It's times like this that keep me humble...

Ever had one of those days? Wish you could turn the clock back just 5 seconds and redo something? I did yesterday morning. I wrecked my beloved Elaine. I am fine, just a really sore neck and shoulder and a couple of welts on my face and wrist from the air bag. Here are some pictures of what is left of her. We have a lot of history, I feel so bad.

Yesterday morning I had an appointment to drop of the paperwork for my new job that I will be starting in a few weeks. I forgot something, so I drove back to my house and then planned to drive the 50 miles to my current job. It was snowing, but nothing unusual, and since I grew up in Idaho wasn't overly concerned about it. I was making the final turn onto the street we live on when my tires started slipping and I lost the ability to steer and break...I made a direct hit into a neighbor's brick wall. I was only going about 20 mph, but look at what that did to my car. Both airbags ejected on impact. All I remember was watching this brick wall coming closer and then the airbags popping. My first thought was "the car is going to blow" (obviously I have seen to many movies) so I pulled the keys out of the ignition and walked across the street. I had my work cell phone, and the only number I could think of was Don's work number. I called him, I was crying (big surprise) and the only thing I could say was "I'm so sorry, I totaled our car." I really freaked him out, he was imagining me laying on the street bleeding! He had to tell me what number to call for the police (we don't have 911 here) and so I called them and the German Polizei.

I am so grateful that no one else was involved. I am so grateful that no kids were walking to school at that time, that I didn't hit another car head on, that I didn't have babies of my own in the car with me. I am so grateful that Don was here and not in Africa or Greece, or a million other places, and that he was the first person I saw after it happened. I am so grateful he didn't care about the stupid car and the fact that we only have 1 vehicle now and his first words to me were "Are you okay, I love you so much." And I am so grateful that this happened 100 feet from my front door, with neighbor's next door and not on the autobahn driving 75 miles +.

I know that this wasn't a life changing experience...I am fine and I will work through the feelings of regret, and embarassment. I just wanted to share this with you because I think it is important to be reminded of how quickly things can change.

Thank you Father for protecting me, and for your quiet presence and peace in times of chaos.

"I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my GOD is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3 NIV

amen

Can we elect a different ground hog?

I can't believe the ground hog saw his shadow. Even though I am not sure if it really counts for us here in Europe I am still bummed.

I am longing for spring! It is so cold here right now that the trees are frozen white with frost. I haven't seen the sun for over a week. Am I the only one who feels like winter is dragging on forever this year? So, today I am writing about a trip Don and I took last spring because I need to think about something else other than winter.

Last April we went to Holland to see the tulips with some friends. I posted a few pictures, but believe me they hardly do it justice. We drove about 5 hours from our home to the famous Keukenhof Gardens just outside of Amsterdam. There are so many tulip and flower farms, all you see for miles are rows and rows of flowers, it looks like a rainbow on the ground...absolutely beautiful. That evening we stayed at a beach town called Noordwijk. I attached a picture of Don and I at sunset with the North Sea behind us. It was the first time we had seen the ocean since we moved here two years earlier.

We also visited the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam...the home where she and her family lived in hiding from the Nazi's for 3 years before they were discovered. Since living here I have been to Dachau and to Auschwitz- Birkenau, but seeing this home was just as humbling and moving for me. I will never forget walking through those rooms...I will especially remember climbing through the secret door behind the bookshelf, because I smacked the top of my head and saw stars for a moment! I also remember walking in Anne's bedroom and reading the part of her diary when she talks about hanging pictures of her favorite movie stars and singers. The pictures are still hanging there, just as she left them. I added a picture of the building which is the Anne Frank House. It was originally the location of her father's business, the apartment was hidden in the back on the top floor and was impossible to detect from the outside.

Anyway, I feel a little better...but I'd still like to ask another ground hog for a second opinion!

Think Spring!

robin