American Friends

Well they history with Germany stays consistent; when people come visit the weather is gorgeous.  Which is really nice when having company over because there are so many more things you can do and it's just more comfortable to be outside.

Matt Pearson and David Freed, two friends from Bethel, have spent the summer in Slovakia.  They described their summer as a summer long missions trip and used baseball and other activities to minister to the kids that they cam in contact with.  They got in contact with the directors of this summer program through Bethel and said they had a blast.

 

(We are just kids)

 

Lucky for them, they get to head home tomorrow with a flight out of Munich, but this past week they have spent their time with me and the Osnabrueck Tigers family.  It was a blast... Picked them up from the Hannover airport, where I just got back from dropping them off, last Tuesday.  Got in early Wednesday morning and after sleeping in, we were able to celebrate Grandma's 94 birthday.  Now Grandma is an incredible woman, 94, stills lives on her own, and is super with it and mobile.  IMPRESSIVE!

Back to the Americans...  Last week we just hung around town, took a  stroll through Osnabrueck one day and enjoyed the nice weather and showed them the sights.  Of course I took them too Bela Vista, while they were here had to treat them to all the best of what Germany has to offer.

 

(It's just so pretty)

 

Last weekend we went to Cologne to hangout with Anke and celebrate Dean's birthday with Chris, Flo, and Fabian.  Great time with gorgeous weather, good food, good people and fun times.  Climbed the Cathedral tower, all 500+ steps of them, walked along the Rheine River, and watched some people where some of the weekends activities.

 

(Pre-climb: that's maybe why we were still smiling)

Monday we went swimming at Nette Bed, ate a Doner, and they came and helped out at practice.

Yesterday was a complete chill day and then went into town to hangout with Flo because it was his birthday... Just a time for parties I guess.

It was sad to see them go, but exciting for them because they'll get back to the states and be with those they've missed.

Interesting fact: the one thing we all missed the most, this was really weird because we basically all said it at the same time, was Twizzlers.  While we were in Cologne there was an American candy store so we were able to get some but wasn't enough.  Weird...

One play...

Throughout history, too many times are winners and losers remembered for one play.  But in the game of life, we are not defined by one moment in life but by our daily thoughts, actions, and lifestyle that reflects who we truly give our life too.

Yesterdays football game had all this highs and lows of any game I've ever been apart of and the true colors of the Tigers were shown.  Upon receiving the opening kickoff, the Tigers drove the length of the field to score on it's first possession. 

The defense went to work and they were looking like the scary defense that has plagued teams all summer, but after a few exchanges of the ball via muffed offensive drives.  The Invaders tied the game at 7 while the first quarter was nearing it's end. 

While the mid-second quarter rolled around, we Tigers found ourselves down 14-7 for the first time in roughly 8 weeks.  But with minutes before the half, thanks to a long run after the catch, we tied the game at 14.  But more excitement came when the reffing crew blew an inadvertant whistle just prior to the Invaders kicking a field goal as time should've expired in the first half; they missed it.  But because of the whistle, everyone realligned for a second attempt which they made, so the Invaders were leading 17-14 at halftime.

We'll say that this halftime talk was one of the loudest ones I've ever heard, and because some of the guys were fired up and talking; I had no idea what was being said for the majority of it.  But we'll say that our team mentality was changed for the second half. 

With the beginning of the second half, the D came up with a quick shut down of the Invaders offense and within a few minutes of the third quarter, we were back on top 20-17.  Before the Invaders were able to score again, we took a 26-17 lead in the third quarter.  But the game was far from being closed out, which the next events would have raised the blood pressure of anyone watching.

Mid 4th quarter, it almost got to be too crazy.  The invaders drove the field and finished their drive with a field goal.  26-20 and we had the ball inside our own 20 with roughly 4 minutes left and the lead.  3rd and short came up and an option to the right ended with the Invaders popping the ball out from sure handed Deans.

Invaders ball, inside our 40, down 6 with just over 3 minutes left.  On separate occasions we had them with 3rd and long, but were unable to stop them and with about 1 minute left they punched the ball into the endzone and completed the extra point to take a 27-26 lead.

Flashback to our first game of the season, we're playing Hildeshime Invaders and we're down 17-18 with roughly a minute left and we drove the length of the field to win 25-18.

Back to saturday's game, we got the final kickoff and were stopped on our 30ish yard line.  Scenario: down 1, 1 minute left, 2 timeouts and 70 yards to go.  After 4 passes later, first 2 complete; we're faced with 3 and 10 from the 20ish with about 30 seconds left.  I turn to coach B and remind him it's third down and let's just get half of it so a final field goal would be more manageable.  But a field goal wasn't needed, 3rd and 10 turned into a touchdown.  With a successful scamper by Dennis to complete the 2 point conversion, we took the lead 34-27 with under 15 seconds.  That's how the game ended.

Tigers are 7-3 and have a bye week this week; which again will be nice to heal up the wounded.
 
Joshua Aakre  

God's power, glory and awesomeness was truly shown yesterday; a prayer truly answered.  He is alive... 
Joshua 24:15, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

We don't belong to this world, just have to live in it for awhile.  But might as well bring Heaven to earth as we do live here.  

It's a first...

There is a first time for everything...

Tigers won yesterday 17-6 over the Essen Cardinals.  By no means was that the final score that many people had intended or believed would be the outcome but a win is a win. 

We seemed to move the ball well at times, then just not finish the drive.  Other times it was a struggle for the Tigers to move the ball.  One thing was for certain, nearly every time the Tiger defense faced a wall; they held which was great to see. 

I don't know if a game has ever been more penalized... I haven't seen the stats, but I wouldn't be surprised if we had over 200 yards in penalties against us.  We did have 8 personal fouls, which was a bit extreme.  Some were obvious correct calls, but over half were a bit premature on the refs part.

I actually got my first personal foul ever in the game of football.  After nearly 10 years of the game, I guess it was bound to happen.  But I don't think it was for anything cheap, the ref called me for spearing when rushing with the ball.  Never new protecting the ball with your body and putting your head down could actually be called.  I better be careful...

Marcel had his birthday party after the game so a bunch of guys were on his apartment roof deck enjoying the beautiful night and sharing laughs.

The past few days have been filled with watching the Olympics, it's so cool to see the world's finest compete is events that aren't thought of as marque. 

Tomorrow we are going to go see the new batman in town, theatre had an English showing today and will have one tomorrow.  I believe Coach B went this morning so I'm sure he'll be talking about it tomorrow at practice.  Chris and I are excited for that.

Joshua Aakre
Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.

—Deuteronomy 7:26

 

To check out some pictures from the game try this link:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.311772058917981.67424.100002555674939&type=1

 

Summer

Finally...

The past couple days here have been gorgeous, like 80's and sunny gorgeous.  It's been a long awaited arrival but summer has finally come. 

Don't worry though, it does seem to return to what I have come to know as normal next week.  In the forecast is more rain and cooler weather next week, so we'll have to enjoy this bloop while we can.

Yesterday, a group of Tigers or those somewhat associated with the Tigers got together to play some sand volleyball.  So great, suns out, guns out kind of a day!  The team of Deans, Daniel, Alex (Phillipos girlfriend) and myself couldn't be stopped in the early goings of play.  But after 2 hours and a watermelon break, we all seemed to have weights on our legs and the energy was just gone.

Preparing for Essen this week, BBQ on thursday and Marcel's birthday is on Saturday.

Lord bring the rain...  One day every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess.

Joshua Aakre
Matthew 19:26

Gammin'

So this is how the big time guys feel...

Yesterday, Eike came over with NCAA '13; it's college football for PS3 at it's finest.  Normally only DI and some DI-AA schools are accessible, but he was able to download rosters from DIII schools so Chris and I were able to play as our almamater (however you spell it).

After the night was over, we figured out that Chris is a gaming genius, because he couldn't be stopped.

Eike and Marv through down in an reenactment of the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas, where Eike came out on top. Chris and I through down, not as a DIII championship game but between the Royals and Tigers.  Might have to see who would win between the Panthers of Chapman and Royals of Bethel, but in our showdown Chris demolished me.

 (We are still boys with our toys)

 (This is so cool)

 (We are the Tigers!)

 (This is so cool)

(The night wouldn't be complete without it...)

Just another day in the life... Playing as myself in a video game, it's crazy.  Never would have thought that was possible.  I have been so blessed.

This weekend Chris and I are heading to Amsterdam to check out the city, pray for us for safety in our travel and the weekend there.  

God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good.

Joshua Aakre

Isaiah 54:17

A Beautiful Birthday

 It was another beautiful day in Germany; beautiful because the Lord had made it, and not because of what it was actually like outside.  Rain, rain go away...  Actually go back to Minnesota because the crops would really benefit from you.

Two birthdays were celebrated yesterday in the Klietsch household, both Monika "Momma" Klietsch and Anke had their birthdays yesterday.  I think Momma is young in her 60's, I only say that because I know Silke is 40 ish, but Momma moves/looks like she's much younger. 

(Birthday Girl and her flowers from her Tiger sons)

I will say that I am truly blessed and honored to be an adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Klietsch and was so excited when I was invited to her birthday.  She asked me on Monday if I was invited and I was like I hope so, that was when Anke was like, "You can come to my birthday party."  Luckily I got the invite, and boy was it awesome.  

Anke and I went to get somethings early yesterday morning and as we were getting some flowers, we were in the shop looking for something for Chris and I to get Momma when Anke pointed out those.  I forget what I thought they looked like, but I said something like, "Your (Momma) beauty reminds me of this circle of flowers, continuously blooming in all areas of life."  It was Hallmark esk, but I forget how it truly went.  I don't plan on becoming a poet so no worries...

 (Ultimate cake spread)

 (To think I made these once; Jelly role)

 (Just because everything is peachy, doesn't mean I have to like peaches; but I sure do)

The party started around 4ish, with some neighbors coming over for cake.  With the pictures above, we had quite a spread.  Strawberry, raspberry, peach, lemon, cream puffs, and other flavors were there and the desserts just seemed to be endless.  I like German birthdays!  

We all lounged around the table for roughly an hour and good thing I have short arms and made some of those desserts out of arms reach, because otherwise I would have had one heck of a stomach ache from straight sugar digestion.

Around 6, we started up the grill and commenced the rest of our evening.  More people came and left and for some reason, I was left in charge of grilling.  Poor decision because I just couldn't handle the power in the German grill and maybe cooked the Brats a little too excessively for some peoples liking.  But Momma did reasure me that they were just as how she liked them, sounds a little bit like my grandpa when he says, "MMMMmmmmmmm..... That's just the way I like it."  That's with respect to Grandma's cooking, which I'll put my reputation on the line as being one of the best.

Grilling, eating, lounging, and laughing filled the rest of the night.  Such a great day, "Welcome to Germany."   

Joshua Aakre

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love.

Lord bring the rain to MN.

Continue to keep bossman, Scott Kirchoff, in your thoughts and prayers.

Tiger Nation

"Proud to be a Tiger" - Chris Langstaff after the tigers smashed the Jets yesterday in a 49-24 victory.

Here's a link to some of the game photos
http://foobi.de/Bilder2012/2012_07_15_troisdorf_osnabrueck/tjot8548.html

The morning started off incredibly different, we had word the we were likely to not play because of field conditions and the rain from the previous week on the Jets' field.  But as we all congregated at our field waiting for the word, we found out the game was on. 

Coach B, Chris and I all road with Jovi to troisdorf, because our bus was KIA from last weeks road trip and the blown tire.  Within about 20 minutes, I was passed out in the back seat and after we got to the stadium, Jovi described the trip as the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  My serest apologies...

The weather and field weren't quite as bad as I had imagined, but during warm-ups German weather didn't change; it started to rain.  Who would've guessed.  But as game time approached, it started to cease and during the game the weather seemed to cooperate and not hinder either team.

We started early and often, leading 6-0, 28-10 at halftime and a final score of 49-24.  Fun stuff...  Chris got his rushing TD and now only needs a special teams, defensive, and passing TD to get the fab five TD's. 

Also, special guest Patricia and her mother stopped by and we shared some laughs after the game.  Great to see her again and seems her parents, mom this week and dad last week, enjoyed watching the game.


Big day tomorrow around the house with two birthdays, Mrs. "Momma" Klietsch and Anke "Little Sis."  So tomorrow could turn into an eventful Tuesday.

Hello to all the Aakre's, I apologize for not making the family weekend but I was tied up in somethings a few thousand miles away.  My bad...

Joshua Aakre
Hebrews 11:1