Gaining some momentum

Since my last post, we've played two games--against probably the best and worst team in our division. Last weekend against the Franken Knights, we started the 4th quarter down 21-0 before our offense finally came alive. We scored two quick touchdowns and got the ball back with two minutes left down 13-21. A high snap and interception on the last play of the game made the final outcome 35-13 but it was much closer game than the score indicates.

And the offensive momentum from the fourth quarter of last week carried over into the game on Saturday. We won 63-0. Let me repeat that in case you missed it. 63-0!! I've never been involved in such a lopsided match. Simply put, everything worked--on offense and defense. And in the rare case when something broke down of offense, we improvised--almost always successfully. It must have been one of the hottest days of the year on Saturday. The burn marks on my arms start right where my jersey ends. It reminds me of my pre-season days in Davidson, baking in the Carolina sun.

One of the unexpected surprises of the season for me is running the football more often. I haven't since my high school days carried the ball myself like I am this year. It's been great. The picture I attached is me crossing the goaline for the first score of the game. Our record is now 3-3 and I continue to be optimistic about the direction of our team. We're healthy with a great defense, a powerful running attack, and an ever improving group of receivers. And we seem to having more fun--playing relaxed and growing more comfortable in our roles.

Some other great news to report: my Visa finally arrived!! So I start teaching English this week. While I've been waiting, I've been reading many books, writing, lifting weights, and trying to learn a bit of German. But I'm very exted to set down my books and start working.

I travel to Berlin next weekend to meet Zach, a teammate from Davidson. He'll show me around a bit of the city. It's been a few weeks without traveling so I'm excited to get out of Darmstadt for the weekend.

My German is picking up too. I probably understand 20-25% of what's said around me. In some contexts (like the football field) it's much higher. I still respond in English though so I speak much less than I understand. It's exciting to see this progress though.

Hope all is well! Please keep in touch--I'd love to hear from you too. God bless!

Ryan