In the past few weeks, so much has happened!  The pace of our quiet rural life, while still slower than our life before, has definitely picked up a bit.  Regan has completed two classes (English and Research Methodology) as has Jason (God's Mission and the Church and Intro. to Old Testament).  Both of these were completed as four week modules so the work was rigorous for both lecturers and students.  Regan has been working hard at developing an online portfolio program for the school to use in the future while Jason has been busy working with student leaders in planning, implementing, and reflecting on chapel worship on a weekly basis.  Throw in numerous meetings, choir (Jason) and hand bell practices (Regan), and the days fill up rather quickly.  Carter has kept busy learning the capitals of the countries in Asia (having mastered Europe) and has moved on to learning the bones of the body and using a computer!  We have all three kept very busy on the academic front and while the work, study, and schedule involved with our roles here has been demanding at times, it has been rewarding for all of us.

When we have not been working, we have kept busy connecting with the students, staff, and faculty through various social events.  Each Friday, the campus hosts an activity night that has included things such as pumpkin carving, table tennis tournaments, and movie nights.  Jason hosted a "hamburger night" for all of the guys on campus and was able to take a day trip with some of them to Munich during Oktoberfest.  Regan hosted a make-up night, went with a group of girls to a cinema broadcast of Tosca live from the MET in New York City, and took a Saturday trip with some girls to Ikea.  In late September, we were able to host a group of students enrolled in our photography enrichment class on a day trip to Zürich.  We also managed to squeeze in a trip to the beautiful city of Basel, Switzerland where we were able to take Carter to the zoo (his favorite animal was the elephant!).  Just this week we visited Singen, Germany where we climbed to the fortress ruins on top of the mountain that overlooks the German countryside.  On Sundays, we have tried to connect with the larger community by worshiping at the Gottmadingen Church of the Nazarene and the International Church in Büsingen. 

All of that brings us to this week and the name of this post:  Sabbath.  This week is "Autumn Break" and we have no responsibilities for seven straight days.  Other than hosting a meal for some of the students here on campus and a couple of day trips, we have slowed down.  Having finished our courses in the first two sessions, we have been able to rest and relax as we prepare for the coming weeks.  What a gift from God!  In a culture in which we answer the common "How are you?" with the perfunctory "busy," we are learning to live by a different rhythm in which God calls us to rest our bodies, hearts, and minds so that we may do the work he has called us to do with energy and grace.

We have been continually amazed at the wonderful ways God has worked to bring us here and our prayer is that we might continue to contribute to the work of God's kingdom in this place during the rest of this year.  We continually thank God for you, our family and friends, for your emails, prayers, Skype calls, and generous financial gifts that have allowed us to serve Christ and his Church in this place.  You are in our thoughts and prayers! 

Grace and Peace...