Returning to Milwaukee in mid-December!

It's official - We're moving to Milwaukee in December!  WOW!

So many emotions come with this news and the reality is setting in that our life here in Germany was only a temporary.  We have really made this home and had an amazing experience.  It is hard to believe that in the past 3 years we've made over 65 trips to various cities, countries, and continents.  We've met people from all over the world, experienced different cultures, sampled different foods, heard different languages, and realized that smiles are universal.  We visited places that I could only dreamt of seeing and our two little travelers were exceptional, allowing us to do it all!  One day I hope they can both return to experience the culture of their birthplace and also travel to these places so they are memories for them rather than just pictures.

We learned so much and have grown more confident with each passing day.  Things that once seemed odd are normal and things that created nervousness now are every day happenings.  I can navigate through most airports, manage public transportation, find basic foods (milk, yogurt, fruit) almost anywhere in almost any language.  I'm also very comfortable asking for help!

I also am thankful so many people have been able to make trips over to see us, experience a bit of our  lifestyle, and see Europe!  It has been fun to host family, friends, and a few old students.  I think sharing this experience has been a blessing as well.  I realize that we were given an opportunity that not many have and so to be able to let people share it with us is also special.  It has also been nice to get American products that remind us of home too!  We have a few more visitors coming in September and November and airfare isn't so bad right so let us know if you want to come stay !

We have made some wonderful friends, who will be hard to leave, but we know they will forever be in our lives. And we have time yet to enjoy with them, as well as the walks to to store, around our neighborhood and down the Rhein River.  We will miss the relaxing Sundays where the stores are closed, but hope to take some German habits home with us.

Once we return, I'll decide on my favorite places and highlight some of our favorite memories. We're not done traveling yet and we have a few more trips to finish planning.  We'll continue to take it day by day and enjoy the remaining months we have left here.