Wochende in Köln
There is definitely a difference from rural Germany (which is where we live) and urban Germany. Even how they speak German is very different however it was awesome to see the sights. The Dom (Cologne’s huge cathedral) was spectacular and even just hanging out in the park and letting the kids splash in the fountains was very relaxing. A highlight for us was that they have a Mexican restaurant (not something we have found in our area) and so we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
But probably the most memorable time in the weekend was on our way to the restaurant. After we parked our cars and were trying to figure out if we needed to pay for parking (of course, the signs are in German), several men were yelling to us that parking was free as it was after 3 PM on a Saturday. My friend approached them and started conversing with them in his limited German. Our wives and kids went on to the restaurant but he and I stayed just for a few minutes talking with them. On Saturday nights (and from what I could tell, other nights as well), these gentlemen hung out at this coffee shop (owned by a man from Tunisia) and played Rummy (but not for money, they insisted). All of these men were from Algeria (over 30% of Cologne are immigrants). They invited my friend to come hang out with them any time he wanted and he could play cards and work on his German (they all had to learn German when they moved here too). We introduced ourselves and then were going to introduce our families when we realized they had already left and decided we had better get moving ourselves.
We walked away from that experience pumped. Not only were we able to speak with these men in German, but also to be invited to hang out with them is just the opportunity that my friend is looking for in his ministry. Lives are changed when relationships are built and in those relationships, people see God’s Work in our lives as Christians. That doesn’t mean being perfect, it just means that they can see the Hope we have and how that moves us.
Please check out our photo album with all of the pictures from Cologne.
Updated Photo Album
I have just reorganized and updated the Photo Album so be sure to check it out. It includes a photo set of our latest journey which was a two day trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein und Hohenschwangau (where are castles near the German and Austrian border). To get there, we got to go through three countries (Switzerland, Austria, and of course, Germany).
It was interesting as these are “newer” castles that were constructing in the 19th century. You may look at Schloss Neuschwantstein and think it looks familar. Well, if you like Walt Disney World, then you probably can guess that this was the castle that inspired the design of Cinderella’s castle. Unfortunately, the do not allow photos of the inside of the castles (but you could probably find plenty online) but they were both absolutely fabulous. A must see if you come this way.
Oh, if you want to see this latest photo set directly, just click here
Tschuess!!
Into the Black Forest
While at the eDOT Strategic Planning session, I took a short trip into the Black Forest when it snowed – IN APRIL!!!
Fahrt
Some how I got this fixation on the German word “fahrt” which you can find on a lot of signs for. Its the American Youth Worker in me that will never leave. Enjoy!!!
Around Mullheim and Kandern
These are pictures around Mullheim (where the eDOT and Greater Europe Mission headquarters are in Europe) and Kandern (one of the places we may live when we move). There are also some pictures of places in between.
Frankfurt am Main Railroad Station
Here are some pictures I took on my way to the eDOT Strategic Planning sessions.
