I moved to Germany 18 years ago with my very newly-married spouse. I had never been to Germany before. I did not know one word of German. I am a take life by the throat kind of gal anyway and when it comes to Deutschland, I am like a girl in love for the first time.
My love affair started the moment I stepped off the plane in Berlin all those years ago. It was as if I had come home, for the very first time. Every meal, every hand-stitched table cloth, every corner store and bakery reminded me of something from my childhood. It was magical. I was bewitched body and soul.
Not every day was good. In former East Germany, two hours from Berlin, it was cold and gray a lot. It rained often and sometimes the chill in your bones lasted for weeks. Everything was much slower and it seemed to take years to do a simple project or task. Everything had to be approved by some government office too. Everything. For example, you could not live in a city unless you had a stamp saying that you were allowed there. But. . . the conversations over kaffee, the friendships that are to-date unrivaled, the food- ahhh… the food, and of course, the beer made all of the rest just part of the way you learned to live.
So after 10 years of being back home in Texas, and my love affair not having waned one bit (in fact, it has grown stronger) I bought a haus in Germany. In former East Germany to be exact. And it is a house I have never seen outside of photos. So basically you and I are at the same level of knowledge on this place as of now. Great! So we can travel this journey together. Sounds perfekt!
So here are the quick facts:
- No, I have never seen it. But my best friend has. She lived 15 minutes away. I will be posting pics and videos as they come to me.
- No, I am not moving there. It is to be a gift to those who need to experience all the goodness that is Deutschland. We know that God has something special planned for this castle (schloss) and we cannot wait to see Him unveil His plans.
- Yes, I am telling the truth.
- It was way easier to buy this haus than it was to buy my last car. That’s German efficiency for you! Took about 6 months but literally the easiest process known to mankind.
So this blog is to be our journey. I have so many ideas and dreams and plans for the place and this simply should not be kept to myself. Of course, I will acquiesce all of those when God says too.
No idea how long it will take to get it ready for human consumption, but here’s to hoping that you enjoy the ride! Prost!
Here is the video my German-bestie made of our lil’ castle.
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