Let me tell you a little bit about my host.

Julia and I met at Andrews University in 2007. As was the case with most of my college friends, Julia first became friends with my high school compatriots, who then introduced us. My first “conversation” with Julia began with my feeble attempts at ordering ice cream in German, for the heck of it. She returned my mutilated phrase with a smile and clarification of which flavor I’d like.

This is Julia.

Always thoughtful, honest, and kind. Not afraid to speak her mind, but never in a way to hurt or harm.

We both had a few butterflies in anticipation of our reunion, the first in 5 years. Perhaps it was a bit brash to plot a course that put us together for 4 weeks straight after such a time apart? Perhaps. But as the days go by and we pick up where we were and forge ahead to where we will be, I am more and more convinced that Julia is my specially selected Camiga (Camino amiga).

A wonderful person to complement this fantastic journey. Plus, she cooks me spätzle and schnitzel and flammkuchen (and gently corrects my mangled spelling and pronunciation of the same). 😉

She also shares her family time, and in doing so helps make clear from whence she garners her hospitable spirit. In the mere hours I’ve known the Koch family, I’ve been warmly welcomed, richly fed, thoroughly toured, and given a spot at the table – even though I refused tea. Dankeschön and очень спасибо, Familie Koch.

Thanks for the invitation, meine freund!