July has been marked by setting up our new apartment, hosting kids for the first time, going on our first European road trip to Burgundy, France, and preparing for a week of Young Life camp (August 7-15th).
Last week, we got to host our first Young Life gathering. It was great to be with the kids! I (Chase) was blown away by all the summer homework they had! One of them was nervous that the University of Sidney wasn’t going to email back their coral reef data in time for her to analyze the correlation between temperature increase and coral reef decay for her research paper. That seemed a little more complicated than my task of finding the right leaf blower for a camp game earlier that day...
I turn 30 in August so we decided to celebrate a little early by going to wine country in France. The highlight was getting to ride our bikes around the different vineyards. It was beautiful and reminded us of what the Shire would look like. We ate delicious foods including beef bourguignon and escargot. It was nice to experience another language and culture without the pressure to speak it or be experts at it (we were just tourists!). But even after three months, driving into Germany started to feel like home. It was an encouraging reminder that we are right where we're supposed to be.
Riding through the vineyards, underground wine cellars, cheese courses, escargot, views of Strassbourg, and an evening in Zurich! It was such a treat, and a nice break.
In just a few days Meg and I head off to our first European Young Life camp! This camp is for middle school-aged students in the German school system (not our students) and is held at a Youth camp in Austria (no official YL properties over here yet!). Meg and I are serving as the Summer Team coordinators (In the States this is called Summer Staff but the SS acronym isn’t a great idea in Germany) and are in charge of a lot of programmatic details for camp. Fortunately, we get to bring two of our students along to serve alongside us as we set up and lead a variety of activities (including a carnival!).
When does school start for us? August 18th. We are in the process of trying to sign up for substitute teaching and coaching so we can hit the ground running as the school year starts.
Are you still doing German School? Yes! We are going to take a less intensive 2x a week class and hopefully start meeting with a conversation partner.
From Chase:
What I learned: I have a lot of wonderful gifts and talents and passions that I bring to this world but setting up a home isn’t necessarily one of them lol. Thankfully Meg has had vision for setting up a space for hospitality so I’ve mostly tried to keep up. I am excited for camp next week where I get to stretch my relational muscles.
Where I saw God: As Meg got her Masters's Degree in Spiritual Direction, I decided that it would make sense for me to see one, so I know what the heck its all about! Our monthly sessions have been an invitation to slow down, to notice where God is in this day, and to build in the contemplative aspect of faith. It has been a gift this month to practice this and to grow closer to God in this way.
What I hope for: I am hopeful that camp will be a fun and connective experience where I get to flex my relational muscles. We’ve spent a lot of time preparing and I’m eager to see it come together.
From Meg:
What I learned: As Chase mentioned, spiritual direction is such a gift, especially in this season of upheaval. In a time of separation and limbo, we are both feeling the strain of disconnection from community. We are away from so many of the things that have filled us up, provided security, and fed our identity (in good ways and less good ways). In this liminal space, I am learning to rest in my belonging as the beloved of Christ (thanks to my spiritual director for helping me name that longing).
Where I saw God: Having students over to our half-furnished apartment for the first time was exciting and a little nerve-racking! But as soon as they walked in the door, it felt just right. It was one of the most natural things we’ve done since we’ve been here. I praise God for that peace and affirmation.
What I hope for: I hope this next month brings increased connection and a whole lot of fun at camp! Serving at camp as a paid staff member is such an exciting milestone for me and I look forward to utilizing my giftedness in making camp a magical and safe place for students (and adults) to encounter God.
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