After getting home and being able to settle in I have realized how much I miss Germany, and how much I picked up from the trip and country! I have learned to put others before myself more than ever before. All of the time spent running to catch trains, keeping an eye on luggage, and helping little kids do something that they don't understand because it's in another language really put life into a whole new perspective.
One of the biggest things that blew my mind and was simply amazing was the thing that we struggled with the most I think- the language barrier. Everyday somebody on our team would say a prayer, and then the pastor of their church would pray a similar prayer in German. Isn't it weird to sit back and think "God understands this all...he understands us plus the tons of other people across the world." I don't think it's necessarily the tongue that he hears, but our hearts. Because our hearts are the only thing he wants to hear.
Everybody asks me the same question "Well, how was it?" All I can tell them is that it was the best two weeks of my life. I have no idea how to explain he kids, the songs, the touring, the friends, the team building, faithwalk strengthening, and the blessing of even being able to go! Everybody has their own experiences, and everybody has their own stories I'm just glad that I was able to share it with these 8 people! I can't wait to have the chance to go next year!
With love and thanks,
Kat
Bitersweet Ending
Saying good-bye to our awesome host families at the train station. :(
Friday, July 23, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wrap up to Mission Deutschland!
Amazing, exciting, HOT, exhausting, "enriching," bittersweet, and blessed! Those are the words that we have come up with to barely describe the adjective-filled time that we've had here.
The Kinderkamp was a huge success! It was amazing to see the children get so into God, the music, and the games/skits. It turns out that they are all pretty much naturals at baseball- a sport that not only they have never played, but most of them had never even heard of! The turn-out was more than expected. An average of 20 kids a day, and then 10 of them showed up for church on Sunday along with their families. None of which belonged to the congregation at all. The look on the Pastor's face was priceless; he was so shocked to see such an awesome turn out!
On a more "football" note, we were able to catch every game in the WM since coming to Germany. It was a big disappointment when Deutschland lost; but we survived and took third place. For lack of better words, the three public viewings that we attended were INSANE. They were like watching the superbowl...but 1000 times more intense! That was a major attribute to our stay here.
We were blessed with wonderful host families. Who else would put up with two girls who: quote Nacho Libre, sing random PBS Kids theme songs, hold host-family's faces, can't reach the shower head, have trouble making it from their bed to the breakfast table, and explain, awkwardly, what poop and wedgies are to our host siblings. They were very welcoming and always ready to provide anything that we needed. It was a God-thing that we all were matched up with the right host-families!
We leave tomorrow morning for the States! We can't wait to see you all and tell you more about our fantastic journey. Auf Wiedersehen!
Love,
Elsa and Kat
p.s. Here's the chorus of a song that we think wraps up the end of this trip pretty well.
Matthew West- The End.
"But it's not the of the world. It's just another day, depending on grace. No it's not the end, the end of the world; it's just another day. So don't sleep it all away."
Isaiah 61.
The Kinderkamp was a huge success! It was amazing to see the children get so into God, the music, and the games/skits. It turns out that they are all pretty much naturals at baseball- a sport that not only they have never played, but most of them had never even heard of! The turn-out was more than expected. An average of 20 kids a day, and then 10 of them showed up for church on Sunday along with their families. None of which belonged to the congregation at all. The look on the Pastor's face was priceless; he was so shocked to see such an awesome turn out!
On a more "football" note, we were able to catch every game in the WM since coming to Germany. It was a big disappointment when Deutschland lost; but we survived and took third place. For lack of better words, the three public viewings that we attended were INSANE. They were like watching the superbowl...but 1000 times more intense! That was a major attribute to our stay here.
We were blessed with wonderful host families. Who else would put up with two girls who: quote Nacho Libre, sing random PBS Kids theme songs, hold host-family's faces, can't reach the shower head, have trouble making it from their bed to the breakfast table, and explain, awkwardly, what poop and wedgies are to our host siblings. They were very welcoming and always ready to provide anything that we needed. It was a God-thing that we all were matched up with the right host-families!
We leave tomorrow morning for the States! We can't wait to see you all and tell you more about our fantastic journey. Auf Wiedersehen!
Love,
Elsa and Kat
p.s. Here's the chorus of a song that we think wraps up the end of this trip pretty well.
Matthew West- The End.
"But it's not the of the world. It's just another day, depending on grace. No it's not the end, the end of the world; it's just another day. So don't sleep it all away."
Isaiah 61.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The day started out early for most of us, but Karina and I got to sleep in. However we still managed to arrive late at the church. Shortly after we arrived, the kids began to come. We had action packed day filled with singing, skits, games, english lessons, and lots of good food!
My favorite part of the day was introducing baseball to the kids. It was really entertaining but memorable to watch the kids throw and catch a ball for the first time ever. Some of the kids were naturals and picked it up right away, however it will take many days for others.
Karina's highlight was breaking the language barrier and personally getting to know the kids. It was really neat to see how God can work without actually using words. Karina and a 7 year-old girl named Celina spent time laughing and enjoying each other while playing hand games.
We ended day one with "coffee and cake", a typical afternoon german tradition. Later in the evening, we had a relaxing walk through Bremen (a larger town about 30 mi. from where we are doing the kinderkamp) and saw a few more cathedrals and small shops, and a wonderful dinner with our German team.
I know God has amazing things planned for us in these next few days and we are so exited to see what it entails! We are all exhausted though, so please pray for sleep and energy!
Love,
Karina & Becca
ps. We apoligize if our english is not very good or does not make a lot of sense, we have only been speaking in short, broken sentences (and its summer).
My favorite part of the day was introducing baseball to the kids. It was really entertaining but memorable to watch the kids throw and catch a ball for the first time ever. Some of the kids were naturals and picked it up right away, however it will take many days for others.
Karina's highlight was breaking the language barrier and personally getting to know the kids. It was really neat to see how God can work without actually using words. Karina and a 7 year-old girl named Celina spent time laughing and enjoying each other while playing hand games.
We ended day one with "coffee and cake", a typical afternoon german tradition. Later in the evening, we had a relaxing walk through Bremen (a larger town about 30 mi. from where we are doing the kinderkamp) and saw a few more cathedrals and small shops, and a wonderful dinner with our German team.
I know God has amazing things planned for us in these next few days and we are so exited to see what it entails! We are all exhausted though, so please pray for sleep and energy!
Love,
Karina & Becca
ps. We apoligize if our english is not very good or does not make a lot of sense, we have only been speaking in short, broken sentences (and its summer).
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Quick update!
Busy days...more details from other team members, and more pictures, coming soon!
Today we gathered with our German team and planned out the rest of the details of Kindercamp. There are lots of teens from the church here helping - so it is a lot of fun for our group. Lots of great plans. And we heard that NONE of the children signed up to come so far are from the church! What an opportunity we have to love on and teach these kids about Jesus...many probably have not much of an idea about Him!
PLEASE pray for wisdom of what to say, how to explain, and how to just show them the Jesus that loves them so much.
Quickly - the young adults int he group (i.e. everyone accept Bob, Rita and Robin) all went to the public viewing of the worldcup game in the town square. It was packed - and didn't end well for Germany. We still love Deutschland and will cheer them on for 3rd place on Saturday! What an experience all this has been.
More coming soon!!!
Today we gathered with our German team and planned out the rest of the details of Kindercamp. There are lots of teens from the church here helping - so it is a lot of fun for our group. Lots of great plans. And we heard that NONE of the children signed up to come so far are from the church! What an opportunity we have to love on and teach these kids about Jesus...many probably have not much of an idea about Him!
PLEASE pray for wisdom of what to say, how to explain, and how to just show them the Jesus that loves them so much.
Quickly - the young adults int he group (i.e. everyone accept Bob, Rita and Robin) all went to the public viewing of the worldcup game in the town square. It was packed - and didn't end well for Germany. We still love Deutschland and will cheer them on for 3rd place on Saturday! What an experience all this has been.
More coming soon!!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Catching Up...
It's been a couple days...a couple of busy, traveling days. We tried to update the blog last night, but were being eaten alive by mosquitos in the lobby of the youth hostel we were staying at in Wittenbeurg. It was crazy! We braved the mosquitos - for a few moments anyway - to go in the street with our spraklers and celebrate America's birthday.
Sunday morning we were able to worship with Trinity Lutheran church in Frankfurt, and lead a children's church. It was so great! We made lots of new friends and connections with people. I believe God is preparing hearts and relationships for ministry in the coming years. So exciting! The team is just that - a team! They were awesome in leading and being examples with the kids.
We traveled to Wittenburg by the ICE (high speed train) and while moving along fast - came to an ubrupt stop (as abrubt as a high speed train can do). Come to find out there was a car who was going very fast, tried to beat the train crossing arm going down, and ended up rolling his car - and landed on the train track! Thank God it was on the other side of the track because we didn't quite get stopped before we got to him. He was able to crawl out of his car before the train came - can you imagine? It's like a movie. We are thankful everyone was ok!
Sunday evening we at at the famous Kartoffelhaus in Wittenburg...yuuummmmy! And Chris went immediately out the door, across the street to his 2nd or 3rd Eis of the day.
Monday (today) we walked around Wittenburg and saw 2 very old, and historic churches, where Martin Luther preached and worked as he was studying scripture and finding out the Truth...beginning the Protestant church. Of course, there was time for shopping and Eis as well.
We then headed for Berlin by train and are staying at a hotel. We are all so excited for the first night in A/C and comfy beds since we arrived...good sleeping tonight!
The team is bonding and growing as we continue studying the whole chapter of Isaiah 61. Check it out!
Tomorrow late afternoon we go to Verden, where the Kindercamp planning begins. Can't WAIT! The team would love to hear comments from our friends back home...encouragement and prayers are very appreciated!
Sunday morning we were able to worship with Trinity Lutheran church in Frankfurt, and lead a children's church. It was so great! We made lots of new friends and connections with people. I believe God is preparing hearts and relationships for ministry in the coming years. So exciting! The team is just that - a team! They were awesome in leading and being examples with the kids.
We traveled to Wittenburg by the ICE (high speed train) and while moving along fast - came to an ubrupt stop (as abrubt as a high speed train can do). Come to find out there was a car who was going very fast, tried to beat the train crossing arm going down, and ended up rolling his car - and landed on the train track! Thank God it was on the other side of the track because we didn't quite get stopped before we got to him. He was able to crawl out of his car before the train came - can you imagine? It's like a movie. We are thankful everyone was ok!
Sunday evening we at at the famous Kartoffelhaus in Wittenburg...yuuummmmy! And Chris went immediately out the door, across the street to his 2nd or 3rd Eis of the day.
Monday (today) we walked around Wittenburg and saw 2 very old, and historic churches, where Martin Luther preached and worked as he was studying scripture and finding out the Truth...beginning the Protestant church. Of course, there was time for shopping and Eis as well.
We then headed for Berlin by train and are staying at a hotel. We are all so excited for the first night in A/C and comfy beds since we arrived...good sleeping tonight!
The team is bonding and growing as we continue studying the whole chapter of Isaiah 61. Check it out!
Tomorrow late afternoon we go to Verden, where the Kindercamp planning begins. Can't WAIT! The team would love to hear comments from our friends back home...encouragement and prayers are very appreciated!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
An amazing day in Frankfurt
So today was one of the weirdest, craziest, and most incredible days of not only this trip, but of my entire life. We got the opportunity to go to a pub in downtown Frankfurt and watch the Germany vs Argentina World Cup soccer game today. This was like nothing else I have ever had the opportunity or privilege to enjoy back in the states, not only does everyone watch the game, but they all get together and view it as a whole throughout the streets of Frankfurt and the rest of Germany. When the first goal was scored in the first 5 minutes of regulation I don't think that I had ever heard such a loud and enthusiastic roar that seemed to go on forever. From that moment forward it was nothing but more cheers and a lot of fun. Alright well I think I have ranted and raved enough about how great today was so until I get the opportunity to post again, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
Peace out, Love,
Cameron
Peace out, Love,
Cameron
WORLD CUP!!!
Chris:
Alright, so today was quite possibly one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life....standing around a pub watching a soccer game with the Germans. What could be better than that? It was a blast seeing everyone react to calls made by the officials, goals,and just the other people around them. I really enjoyed standing around in the heat to watch this exciting game with my church friends and new German friends. Well since this is my first time I might also talk about mine and Cameron's journey to get to the wonderful country of DEUTSCHLAND (Becca this is how you spell it!) Well we started in Phoenix, AZ on Sunday morning at 3:30 a.m. then we got on a flight at 6:45 p.m. Arrived in Columbus, OH at 1:45 the next morning. Then we waited around in the airport until about 4 and went back through security. We got on a plane to Philadelphia, PA at 6:45 a.m. and arrived there at 8 a.m. We rented a room for the afternoon to sleep. Then we got on a plane to Germany at 6:45 p.m. and arrived in Frankfurt at 6:10 a.m. the next morning. So to sum it up, after 36+ hours and only about 5 hours of sleep we made it....it was quite a journey but was well worth it. I am extremely excited to see what the rest of this trip has in store for our group as a whole!
Love everyone,
Gilmore
Alright, so today was quite possibly one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life....standing around a pub watching a soccer game with the Germans. What could be better than that? It was a blast seeing everyone react to calls made by the officials, goals,and just the other people around them. I really enjoyed standing around in the heat to watch this exciting game with my church friends and new German friends. Well since this is my first time I might also talk about mine and Cameron's journey to get to the wonderful country of DEUTSCHLAND (Becca this is how you spell it!) Well we started in Phoenix, AZ on Sunday morning at 3:30 a.m. then we got on a flight at 6:45 p.m. Arrived in Columbus, OH at 1:45 the next morning. Then we waited around in the airport until about 4 and went back through security. We got on a plane to Philadelphia, PA at 6:45 a.m. and arrived there at 8 a.m. We rented a room for the afternoon to sleep. Then we got on a plane to Germany at 6:45 p.m. and arrived in Frankfurt at 6:10 a.m. the next morning. So to sum it up, after 36+ hours and only about 5 hours of sleep we made it....it was quite a journey but was well worth it. I am extremely excited to see what the rest of this trip has in store for our group as a whole!
Love everyone,
Gilmore
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