Travel (B)log 5

We were sad to leave Corinne, Barry and Brussels the next morning, but excited to travel to our next destination, Liège. There we met Luc, among the toughest looking pastors on our trip (and perhaps all of Europe.) He comes well-suited for the area, as Liège has an incredibly rough exterior of its own, only without the humility, servitude and love Luc’s hosts. From Luc we learned that God has already given us all we need to serve Him; we need only open our eyes and minds to what’s already going on around us, and get involved. “Be a part of something -- what’s happening already?” He also taught us swim trunks are not allowed in Belgium, only Speedos. Swimming did not make the itinerary.

Our arrival to Liège

Luc, on the left

After Liège, we headed for Jena, Germany. Home of Friedrich Schiller University, Jena is a modern and intensely intellectual college town. As such, the Pastor there has to have a modern, intellectual mindset, and loads of mental energy. Rocco is just the one for the job. Originally from California, Rocco now lives in Jena with his family, in walking distance from the University. Not only does he entertain University minds, but he and his whole family also have befriended and serve those at an Iranian refugee camp thirty minutes outside of the city. Every week he drives a large van to pick up a group from the camp to attend church, and afterward to spend the afternoon and early evening in their home. While many in our group stayed with Rocco and his family, my friend Rachel (one of my best friends and fellow student from Johnson, I’m surprised to not have mentioned her earlier!) and I got to stay at a flat with girls from Rocco’s fellowship. They live on the most popular street in Jena, which made for an up-front view of the student culture there. It was great to talk with these girls and see what life is like for students of faith in such a scientifically-minded community. What a contrast in perspective they have to offer! Though it must be a challenge, I’m excited to think of all the opportunity they have to share a different outlook with those around them.

Pleasant morning walk to Church from the flat

At least once a month, the Church holds a picnic in the park. Here's a shot of the most international game of Uno ever played, [complete with challenging German rules!]

Students in Jena gather at the river to socialize, relax and study. And swim! (Without any particular Speedo-exclusive restriction.)