Summer!

Summer is here! Having survived the bleak winter, we will take all the sun we can get. Fortunately, God had the foresight to allow our flat to be mere blocks away from the Donau River. This river is our city’s playground during the summer. You can paddle boat, canoe, wind surf, row boat, fish, and of course swim the Donau.

Last week we celebrated Parker’s birthday early since most of her friends will be out of the city for her “real” birthday in July. Since the weather was warm, we went – you guessed it – swimming! We came prepared for hunger (we brought snacks). We came prepared for sun (we brought sun screen). We came prepared for the water (we brought blow up toys). We even came prepared for nudity (we took deep breaths).

SIDE NOTE: Living in Europe means living in a society with very little body image hang up. It also means living in a society where exposing parts of the body Americans would cover up with a bathing suit is common place. It’s not’s done for shock, vulgarity or lack or prudence. It’s just the way it is.

However, what we didn’t come prepared for was the experience we had involving a little boy with no bathing suit, poop, and lack of toilet paper. Enough said.

Once again, we find our American filter (how we view the world) is sifting. Last year we were terrified to glance toward the swimming areas for fear of having to explain way too much to young eyes. Now, we just go to the swimming areas … picnic among the bear butts … and find ourselves gagging only at the bodily functions. We are making progress!

On a side note, my Uncle Johhny had surgery and they could not remove the pancreas. Treatments will follow. Thank you for keeping him in your prayers.

Let the sun shine in!