Getting into the season of Christ!

This morning, as Delynn and I were getting ready for our day, you will never guess what we heard... A brass band in the Rathausplatz playing Christmas songs. With the windows shut, it was slightly muted, so despite it being 3 degrees (Yup, it's warming up this week!) outside, we opened our windows to let the beautiful strains of music flood into our little home. We heard everything from "Winter Wonderland" and "Joy to the World!" to "Go tell it on the Mountain" and "Gloria, In Excelsis Deo!". It felt rather surreal. This is certainly one of the advantages of living downtown. That really got us going for the morning. We listened to the band play on as we cleaned our apartment and as they finished up for the day, we pulled up iTunes to strike up "Christmas In Velvet". Those of you from Delynn's side will recognize that as one of Derric's many albums. It made us feel close to family as we heard sister Debbie singing - ahhh. All we need is a fireplace and some snow.

The skies have turned a bit cloudy, grey and rainy. This is when the reality of living without a car sets in... Not that we miss the payments, insurance, gas. By the way, at the current exchange rate, gas is about $8.50 a gallon. No, that is not a typo: $8.50/gal - so no whining about that $3.50 gas back in the States, okay? I think this is why there are not many SUVs here - could you imagine filling up one of those monsters? You would need a second mortgage...

The weather being as it is, I haven't had a lot of pictures to share lately. Here is one I took in late October of the Basel Rathaus - we are thinking of using it for a picture to hang on our walls. Our apartment is still pretty bare of accents. We want to do a few things to make this apartment "ours", so maybe some pictures would help... Don't ask me, I'm just a guy...

We are starting to feel a little more connected here - today, when I went to the farmers' market to pick up fresh fruits and veggies, the daughter who works a stall with her mom recognized me and asked if we were from America. She remembered that Delynn had been there the week before and I thanked them for being so nice to her because Delynn is still learning German. We were also recognized at the pharmacy (the owner is familiar with our school). Unfortunately, prescriptions from the States are not the same as here in Germany, so we had some hiccups getting them filled - no worries, just another case of "it's not the same here". We will probably need to see a german physician for the next time, it just makes things less complicated.

We greatly appreciate your ongoing prayers for us, they are very important and keep us connected. We still need a school secretary and that is our biggest concern. It is hardest on Delynn who has to pick up the majority of the tasks. Please keep this in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you. We love and miss you all. Happy December!