other side of the ocean.

one step closer to home

We are on our last leg in Germany before we flight out early tomorrow. It started with a repacking of our suitcases to make sure we could haul it to the train station. I know mine weighs at least 65 pounds. Finally we got our ticket to Stuttgart and boarded the fast train. For the first leg to Ulm, we realized we were sitting in a reserved seat, but the nice conductor found other seats for us. Then in Stuttgart's main station, we had to figure out where the local trains left to take us to the airport, we had only 9 minutes, but we made it with 3 minutes to spare.

Shalyn found us a nice airport hotel...verz chic and modern, but we aren't close to anything, so I think we we hang out in the room tonight and watch German\American movies.

Shalyn and Lana are getting a little giddy as the end of the trip draws close--a combination of knowing we are going home and exhaustion. I'm turning into the mother! Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing my chocolate. Aufwiederzan (I don't have my German dictionary to figure out the spelling! I'm also typing on a European keyboard and the z's and y's are switched!)

a 'doner' is worth a thousand words

The night was coming fast and the three of us were ready for peace and quiet. Since there was not a delivery place for supper, we thought that this would be a great time for a "doner" (the e has the dots over them). This is the most popular fast food in Germany (even more popular than brats!) It is actually a Turkish food, almost like a gyro. Sebastian always talked about them (he pronouced it as duna) and that was the one food he missed the most.

I have to say that it is fabulous. But I do think it is not so good for you and I'm not sure of the sanitary-ness of it (the server was a lot on the greasy, fat, hairy and hurley-like)--but he was friendly and served it with a toothy smile.

Tonight was the first time this whole trip that we stayed in our hotel room for the evening--reading, blogging, re-packing (I think I can get it all home!) It was nice, but unfortunately, Shalyn is in the beginning stages of a cold so she has been sneezing and sniffling. We went to a pharmacy (they only have drugs there--not like our drug stores with everything else). All medications were behind the counter and you had to ask the pharmacist for them.

Guten nacht.

Spend a day in Munich and get run over by people

(Left) This is us at the Hofbrauhaus...a nice gentleman from three tables away noticed we were trying to take a picture of ourselves and graciously offered his service. (Right) And of course, here is another picture of me with beer in Germany. This was at the market area where they had all these little venders. We ate it outside and were frozen to our seats by the time we finished.

It was agreed by the three of us that we were really glad we had a week to get used to a foreign country staying in a fairly small town, because Munich is crazy!

We did some research online to figure out what to do today and came up with the best plan of walking all around the City Center (which is the heart of Munich). Our hotel is only a few blocks away, so after a nice breakfast (but not as nice as in Friedrichsafen), we were braced for a day of exploration.

Armed with a city map, we made our way to Marienplatz which is bordered by beautiful kirches (churches). It was hard to fathom the age of these places, and how they had to be restored after WWII. There was so much to see, you can link to the Wikipedia page to read about the places. It was sooo cold, though. We had our scarves, hats, gloves and winter coats but were still chilled to the bone. The beer didn't help, but the brat did!

After a while of exploring the historical side of the city, we found our way to the Hofbrauhaus. It was a site to behold, and packed. Amazingly we found a little table for the 3 of us, ordered our beer (not the liter size), and watched people and waitresses. It also was a good place to warm up.

Finally we hit the streets with the fabulous shopping. It was like every expensive and inexpensive store ever created, all jammed into one huge area. What amazed us more was the mobs of people. On a chilly day in March, thousands of people descended into this area. I would hate to see what it was like in the summer. Even the stores were packed with people. If you are claustrophobic, this was not the place to be. I got all my souvenier shopping done (except I can't find German coffee beans for Chris, unless I went to Starbucks--which WON'T happen).

We are resting after a long day and will adventure out again to find our evening meal. Tomorrow we will check out a little more of the city then make our way to Stuttgart. I am so glad we got to experience both the small town life and big city world. As much as I am enjoying this trip, I am starting to feel the Topeka is calling me back...there's no place like home.

over the river and through the woods...to munich

This is my team, Maike and Steffen, as we worked on our project. Sidebar: They were in complete amazement that I was 44 years old--when I was showing them my family on Facebook, they were trying to figure out if I had kids when I was 10! I guess I didn't stick as the old one too badly.

Spring school at Zeppelin University is over. Our class was told at the last minute that our 10 minute presentations had to be cut down to about 5 minutes because the director of marketing at ZU had only 35 minutes total to hear 7 groups present on social media. The entire class did an awesome job and there were some great suggestions for the use of social media. And, surprisingly, Tim Goebel (the director) really changed his view on its use. He finally realized that to be an "innovative, unique and interactive" school that they claim to be, they need to be using social networking tools in their recruiting. That was a huge change from last Monday when we first met him. It was great to see it work!

Then we ate our last meal at ZU (it was a wonderful salmon in a pastry) where I had a great conversation with a student from Denmark. He told me that young adults get paid $700 a month to GO to college(which is also free for them). And he was blown away how much we had to pay to just do our week class in Germany! But then he went on to say that the wealthiest Danes pay 75% in income tax and the lowest rate is 45%. He was really for socialism, but was very interested in how the U.S. opperates. I really had to go back to my 6th grade civics class to tell about the electoral college, checks-and-balances, etc. It was a stimulating conversation to say the least!

Then it was back to Hotel Traube to say farewell to a wonderful accomodation. Packing our suitcases were a little more difficult with the shopping that happened this week and I think my suitcase weighs more than 60 lbs. plus a backpack coming in at 20 lbs! When it is time for the plane, I will use my duffel bag to get my suitcase under the restricted weight.

We were thrilled to find out that our train ticket to Munich was only €41 for all 3 of us (Shalyn, Lana and myself). I guess up to 5 people can ride for that price as a group rate. So on the train we went, hoisting our luggage wherever we went (I have bruises to prove it). First to Lindau which is a beautiful spot on Lake Constance in the mountains. There was a lot of snow, it reminded me of Minnesota (I wanted to cross-country ski). Then we met a young man (we guessed him from 16-21) who helped us figure out the train in Lindau, and he joined our ticket (since 5 could ride) so our ride was even cheaper per person. That was a really long ride (2.5 hours) but on a fast train through beautiful country. I do have to say the trains are the best way to travel, and it's unfortunate that the States don't have a great system.

Shalyn did a great job getting a hotel near the city center (but on the street with the strip clubs--like Vegas!) We made a wrong turn out of the train station so this kind gentleman with no English, tried his hardest through gesture to point us in the totally opposite direction on the other side of the tracks! We have developed such strong muscles hauling our luggage, but we made it.

We wandered the streets tonight (it is very cold) and found a modern German restaurant that the hotel clerk recommended. I had some pasta and off course a dunkel bier. Tomorrow we will really see the town and go to the Hofbrau Haus. Time for a good night sleep.


a view of the Alps from the train window as it whizzed by

all work deserves some play

Today was a total work day in class. Well, almost. Dr. Barb had us do some "observation" of social media as homework today. That meant that we were to go to City Center (Stadtbahnhoff) and watch people, and if we just happenend to find a store that looked fun, we could do a little shopping too.

We found a huge apotheke (drug store) that had the cheap, but good chocolate, so we stocked up! Then we found a wonderful little jewelry store that strictly had all kinds of semi-precious stones. I bought myself and Katie a bernstein pendant (amber). It was fun, trying to communicate with the shop owner who only knew a couple English words.

Then back to class to work with our team all afternoon. We are ready for our presentation tomorrow and I am very pleased with our work. I think it will be more about the process of the presentation than the actual results of Zeppelin University accepting our suggestions of using social media in their marketing strategy.

Our evening ended with a great American/Greek/Mexican restaurant in Germany. We heard from the ZU students that it is great, so we went. It was great, but mostly American, so we had hamburgers and fries (German style). Mine had zucchini and cheese. It was great. They served us a shot of ouzo. That went down smoothly!

Time for bed again. Tomorrow we leave this town and head to Munich for a couple days. EVERYONE says, "You have to go to the Hofbrau Haus." So that is on our list.

another day, another adventure

This has been quite a full day. As usual we enjoyed our delicious hotel breakfast but today we had the option of eating a wonderful bread pudding with apples and raisins. And of course, all the other wonderful other foods that I am getting used to.

Then, as mentioned in my previous post, class was busy and productive. Friday is presentation day and my team has worked very hard. Then the fun really began. We made plans with our whole group (minus James, the only guy) to take the "Kataraman" (ferry) to Constance. Half of the group rode with Nikola (not sure if that is spelled right) in her car to the port, the rest of us went with Karolin (from Hamburg) on the bus to get to the port. That's when the adventure started.

The bus was late, we had 1 minute from bus drop off to get to the port, buy our ticket and get in the ferry...and 2 blocks to run. And run we did, but many of us had our heavy bookbags with laptops to drag along. It was a busy street with cobble stones, but thank goodness for Karolin and her ability to talk to the ferry conductor in their native tongue, asking to hold the boat. It worked and it was so worth the effort.

Konstanz is a beautiful old city, full of life and shopping! I did buy my German shoes that were even on sale (they are very European but I like 'em!), special chocolate, some gifts and a child's book on German words (for a grandchild someday!!) After the traditional shops, they took us to a modern mall. Malls are malls, but the stores were still fun to wander through. The video below was a street performer who just happened to remind us of Kansas.

It was so great getting to know Karolin. She shared lots of information about Germany and her studies. She is also an expert on excellent teas and someday when I ever get to Hamburg, I will try to look up her family business. She promises to teach me the right way to enjoy tea!

Back to the hotel, a little swimming in the hotel pool and then homework. I'm ready to crawl under my down comforter and get a good night's rest.

there's no "i" in teamwork

Class has been really great. We continued to study more on public relations and the new way of using it in this world of technology. I really hope to use some of these strategies at Faith Lutheran Church in a way that can reach outside our walls. Whether Zeppelin University embraces these concepts or not, the students here will take this knowledge into their professions--they can't help it!

We are heading to the ferry soon to go to Constance. I guess it is still part of Germany, so no Switzerland yet (bummer).

Hagnauer Winzerhaus

After spending time with my team on our group project about how to promote Zeppelin University with the use of social media, almost all the students went on a field trip. We went west of Friedrichshafen to an area of vineyards called Hagnau. This part of Germany makes wines with a shorter growing season (no rieslings).

We took a tour of the vaults then enjoyed an hour and a half wine tasting session, starting with semi-dry yet fruity whites then moving to some reds. My favorite was the Spatlase (which is my favorite in America too). I added to my limited wine knowledge, plus I had to buy a bottle to bring back to the States.

We are all getting tired sooner, so a "quick" run to the local pub/restaurant for some "gulaschsuppe" (beefy soup) and of course another beer (what else is there?) Then we are getting to bed early tonight.

I do have to say that it is such a treat to meet so many people from Europe. Tonight I was talking with a girl named Nikolai (originally from Austria) about the culture and how they are similar/different. She was so helpful in understanding what to expect from the more rural area of Friedrichsafen to the Munich area we will experience on Saturday. Even in small countries, there are dramatic differences in the people and culture.

I asked some students if there are many non-traditional students in Germany and they said that most my age go back to school for their Masters and those who want a bachelors are usually in their 60s. I thought that was interesting. I have not felt any judgment or awkwardness in the age gap--everyone has been so gracious (they even like my "oldies" music!)

Tomorrow we are planning on taking the ferry across Lake Constance to the town of Konstanz (Constance), Switzerland. I'm looking forward to adding another stamp to my passport!

Marketing Zeppelin raise questions

Class this morning was very lively. We are working on a PR stategy for the university here so we heard from the director of marketing for ZU. Very interesting. For a school that is only 5 years old (and it is also a private university), and cutting edge in education, using social media is very scary for them. We had great discussion with the students (both ZU and others), that it would be more detrimental to NOT use social media.

German institutes of higher education have not ever marketed themselves to recruit students (it was also free), but now that is changing. Students now have to pay (although still a fraction of U.S. students) and institutions are starting to brand themselves. Our two cultures are still very different but the students in both are seeing the need for change.

Social media is scary for those who want to control the outcome, so change comes hard. Our project is for each group (I'm working with Steffen from Hamburg and Maike from Zeppelin Univ) to come up with a PR strategy involving at least two kinds of social media. It will be a great learning process.

This afternoon we are going on a wine tasting trip to a vineyard. This is sponsored by ZU. I'm excited to try the local wines.

meersburg or bust

It was a great afternoon in Meeersburg. We took the bus to the really old part of town where the oldest castle (the first fortress to be shot upon by a canon) had open tours. Luckily they had a brochure in English so we knew what we were looking at. All these relics from the Middle Ages with no ropes or anything to keep the people away (that wouldn't happen in the States.) It was surreal, almost like DisneyWorld!

We ate at an awesome little restaurant and I had Jagerschnitzel (or something like that).

It was a fun evening but three German men were trying a little too hard to get to be our friends. We think we may end up on some sort of German "Facebook" somewhere! It's good to be in large groups! It's early to bed tonight because we have homework due tomorrow. It feels like we have been here for longer than a couple of days!

Now an official Zeppelin student

School was fun...yes truly fun! My class is on social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc). This was one key way Obama won his election and we looked at how it actually worked. It's a new world in communication and these strategies work in so many elements I'm coming to the reality that this can work in the church environment too, but I do realize that change comes s l o w l y. (But I will still keep at it.)

Our class room is cool--overlooks the lake and today we see the sun, even though it is crisp outside. I am really appreciating the view of international students. We are all in the learning process together. Education=good...complacency=bad.

I do have to say, that listening to the students with their German accent reminds me of Sebastian and how much that short time impacted our lives (I miss you Seb!). I hope to connect with Stefi today--she was an exchange student from Friedrichsafen at Topeka West a couple years ago and we really enjoyed getting to know her.

Not sure of our plans after school today, maybe Meersburg...

Zeppelins are not just for flight

Tonight was really great...students from more than 40 countries are represented this week at Zeppelin University. We learned about what to expect this week and it ended with a great jazz band and wine and beer in the school lobby. I think Washburn needs to try something like that!! (BTW--Zeppelin beer is excellent...a darker beer that is really smooth.)

The school is just one building but really modern. Spiral staircases are very popular in Europe (saves space). They gave us a tour of their art in the school that is inspired by their strong emphasis of business. Actually, I was having trouble finding the art in it (very different).

Our evening meal was very locally flavored--it's literal translation means "mouth bag." It was very good. We also had a hot potato salad and carmalized onions. That was enough to fill me for the day!

Well, tomorrow is a full day, so I better get into my nice toasty bed (with the feather comforter).

Sontag in Friedrichsafen

This photo is from the top of this huge observation tower that overlooks the lake and the city--but it was windy and cold!

We got a taste of the town today. We figured out the bus routes and the euros--not so hard. I am still amazed at how much I can figure out in German (way easier than Spanish--must have been passed along in my genes!)

We went down to Lake Constance and took lots of pictures of the Alps across the way (Austria to the southeast and Switzerland to the southwest). We also found the coolest children's playground that would never be found in the States. You're never too young to play.

We met up with our teacher, Dr. Barb DeSanto, and she has been to this area frequently so now we know where we want to go when the shops open. I can't wait to go shopping (I'm making my list of who to buy for, so send me a request!) We also stopped at the Zeppelin Museum but will go back when we have more time. It's still pretty chilly but invigorating. I'm prepared though (my mother taught me well.) The people have been so helpful and kind. A smile goes a long way :)

This afternoon we have orientation with Zeppelin University and learn about the rest of the week in class. So far we have met students from Ohio, Italy and Latvia. There will be lots more international students when we meet tonight. It all makes the world seem that much smaller.

breakfast of champions

So Dad said that German breakfasts are amazing and after experiencing one, I can heartily agree!

The hotel serves breakfast from 7-10 every morning so we were thinking more like a continental meal. Well it is like a restaurant with a huge buffet of all kinds of meats, cheeses, eggs, breads, fruits, breads, cereals, breads...

I think I made the hostess think that all Americans are stupid, though. I didn't realize that SHE would serve the coffee and I was helping myself. Oh well, the coffee was really good and the cream was direct from the cow (or almost!)

Tomorrow I will be brave and try the soft boiled egg.

We are going the check out the town today and figure out the bus system. It's cool and overcast with 50% chance of rain. I'm bringing my umbrella.

I have lived a full life

Ever since Sebastian came to stay with us, he always talked about "Tuner" pizza. Well, now I can say that I have eaten and LOVED tuna pizza.

We walked randomly around the town tonight to find a place to eat. People recommended Bahnhof restaurant, but it was packed so we found a little pizzeria. Luckily Shalyn grabbed my German dictionary before we set out and we could figure out what was on the menu. I ordered the tuna pizza with onions--amazing (but they don't cut it--just one big pizza pie!) Lana got the tortellini and Shalyn got a really spicy but delicious speghetti. And of course, the 1/2 liter of Dunkel Wiezen (wheat) beer.

It was a great night and now we are all ready to crash. It's 9 p.m. in Germany and only 3 p.m. in Topeka. I'm settling in for a long winter's nap. Guten Nacht!

Finally to our destination

After a long afternoon and being up more than 24 hours (not much sleep on the plane), we made it to our wonderful hotel. It is on Lake Constance, but the skies are overcast so we can barely see the Alps. I even noticed a Zeppelin flying over the lake.

I am rooming with Shalyn and Lana (Lana is on the cot). It's really nice and contemporary. We just got back from the pool were (well it's Europe) most everyone had suits. Actually they all did, but the children. Lana checked out the sauna and was greeted by a European "moon." Oops--we decided to wait on that for another time.

I guess the hotel has free wine and beer later on, so when in Rome (or Germany...)

It's not all fun and games, we do have to go to class on Monday.

On the train to Friedrichsafen (via Ulm)

Riding the trains are a great way to get around—it’s quiet, fast and cheap. The trains run through the cities and the country so we are seeing everything from factories, to homes, to vineyards (lots of vineyards straight up the steep hills).

I got my first 100 euros in the ATM—it’s like Monopoly money—so colorful! I am glad that the exchange rate is so much better—about $1.25 to the 1 euro. I bought my first amazing sandwich—the bread was great and it had fresh mozerella cheese and tomatoes. Wundabar!

I’m amazed at how much of the rules of the German language I remember from Seb, Jacob and Dad, but I still don’t know what they mean. I do have a little dictionary to check it out. The culture shock isn’t too bad yet.

And yes, we had to change trains in Ulm--the sister city to New Ulm, MN. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see much of the town or the postoffice. But I can say I've been there!

Stuttgart airport - 8:30 am (local time)

(This was written at the airport but I couldn't post until we got to Friedrichshafen)

The night was long, the plane was full, but we made it safely to Germany. It was the most beautiful sight coming into Stuttgart. The hilly mountains, covered with dark pines, were cut into by small villages of red-roofed houses in cream, gold and white. The low clouds nestled in the ravines. It was out of a picture book.

As we approached Stuttgart, the houses and apartment buildings increased, then the factories with their smoke stacks poking through the clouds.

The airport is quiet, the people are quiet—a nice change from America. We are waiting for the other group of WU students coming from their connecting flight from London. Then it’s on to the train heading to Friedrichshafen.

I do have to say that I had a very enjoyable time watching people. My favorite thing was all the really cool boots that the women are wearing. And I love boots! I think I will have to buy me a pair sometime this trip. The European fashion is great—skinny jeans, boots, leather, black…chic.

the smell of onion rings is killin' me

Same old story, hurry up and wait. We are sitting in the airport waiting for another hour to catch the flight to Atlanta, then on to Stuttgart.

Everything has been a piece of cake so far...checked in online, self-serve luggage check-in, everything in place. Traveling is so much easier than it used to be, even though there are so many more precautions and restrictions.

Chris was a wonderful chaffeur of three women. Shalyn Marsh and Lana Kraus are also students at Washburn that I have been enjoying getting to know. So there we were, all scrunched in the Elantra with the suitcases barely fitting in the trunk. (Sidebar--Lana and I have exactly the same suitcase, so I had to tie a ribbon on mine so I could identify mine.)

The smell of the onion rings from the guy sitting across from me is making my stomach hurt. The two eggs for breakfast have already worn off. Guess that bag of trail mix is calling my name.

I better sign off for now. Atlanta is my next stop.

the night before the dawn

My suitcase is packed with some room to spare. My backpack has all the essentials for a long flight. My clothes are laid out for tomorrow's journey. I'm ready to go.

If you would have asked me 10 years ago to go by myself (without Chris or a close family member), I would have shrank in my shoes and said no. But life is funny. The new paths we take, the experiences that lead us to better (and sometimes worse) places all cause us to grow. And that is what I have done these past few years...grow.

It started with the epiphany moment (thanks to Pastor Pete) when I suddenly realized that it was time for me to go back to school. Three years later, with only seven weeks left in my undergrad life, I begin to get reflective.

Heading to Germany with mostly strangers (Shalyn and Lana are becoming good friends, but a generation seperates us) is a huge step. But I'm not panicking, my breathing is still normal, my heart beats slowly. I'm ready.

Pray for me as I step outside my comfort zone. Pray for the group as they encounter frustrations.

Here I go...