imagine the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen. now times that by ten. then, surround yourself with endless rolling hills speckled with some of the most beautful horses you have ever seen. now imagine that you are the only human for miles. that was me tonight. it killed me that i didnt have my camera...not to assume that having it would really have done justice to the whole scenario...but i could have at least captured a few images to post for you.

i dont know if it is the unusually nice weather, the fact that i can see the end of the tunnel, or maybe some tranquilizers that i was given in my sleep, but i am in great spirits today. the kids were great--we went on a bike ride to see the horses (same ones i ran to this evening) and just had an uber-fantastic day. very little whining and arguing. love it.

perhaps it is the fact that i have now been here for over two months, but today i seemed to have received a lot more "alo"s and "guten abend"s than normal. everyone was out and about--walking the dog, doing a jog, watering their flowers, reading in their doorway, or just sitting with a loved one. it was great. i helped a woman catch her cat. the entire time she was talking to me i hardly understood what she was saying--just that she had lost her cat because it ran out of the house. hilarious. i just smile and laugh and say "ja." i wish i was leaving here feeling completely accomplished with my german language skills, but im afraid to say that just aint gonna happen.

i cant believe i only have 6 more days with the kids---only 6 more days of their summer vacation. wow. it has gone by fast, but i am glad. i will be leaving at just the right time--enough time to feel comfortable and to fully discover how beautiful life is here, and yet not too much time to get sick of it all.

I will be leaving for home in 17 days!! Cant wait to see you mom and pops!! love you all so much and hope you arent too sick of me yet!

Tchuss,
Beth O.