Generosity

Before I begin the account of the last 2 weeks I spent in Munich (3 weeks total), I would lake to take this time to talk about the people here.

Back when I was 11 (oh no, not one of those stories!!!) I worked as a mother's helper for a German family down my street. I thought their house smelled different (like German waffles, not like my house, anyway), I wondered why they ate something called Kinder Schokolade, and why they always left their door open. I didn't understand them, and, at that age, frankly, I didn't care. That family came and went and I really didn't think a thing of it. Of course, I enjoyed hearing from them and vice-versa, but they hadn't inspired me or anything.

Then, along comes the day sophomore year when I decide I need to study a language other than French. I actually had a lot of those days where I decided I was going to switch out of classes and into others-my counselor rarely appreciated a visit from me. So along came that day, just like any other day, except that day, I was picking the right class to switch into. I switched into German four weeks late, something I had done with lots of other classes (Would you believe I wanted to take an anatomy class! I switched out of that quickly) I didn't expect much upon changing, was just curious.

The moment I walked into the classroom it changed my life. I liked my teacher right away, a strong, competent, kind yet stern women that I admired from the moment I saw her. I received my text book that day and went straight home to study. That was never me. I only studied for things I felt like were really worth my time. Low and behold, soon after starting to take German, I decided to e-mail that family I used to mother's helper for. I tried using some of my, at that time, very bad German, and the mother, Elke, and I e-mailed back and forth. Then came the day that I received an e-mail that would change my life. "Do you want to come and visit us in Germany?" Elke asked. Wow, Europe! I'd never really been anywhere so exotic and exciting. That summer wasn't a good time for me, but I told Elke the following summer (when I would be 17) would be perfect. And, it was. I visited them for 3 weeks in a small town in southern Germany.

Since this time I have babysat for countless Germans in the Detroit area and, thanks to their generosity, have been able to come and visit many of them in Germany. Since my first trip in 2002, I have been to Germany 4 times. Who are these families?

There is Frauke and her kids. I helped babysit for her kids, and in exchange got a plane ticket to Germany and the most amazing 2 summers of my life. Such a kind, warm, and thoughtful woman that doubles as my mom. There is Christine, who is always willing to let me stay with her and her family. She's incredibly generous, funny, kind and always good for a laugh and a smile. She's great to have around and can always make me feel good. Then there is Susanne, typically German, amazing sense of humor, and incredibly warm and kind. She has a very sympathetic ear. Then there are countless others, Anja and her family, Bettina and hers, Anke's mother--"Oma." So many. I am so lucky to have them all.

They have picked me up at airports, driven me to train stations, bought me drinks, meals, cooked for me, invited me into their home, and helped me when I had a question or an issue. They let me become like a member of their family. I care about them more than they know. I am so grateful to these generous people. These women that I admire so much. They have careers, children, very busy lives-but they let me in. They made time for me. It would've been just as easy for them to say, "Hmm. How about not? I'm busy enough as it is." I really love and care about them and their families, and I hope they know how very thankful I am to have them in my lives. They are the reason why I feel so comfortable in Europe. I might not see them all the time, but I know that they are there if I need them.

They are the reason why I love Germany so much. Yes, I quite fancy the ice cream, the coffee, the cobblestone streets, the museums, and of course, the language. But they are what make it so wonderful for me here. They come from a completely different cultural background that I find both fascinating, and, at times, confusing. But I love Germany, and it's people. They have all helped me understand this culture. They leave their windows open without screens, walk everywhere, talk openly about tough issues, are incredibly blunt, but, most, of all, they are generous and kind. When you befriend a German, you are friends for life. :)