Shocking News!

I have already gotten comfortable with the thought of establishing myself in Europe and looking for work here. I did not get the fellowship I applied for in Florida and therefore thought that story was finished. one evening I had the thought to call in Florida again just in case there are any news. When I called I was told that Suzanne Farell just walked out of the office an hour ago returning my portfolio and telling everyone that she wanted me to have the Suzanne Farell Fellowship!!! I about fell off my chair! Suzanne Farell is one of the last living legends who danced under George Balanchine, one of my favourite choreographers. The fellowship is not only a great honor, but also will make it work for me to go to Florida State University because my tuition is going to be waived. I still can't believe I am going.

As all blessings come with obstackles or distractions, I now have a broken Sesamoid bone that still has to heal before I go to Florida. Doctors are not sure if it can heal to the point where I can dance again. I know that God handles my affairs after I cannot take care of them by myself even with much trying. Florida is tempting. But my foot will determine where I will end up. I am confident that there is a reason behind such things and that the right thing will happen, because I prayed that it will...

To read more about Suzanne Farrell go to
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/ballet/farrell/farrell.html

April

April pretty much was the only month in which I was mostly in Salzburg. I went to Munich for a couple of days to visit a great uncle for interviews and family history material. Otherwise I stayed in Salzburg to do job search. Job search is a full time job in itself. Besides going to Ballet class every day to stay in shape, I was on the computer and the phones of the Arbeitsamt all day long. There were a couple of good positions I applied for, but I only got called back for one and they did not take me. I was searching in Arbeitsvermittlung and discovered there was something like headhunters, which was something I could do with my job experience. NOTHING.

At least I have LOT OF FUN in church! I got a new calling and am now teaching in Relief Society every 3rd Sunday. I am also going out with the missionaries a night a week and to FHE Mondays. I love talking about the Restored Gospel and finding people who are interested in listening. We also have a great missionary couple here, the Rebers! They were in Vienna back when I was about 16 and their daughter Mary Jane became friends with me. Small world! I am amazed at what they are doing for the Lord! This is their third mission and unlike when you are called to be in charge of a whole mission country and most is paid for by the church, they now came back totally on their own money like all other regular and couple missionaries.

Duesseldorf in March

I was in Duesseldorf to see Roland, my half-brother (father's side). I have never been in Duesseldorf and I really liked the city! Roland took me to see the old downtown and the Funkturm--all the way up. We went out to eat lunch in a very old, authentic Stubn where I had hot Wirsing salad with a Bockwurst on top. For the finale we had amazing ice cream. Let me tell you about it. I was cold because the wind was blowing cold air all the time. Roland suggested this ice cream place, but I said I think better not, because I was freezing. He said, o.k., but at least we have to walk by to just look in the window because there is none like it. We stood in front of the wondow for about 1 second when the door magically opened and I walked in. How could I not! We sat down and I had a bowl with three scoops of the best ice cream EVER and they stuck FRESH mangos, strawberries, guava, honey dew, sugar melon, pineapple, and figs on it!!! Oh my! I am glad I don't live in this city. BTW, this was my Birthday present in advance. (You need some excuse for this!)









Roland has been very hospitable and fed me well. It is funny, although we have never seen each other or heard of each other until now, we both like healthy food, are into music and psychology professionally, and play the piano (although he is wayyyy better) and the African drum!!! Roland is a special-ed teacher and teaches piano on the side. he also has brought out a couple of CD's with great old German Songs. You should hear it. They are hilarious. If I have a way to put one on here I will!