full circle

 

I woke up extra early this morning, just like I have been for the last few weeks, around five-ish. My body wakes with the sun and these days it's shining early (although that doesn't mean I get out of bed just yet) I lay there gazing at the clouds through our skylight, watching them go from a tinted pink to a soft white and then with hints of that warm, golden yellow that the sun is so good at. I hear the church bells ringing in the distance, it's 6:00 a.m. My thoughts are on our life here this past year, and knowing that very, very soon I will no longer be waking up in Bavaria. These last few mornings are precious and sentimental. 

How does one sum up a year of living abroad? For myself I'm not sure where to start. There is just so much, it has been so full, it has been a gift that we never expected. We've had our challenges here. I would be amiss to lead you to believe it has been one big vacation, and maybe I have. No, actually there were moments when I threw myself on my bed in tears, wishing we could just go home. When not being able to speak the language kept us from enjoying simple things because we just weren't feeling brave that day, or enduring the stares of everyone in our small town because we were definitely the "outsiders" to name a few. But blogging for me is about the positive, the good, the happy, the beautiful. And there has been an abundance of that here for us. Such an overflow of goodness that we wouldn't change a thing. The hard times helped us to treasure the good times, our first long, cold winter made us love the spring even more, the unkindness of some helped us to embrace tighter those who showed kindness. It's been a time of growth that has been very valuable--if you look at it the right way. By far, it has been one huge blessing.

I have been thinking about my last post from Germany now for several days. What pictures would I share? New ones? The most memorable ones? A recap of the year? And then I came across this one above, taken recently, and it struck me as being perfectly symbolic. The hands of Hannah and two of her friends wearing the bracelets they made locked in a circle. We've made solid friendships here, the kind that will last. We've intertwined our cultures, our faith, and our lives. We've made strong bonds, we've learned much from each other and for all our differences we've found that we are very much the same too. 

When Mark and I first came to Germany it was the first week of July last year. Two months later our family was living here, and now in just one week we fly home--the first week in July. We've come full circle. Bavaria is a beautiful land with lovely people and a fascinating culture, how happy we've been to share in it--to wake up in Bavaria each morning for the past year. Our hearts are full. 

If it were possible to give a country a big hug I would. Goodbye Bavaria, until we meet again. xox.

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(One last post when we arrive home and then I'll be saying goodbye to this blog...)

Comments

[Sage]

As someone who recently moved to Denmark, I can relate to this so much:

"No, actually there were moments when I threw myself on my bed in tears, wishing we could just go home. When not being able to speak the language kept us from enjoying simple things because we just weren't feeling brave that day, or enduring the stares of everyone in our small town because we were definitely the "outsiders" to name a few. "

When I agreed to undertake this adventure, I had no idea how truly difficult it would be. Some days are so beautiful that I can't believe this is my life, and others leave me so beaten down that I just want to pack up and go home.

~ Sage

[Lissa (Analae)]

You just be sure to tell us where to find you after that, whether you will be going back to Simple Sparrow or otherwise. I would not want to miss even one of your adventures. Good luck!

[amy]

so bittersweet. but what a memory of TIME you have forever. beautiful toni even the hard times it is TIME well spent I will miss your bavaria...you documented your time so beautifully, in you gorgeous style. yes where will you go now? please don't lose touch my friend I adore being where you are. xoxox

best wishes to all of you as you journey home and start again!

[Robin]

I have truly enjoyed all your stories and photos for the past year. Thanks for sharing and be sure to keep us posted on your next blog/adventure! Safe travels.

[emily]

oh, look at that, now i'm crying! i love you toni!

[Chris]

I have loved your pictures & stories throught your Bavarian adventure - such wonderful memories you must have
SAFE JOURNEY HOME
Chris x

[jenn]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful images with us. I have really enjoyed your stay :-) in Bavaria!!

[Laerke]

Thank you for sharing! I have enjoyed this trip, as it remind me a bit of a years stay in Vienna as an art student many years ago. Even though to me cold winters, light summernights and a bit reserved people is not unusual since i'm a dane :o) I'm sure this yourney will give your children (and hole family)a special and very valuable experience - both the bad and good things. I admire your courage to go!

[kim]

Your insights/observations/eye come from the beauty you are! Well, the really good news (for us) is that we get to have your sweet presence amongst us soon!

[Lina]

Hi glad that you are going home to the states, sad that your are leaving beautiful Bavaria.
Noah dont shoot my dad at the table anymore!

[patchworksails]

I hope you and your family have a safe trip home and a joyful reunion !

[janette]

So this is what happens when I take a photography class for a few months and get behind with everything in my life! I have so enjoyed this beautiful blog, your words and your photography. Feeling grateful to have seen Bavaria through your eyes! Safe travels.

[jenv]

i love that picture. excited for you to come back to the states but sad to see this blog end. you won't take it down completely will you? i love to come here and look at the dreamy pictures.

can't wait to see you!!!

[Jennifer M]

I have followed your blog this past year and enjoyed your amazing photos. It has been such a fun way to visit places I'll probably never see. Blessings to you and your family as you return to your home.

[Leslie Limper]

Thanks so much for sharing your year in Germany ... I have enjoyed it immensely and am sad to see it end. I was a student at the Uni in Munich 30 years ago and Bavaria still holds a place in my heart. Your photos are fabulous.

[Hannah]

this post was so beautiful. thank you for sharing your time in Bavaria with all of us. it's been great to see bits of your journey.

[Thimbleanna]

I've so enjoyed reading about your year in Germany and I'm so sad to see it end. We loved living in central Germany many years ago and I was so excited when I first read that you'd be going to Bavaria. Thank you for sharing your fun adventure with us!

[Bridgette]

Just the thought of you leaving makes me want to cry!
I have watched and read and dreamed from afar, and this past year with your family has been beautiful.
Thank you so very very much for sharing your life in Bavaria.

[Heather in Washington State, USA]

Please don't shut down this blog... I'm going to be going to Europe in a year or two, and I want to return to your blog for inspiration on where to go, what to see, and how to photograph it all.

[liza]

I agree with most who are begging that you keep the blog up. Your blog has been such a great source of inspiration for many. I'm so glad to have stumbled upon it...and also looking forward to your new adventures back at home. I'm curious to see how you adjust back to living in the US. I often wonder that myself after we finish our tour in Italy. Good luck!

[victoria]

I have enjoyed every post and every single photo that you've shared with us all. I know you were going to keep it quiet and small but I'm so glad you shared its existence with us, for it's been such a joy to see. I too hope that Simple Sparrow will exist again in some form and hope you'll let us know. Enjoy the transition to "home".

[Valerie]

i can feel everything you described, bad or good... this almost makes me cry...
the photo is so meaningful.

[Chris]

Thanks for sharing your photos, stories & memories with us! Your last post in Germany is coming at the same time we're getting ready to say goodbye to our German friends leaving the US to go back to Munich - the opposite direction you're taking & with the same bittersweet feelings, I think.

[The Scribbler]

Oh, I just found your blog now, and it'll be gone so soon!! But, I will follow your new one.