Shad Point Scotts: Return to Baumholder!

Well, can you believe it? I am here in Baumholder with Min and the boys. It has been quite the adventure and way out of my comfort zone to travel alone, catch a train and wait at the train station in some town I've never been to before!. I had hoped to arrive in time to catch the bus from Idar Oberstein to Baumholder so Min would not have to drag the kids out to meet me. But unfortunately, I missed my connection and Min decided she would rather come pick me up rather than wait a couple more hours. I think she was afraid I might turn around and go back home- she wasn't taking a chance with me so close!

When I arrived in Frankfurt, I had to wait in line to go through customs and then claim my baggage. I didn't see any signs for a train station or any information counter at first but I just kept following the others and saw some arrows pointing toward a train station- but I was a little confused since the arrows pointed out in front of the airport and all I saw were buses. I went back in and asked someone and she directed me across the street where I finally saw the signs for "Regionalbahnhuf" I knew I was in the right place. Of course, I went toward the "Fernbahnhof, (long distance trains) first but just turned around and went back down the escalator to the regional express trains. It was crazy there but after asking a nice lady at the Information desk she pointed me to the ticket machine and I watched the person in front of me buy his ticket and I just followed the directions and paid with my credit card. It was a lot easier than I thought. My major issue was the weight of my luggage. I only had one suitcase but it was close to 50lbs and my carry on had to be about 20lbs. That was no problem as long as the escalators were working but when I went to the wrong platform and looked to go back up- the escalator was not moving. I sent a quick prayer and said "Lord. how am i going to get all this heavy luggage up the stairs and next thing I knew, the escalator started moving again!! I almost sang the doxology right in the middle of the train station!! I waited an hour until the train arrived, loaded my luggage up the steps of the train, found a seat and was on my way!

It was a beautiful ride through the German countryside and I enjoyed the trip. Once I arrived in Idar Oberstein, I called Mindy and soon we were reunited. What a relief! The weather has been beautiful since I arrived and we have been enjoying our time together.

Friday, we just took it easy and then, Saturday, we went to a luncheon for mothers and children provided by the chapel. It was very nice. Saturday afternoon, we walked to the playground and rented a movie. Sunday, we went to church and then had Min's friend, Monica and her twin daughters and son over for dinner. Everything was going great until Luke started acting really fussy and Min took his temperature and it was 102! Our fun evening quickly came to an end.

Today, Luke has still been running a temp so that began the next adventure. This afternoon, Min decided she better take him to the doctor since the tylenol was not working. So, Monica offered to go with her, if I would come watch her kids. So I found myself warming up dinner for twin girls (age 3) and her little Will who is almost one year old. Things were going great until I closed poor little Will's fingers in the fridge door. He started screaming, the rolls were burning in the oven, and the little girls were looking at me wondering what was going on? Truthfully, they were much calmer than me, but finally Will calmed down and dinner was served and all was well. That was my "taste" of Monica's world and boy, she has all my respect and admiration- and prayers! Her children are precious and I really did enjoy being with them. And all that took place in 45 minutes. Can you believe that fast service in an ER? It was the local German dr. Luke was diagnosed with an ear infection, given an antibiotic and ear drops and sent home- all within 30 minutes!

Well, hopefully, Luke will be on the mend and we'll be able to get out this week and have some fun. Min is very tired and was very happy that I came. I am happy to be here and love being with them and the fact that I can be of help. I do not know how she can handle these children on her own- or any of these military families. We really need to keep them in our prayers and do all we can to lend a hand when possible.

Here's some pictures I wanted to share so far:

A scene from the train