Days 5- 7

Friday, June 7th

We went to our friends' daughter, Giulia's school. She is also in the 3rd grade. At this school, the teacher wanted to introduce us but not tell the students any information about us so that they could ask us questions in English. He just told them we were from the USA and the rest they had to find out by asking us. They did a really great job with their questions. I also think I forgot to mention that at the schools we have given them invitations to our Kids Day at church next Saturday. We are hoping some of the students will be interested to come. It will be kind of a like a mini VBS (Vacation Bible School). We went to two classes that day and then we went back to the church building and Giulia's mom, Silke, brought us lunch. It was really nice to get to spend time with her and catch up.

After lunch, Amanda and Elliot came to clean the church building so Elliot and Corbin played for a little while. :)

After going back to Kerstin's and resting during the afternoon, we went back to the church building and had an English Bible Study. There is always lots of singing and then someone leads a short devotional thought. Clint did the devotional and we really enjoyed singing together! We had a really great group show up for it! I heard that it was a bigger group than they had had in a long time! I have to say that singing is always my favorite part and it was really great singing that night.

Saturday, June 8th-

This was a busy day! Amanda picked me (April) up at 8:00 a.m. and then we went to pick up Chris and Krista and Barbara. We all headed to Dresden. There was a women's seminar led by Elsa Springer from Bremen. The topic was about "Boundaries" and basically how to say "no" and not let people cross your boundaries. It was a really good topic and probably good for everyone to learn from at some point or another. I know it is something I need to work on. It was great to see all the ladies there and have fellowship with them. So many dear friends were there and it was so good to give them all really big hugs! :) I just wish I had taken more pictures! But, I'm trying my best to remember to take more! The seminar was from 10-3 and we had a break for lunch in between.

Women's Seminar in Dresden

Front row: Gwen, Barbara, Krista, Annette, me
Back row: Anne, Amanda, Gundi, Anika, Janine and Elsa

At 4:00 the church in Dresden was hosting singing for all the churches in Saxony. Once again, it was great to see everyone and give them great big hugs! I did happen to get some photos at the singing. :) Once again, this is one of my favorite activities and is just so uplifting to me. I was talking to my friend Karen, that when I sing those German songs they just really touch me. We decided maybe it was because it took us years to learn how to pronounce the words, and then finally to understand the words that now we really appreciate the meaning of the songs even more. So true. If only I would really think about the words in the same way when I sing in English. I really need to work on that.

Doreen and Krista at singing

Clint, Kye, Taylor and Jessi after singing

Clint enjoying his Fettbemme

Heidi has decided she really likes Taylor

Larry leading singing

Steffen leading singing

Heidi playing with Ruben and Anne Marie and John, an intern working in Leipzig

Clint and Corbin with Larry

This didn't turn out great because I was trying to take it from the car as we were passing by a flooded area in Dresden. You can kind of see some large trees there in the water. The Elbe River is very very high!

 Sunday, June 9th

This morning we had Bible study and then worship. Clint preached his first German sermon and he did a great job! I am so proud of him! It was wonderful to worship with our brothers and sisters here!

After worship we were able to go back to the apartment and eat and get some rest. The kids needed a nap and we were actually able to get a short one too.

This afternoon we had invited former readers and contacts to come to a grill at the church building and join us and the church for some yummy food and fellowship. We were happy that many church members were there and we had a few visitors come too! I thankfully remembered to take some photos!

Karen walking Corbin around

Elliot, Corbin and Amanda

Noah and Corbin

Giulia playing with Corbin

Beautiful ladies! Linda, Marion, Ellen, Karen and Silke

EFG team: Taylor, Kylee, Kye and Saylor

Doreen and Olaf

Andre hiding :), Amanda and Elliot and Leonie

Andre getting ready for his yummy meal

Simmi, Clint and Corbin

Elke and Anne

Sophia, Rafael, Simmi, Kye, Steffen and Corbin

Riding on Daddy's shoulders