Here we go!

Given the number of requests to turn this into a blog rather than just emails, i thought now would be the best time to start running with it.
we landed yesterday in germany and were picked up by Rolf, Ralfs father around 8am.
We arrived at his parents house located in a small village way out in the country. pretty much i love it here. I love his family who although they only speak german-a few know some english- have been so welcoming and excited to meet me and see ralf back home. His mother had prepared a lovely brunch and as each brother (2) and sister came in shared the news with the´-this is my pregnant wife! they were all thouroughly shocked yet were so happy too.
I feel i am already having such a positive immersion into the language, his mother is wonderful. i love his parents so much. their eyes have such a beautiful twinkle to them and their attitudes are light and humorous, always looking to make a good joke.
I took a walk this morning to greet the sun and strech and see a little more of where we are. all around there are forests mingled with open farm land. its so beautiful. i took a path up a hill and sat in the glowing sunshine, reveling in the warmth of the area and happiness i feel here.
Only a few things could make it better:
having a place where
-i can fully unpack every box and put things on shelves and organize it all,
-we will stay for more than 6 months
-i can take walks like this mornings every day
-small organic farms, preferably biodynamic
-a (or multiple) goat that i can love and milk and make cheese from soon.

i feel so well, so happy. and while i know so little of the language it really feels ok. when i really need to understand something i can look to the dictionary or ralf. otherwise i take in all the words i hear and am trying to repeat and learn how to speak with his parents.
Ralfs youngest niece spent this afternoon with us after her half day of kindergarten, i alreay love her so much and she hasnt hit an age where she recognizes i dont understand most of what she says so she is one of my best teachers.
all the cars are so much smaller, the roads much more windy and the landscape very green.
we send our love to each of you and thank each of those we were able to share time with in seattle and philly.
peace and joy. and visit soon!