California Dreamin....

Palm trees, water, sand, and roller coasters, only in Cali

After a couple weeks of anticipation, Anne and the boys arrived safely in California. The trip was pretty uneventful besides 5 or 6 trips to the airplane toilet with Kaleb, who did not sleep on the 9 hour flight until landing. There was also some protest from Ezekiel as to staying in the same seat that long and, well, by the end, we made sure the man sitting at the end of our four seat row that had moved there before we sat down thinking he would have more room, rethink that choice on future flights.

Hello California!

Upon landing, we were greeted by Nanna, Pappa, Aunties Rachelle and April and Cousins Joshy, Javon, Trin, Lele, and Nico. Kaleb couldn't be more excited, in fact he probably felt like it was a dream since it was the middle of the night on his body, and Zeekie treated it like a dream, trying to go back to sleep in his stroller despite the best efforts of his cousins to get him to wake up. The traditional 'welcome to California' In 'n Out hamburger was the next stop. We took it to go and ate at 'Home Again'. It wasn't long after that we all were fast asleep, and not long after that awake again. The jet lag 4:30 waking time lasted over half the trip. The good thing about Nanna and Pappa's guest room is that it has a TV and satelite. There must be other kids awake at 4:30 AM in California because there were plenty of cartoon choices at that hour for the boys, and Mommy was able to lay down another hour until it was time to go downstairs to watch cartoons. One of the first things Kaleb noticed about the cartoons is that all the cartoons that he knows from the TV here (they are the same but dubbed in German) speak English in California.

Cousin's dinner

Of course, the best part of California is visiting with family, and we had lots of fun doing that. In fact, it wasn't long before Kaleb, when he would get tired of being out and about would ask to "go back to California", which turned out to be his name for Nanna and Pappa's house. Make no mistake, visiting family also included some extra special trips to Sea World with big Cousin Kyla, and Disneyland (of course). There was touring all the new stores that have been built in Chino Hills since our last visit. This tour should become less as the years go, there cannot be much more room even in Chino Hills for another shopping center, however there always seems to be space for a new Starbucks!

The boys took full advantage of the weather, playing outside whenever they got the chance. Auntie April made that possible with many trips to the parks of Chino Hills. We got to know, "Zip line park", "Duck Park", "Our Park", and I think a couple more that I can't remember. If those names are unfamiliar to you Chino Hillites, they of course are not the real names but affectionate toddler names that are much easier to remember based on the best and favorite thing ever at each park.

Fun, Fun, Fun!


Of all the adventures, there was none so news worthy as the wild fires. We could see the smoke from Nanna and Pappa's house and we didn't have to drive too far to see the flames on the hills. The sight of the planes that drop the red stuff (that is the techinical name for the stuff they drop to put out the fires and has a red color) was enough to get all the boys excited and as long as the fires chose to keep away from the house, then it was a great adventure. This adventure was one that was fun to tell about when back in Germany because many of the Germans had heard of the fires on their news but thought that we couldn't have been to near as California is so big. Even our Pediatrician and Kaleb's Kindergarten teachers had said they thought of us when they saw the news.

Speaking of Kindergarten, another adventure for Kaleb was his visits to Javon's preschool, Chino Hills Christian Preschool. The teachers were a little worriied that he wouldn't have enough time to adjust, but they were put at ease when he walked right in the first day and started to play without looking back to say 'goodbye'. He had a lot of fun and when asked, his favorite thing was playing with the cars.

Our trip was crowned with Thanksgiving. It was small and quiet. the Turkey was delicious, as well as all the sides. The table was beautiful, and it made a great ending to a great trip.

mmmmmm!

Well, we didn't make it to the beach, or even into Orange County for that matter (once for a haircut, and once to visit Auntie Gina). We didn't get to visit some friends and family that we normally do, and we didn't make it to Taco Nazo. Please forgive us if you were one of those family or friends we didn't get to see. I won't make any excuses except that 3 weeks for us in California is really to short to do all we would like.

By the end of 3 weeks, we were all ready to be reunited with the other half of our family. Kaleb even started asking to go 'back to Germany' after talking with Daddy and Karis one night. The man at the end of our row on the trip home had a much better flight then the one on the way there, the boys slept most the time. Upon arrival we went directly to Oma and Opa's for a second Thanksgiving. It also served well to keep us awake. During jet lag I always swear I will not make that trip again for a long time, at least not with kids. Then I realize, kind of like labor, time fades the memory of physical discomfort enough to cause us to got through self inflicted physical torture sooner then later for the rewards that wait on the other side.

We had a great time, the only thing missing was Karis and Daddy. Lord willing, the next trip can be a family one. God Bless...

PS We also had some very fun days with Coronel Aunties, Uncles and cousins, including one wild and crazy overnight, but I have no pics, if you guys do (Aunties) please send us some.

Thank God For Omas!

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for checking up on the Coronel Family D'dorf.

As you all know, Anne is in smoldering California where the fires are coming to rest.
The fires could not stop the family from taking a trip to Disneyland! Are you kidding?! So while Karis and I were having our own fun here in Germany, Anne and the boys were heading towards Disney, where they had a great time going on roller coasters, driving at Autopia (you Californians know what I mean) and watching the parade at California Adventures. Anne told me that Zeeky-Dude had a blast driving the cars at Autopia but when it came time to get off she must of left his heart on the seat of one of the cars 'cause he freaked out! He did not want to leave, he could have driven around that track till the 'cows came home'.

Anyways, this last week was a special time for Karis and I because my mom came to comfort us for the week. She is amazing! She just got home from the craziness of California to the craziness of Herborn and before she could say 'Was hast du mit mein Haus getan?" I was there to pick her up and put her to work. My dad barely had time to ask "Was haben wir fur Abendessen" when she was already cooking us chicken tacos, enchiladas, Albondiga soup and baking us scones! C'mon! That's my Mexican Mamma! Sorry my dear sisters, I know your mouths are watering but wipe up the drool and ask God to forgive you for being jealous! J/K! Hey, she was with you guys for 3 months! ;0)

I think it was the first day when our adventures began. I thought I would show my mom how to find her way to pick Karis up from school. It is not far but I thought it would by nice to show her exactly where to find our little one in the sea of yelling, screaming, running, jumping, German speaking school kids. We walked out the door of our apartment and she closed the door behind her as I checked my pockets for a house key...yup, we were locked out on the first day together. This is what happens to me and my mom when we team up to make life easier. So we got Karis and came back in time for me to show my worried Muttie how I had some skills in opening the door to our house with a credit card. But before I could say "Ich habe geschaft" our Turkish 20 something neighbor walks out of his apartment one level up from us, sees me trying to get in, walks down the stairs, grabs the card out of my hand and opens it for me in about 3 1/2 seconds. My mom is now officially freaked out and locked the door from that time on at all times of the day. I don't blame her, now I am too. (Nothing against Turks)

That brings me to my next story. We made it to the end of the week pretty uneventful but now it is Saturday and we have to take my long haired, brown-eyed, German speaking daughter to a birthday party. Echinoa is how her name sounds it would be spelled, she is a friend of Karis who turned 8 and wanted Karis to come to her party. Now I wasn't sure how this would go, some times parents stay at the party, sometimes they take a look around to see if things are safe and then leave until the appointed pick up time. We were invited in as we arrived and before we knew it we were sitting on the couch with uncles, grandmas, grandpas and in-laws. Turkish style. It was a great experience and the first I must add.

We ate pizza, bread, drank cola and shared our faith in Jesus with the whole family. Some of the family was really open, like the brother they called Isa (Jesus). I was kinda glad the brother they said they called "Hezbollah" wasn't there though. Anyways, it was time for us to leave and the father of the girls dad wanted to ask one more question which I was glad to try and answer in my limited Deutsch. As I was struggling through to answer and then understand the man speaking to me in even worse Deutsch than I, the father of the girls mother was staring me down and waving some kind of Islamic rosery at me. I didn't even realize it, my mom was the one who was watching the whole thing, praying silently but with all her might. The conversation ended friendly and I had to excuse myself to go home and finish studying for Sunday's sermon.

Mom and I got home and prayed for God to bless the Word we shared to the hearts of those who were open to listen and that the love we displayed would go a long way.

Thank you Muttie, it has been an adventure and mucho fun-o. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us! God bless you! Tomorrow I will fry up some enchiladas and eggs for 'fruehstuck'. Mmmm....

Oh, and big thanks to Auntie's and Grandma's that contributed to making this little Karis Grace soooo happy with the letters, the gifts and all the love that you sent her while Mommy is gone.

When Mommy leaves...

Hello from the almost empty nest in D'dorf. As you all well know, but not as well as we do, Anne and the boys left today to California. This trip has been a long time coming but is now 'unterwegs' as we say here Germany.

After lots of prayer and waiting for the right time we had to 'drop the bomb' on Karis. You see she was not able to go because she has to go to school. She took the news really well. Of course after the 'why's and the tears we hugged and gave here 'great and precious promises' to live by for the next 3 weeks. Promises which include: Oma coming over and spoiling her for a week, going swimming (indoor of course), taking her friend Lukas and her to a jumphouse, checking out an local aquarium, and visiting a family from the church for dinner (they have 4 kids).

I didn't know how busy the first day would be. We went to bed late, got up early and it was time for 'fruestuck'

Zeeky and Kaleb were excited and ready to eat. Zeeky was so excited he didn't even eat much of his normal 'Schoko Musli' but it takes a lot for Kaleb not eat his 'Zimtos' (Generic Cinnamon Toast Crunch). Kaleb has been really looking forward to going to California. He has fond memories of English speaking cousins, lots of hugs, kisses and tickles; Disneyland, good American food, lots of new toys, Nanna, Pappa, Aunties, Uncles and new friends. In fact when Anne asked him if he would mess Karis and I, he simply replied 'No'. We asked him again later and he said he would after all. Whew...

Thanks for praying. The morning went well. We got off to the airport on time and made good time to Cologne Int. Airport.

The boys had fun running around at the airport.

Karis and I had a fun day, we were both tired and already missing our #1 women and those two crazy boys.

We made the time go by in this way:

1. We came home and ate noodles
2. We did crafts
3. We colored
4. We played Yahtzee!
5. We watched T.V.
6. We drew pictures
7. We cried
8. We laughed

And now we wait for word from our loves ones.

We love you guys and we have you in our hearts every moment till we see you wonderful smiling faces!

Family Visa Update

Well as Anne said 'We got a definite MAYBE' That's funny...ha...ha! Well the truth is that we were a bit bummed out that we didn't get our visas even though we gave the 'Dusseldorf Auslaenderbehoerde' (the local Foreign Ministry) all they asked us for. You see they don't like the whole 'living by faith' thing. We didn't tell them that but when they see that we are living by donations from the U.S. along with some regular support from CC Herborn they get a little bit scared. They are used to people with regular incomes that allow the state to figure out if those applying for visas are able to support themselves and not end up on welfare.


They don't know how to handle our situation. They asked us how we have been able to live in Germany all this time and we pointed to the papers we gave them. We have been wonderfully supported by the saints both in Herborn and the U.S. which have allowed us to minister here. They still didn't know what to think. They have no clue what 'Calvary Chapel' is, they have a hard enough time pronouncing it! ;0) Anyways, they ended up giving us a paper that they want the churches that support us or anyone in Germany or America for that matter to sign. It basically says that the person or organization signing will support us in case we don't have enough money to support ourselves and if it comes to that point that they will pay for us to be flown home to sunny California. They just don't want us at their doorstep with our hand out.



Yeah, it is a little humbling to be thought of in that light but that is how it goes in these financially difficult times I guess. We also know that there is a spiritual battle taking place within the governments offices. You just don't move into a city that has nearly 600,000 people, which the majority need Jesus just as much as you or I, and start launching preemptive strikes on the enemies territory and think that you will not encounter some opposition. We had an outreach in Dec of 2007 with CC Mansfield, Ohio during the Christmas Markt, we had an outreach with CC Herborn in May 2008 with drama and open air preaching at the Main Train Station, CC Siegen sent a team of youth up for a week this summer passing thousands of flyers, Gospel tracts and doing one to one evangelism, and just a month ago CC Chino Hills sent a team to hit the streets day and night bringing the Good News to D'dorf!
It was right on the heels of all of this that we we begin to experience our difficulties in getting our visas. Should have seen it coming. So now we have three months to get these papers signed, pray, fast and see the glory of God in our situation. Joshua 1:9 'Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.'
CC Mansfield and CC D'dorf Women's Christmas Tea Outreach
CC Herborn practicing dramas to take to the streets
CC Chino Hills stamping Gospel Tracts for Street Evangelism

Our group of around 30 CC Chino Hills and CC Herborn

CC Siegen Youth send out teams to neighborhoods inviting them to church services.

Church Building Update

First of all a big 'Danke' to all family and friends who joined in prayer for these two important meetings! We cannot go a day without your prayers. We have really seen that 'our battle is not against flesh and blood' (Eph. 6) These two situations have been coming together for months now. We have known that the year contract for our church building was coming to an end and had hoped to be at a place to support our rent from the giving of the fellowship. We are still a bit too small to maintain the rent at this point but have seen how the Lord is supplying favor from our renters to allow us to be in it four months longer than we had planned. This has really brought us to a deeper dependence on God 'giving us this day our daily bread' for the church building.

We called the saints to pray with us as we set up a meeting with our renters to ask for lower rent. yikes! We had a good talk with them and they sincerely wanted to but were unable to do it due to their own financial position. They were very encouraging and hoped the best for us. We ask you to pray for Mr and Mrs. Schem, they are a nice couple, she is Brazilian and goes to a Mormon church in the area and he is an older German man who is battling cancer. Pray for their salvation and for our church to be a blessing to them and all those who live in the building.

So our current situation is that we can stay till the end of January 09' but will meet again in December to talk over the possibility to sign a new contract. Pray that God would make a way for us to stay in our place. We really like it. It fits our needs, has parking, is easy to find, is close to the Autobahn exit, and not so far from the University. Even though we are hoping to rent it for a lower price, we actually have a good price for what we have. We have looked at other buildings and have not found any cheaper. God knows! We will trust! Prov. 3:5-6 & Phil. 4:6-7

Karis First Day of School

Here are some photos of Karis on her first day of school. The big 'schultute' pronounced 'shooltoota' in English

The schule tute for the first day of school is a German tradition. It is only for first graders, parents can fill the tute with school supplies, special gifts and of course, candy. It really made her first day special.

Our Family

Here are just a few pics our our little family. We are so blessed to have 3 wonderful children to share in the ministry. They prove to be a joy and often tool in the Lord's hand to make us laugh, to remind us of what is important, to have faith, to help us get down to basic theology over and over again "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so". Here are a few pics of us and them.

Karis is 7 and is an official 'schulkind' now in the 1st grade here. She is attending a German public (Catholic) school and loving life.

Kaleb is 4 and attends a pubilc (Evangelical) kindergarten. He has a great personality, loves to laugh and joke around, and ride his 'hot wheels' bike.

Ezekiel, a.k.a Zeeky-dude, is at home enjoying all the attention till 1 pm when big sis and bro comes home. After 1 he becomes the little brother who can either make his siblings laugh, cry or want to lock him out of their rooms. Hey what are little brothers for? :0)

Chino Hills Outreach 2008

Wow! What a blessing to have some fired up Jr highers and a couple of equally fired up Senior Senior highers with us this summer! Missions pastor, Jeff Kerns brought a team of of mostly young people to hit the streets of Dusseldorf with the Good News of the Grace of God through Jesus Christ.

We had tons of fun and adventure getting back and forth to the downtown and main train station using many different modes of transportation. We used trains, buses, trolley cars, and the subway throughout the 10 days they were here.

What was amazing and equally a blessing to me was how eager everyone was to share the Gospel, even when at times they had no translator. God truly gave them the umph that was needed through the Holy Spirit to just walk up to people and say "Hi, we're from California, do you speak English?" And to even my surprise I heard them speaking to so many people that not only could but wanted to speak with them.

Even though we didn't see many people respond to our invites to the church services, the joy of the trip was in simply obeying the clear command of our Savior to 'Go and preach the Gospel to all nations', and who knows what fruit is still yet to come?! Many, many people heard the Gospel, thousands of fliers were passed out, hundreds upon hundreds of Gospel tracts were given, many a prayer was offered, the Love of our God and the Truth in Jesus was dispensed in the streets of Dusseldorf. To God be the glory great things He has done!

Thank you Lord and thank you all at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills for your love and Support! Shout out to C.C. Herborn for sending up so many translators on Saturday and for all your prayers, love and support. We are truly blessed to have both churches sending the love to us here in D'dorf! God bless you!

Our First Entry

Duesseldorf is closely coming to look again like this, with leavless trees and most people wearing coats, winter is fast approaching. We have been living here now for 1 1/2 year now and have come to really enjoy living in the city. This is definitely something God has changed my heart on (Edmund). We started a bible study with just around 8 people which, in response to the request of some attending, we started praying about meeting on Sunday evenings. Well, things didn't work out for a meeting place and we ended up in our apartments on Sunday mornings. We had a blessed time meeting in our homes but it was alot of work and we knew we needed more room for our kids and a place to invite others.

Soon we found a place to meet in the South part of Duesseldorf that has worked perfectly for us now for one year. We have been able to hold our Sunday and Thurdsday Bible studies there, host outreach teams, have a bi-weekly women's prayer meeting, a Women's Christmas Coffee,and hold a Bible Prophecy Weekend Seminar.

Now we are at a point of having almost all new people, some have moved away, some have moved on, some are still around. This is the season of planting, watering and waiting. It is also a time of personal challenges and growth. Anne and I are so thankful for these times, times to draw near to one another, to draw near to the dear brothers and sisters here, and above all, time to draw near to our ever loving and faithful God. John 16:33 We share in the victory of our Lord Jesus, we hope you can rejoice in knowing it too. God bless

*I am learning how to do this blog stuff so bear with me, I hope it gets better :0)