All Over But The Cryin'

It's officially Carter's last night in Germany. He is sad to be leaving but so grateful for everything he got to experience! Here is our final "update" we received from his German teacher...


It has been a short fourth week here. On Monday we had a joint trip to a Greek style monument (Wallhalla) on the Danube, then it was on to the Liberty Hall. From there we walked nearly 4 km. through the woods, before crossing over the Danube to the famous Weltenburg monastery and brewery. We returned to our faithful bus driver, Erich, via a boat which took us from Weltenburg to the dock in Kehlheim. We then made another stop in Abensberg to see some famous Hundertwasser architecture.

Tonight was our farewell dinner at the school. It was a beautiful and very emotional time. Because the entire administrative team was at a state mandated 3-day school improvement workshop, I presented Mr Renoth with his cheesehead, bottle of Landshut wine and cranberries yesterday. His administrative assistant gave a wonderful speech and I presented her with cranberries as well. The students did a wonderful job of giving their speeches and singing a song that I re-did in German to the the tune of This Land is Your Land. They took great initiative and also made their own song to the tune of song in the musical Rent. Ashley R. and Nathaniel did an outstanding job of giving a speech in German as well.

Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult day for all of us. It will be very hard to say good bye. I will have to make sure no one tries to stow away in a school broom closet so that they can stay here.

 It has been a pleasure and an honor being with your sons and daughters these past four weeks. They were truly a joy to be with. Tonight I said that I would gladly take them all again on the trip.

Carter must have taken that offer seriously. He texted me: "We're coming back in 2017. No questions." Hey, I won't question it if I can go, too!

For now, though, this lonely momma says let's just get you home, safe and sound!