Middleman

Meine Damen und Herren-

Well, this week has been an interesting one. I went to school for the first time on Monday. I was greeted warmly by my class, who had been waiting for my arrival the entire year. They refer to me as either "die Americaner" or "Big El". Its interesting. This year, which is technically my Junior year and should be one of the hardest of my school carrier, actually makes no difference in the German school system. The students have two more years before they graduate and these classes don't even count towards their final grades.

The classes are done entirely in German, so its a bit of a struggle to really understand what is being said and done. Needless to say, I'm a hit in English class. The students who I spend most of my time with always speak to myself and each other in German, as well. It's hard and I'm quiet a lot of the time, but I'm getting better. The school is run more like a college than an American highschool. If your teacher is absent, they don't use substitutes. You get that period free to do as you wish. During one of these free periods, a group from my class and I went into Stade because they insisted I try a local dish called a döner. Its actually a Turkish dish, but known very well in Germany all the same. Its something of a mix between a taco, a gyro, and a salad. So basically, a lot of food for very little money, and very tasty.

I was not able to attend Judo today. Heide was off on business and Moritz had to study for some of his exams. For those of you who figured out the time difference on this post (we're 7 to 8 hours ahead here) you'll notice that I'm writting it at about 12:30 in the morning. I had a migrane and had to go to bed around seven, so I just woke up. I'll probably go back to sleep when I'm finished writing.

As for faith here, guys, its straight-up Jesus Freak. NO ONE goes to church every Sunday, or even attempts to do so. I'm looked at like a fool for believing in Intelligent Design. Bill, you were right- they do teach that sex before marriage is legitimate in church. Everyone who really puts effort forth in faith is at least thirty years old. The strange flip-side is that they seem very interested in what I believe and respect it to no end. They seem to be very proud of being one of the world's most liberal countries.

Well, thats all for now. I'm still waiting on receiving letters, you guys. PLEASE write. It would gratify me to no end. And please, feel free to give out this blog address to anyone who knows me. I miss you all very much and hope you are doing well. I will write again next Thursday, as I hope to be my habit from now on.

Aufwiedersehen,
-Elliot P.