XIV
Batter my heart, three-personed God; for you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o’erthrow me, and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like a usurpt town, to another due,
Labor to admit you, but oh, to no end;
Reason, your Viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captived, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain,
But am betrothed unto your enemy.
Divorce me, untie or break that knot again;
Take me to you, imprison me, for I
Except you enthrall me never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

John Donne from Holy Sonnets

When looking at the general scheme of salvation, with the violence of the cross at the center, it seems that suffering and violence are a necessary means for redemption or salvation. When considering my own life, the experiences that have led me to the most profound realizations are those that include deep suffering. This is where I begin to understand the heart of God. The suffering that human beings experience is a glimpse into the misery that God went through when watching His only Son die upon the cross.
So why do we question God about the trouble and the violence in the world? God doesn’t turn His back on the world and let it destroy itself, but He weeps with us. Prior to this semester, the meaning and reasoning behind suffering was something I believed to be incomprehensible. And of course I am not saying that I completely understand the will and mind of God, but my perspective on the suffering I have experienced in this violent world has shifted. This realization can be something as piercing as the horns of the bull into Mrs. May’s heart in Greenleaf. Just as her perception of reality and existence was deformed and twisted, so too is the rest of humanity’s view of the world and God’s grace within it. But when the light of redemption comes into full view, or when one’s misconception is pierced, the crippled and humbled human can now have a glimpse into the heart of God.
It seems as though up to this point in my life, my view of suffering has been that of a time of testing for God to use against those who need to learn how to trust Him more. This I believe has still some truth to it, but suffering is much, much deeper than that. A deep and profound sense of pain, longing, and loss is something that we all deserve as a fallen race. It is the life that we lead. Whether we sign ourselves up to follow Christ or not, suffering and violence have a place in our lives and in the lives of the ones we love.
Estrangement leaves us to groan and plead for something that we have longed for since the day of creation (Romans 8:22-24), to be close to God, to be redeemed. Just as Adam and Eve fellowshipped with God, so too do we desire to have an intimate relationship with Him, to talk with Him and to walk with Him. But in this life on earth, through pain and suffering, the most beautiful venue of redemption comes from violence. As I yearn and desire to be more like God and to have a holy perspective on life, the flame of refinement grows hotter. In order to be more like God, there is a lot of imperfection that needs to be burnt off. This requires discipline, action, and suffering. And with an understanding grasp of suffering, one may be able to get a glimpse into the heart of God. So, “batter my heart, three-personed God…” (John Donne, Holy Sonnets), and continue you to throw me into the refining fire. Lead me to redemption through suffering and the misery you experienced on the cross, so that I can know Your heart.

O for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame,
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!

Where is the blessedness I knew,
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul refreshing view
Of Jesus and His Word?

What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!
How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void
The world can never fill.

Return, O holy Dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn
And drove Thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.

So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.

unlocked doors

The first two images were taken in my hometown, San Clemente, CA. It's a beautiful place...home to President Nixon's "Western White House" actually (something I'm proud of). Anyway... I will be going home for Christmas break in about a week and a half, and I am looking forward to taking some pictures of this beauty. San Clemente was a great place to grow up. One of my favorite things about the place is, people don't really lock their doors. In the house that I grew up in, it would be dumb to lock the doors because the house is pretty much made of windows. BUT it's just a friendly place. All people do is water their yards, surf, and go on walks. Very different from the downtown life that I live in Chicago. I wouldn't even think twice about locking my doors in Chicago. Someday when I am trying to find a place to live, I wanna live somewhere where I don't have to lock my doors.

JSB 2009

This is from this past spring...but I thought I would post it.
These beautiful people alllll dressed up are off to a banquet, and SO on that beautiful day in the city, I took their pictures!
...I just had to get a picture of John (my bf) and I, so I propped the camera up on a ledge, and fired away!!!

An Aspiration

I've enjoyed getting to know my camera over the past year or so. Just this past summer, I began to take my shooting seriously...reading up on professional's blogs, websites, etc. and looking into new equipment. My desire to start my own business as a wedding and portrait photographer has taken shape, and I know what kind of direction I want to go to. I'm getting quite bored with the ONE lens that I have, and the lack of editing services...I would also like to take a class so I ACTUALLY know what I'm doing. Everything that is shown in my photos is all self taught...it may not be that great, but I am learning, and can't wait to see what my pics look like after a new lens or two, and some classes.

kann nicht anders

Well school has been in full force the past couple of months since I have last written. I have decided (today) that I am going to keep up my blog...posting pictures, events, and thoughts that pop up through my life. Maybe you will read them, maybe you wont. maybe they'll be just for me. That's fine. Here is my thought for today:

 I'm in the waiting area. You know where husbands (soon to be dads), wives (sadly to be widows) pace back and forth? I've been sitting in the same chair, uncomfortable even at the thought. But I'm not quite sure why I still find myself here. Everyone else seems to be biting their nails for a reason, coming to realize that reason (that they dread), and then weeping for that reason. I don't think I have a reason. I'm just here, waiting. I read Holy the Firm by Annie Dillard to pass the time here. Each line as resolution rang true with the click and ticking of the wall clock: 

The works of God made manifest? Do we really need more victims to remind us that we're all victims?...Yes, in fact, we do. We do need reminding, not of what God can do, but of what he cannot do, or will not, which is to catch time in its free fall and stick a nickel's worth of sense into our days. And we need reminding of what time can do, must only do; churn our enormity at random and beat it with God's blessing, into our heads: that we are created, created, sojourners in a land we did not make, a land with no meaning of itself and no meaning we can make for it alone. Who are we to demand explanations of God? (And what monsters of perfection should we be if we did not?) We forget ourselves, picnicking; we forget where we are. there is no such thing as a freak accident...We are most deeply asleep at the switch when we fancy we control any switches at all. We sleep to time's hurdy-gurdy; we wake, if we ever wake, to the silence of God.

I am awake, sitting in the same chair, waiting to hear the silence of God. When will I awake to see the bright blue sky, the leaves turning colors: we are all created.

Chicago Chicago Chicago!

Greetings from America!

I'm just here in a hotel room in Chicago, using free and fast internet...it feels great to be back in America. The news is English, people address me with familiar words. It's great! I just thought I would give you guys an update and let you know that we all made it safe into the big red, white, and blue! I can't wait to be home tomorrow in California! The first thing I'm gonna do is go to the chiropractor...I have a pinched nerve in my hip that is KILLING ME! It's amazing what I can take for granted! Anyways...I'm tired. I haven't slept in...I have no idea... almost 24 hours...? Ok. Well, more updates to come soon!

Love,

j

It's About That Time

It's about that time. Everyone is getting restless...the anxiety is pilling up, and school is dragging on. It's about time to go home. 

The trip thus far, has met and gone beyond all of my expectations. I got to see so many fascinating sites, meet new people, and get to know other people better. I know a little German now (barely) and pretty much know my way around Regensbürg...because we've been here for about a month now! But I'm ready. I'm ready for the beach, for my family's hugs, my best friend's (Laura) laugh, for good, familiar food, and whatever else America has for me! Germany is AMAZING and I've learned so much being in school, under these brilliant professors! I've loved getting to know the Moody professors better...they've been great to learn from and become friends with! But I can't wait! I'm counting down the days...5 more! woot woot! 

Until then, here are some pictures from Regensbürg!

Love,

Jenna

School

You know what stinks?! I've had the song, "School's Out for Summer," stuck in my head ALL day while I've been sitting in the same chair, listening to lectures for 8 hours straight. Not fun! 

Just thought I would say that to you all as you go about your days, whatever it is you are doing. I've decided that I'm going to have a good attitude about it anyways. I'm not wasting my summer. Yes I miss the beach and my family and friends, but school is never a waste of time, not matter what season. AND even though I HATE school, it's good for me...I need to learn to be disciplined and all that other stuff. So this is probably really good for that...that's what my parents always told me, so I guess it helps. But I can't wait to be home!

Farewell for now,

j

Black Bean Café

Regensburg, Germany is a city located in the provence of Bavaria. On a map you can find this quaint, river town on the southwest part of Germany. To the left of the river is the "Old Town," where all the festivals take place, and where the favorite cafés and gelatarias can be located. It is such a fun town. Along the right side of the river is our hostel, where we sit in class from 8:30am to 3:30 pm. At this point in the trip, I'm exhausted, and the class schedule has only gotten more tough! My day starts with waking up at 7am, to go get breakfast at 7:30. After this, I sit in Apologetics (taught by Dr. O'neal) till 12. We all get an hour lunch break, and then we start up in class again till 3:30pm, which for me is Pauline Epistles I (taught by Dr. Johnson). It is very tiring, and I almost fall asleep in class probably every 10 minutes, but I'm learning a TON! And once class is over, I usually go for a run around the river, and it immediately wakes me up, and rejuvenates me! Nights in Regensburg are usually spent riding bikes around the city, trying to find a hole in the wall cafe...like the one I'm at right now. Black Bean Café is tucked away in a little alley, surrounded by cobblestone and favorite hang out spots for the locals. In Germany, Regensburg is BY FAR my favorite city that we've been to. Every weekend there is something going on. Last weekend it was a Jazz festival, and there is some other festival going on this weekend. It is a romantic town, with lovers sitting on the edge of the river at every hour of the day, and into the night. In the middle of the city is a huge, Gothic cathedral, and all around are littler cathedrals and old buildings that have been around for ages. It's so awesome to come to these cities, and explore what each of them have! I love it here, but I am definitely ready to go home. The room that I'm staying in in the hostel is cramped and hot, and the rigorous schedule is wearing me out! I'm probably not the most pleasant person to be around sometimes, because of my lack of sleep, but I'm trying to enjoy everyday, and explore Germany before I head back to America. All I have is two weeks left! This summer FLEW by so fast. I can't believe it's almost over. I've been able to make so many memories, that I can't wait to share with people when I get back!

I hope this note finds you well!

Love you and miss you,

j

Pics from Bonn (Free week)

The brother's first meeting in front of 

Justin's university in Bonn, Germany.

On a hike through the Rhein Valley to a medieval castle.

There it is!

The view from the hike...the valley and the river.

Our first night there, we took part in some fourth of July festivities...

Justin and Sean (the two in the middle) and the other two guys,

prepared a four part "Star Spangled Banner." It was awesome!

Here are the pictures from Bonn, which is in the western part of Germany. John and I have been having a blast on our free week with Justin (his brother) and with Justin's friend Sean...who actually went to Moody too! We leave this Sunday for Regensburg, and three more weeks of school. I can't wait to write about some things that I've been learning over free week...it's been a great trip!

More updates soon. But for now, I hope you enjoy these photos!!

j

Train Rides, 4th of July Celebrations and such.

Hello everyone!
John and I made it safely to Bonn, Germany! Finally. As I previously wrote, we had a nine hour train ride, with 4 or 5 transfers along the way, to get from Regensburg to Bonn. At about our 2nd transfer, we started getting the hang of riding on the train for an hour, and then getting off and hurrying to another train. BUT, I think we got a little TOO comfortable, because, when we came up on the main station at Frankfurt, we got off one stop too soon...oops. We were freaking out, because we had a short lay over time to our next train, and so we had just messed up the second half of our journey!! Not only that, we got off at a station that was in the ghetto. There were no workers, just a small terminal with German graffiti, in the middle of a small town. But luckily, John had the idea to flag down a taxi, so we made our way to where we should have been...it was only a 10 minute drive in a taxi. We felt SO dumb. But once we got to the help desk at Frankfurt, they set up another train schedule for us with ease. We also had time to get some lunch! So it worked out great. The last of our journey was spent riding through the Rhein Valley...BEAUTIFUL! We rode alongside a river, in between gorgeous, green hills, with castles on top of them. That made the second half of our journey go by really fast. Once we arrived to the main station in Bonn, Justin told us to meet him at a cafe accross the street from his university. John was so excited the whole time, he kept his eyes peeled for his brother the entire time (even though Justin couldn't meet us for another hour). We made our way through the crowd (there was a festival going on) and got some tea and coffee at the cafe while we waited for Justin. It was so good to see brothers reunited again! I got to meet Justin for the first time, and we've been having such a good time together! He is so kind, and easy to get along with. A good man. That night we made our way to Cologne, which is a big city near by, so we could join in some good ol' American fourth of July celebrations!! Just what me and John had been craving! Justin was on the grill with some of his friends from school, and Sean Staley brought his guitar, so we could take part in some American classic sing-alongs. It was so fun! Towards the end of the night, Justin, Sean, Andre, and some other guy, performed for us a four-part "Star Spanggled Banner," which they had been practicing. It was awesome!
Since then, we've been running all around Bonn with Sean and Justin. They've shown us their phenomenal cooking skills, their church, and a beautiful hike that they discovered up to an old castle. It's been a blast getting to hang out with these boys, and get to know Justin, and relax in a beautiful city...before we go back to school. John is having such a good time catching up with his brother, it's so good to see them together!
I have LOTS of pictures to post, as you know...I'm planning on doing that today in a cafe that has wifi, while Justin's in class. So, be expecting to see some pics of the Rhein Valley, 4th of July Celebrations, and other fun things!
Hope all is well,

j

Well, I realize it's been a while since my last post...but I have been holding off for these pictures to upload, but they keep failing me. The internet here SUCKS! My parents can attest to that. We tried to call each other on Skype the other night, and it was SO choppy and our connection kept failing. LAME! Oh well...soon though, I promise!

So, as I have said before, I REALLY enjoy Regensburg. The city here is awesome. It reminds me a lot of Zurich. It has three rivers, and an old town on the one side of the rivers, and a more residential area on the other. The old town has really tight streets, and little hole-in-the-wall leather shops and restaurants. Speaking of leather shops, John and I went wandering around town the other day, and stumbled upon this tiny shop, and in the window were some sweet looking messenger bags. So we stopped to have a look. When we walked in, a man with loooonnnggg white hair, pulled back in a pony tail, and little spectacles, greeted us with some cheerful German words, and a beautiful smile. As we were looking around at the bags, both John and I just found THE perfect bags for each other. We couldn't pass up the opportunity! You guys have to see these bags...I mean...I'm sure you will someday. But they are both from World War II, and John's has an emblem stamped into his with the Swiss flag, and the name of the soldier that owned it! They were really cheap too...the guy that owned the shop gave us a good deal, because we weren't French or Israeli...! So we scored!

So overall, I'm a happy camper. The food at this hostel is AMAZING, Regensburg is awesome, AND this session of summer school is almost over, and then me and John are off to Bonn!!! We leave Saturday, and when we arrive there, we are having a 4th of July grill out! A little taste of America!! It's going to be fantastic. I'm really looking forward to the week off. It's much needed. I'm tired. These teachers are wearing us out...but it's been great! I'm half way done with my trip, so that means California is coming soon!!!

Alright, well I'm gonna go to bed...I hope my writing is coherent...whatever. GOOD NIGHT! Pictures soon to come... I really really promise!

j

Well, I'm going on my 4th try now to upload some pics for you guys. I am in Regensburg, Germany for the remainder of my time here, which means: free internet...and...SLOW internet. The past couple of nights, I've been trying to put some pictures up so you guys can see my visit to Luther's hometown (Wittenberg) and to Berlin, but the internet is so slow, that I end up giving up! Hopefully I can give it a try sometime today, and it'll work...

So far being in Regensburg has been a blast!! We got here Friday afternoon, and the strange thing about this place is, it rains...even when the sun is BLAZING! Very strange thing. I might have mentioned this already, but the hostel we're staying at, is right outside the city (10 minute walk), in the middle of a river!!! So, to get acquainted with the city, my friend, Catherine, and I rented some bikes (that were quite difficult to ride) and rode through downtown. It was not easy! This weekend there is a "citizen's festival" that is going on, so all up and down the river, even down to Austria, there is this festival going on...that means THOUSANDS of drunk people and crowds. So when we got to the main street, it was a little too congested for us to ride our bikes. After locking up our bikes in a little side street, we pushed our way through the crowds and game stands, and came to a square that had a band playing "Sweet Home Alabama." The crowd was shouting the lyrics! It felt like home. So, we decided to hang out there, in a somewhat quiet coffee shop on the corner, so we could get some homework done. It is such a pleasant city! The people here, at least this weekend, haven't been too pleasant, but it's been fun watching them be rowdy and yell German words at us Americans...I have no idea what they're saying, so I just smile...and sometimes mutter, "Danke...?" It's quite an adventure living in a foreign country, especially when the natives think you speak German. I'm picking up on a couple phrases though, and can make my way through a city pretty well. I usually just point when I want something, and when I'm at a restaurant and want something to drink that doesn't cost a fortune, I say, "Littuns Wasser?" And they bring me tap water! So, ya...I can stumble my way through Germany.

This is my last week of my second session of classes! These past two weeks, I've been studying Christianity in Western Culture II. It's been fascinating to learn all about the Reformation, Hitler, and what Christianity has been through throughout it all, AND to actually be IN these places where it all happened! For the Reformation, we kicked off the class by going to Geneva, to see John Calvin's church, and then we made our way up to Wittenberg, where Luther nailed the 95 theses on the church door! While we were in Wittenberg, we made a day trip to Berlin, where we saw Hitler's barracks, and plans for making Berlin the capital of the WORLD (crazy!!). It's been a whirlwind of a trip so far, and I'm excited for this week to end, but it's been so amazing to be here and learn these things! At the end of this week, on Saturday, all of us students have a free week, to travel where ever we want, and can afford. So John and I are hoping on a train and going west to Bonn, Germany, to where his brother Justin lives and goes to school. It's going to be so nice to relax and get away from school and crazy schedules. I also can't wait to meet his brother! It's going to be a blast! We might take a trip or two to surrounding cities and experience Germany together. I can't wait for it! 

But for now, I need to get LOADS of homework done before we leave this weekend...

Love you all,

j

Lessons

I woke up today feeling refreshed from a full night of sleep. This is the first in the past two months. The beds are quite hard in the hostels we are staying in, but for some reason, last night, I was KNOCKED OUT! It may have been from my experiment with sleeping on my stomach, or just from complete exhaustion and lack of sleep. Either way, I have reached an amazing level of energy and attention span today...it's wonderful. 

While being here in Germany for the past 3 1/2 weeks, I have come to realize that people, when not on their best behavior, can be obnoxious. Please do not think that I am excluding myself from this generalization, but, this trip has opened my eyes to the annoyingness of other people, along with myself. Bus rides and touring through cities with a large group of 25 people has made me see this in clear view! The lessons I have learned in the classroom so far are amazing, and something that I am so grateful for that I can get through my education at Moody, but slowly, I am becoming thankful for the people around me that are allowing me to learn these wonderful lessons of patience and tolerance and "sucking it up"! I've never been good at this, and I hope that I can get better at it over the next couple of weeks. 

I don't know why I decided to write this to all of you...I hope you know that I am also having a WONDERFUL time with the people here on this trip! I've made such good friendships and memories...it's just there are those times...ya know?

Anyways. I hope to have some pictures of Wittenberg and Berlin posted for you guys! I pray this post finds you all well and enjoying summer!!

j

Studying Luther...where Luther studied.

Family and Friends,

I am writing to from a hostel connected to the church where Martin Luther posted his 95 theses, in Wittenberg, Germany. It's amazing to walk around in this quaint, little town, full of Gelaterias and souvenir shops, to think that 500 years ago, Martin Luther treaded on the same paths as I am now. Today we toured the town, and made a stop into his house, and saw where most of his writings and "table talks" took place. What a great experience. While we have been here, both John and I have been in class in the morning, learning about the Reformation, and then touring through Wittenberg where the stuff in the text books actually took place! Tomorrow we head out for a day trip to Berlin! Exciting stuff right there!

Im not gonna write much more, because I will probably do another update tomorrow, but I just wanted to add that both John and I miss our family and friends a bunch, and wish that you could all experience this with us. It is fantastic! I hope and pray that all of you are having an enjoyable summer...for my family...enjoying the beach (lucky dogs!)...but just know that we love and miss you all, and can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks! But, as for now, we're gonna go ahead and enjoy Germany for a bit longer. I wish I could upload some pics of Wittenberg, but the internet is beinger REAL slow...but maybe tomorrow I'll be able to.

Good bye for now!

j

Back in the NURN!

So if you guys read my previous post, I told you all that I hadn't had the greatest experience with Zurich. Here is why: FIRST OF ALL, when we arrived, I had come to Zurich hearing stories about how clean of a city it is, etc. etc., but when we got to our hotel, we saw something MUCH different than clean. We stayed in a best western, that didn't have any air conditioning, in a somewhat "ghetto" part of town. SECOND OF ALL, that night, John, Daniel, and I went out on what we thought was the town, but later found out DEFINITELY wasn't, trying to find somewhere to eat. We stumbled upon a place call "New Point." Horrible decision. We walked in, and the place looked pretty classy, so we were thinkin we wouldn't eat there, but RIGHT away, the manager pulled us in, made us feel guilty, and threw menus in our faces (maybe not so dramatic). After looking over the menu, and the prices, we decided that it was not in our best interest to stay and dine at the "New Point," so we wandered to the side of the restaurant, that had a cheaper, carry out, order place. As we were trying to order our food with the man at the counter, we couldn't understand him, and he couldn't understand us, so he had to call over the manager from "New Point," which was the man that threw the menus in our faces. He spoke perfect english, which was nice...but little did we know, that this, some what pleasant seeming man was about to jip us...BIG TIME! We gave him our order, and then expected to wait for our food and then go...but...the manager guy directed us toward a table in the nicer part of the restaurant...we thought he was just being nice to us...letting us eat in the fancy part with our cheaper food...OBVIOUSLY! Because we didn't want to pay that money!...but after we got our check, we saw that he charged us 40 extra swiss francs!!! YA. Awesome. He didn't budge. So that is why I said those things in my previous post. BUT...little did we know that Zurich is a BEAUTIFUL place! After our experience at New Point, we wandered down a river, which we though would lead to the lake...but we were following the wrong river...so we just HATED Zurich. But that next day, we got to experience the clean city of Zurich, go to a church service held in Zwingli's church (which was presented by a woman minister), and go on a bout tour around the lake! GORGEOUS! But now, we are back in the Nurn (Nurnberg, Germany). I love it here. I love staying in a castle...it makes me feel awesome! On Tuesday, we made a trip to a the first concentration camp, Dachau. Walking through the camp grounds was so upsetting. Seeing the pictures of the people who had been tortured and killed made the events of the Holocaust come alive. While being here, I have learned that the German people, are a very insecure people group. Because of their history, they have become crippled, and quite embarrassed by their past. It is a very fascinating country to be living in. 

Daniel left EARRRRRLYYY this morning :(...We had SUCH a great time with him, traveling and seeing Europe with him...so many fantastic memories were made, and Europe will greatly miss the dancing, crazy, Mr. Fawcett. What a great brother. I started my next class, which is Christianity in Western Culture II, and John starts his Reformations class tomorrow. It is a fascinating class to be a part of! Church history is fantastic, and I love the class setting. It is wonderful! Monday we leave for Wittenburg, where we will see the church where Luther posted his 95 theses! We'll be there for five days, doing class, and taking a day trip to Berlin. 

Well, I am VERY distracted right now...I usually am when I'm on the internet, because I'm always in a public place, with loud German people. So, I am sorry if some of my posts are hard to follow...I apologize. But here are some pictures of Zurich and Dachau!!

love you all and miss you all!

j

We had some goooood sausage and German experience 

here!...There was a HUGE dance floor with a bunch

of old German folks dancing with their beer. It was

AWESOME!

The bunks in Dachau. There were

rows and rows.

The famous statue of the Dachau Concentration Camp

Daniel and John just relaxing on the boat

The river in Zurich. Beautiful right??

Pictures Pictures Pictures!

Greetings from Zurich!

We arrived here in Zurich, Switzerland...via coach bus... about 3 hours ago. We will be staying here for two nights. So far, I haven't had the best experience with Zurich...I like Geneva WAYYYY better...but maybe I should give it a second chance. Basically the people in Geneva are a lot nicer and pleasant than the people here in Zurich. It's a pretty city though!

SO. As I said, we have made our journeys, starting when we met up with my brother in Rome, all the way up the coast of Italy, through the alps through France, and now, Switzerland. What a beautiful trip! The Alps are just amazing! The air through the Alps and in Switzerland is so clear and fresh...it's wonderful! So in Italy, we had our fill of AMAZING Gelatto! I miss that stuff. Daniel had his fair share of Gelatto, that's for sure ;)... But we had a tiring past couple of days, touring, walking around in the heat of Rome...but all together we've seen some amazing sites! My favorite part of this little trip so far has been going to Geneva. Such a beautiful place... quite expensive though :/

ANYWAYS! I promised you all some photos. I've been taking a LOT! There's just SO much to see over here in Europe!

Hope you enjoy the photos

Love you all

j

Sistine Chapel...look familiar??

This took me a while to take...There were 

HUNDREDS of people bumping into me, and

I had to keep my head extremely straight. My 

neck hurts.

Sistine Chapel again 

Picture at the Colosseum 

Journey through the Alps from Italy to 

Switzerland. BEAUTIFUL!

Aerial view of Lake Geneva

from John Calvin's Church

Quick Greetings

Hello friends and family!

Right now I am with my brother and John in a Mac store in Geneva, Switzerland (trying to figure out these foreign keyboards). We just got here last night. This morning we went out with the crew, to explore John Calvins church and museum! Its so beautiful here in Geneva. (P.S. Dad-we got an aerial view of your old high school from the cathedral!) Anyways, hopefully i will get some time soon to update you all with some pictures of Italy, and now, Switzerland. After staying in Rome for a few nights (which was AMAZING) we headed up to Tuscany, and then Bologne! It was so beautiful to see the Italian country side, and the amazing mosaics in the cathedrals. Today, after visiting John Calvin, my brother and John and I went to a little Sandwicherie down by lake Geneva, and got some swiss chocolate to go, and ate it in a park across from the huge fountain, overlooking the port! BEAUTIFUL! This has been such a wonderful journey so far...and a little break from school for 10 days is always nice!...I got to spend my birthday in Rome in the morning, and then Tuscany in the evening...I will post some pics when I get a chance. But as for now, Salut!

I hope you all are doing well.

(John and Daniel say hi to their friends and family)

Love you all.

j

Italy Journey:Rome/John's B-Day/Father's Day/BROTHER!

Greetings from Rome everyone!

I have had a full day and a half so far hanging out and roaming around Rome! It has been a blast...but before I tell you all about it, I wanted to say HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my wonderful dad, Daniel says it as well, and for John's dad, if he reads this, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to you as well, from John and I! You fathers are wonderful!

ANYWAYS! John and I arrived in Rome Saturday night, from Germany...quite a change of pace, going from a quaint little medieval town, to the rowdy, riotous Rome! Crazy, but awesome. Rome isn't a very clean city. Like most other big cities, it's covered in graffiti and litter, but once we got our stuff put away at the hotel, and I hugged my brother for a couple minutes, we got to go out and explore the wonderful and historic, ancient city. All in one night, we made a trip to the Colosseum, to the Pantheon, to some graveyard, and all over town, until our feet were too tired. Whenever I'm walking down the sidewalk and look up to see an old historic basilica, or ruins, it makes me think of 2,000 years ago, when this was just built, right after the time of Christ. It is unbelievable. It's incredible learning about these places, and the history behind it, and then coming here and seeing it up close. 

I love the sights and sounds of this city. The traffic is crazy, and the drivers are rambunctious, so you always have to keep your head up, but looking at all the little Vespas cruising around town just makes being here feel more and more like a dream. Today...being John's 21st Birthday... wooo hooo... we slept in (finally) and made our way to the train station, which took us to the Ostila Antica, which is ruins of an old town. My brother, John, Catherine, and I, prance around the brick walls and ruins, and made our way to the Mediterranean Sea! It was so fun, great weather, and...what a good way to spend a birthday! When we were done adventuring, and our bodies were about wiped out, we met up with the rest of the group to go eat some PIZZA! FANTASTICO! 

Our schedule for tomorrow looks quite tiring, but awesome, so I am gonna go to bed soon...we are off to the catacombs at 8 am, and after that the Colosseum once more, this time with a tour, and then we are off to Rome of the Caesar's! I am so excited! So much history jam packed into one day! Here are some pics for you all of our travels so far!! Keep checking for updates, I should be getting lots of free internet this next week! The pictures will be up soon.

Love,

j

Happy Birthday Johnny!!!

At the Mediterranean 

Organ player at Santa Maria's Basilica

Constantine's Arch by the Colosseum  

The Pantheon. Our first night in Rome

Meeting up with Daniel in Rome...such a blast!

Journeys in Nürnberg

Well hello everyone! I have internet!! woo hoooooo! So that means you all get to see the wonderful place that I am at. How fortunate. Well, before I do that, I just wanna give you guys some update on my second full day here in Germany:

For dinner tonight, we had something other than ham and cheese. That was wonderful! After that was over, I stopped by the bank with John, to pick up some Euros, in hopes that I could go to the store...but...unfortunately, everything closes at 8 in this town. But now we are back, tired, and worn out from a long day of school, homework, and wandering around the castle. This place is beautiful! And it's a hostel! Like I said in my previous post, we are staying in the stables of an old medieval castle, so this afternoon, John and I decided to take a little adventure through the stone walk ways and the gardens that wind around the castle. It's so beautiful. I took a TON of pictures, so I'm gonna post a couple for you all to see so you may share in the experience with me. Well, mom, dad, Daniel, friends, etc. I miss you all so very much! But now here is a little excerpt from the Mr. John Rainey:

Hello all of the readers of Jenna's blog. I am really quite sleepy, so, I may not have much to write. But I suppose I could tell you a little bit of the amazing time I am having in this wonderful country. This is the first time I have left the grand ole' red, white, and blue, so I am very much like a child in a candy shop. I love the architecture that Nurnberg has to offer. Today, while I was looking for a gift for my Father, I had the most interesting, enjoyable, incomprehensible conversation ever. While in this small shop, I was speaking with a man that knew no English. He was an old man, maybe of the age of 72. As we looked at the beer steins, we exchanged smiles and spoke our own languages, knowing that neither of us understood the other. But, I enjoyed making a connection, from American to German. It was splendid. Class has been good. I am exhausted. I have been sleeping well, to say the least. Ok. I think this is all for now. I miss my family. And, I yearn to play the guitar. My time will come soon, hopefully...ok. Good bye. 

Love,

j and j.

Wandering down the main street.

The Catholic Cathedral in town.

Up to the castle!

Journey in the gardens

Overlooking the castle grounds

Doors leading to...the...dungeon?

Just passing through the castle!

Hallo Freunde und Familie von Deutschland!

Well hello everyone!!
Just to make everyone of you jealous, I am sitting in the stables of an old castle, in Nurnberg, Germany. Yes, I know...The journey to get here was quite tiring and adventurous. It all started with a seven hour flight to London, where all 25 of us (students and professors), sat ourselves down on the floors of the airport for about four hours, and then we took a two hour flight to Munich, which led to a two hour bus ride, which led to a meeting in a castle (which I'm not complaining about), which FINALLY led to some exploring. We are in a BEAUTIFUL city here in Nurnberg! Our hostel (which is an old castle) is located towards the middle of the city, and surrounded by beautiful old buildings and cathedrals. On the outskirts of the city, there is a wall that wraps around the circumfrance, which is about three miles, so when we need to go exploring, all we foreigners have to do is follow the wall and we'll NEVER get lost! It's great! So far for meals, we've had ham and cheese, andddd ham and cheese, OH, and a little bit of nutella. But my tastebuds are happy, that's for sure.
Anyways, I have some reading to do for class tonight before bed, but tomorrow, I will hopefully get some internet for my computer so that I can post some pictures of this place! I hope this note finds you all well. If you think of it, keep us in your prayers...we are all REALLY tired from jet lag, and 7 hours of school a day...and some lack of sleep, but your prayers would be appreciated!


Love,
j

DOICHELAND!

Saturday marks the start of two months in a foreign country...well, I guess Sunday, because by the time the plane lands, it will be Sunday. ANYWAY...no longer will I have the safety and security of being somewhere that I know, with food that is safe, and a language that is natural. NOPE. Germany holds much more for me than just being new and exciting. It is going to be challenging. For those who don't know, I am going to be spending 2 1/2 months, mostly in Germany, taking 15 credits through my school, Moody Bible Institute. This means, a full semester load of school, and work, and reading, and papers...IN GERMANY! It came so quickly, and I don't feel as prepared as I would like. The first five days that I will be spending there, I will be living in a hostel with about 25 other students, and a couple profs, studying early Christian thought, which is a 3 credit class that will be done in 5 days! This means, over those 5 days, that 7 hours a DAY will be spent in lecture! ah! BUT, the end of those 5 days will lead me to travel in Italy, where I will get to spend time where the early church fathers taught and established churches. Right now, I can't fully imagine what it is going to be like. I am going to be tired, jet-lagged, and probably stinky, but the beauty of a foreign country and the life that will be put to Christian history will be overwhelming. 

While I am there, I will be going to internet cafes and updating all you, friends and family, with thoughts, pictures, and maybe some random lessons that I have learned from the classroom and the foreign land. I feel SO fortunate to be a part of this trip, and not only that, but to also have my boyfriend, John, come along with me. It is going to be a crazy experience, and I would like to hear from you guys via comments, emails, facebook, etc. I hope that some of you would follow this page, because this is probably going to be my main way of communicating, and I would like you all to be a part of my trip to Doicheland...and beyond. 

AND if you think of it, be praying for safety on our journey over there, and during our stay!

Thanks much,

Jenna

PB&J.

I think I can live off of PB&J sandwiches for the next two weeks. I won't go hungry...I just might get sick of them...but it's cheap, it's fast, and it's food! All my stuff is in storage bins and suitcases, and so living is a little complex right now. But I love having to go through stuff like this. It's good character building, and I am learning how to manage space, time, and money. Which I'm bad at. But it was a wonderful day outside today. I took my Romans homework outside, and read with my boyfriend John, and got some color on my skin. It felt good to be warm. The only drag was, I was thirsty ALL day...it was weird. But the vitamin D and colors outside distracted me for most of the time. I love the city in the summer. Life is so much more care free, even with loads of homework to do. I actually feel like I'm at camp sometimes, which is weird...but I don't mind it. It's a change of pace. I'm just hoping I can stay awake in the remaining 8 class days I have left of Romans. 4 hours of Romans at 8 am is starting to wear on me...but, hey, it's character building...right?

Romans has started, and summer has ended. It was a short, four day interlude between semesters...I'm starting another! YA! Well I guess it's a time to start a lot of new things...like this blog for instance. As I start a new semester, in Germany, I want my friends and family to keep updated on my travels. It is a nice and easy way of communicating, and sharing experiences. But for right now, I'm not going to share much. Romans is kicking my butt. I'm tired. But here are a few pictures of my summer (weekend)...John came out to my house in California. It was a blast!

Love these boys...no homo.

The "Bro arm"

This picture is taken in Dana Point, CA

Our little foster child, Raine, and my mom.

The fields at San-O