the government protects me from...

soccer??

The “Fan Mile” in front of the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin is expected to draw up to 500,000 German and Turkish fans, Frankfurt am Main will host a public viewing area at the Rossmarkt, and Munich is setting up a large public viewing area at the Olympic Stadium where 30,000 fans are anticipated …

Because of the high fan interest in this prestigious semi-final elimination game between Germany and Turkey, there exists the possibility that disturbances, including violent disturbances may occur before, during or after the match …

We remind American citizens in Germany that even mass gatherings and demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans in Germany are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, or at either the Munich or Frankfurt Consulate, through the State Department’s travel registration web site … and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Germany. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consular Section. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

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mother cate?

no, i am not thinking about becoming a nun or getting pregnant...
but i am trying to get permission to be a foster-...erm.. hmm.. let's go with guardian for teenagers in emergency situations. some of you might recall the 17 year old punk girl i took in a few years ago, and those of you who know me very well might remember the 14 year old runaway i helped back in 1999. there have been a few others with lower levels of commitment on my part. but the idea has always been "someday, when i am older, instead of having my own kids, i'd like to take care of the kids out there with no family." this has been my idea of "family" life since i was young. i guess no one is startled now my commitment to the estranged..

so here i was, not thinking of doing this anytime soon... i mean hey, i am 28. who is going to make me some teenager's "mom"? anyway, last night a 13 year old boy came into the drug counseling center with a friend. the friend is older, and i had seen him a few times before. they were just there to eat. the boy had been kicked out of his home by his mother 5 weeks ago. he sleeps at friends when they can sneak him in, on the street the rest of the time. i got him some clean clothes from the basement.. but we don't have much that will fit a boy. and we piled him up with food supplies. and i offered to go with him to the child-services office, and gave him my address.

but really, is that all? it's a 13 year old kid. shy, scared, alone. if anyone is wondering why i didn't just take him in, well, it's illegal to harbor a minor. and, since i am not exactly german... too risky. but i did contact my senator (you remember, the friendly man who helps me with all grants film-related). maybe this is the greater good to staying involved with the immigrants film program past the point of it's usefulness to me.... it just so happens the same senator is in charge of youth!

sooooo.... i am trying to get permission to become an official state foster person for troubled youth in emergency situations. that means not being the "final destination" for these kids, but giving them a safe and structured place to go between the streets and the foster care unit that is found for them long term. (mom, don't freak out, i can handle this) so please pray that it will go through and i will be able to get involved in this way.

kruemels guests, film and cafe news

friday i got home from cafe chance to the request of kruemel for two friends of hers from celle to stay at the house for the weekend. sure, why not? turned out it was two punks, christoph (who i know) and miri. they were unintrusive and brought along toilet paper, so we were glad to host them.

cafe chance is going well. friday we had guests from falkenberg, a therepy center in hessen by kassel. i also had a great conversation with a new guest. saturday was renovations day in the new half-way house that they bought. since they had no one to make food, and i find cooking more fun than weeding, i offered to make the meal. i made a great indian green curry (but germans just don't appreciate spicy..) for 10.

this past week also saw a meeting of the pbs team that i have been working for/with and the senator. he let me know that my newest film proposal has been excepted! so, again for this summer i will be working on a short film that will be broadcast. these aren't the type of films i most like to do, but at least the expenses are covered, allowing me to expand my equipement base.. things i need to make the films i want to make and won't be paid for.