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When the Adventure Hits Back: Spiritual Warfare, Washing Machines and a Wild Welcome to Germany

Two weeks ago, the kids and I landed in Germany. I honestly thought setting up our new house here would be way more fun than clearing out our old place in Buffalo Gap. After all, that process involved juggling work, the kids’ end-of-year activities, emotional goodbyes, and an endless to-do list. I thought: surely this will be the easier part.

And then—WHAM.

To say we’ve been hit with spiritual warfare would be an understatement.

It all started on the very first evening. Our dog, Pippa, was attacked by a deer. Yes, a deer. Not only did it go after our dog, but it then turned on Steve. We lived in the middle of nowhere in Texas for over seven years—rattlesnakes, coyotes, porcupines—and not once was Pippa ever attacked. But here in Germany, where wildlife laws are very strict, we aren’t allowed to take any action to protect our pet or property. That deer wasn’t just a warning shot—it was a wake-up call. Now Pippa can’t even roam free in ourown yard.

We’ve also dealt with Steve’s contractors ID “randomly” being cancelled. This caused us to not be able to have access to base support that gives us the ability to obtain the needed documents to legally homeschool our kids, get my driver’s license to legally driver here, and a mountain of other important items. It took Steve almost a week to get it straightened out.

Then came the Great Washer/Dryer Saga.

In Germany, very little is kept in stock, especially for a “large” family of five (which apparently makes us exotic here). I spent four days trying to convince our bank to let me place an online order. Don’t even mention Amazon.de to me—I might cry or quietly crawl into a corner. When I finally got the order through, we had to wait another week for delivery.

The delivery window came and went. Then—surprise!—the website claimed they tried to deliver but “no one was home.” What?! Thankfully, a kind German neighbor stepped in, made some calls, and helped reschedule the delivery.

Today was the day (again). The day of the delivery, we were all so ready. I had the kids posted outside like sentinels so the truck wouldn’t miss us. The truck arrived, and in broken English (paired with my even more broken German), the delivery men asked, “Why zwei Waschmaschinen?” Wait, WHAT?

Apparently, I ordered one washing machine…and another one that’s a washer and dryer combo. Oops.

After a lot of pointing, laughter, and humility, they installed the one washer, took the extra unit back, and graciously helped me re-order the correct dryer. It should be here next week. (Insert hopeful sigh.)

So…what is God teaching me?

I know the answer. I do. But when you’re exhausted, navigating culture shock (yes, it’s possible to go through it a third time), missing your friends, and stuck without a car in a mostly-empty house, it’s hard to keep sight of it.

Still—here’s what I’m learning. Sometimes the chaos, the unexpected deer attacks, and the washer mix-ups are invitations. Invitations to slow down. To rely on others. To release control. To remember that God isn’t just with us in the “big move” moments—but also in the delivery windows that go awry and the languages we haven’t learned yet.

And somehow, through it all, grace keeps showing up. In helpful neighbors (whom we wouldn’t have the opportunity to speak with as much had we not had these issues). In kind delivery drivers.

We’re here. We’re learning. And we’re still trusting—even when the deer are aggressive and the laundry is endless.

Praise the Lord for a husband and children who are showing so much grace and are quick to forgive. And Praise the Lord for opportunities that allow us to interact with our neighbors.