Thursday, August 30, 2007

23-B-24

Well, I am pretty much settled in. Everybody here, from the uni's admin to the German officer-students, have been taken care of me. So far we've (Kyle and I) worked through getting our quarters, setting up internet connectivity, squaring away our transportation (the German's seem to want a (different) ID for every system and/or service), buying groceries, and trying to find our way around Hamburg.

It's been very enjoyable to have a shared-kitchen here and prepare my own meals. We have to clean up our dishes within 30 minutes or else we have to pay one Euro to the Wohnebene fund. The mess hall is located on the other post and is only open for breakfast and lunch. The prices are also a bit uneconomic and so I am cooking (or trying to cook) both out of prudence and pleasure.

Today we had our daily meeting with our administrative POC here and then I've been studying French and German (couldn't ask for a better day).

They have a big fridge with an even bigger selection of drinks. We restocked it today and got rid of the old bottles. Now I'm going to exercise and then cook dinner.

It's an amazing life here, so foreign from West Point. The German (military) university system values academic freedom. They allow their students to choose their classes and when they take them. There's hardly any formations or duties except to learn. They say that we need to develop the life skills of cooking, doing laundry, studying, maintaining physical fitness and at the same time valuing our friends and family.

The German officer development system is a little different from the US'. Each officer cadet must serve three years in the Army, working his or her way up the enlisted ranks, before attending their academic studies. They are commissioned now, and will resume their service after the completion of their military duties. This time is supposed to be their break...a time to focus and learn before going back to "the real job."

Classes haven't started yet for me, but this is going to be a break, i think, for me too. Why God has blessed me with this opportunity I don't know. All I can say is that I must take advantage of this opportunity and learn as much as I can about the German officer corps, the language(s), living independently, and stewardship.

For now,
Lawrence

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