our visit from ray

another amazing blessing in 2011 was a visit from my (marah's) brother, ray! after we returned home to germany, ray flew out to see us on the day after christmas. we got a good, full 5 days with him. 

our sweet friends, jochen and dawn, let us borrow their car and made it possible for us to travel around to some beautiful, scenic places in the area.. the thingstätte (an outdoor amphitheater near monastic ruins), dilsberg, bad wimpfen, & speyer. 

we also played loads of settlers/siedler. i think we got him hooked, especially after his first win :)
it was so incredible to have family here to see where we live, meet our friends, & share in the culture and our love for the country. there were so many special memories made and, to keep from gushing too much, it was just a really fun time together.

thank you to all our family & friends that made it possible.. those who helped him financially get out here, those that helped us transport him from & to the airport, and those that helped and hosted while he was here. it was such a blessing.