3 Years in Germany!

At the Frankfurt airport, our first day in Germany

Today is our 3rd anniversary living in Germany and we're still alive! Three years ago today we arrived in a country we had never been to.  What were we thinking?!  We had no idea how long we would stay but knew we would stay at least one year.  In honor of our 3rd year anniversary, I am going to share with you 10 things we love about Germany.

1. Laid back lifestyle - we rarely feel the need to "rush" somewhere.  Life is simple, most places we visit are close by, and overall it seems more laid back than when we lived in Texas. Also, Collin's commute to work is short - a mere 8 minutes.

2. The traffic - really, the lack of.  I can probably count on one hand the number of traffic jams we've been in since living here.  The most recent one was when I picked up my friend, Emily, from the airport during rush hour in April.  Other than that, I can't remember the last traffic jam I have been in.  Even that doesn't compare to the traffic on I-35.

3. Fresh air - we live around a lot of farms.  Except when it's fertilizing time, or when someone lights up a cigarette, we enjoy the clean air around us.

4. Germany is very kid-friendly - we have around a dozen parks alone in our small city.  Most public places young children get in free and most Germans seem to love children.  In fact, it wasn't until I was pregnant with Caden (and actually looked pregnant) that Germans started smiling at me.  Also, if you are German and have a child, you get a lot of wonderful financial perks, including kindergeld (money for each child, every month, up to the age of 25).

5. Beauty - Besides living with Collin and Caden, the Heidelberg area is one of the prettiest places I have ever lived.  I actually have never seen an ugly place in Germany. 

6. Food - there are a lot of great restaurants in our area.  I also like how you can order simple foods like salads, burgers, and fries and have them delivered for free.  I give a tip, but hey, I'm American.

7. Travel opportunities - Germany is located in one of the best places in Europe for traveling in Europe.

8. Language (especially for Collin) - being surrounded by a lot of different languages and experiencing different cultures.

9. Friendships and Ministry - we have made some wonderful friends here.  Through church, MOPS (mother's of preschoolers), PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel), and Collin's job.  We also are blessed with great neighbors.  We are able to minster to people in different ways than we were in the States.  Collin preaches about once a month at church, he also leads singing; I'm teaching a mom's Bible study this coming fall at PWOC; I am in charge of MOPPETS (the preschool kids activities with my MOPS group and am a discussion group leader at MOPS; and Collin and I have both taught the kid's class at church.  Since there is less hussle and bussle, we have more time to do these things, which we love.

10. Caden - if nothing else, having our first child in Germany is something we will always remember.

Overall, we are enjoying our experience living abroad.  Although, we do miss many things about the States, such as family and friends there.  But for a little while longer, we are going to continue our lives in Germany.  It's weird to think that living in Germany is all Caden has ever known. 

First time by the old bridge in Heidelberg, 3 years ago

First time by the old bridge in Heidelberg, 3 years ago

The BEST blessing we've received while in Germany