Wavelength

Let the Disks fly

2012-03-02T12:12:00.000+01:00

A tradtion in our area of Germany, which probably has its roots going back hundreds of years, is to mark the end of winter and invite spring to come. This is connected to the Lent Season somehow and usually follows "Fasching" which is like Carnival or Mardi Gras. While we don't take part in the colourful, loud, and often rowdy festivities that lead up to lent, we do join our village in the tradition of welcoming spring.

Every village lights a HUGE bonfire on the highest hill above their town. I think all of the tree cuttings and Christmas trees are collected for months and added to the pile. It is as big as a house. There are many little bonfires as well and people gather together for a fun time. The activity of the evening is letting the disk fly...

The little girls happily stand on the side waiting their turn. I think they have more fun talking with each other and watching the boys, although they will all take a few turns. For the boys, this evening ranks right up there in the best days of the year. Fire, sticks, buring disks - can it really get much better?

The How to.....
First you need the disks. These are wooden squares with beveled edges and a hole in the center.

Then you need the sticks. They must be of hazelwood. Danny and Jason went up the woods to cut their sticks, feeling quite on top of this cultural event. They walked by a group of men who commented on their sticks. Yes, D &J said, they knew it had to be hazel wood. On their return. sticks, in hand, they passed this same group of men who asked how many people were planning to shoot off the disks. Confused, D & J remarked, "Well, two." This was met with a huge burst of laughter. Even more confused Danny asked and discovered that every person needs AT LEAST 4 sticks! So much for their pride.

Then you put the disk on your stick and place it in the fire. When it is nicely glowing it is ready.

While you wait for your turn at the ramp, you keep your sticks held high, waving them slightly to keep them glowing.

ANd then it is time to take aim, and fire. The disk should hit the ramp at just the right angle. When done right the disk flies off of the stick and goes soaring into the valley below. This takes a fair amount of practice to get it right and it is so fun to see the older men teaching the young ones. Every boy wants to hear the approving "whoa...gut!!" after his disk has been fired.

Jason has had a few years practice and can hold his own pretty good. He got a few approving comments.

The Siberian Cold

2012-02-14T12:38:00.000+01:00

We woke up this morning to another fresh layer of snow. Winter here tends to be quite mild, hovering around the 0°C, but dipping down lower at least once in the winter. Snow is not uncommon but is doesn't usually last long.
This winter began unusually mild, but now for the past two weeks the temperatures have stayed consistently below 0°. We have even had -17°C one night. We are fortunate as many other parts of Europe have had much colder temps. The weather man called it "The Siberian Cold". So glad for a house with good heating!

20 Years!

2012-02-07T21:23:00.000+01:00

Twenty years ago today, we boarded a plane and flew to Germany to begin a new adventure. We were young and Lindsey was not even a year old. We had no idea how long the adventure would last, and today we look back with grateful hearts for all of these wonderful years and for God's great faithfulness.

A Great Day for A Carriage Ride

2012-02-07T09:49:00.004+01:00

On Sunday, although the weather was quite cold, we were taken on a carriage ride. The day was clear and crisp. The snow was crunchy and the views were wonderful.

Seventeen

2012-01-23T16:38:00.001+01:00

Our dear son turned 17 last week! He is growing into a very fine young man for which we are so thankful. We are also thankful for his group of friends. They are a great bunch of guys! Here are a few of them, about to devour the birthday cake...

The Tree

2012-01-08T10:08:00.000+01:00

A short distance from our home begins a walk that is always a favourite with us. It is an easy walk, perfect for chatting and walking at the same time. It leads to the castle ruins above Loerrach. We do love to wander around the ruin but when the kids were young the favourite part always seemed to be "The Tree". Today was no exception. The castle was closed, but the tree (or maybe I should say, "it's roots") still held its pull.

Another Year...

2012-01-04T10:04:00.002+01:00

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Words: Frances Havergal, 1874. Music: Samuel Wesley, 1864

Christmas

2011-12-25T13:36:00.002+01:00

Christmas Eve Celebrations began with the candlelight service in our church. I especially enjoyed hearing Lindsey and her friend Jillian sing together.

After Church we came home to our traditonal meal of Varenikje....YUM!

We invited friends to share this special evening with us.

Danny's niece, Katie, has been studying here in Germany so we are glad to have her join us for Christmas!

Being away from family at Christmas allows us the privilege of having friends to share to Christmas with. The Leavitts have become like family to us and we have celebrated many Christmases together!

Christmas Markets

2011-12-25T13:35:00.000+01:00

Christmas markets are deeply woven in the traditional cloth of German Christmas. Every city has one and the bigger ones runs through the whole Advent season. The wooden booths fill the city square and all manner of gifts and food can be found. It has become part of our Christmas tradtion as well, to visit at least one market and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes. This year we visited several markets enjoying each one. The first market we visited was in Dresden. This market was being held this year for the 577th time. That is quite the tradition. It was a very lovely market. The wooden booths were quite decorated and many of the were selling tradtional wooden Christmas decorations. These booths were my favourite. Dresden is famous for its Stollen and we had some chances to taste the real Dresden kind - delicious!

On our way home from Dresden we stopped in Nuernberg to take a peek at the famous Christkindlmarkt there...

One of the most unusual and beautiful markets that we visited was held in the Ravennaschlucht near Freiburg. It was only a short drive - less than an hour - but in that distance we left rainy and dreary Holzen behind and drove up into a snowy wonderland. This market was set up under the train bridge and tucked away into a an opening in the woods. Lights were used to make everything look quite magical.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-23T13:42:00.001+01:00

Searching for the right tree.

Mistletoe

Will it fit in the car? No problem.

We get our tree from a local man. He cuts them from his property and brings them onto his little "hof". We love to go and get our tree there and then bring it home to cover with our decorations collected over the years.

The Advent Season

2011-12-23T13:13:00.000+01:00

Christmas in Germany is gentle and magical. Houses and villages are decorated with white lights, candles, and pine branches.

Advent is celebrated and the 4 Sundays are counted.

You can buy wreaths ready made or make one like I did.

Fall Wanderings

2011-12-23T12:04:00.002+01:00

We ventured out quite close to home to the Muenstertal. This church and convent are nestled into the wooded hills, away from all busy-ness. There was a program going on in the church so we couldn't go in. That will have to be another day.

Another day found us heading north to the village of Ettenheim. It was a very quiet Sunday afternoon as we walked the streets of this quaint little town.

And then we ventured eve further north and a little west to see the city of Strasbourg France. We were very surprised and wondered at ourselves that we have never visited this city before. It was lovely.

The cathedral in Strasbourg is fantastic. It is intricately carved on just about every surface.

Now this is tight parking.

Fall Markets

2011-12-23T10:53:00.002+01:00

Fall seems to be market season in our area. In Kandern, we visited the annual pottery market. There were many booths and each one had its own style and colours of pottery.

In our own town of Holzen, a "handwork" market is held every year. This market is especially loved and visited by many many people. It has numerous stands filled with wares made by hand or old-style machines. Nothing mass produced here. It is filled with colour and you can get some very interesting items.

The Sky

2011-10-25T17:50:00.000+02:00

One more collection of Manitoba pictures. Every time we are there we are impressed with the sky. It is so big. Often the sky is just a huge expanse of blue maybe with some fluffy clouds rolling through, but at other times it can be colourful or gray or stormy but it is always big.

Back in Germany

2011-10-15T11:51:00.000+02:00

We arrived in Germany in the late summer. We enjoyed seeing the sights as we reaquinted ourselves with our area.

Manitoba Bound

2011-09-25T20:59:00.004+02:00

On June 18, 2010 we boarded a plane a took off for Manitoba where we would remain for just over one year. We set up our home using stuff we had in storage and things that we borrowed from friends and family (thank-you) and we settled in for a great year together. It was a privilege to experience so many great times with our families and friends, to be able to be involved in our home churches, and to experience all 4 seasons of Manitoba. We wondered how it would be to spend a whole year at "home." We are again amazed at God's timing and provision as we found that the year was really a blessing to us in many ways. It was a wonderful year. Following are just a few pictures - a smattering of memories.

2011-09-25T20:03:00.000+02:00

2009 to 2011. My how time moves quickly along. It appears that have not done a very good job of keeping this blog up to date, but I am going to give it a second try. Clearly I need to fill in some gaps before I can simply move on to the present, but I will do that in some short summaries. Life has been full and rich. It has, of course, had its ups and downs, and surprises. We have seen God's hand moving, and guiding, and holding us up. We have so much to be thankful for.

I hope these writings and pictures will give you a glimpse of life as we see it.

Art Award

2009-06-10T15:05:00.004+02:00

Various art pieces were selected to be part of an exhibition at the school. Judges evaluated each piece and then made their selections. We were all very proud (and surprised) when Jason's unique and original plate was selected for first place in the middle school. Way to go Jason!

More celebrations!

2009-06-10T12:59:00.012+02:00

As the school years drew to a close there were so many events and special times to celebrate.

Our church recognizes the Seniors with a special Sunday service. Each Graduate is given a leather Bible as a gift from their "home church". Here is our pastor giving Lindsey hers.

On the same Sunday we had a tea for all of the graduating girls and their mothers. It was held in our local "Art Factory" an old factory building that is now being renovated by a missionary family. Their vision for the building involves missions and arts. It also makes a unique setting for things like teas and get togethers.

These 4 have been at BFA for all 12 years of school - a not so common accomplishment. They were all surprised when, during the awards night,
the video of their first day of school was shown.

Lindsey with her Grade One teacher!
Friends

Graduation Day!

2009-06-10T09:43:00.012+02:00

Getting Ready ...

The Director of the School waiting at the front. The flags stand for the countries represented in the student body. I believe there are about 40 of them.
This is the largest class that BFA has graduated - 78 grads.

Lindsey

Receiving her diploma and cords.
She will receive two cords which means she graduates with High Honours!
...and they are done!!

a very proud dad

Receiving flowers for Grad is not unusual, but these were delivered right during the grad ceremony! They are very beautiful and add a wonderful grad memory.Jason and Lindsey - and yes he is taller than she is

Graduation marks the end of a chapter. There is much excitement for what lies ahead but for our kids these days are also filled with many tears. Lindsey's class is already scattered across the world with the hope that they will one day meet up with their freinds again. That is one of the joys and sorrows of being a missionary kid.
These two have been friends since they were 3 years old- another very rare occurance in the missionary community. In just a few weeks time Steph will be moving to the US for further studies.

Middle School Graduation

2009-06-10T09:28:00.009+02:00

Jason, all dressed up and ready to go.

The end of grade 8 is celebrated with a special dinner for the students followed by a program in which each of the students is given a tribute. It is a special way to mark the end of middle school (junior high) and give them a bit of a send-off as they move into high school.

Jason and his friend, Michael

The boys - before and after (in reverse)

This is almost all of the boys in Jason's class, looking a whole lot more spiffy than they usually do!

Celebrations - JSB

2009-06-09T13:05:00.009+02:00

The Junior-Senior Banquet was held in May. It is the celebration of the graduating class given by the junior class (grade 11). This is an event very much looked forward to. Everyone dresses in their finest festive clothes and it is a great time for the seniors.

Couldn't resist at least one picture of her shoes!

Here is Lindsey's small group - or at least most of them. They have met together almost weekly, these past 4 years, losing some girls and adding others along the way. We are so thankful for her leaders who have invested so much into these girls lives!

Roses

2009-06-09T12:42:00.004+02:00

The Roses are wonderful this year. It is hard to know if they are more beautiful than other years or if they just simply impress us each year with their beauty. Here is just a glimpse of what we are seeing.

Argh...technology!

2009-05-24T19:41:00.002+02:00

Well my intentions were and actually are still good. The plan was to have regular updates on this blogsite in order to give you a glimpse into our everyday lives. Well our everyday lives are slipping by and there is not much to show for it - at least not here.

Don't give up on us. Our computer is in the process of dying (it has already been a long slow painful process) and hopefully this will be remedied soon. We have lots to show you and tell you about, but getting the pictures here for you to see is proving to be rather time consuming and therefore a bit discouraging. But I will forge ahead. One day, there may suddenly be many glimpse back into the weeks past.

In the meantime, let me say, that spring is rapidly giving way to summer. Today was a wonderful 34°C and we enjoyed it by lazily sipping our ice teas on the terrace. Unfortunately, in this week, the wild grasses and who knows what else have reached their fullness and we are struggling with itchy eyes and runny noses. But this too will pass.

This kids are eagerly counting down until school's end which is very near in our sites. I guess one of our children has mixed emotions as she will be graduating and things will be different from now on. She is eager to be finished the school work but not at all eager to say her goodbyes to her dear friends, wondering when they will meet again. Her plans are not yet solid for next year but we trust in God who knows the path she will take.

May Day

2009-05-05T22:08:00.003+02:00

May 1 is a national holiday that still is celebrtated with a May Pole. Each village puts up these giant poles, bedecked with ribbons, and they stay put for several weeks. The day also seems to have become the national walking day! All day, you will see groups of people of all ages, hiking around the countryside. It was a beautiful sunny day, making a walk in the fields especially inviting.

Spring

2009-04-21T13:56:00.011+02:00

The weather has warmed and with that the leaves and flowers have come out in all of their beauty. Here are a few looks at what we have seen these past couple of weeks.

Cherry Trees

Yes, these are dandelions. Most people don't seem to worry about them. They just bloom, turn into puffs, and then disappear. I think they sure brighten up the fields on a sunny day.

A Rainy Day in Basel

2009-03-29T12:50:00.010+02:00

We live very close to the city of Basel, Switzerland (I think it is only about 20 kms away). One rainy day we decided to head over the border and just wander through the streets. Here are some impressions.The Rhine River runs through the center of Basel. You can cross the river at one of several bridges or you can take a little river ferry across. Away from the river, you will see trams, buses, and lots of bikes, in additon to cars and people.

This building really is this old.

"Läckerli" are a traditional Swiss cookie. They are made of honey and nuts, and are very chewy - perfect with coffee. In this window they are all packaged up in special Easter wrappings.

As we walked by these windows our mouths watered. This confectionary shop ("Candy shop" doesn't do it justice) makes all of its delights which include chocolates, truffles, dipped fruit, and macaroons.

The Church
Basel has a wonderful old Reformed Church.
For all of you historians, Erasmus is buried here.
It is simple in its decoration and is unique for its chairs instead of benches. There are many designs of chairs and it is fun to walk through and see the patterns.

18

2009-03-27T14:54:00.009+01:00

Lindsey is 18!

Two very "Lindsey"gifts - an archaeological study Bible and a quill with ink!

We started the day in our traditonal way with a fun breakfast off the good china.

In the evening (the next day) she had some friends over to help her celebrate.
I couldn't resist adding these two pictures ...

The first one was taken on Lindsey's first birthday. The second is just for fun!

Toad Crossing!

2009-03-15T15:46:00.004+01:00

It is the time of year, once again, for the migration of the toads. In the spring and the fall the frogs move between the forests and the creeks. They usually travel at night and often they need to cross the roads. This is always dangerous for the toads, and so protective measures are taken.

In particularly dangerous areas little fences are put up along the road sides.

Signs also appear warning drivers to slow down at night and to watch out for toads.
It is a sure sign of spring.

The Candlelight Dinner

2009-03-11T16:25:00.015+01:00

The Candlelight Dinner is an annual event held by our church, the Black Forest Christian Fellowship and Black Forest Academy. This dinner-theater type evening gives us the opportunity to share our faith in Christ with our German friends and neighbours, community business people, and landlords.

Guests, this year, were welcomed with the theme of the evening - Sing Freedom- a musical and theatrical presentation of slavery, the Underground Railroad, and eventual freedom from slavery. Danny led the gospel choir and band. The freedom we can have in Christ was tied into the "Sing Freedom" theme.

This was presented in as many ways possible from the decorations through the program. The evening included drama, drum ensemble, dance, and 2 monologues and of course, lots of singing!

Special thanks to Michele, Eileen, and Mark for letting us use their pictures.

These 2 window murals were painted by our friend Rob, who is the grade 5 teacher at Black Forest Academy. They were huge.

Suzanne played the role of Harriet Tubman and gave 2 monologues -
all stories of slavery and freedom

And then came the choir...approximately 50 of us for the first half.

The High School choir joined us for the second half - making the total around 100!

Both Lindsey and Sherri were in the choir (in case you don't recognize us, we are the ones in the bottom right corner.)

Getting Started

2009-03-09T17:42:00.001+01:00

Holzen. Usually it is green, but this winter we have had more snow than usual. Spring will soon be here but in the meantime enjoy these winter pictures.

Take a walk with us into our world. Get a glimpse of our daily lives - at home and at work.