Friday, December 26, 2008

My first Germany Christmas!!

Life is pretty good here, though I would LOVE to see more sunlight I am getting along just fine. Christmas was fun, I worked both the 24th and 25th. The shifts went smoothly and I was glad to spend it with what is now my new family while I live here my new team!!! Here are a few pictures of the night
Some funny gifts





My team and me




Love ya all!!!
Rachel

Just an average day

Sorry for the delay in keeping y'all updated. I have not done much lately besides sleep, work and see one or two Christmas markets, no much really. A girl on my team named Rhoda went with me and here we are toasting to those back home!






Love you all!!
Rachel

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

It's coming on Christmas in Rachel's house

Sorry I have been lacking in getting these post done with any consistency. Work is going pretty good I’m getting into more of a routine now with work and free time. Meaning I have less paper work that has to be filled out ALL the time. I am starting to really adore my home and neighbors whom have been so very kind to me. One in particular the Westerns have had me over for dinner last Sunday which was a real treat. They also have checked in on me and are a big help with my 101 questions about home care. OH and they mowed my lawn for me so I don’t get arrested here in Germany. So over all they are just wonderful people.
I have started to explore more German stores and shops. Found some cute little ornaments for my little fake tree that just lights up my life these days, no joke it’s a like a cute little night light!!!! I attached a picture below.



And with the lights on




I have finally worked through the red tape and now have my housing allowance on my pay check!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This really is a big deal since it just takes so long. So this means I can now start adding things to my house, like tables, chairs and other items that will make it look far less bare here. I went shopping at the German equivalent to Dillard's here today. Found some A-mazing boots to wear around town as well as a cute little change purse for my euros , so I can stop digging around in my wallet for the smaller coins!!!!!! Shelley was so kinda as to go with me (mentioned her in a post before), she has been here over a year and has been wonderful at showing me the ins and outs of shopping around here.

If you are reading this then I most defiantly call you friend and therefore need to know if you want anything for Christmas from Germany!! I have the Matt and Vic Stovall family done, all but Maggie so I need ideas. I need to know if anyone else wants anything, working on Russell too so a wee little help from Haley would be WONDERFUL! I love you all and hope you are having a wonderful holiday season with friends and family!!

I am keeping all of y'all in mind this holiday season by the ornaments I have collected when I have been with you on trips or just visiting, here are a few:


A trip to remember in New Orleans


A trip out to the west coast to visit a dear friend with another dear friend!!


And of course TN, got this up on Signal Mt.

This is how I am making sure each and everyone of you stay close to me!!

Love ya,
Rachel