Though remarkably confusing, one fascinating aspect of Germany at this time of year (und perhaps all the time?) is that the evening stays bright for a long time. In this case, for example, a ten o'clock sky here seems more like a late 7 or an early 8 pm.
Germany has shown me a lot to like, and we'll get to those specials in a moment. First, you might enjoy knowing more about what we've been up to recently.
I arrived in Zurich, Switzerland on Friday morning, where I met a KM representative at the airport, along with another couple who came for the BAD trip. As it turned out, they're also from Columbus! They are a sweet couple, a pregnant couple, and a couple determined to learn more about God's work in Europe, even though it meant parting with their 18 month-old for these couple of weeks. They are kind and focused and have servanthood in their hearts; the kind that shows in the small things. We waited with our fantastic KM leader, Allie, for an hombre and muchacha (still have a lot of German vocabulary to learn,) who also planned to attend a KM trip this summer (though theirs had more hopeful title-recognition)
From what I've seen so far, Germany has a significant level of quality in a lot of areas. For example;
Cleanliness, order and organization, helpfulness, and healthfulness. This last one has me really excited. To my delight,the national preference steers immensely clear of artificial-and-added everything. Our group had the immense privilege of staying at the Hotel Raitelberg in Wüstenrot, Germany for Kontaktmission's 'Crash Weekend,' an orientation period that provided much more encouragement than anyone might reasonably expect from its name, and served as an excellent way to start the trip. I almost feel bad writing about it. Almost, if it wasn't for the amazing portrait of God's unexpected and great provision.
The hotel, a Five-star establishment, offered a breakfast, lunch and dinner of the best foods I have ever eaten on so consistent a basis. Typically, the German breakfast consists of bread or a roll (think the best texture and ingredients you have ever eaten)(and apply this to every comestible component mentioned, hereafter,) with cheese and meats to give it fullness. The hotel far exceeded tradition in providing, additionally, the finest tasting cheeses (a sparkling silvery platter of brie's and swisses and everything else you could dream of making your breakfast (yes, breakfast!) complete,) meats, eggs, and vegetables [yeah!], a variety of natural, fresh jams, and even cute packets of Nutella. They especially turned the tide by providing a yogurt bar of sorts with nuts and fresh fruit (including pineapple and kiwi. Daily!) (and even flax and pumpkin seeds!) and offering a wide selection of teas, juices (individual bottles of such as cherry, banana, orange, passionfruit...) hot coffee at every table; not too light, not too dark, not to medium. Absolutely all alright.
How ever could we have deserved to stay here? Not a thing.
The part I can't believe I did not even mention yet; it cost 50 Euro (about $71 US dollars) to sleep, eat, shower and convene there for 3 nights' stay. Unbelievable, except for the generosity of the owner, who happens to come from the same family as the director of KM, Mr. Dieter. To ease missonaries' load, he offers reduced rates for them to have a nice place to stay and relax and refresh. Mealtime blew me away, everytime. What a fantastic reminder of the possible goodness and fullness of life offered us in Christ's gift.
This post could (continue to) go on forever. The past few days have been so well-occupied its been difficult to write as extensively and fully as you all deserve to read and be informed, but hopefully if I divide the following days and occurrences into smaller portions of informational relay, it'll come more easily.
The Crash weekend ended Sunday morning, and we left for a day trip soon after to visit a (distant but still)nearby church. We did not leave, however, without first meeting for lunch -- everyone's last collective event before parting ways. During this time, I had a chance to talk with my main contact, Rob Harris, and one of his fellow workers, Artur about Member Care. What I found was that KM has no Member Care program, and not even a structure. In Europe, 'Member Care' exists as an organization, and offers regular seminars about various important topics in the work and its development throughout Europe. All of KM's leaders have received decent educations in the ways of Member Care through these seminars, but, unfortunately, lack the time so necessary for giving people and their needs the time and attention they call for. Right now, nobody does this full-time with KM. Right now, this is among their biggest needs.
We discussed my own experience and interest, and it came to the understanding that, after a while, experience as learning becomes the extension to formal 'education.' This makes a way for understanding and growth, and brings this understanding into active reality. If I'm interested, "we can start moving that direction." More to come.
After lunch, we were off to visit Steinheim, the Village of the first church on our list. Its been around for 17 years, and has just begun to experience its greatest liveliness yet. The Pastor had been there five years before anyone made a decision to follow Christ. This type of difficulty seems a common occurrence, and must feel so difficult. What has been neat to learn and see evidenced from everyone we've heard from so far is the fruit that comes from faithfulness. Even if nothing seems to 'work,' we can stay faithful. God is glorified in this! From him, I gained two really significant thoughts.
1) "It's not theory they're looking for, it's life."
2) "You will see how everything develops in the work." (About doing what we can to prepare but not knowing what to expect about how life might progress from there.)
Today, Monday, we initiated the first full day of the BAD trip [Very full -- we left at 5:43 am!] with a visit to Neues Leben(New Life) Seminary in Wölmersen, West-Central Germany. There, we learned about the school and its aims, and also had the chance to visit two area-churches. One of this school's distinguishing features is its emphasis on Sports Ministry, and, in fact, may be the only school in (Germany?) to offer a a track for this area of interest. Additionally, we were able to visit nearby SRS, a wide-reaching and widely-recognized sports as missions ministry.
Tomorrow, Cologne.
Pictured; Village of Wüstenrot.
Additional highlights:
Learning German Vokabular.
Consistently HUGE, square pillows at the hotels.
3 pm Coffee and Cake. Everyone does it!
No air conditioning. Cultural preference for window - airflow.
Germans' English often including some use of the word 'quite.' Quite endearing.
Oh yeah! We had free time on Friday afternoon before the program began. After returning from a walk, I was asked whether I'd like to join a group for their visit to 'the Castle.' I remembered wise words from my neighbor Edna to see all that I could see. So I went! Here's what I got to see.
