So it was a pretty incredible day today. Blue skies and 75. Everything is in bloom. Green is everywhere and the sun just illuminates the beauty. I had the chance to sit by a creek and just listen to the water flow over the rocks.
This past weekend BFA had their big soccer/track and field event. It takes place in a local city Lörrach. There is a track and soccer field right next to each other. The event starts at 10 am and goes till about 5.30 pm. There is a whole track meet and four soccer games. This year it was a wonderful day. Beautiful blue skies and warm weather. It was nice to root my guys on and see them succeed.
There was a moment towards the end of the day that the track meet was done and the last soccer game was finishing up. I laid down on the grass and my view consisted of the soccer game, a grove of blooming green trees and a castle in the background. It was amazing. God is such an amazing God to give such a wonderful gift of relaxation.
15.4.08
European Cities
This past weekend, while 9 of our guys were away playing soccer games in Belgium, we loaded up 10 guys that wanted to go, in a couple vans and drove to Freiburg, Germany. This is a city about 40 minutes north of us and is something easy to do on a Saturday afternoon. Giving the guys a chance to get out of the dorm and do something completely different is good.
I was walking around Freiburg and realized that I just love walking around European cities. There is such an international flare to them. You never know what language you are going to hear next walking around the corner. German is the main thing you here, but French, Italian, Spanish and many others are just wafting their way through the streets. It is just such a nice happy comforting feeling. I guess that is proof that I have gotten a bit used to this place.
I was walking around Freiburg and realized that I just love walking around European cities. There is such an international flare to them. You never know what language you are going to hear next walking around the corner. German is the main thing you here, but French, Italian, Spanish and many others are just wafting their way through the streets. It is just such a nice happy comforting feeling. I guess that is proof that I have gotten a bit used to this place.
31.3.08
Welcome Back!
The guys are coming back today. After a nice two week break, the dorm is a busy bustling place again. Two months to go till the end of the year. Wow, things go so fast.
25.3.08
Spring break
We are into the second week of spring break here at BFA. All of the missions trips are back and people are resting before school kicks up for the sprint to the finish. It has been a good year so far with many people doing many different things. We here at the dorm have over two thirds of the students involved in sports this spring. We had 12 people go on missions trips.
The seniors are gearing up for the end of their schooling, trying to decide what they are going to do next. They have so many choices and many of those involved, they are considering going to college in a country they don't know. Most of them are US citizens, yet very few have spent even a quarter of their lives in the states.
As usual, living in a dorm that is filled with so many people, change is the most consistent thing. Oh, and by the way, Germany is absolutely beautiful in the snow. Easter was a snowy day here and very enjoyed.
The seniors are gearing up for the end of their schooling, trying to decide what they are going to do next. They have so many choices and many of those involved, they are considering going to college in a country they don't know. Most of them are US citizens, yet very few have spent even a quarter of their lives in the states.
As usual, living in a dorm that is filled with so many people, change is the most consistent thing. Oh, and by the way, Germany is absolutely beautiful in the snow. Easter was a snowy day here and very enjoyed.
17.2.08
Venezia
Recently I had a weekend off and had the privilege of going to Venice. A student in my dorm lives in Venice and I was able to spend a weekend with his family. The was a nice thing to do because I was able to have a long conversation with his family about the ministry that they do. At the same time, I was able to see a wonderful city of Europe.
Venice used to be a very powerful trade city in Europe. Many palaces were built along its Grand Canal. When you see Venice this is very evident, but at the same time something else is very evident. That power is no longer there. Some of these palaces are still very much in use and ornately beautiful. Others are uninhabited and falling apart. They look dirty and broken down on the inside and outside. Only around half of the buildings in Venice are inhabited. It is an interesting combination of extremes.
It is also an interesting representation of the spiritual life of Venice. The family that I stayed with have been there for four years. They are working as church planting and in a like Venice, it is tough. Many people will go to the local Catholic church for the major holidays, but really don't have time for God. The family realizes that it won't be through them that the most effective ministry will be done, but through the local Italians. They are the ones that can relate best to their fellow Venetians. So the ministry is as much sharing the gospel as empowering the local Christians to share.
So please pray for Venice and not just Venice but all the other places that families of these students at BFA serve.
Venice used to be a very powerful trade city in Europe. Many palaces were built along its Grand Canal. When you see Venice this is very evident, but at the same time something else is very evident. That power is no longer there. Some of these palaces are still very much in use and ornately beautiful. Others are uninhabited and falling apart. They look dirty and broken down on the inside and outside. Only around half of the buildings in Venice are inhabited. It is an interesting combination of extremes.It is also an interesting representation of the spiritual life of Venice. The family that I stayed with have been there for four years. They are working as church planting and in a like Venice, it is tough. Many people will go to the local Catholic church for the major holidays, but really don't have time for God. The family realizes that it won't be through them that the most effective ministry will be done, but through the local Italians. They are the ones that can relate best to their fellow Venetians. So the ministry is as much sharing the gospel as empowering the local Christians to share.
So please pray for Venice and not just Venice but all the other places that families of these students at BFA serve.
8.1.08
They're Back!!!
The guys have returned from their wonderful Christmas breaks and are starting up the second half of the year. It was exciting to welcome them back and see them again. After living with many of the same guys for a year and a half, I miss them when they are gone for 3 weeks.
But it is also important for them to spend as much time as possible with their families. Life is busy again and will be crazy and exciting at the same time.
But it is also important for them to spend as much time as possible with their families. Life is busy again and will be crazy and exciting at the same time.
30.12.07
Journey
This is a reflective post that has nothing to do with the band. Sorry all. Recently I have been thinking about the word 'journey.' I think that it is one of my favorite words. It is a word of action. It is a word that describes my life. I am on a journey. I started out being born and physically, mentally and spiritually I am progressing through life. I don't really have a choice about this, but I think that is a neat thing.
No matter what I do, I am either moving forward or backward. Every action or lack of action impacts the life that I am living. There is progress that can be lost or gained and the lost can be made back up. And there are all kinds of little journeys that make up the big journey.
This journey over here in Germany is part of that big journey. It feels like the primary journey right now, but it is just part of life affecting the big journey that I am on as I grow in life, age and hopefully grow in God. That I guess is the whole point of the journey. How I grow in my relationship with the amazing figure of Jesus as God and learning how to glorify the one that sacrificed so much for me.
No matter what I do, I am either moving forward or backward. Every action or lack of action impacts the life that I am living. There is progress that can be lost or gained and the lost can be made back up. And there are all kinds of little journeys that make up the big journey.
This journey over here in Germany is part of that big journey. It feels like the primary journey right now, but it is just part of life affecting the big journey that I am on as I grow in life, age and hopefully grow in God. That I guess is the whole point of the journey. How I grow in my relationship with the amazing figure of Jesus as God and learning how to glorify the one that sacrificed so much for me.
24.12.07
A hard time of the year
Hey everyone,
It is December 24th and I am sitting in beautiful Germany. And it is hard. I don't know why, but this year is harder than last. I miss my family and friends more than last year. It is harder being away. So if you wouldn't mind, just please pray for me.
And I pray that you enjoy the season with family and friends and find a time to sincerely thank God for his incredible gift.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."...Luke 2.12
It is December 24th and I am sitting in beautiful Germany. And it is hard. I don't know why, but this year is harder than last. I miss my family and friends more than last year. It is harder being away. So if you wouldn't mind, just please pray for me.
And I pray that you enjoy the season with family and friends and find a time to sincerely thank God for his incredible gift.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."...Luke 2.12
10.12.07
Schon Weihnachten
What's happening around here? Well over the last week we have been quite busy. With the break coming so soon(this Friday), things are wrapping up. Last Wednesday were all of the parties for the small groups. Gift exchanges, scavenger hunts and many other crazy activities were carried out by small group members.
Thursday was Kandern's Christmas market and BFA offered some entertainment. A mime and all kinds of music were performed by these very talented students.
Friday and Saturday were our first basketball home games of the year. One thing I can say is that although the results weren't necessarily what was hoped for, the guys and gals played hard and were good sports.
Sunday was a very busy day as the Christmas concert was in the afternoon and the dorm Christmas party was in the evening. The students had been practicing for the concert throughout the first semester and it showed as they did an excellent job. It was a short concert at about an hour, but filled with many good sounds and memories including a funny song about the "12 days after Christmas."
Sunday evening we prepared all kinds of wonderful food and sugary type things. We sat down for a wonderful meal and enjoyed eating many different assortments of things. Then we cleaned up and moved on to the gift exchange. Everyone brought a lot of laughter to our living room for the next hour. There were funny gifts and serious ones. In the end, everyone had a wonderful time.
This week brings exams and more exams. The guys start to leave at the end of the week and have expressed that they can't wait to get back and see their families. It will be good for them and a good break for us.
Thursday was Kandern's Christmas market and BFA offered some entertainment. A mime and all kinds of music were performed by these very talented students.
Friday and Saturday were our first basketball home games of the year. One thing I can say is that although the results weren't necessarily what was hoped for, the guys and gals played hard and were good sports.
Sunday was a very busy day as the Christmas concert was in the afternoon and the dorm Christmas party was in the evening. The students had been practicing for the concert throughout the first semester and it showed as they did an excellent job. It was a short concert at about an hour, but filled with many good sounds and memories including a funny song about the "12 days after Christmas."
Sunday evening we prepared all kinds of wonderful food and sugary type things. We sat down for a wonderful meal and enjoyed eating many different assortments of things. Then we cleaned up and moved on to the gift exchange. Everyone brought a lot of laughter to our living room for the next hour. There were funny gifts and serious ones. In the end, everyone had a wonderful time.
This week brings exams and more exams. The guys start to leave at the end of the week and have expressed that they can't wait to get back and see their families. It will be good for them and a good break for us.
26.11.07
Busy Weekend
This past weekend has been quite the eventful weekend. The guys had Friday off so they got a long weekend free which means that we as staff had a very long weekend. I nice surprise was getting 2 hours off on Sunday though. Very nice surprise.
Thursday evening, we as a dorm had Thanksgiving. It happened to actually be on Thanksgiving this year which is unlike BFA. But we had one of our student's parents come and help us. They brought turkey too. So the ladies did wonderful cooking and Jeff and I went to decorating the dining room. We put up all kinds of lights and green garland everywhere and it looks nice and Christmas treey. The dinner was enjoyable and there were plenty of pies for dessert. We got a football game taped and watched it after dinner. Overall a good day.
Saturday night was the Christmas banquet. All of the guys had fun asking the ladies to go to the banquet. And finally the night brought guys with corsages dressed very nicely and waiting for their dates. There was much happiness when everyone arrived and finally sat down for the meal and program. People turned in Christmas wishes over the past few weeks and then on Saturday night probably around 30 of them were granted. Ranging from having a song sung to the wishee or to fuzzy pick slippers. There were also musical acts galore, some serious and others funny. In the end the Christmas court was announced and everyone cheered happily. It was an enjoyable evening and a chance for everyone to do something different.
Those were the two biggest events of the weekend.
Thursday evening, we as a dorm had Thanksgiving. It happened to actually be on Thanksgiving this year which is unlike BFA. But we had one of our student's parents come and help us. They brought turkey too. So the ladies did wonderful cooking and Jeff and I went to decorating the dining room. We put up all kinds of lights and green garland everywhere and it looks nice and Christmas treey. The dinner was enjoyable and there were plenty of pies for dessert. We got a football game taped and watched it after dinner. Overall a good day.
Saturday night was the Christmas banquet. All of the guys had fun asking the ladies to go to the banquet. And finally the night brought guys with corsages dressed very nicely and waiting for their dates. There was much happiness when everyone arrived and finally sat down for the meal and program. People turned in Christmas wishes over the past few weeks and then on Saturday night probably around 30 of them were granted. Ranging from having a song sung to the wishee or to fuzzy pick slippers. There were also musical acts galore, some serious and others funny. In the end the Christmas court was announced and everyone cheered happily. It was an enjoyable evening and a chance for everyone to do something different.
Those were the two biggest events of the weekend.
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