Mayen

Saturday, we spent the day with the Kuchera family. They live near Mayen, a town about 20 minutes east of Koblenz, so we had about an hour and half drive north. In the morning, it was foggy and drizzling in Hofheim, but about 20 minutes on the autobahn and out of the Taunus Hills, we hit sunshine and blue skies. We arrived at their house as they were our tour guides for driving into downtown Mayen and around the city. Along the old walls of the city and the throughout the brick streets, we strolled through the Lukasfest. It was amazing to see how the festival strategically placed their rides. Heather and Josh recommended an Italian place for lunch, so we stopped for lunch before the girls picked out their rides. 

Emmie's ride choices this time was the driving one in a loop with a hill, a helicopter she could control going up and down (even though she stayed up in the air the entire time), and a pony ride. Adeline went on the driving one with Emmie, but soon realized she is getting too big as she barely fit in the car. 

Adeline picked out a ride where one sits sideways as their back is to the building and they are looking out onto the street and goes in a circle. Her, Eric, and this other small girl were the only three on the ride where it had about 20 seats in a long row. Eric said Adeline was saying "no, no," the entire time, but laughing everytime it went around. Adeline's last choice of rides was the "Mouse Trap." It was amazing how the rollercoaster just fit on the street between the buildings. Adeline had a fantastic time on it with Eric, even though she found the top part to be scary since it seemed like the winding track was going to send them right into a building on the straight aways before it sharply turned. We ended the afternoon enjoying a warm crepe filled with Nutella.

We spent the early evening visting with the Kuchera's in their new home.  They have a lovely new larger apartment over looking the fields and many apple trees. We were graciously given a large bag of apples before we departed. 

Our Sunday church service was very lively and entertaining. Africa was celebrated this week and is the last country in this series of celebrating our unity by highlighting our diversity. It was wonderful as the ladies dressed in their traditional attire and the men played the instruments during our praise portion. In addition to the songs sung in the various African languages, some members read bible passages with the passage displayed in English on the screen. 

Sunday afternoon, we spent with the Thies family, Eric's colleague who also has two daughters and speak English.  Us six ladies hung out together while the men took a 15km jog as they are preparing for the Frankfurt Marathon next week. Adeline and Emmie had a fun time playing with their girls since they are the same age. The girls put on a magic show and talent show for us after dinner.