Hotel, Landstuhl and Castle

The Beginning

Hallo Freund and Familie,

I am a little uncomfortable with this whole "blogging" thing...but I think it will be the easiest and quickest way for all who might be interested, to see and hear about the adventures that take place here in Europe.

First, I truly want to thank all of you who have helped me realize this dream and have made it a reality! There have been so many along the way. To know that I have the friendship, support and love of so many was the only reason I knew I could do this. I can not thank you all enough!

This dream began when I was 17 years old, when I was given the opportunity to travel throughout Europe with a band and choir composed of musicians from all over the state of Oregon. I instantly fell in love with Europe! I have to say that I really wanted and always said that I would live in Switzerland, but I think any country in Europe would have made me happy! Here I am...8 years later and I am now living in Germany. I can not say that I always believed this day would come...but there's something to be said for dreaming and when the opportunity presents itself you grab it and hold on tight.

So...what am I doing here? Well, the titles are complicated, but I am working as a civilian employee for the Department of Defense at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center as an RN in the Emergency Department. The medical facility itself is actually the hub for most of the severely injured soldiers coming from Afghanistan and Iraq. They are stabilized at this facility before being transported back home to the States. The Emergency Department is there to serve all service men and women and their families and is the only Army Base ED in all of Europe. The surrounding area is saturated with US bases both Army and Air-force and thus we serve a very large community. I have toured the department...but no official shifts yet...more come!

I have been in country now for exactly seven days and am still running around doing "in-processing." Everything here takes many steps and efficiency is not top priority, but nevertheless everything is getting done...even if it is slowly. I am learning many lessons in patience! For those who know me well, know that I need that! Still on the list and hopefully to accomplished within the next week or two is: Taking and passing the driving test so I can rent a car until mine arrives; Securing a home to rent in the area I would like; and to actually start working!

Everyone here has been extremely helpful! My sponsor has been great and has driven me around to most all my appointments. My supervisor has been very helpful and is basically giving me all the time I need to get settled. I am confident that there will be bumps in the road ahead, but I know without a doubt that this is where I am supposed to be! Thank you again to all of you and I look forward to hearing from you! Two years will go by fast, but there will be much that changes in a short time...please keep me posted on the all the things going in your lives! Miss you all and will be in touch!

Auf Wiedersehen