Church-day

That is what Adele calls going to church. Today she not only got to go to church, but she also got to ride there on the "train" (read: metro/tram). What could be better?

Apparently we've been slacking in our friends communications because it appears that some of you didn't know we were heading overseas, or why.

Allison decided she needed an advanced degree in comparative literature, as well as some sweet outfits for her spring attire, and the only real way of learning a fourth language and to be at the cutting edge of fashion is to go to Europe, so we picked Germany, put on our chacos, loaded up our kids and are seeing the world.

Just kidding. Ben's MBA program at Purdue University has a kind of satellite program in Hannover, Germany. There is an option to have one "module" there (8 week term), so we took it. We left March 15, we will be home May 11, with some side trips planned. We are living in a dorm, eating off our two burners, and loving it (If you figure out how to cook a meat, a side, and a vegetable at the same time on two burners without a microwave, please let me know). Neither of us know a lick of German (until now, that is), so we're having fun playing the foreigners and looking foolish all the time. Today the Bishop asked me something, and I'm sure the blank look on my face had "stupid" written all over it, but all I could really say was that I don't speak German (in German). But the talks were great (thanks translators!) and they had an awesome lunch after ward conference that was appreciated by all.

So, we don't know the language. But we're not alone because there are two other families here with us from Indiana (both LDS) and a single guy that are in pretty much the same situation. We had the single guy over for dinner tonight, Randall, and he ate with us in Adele's room with what we were informed was a 3.2 ounce Russian shot glass. Apparently our Indian friends that we're exchanging with don't believe in cups, or forks. Lucky we brought cups and bowls for the kids, because we're all eating out of them now. But we've found that metros, money, and smiling are the universal languages, and we're all getting along swimmingly. I haven't done any laundry yet, but no worries. And don't worry that we don't have a shower curtain, oven, microwave, freezer, and towels for all of us, because we can get nutella by the gallon and chocolate by the ton (helllllooooooo Easter candy!). Life is so good.

P.S. if you want to know more about the program, or are thinking about getting an MBA or equivalent and are interested in going foreign, look up GISMA online. Especially Nicki and the Sorensons (did Scott ever serve in Hannover?)