Royalty

 there are few people like Gabi and Julia. the germans. i used to nick name them "germsies"

few people. they are rare gold.

  We met them 9 years ago when they left jobs, safety, and incredible beauty of their german village life and joined us in Kansas City to do a missional, experiential discipleship program. it was nothing they expected and yet it brought us together and launched them into a different trajectory and for that i am so thankful.

   so 9 years later, Julia has lived with my parents off and on in South african and then they invite us to come to Germany and stay with them.

 i could think of nothing better, thank you very much.

  and i still remember their jokes and laughter, their story telling and deep spirits, their songs and antics, bright eyes and burning hearts,  and it was soooo fun to pick up where we left off.

 and to be treated like royalty. presents, meals presented in absolute perfection and beauty down to the detail. watching our kids, loving on us, feeding us, treating us, driving hours for us to enjoy this wonderful country.

  sitting in a hammock looking out into complete farm house beauty and to here Gabi singing as she picks fruit and vegetables from her garden...it was magical.

  My take-away:

   when someone lavishes loves on you, it is a taste from heaven. when it pours out from them in every way that they interact with you...it is humbling and overwhelming and honestly glorious.  i want to learn, to be more like these women. for it to flow from me. to treat and then treat again and then again. to cut up amazing fruit salads for other peoples children. to wake up early and serve hot breakfasts for people. to drive hours just to show people new beautiful views of God's creation. to have days full of connecting, caring, serving but still be joyful and make a scrumptious dinner.

 i know it is not their "everyday" but it was an incredible lavish expression for us.


  they took us through Austria and in the most beautiful area near the Alps to see a castle  and that was a highlight!!!

an incredible fountain behind the castle

    quite the crew with 4 kids under 4...strollers, carriers and lots of noise...

 her prince...she kept calling him that..

 the grounds were incredible.

 Gold statues everywhere..

 this castle was nestled inside quite the epic landscape...

 this little tooters was a cuddly tag along!