Hello Berlin!

This month marks my first full year in Berlin! It's been a great year with getting used to living on land again after my many adventures at sea. Finding an apartment (and the perfect roommate) and going to work and returning home that same day seems like the most normal thing to do. For me, that is recent history and I'm loving it! Using public transportation, hearing police sirens, going to the fridge whenever I feel like it, and many other things....what a treat!

I felt so lucky to have made friends from all over the world when I was working on ships that I kept inviting everyone who mentioned wanting to come to Berlin. I love hosting, and I love people. My poor roommate! 

I love Berlin for all its history and places you can go that remind you of what people have been through and how grateful we can be today to be living in peace and democracy. As many things as there might be that are wrong in the world right now - Berlin is living proof that there is hope where there is reconciliation with people as well as past events.

My first year in Berlin has been filled with Lufthansa (where I've been working as a call center agent), my amazing coworkers there, my new home church Saddleback Berlin, my amazing friends there as well, and everyday things that make life precious and beautiful. I'm looking forward to 2016 and all this year has to bring. May we all learn how to love our neighbour as ourselves.

I Was Wrong ...

 ... How many times have you had to admit that to yourself, and even harder – to others? And how easy was it? Looking back on how my life has gone and the turns I've taken, I've learned that I have been wrong many times. When I was little I thought there was a Santa Claus who would bring me presents if I behaved. When I grew older I thought that my parents were always right and knew exactly what they were doing. Graduating from High School I had a plan for my life and had it all figured out. That illusion, however, stayed with me a few years until it dawned on me that, of all the things where I had been wrong, this one was the most significant. Because I couldn't point my finger anymore. I had to take responsibility for my own life, and it didn't always go the way I had thought it would or the way I had wanted it. Thank God.

I have been wrong many times. Sometimes that would bring relief, other times disappointment. I would like to say that it gets easier with time to admit that I'm wrong and that I'm realizing it sooner, but I'm not sure. Being stubborn isn't easy. At the same time I experience grace. It's ok to be wrong. It's ok not to know what life is all about. There is confidence in leaving the wrongs and questions of life in the hands of the one who can make it all right.

Though at times it seems like i'm coming undone
This walk can often feel lonely     

No matter what until this race is won
I will stand my ground where hope can be found

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There’s not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

~ Lauren Daigle