Germany.

This winter, Micah and I; and his two younger brothers, flew to Germany for a week. Often my mind wanders back to that trip. Those 7 days were magical. What could be better than flying to Europe with your amazing boyfriend, 18 years old, no care in the world, with no parents, no schedule except to hang out and explore? Talk about perfect. Now, those days feel even more magical...they are the epitome of the happiness of Micah and I, our love at its peak. They feel frozen in my mind, like some happy polaroid picture-moment; so distantly-dreamy and ironically-perfect.

I'm so grateful for that week. It was worth every penny, even though I had to work one long winter to get the money. How perfect that I got to meet his German family; to see where he grew up; to walk the halls where his padded little baby feet ran. To spend time with Dominik and Jeremy, and create inside jokes we still talk about to this day. To spend cherished time with Micah---to get a taste of what it would have been like to maybe travel back one day with a "real" family of our own.

At nighttime, after our daily adventures, Micah would whisper to me before he went to his own bed upstairs that he would "pay me a visit." It was always a thrill. I would pull on my pajamas and my thick socks--(German houses are so cold!)--and then wait. Sure enough, 20 minutes later, I could hear Micah's footsteps coming closer, and I knew he was on the way. He would sneakily tip-toe down three flights of stairs, past Oma and Opa sleeping, and find my little makeshift bedroom in the basement. Then he would come and sit on my bed, and we'd talk about the day; sometimes analyze his family and how things were going. He'd tell me how much of a trooper I was, or apologize if I was bored. (Of course I was never bored! I'd say.) Then, Micah would give me a hug and a huge kiss; tuck me into bed; and shut the door and begin his thrilling sneak back up the stairs. I always had happy dreams afterwards--always. :)

One night, Micah accidentally fell asleep when he said he'd visit me. I remember waiting and waiting, and finally falling asleep myself. In the morning, he apologized again and again, but I told him it really was ok. However, I think we both knew we were disappointed--we both cherished those moments so much, so to even lose one night was disappointing.

In the morning, Micah was my alarm clock. He'd sneak back downstairs to my room, and wake me up in some theatrical way. Sometimes the best way was throwing something at me, of course, or completely jumping on top of me (only Micah knew how bad jet-lag got to me). Then some ways were more loving; and he'd sweetly stroke my hair, or lay next to me and sleep for a little bit himself.

I loved mornings. Once it was guaranteed I was awake, and my alarm clock went back upstairs, I'd get dressed, then wander upstairs myself. Breakfast was always ready--I felt like a queen. Hot coffee in endless supply; warm bread, with salty meat and cheese. Oma was always ready to feed me!--she was always so giving and loving. Then I'd look out the window, and there was Germany in its full winter glory...rolling fog, snow blanketing the fields, frost clinging to the trees. A beauty I wish I had words to describe.

One morning, Micah and I decided to take a morning jog. It was so stupid of us! It was way below freezing, but we ended up running for about 25 minutes. Eventually we had to give in and come back inside--our legs were completely numb. Of course, I remember secretly complaining in my head--I was so out of shape and in so much pain! Micah kept pushing me and wanted to go at a faster pace. Actually, when I think about it, I think we both ended up walking, out of exhaustion. Maybe all that German food was getting to us. :)

Other memories...
A New Year's kiss, outside, with fireworks flying around EVERYWHERE!
Being set free in Munich to explore, just the two of us.
Swimming in a giant indoor pool, and Micah carrying me on his back.
Getting the giggles during a Catholic church service.
Somehow not getting tired of each other on the 9 hour plane ride, both ways.
Chipping my tooth biting into a hot dog.
Holding hands under the table during supper.
Laying on a big bed with Dominik, Jeremy, and Micah, all squished together and cuddled under blankets, watching an Eagles game in the US, through skype.
Waving goodbye to Opa in the airport, not knowing it would be the last time he'd see Micah...


Memories like these make me so happy. I'm feeling tears right now as I truly think about what's happened, but for now these memories will help suppress them. Germany was a beautiful, magical time and I will never forget the laughter, excitement, and love in those few days, thousands of miles away from home.