Who knew?

It’s really funny how things work out. Put yourself out there and who knows what kind of wonderful people you are going to meet.

For example:

On a warm day in May of 2007 I was invited to go swimming with my friend Felicia at the beach by her house. I was definitely in, despite not being in love with the sun. I do enjoy swimming, so I thought, why not? When we got to the beach we set our towels down and laid down for a while. My mind drifted off, until I heard the child next to me. He was speaking with his mother in German. German was my major in college, and I loved listening to natives speak. I was especially proud to be able to understand them. After a few minutes, I got up the courage to say something to the little boy. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but within seconds he said, in German, “Hey mom, that girl can speak German!.” She explained to him that we were in America, and that I couldn’t speak German. Then I explained to her that I, indeed, could speak it. Surprised, we began a conversation. I told her, and the other German women with her, that I studied German at college and had even traveled to Germany once. They were impressed. When I told them I loved kids and that I babysit, I had sold them. A few took down my name and number, including Christine. I really had no idea how things would evolve from there.

A few months later, after I had arrived back from another three week stint in Germany, I sat on my mom’s bed, crying, missing Germany. In a way I was homesick for a country that wasn’t even mine. Trying to distract myself,I grabbed my laptop, checked my inbox, and there was an e-mail from one of the women that I had spoken with at the beach! I hadn’t really expected it. It’s like meeting a guy at a bar. You give him your number, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he will call. But, as my mom says, “when one door closes, another one opens.” Her name was Christine and she had two young boys. She said they lived nearby, and asked if I was still interested in babysitting. I was so excited! I replied yes right away, and we arranged a meeting soon after.

I didn’t remember which family they were. They were a large group of women and children that day on the beach. So, as I rang the doorball, I was excited to see which family it actually was. I was a little bit nervous. I wanted them to like me, and I was hoping I’d like them. Would my German be okay? Would the kids like me?

I needn’t have worried. When I came over for a visit I expected to stay for a few minutes. I ended up staying for a few hours, playing with the kids. They were just so adorable I couldn’t resist. And then there’s Christine. I don’t know what it is about her, but she is just one of those people that others are drawn to. She’s so kind, so fun, easy-going, so down to earth, so easily amused. It’s nearly impossible to be sad around her. I can’t think of a time I’ve been around her and haven’t laughed.

I ended up babysitting for the kids about once a month, but I saw them more often. We met at my house, at there’s, at Crust Pizza, at the circus, at the…you get it. There was a friendship developing.

During this time Christine also recommended me to other German woman. The Germans in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area were a community. News of a German speaking babysitter spread fast, and I quickly became very busy. I loved it. Half of my week was spent speaking German, or a least in German-speaking households. The parents loved it because I could speak German with their children, most of whom were toddlers and didn’t speak English. I loved it because I felt like I was taking a crash course on the German language and culture. I was getting more experience than the other people studying German at my university. I felt lucky.

A few months after I that first meeting with Christine and her family at their house, Christine and I had lunch (at Crust, naturally), with another German woman named Susanne. Susanne also had two young boys, and was looking for a babysitter. So who better to watch them than me? (Don’t answer that). I was hoping I would get along with this family as well as I did with Christine's. At first, I was a bit nervous around Susanne. She is so direct, and isn't one to bite her tongue when someone is out of line. But I soon discovered what a sweetheart she is. She is one of the warmest, kindest people I know. Come to her with a problem, and she will make you feel better. I always looked forward to the afternoons when her son, Nikolaus was asleep, and she would come home with lunch for us from Panera Bread. She would make me tea, and we would sit down, share a sandwich and talk. 2 people, different ages, and different cultural backgrounds, enjoying each other's company.

All good things come to end, and so did this. In December of 2008, many German expat families headed back to Germany for good, including 2 families to whom I was very close: Christine and her family, and Susanne and hers. I invited them to lunch with my mother and me on my 21st birthday to help celebrate, and say goodbye. We had an enjoyable lunch. The kids crawled around the whole place, but I don’t think anyone minded. They were pretty cute. All went well, even with the goodbyes. I know people say it’s a stereotype that Germans are “tough,” but I think it rings true. I tried not to get emotional as I hugged them goodbye. Afterall, I knew I was heading to Germany during the summer (2009). I would see them right?

All of this reasoning seemed to work for me: until I sat down in the car and we drove back home. I started bawling. I felt like I was saying goodbye to close friends that I’d known forever. I may have not known them forever, but it sure felt like it. I cared about them like they were family.


Fast forward to December 11, 2010. 2 years after we celebrated my 21st birthday together, and having seen them numerous times since, Susanne and her family celebrated my 23rd with me in a restaurant in Salzburg. As we toasted with wine, Susanne said she never guessed we would be reunited again: in Salzburg of all places! And I was inclined to agree. You just never know where life will take you.