Niedern News

End of March

2011-04-01T21:47:00.003+01:00

Our first warmer days drew the kids outside again for fun in the trees and garden.

The boys were especially diligent in working on our garden plot!

The middle of March

2011-03-21T21:56:00.003+01:00

This past week-end we were able to have a little exhibition on Mt. St. Helens and the geological changes. After one of the men in our church initiated the project by procuring permission to have a table, Bradley put many hours into research, contacting the museum in Washington, preparing the notebooks and brochures. It was a blessing that many people stopped by to take a look and a number of good conversations took place. Today we finished an interesting project. We had found a 3-D puzzle last week, 500 pieces. It was quite an experience, but we enjoyed putting it together. The butterflies were on four levels and in moving your head to find pieces, it did created a swaying sensation! :) We love the finished product. There were many other helping hands, but we three happened to be there when the puzzle was finished. :)

Marching through March

2011-03-12T22:16:00.008+01:00

Time is flying and rather than recover the past months on the blog, I will just pick up here with current events. :)

Danielle with Pinnochio in Berlin :)

Our German cross-walk buddy! The girls near the East Side Gallery in Berlin!

Our play ground opened up again with a few new activities. :)

The first week-end in March was the annual board meeting for Camp. It coincided with our niece's 17th birthday, so we drove down to camp as a family. We took the time to visit a town along the way that produced bells, and as we found out, too, textiles for many centuries!

We were really only at camp for a day, but we used the morning to clean up some rooms.

Looking better already. :)

Dalene (above) and Lavonne and Donia (below)

Some worked outside with the beautiful new rakes sent over by my brother and his family to help with all the leaves! :)

Much better! :)

A wood splitter, lent for the week-end was a great help in getting wood ready to dry for future use!

The men took time to walk around and consider the future needs and plans for the camp.

September 2010

2010-12-30T20:38:00.008+01:00

Getting the new little mower going

Fixing together is so much fun!

The finished office

Dustin turned 11!

Max and Danae's engagement party with the family in Greenville

Donia's surprise vistors

Starting the project of redoing the boys' room

Danielle learning to read German with her Daddy

Evelyn and Naomi :)

Carol and the cakes at the birthday party

The young people enjoying games together

Laura and Donia

Jenga---lots of fun

Donia's bithday date with her daddy. :)

Re-doing the boys' room for their fall birthdays.

Dustin worked on the lights.

Donovan loved wall-papering!

We attended a special film showing at the local university.

There was so much interest that we sat in the very front on the floor.

It was a very well-done presentation of Creation

That night it was raining heavily.

The finished product

The corner with the beds

Separate Ways

2010-08-22T22:30:00.003+01:00

Donia painted the mascots for camp that Danae had drawn. Danae flew over with Grandpa who was coming to the first Spain camp. A happy reunion at the airport. Bradley and Dalene left as leaders for that camp on the 9th of July along with Donia and Doreen who were campers at the same camp. The rest of us headed to Camp Impact to be there while Kevin and his family was gone taking part at camp. (Though we had others come at various times, too.) Clicking on the title will show an album from the first days.

July 2010: Time to say Good-bye

2010-08-22T21:57:00.007+01:00

The end of June and beginning of August we were responsible to take T. Höppi's dog out. She has been getting increasingly weaker, and was not able to walk her dog anymore. In August the dog was placed in the home of a young lady who had walked the dog some years back. That was a real answer to prayer. We enjoyed a good evening with Derek before he left. Our farewell lunch with Devon in Magdeburg (Behind Devon and Bradley is the market place in downtown Magdeburg.) At the airport in Berlin. Going up to check in. Derek and Nika Grandpa "buddied" the boys over from Berlin to Greenville. What a blessing! We miss our boys a lot!!!

Our last day: Lochs and Glens

2010-08-22T21:55:00.001+01:00

Beautiful scenery, wonderful fellowship, special memories. (For the pictures, click on the title :))

Day 2 we spent driving through the Scottish Highlands

2010-08-22T21:51:00.001+01:00

Clicking on the title will open up the pictures for you.

July 6th, our 25th Anniversary, was our first full day in Scotland

2010-08-22T21:45:00.005+01:00

The only picture taken of both of us by another couple touring St. Andrew's castle, as well. :) That is the North Sea behind us. (Click on the title to see all the pictures.)

July 5th through the 9th we got away for an anniversary trip

2010-08-22T21:32:00.007+01:00

We had the special joy of taking a trip to Scotland for a few days. How thankful we are for the years the Lord has given us together ! (Click on the post title to get to the first set of pictures, if you like.) This little dog was the faithful little Bobby who sat by his master's grave for many years.

June in Greenville

2010-08-22T21:27:00.005+01:00

Danae was busy with an internship in Greenville with the City of Greenville. (Above an example of a huge banner she designed for the zoo. She also had the special joy of visiting Max and his family on the week-ends. (No links on this post. :))

June 2010 in Germany

2010-08-22T21:14:00.008+01:00

June was a very busy month for us. The four oldest were helping at Camp Impact for several weeks. Bradley had several meetings at Camp Impact, so we went along and enjoyed some work and fellowship times as well. As you can see by the title colors, we also cheered for Germany during the World Cup games through out the month. :) In the past months I have switched to uploading pictures to facebook and had debated about continuing the blog. I decided though, to try to keep up the blog, by linking the photoalbums through the title (just click on it) for each month. I hope this will be a satisfactory means to keeping up with our activities.

The first three weeks of May

2010-05-23T00:33:00.008+01:00

I decided to upload some pictures from the past month to facbook again. If you would like a glimpse, please click on the title. :) The picture above shows my parents' arrival with Derek and Eldon this past Thursday in Berlin. We are so happy to have them for a visit again.

Three Birthdays in One: Danielle turns 4, Devon turns 18 and Bradley...well, he is one shy of 50!

2010-04-29T21:35:00.007+01:00

We enjoyed having over 39 guests on Sunday to celebrate and especially to enjoy fellowship on a warm sunny spring day. Danielle and Joel in the sand box before dinner. Groups talking here and there. Annette, Christiane, and Dalene Eva and her youngest daughter (1). Their next little one is due in the next two weeks. Vicki and Hannah Enjoying the Camp Song book on various instruments A bright day for smiling! Lots and lots of delicious options at coffee and cake. My girls baked lots of things, and several of the ladies contributed as well. The grand piano, a perfect place to congregate for the gift opening :)

A week at Camp Impact for our Spring Work Week

2010-04-11T23:34:00.004+01:00

Since I loaded 200 pictures onto my facebook account, I decided to just put the link here for those interested in seeing what took place during the last 6 days. You can get to the pictures by clicking on the title of this blog post. We thank the Lord for His blessing and protection. It was a joy to work side by side with other believers from all around Germany.

Marching through March

2010-03-21T21:59:00.009+01:00

Donia and Dalene on an evening walk

Danika used some of her birthday money to buy playdough and a special ice-cream set.

serving her goodies

more fun the next days with her siblings

Spring is nearing and with + temperatures we all wanted to be outside!

Dustin and Devon enjoying some goalie training time

Donovan, Dustin and Danika with the train and soccer fields behind them. Our first walk since the snow out on our path between the fields.

So much fun!

Biking home again

The new look of our path

Donovan in the tree by the Schrote, "our" little brook

Danielle, Dustin, and Danika on top of a dirt mound

Enjoying some soccer in front of our house (not the one in the background)

We have gone out on walks to the Schrote several days in a row now.

The second day the kids brought along their rubber boots, and even Danielle got play in the water.

Yesterday was "fix-it" day for the boys and their Daddy. Even though all three boys worked on one of the projects, I only got a picture with Donovan. :)

Danielle was sick last night and today with a fever and throwing up, but we bundled her up in her old buggy and took her out with us today. She loved it! Today the kids had taken Lego boats to send down our brook, and through the "tunnel". It was pretty cool today, so we didn't stay very long this time.

Danika Ruth turned 9 yesterday!

2010-02-26T19:09:00.004+01:00

Our sweet Danika on her special day! Happy Birthday to you!Time for a birthday date with Daddy!

Winter Fun: Inside and Out

2010-02-26T18:52:00.006+01:00

This past week we started to see the ice and snow melt away, and the kids got out their scooters and had fun!

Boot fun!

A peek-a-boo picture shoot with Daddy

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T22:20:00.005+01:00

Dalene baked with the kids and made us these wonderful cookies!

Our afternoon coffee and cake time: just family today! We sure missed Danae and Derek though!

Cookies on the other end of the table: both plates were polished off! :)

The End of January

2010-02-04T21:13:00.009+01:00

Three of the boys in our older SS class

The girls in our class

Danika and Micah

Coloring time

Achi, Jost, and Donia waiting for dinner

Doreen and Hannah

In line for dinner

Danielle, Dustin, and Linda

little kids' table

Delicious dinner! The picture below is from the night before: Janek's third birthday

These two pictures are from last Sunday: Danika and Hannah

Helene and Danika with the matching scarves that Susan bought them :)

Spotlight on Greenville: Derek turns 19

2010-01-24T21:27:00.004+01:00

Last week-end three birthday kids, Laura (Erik's girl), Max, and Derek celebrated their birthdays at my parents' home. The goodies were brought by all of our family there in Greenville. Thank you to all. Derek opening his gifts in front of the fireplace. The picture below was actually taken in the Greenville Airport before they left to come home on Christmas break. I just got it, and think it is beautiful. Derek and Danae returned to school on January 11th. Due to Dalene's intense back difficulties, she is staying out this semester. We (and she) are at peace with the Lord's will and are enjoying this unexpected time together, even as we pray for continued healing and strengthening of her back. She very kindly took over English classes for all the kids, and teaches mostly from a flat position. Though she still has to be careful and continues to be on pain medication and is taking therapy, she has been able to be up more without the intense pain.

Continued Snow and Cold

2010-01-24T21:10:00.005+01:00

Last week after church the kids gathered snow again for a snowman. Nobody can remember such a long cold period that included this much snow in decades! In the mean time we have had deep cold for our area---around -12°C several times. Danika waiting for Daddy to return for the second trip home in the van. Danielle on top of a snow mound in front of the church building.

Berlin on Tuesday

2010-01-13T15:21:00.012+01:00

The Berliner Bear: First stop on a frigid day. In spite of -13°C, Bradley, Max and the three girls braved a day of sight-seeing.

Old Berlin Wall sectionsThe Allied Museum, near the American Consulate that we always visit for birth reporting and getting passports.

A typical sign in Berlin before the wall came down

Relics of the past

Above: A tank Below: A listening tunnel for spying

Our family has visited these horses many times in the past. They are right next to the museum and the parking spots we use.

Berlin now has a special zone which you can only drive in, if your car has low exhaust emissions. So, they left our van on the southwest side of town and spent the day walking and using public transportation on a group ticket.

The Kurfürstendamm---Center of Berlin

Subways were the transportation mode of the day.

The Brandenburg Gate

Das Brandenburger Tor

TV tower of the old East with the frequently visible cross reflection (also visible during the communist era, despite the country's atheism)

The "Dom" (a prominent Lutheran church) in the late afternoon sunlight

Donia near the entrance of the churchSome of church history's renowned men: Calvin, Zwingli, Melanchthon, Luther, etc.

Inside the Pergamon Museum (This museum is filled with treasures from Antiquity.) This is a clay tablet that was found near the Ishtar Gate in Babylon. The writing describes the deportation of King Johoichin from Juda. (2. Kings 24:15)

Max, walking where Daniel walked: The walls of Babylon

Potsdamer Platz

Great name!!!!!!

Cute couple!!!!!! Döners for supper: A well-loved Turkish sandwich made of veggies and grilled mutton shavings! Everyone ate and tried to get warm again in the car on the way home.

Balderdash--What Fun!!

2010-01-13T15:06:00.005+01:00

Monday night was set aside for "Big Kids Game Night" Dalene

Devon's turn to read the definitions :)Everyone made his own game piece out of play dough :)

Bradley

Lots of Laughs during this game

Monday afternoon with the rest of the Gang

2010-01-12T22:06:00.011+01:00

We took the opportunity to visit our village cemetary

Dalene RachelleDoreen, Dalene, and Donia

Max and Danae

Balancing across the cemetary wall

Peeking through the old door next to the property we used to rent

The Wartberg: notice the tower in the background. It stands on the highest elevation in our part of Germany (101 m above sea level :)) The hill to the parking lot was so icy that I had to wait out on the street.

As it was, I got stuck there, and the kids had to push me out! (I got this picture off of Dalene's facebook, hence the small size!)

Overnight at the Farm

2010-01-11T22:04:00.009+01:00

When we first got there the kids were working on an igloo, and ours were happy to pitch right in.Danika inside one of the igloo entrances Donovan and Jesse getting ready to carve some more Danielle having fun Kay took their kids, our four youngest, as well as Derek and Devon out for a 40 minute sledding trip between the fields. After the little ones came back Kay took Derek and Devon across the fields so that they could snowboard again. (No pictures again, but they had a blast!) Oh, what fun it is to ride...on a sled behind "Onkel" Kay! The family home, the beautifully renovated end of a barn The little pony meadow across the street The deer I saw right on the edge of the village as I drove home. The rest of these pictures were taken by Dustin: The boys getting ready to sleep Helene and Danika getting ready for another sledding trip the next morning Danielle and Jacob (This was Danielle's first overnight and she had a grand time!) Being pulled between the beautiful fields by Kay Jacob, Danika and Danielle, Helene, Jesse, Donovan, and Kay (Dustin is taking the picture)

The first few days of the new year

2010-01-11T20:26:00.011+01:00

Devon and Danielle built a Duplo tower together. Gathering to sing Danielle listening on the end of the grand Growing group of musicians, singing "Some Trust in Chariots" (newly translated into German) An evening walk to enjoy all this snow Danika and a neighbor's wood pile Being pulled is lots of fun. Dalene and Danae Memory-time for Danielle and Dalene Max clearing off the car The kids on the snow hill created by clearing the street and driveway Bradley clearing the front of the car Devon getting ready to put his snowboard to good use Derek ready to go: Bradley pulled both boys with a rope behind the van in a relatively empty settlement on the edge of our village. They had a great time! They only got video footage though, so no pictures of their super outing! Danielle and big brother Derek after he got home from boarding

New Year's Eve Party

2010-01-07T13:19:00.013+01:00

Getting last goodies ready in the afternoon (for instance these white chocolate covered pretzels) A special New Year's Eve supper: Raclette! Stephen brought "Guesstures" for all of us to enjoy! Waiting for the game to start Special Friends--Annette got to visit for almost 5 days this time! Danielle and Uncle Stephen were on the same team. "Piano" was her term. Enjoying the "performances" Danae's turn The guessing team The reporter: Danika Distracted by "I SPY" and "Curious George" Big sister-little sister: so great to be together! Big brother Devon reading to Hannah K. and Danielle Stephen's turn for pantomiming! After the game we sang favorites, and Bradley brought a devotional before we went outside to enjoy the fireworks. Bundled up for the fireworks Beautiful fountain Dalene and Annette Annette, Devon, Donia and Danielle Stephen brought some beautiful fireworks. A sparkling couple

New Year's Eve Morning

2010-01-06T23:25:00.015+01:00

We woke up to a beautiful thick blanket of snow. Dalene, the four youngest D's and I headed out into the beautiful countryside with our sleds. Our photographer for a group picture Dusti Nika Dono Dani Getting underway--the path that runs by our home The ice from the previous night under the snow Running to get up close to the deer. We saw about 25 of them jumping across the wide open fields to the next cluster of trees. Dustin and Danielle walking back Down one hill (and in the background the next and last hill we climbed) The stream that we visit often during the summer. They have landscaped it since we were last there in August. Danika and DanielleDonovan and Dustin The last big hill we tried These snowballs are great! Snow ball fight on the way home Better than nothing That was a short ride Testing a little drop off from the field to the path :) Snow Angel :) Dalene pulling Donovan and Danielle home The train at the playground Some beautiful snow-covered trees right by the path that runs along the northside of our property. Dustin and Danika Rosy cheeks from the cold: Dustin (and Danielle--above)

Enjoying our Vacation Days

2010-01-05T23:08:00.015+01:00

Dalene and Devon helping with the beginnings of the new puzzle Danielle loving the Duplo train and countryside that Danika and Donovan set up for her Dustin checking on the frozen state of the deck Derek taking pictures of the deep frost Max reading Curious George to Danielle Devon, Donia, Dalene, Max, Danae, Danika and Doreen ready to walk down through the village to feed Star Star got to come back with them and visit for a few hours before they walked her back. Danielle is still a little unsure around her, though Star is as gentle as can be. Playdough creations: Danika and her restaurant meals. Dustin with his egg rolls and salad. It has been wonderful to enjoy various combinations of music making. Donovan driving their remote car Dalene and Bradley Dalene was prescribed treatments for her back. One morning Doreen accompanied her. While they were at the treatment, Danielle and I visited Star and fed her while the Gellerts were gone for the week visiting their families in southern Germany. It had snowed in the night, so when we got back from the early morning treatment the kids were outside with Devon, who was shoveling snow in front of our house. Notice Max's window in the background. :) They covered it well with their snowballs. :) Bradley enjoying some moments at the piano. (Not pictured: The rest of us in the house enjoying his beautiful playing!) The 1000 piece puzzle I got for my birthday was finished in just under 2 days. This is the first time we attempted a 2000 piece puzzle. We had lots of willing helpers, and in the mean time it has been finished. It took 8 days! Dalene brought back the ingredients for Oreo balls which the little kids enjoyed making with her. We served them on New Year's Eve. Racing is fun. Shopping at Real for our New Year's Eve party.

A Very Special Visitor

2010-01-01T15:31:00.008+01:00

Early Monday morning Bradley and Danae left to home to pick up a new-to-us motor for our older van about three hours south of us. From there they headed to Frankfurt Airport (above) to pick up Max for a 12 day visit. He landed right about 1 p.m. local time. His first flight had been delayed due to snow, and we were thankful for the Lord's answer to prayer in delaying the transatlantic flight by two hours as well. It was another 5 hour trip north east on the German Autobahns to get to our home, but the Lord gave grace, safety and clear roads that day! They enjoyed a lunch break along the way. The travelers called about 15 minutes before arriving home, so the little kids were outside, eagerly awaiting their arrival.The van pulled in right around 7 p.m. The little kids had their camera ready: First glimpses through the van window. After a tour of the house, Max opened up his bag ... and gave Danae her Christmas gifts from him and his mom. He brought us much-enjoyed marshmallow cereals and a variety of American candies, all of them special treats. Happily reunited. :)

Around the house on Christmas Day

2010-01-01T08:41:00.005+01:00

About to cook up the pumpkin for pies Danielle enjoying Play-Dough, a gift from her sister Derek, Danielle, and Curious George Christmas Day dinner, making up the Thanksgiving meal we postponed in November Olaf and Höppi Glad to have Derek back from college for a few weeks

Christmas Eve Highlights

2010-01-01T05:14:00.014+01:00

Uli read the Scriptures for the evening service. We concluded the service by singing Silent night by candlelight and with guitar accompaniment as it was done the first time it was sung. I took this picture while Devon was plucking a postlude. Derek and Danika Dalene and Jost (He is now 5 months old) Someone gave the kids these sour "spaghetti" candies after church. Kay with Jost and Uli Donovan and Dalene Danika helping to set the table Donoavan had picked out the pineapple at the store and got to cut it up for supper. Donia setting the table. The kids getting the veggies ready. Dalene and Dustin Bradley and I The other end of the table (from left to right) Devon, Donia, Doreen, Derek, Danika and Danae Tante Höppi joined us for supper after the Christmas eve service and enjoyed her first baked cheese with baguette and veggies. Derek sanded these swords for the boys out of a block of oak wood. Danae painted this little skunk as one of her projects and I was the happy recipient of her wonderful work on Christmas Eve.

Lego Creations

2010-01-01T01:17:00.006+01:00

One after noon I suggested the kids create something with their Lego pieces. Dustin came out wtih the lettering above. Danika spelled her middle name. Donovan built a special assignment boat.

Free time in Magdeburg

2009-12-31T19:20:00.006+01:00

These pictures were taken while the girls were waiting for their ride home (We have to drive our 9-seater twice right now again.) after our family picture appointment in the center of Magdeburg.

49 years of God's Grace

2009-12-31T19:11:00.004+01:00

These beautiful flowers were a gift from Susan B. and her family. The snow was a perfect backdrop for this picture. I had a wonderful day with the family and a date with Bradley for dinner. :)

Our Pre-Christmas Snow

2009-12-28T21:46:00.013+01:00

We woke up to a beautiful new layer of snow on Tuesday morning. The boys got busy shoveling right away. Dustin's mountain of snow after clearing our walk. Trying to get me! (I was watching through the kitchen window!) The kids made this little guy two days earlier, protected him with a plastic sack during the predicted rain, and then happily finished him off with the new snow. Ready to go for a ride! Danielle Oh what fun it is to ride on a brother-drawn sled! Dani, Dono, and Dustin Helene, who had spent the night with Nika The boys snowballs were pretty big! Nice packing snow. Danika Ruth Donovan Ryke Helene and Danika preparing snowballs for the upcoming snowball fight with the boys. Dani enjoying the fort. Dustin's attempts at hitting me behind the curtains. :) I noticed the results when I got back from my photo shoot with the kids on the way to and at the playground.

Our Family Portrait

2009-12-27T01:03:00.005+01:00

Not knowing what next year will hold in terms of having all of us together at the same time, we decided to go for a professional picture for the first time since our prayer card picture in 2001. It was a blessing, because the small studio allowed us to purchase the digital file so that we can make our own copies. We were thankful for how the picture turned out!

Our Christmas Program on the Fourth Advent

2009-12-27T00:42:00.004+01:00

Danae took pictures on Stephen's camera. Stephen kindly shared them with us. Bradley led the program and preached at the end.The children sang several specials. In this first song the little class (2s and 3s) sang, too. Here just the older class (4-9 year olds) was singing. Peek-a-boo, I see you. :) (Jesse) The men sang a great special number Bradley and I accompanied the interspersed congregational numbers.

Change of scenery during meals

2009-12-18T13:49:00.006+01:00

This is our upstairs school room. Because a friend of ours from southern Germany offered to refinish the top of our kitchen table for us, we sent the table down in a truck that had come up to deliver things to Camp impact. For several days we ate upstairs. In the mean time we had the bright idea of bringing in our tables from off of the deck. That eliminates a lot of steps and will serve us well until we get our kitchen table back. We have had our tree up here for many years. Donovan enjoyed having his desk near the table and the window. :)

Ready for Winter

2009-12-18T13:19:00.004+01:00

Tire change on the older van Sisters helping to keep big brother somewhat dry :) The last tire on the newer van Bradley getting ready to.... jump start the car with the help of the kids! Danielle was in the van, but I missed a picture! Unfortunately it looks like we will need a new motor, if we are to keep this van.

Thankful for God's Protection

2009-12-08T23:41:00.005+01:00

We had our little tea warmer candles burning on our kitchen table last week. All of us had been in the basement for awhile, when I smelled burning rubber or plastic. I first checked my iron in the basement since I have been known to leave it on by mistake. It was cold. So we ran upstairs and once we got to the top, we could see heavy black smoke through the crack in the kitchen door and an eerie glow over the top of my counter. We burst in to the kitchen to find the runner in flames, the plastic box of one of the candle holders melted down, and its inside glass broken. The other two were still doing their job quietly and prettily. (The yellow box is one of the two that were still fine.) Donovan, who was right behind me, and I started throwing glasses of water over the counter and on to the table. We thank the Lord that the fire was contained very quickly. We do have a fire alarm in the house, but because the door to the kitchen was almost closed, it didn't go off until we went in to the kitchen and the smoke escaped to the stairwell. We immediately thanked the Lord for His protection from a potentially serious fire! (I went ahead and threw away the other two candle holders, too, not knowing what had caused the first one to break and melt. I have had them about two years, I think.)

Ladies Christmas Tea

2009-12-08T23:29:00.005+01:00

Actually I am sure that we served more coffee than tea. :) We are very thankful that 6 unsaved ladies attended and heard a clear challenge given by one of our ladies. What she shared was based on her own testimony of salvation. Another one of our ladies had ordered excellent little booklets on how to be saved and grow in the Lord. We trust and pray that the Lord will continue the work in hearts. Ellen, pictured above, decorated the tables and room beautifully for the occasion.

Mid-November

2009-11-23T23:36:00.006+01:00

We enjoyed several visits recently. Several young men came to the church two weeks ago and it was good to get to know them better in our home the next Sunday afternoon. The Mutzke family visited us on Sunday afternoon after ministering in the morning service. Dustin has been practicing with the soccer team here in the village that Devon has been working with as an assistant coach. He has really been enjoying it.

Our Lantern Walk

2009-11-18T23:36:00.007+01:00

Kay and Susan invited us and others from church to their home for food, fellowship and a lantern walk. Above, the ladies gathered in the kitchen just before supper. Kiddies at their own special table The adults Ready to start walking The kids in the lead Our friends and Donia Devon carrying Liane's little lantern Danielle and Jacob on the way back next to a bolder. A visit to the pigs after we got back to the farm Dustin and Danielle were both interested in feeding them. The pigs were hungry and loud. Kay served up the icecream during dessert time. Here Kay showed us a trick with an empty tea bag which he lit, and which lifted of and dissolved before our eyes.

Camp Impact: October Work Week

2009-11-15T21:21:00.010+01:00

We drove down to Camp Impact on Tuesday morning and came home Saturday night. We had a good time working there, and enjoyed the challenges that came with the season: staying warm. :) Danielle helped with the raking. Doreen worked with the blower for hours that first day.We gathered the leaves as best we could. One of our mowers: Dustin We transported the leaves in bags to the pile beyond the fence. Donovan enjoyed trying the blower. It was pretty heavy, but he had fun for a few minutes. Danika and Dustin on "their" wall, Bradley joined us on Thursday and did a lot of raking that first day. The kids put it all in bags the next morning. It was very hazy all day. Danielle was the "Snack-Lady" on Friday. She spent most of our days (and nights!) in her snowsuits. I had several along. The kids ended up filling 28 bags that morning. Having fun, while working Sleeptime: Danika bundled up for the cold! Helping Daddy wet down the old wall paper Snack time distribution on Saturday cookies and sliced apples Devon and Simon tearing down the bathroom wall in the upper floor Scaping off the old wall paper Using the special solution to help get off those stubborn pieces of wall paper.

Donovan's Party

2009-11-14T22:59:00.004+01:00

Donovan and Daddy go out for lunch at McD's. Big brother, Devon Achi, a new student in Magdeburg Supper with friends Bradley with Jost Three buddies Donovan turned 7 on October 14th. A whole month has passed since then. We have had many ups and downs with our computer in that time, and I was gone for the good part of a week while at Camp impact during the last days of October. Our pictures are in our computer that is crippled, so that blogging has not been on the agenda for awhile. :)

Donia's 16th Birthday Date

2009-10-10T21:30:00.006+01:00

A few days late, but better than never. Bradley and Donia went out to eat on Friday and then did various ministry visits for several hours after that. Before they left I got to take pictures of our now 16 year old daughter. :)

Soccer Time

2009-10-10T21:23:00.004+01:00

This fall Devon is playing on a soccer team in our village for the first time. He has enjoyed the training sessions and one game so far. The coach put him in to play the last eight minutes. He did a great job during that time.

Donia turns 16 on Sunday, September 27th, 2009

2009-09-30T22:55:00.003+01:00

Donia with Danika and Donovan right before our noon meal. She had requested Maultaschen, a Swabian specialty, on the line of Ravioli, but not in a tomato sauce. We boil ours in broth.

Dustin turns 10 on September 24th, 2009

2009-09-30T22:30:00.003+01:00

Lunch date with Daddy Soccer time with Devon, Donovan and Daddy! Donia's best friend, Aline, came Thursday for a week-end visit. Donia had no idea. The surprise was perfect! Dustin's party cake. Dustin and Jost, the youngest Brüggemann.

Sunday, September 20th 2009

2009-09-29T21:25:00.003+01:00

We didn't get home until 10 p.m. (Bradley and his van) and after 11 p.m. for our van, so our little camper helpers were tuckered out on Sunday afternoon. Our neighbor brought us over this package Sunday afternoon. We had ordered some large print Bibles to give to some elderly ladies for reading ease.

Saturday at Camp Impact

2009-09-27T22:11:00.006+01:00

Dustin and Donovan worked steadily before and after lunch helping Zina and her kids take off wall paper. Devon and others taking out the insulation above the top floor of Haus 2. Danika, Helene and Danielle playing school and other things with all the little kids. Bradley organized the ceiling rests in one room. Bradley on the clean-up crew: Clearing away the ceiling that was broken away. Aline, Dono and Dustin wearing their masks. All done for now. (The picture right above and the one right below are from Stephen K.) The demolition crew (Unfortunatey our viewer isn't functioning on our camera, so we didn't discover the smudge, which was on the last 150 pictures, until we downloaded them at home! :() All the workers of the week-end, with the exception Brüggemanns who left early to attend a class reunion.

Friday Afternoon and Evening at Camp Impact

2009-09-27T20:59:00.006+01:00

Vicki freshening up the rooms Ellen cleaning out the new-to-us nightstands Danielle playing in the tree above the play ground Getting the beds moved and rooms ready for the 53 helpers Kay and Susan planting bulbs for next spring Danika driving the weeds off to the compost pile Carrying the children's chairs given by the school in Heidelberg Doreen helped to unload the furniture. The men who helped. The driver kindly gave the kids several rides on the ramp and let them enjoy the inside of the truck for a little while. Finally: we were happy to welcome Bradley about 7 p.m. He had come through heavy traffic, having stayed in Magdeburg overnight to attend the celebration of the roofing of the new old folk's home addition. Danielle carries up her chair, too (with the help of big sister, Donia)! Supper with the first helpers who have arrived. The last ones came in around midnight. All the things brought by the truck from Heidelberg. Everything was carried in before dark.

Friday morning at Camp Impact

2009-09-27T20:18:00.003+01:00

Helping with the breakfast dishes on Friday morning. Devon, Andy and Kay set up this old German wardrobe together. All the kids worked together to get the grass out of the cracks it had grown up between again. Devon and Donia carried up hospitals bed (given to us by the nursing home we minister in) for the two rooms which housed the young unmarried men. Finally the kiddies got to open up the sandbox. It provided them hours of fun.

We're Going to Camp

2009-09-21T22:35:00.003+01:00

We were ready to go on Thursday afternoon. The Lord gave us a beautiful day to travel. Our van was full. We took Helene along with us. We filled every available spot. :) After 2 1/2 hours we got there: The kids discovered a nice little sand spot, new since our last visit. Here the pretty green area in front of House 1. It had rained during the day, but the Lord gave us beautiful warm sunshine the whole time we were there.

Getting Ready for the Camp Impact Work Week-end!

2009-09-21T22:18:00.006+01:00

We have been loading our vans over the last weeks with things out of the apartment that the teachers used to live in. At the end we also put in various garden tools to work with. Here Dustin was checking old batteries for us. In Germany expended batteries have to be taken to a special box set out in many stores.

Glimpses from Greenville

2009-09-21T21:39:00.004+01:00

Wow, I guess there have been some changes to blogspot.com :) Pretty nice, though, I must say. Anyway, the kids have sent some pictures in the last week. The first picture was taken during the first week of school: Derek, Carrie (Dalene's roommate from last year), Danae, Eldon, and Dalene on the bridge. Not sure what they call it now, since the flags fly back behind them now, around the glory garden. :) The library is a favorite study spot for the kids this year. Danae in her "cubicle", as we used to call them. This was one of the many enjoyable lunches of the past weeks. By the way, they are back to serving the food this year, in an effort to keep food from being wasted. Studying on another night, too. Here Derek is at the first table. Dalene is a RA in Mary Gaston this year. Here one of the pictures that were taken for the dorm bulletin board. Dalene is also playing volleyball (bottom left) for her society, the Bobcats, this year. She has enjoyed it so much, and it has been special to have lots of family members from campus and town there cheering them on! :) Danae is taking Digital Photography this semester and last Friday she won the in-class contest for the day. She is really enjoying this class.

The Store

2009-09-10T23:32:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday the kids set up a darling store front, offering cold drinks, freshly baked cookies (with the help of Donia), pears, books, crafts they made, and a visit to the hair dressers. To purchase anything you had to recite verses. :) We had a great time "shopping". All of the family dropped by to get something. :)

Black raspberry jam

2009-08-29T20:17:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we picked the ripe black raspberries, and Donia turned them into delicious jam! There are lots more ripening, so we should be able to make quite a few more batches.

Another beautiful late summer day

2009-08-26T21:17:00.002+01:00

We invited the three youngest Matthia kids to join us. Our first stop were these 50 huge straw bales stacked for pick-up. They were in the field right to the north of our path. Eddie and Dustin: these guys are going to miss each other when Matthias leave for furlough next week. Our little H2O interlude: We found out today that they will be filling in rocks around the tracks for driving safety. Danika, Doreen and Lynette: Ditto to the comment on Dustin and Eddie. The cousins will be missed a lot! Evan and Danielle, the youngest set of playmates! They have the least understanding of the farewell that is just around the corner!

Enjoying our New Paths and the Water Accumulation after our big Rain last Friday

2009-08-24T22:00:00.009+01:00

Donovan with his missing top tooth! :) Enjoying the new path The shoes were quickly discarded at the sight of the huge puddles. The water looks red, because the stones underneath are red. The water was pretty clean though, because there was no mud in it! Buddies! Danielle-tiptoeing through the water Doreen Waving at the passing travelers Devon rode out on his bike and surprised us! Enjoying the water one last time on the way home again Running through the harvested fields

Greenville Glimpses

2009-08-21T23:23:00.002+01:00

Derek gave the girls a tour of his work area and projects. Goofing off! Preparations for the fall Sunday: Waiting for the Church bus

Home Happenings

2009-08-21T23:04:00.003+01:00

Shooting star watchers :) An hour after church that night. As one of my girls put it, "The stars were playing peek-a-boo with the clouds" on our side of the world. A wonderful treat: Sweet Corn! It was sent to us by friends who live on the German-French border and who grow it to sell. This new cement track was put in on "our" field path. It definitely changed the natural look we had out there, but it is now much easier to walk for exercise. The puddle above is a result of the thunderstorm last night and the rains today. Yesterday we had record highs for Germany this summer: 36°. Today it was exactly half that warm. Heading back to Niedern

An Unexpected Blessing: Stopover in Toronto, Canada

2009-08-15T21:26:00.006+01:00

After a turbulent flight over the Atlantic, the girls landed in Toronto and were told that a storm was causing the cancellation of their flight to South Carolina. They had flown with Air Canada, and the airline very graciously put them up in a hotel until they were able fly out on Wednesday. Being together gave them the opportunity to explore the city a little bit on subways and trams. They got into some of the weather front, and bought umbrellas to stay a little drier. Here a sampling of their adventure:

Last Sunday with the Girls

2009-08-15T20:58:00.002+01:00

This summer flew by with our family reunion, lots of company, camp and then getting ready to go again. We thank the Lord for the time we had together. Derek is happy to have the girls on his side of the big pond now. :) So our loss is his (and many other people's) gain. We are praying the Lord will give them a very good year at BJ. We grilled hamburgers for our last Sunday meal together on a beautiful sunny day.

Lorraine turns 17-Eldon is ready to leave for College

2009-08-15T02:38:00.004+01:00

We enjoyed a nice party for Lorraine and Eldon last week The Grillmaster, Kevin Enjoying some Basketball Street hockey with the younger kids Stephen, Vicki and the boys (Hannah is usually being held by someone :)) Doreen and Hannah Donovan enjoying the rope to the tree house Lorraine Eldon The youngest guests enjoying dessert My Sweetheart

A Final Farewell for the Young People

2009-08-15T02:25:00.003+01:00

With the Matthia family going on furlough at the beginning of September and the college kids leaving before then, a special day was planned together at Heide Park, a very nice amusement park about 2 hours north of here.

Sommer Sensation I 2009

2009-08-14T21:20:00.009+01:00

I did not have my camera while the kids were gone to camp, so I have no picures from our days here during that time. The camp ones I am posting are from Dalene and Danae. Trip to Spain: Devon with little cousin, Evan Most of the cousins at camp wore their family reunion shirts one night. Sisters: Danae and Doreen Danae was a team leader of the blue team! :) Doreen and two of the youngest campers :) Sunrise at the Mediteranian Sea: Dalene and Doreen Song Service Danae on duty in the kitchen. :) Bradley during a service Dalene working with pictures on a laptop Pont du Gard (France) on the way home

The Week before Camp

2009-07-30T19:36:00.002+01:00

We enjoyed the visit of Daniel and Jennifer during this week. One afternoon Danielle and Caleb busied themselves with cleaning our trampoline. :) Danae and Dalene--doing up my kitchen Danika--she loves that scarf: Derek gave it to her A very special treat after the nursing home service: Subway Subs! Donia did the painting on the mascots for camp this year. Here the yak! :)

Derek flew to the States on July 10th 2009

2009-07-30T19:17:00.003+01:00

Derek and my parents flew to Greenville on July 10th 2009. We miss him a lot! He took this last one of us right before he stepped through the last passport control.

Derek's Graduation-Going-Away Party

2009-07-23T21:47:00.002+01:00

Mentoren (Counselor)Training July 4th 2009 at Camp Impact

2009-07-23T21:19:00.003+01:00

This was the first time back for Bradley since he was on furlough. A lot has changed. This was his room. This end room is still being worked on, but it served well as the meeting room for the counselors. Gottfried, a new counselor this year. In a meeting

Home again, home again

2009-07-23T19:57:00.003+01:00

What a delightful welcome home: three fully loaded cherry trees! Beautiful roses in front of the house Decorating the street with chalk

Our Very Special Matthia Family Reunion 2009

2009-07-22T22:14:00.002+01:00

I started putting up pictures last week some time and lost them all. Today I am working on laundry again while Bradley and the 6 oldest (minus Derek who is at Bob Jones working) are down at camp in Spain. So I am going to try again. :) We have had two other family reunions, one in 2000 and one in 2004. This time the family reunion coincided with a very special occasion: my parents' 50th wedding anniversary on June 26th. Very graciously the four families in the States came over to celebrate this special week in a vacation house in the Bavarian Forrest which my parents generously rented for all of us (39 in all) to enjoy together. Helping hands for the unloading at the house Trying out the pool table Last minute work on the memory album Our very nice room The view out our window the first morning

June 26th 2009: A Golden Anniversary

2009-07-22T21:33:00.004+01:00

Breakfast: Daddy's treat---Pretzeln Pamela decorated the tables for dinner Danae lettered the place cards for us Anniversary Dinner Coffee and Cake Time A memory album from all of the family A digital frame with pictures from all the families Monkey pillows :)

Sunday--Picture Day and Kevin's Birthday

2009-07-22T21:18:00.002+01:00

Sunday Morning Service Family Picture Time begins: 26 grandchildren and their grandparents 26 grandchildren The young ladies The gents and the ladies 5 K's with their parents Kent and Family Kirk and Family Kevin and Family Karis and Family Our Family Kevin turns 45 Mommy and Daddy with the two youngest Granddaughters: Rachell and Danielle Getting together in the evening A special number by the girls Snack time Siedler for the Night owls

Outing Day

2009-07-22T18:00:00.006+01:00

Danika and Donovan At the top Getting dressed and ready to enter the old mine Bradley and Danielle Dalene and her little siblings Family Pictures overlooking the valley Dalene and Danae climbed higher The family spread out to pick the wild blueberries growing all across side of the mountain. We got to enjoy them the next morning in blueberry pancakes with blueberry sauce made by Karis and Michael. Derek Mommy and Daddy headed up Faster, faster... On top of the mountain Lorraine and Danielle Danielle and Evan Headed down through the woods again Coming out to the clearing after walking down from the top Waiting in line for the slides Doreen is ready to go Pretty steep, but lots of fun Refreshing on a hot summer day Doreen trying out bungee jumping Donia's turn Dustin Mommy and Daddy watching the rest of the gang Bumper boat fun: Doreen, Kent and Jakob Danae had just been on the boats Grill-time after we got home Two little helpers in the kitchen windowsill Foil creations after enjoying baked potatoes Smores for dessert