Where to begin?  My first week in Reutlingen has been one full of captivation and observation.

The Swabian Alps extend into the sky, reminding anyone who takes the time to admire them that we are seemingly inferior to the vast world around us.  I find it impossible to just glance at the Alps, for they beg of my complete attention and pry into every emotion, ironically leaving me spiritually moved by an earthly presence.

Tübingen, Germany is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  From the picturesque parks to the classy cafés, it is impossible not to have a love affair with this city.  The town is most notable for the University, dating all the way back to 1477, which still educates students today.  (In fact, Valpo has a year-long study abroad program in Tübingen).  When walking along the streets of Tübingen, you involuntarily picture yourself living there, for it is so enticing that anyone who steps foot will want to be a part of its quaint and romantic ambiance.  Here, too, it leaves me spiritually moved by its earthly presence.

Aside from feeling captivation from towns and nature alike, there is a lot of observation happening with regard to the German people.  While walking downtown Stadtmitte, the town center of Reutlingen, I find myself unable to walk at my normal pace, for the locals are less concerned with “not wasting any time,” rather “enjoying the most of their time.”  Their concept, “enjoying the most of their time,” isn’t hard for me to take part in, it’s the “not wasting any time” attitude that I secretly wish they would adopt!  But, when truly thinking about it, I want more of their laissez-faire way of life.  That way of life is not just evident while walking along the streets, but while sipping on caloric coffee drinks for hours outside a quaint café, or when drinking inexpensive yet sour wine at the local wine festival.  The German people aren’t concerned with skim, whole, or 2% milk, they’re concerned with the meaning behind the drink: with whom they are sharing it.  The same attitude is true with regard to wine: they realize their wine is sour and incomparable to Italian wine, but that doesn’t stop them from sipping on it with those they love.

The past week and a half has required much thought and adaptation, but to call it worthwhile would be an understatement.  I have loved everything from the things that have been easy to love to the frustrations.  As I typed that last sentence I am reminded of Luke 6:32, which says “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”  We are obligated to love people and things that aren’t easy to love.  Applying that to life abroad, we are called to embrace all that is set before us, especially those instances that challenge our faith.  It’s astonishing to me that it has been only sixteen days; I can only imagine what the next three months will bring.