Chapter Two:

It's a new chapter, without divulging into too much information as this is a blog about being abroad predominantly though also about growing into the people God wants us to be. As such, it is only fitting that family and friends at home understand that our separation was not malicious and there are no ill-feelings; Becca and I are still talking, joking, laughing, and the like. We just felt like God was calling us in different directions in life - and if he calls us back together then it'll be his grace which has brought that into existence. We're focusing on growth here though each of us is growing in different directions. I still will update on the general happenings of things here at LCC, though please pardon me if they do have a "Kevin" slant as we aren't together so I'm not in the know so to speak of everything which is going on a half hour away from LCC's main campus.

This all being said, it's time for an update:
I'm not quite sure what's been going on at Karklu, but I do know that a bunch of people went to watch the sunset last night on the Baltic beaches. I'm told the sunset really fast, followed by Brad spontaneously breaking out into swing dancing (no surprise).

Here in Neumann, Dan, Sara and I ventured into Klaipeda center on Saturday afternoon and explored the sculpture park which was pretty cool. We've also noticed that Europeans in general enjoy their walkways while North Americans enjoy walking on grass; the three of us have had numerous comments made to us as well as various glances directed at us for walking across the grass. Who would've thought ethnocentrism was even found at the level of walkways (well, my guess is Dr. Hummer would've pointed that out, but hey...it's interesting!)

Saturday morning was LCC's intercultural Olympics, where several countries were represented in playing relay-like games similar to the kind you might play at camp or youth group growing up. I think Moldova won, then Ukraine or Lithuania. Becca had been there for the beginning portion of the games, but had to leave for play practice. I filled in with a few other Americans who were spectating in the remaining games; it was fun.

Dan is beating me 4 games to 0 in chess; Roman is beating me 3-2 in pool and has claimed he is the King of billiards. No chance at chess; maybe I can beat Roman one of these days...maybe...

And of course, picture time:

Hiatus

Taking a bit of a break from posting on here. We'll see what happens. Please pray.

And so begins September

One week of classes already gone, as Albus-Dumbledorean as that may sound...but if there's one thing I've noticed with the experience of this European adventure and studying abroad it's that time is flying at a scary pace even on days when there is not much 'exciting' (read: touring) going on. Classes have been great so far: they're gonna be a challenge as there's going to be a lot of writing and reading (perhaps more than in classes I previously had taken). Unfortunately, not everyone from North America has had such luck with their classes. Some friends here have experienced anti-American sentiments from their professors and its not helping with the pressures of living in a foreign culture among different languages and expressions. I've experienced that kind of thing with other students one-on-one, though I can't imagine what it's like coming from an unrealized spokesperson for an academic university.

This week at LCC, we celebrated Ukraine's Independence day; played a bit of Frisbee - ultimate and a variation on the game Horse); studied and went to classes; and watched a bunch of movies after homework was done. Yesterday, Dan and I had breakfast before the Study Abroads left to go to the market in the morning. After the market a bunch of people went to the thrift store, and finally we hung out at Karklu (where Becca is living) until around 8pm. I was happy to hang out with Becca for a lot of that time. Some people watched movies or just chilled in friends' rooms. When we got back, Dan and I watched cool runnings, and that was the day.

Monday, we're celebrating Moldova's independence day, so I'll be back on here sometime to post on that. Hope everyone has a great day/night/time 'til I post again, and take it easy & take care! ~Kev