Learned a New Art

So today I made some more jewelry pieces
then walked into town and mailed a postcard & got an iced tea and journaled

Then I came back to the Art Factory and began a new art, ink drawing!

I enjoyed it, it was very relaxing and was fun to do

I'm not GREAT but it's fun and that's all that matters right now (For those of you that i know me well i can only stand so much repetition)

Then we went and got Spaghetti Ice (ice cream made to look like spaghetti) in town as a group!

We then went to Insa's house and enjoyed some lemon water in her beautiful backyard

After that we came back and I continued drawing

Soon after that we had dinner and I helped make a peach/strawberry/cherry cobbler that we enjoyed!

Now we are going to watch a movie yayy

OH ya and I sold two pieces of jewelry today YAY! :)




Here's a picture of Spaghetti Ice
They run the vanilla ice cream through this metal thing w/ lots of holes to make it look like spaghetti
Then they put strawberries and strawberry syrup on it (the sauce)
and top it off with white chocolate (parmesan cheese!)

Ehh..

So today we drove around France and Germany looking for art/jewelry supplies

We didn't really find much, so we settled on things at a store near where we live

Oh well!

I got to hear the testimony of one of the German guys that lives here
and now we just finished dinner!

Maybe a movie tonight??

Kinda missing home
all everyone ever talks about here is how to analyze such and such in an artistic way

blehh

oh wellllll

Here's a pic from my going away party before I came here..miss everyone!

Jewelry Day

Today I worked on some jewelry pieces and took pictures and posted them!
(you can check them out at www.peacebranch.blogspot.com)

I then did a bible study and wrote a devotional for our team for Thursday and got to enjoy
a nice dinner outside at the Farmer's house

Just finished watching Chocolat and now heading to bed!!

Here are some pictures of jewelry from today!

A Learning Day

Today I went to a German Lutheran Service in town alone
I left halfway through the service because I didn't understand the language, but it was a great example of
a Conservative church in Kandern and the number in the congregation proves that God is present in this city.

I had some time to read and reflect with God as I had a couple of hours alone this afternoon while everyone was at
an English-German service

God was teaching me that my life is not going to be without trouble, but He will be present and He will take care of me.
I felt some peace with this and am excited for what He has planned for me, although am a bit fearful. I know that He can take care of me way beyond what I can imagine so I shall not fear.

The four interns were invited to tea at our British friend Heidi's house with another friend Alyssa. We got to enjoy English scones as well as tea and chocolate covered strawberries. It was a nice afternoon to relax and get to know our new friends a bit more. The rest of the afternoon I spent working on a poetry/photography book and made a pair of earrings.

We ate dinner as a group tonight as usual and then watched Les Miserables. I love the picture of grace and sacrifice shown throughout the film, it is such a great display, if you haven't seen it you should watch it!

Here are a couple more pictures from Paris!


Versaille


Notre Dame



Me inside the Shakespeare Bookstore :) amongst some of the greatest authors

Just got back from Paris!

Hey everyone, just got back from Paris
It was a great week! We got to see everything (Almost)
Musee d'Orsay
Musee Rodin
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triumph
Louvre
Versaille
Notre Dame
Sein River
Shakespeare bookstore
Monmarte

& i'm sure i'm forgetting some

My favorites were the Eiffel Tower (bc i was surprised that it was a brown color and was beautiful and we got to eat lunch under it!) and the Arc de Triumph (we climbed it and got to see all of Paris) and the Musee Rodin (with the Thinker statue) and the Shakespeare bookstore of course! (the author of Life of Pi was speaking outside of it!)

I literally got back less than an hour ago so i'm kind of taking everything in still but i'll post a couple of pictures for you!

PS I think i'm going to Prague/Berlin in a couple weeks! YAY


The river just a few steps away from where we stayed our last night in France! It was a bed and breakfast with a 4 course French meal that was delicious!!


If you don't know-I love Shakespeare! This bookstore had tons of new and used books from all different sorts of authors and it is staffed by university students who are traveling (they get a free nights stay for working at the bookstore) this is on my list of things to do!



Beautiful bridge from the boat ride around Paris!


Montmarte~ a Catholic church...i know this picture looks fake but i promise you it wasn't edited! the sky was beautiful that day!


The infamous Eiffel Tower! :) LOVE IT!


Me eating a delicious sandwich at a French cafe!


The Thinker at Musee Rodin:
I sit and I think beside the great Thinker
Alone on a bench with another unknown
She sits and she writes as her hands get weaker
Her silence begs me to leave her alone
I wait as I look at the gardens around me
He sits in his seat, no one saying a word
Looking my way he soon whispers a short plea
Asking me never to repeat what I heard
I didn't repeat the words I heard that day
Nor e'er did look back at what I had seen
That day there was peace made, understanding I'd say
For I knew he already deemed me his queen
No crown did I need, no penny or ring
Just a man with great wisdom to speak it to me
I am grateful always for the words he did bring
The silence spoke wonders, as you too may see

Leaving for Paris...

Hey everyone,
So I'm leaving for Paris in the morning so I won't be writing again until Friday/Saturday, sorry!

Today we went to a German-English church and it was interesting, to say the least.
It was a very contemporary church, loud music (mostly in English, one or two in German) with young adults leading,
some smoke coming off the ground as we entered, a Turkish-German preacher who preached in German (i listened to part of the sermon through headphones in English, but mainly just listened without the headphones because they were a bit annoying), afterward we got to eat lunch there for 3 Euros per person (they offer a meal every Sunday), we then made our way into their coffee shop and I had an ICED vanilla coffee (It's been so long since i've had an ICED drink because they don't have them much in Europe), we finally made our way home.

I sold a piece of jewelry today which was exciting!

The girls all watched a feminist movie called Charms for the Easy Life next to the fire place and cuddled up, it was nice.

We all got to call our Father's and wish them a happy Father's day which was great also!

We had donor's for dinner, which are like Greek gyros and I surprisingly liked it!

I haven't taken digital photos in awhile (don't worry there will be plenty from Paris) so here are a few old ones for you to enjoy!
Again I will be gone for the week so please pray for our time and I will let you know how it is! (I've wanted to go to Paris my whole life!)


A cool camera displayed outside a Foto/Glasses store


Yes, they do drive tractor's on the street here. hahahah

Another Slow Day..

So today was another "free day" where we didn't have anything scheduled. It was raining again this morning, so we couldn't really go out. I had the chance to talk with my mom on facebook for a little bit which was nice! I am starting to get a little homesick at points as there is still some tension between our group of girls here. We have naturally split into two's and some don't like that.

I created two new pieces today and put them out for display, so that was nice. Hopefully someone will like them and buy them!

I made an egg salad sandwich today which was delicious! I've been getting sick of our every day food so it was nice to have a change.

The four girls/interns went for a hike today to a hill behind where we live. We went uphill for about 20 minutes until we reached this old wooden gazebo. It overlooked the beautiful city of Kandern and we got to enjoy the view for a few minutes. I took along my film camera so there won't be photos posted of this, but it was fun to take some pictures for a little while. I trailed back by myself and stumbled upon a different part of the neighborhood. I was able to see new cute houses and a retirement center.

Earlier in the day I had the opportunity to practice my German. My German friend Insa said that my pronunciation is very good, so that was nice to hear.

I am working on a poem, so here it is!

Change reminds me of a film camera in a digital world
You expect to see immediate results yet your film is still curled
It often takes time to develop and grow
but finally you see it all lined up in a row
I am going through change as I am far away
I'm yearning to see the outcome shine this very day
I patiently wait as the film slowly rolls
While up on my head burns a heap of coals
I'm angry I can't go back and push delete
My habits, I've learned, are doomed to repeat
This camera I've taken with film of black and white
Stores the history of my past, and shines it bright
But luckily for me it is hidden away
until I develop the film, then it comes out gray
God's forgiven my past and has taught me to burn
the pictures of old, with a new page to turn
I have exchanged my old film for something more real
A digital picture with clarity and zeal
This life that I speak of is brilliant and new
The GOod Lord I can thank for a life that is True
We need to keep this old way of life
to remind us of all of our pain and our strife
To remember that change does not come fast
It comes from afar, but it sure does last
Digital is great in times of need
but we need to be careful to not lead to greed
A life that is simple brings changes so slow
but soon, in His time, these changes will grow


German gelato

A more relaxing day..

SO today was a more relaxing day, it was raining in the morning so I wasn't too motivated to do anything. I read a couple chapters of "searching for God knows what" and went up alone to a room and sang along to my ipod which was nice.

Finally it stopped raining and my friend/roommate Ashley and I went to a coffee shop down the street and got some not great tasting coffee but a great pastry! We then walked to the grocery store and looked around and I bought GUMMY BEARS! i was so excited to find them. We then went to a mini drug store type place and spent about 20 minutes looking for a hair product for Ashley. They were mainly in German so we couldn't really tell the difference between them all so that elongated the process on top of Ashley's poor decision making skills haha. It was a cultural experience for sure!

WE then continued to some more shops where I picked up some jewelry supplies and then made our way home. I made 6 new pieces to add to my jewelry collection and displayed them in the cafe/kitchen area.

Ashley and I listened to some great country music and hung out for a little bit and then headed to dinner.

There is some tension between our group and since there are four of us we naturally split up a little bit. IT's causing a little bit of drama, so if you could please pray for that that would be great!

WE are about to go watch a movie with one of the missionaries kids who is here with us for the week.

Here are some pics of Switzerland from Yesterday


Have a great evening!

Art Basel

So today we went to Art Basel, this HUGE art show in Switzerland, and got to see thousands of pieces of art from hundreds of different galleries. It was quite overwhelming for me, someone who doesn't know a whole lot about art and the meaning behind it, however it was quite enjoyable. I got pretty exhausted by the end but it was pretty great. I got to stand within centimeters of art originals from Picasso and Andy Warhol, including thousands of others who I didn't know, but my fellow colleagues knew. It was great to see different art forms such as instillations and sculpture art, which I enjoy, but the paintings and drawings were all mixed together in my mind. I have included a few pictures I took with my iphone (because I was told cameras weren't allowed, but they were).

After Art Basel we went to a couples house and ate dinner with them and got to enjoy some time with them, learning how they got together and what not. The woman is a singer and her husband is an artist. They were very nice and open to us.

I got a little overwhelmed today, wishing I was married and had my life going with a family and what not, but that was only a minor setback.

Please pray for continued patience and encouragement in my work. I am not sure what my purpose here is fully, but God is definitely teaching me a lot about myself and about Himself. Please pray for continued trust in Him with this summer and with my future.

Thank you all!!

Thrift Stores Galore!!

So today we had a wonderful devotional by my roommate ashley on refuge and restoration and how what is happening in this old building as far as restoration and how God uses restoration in our lives and how it could be a beautiful thing. I was reminded that I tend to focus on the areas where I need work and where my past is still shining through like the brick from the walls underneath the paint, but God gently reminded me to look at what He has done in my life and how far HE has brought me. All in all, the morning started well.

After that we dropped off a German lady that stayed with us for a few days at the train station and then headed to France to do some thrift store shopping. These two thrift stores are only open on Wednesdays and there is quite a rush. In the first one I was able to purchase a French hat as well as some trinkets to use for jewelry. At the second I purchased a few more trinkets. We also went to a mall in France before thrift shopping and got to walk around and enjoy a sandwich on fresh bread, a chocolate eclair, and a small latte. I was very excited as this was the first time I've had espresso, rather than house coffee, since I have been here.

IT has been raining this evening so I'm not sure what the rest of the day looks like, but my host Mary Beth and other roommate Audrey are having a pizza cook-off that we get to enjoy for dinner!

Hope you are all having a great day and enjoying your summers!! (PS I MISS COMMENTS ON THESE THINGS!!)


My awesome French hat!

Birkman...

Hey everyone!
I'm sorry I haven't written long in awhile. I have been busy and tired and there hasn't been too much to report.
Today we went over the Birkman Method as a group (read my note for more information on what that is:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/katrina-thomas/would-you-be-interested/400559052615

We got to relax for awhile in the afternoon and it was nice. I am interested in getting registered for the Birkman so that I can test other people (please check out the note posted above)







GOD BLESS!!

Hmm..

Today has been a rough day, kind of emotionally out of it today

I had to spend a lot of time alone because i needed some space to myself

Luckily GOd is gracious and I am having a good evening with the girls

Here is a pic for you to enjoy

Nothing too much went on today to update you on, just please pray for my energy level and my emotional sake

Thanks everyone, love ya!

Kandern's 200th Anniversary!

So today was Kandern (the city I'm staying in)'s 200th Anniversary.

We got to set up our art and display it (I sold two pieces of jewelrY) Totaling 40 Euros! Yayy for meeeee

We have an early morning so I am not going to post much tonight.

I am tired haha but today was good overall. WE went into town and saw a parade with people walking in traditional clothing.

It was pretty great.

The town's traditional colors are yellow and red so there were flags everywhere and people and it was fun. Not too many people came to the Factory today, but still a decent amount. I am STUFFED because we ate junk food today (including a 70 cent scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone at the parade!!) but it was all delicious, we all just need to go on a hike soon! Haha

I got to relax a little and call home which was nice, it was good to hear from my family.

We all just watched "shattered glass" a pretty good movie, a little older. It was nice and relaxing to enjoy some hot chocolate & popcorn while relaxing for once!

Well here are some pics for you to enjoy!


My Jewelry Display from today (on an old wired potato holder)


A picture from the parade this afternoon


Insa (one of the artists here) teaching children in town how to make things out of clay. She is my favorite German woman!!!

Tiring...

So today was a very tiring day

Woke up: ate breakfast: moved a bunch of things from the third floor to the first floor: moved 10 mattresses to get to the bottom one and then moved it to another room: painted things/walls/arrows: did dishes: helped cook things: finished getting the gallerage set-up: served wine at the gallerage event

YEAH i'm pretty tired about now haha

Basically today we had the opening of the Gallerage (the Art Gallery) presented with two artists that have been working here Jen and Insa and had a private opening for the community.

Tomorrow is the city's 200th anniversary and we are having the Gallerage opened again and get to display some of our art (my jewelry/pictures)

Well here are some pictures for you..ENJOY!


My roommates/fellow interns Audrey and Olga


Other roommate/intern Ashley (she will hate me for this picture)


The Gallerage :D

a manly day..

So today i felt kind of manly

I got to strip wire for a couple of hours ( we are going to use it to hang lights for the Gallarage event happening tomorrow )
and then I got to use an ax to go after a big tree root for awhile
I now have blisters but you know, it got some energy out

I was blessed with tacos and brownies for dinner :)
made me feel very at home

I just tested out my film camera for the first time
so we will see how those turn out!

WE got to go to a second hand store today which was amazing
I picked out some things to clean up and make jewelry with
I am very excited about that

Here are some pics of the area that I took over the last few days with digital

ENJOY!


I love this little creek. It runs all around the city and it is beautiful. This little spout made me happy :)


I love the architecture here!


Okay this picture is kind of random, but my family used to wear Birkenstocks so this made me happy to see :)

The Next Day...

So last night we were surprised with a ride on a carriage and horse buggy that belonged to a friend of our hosts.
It was quite relaxing and enjoyable.

TOday we had a chance to walk around the town square a bit and see some of the sights.

Not sure what the plan is for the rest of the day..here are some pics!


Us on a casual buggy ride through the farm fields...


A beautiful bridge on the side of the pathway. This place makes you want to walk everywhere!


Yep. I'm still a kid.


Unreal.

PRAYER NEEDED:
Today i'm feeling a bit discouraged and confused about why I am here. THe focus here is ART and they don't really do ministry here, other than acting it out in their daily lives. I don't feel like much of an artist so it is difficult for me to know my place. I am trying to find another niche of ministry, perhaps by encouraging the others here..please pray for my needs!

Poem of today:
Oh way up high the tower I go
Await my prince, he comes I know
I wait and wait for hours and days
My head becomes light, I'm in a daze
Just then it hits me I shall wait no more
My KING awaits deep in my core

We got to paint signs today for the gallarage event we are having on Saturday..I painted a tree (which is my favorite thing)

I'm exhausted now, as are the other girls

TIll tomorrow..

Day 1

As you can probably guess it's been amazing so far

I have snuck away for a minute to update you on some things.

I was able to sleep in until 10 this morning which was great! We got to eat some fresh pastries from town and oatmeal that was delicious.

AFter that we took a walk to one of the other missionaries' houses (The Farmers) and got to spend time looking at their backyard. Here are a few pictures/words of insight I received while there.

I just got done sanding part of the outside/inside of a window frame that will be painted later. WE have a surprise for tonight that I can't wait for!


There's a hole in the rock on the side of the creek, how I wish I could hide in the stillness there. An outsider, beauty no one takes time to look at, ah but to look through at the beauty surrouding. What natural beauty this waterfall carries as water runs over the rocks covered with moss. I relate to the hole in the side of the rock, where alone I can sit and take in His beauty.


Oh meadow brook why you break//For love that's lost, my breath you take//With white and brown mixed deep within//My heart relates, my soul, my sin//For while you bring much beauty by//Such peace and sorrow within me cry//My mouth alone can speak no more//As your waters teach my heart to soar//Oh meadow brook why now you break//For my heart and soul and shame to take

This is the Art Factory that I'm living/learning from! They bought it for close to $300,000! It's incredible.


This is the window area I was working on sanding

God Bless You all!

I made it!

Hey everyone I made it to Philly, I wont be able to post this till later however because there is no wireless here.

I just wanted to let you know that I have begun my journey and am already being blessed.

Unfortunately planes don’t give away free blankets/pillows/etc anymore, but they do sell them! I got on the plane and heard that they were not going to be giving them out and almost cried because I was freezing and didn’t bring a sweatshirt. I asked if they had any for sale and they brought me a pack with a blanket/pillow/ear plugs/ eye mask. In the end they didn’t even make me pay for it and said it was on the house.

Although this is just a small act I was definitely blessed by it. It allowed me to sleep for the first leg (Cali to Philly) which greatly helped me!

I am just about to board my plane from Philly to Frankfurt and them from there to Basil, Switzerland where I will be picked up and driven to my new home.

Cheers!

After waiting 2 hours on the plane in Philly and freaking out about making my next flight, I was able to make it! God is good. So far all has gone well. I was able to sleep on the plane again (with a very sore back now from hunching over my tray) but nonetheless am very content. I was sitting next to a very nice older man (around my parents age) who had 3 adopted kids from Russia, one of which wanted to be a missionary! I had the chance to share with him about Biola and the ICS program there. He works for some nuclear plant company and travels frequently on business to Europe.

After rushing to get through the Frankfurt airport I am now sitting and waiting for my connecting flight to Basel where I will be picked up! Hope all goes well till then and my baggage gets there! (We have a dinner tonight with some guests and I would hate to look like this for it!)

Till later…

Now i've made it safe but gotta go to dinner!! :)

Phone...

Okay everyone so here's the DOWN/LOW on my phone situation in Germany

Phone calls to my cell phone are 99 cents per minute so if you call me it better be UBER important!!

I can receive texts for free but it is 50 cents for me to return a text (Therefore if i don't respond don't be mad)

Please use skype to get ahold of me (katrinadianethomas)

Also you can use Facebook! I will be checking it regularly

YOu can also email me: I'd prefer it if you use katelyntbr@aol.com or iheartrwanda@yahoo.com

EMERGENCY numbers:
Holladays:  Home phone-+49.7626.977.002   
Cell- +49(0)1607756651 (The 0 is dropped if called outside of Germany).
Farmer's Vonage U.S. number: 706-413-3908

Please only family use those numbers and only in case of a real emergency.

Thank you guys!!