Welcome to Calvary Chapel!

This morning began with a early morning "I want to play with play-doooooooooough..." circa 7:00. I have to say it was far more cute than annoying despite the time. After Kayla awoke the household with her seemingly endless supply of childhood energy, I suited up and headed towards the vineyards for a morning jaunt.

The "parklet"

It was definitely interesting. I headed up the street past a bakery or two (of course), out past quite a few gardens, a mini-park (a "parklet" to me) and through the fields.

The sign that greeted me coming back towards home

The pathway that I took was a bike trail which it would have been perfect for. It was nice an flat with a few rolling hills, nothing too strenuous. Especailly considering that it was about 2 am at home. Technically 3 am with the time change. Yeesh.

This area is definitely wine country- it was quite reminiscent of New Zealand in the way that all the hills and every square inch was filled with vines. I also ran by a little farm with roosters crowing despite the lack of sun.



 

Serious art.

During the run I passed under a couple bridges that would put any ATL graffiti to absolute shame. I have absolutely no idea what this wall says so if it's something profane, I plead ignorance.

I also got the chance to deliver my gifts (really from Mom- aka Aunt Cissy) to Kayla. She was so excited! I can't wait until she wears her brand new hello kitty outfit to go with her lunchbox. She also got a puppy (with it's own purse) and some bracelets. SO precious.

A very happy Kayla!

From there we had a delicious breakfast with more fantastic breads and honey. Sam took me to the local Calvary Chapel where the services are in both Deutsch and English. It was interesting; I sat next to a woman who greeted me in German. It's pretty frustrating trying to explain that you only speak one language... and you are sorry that you can't communicate... but you know all they hear is another language. A fascinating experience. The service itself was alternating contemporary Christian music- one song English, the next German. The pastor spoke German for a sentence or two and then a translator would speak his sermon in English. It made for a very, very long sermon but nonetheless a good one. He used Psalm 130 and Isaiah 40:29-31 to talk about being happy despite any given circumstance that might be less than favorable. I have to say that he did a good job!

Afterward I had a mini-adventure and took the tram back to home base. The trams were SO clean and tidy! Sightseeing next! Cake and coffee for lunch... HECK YES.