Frankfurt.

This past week I had the most excellent of weeks. Mr. Bryan Layman came all the way from America to visit for Spring Break and it was a wonderful six days. We met in Frankfurt and stayed in that area for the whole week. Frankfurt is the largest financial center in Europe after London. There is a stark contrast between the huge skyliners of downtown and the Roemer Platz where the Rathaus is located in the Altstadt. I wish I could have taken him to Koenigsfeld, but it was just too pricey.

Our trip included:
-going to a zoo and laughing at the monkeys for a good 30 minutes
-climbing to the top of a cathedral
-watchings a parade for Mardi Gras (Fasching here). You should ask Bryan to do his German parade impression.
-visiting a castle
-drinking 8 dollar water and various other over priced drinks (including awful Apfelwein - which apparently Frankfurt is known for?)
-seeing Goethe's house (couldn't help myself. I actually saw the table at which Faust was written!)
-going to a Bundesliga Frankfurt soccer game
-sitting by rivers and talking about everything we haven't been able to talk about
-and many other boring things that probably aren't as interesting

I wasn't quite sure what to expect leaving Bryan again... Many friends had advised me not have a visitor till after my half way point because it can be pretty hard to watch them leave and stay behind. But, it was so much easier than expected. Don't get me wrong, I miss him and my friends and family so much. I couldn't help but think at this point most students are half way done with their study abroad experience and here I have been here for almost two months and haven't even started school yet. However, I am so at peace about being here. On the train back to Koenigsfeld I had the chance to think and reflect about my time spent here. As hard as it is to be on my own, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world.

I am realizing what it is to have God meet my every need. One thing that I have learned from my relationship with Bryan and different friendships is that when you go to another person or thing to meet your needs you will be endlessly disappointed in them and your relationship. Satisfaction just won't happen. So often we think "If I could just get that one grade, or date that one person, or get that one job, then life will be good."

Why?

Being alone in a foreign country is driving this point home. My friends aren't a phone call away, my mom isn't just one state over to fix my problems, fellowship is essentially nonexistent (I am hoping that will change once I get to my university). I am removed from it all; yet, at the same time, my heart is more full and satisfied than it has been in ages.

I am in a really good place right now, which is necessary because this week is one of transition for me. Next week is my last week at my internship. On the 21st, I travel to Munich to meet up with my brother and grandparents for a good week or so of vacationing, then it is off to school. I can't wait to see God's goodness flow out into another city and another part of this semester.

So much goodness, so much to be thankful for.