Do I Look German?

I think it's important to talk about some of our first experiences with German people.  

Like Abby said in our last post, yesterday was Man Day.  We walked through some woods had a picnic and then walked along the Elbe River.  During this time we were asked numerous times if we knew where things were.  It was always funny to watch their faces after I opened my mouth and said "Ich weis nicht" (I don't know).  Its pretty apparent that I am NOT German but I guess we have already perfected the German "look"--or we just happen to be in the right place at the right time.  I would usually follow this up with "Wir kommen nicht aus Dresden aber ich denke dass vieleicht es ist deises weg" (We aren't from Dresden but maybe its this way).  They typically thanked us and went to find a German (the funny thing is I was normally right about where things were).  

We also had our info meeting on Wednesday night.  It went really well, we had about 8 people sign up to read at least twice a week.  Randy, the local missionary, told us there were at least 10 more people that had signed up for the program that didn't come to the meeting.  Abby and I cannot wait to start reading with them and finding out more about them.  And we will definitely tell you all about them!

We also had our first German Bible Study on Thursday night!  It was about God's reign in the Old Testament.  Its really interesting to hear Bible stories that you know like the back of your hand in a different language.  There are two missionaries visiting from Oklahoma and one of them led the discussion.  So the funny thing is, even though it was a German Bible study there were more Americans there then Germans!  But the Bible study made me realize I need to get a German Bible ASAP!!  

Today Abby and I went to the Altstadt (Old City) and did some good old fashion tourist things.  The sad thing is, it rained nearly all day!  So we ducked into a local cafe for some Heisse Schokolade mit Sahne (Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream...yummm).  We did manage to get some funny pictures with naked statues (and there will be more of those to come when the weather is nicer).  We went home after a full morning of walking and took our daily naps (we know, we know...we'll never get over jet lag if we keep sleeping everyday, but its just too tempting).  When we woke back up, the sun was shining!  It is still kind of cold outside but at least the sun is out!

We begin reading on Sunday and it will be nice to get started on our work.  Between now and then we have some events with the local church members that will probably give us a million more stories.  Every day here is such a gift and Abby and I are just glad that we get the time to soak in this different culture!!

With Much Love,

Emily and Abby

Psalm 98:1

Singt dem Herrn ein neues Lied denn er hat Wunder getan!  Ihm half seine Rechte un sein heiliger Arm.