I realize now, reading back on the last post, that I had said quite specifically that I planned on continuing to update the blog... funny how life throws you curves sometimes :)
These past months since I've gotten back have been crazy, a roller-coaster ride of epic proportions... who would've thought that I'd be a youth pastor at 20, and licensed for ministry at 21? In this whirlwind I've grown a lot, although I've found that I'm struggling to find myself and who I am, how do I fit here in Phoenix?
I've thought a lot about this especially in the past few days and weeks as I'm preparing a sermon for the 26th... I'm not the same person who came back from Europe on a spiritual high, and definitely not the same person who left the states on May 10th. But it's not that I've lost that spiritual high, rather, I think it set me up for all these experiences I've had, and the many yet to come.
How?
The sermon I've been preparing is on Matthew 2:13-23, talking about Joseph and Mary's flight to Egypt, entitled "We walk by FAITH" The thing that has always amazed me about the Christmas story is the faithfulness of Joseph, even when all logic is against him, I mean, how did Mary really get pregnant? Why should I leave everything I know and go off to a foreign land with my young bride and newborn son? But he trusts, Joseph has an amazing faith that he holds on to, the Angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream and says get up and go, and he goes.
What I'm getting to is that the road we travel on is never guaranteed, I've hit many bumps since my pilgrimage out west, it hasn't been perfect and I've fallen many times... sometimes it has gotten so bad that I even look back and wonder if it was the right decision. But every time I doubt, even for a second, I look around me and realize how amazing this really is... how everything has just fallen into place, and all of the people that believe in me and support me, regardless of how many times I stumble.
Best of all, I have been blessed in that over the past year and a half or so, as I've struggled with this call to ministry and what it means, I've experienced many "Angels." For me they didn't come in a dream as they did for Joseph, rather it's been in personal experiences, interactions with others both at Hesston College with my peers and professors and in my short ministry with the Jr. High at Hesston Mennonite. There were also many different experiences in my travels abroad, which you can probably read about in the earlier posts of this blog... but the one that has always stuck out the most is my experience in Saverne at the end of my journey.
I have been walking by faith for months now, and it seems that every time I feel like I've got it figured out and am ready to take over, I fall again, and again... It's made me wonder if we're ever fully equipped to not walk by faith, and as I type this out, reading it makes it sound all the more ridiculous; I mean really, who am I to stop trusting in the Lord and take the reigns myself?
Who am I?
Broken? Yes. Fallen? Yes. But walking by faith isn't about looking at our shortcomings and realizing that we just aren't good enough, it's about recognizing how good God is, how blessed we are by those around us, and realizing that life is so much better when we embrace this and TRUST.
So, Who am I?
A child of God. A servant of the Kingdom. And one who has been blessed by many.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Back in the US of A...
Yep, I'm back... it's hard to believe after two months of adventure that I'm sitting in my grandparent's basement, tired as heck (I haven't slept much at all in something like over 50 hours...haha), and looking at a week of re familiarizing myself with this culture before entering the "real world."
I've been asking myself all day whether or not I am ready to be back... it's a tough question, because I have grown so much spiritually and through experiences I've had in the past two months that it seems as if now I must go out and apply them; but at the same time, I could live forever just visiting other cultures, being put in unfamiliar, uncomfortable situations, and having adventures! I don't think I have to want to be back, because it's been like two months on holiday, but I think it's good for me to be back, applying what I've learned and experienced to whatever lies ahead, hopefully making me into a more well-rounded, informed world citizen.
My time in Saverne was absolutely fantastic! My hosts continued to show me the most kind hospitality, the Ostertags have been such a blessings to me, I can't thank them, or any of my hosts for that matter, enough for all their help and well wishes.
Sunday was pretty amazing, even though it was my last day in Saverne, that didn't keep me from making the most of it! I was able to participate in the church service through music, playing drums with the worship band and singing "He is Exalted" in English along with Janine... this was a very moving experience for me, finding ways to enter into worship in such an unfamiliar environment... I caught onto the message with a combination of Michele translating a few of the references and the pastor's fantastic use of visuals on the powerpoint.
In the afternoon the youth group went out for a picnic & hiking, then made our way to Emy's for some pool and sun time! The whole afternoon was a lot of fun, even if I couldn't understand the majority of what was said.... :)
That evening then, we were all invited back to the Ostertags whnere we snacked around, talked, and laughed until it hurt! Dinner was a traditional Alsace meal, a pizza crust with sour cream, onions, ham cubes, and occasionally the strongest cheese from the region... it was fantastic! The entertainment for the night was also good, beginning first with Sarah playing some American cover music including "Halleluiah," one of my favorite songs! As the night went on, a few of us took a stab at "Don't Stop Belevin'" and then we sang some praise music in English, what a fun evening!
Before the night was over, Phillip gave me one of the most moving blessings of my life, one that I will forever remember, living me with both Romans 10 and the 1st Psalm as encouragement on my journey through ministry. I have once again made very good friends here, my family in Christ is growing larger and larger every day, love it!
Well, as my last night in Saverne I had to stay up all night again of course! It was fun, we climbed the Chateau and watched the stars, laughing again until it hurt... then packed up this morning and caught the early train to Paris! It was delayed an hour, so I could've taken the later train, but whatever, I made my flight in time and soon enough was back in Chicago!
I'm planning on more reflections so keep checking in on the site! But I'm dead tired for now, so take care!
Blessings,
John
I've been asking myself all day whether or not I am ready to be back... it's a tough question, because I have grown so much spiritually and through experiences I've had in the past two months that it seems as if now I must go out and apply them; but at the same time, I could live forever just visiting other cultures, being put in unfamiliar, uncomfortable situations, and having adventures! I don't think I have to want to be back, because it's been like two months on holiday, but I think it's good for me to be back, applying what I've learned and experienced to whatever lies ahead, hopefully making me into a more well-rounded, informed world citizen.
My time in Saverne was absolutely fantastic! My hosts continued to show me the most kind hospitality, the Ostertags have been such a blessings to me, I can't thank them, or any of my hosts for that matter, enough for all their help and well wishes.
Sunday was pretty amazing, even though it was my last day in Saverne, that didn't keep me from making the most of it! I was able to participate in the church service through music, playing drums with the worship band and singing "He is Exalted" in English along with Janine... this was a very moving experience for me, finding ways to enter into worship in such an unfamiliar environment... I caught onto the message with a combination of Michele translating a few of the references and the pastor's fantastic use of visuals on the powerpoint.
In the afternoon the youth group went out for a picnic & hiking, then made our way to Emy's for some pool and sun time! The whole afternoon was a lot of fun, even if I couldn't understand the majority of what was said.... :)
That evening then, we were all invited back to the Ostertags whnere we snacked around, talked, and laughed until it hurt! Dinner was a traditional Alsace meal, a pizza crust with sour cream, onions, ham cubes, and occasionally the strongest cheese from the region... it was fantastic! The entertainment for the night was also good, beginning first with Sarah playing some American cover music including "Halleluiah," one of my favorite songs! As the night went on, a few of us took a stab at "Don't Stop Belevin'" and then we sang some praise music in English, what a fun evening!
Before the night was over, Phillip gave me one of the most moving blessings of my life, one that I will forever remember, living me with both Romans 10 and the 1st Psalm as encouragement on my journey through ministry. I have once again made very good friends here, my family in Christ is growing larger and larger every day, love it!
Well, as my last night in Saverne I had to stay up all night again of course! It was fun, we climbed the Chateau and watched the stars, laughing again until it hurt... then packed up this morning and caught the early train to Paris! It was delayed an hour, so I could've taken the later train, but whatever, I made my flight in time and soon enough was back in Chicago!
I'm planning on more reflections so keep checking in on the site! But I'm dead tired for now, so take care!
Blessings,
John
Friday, June 25, 2010
More adventures in travel...
Well, I can't say enough about the fantastic time I had once again in Haarlem, my friends there will be very dearly missed... thanks again especially to Michiel and Rob & Rit for Hosting me this time around, I am blessed with wonderful friends...
Anyhow, after a rather long last night in Haarlem :) I packed up my things and headed to the train station... the first two trains went off without a hitch... aside from a grumpy conductor on the high-speed train between Rotterdam and Paris who charged me 36 euros on top of my eurail pass... idiot. Then I got to Paris to find that the French Rail workers of the SNCF were on strike!!! This meant that trains were still running, but much less often, my train at 2:12 had fallen victim, so I had to make a quick decision: do I take the safe route and wait 2 hours for the later train or have an adventure and blindly hop the next train going in the general direction?
Well if you know me it goes without saying the decision I made :P This high-speed TGV train to Strasbourg was packed! People standing in the isles, in the bar, it was nuts... so, not only did I not have a reservation, but I was on an overcrowded train... usually a recipe for getting my butt kicked off right? Well, my legs and back were tired from carrying the big bag, so I decided what the heck, I'm already illegal, why not see if there is an empty seat in first class? So I went up and sure enough, there was one more, so I rode the quick 2 hr ride in 1st class comfort, free drinks and all! Didn't even get caught... what an adventure...
In Strasbourg it was the same story, so I had to figure out first which trains were actually running, then which was the soonest to take me to Saverne... Finally found a regional train that left in 45 min, so I got on and arrived in Saverne only an hour or so after I had planned... a pretty darned successful adventure if you ask me!
At the station though, nobody was there to meet me because I was late, and I realized that I left Jeremie's cell nu,ber in Haarlem! So I waited around for a bit, then realizing that wasnt doing me any good, so I started problem-solving again... I picked up all my stuff and started walking until I found a business with an open door, a barber shop it turned out. The owner spoke a little english, but betzeen my crappy french and his little english I ,anaged to get a phone book and borrow the phone! Thankfully Jeremie's family are the only Ostertags in Saverne :)
So Jeremie, his sister Sarah, and their friend Barbra picked me up from the station and took me to their house where I met their parents too! They graciously let me take a shower... or maybe they were hoping I would haha... and then we ate dinner. Soon after dinner, Jeremie got an invite to go hang out with some friends, so we drove over to their house and had a fun night! (Evidentially I look like Dawson from Dawson's Creek...lol) Stayed there until late in the night talking, hanging out, and listening to music! Then Jeremie and I went back to the house and slept!
Got to sleep in this morning, and then after breakfast Jeremie and I went over to his Grandma's to pick some fresh cherries! Had lunch outside on the patio, enjoying the beautiful weather, and am now listening to Sarah play guitar as I type... in a bit Jeremie's band is comin over to practice, this is a very musical family, I love it!
Well, I think I am going to head outside and journal for awhile... having a great weekend already!
Blessings to all,
John
Anyhow, after a rather long last night in Haarlem :) I packed up my things and headed to the train station... the first two trains went off without a hitch... aside from a grumpy conductor on the high-speed train between Rotterdam and Paris who charged me 36 euros on top of my eurail pass... idiot. Then I got to Paris to find that the French Rail workers of the SNCF were on strike!!! This meant that trains were still running, but much less often, my train at 2:12 had fallen victim, so I had to make a quick decision: do I take the safe route and wait 2 hours for the later train or have an adventure and blindly hop the next train going in the general direction?
Well if you know me it goes without saying the decision I made :P This high-speed TGV train to Strasbourg was packed! People standing in the isles, in the bar, it was nuts... so, not only did I not have a reservation, but I was on an overcrowded train... usually a recipe for getting my butt kicked off right? Well, my legs and back were tired from carrying the big bag, so I decided what the heck, I'm already illegal, why not see if there is an empty seat in first class? So I went up and sure enough, there was one more, so I rode the quick 2 hr ride in 1st class comfort, free drinks and all! Didn't even get caught... what an adventure...
In Strasbourg it was the same story, so I had to figure out first which trains were actually running, then which was the soonest to take me to Saverne... Finally found a regional train that left in 45 min, so I got on and arrived in Saverne only an hour or so after I had planned... a pretty darned successful adventure if you ask me!
At the station though, nobody was there to meet me because I was late, and I realized that I left Jeremie's cell nu,ber in Haarlem! So I waited around for a bit, then realizing that wasnt doing me any good, so I started problem-solving again... I picked up all my stuff and started walking until I found a business with an open door, a barber shop it turned out. The owner spoke a little english, but betzeen my crappy french and his little english I ,anaged to get a phone book and borrow the phone! Thankfully Jeremie's family are the only Ostertags in Saverne :)
So Jeremie, his sister Sarah, and their friend Barbra picked me up from the station and took me to their house where I met their parents too! They graciously let me take a shower... or maybe they were hoping I would haha... and then we ate dinner. Soon after dinner, Jeremie got an invite to go hang out with some friends, so we drove over to their house and had a fun night! (Evidentially I look like Dawson from Dawson's Creek...lol) Stayed there until late in the night talking, hanging out, and listening to music! Then Jeremie and I went back to the house and slept!
Got to sleep in this morning, and then after breakfast Jeremie and I went over to his Grandma's to pick some fresh cherries! Had lunch outside on the patio, enjoying the beautiful weather, and am now listening to Sarah play guitar as I type... in a bit Jeremie's band is comin over to practice, this is a very musical family, I love it!
Well, I think I am going to head outside and journal for awhile... having a great weekend already!
Blessings to all,
John
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Having a great time in Haarlem!
Well, I made it to Haarlem and am glad to be here!
Was welcomed by Michiel and Noah last night and stayed with them, he's a great guy and a fantastic father as well! We had a lot of fun getting caught up and sharing stories...
Today I stopped by Rop and Rit's, my hosts while the choir was here on tour, and suprised them! I ended up staying most of the day and because Michiel is gone tonight they insisted that I stay here for the night too... fantastic people, I am so blessed to be here!
Tonight around 7 I went over to meet Ken and his friend Ryan at the Van Galan household to go to an organ concert at the city church. Was there a little early so it was fun sitting and talking with all of them, meeting up with more old friends, and Michiel showed up too! Klass, Sjoard, and Imke were very welcoming, already hosting two guests and still welcoming me in their home for the evening...
The concert was great, the organ itself was a magnificent instrument, ask Ken more about it, my description will do it no justice. It was good to hang out with Ken again too, forgot how much I missed him!
After the concert we picked up Klass and went for ice cream! Had a great time then back at the house watching the final minutes of the match and just having a good time! Now back at Rop and Rit's, getting ready for bed!
The bottom line is, I am so glad to be back in Haarlem... have definitely made some lasting relationships here, and already not looking forward to leaving. I have made so many new friends on the whole trip, it makes me feel so blessed to have my world be so much bigger...
Anyways, no more time on the computer, gotta talk to Rop more before bed! :)
Blessings,
John
Was welcomed by Michiel and Noah last night and stayed with them, he's a great guy and a fantastic father as well! We had a lot of fun getting caught up and sharing stories...
Today I stopped by Rop and Rit's, my hosts while the choir was here on tour, and suprised them! I ended up staying most of the day and because Michiel is gone tonight they insisted that I stay here for the night too... fantastic people, I am so blessed to be here!
Tonight around 7 I went over to meet Ken and his friend Ryan at the Van Galan household to go to an organ concert at the city church. Was there a little early so it was fun sitting and talking with all of them, meeting up with more old friends, and Michiel showed up too! Klass, Sjoard, and Imke were very welcoming, already hosting two guests and still welcoming me in their home for the evening...
The concert was great, the organ itself was a magnificent instrument, ask Ken more about it, my description will do it no justice. It was good to hang out with Ken again too, forgot how much I missed him!
After the concert we picked up Klass and went for ice cream! Had a great time then back at the house watching the final minutes of the match and just having a good time! Now back at Rop and Rit's, getting ready for bed!
The bottom line is, I am so glad to be back in Haarlem... have definitely made some lasting relationships here, and already not looking forward to leaving. I have made so many new friends on the whole trip, it makes me feel so blessed to have my world be so much bigger...
Anyways, no more time on the computer, gotta talk to Rop more before bed! :)
Blessings,
John
Saturday, June 19, 2010
...
so, still read my last post, it's got more info, but just had to say that soon after I posted the last one and journaled for a bit, I went upstairs to take a nap... didn't realize how tired I really was and ended up waking up around 6... 13 hours! I have honestly never done that before! I felt really bad, wanted to hang out with the family last night, but I guess I'll have to make up for it today!
Heike just woke up and let me know that we are going to church, kinda forgot it was sunday... :) So I am going to go up and get changed!
Blessings,
John
Heike just woke up and let me know that we are going to church, kinda forgot it was sunday... :) So I am going to go up and get changed!
Blessings,
John
Finally Relaxing...
So, I told you how the trip started in Vijayawada right? Well it never really got better from there! (Sorry if this doesnt make sense or read very nicely... I haven't really slept much in the last 48 hours...)
First of all, we walked out of the nap and shower lounge in Hyderabad and noticed right away that our flight was delayed 3 hours... no good for our 2 hour layover in Dubai... Well, the 3 hour layover turned into 6 hours, and before it was over turned into 7 hours... our 4:20am flight not taking off until 11:30!
The first flight, once we were on it, was pretty uneventful... but once we landed we switched once again back into go mode and sought out the best possible solution to our prediciment... just our luck, we were able to get through the line at the counter in time to get 2 of the last 3 seats on the last flight to Paris for the day, which left about 45 min later... so we booked it through the little security checkpoint and walked briskly (its just impolite to run, pushing people over as you go... thats onlý reserved for those really close calls...haha) to our gate. Got there just in time!
The 7 hour flight (wow, 7 seems to be popping up a lot on this trip... 7 hr taxi ride, 7 hr delay, 7 hr flight... seems as if although it seemed like a journey from hell it was pretty blessed... 777... and both flights were on Boeing 777´s! wow, eerie...) was an interesting one. I thought I was going to luck out and have the people on either side of me not show up, but they did, and it turned out to be a mother and two kids, the third seat was in the row in front of us, so not only did I give up my middle seat to them, but I moved rows too! Then, I was supposed to have the window seat, but the guy supposed to be sitting in the middle looked up and said, my knee is hurting me, I cant sit in the middle... grr, but I bit my lip and sat down between two grown men... the only positive out of this situation was that the flight attendant watched it all go down and gave me pretty good treatment after that!
I did have an interesting conversation with the Iraqi-French gentleman sitting next to me... he was born in Iraq and served in the military during the battle against Kuwait before heading to France to study... now he is a professor there and was returning from Iraq where he was visiting his family. Had an interesting conversation about the conflict in Iraq, as well as how important communication is between people of different cultures, countries, and religions. It was a very good discussion!
Got to the airport in Paris around 8:40... 7hrs (imagine that) later than planned, so Matt and I both missed our connections. My rail pass wasn't refundable or transferable, so I had to pay for another reservation, and I just hung out in the station all night until catching the metro into the city at 5:30 in the morning... I'm pretty sure they chose the music in the waiting room (and the volume it was played at) to discourage people from spending large amounts of time there; it was American music, and from what I heard, right out of the charts of VH1's most awesomely bad songs ever... made me miss home, a lot, or not....
So anyways, after a long, boring, uncomfortable, and unrestful time at the station, I hopped on the RER (45 min) at 5:30am to Gare du Nord (Paris north Station) and then walked in the rain, which was actually a refreshing time for me, to Gare de L' Est (Paris East Station) where I would catch my 7:04 ICE (German operated, they tag team the route with the French TGV line) train to Mannheim.
Once again I really enjoyed my rail experience, especially with French and German trains, seem to be at a higher standard. Got into Mannheim around 10:15, and then caught a regional train at 10:44 to Alsheim, which was really just a platform with an automated kiosk. Arrived there at 11:36 and walked into town to use the payphone, which didnt give me change by the way...grr... And Heike came to pick me up in time for lunch!
Already my time here with the Detweillers has been fantastic! A very relaxing atmosphere, they live on a combination farm, ranch, and winery, all of the brothers specialize in one of those so it works out I guess! Lunch was great, roast pork, potatoes, and spargel (white asparagus)! Then I've toured the grounds, the buildings, and been able to relax and check email! Looking forward to a relaxing evening here, it'll be a good place to process thoughts of India.
Well, I think Lucas wants the computer, so I'm off for now! Thanks for the prayers, looking forward to seeing friends in Haarlem soon!
Blessings,
John
First of all, we walked out of the nap and shower lounge in Hyderabad and noticed right away that our flight was delayed 3 hours... no good for our 2 hour layover in Dubai... Well, the 3 hour layover turned into 6 hours, and before it was over turned into 7 hours... our 4:20am flight not taking off until 11:30!
The first flight, once we were on it, was pretty uneventful... but once we landed we switched once again back into go mode and sought out the best possible solution to our prediciment... just our luck, we were able to get through the line at the counter in time to get 2 of the last 3 seats on the last flight to Paris for the day, which left about 45 min later... so we booked it through the little security checkpoint and walked briskly (its just impolite to run, pushing people over as you go... thats onlý reserved for those really close calls...haha) to our gate. Got there just in time!
The 7 hour flight (wow, 7 seems to be popping up a lot on this trip... 7 hr taxi ride, 7 hr delay, 7 hr flight... seems as if although it seemed like a journey from hell it was pretty blessed... 777... and both flights were on Boeing 777´s! wow, eerie...) was an interesting one. I thought I was going to luck out and have the people on either side of me not show up, but they did, and it turned out to be a mother and two kids, the third seat was in the row in front of us, so not only did I give up my middle seat to them, but I moved rows too! Then, I was supposed to have the window seat, but the guy supposed to be sitting in the middle looked up and said, my knee is hurting me, I cant sit in the middle... grr, but I bit my lip and sat down between two grown men... the only positive out of this situation was that the flight attendant watched it all go down and gave me pretty good treatment after that!
I did have an interesting conversation with the Iraqi-French gentleman sitting next to me... he was born in Iraq and served in the military during the battle against Kuwait before heading to France to study... now he is a professor there and was returning from Iraq where he was visiting his family. Had an interesting conversation about the conflict in Iraq, as well as how important communication is between people of different cultures, countries, and religions. It was a very good discussion!
Got to the airport in Paris around 8:40... 7hrs (imagine that) later than planned, so Matt and I both missed our connections. My rail pass wasn't refundable or transferable, so I had to pay for another reservation, and I just hung out in the station all night until catching the metro into the city at 5:30 in the morning... I'm pretty sure they chose the music in the waiting room (and the volume it was played at) to discourage people from spending large amounts of time there; it was American music, and from what I heard, right out of the charts of VH1's most awesomely bad songs ever... made me miss home, a lot, or not....
So anyways, after a long, boring, uncomfortable, and unrestful time at the station, I hopped on the RER (45 min) at 5:30am to Gare du Nord (Paris north Station) and then walked in the rain, which was actually a refreshing time for me, to Gare de L' Est (Paris East Station) where I would catch my 7:04 ICE (German operated, they tag team the route with the French TGV line) train to Mannheim.
Once again I really enjoyed my rail experience, especially with French and German trains, seem to be at a higher standard. Got into Mannheim around 10:15, and then caught a regional train at 10:44 to Alsheim, which was really just a platform with an automated kiosk. Arrived there at 11:36 and walked into town to use the payphone, which didnt give me change by the way...grr... And Heike came to pick me up in time for lunch!
Already my time here with the Detweillers has been fantastic! A very relaxing atmosphere, they live on a combination farm, ranch, and winery, all of the brothers specialize in one of those so it works out I guess! Lunch was great, roast pork, potatoes, and spargel (white asparagus)! Then I've toured the grounds, the buildings, and been able to relax and check email! Looking forward to a relaxing evening here, it'll be a good place to process thoughts of India.
Well, I think Lucas wants the computer, so I'm off for now! Thanks for the prayers, looking forward to seeing friends in Haarlem soon!
Blessings,
John
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A hassle of a travel day... already...
So, fun story to start things off... I'll work backwards today:
After leaving Chiluvuru around 1pm to get to the airport in Vijayawada on time for departure to Hyderabad... We arrived at the Vijayada airport right around 2, to find that it consisted of a couple of concrete buildings and a lone security guard standing outside with an AK-47. Walked in to find the place dark and dreary without much of anything really, including airlines... Kingfisher was the only one flying out of there, and they looked suprised to see me, bad sign.
Go up to the counter and they all look at me like I must be lost, asking me what they can help me with... another bad sign. When I told them I was there to check in for my flight, they all looked at each other as if to say, "who's gonna tell him?" Finally one guy said that the flight was cancelled 3 days ago due to operational issues, haven't flown that route since then and didn't anticipate to until next week... again, bad sign. So, I decided rather than blow up because they didn't let me know, I would just calmly ask, "Ok, now we've identified the problem, let's find a solution." They took it rather well! :)
Matt and I ended up getting a full refund on our tickets and the airline called a driver to pick us up at the airport and take us directly to the Hyderabad airport... more expensive than the bus, but simpler, and half the price of a plane ticket! But soon Matt and I were really wishing that the flight hadn't been cancelled, because it was 7 hours in the back seat of a TATA Indica, look it up, pretty small car...
The road we were on reminded us a lot of US 50 between Newton and Emporia, at least, it was a two lane highway... really though, it was completely different: no center line most of the time, no paved shoulders, construction the entire way (yes, no exageration...), fewer traffic restrictions, less respect for any traffic restrictions, and bumper to bumper traffic most of the way. I also have never been three wide on US 50, let alone four wide :) Also, everything from semis, busses, farm trucks, tracters, and ox carts, to cars, minivans, SUV's, and motorcycles... mix in a few free range waterbuffalo and that describes our company!
Needless to say, we were both glad when we finally pulled into the airport a little after 10... then it took us a bit to find the nap and shower center I was looking for, but sure glad we did! I totally recommend it, good prices and good food!
Back to Chiluvuru, it was very sad leaving this morning... had another great day yesterday visiting old friends, the ladies that used to be on staff, Yakabu, my dad's very good friend, and more time with Srinu and Moni. This morning I talked more with Koti and some of the other staff at the clinic, it was good! I leave the village with much left unsaid, much left undone, and a longing to go back...
It was also interesting to reflect back on my trip and realize that my time in Chiluvuru was the longest I'll be in one place for the entire trip! 4 nights... seemed way too short. At the same time though, while I feel like I could've, and maybe should've in some cases, spent more time in places, I don't know what I would've sacrificed to do so... I feel blessed and was glad I got the chance to go everywhere I've been, and will continue tomorrow!
Well, it's about ten after midnight here, and my flight leaves in 4 hours so it's probably time to begin thinking about a shower, food, and heading upstairs to check-in... Lord-willing the rest of my travels go as planned :) Will fly to Dubai and then onto Paris where I'll have to do some metro hopping to get to the right train station, then catch the high speed TGV line to Mannheim, Germany! Looking forward to meeting the Detweillers and spending the weekend with them.
Thanks for the support and prayers! I'm sure it definitely helped in getting us here to the airport in one piece :)
Blessings,
John
After leaving Chiluvuru around 1pm to get to the airport in Vijayawada on time for departure to Hyderabad... We arrived at the Vijayada airport right around 2, to find that it consisted of a couple of concrete buildings and a lone security guard standing outside with an AK-47. Walked in to find the place dark and dreary without much of anything really, including airlines... Kingfisher was the only one flying out of there, and they looked suprised to see me, bad sign.
Go up to the counter and they all look at me like I must be lost, asking me what they can help me with... another bad sign. When I told them I was there to check in for my flight, they all looked at each other as if to say, "who's gonna tell him?" Finally one guy said that the flight was cancelled 3 days ago due to operational issues, haven't flown that route since then and didn't anticipate to until next week... again, bad sign. So, I decided rather than blow up because they didn't let me know, I would just calmly ask, "Ok, now we've identified the problem, let's find a solution." They took it rather well! :)
Matt and I ended up getting a full refund on our tickets and the airline called a driver to pick us up at the airport and take us directly to the Hyderabad airport... more expensive than the bus, but simpler, and half the price of a plane ticket! But soon Matt and I were really wishing that the flight hadn't been cancelled, because it was 7 hours in the back seat of a TATA Indica, look it up, pretty small car...
The road we were on reminded us a lot of US 50 between Newton and Emporia, at least, it was a two lane highway... really though, it was completely different: no center line most of the time, no paved shoulders, construction the entire way (yes, no exageration...), fewer traffic restrictions, less respect for any traffic restrictions, and bumper to bumper traffic most of the way. I also have never been three wide on US 50, let alone four wide :) Also, everything from semis, busses, farm trucks, tracters, and ox carts, to cars, minivans, SUV's, and motorcycles... mix in a few free range waterbuffalo and that describes our company!
Needless to say, we were both glad when we finally pulled into the airport a little after 10... then it took us a bit to find the nap and shower center I was looking for, but sure glad we did! I totally recommend it, good prices and good food!
Back to Chiluvuru, it was very sad leaving this morning... had another great day yesterday visiting old friends, the ladies that used to be on staff, Yakabu, my dad's very good friend, and more time with Srinu and Moni. This morning I talked more with Koti and some of the other staff at the clinic, it was good! I leave the village with much left unsaid, much left undone, and a longing to go back...
It was also interesting to reflect back on my trip and realize that my time in Chiluvuru was the longest I'll be in one place for the entire trip! 4 nights... seemed way too short. At the same time though, while I feel like I could've, and maybe should've in some cases, spent more time in places, I don't know what I would've sacrificed to do so... I feel blessed and was glad I got the chance to go everywhere I've been, and will continue tomorrow!
Well, it's about ten after midnight here, and my flight leaves in 4 hours so it's probably time to begin thinking about a shower, food, and heading upstairs to check-in... Lord-willing the rest of my travels go as planned :) Will fly to Dubai and then onto Paris where I'll have to do some metro hopping to get to the right train station, then catch the high speed TGV line to Mannheim, Germany! Looking forward to meeting the Detweillers and spending the weekend with them.
Thanks for the support and prayers! I'm sure it definitely helped in getting us here to the airport in one piece :)
Blessings,
John
Monday, June 14, 2010
Quick from Vijayawada!
Today we have taken a quick trip to Vijayawada for a bit of shopping and to check email quick so Matt and I can make return travel arrangements.
I have been having a fantastic time in Chiluvuru, it has definitely been encouraging in that old relationships have been rekindled and new ones have begun. I have dearly missed this village, it's people, the clinic, and it's staff... their hearts are big and full of love for others, it is very encouraging. There really aren't words to describe how I feel about coming back, but as I've felt before, it is definitely a home-coming, a piece of my heart will always be here.
I will not go into detail about all the people I've visited and interactions I've had, but I would like to say that we got to the village in time on Sunday to join the church in worship that evening... it was a fantastic worship experience for me, just being among such fervent worshipers... they sang without reserve, prayed aloud as if no one was around, and GopauRau (sp) delivered a passionate message, which we frantically followed by reading the passages as Revethi translated the references to us...
Amama has been feeding us well, probably too well... I haven't eaten this much in a long time... Going to need to diet when I get back... But the food is amazing! Another example of being spoiled with fantastic food...
This morning we visited one of the clinic's doctors who had a hip replacement last night, he is doing well and is hoping to be back at work in three weeks time. We have also stopped in Vijayawada to check internet quick and do a bit of shopping for spices to take home!
Well, don't want to keep Nagesh waiting, so I should probably be going... just wanted to let you know everything is going great in Chiluvuru, it's good to be back, and I'll be sad to leave on Thursday.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
John
I have been having a fantastic time in Chiluvuru, it has definitely been encouraging in that old relationships have been rekindled and new ones have begun. I have dearly missed this village, it's people, the clinic, and it's staff... their hearts are big and full of love for others, it is very encouraging. There really aren't words to describe how I feel about coming back, but as I've felt before, it is definitely a home-coming, a piece of my heart will always be here.
I will not go into detail about all the people I've visited and interactions I've had, but I would like to say that we got to the village in time on Sunday to join the church in worship that evening... it was a fantastic worship experience for me, just being among such fervent worshipers... they sang without reserve, prayed aloud as if no one was around, and GopauRau (sp) delivered a passionate message, which we frantically followed by reading the passages as Revethi translated the references to us...
Amama has been feeding us well, probably too well... I haven't eaten this much in a long time... Going to need to diet when I get back... But the food is amazing! Another example of being spoiled with fantastic food...
This morning we visited one of the clinic's doctors who had a hip replacement last night, he is doing well and is hoping to be back at work in three weeks time. We have also stopped in Vijayawada to check internet quick and do a bit of shopping for spices to take home!
Well, don't want to keep Nagesh waiting, so I should probably be going... just wanted to let you know everything is going great in Chiluvuru, it's good to be back, and I'll be sad to leave on Thursday.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
John
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A great time in Hyderabad!
This morning, for the first time in forever, Matt and I finally got the chance to sleep past 5:30! It was amazing! I woke up a little earlier than he, so I went down and had some breakfast, the highlight for me of course being the tea (chai) and coffee! I forget if I said this yesterday or not, but one thing is for sure, and that is that I am getting so spoiled on this trip with all the fantastic Indian food I get to eat!
We had a fantastic day with Padma today, a nephew of Doc's, who showed us around many of the city's historical sites and took us a few places to shop! We started out the morning with looking at the Buddah On The Water, which I found out actually spent close to 2 years submerged in the lake after it fell over during transport... also, it's the largest sculpture of one solid piece of rock! Pretty darned impressive if you ask me...
The next stop was the Burla Temple, which is set high up on a hill above the city giving it a great view as well as giving the city a view of its pristine white walls and spires... boy was the cement hot though! Here not only did Padma take us through, but he explained in more detail the basics of the Hindu belief, very interesting indeed.
Then we headed to Golkanda Fort, built about 600 years ago by the ruling Muslim Sultan of the time... he explained a few points of interest there, the easiest to explain being the echo chamber communication system and the water reservoir system... Also, this Muslim Sultan married a Hindu queen, so he had a temple built at the center of the fort for her to worship in... I thought that was something; while hindus and muslims were fighting it out in the north, this Sultan took a Hindu for his Queen, amazing... but the view from the fort was very impressive as well, also being at one of the highest points in the city, so we could see almost everything, including the old fort walls (which have since been disregarded and development has extended inside the historical site...).
Lunch was amazing... simply consisting of butter naan and a butter chicken curry, it really hit the spot! And wasn't too much either, to weigh us down in the hot sun and thick, humid air... but as we were leaving it was raining outside! Felt amazing! We then headed to CharManar (I probably butchered this spelling...), an old center of commerce for Hyderabad, built by a Sultan in honor of a lost love. The structure at the center, CharManar, was the most impressive, acting as somewhat of a gate, a centerpiece, call it what you may... but in any case we climbed it! Not as high as the temple or the fort, but it was a good view of the surrounding area nonetheless...
We finished the afternoon with a bit of shopping... for family and for ourselves as well! Matt and I each purchased a couple of more traditional Indian shirts, and we look good in them! :)
After saying goodbye to Padma, we spent the evening relaxing back at Rau's with his family... drank tea, played cards, called home (I think mom especially appreciated that!), and watched some World Cup action! It was a good night, time to relax and pack before our early train departure for Tenali, where Nagesh Babu and Kotisu will be meeting us. We once again feel as if we're leaving too early, but we have enjoyed our time here! Also very much looking forward to spending time in Chiluvuru... it's been 5 years, it'll be good to go back.
Well, Matt and I are going to watch some more of the England-USA game, but it's getting late, and the Americans aren't looking too good at the moment, so we may call it a night soon enough... but the Argentina game was great!
Pray for safe travels on the train tomorrow! We probably won't have internet access in the village, so you may not hear from me until Hyderabad on Thursday, but we may be making a trip to Vijayawada on Tuesday!
Blessings,
John
We had a fantastic day with Padma today, a nephew of Doc's, who showed us around many of the city's historical sites and took us a few places to shop! We started out the morning with looking at the Buddah On The Water, which I found out actually spent close to 2 years submerged in the lake after it fell over during transport... also, it's the largest sculpture of one solid piece of rock! Pretty darned impressive if you ask me...
The next stop was the Burla Temple, which is set high up on a hill above the city giving it a great view as well as giving the city a view of its pristine white walls and spires... boy was the cement hot though! Here not only did Padma take us through, but he explained in more detail the basics of the Hindu belief, very interesting indeed.
Then we headed to Golkanda Fort, built about 600 years ago by the ruling Muslim Sultan of the time... he explained a few points of interest there, the easiest to explain being the echo chamber communication system and the water reservoir system... Also, this Muslim Sultan married a Hindu queen, so he had a temple built at the center of the fort for her to worship in... I thought that was something; while hindus and muslims were fighting it out in the north, this Sultan took a Hindu for his Queen, amazing... but the view from the fort was very impressive as well, also being at one of the highest points in the city, so we could see almost everything, including the old fort walls (which have since been disregarded and development has extended inside the historical site...).
Lunch was amazing... simply consisting of butter naan and a butter chicken curry, it really hit the spot! And wasn't too much either, to weigh us down in the hot sun and thick, humid air... but as we were leaving it was raining outside! Felt amazing! We then headed to CharManar (I probably butchered this spelling...), an old center of commerce for Hyderabad, built by a Sultan in honor of a lost love. The structure at the center, CharManar, was the most impressive, acting as somewhat of a gate, a centerpiece, call it what you may... but in any case we climbed it! Not as high as the temple or the fort, but it was a good view of the surrounding area nonetheless...
We finished the afternoon with a bit of shopping... for family and for ourselves as well! Matt and I each purchased a couple of more traditional Indian shirts, and we look good in them! :)
After saying goodbye to Padma, we spent the evening relaxing back at Rau's with his family... drank tea, played cards, called home (I think mom especially appreciated that!), and watched some World Cup action! It was a good night, time to relax and pack before our early train departure for Tenali, where Nagesh Babu and Kotisu will be meeting us. We once again feel as if we're leaving too early, but we have enjoyed our time here! Also very much looking forward to spending time in Chiluvuru... it's been 5 years, it'll be good to go back.
Well, Matt and I are going to watch some more of the England-USA game, but it's getting late, and the Americans aren't looking too good at the moment, so we may call it a night soon enough... but the Argentina game was great!
Pray for safe travels on the train tomorrow! We probably won't have internet access in the village, so you may not hear from me until Hyderabad on Thursday, but we may be making a trip to Vijayawada on Tuesday!
Blessings,
John
Friday, June 11, 2010
Already having fun in Hyderabad!!!
As I'm writing this, Matt and I are playing with Rau's granddaughter Kaavya, who is visiting him from Baltimore along with her mother and brother... We're having fun! She's beating us in cards, but as older brothers with little sisters, we know that there's something fishy going on :) But it's a good time! We've been welcomed here with open arms, and have enjoyed the warm hospitality!
This morning was our earliest yet, getting up at 5am to shower, pack, check-out, eat a quick breakfast, and catch our taxi to the airport! We got there about two hours ahead of time right about 2 hours ahead of time, which turned out to be a little sooner than we needed too... because although the Indian security was different than we were used to, we got through in about half an hour, check-in included! So we took our time, picked up some coffee (passing up KFC, Piza Hut, and McDonalds... ugh) and sat down in front of a tv that was showing the Lakers-Celtics game! Live!!! :)
The kingfisher flight was very impressive, not only was the airplane nearly brand new, but the service was also fantastic! It was only a 2 hr flight Delhi to Hyderabad, but they still served us breakfast! (which if you've been counting was breakfast number three already...)
The Hyderabad airport is very nice! A great improvement from the last one! We did have to catch a bus into the city though, that was kind of the pitts, but it was worth it... When we got to the Keys High School stop, Rau was there waiting for us! He took us directly to a resturant, not that we needed to eat any more haha, but in any case, we did!
Along with my Thumbs Up (FINALLY!!!) we had a traditional dish from the Hyderabad area, Biryani, it was fantastic! I am going to learn how to make it! Then we went back to the house to rest before taking a visit to Sister Theresa Marie at the Tender Loving Care Home...
This was a very meaningful experience for me... talking to her, she was very glad to hear about meghana, and very excited that I remembered to bring pictures of the whole family! She is a proud mother, has scrapbooks of all the children that have gone through the orphanage. But keep her and the children in her prayers, because although she celebrated getting many children out to Indian and European homes, with 28 children living at the orphanage, 17 are matched with parents and have been waiting for years to go the the United States, waiting on the government to give them the ok... it is very sad, but she is working hard at it!
I've been thinking a lot about home lately... mostly because it took me by surprise how much at home I felt coming back to India... it was definitely a sort of homecoming... I thought back on the phrase "home is where the heart is..." and I realized that one thing I've been blessed with is many homes... not only is my heart in Hesston, but with those I love in northern Indiana, India, and now in places like the Netherlands and Germany too... So many places, and I think I genuinely feel at home everywhere...
Then as I was doing my devotions, I was thinking about how that applies to my spiritual life... if my heart is with the word of God in Christ Jesus, than is it enough to say that my heart is there? I don't think so... It must show in my actions... but how? How do I do that as I, with a full stomach and plenty of Rupees in my pocket, ignore the tiny hands tapping at the window while stopped in city traffic? It's a hard subject to think about, a whole lot for a 16 hr day... I guess more on this later.
Tomorrow Padma, Doc's nephew, will be picking us up and showing us around Hyderabad! Looking forward to it... would appreciate the prayers!
Goodnight all, it's way past my bedtime :)
Blessings,
John
This morning was our earliest yet, getting up at 5am to shower, pack, check-out, eat a quick breakfast, and catch our taxi to the airport! We got there about two hours ahead of time right about 2 hours ahead of time, which turned out to be a little sooner than we needed too... because although the Indian security was different than we were used to, we got through in about half an hour, check-in included! So we took our time, picked up some coffee (passing up KFC, Piza Hut, and McDonalds... ugh) and sat down in front of a tv that was showing the Lakers-Celtics game! Live!!! :)
The kingfisher flight was very impressive, not only was the airplane nearly brand new, but the service was also fantastic! It was only a 2 hr flight Delhi to Hyderabad, but they still served us breakfast! (which if you've been counting was breakfast number three already...)
The Hyderabad airport is very nice! A great improvement from the last one! We did have to catch a bus into the city though, that was kind of the pitts, but it was worth it... When we got to the Keys High School stop, Rau was there waiting for us! He took us directly to a resturant, not that we needed to eat any more haha, but in any case, we did!
Along with my Thumbs Up (FINALLY!!!) we had a traditional dish from the Hyderabad area, Biryani, it was fantastic! I am going to learn how to make it! Then we went back to the house to rest before taking a visit to Sister Theresa Marie at the Tender Loving Care Home...
This was a very meaningful experience for me... talking to her, she was very glad to hear about meghana, and very excited that I remembered to bring pictures of the whole family! She is a proud mother, has scrapbooks of all the children that have gone through the orphanage. But keep her and the children in her prayers, because although she celebrated getting many children out to Indian and European homes, with 28 children living at the orphanage, 17 are matched with parents and have been waiting for years to go the the United States, waiting on the government to give them the ok... it is very sad, but she is working hard at it!
I've been thinking a lot about home lately... mostly because it took me by surprise how much at home I felt coming back to India... it was definitely a sort of homecoming... I thought back on the phrase "home is where the heart is..." and I realized that one thing I've been blessed with is many homes... not only is my heart in Hesston, but with those I love in northern Indiana, India, and now in places like the Netherlands and Germany too... So many places, and I think I genuinely feel at home everywhere...
Then as I was doing my devotions, I was thinking about how that applies to my spiritual life... if my heart is with the word of God in Christ Jesus, than is it enough to say that my heart is there? I don't think so... It must show in my actions... but how? How do I do that as I, with a full stomach and plenty of Rupees in my pocket, ignore the tiny hands tapping at the window while stopped in city traffic? It's a hard subject to think about, a whole lot for a 16 hr day... I guess more on this later.
Tomorrow Padma, Doc's nephew, will be picking us up and showing us around Hyderabad! Looking forward to it... would appreciate the prayers!
Goodnight all, it's way past my bedtime :)
Blessings,
John
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Last post from Delhi!
Good evening from New Delhi!
This morning was an early one... woke up around 5:30 for a fantastic shower, and then ate breakfast before leaving at 6:30 for Agra! Jet Lag hasn't been too much of a problem for me... I've been using the "just stay up until local time to go to bed" method :), which may mean little to no sleep one or two nights, but then it's a quick turn-around!
But in any case, the 3 1/2 to 4 hour car ride wasn't half bad! Our driver was a pretty nice guy, and he does a lot of work for the hotel doing this same route to the Taj Mahal so he stopped a few different places along the way for us to take pictures. Matt slept a lot of the way, but I just sat and took in my surroundings... I really did miss India, although there are parts of it that are still just as hard to swallow as they were before...
The Taj Mahal was fantastic! Take my word for it, the textbook and postcard pictures do it no justice... it is a magnificent structure! Every bit of it, down to the gates, courtyard, gardens, and even inlays/carvings in the marble are in perfect symmetry... the king even had a building built opposite the Mosque on the left to keep the symmetry! The only thing out of balance is the King's tomb... as he was meant to be buried in a second mosoleum across the river (black marble, smaller, in the shadow of his wife's), but he is now buried at her left side, out of symmetry.... kills my OCD...
We then ate lunch at a sister hotel to the Ajanta, a little more expensive than we were hoping but very good all in the same! And Matt got his milkshake! After lunch and before heading back our driver took us to a small factory where they use traditional handcrafting methods to make marble everything... and I mean everything! It was amazing to watch them carve, cut, and inlay... it's a beautiful process in it's simplest form... hard to believe that that much work was put into the Taj! Also, these workers are direct descendents to workers from the Taj... pretty sweet.
The ride home was a little longer, our driver picked up his brother from work on the way... and judging by how he dropped him off a block away from the hotel, don't think he was supposed too :) But yeah, as for the driving, it was a lot crazier than the airport ride yesterday, more like what I was expecting, but we didn't hit anyone or get hit by anyone! We did have a lot of close calls though... what would India driving be without a couple of those anyways? Never have gotten in even a fender-bender though, or seen one happen... I guess for the mom's I should probably shut-up now huh? :) We're safe, I promise!
Getting back to the hotel, we were pooped, so we chilled in the air-conditioned room for awhile before heading down to supper... I am going to miss indian food, that's one thing for sure... 3 meals a day is spoiling me! Now it's internet time, then packing time, and then bed! Wish we had some more time in Delhi, actually, more time in India as a whole would be great... but we've been saying that about everywhere we've gone! I guess that's good to want more, we're not over-staying at least... maybe next time I should take 6 months instead of 2... or maybe a year! :P
Hmm... a Thumbs Up sounds great right now... still haven't had one yet, the hotels don't carry them... maybe I'll peek around the corner of the street here for a bit and try my luck!
Take care all, we're alive and well, having a blast!
Blesings,
John
This morning was an early one... woke up around 5:30 for a fantastic shower, and then ate breakfast before leaving at 6:30 for Agra! Jet Lag hasn't been too much of a problem for me... I've been using the "just stay up until local time to go to bed" method :), which may mean little to no sleep one or two nights, but then it's a quick turn-around!
But in any case, the 3 1/2 to 4 hour car ride wasn't half bad! Our driver was a pretty nice guy, and he does a lot of work for the hotel doing this same route to the Taj Mahal so he stopped a few different places along the way for us to take pictures. Matt slept a lot of the way, but I just sat and took in my surroundings... I really did miss India, although there are parts of it that are still just as hard to swallow as they were before...
The Taj Mahal was fantastic! Take my word for it, the textbook and postcard pictures do it no justice... it is a magnificent structure! Every bit of it, down to the gates, courtyard, gardens, and even inlays/carvings in the marble are in perfect symmetry... the king even had a building built opposite the Mosque on the left to keep the symmetry! The only thing out of balance is the King's tomb... as he was meant to be buried in a second mosoleum across the river (black marble, smaller, in the shadow of his wife's), but he is now buried at her left side, out of symmetry.... kills my OCD...
We then ate lunch at a sister hotel to the Ajanta, a little more expensive than we were hoping but very good all in the same! And Matt got his milkshake! After lunch and before heading back our driver took us to a small factory where they use traditional handcrafting methods to make marble everything... and I mean everything! It was amazing to watch them carve, cut, and inlay... it's a beautiful process in it's simplest form... hard to believe that that much work was put into the Taj! Also, these workers are direct descendents to workers from the Taj... pretty sweet.
The ride home was a little longer, our driver picked up his brother from work on the way... and judging by how he dropped him off a block away from the hotel, don't think he was supposed too :) But yeah, as for the driving, it was a lot crazier than the airport ride yesterday, more like what I was expecting, but we didn't hit anyone or get hit by anyone! We did have a lot of close calls though... what would India driving be without a couple of those anyways? Never have gotten in even a fender-bender though, or seen one happen... I guess for the mom's I should probably shut-up now huh? :) We're safe, I promise!
Getting back to the hotel, we were pooped, so we chilled in the air-conditioned room for awhile before heading down to supper... I am going to miss indian food, that's one thing for sure... 3 meals a day is spoiling me! Now it's internet time, then packing time, and then bed! Wish we had some more time in Delhi, actually, more time in India as a whole would be great... but we've been saying that about everywhere we've gone! I guess that's good to want more, we're not over-staying at least... maybe next time I should take 6 months instead of 2... or maybe a year! :P
Hmm... a Thumbs Up sounds great right now... still haven't had one yet, the hotels don't carry them... maybe I'll peek around the corner of the street here for a bit and try my luck!
Take care all, we're alive and well, having a blast!
Blesings,
John
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Arrived in Delhi!!!
After a couple of long flights and a 4 hr layover in Dubai we've arrived in Delhi! A driver came and picked us up from the airport and brought us here to the Ajunta Hotel, and luckily they have a great internet cafe right downstairs!
Flights were pretty simple... no big stories... oh, except that I got bumped between Dubai and Delhi, into business class!!! It was great! Kind of a suprise and I felt a little out of place sitting there in my kahki shorts and Holland Jersey, but it was alright :)
This evening Matt and I set out on a quest for an ATM, but to no avail... the only one close to our location is currently out of comission... just our luck! We should be able to find one tomorrow though...
The driver I had all lined up for us never returned my confirmation email, so I sent him another email telling him to not worry about coming and set something up with the driver here at the hotel... it should work out better this way anyhow; same price, same deal, but now we can just use our debit cards to pay and add it to the hotel bill rather than handing out a wad of cash...
Then we grabbed some food from the side of the road, a couple of street vendors that made us a couple of plates of pretty good curry! ..just kidding, not that stupid :) Don't want to have to end the trip early! We ended up just eating at the hotel resturant, pretty descent! Hope that sets a good tone for the tour tomorrow, a little nervous about how that's all going to work but it's all about being flexible right?
Keep us in your prayers as we traverse the crazy streets of India! :)
Bessings
John
Flights were pretty simple... no big stories... oh, except that I got bumped between Dubai and Delhi, into business class!!! It was great! Kind of a suprise and I felt a little out of place sitting there in my kahki shorts and Holland Jersey, but it was alright :)
This evening Matt and I set out on a quest for an ATM, but to no avail... the only one close to our location is currently out of comission... just our luck! We should be able to find one tomorrow though...
The driver I had all lined up for us never returned my confirmation email, so I sent him another email telling him to not worry about coming and set something up with the driver here at the hotel... it should work out better this way anyhow; same price, same deal, but now we can just use our debit cards to pay and add it to the hotel bill rather than handing out a wad of cash...
Then we grabbed some food from the side of the road, a couple of street vendors that made us a couple of plates of pretty good curry! ..just kidding, not that stupid :) Don't want to have to end the trip early! We ended up just eating at the hotel resturant, pretty descent! Hope that sets a good tone for the tour tomorrow, a little nervous about how that's all going to work but it's all about being flexible right?
Keep us in your prayers as we traverse the crazy streets of India! :)
Bessings
John
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Last afternoon in Paris!
Found a little cyber cafe to check a few details about the trip, so thought I'd let you know that we made it through the night! :)
Yesterday's trip to the Normandy Memorial was fantastic... while we didn't get any further than Caen, see the beaches, or the cemeteries, the Memorial Museum is absolutely a must-see, but devote at least 4-5 hours for it... not only is there Normandy information but everything from build-up to the war and then all the way up through the cold war era to the bringing down of the Berlin Wall... Absolutely fantastic! Also an interesting exhibit on the world environmental issues and media... very well done.
This morning we lazily left the Hostel and made our way to the Notre Dame Cathedral, always an amazing stop! It was gorgeous, and of course Matt had to take a funny Quasi Modo picture haha...
Then it was off to the Catacombs, a very eerie place indeed... look up pictures on the web or something because it's hard to explain... 20 meters under ground level, below the metro and water lines, are these catacombs... and throughout history they became graves... over 5,000 people are down there... eerie indeed...
Now I've got to reserve my train ticket east for when I get back from India, then it's off to the hostel to pick up our things and we're on our way to the airport to catch a plane! Have had a fantastic time in Paris as always, just sad to leave with so much more we could do... but looking forward to India!
Blessings,
John
Yesterday's trip to the Normandy Memorial was fantastic... while we didn't get any further than Caen, see the beaches, or the cemeteries, the Memorial Museum is absolutely a must-see, but devote at least 4-5 hours for it... not only is there Normandy information but everything from build-up to the war and then all the way up through the cold war era to the bringing down of the Berlin Wall... Absolutely fantastic! Also an interesting exhibit on the world environmental issues and media... very well done.
This morning we lazily left the Hostel and made our way to the Notre Dame Cathedral, always an amazing stop! It was gorgeous, and of course Matt had to take a funny Quasi Modo picture haha...
Then it was off to the Catacombs, a very eerie place indeed... look up pictures on the web or something because it's hard to explain... 20 meters under ground level, below the metro and water lines, are these catacombs... and throughout history they became graves... over 5,000 people are down there... eerie indeed...
Now I've got to reserve my train ticket east for when I get back from India, then it's off to the hostel to pick up our things and we're on our way to the airport to catch a plane! Have had a fantastic time in Paris as always, just sad to leave with so much more we could do... but looking forward to India!
Blessings,
John
Monday, June 7, 2010
Bonjour from Caen, France!
First of all... this keyboard is set up very strangely so forgive any typos I miss!!!
I think the last you all heard from me I was still in Rome... well, before we left on Friday we went to the Vatican, a fantastic experience! I think the highlight was climbing the Coupla, or the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica... What a view!
Our train ride to Paris was interesting... we'll call it a new experience :) We shared a very small and uncomfortable 2nd class couchette with 4 other grown men; an Austrailian (the only other who spoke any English), a man from Moracco, and two Indian-Italians... the trip began getting interesting as soon as one person in our car couldn't produce a passport to the conductor and then tried to pay him off... yeah, interesting... then to top it off, the train was 2 hrs late into Paris! So, we dragged our tired selves through the metro and walked to the Hostel hoping for a shower, only to find that we couldn't get to our rooms until 4!!! So to kill the next 4 hours, we dropped our bags off in storage and took advantage of the Free Admission Day at the Louvre... a great time!
Returning to the hostel around 4, we promptly took some very refreshing showers and headed back out to the Eiffle Tower to meet our guide for the Segway tour! That was a lot of fun too... neither Matt or I had ever ridden on the new Segways before, it was an absolutely georgous evening, and we met a couple of Kenyan girls who grew up in Michigan of all places! So after the tour was over, the four of us went to the Latin Quarter for some Indian food and ice cream! It was a great night...
Then we woke up this morning and caught the train to Caen, where we were hoping to find some cheaper alternatives to a guided tour to go see the Normandy beaches... at the moment it's looking pretty bleak but we'll at least see the Memorial and have another story of adventure! Can't say we didn't try!
Decided to stop here at this internet cafe because it's cheap and was suprisingly convinient... something we can't say about Paris! Our hostel wants I think a euro for 5 or 10 minutes! Oh well, this just means you probably won't hear from me again until India!
Speaking of which, we're getting really excited for it, leave tomorrow evening after some more sightseeing in Paris, arriving in Delhi Wednesday afternoon local time!
Keep us in your prayers, we're alive, safe, and having a blast!
Blessings,
John
I think the last you all heard from me I was still in Rome... well, before we left on Friday we went to the Vatican, a fantastic experience! I think the highlight was climbing the Coupla, or the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica... What a view!
Our train ride to Paris was interesting... we'll call it a new experience :) We shared a very small and uncomfortable 2nd class couchette with 4 other grown men; an Austrailian (the only other who spoke any English), a man from Moracco, and two Indian-Italians... the trip began getting interesting as soon as one person in our car couldn't produce a passport to the conductor and then tried to pay him off... yeah, interesting... then to top it off, the train was 2 hrs late into Paris! So, we dragged our tired selves through the metro and walked to the Hostel hoping for a shower, only to find that we couldn't get to our rooms until 4!!! So to kill the next 4 hours, we dropped our bags off in storage and took advantage of the Free Admission Day at the Louvre... a great time!
Returning to the hostel around 4, we promptly took some very refreshing showers and headed back out to the Eiffle Tower to meet our guide for the Segway tour! That was a lot of fun too... neither Matt or I had ever ridden on the new Segways before, it was an absolutely georgous evening, and we met a couple of Kenyan girls who grew up in Michigan of all places! So after the tour was over, the four of us went to the Latin Quarter for some Indian food and ice cream! It was a great night...
Then we woke up this morning and caught the train to Caen, where we were hoping to find some cheaper alternatives to a guided tour to go see the Normandy beaches... at the moment it's looking pretty bleak but we'll at least see the Memorial and have another story of adventure! Can't say we didn't try!
Decided to stop here at this internet cafe because it's cheap and was suprisingly convinient... something we can't say about Paris! Our hostel wants I think a euro for 5 or 10 minutes! Oh well, this just means you probably won't hear from me again until India!
Speaking of which, we're getting really excited for it, leave tomorrow evening after some more sightseeing in Paris, arriving in Delhi Wednesday afternoon local time!
Keep us in your prayers, we're alive, safe, and having a blast!
Blessings,
John
Friday, June 4, 2010
A very quick one from Rome...
Sorry, I know I keep saying these will be short and they never are, but this one will have to be!
In Rome tonight, got in in time to walk around the city this afternoon, saw many of the old ruins including the Colosseum! Ate some pizza at the recommendation of a new acquaintance and then hung out outside the hostel on the patio all evening, talking to many new faces! Met people from all over the world, Austrailia, Canada, India, Europe, The States, Brazil, Mexico... you name it, it was a lot of fun!
The past few days in Spello were amazing for both Matt and I... it was so nice to be able to just relax... it is a feeling neither of us have felt for a very long time, complete and total relaxation! We made our own food... primarily Matt for dinner (he makes a killer pasta!) and me for breakfast, it was fun and we had a couple of learning experiences!!! But we ate on a great budget, sat on the rooftop of the nunnery (felt like on top of the world), and watched the sunset over Assisi in the distance, it was wonderful! I would be glad to give anyone the information for the place we stayed, it was fantastic!
It was to bad though that it rained a lot of the time (providing an interesting environment for our clothes to attempt to dry haha), but this also kept us from being able to visit Assisi as well as participate in the flower festival preparations!
Before I log off, do keep Matt and his family in your prayers, we just heard some sad news today after being away from the internet for a few days...
But we're trucking on, after a tour of the Vatican tomorrow, we're catching the 6:20 overnight train to Paris... a 15 hour ride that will get us there around 9am... ugh... hope to post again while in Paris, and before we know it we'll be in India!
This post doesn't do the past few days justice, we've had a great time thus far! Many stories to tell upon my return, please ask away!
Blessings, and thank you for the prayers,
John
In Rome tonight, got in in time to walk around the city this afternoon, saw many of the old ruins including the Colosseum! Ate some pizza at the recommendation of a new acquaintance and then hung out outside the hostel on the patio all evening, talking to many new faces! Met people from all over the world, Austrailia, Canada, India, Europe, The States, Brazil, Mexico... you name it, it was a lot of fun!
The past few days in Spello were amazing for both Matt and I... it was so nice to be able to just relax... it is a feeling neither of us have felt for a very long time, complete and total relaxation! We made our own food... primarily Matt for dinner (he makes a killer pasta!) and me for breakfast, it was fun and we had a couple of learning experiences!!! But we ate on a great budget, sat on the rooftop of the nunnery (felt like on top of the world), and watched the sunset over Assisi in the distance, it was wonderful! I would be glad to give anyone the information for the place we stayed, it was fantastic!
It was to bad though that it rained a lot of the time (providing an interesting environment for our clothes to attempt to dry haha), but this also kept us from being able to visit Assisi as well as participate in the flower festival preparations!
Before I log off, do keep Matt and his family in your prayers, we just heard some sad news today after being away from the internet for a few days...
But we're trucking on, after a tour of the Vatican tomorrow, we're catching the 6:20 overnight train to Paris... a 15 hour ride that will get us there around 9am... ugh... hope to post again while in Paris, and before we know it we'll be in India!
This post doesn't do the past few days justice, we've had a great time thus far! Many stories to tell upon my return, please ask away!
Blessings, and thank you for the prayers,
John
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Another quick one!
Got another free 15 min voucher today since Matt and I are technically re-booking haha, love saving money!
Anyways, this morning we said goodbye to the rest of the group and then began our 18 day journey! Matt had to send some stuff via post so that was our first stop, then it was off to the train station where we caught the train to Pisa...
There really isn't anything to Pisa aside from the tower haha, but it was fun! We took a few pictures and then bought some sandwiches and were on our way... when we got to the train station however, we learned our first lesson of european train travel: make sure you're reading the departure board and not the arrival!!! haha, it was funny, we got there, realized that the train left in a minute so we ran to the track, boarded, and thought we made it when the conductor asked us where we were going... when we told him Lucca, he laughed and pointed to the next track. As we sprinted down and under the platform and up the next, we watched the train pull away! But it was alright, they ran every half hour, it's nice not being on a tight schedule!
Anyways, we got to Lucca and it was wonderful! A beautiful medival city, surrounded by the old city wall... really, another one of those places where words can't describe.. we walked around, saw a few of the piazza's, visited the Duomo, and then walked around the city on the wall, getting to the station with time to spare to catch our train... oh, and did I mention Gelato in the famous circular Piazza in the middle of the town? Another great thing about Italy... Matt and I decided we need to come back!
On the train ride home, listening to Wailin' Jenney's and Nickel Creek, I got to thinking, that this is absolutely the most relaxed I've been as far back as I can remember... no schedules to meet, to deadlines to be ware of, no one to answer too, and with my Eurail pass I can go virtually anywhere I want! I can just sit and enjoy my time without thinking about anything, it's wonderful...
Anyways, we got back into Florence and then checked back into the hostel... then Cheryl, who I met a few nights ago, from Southern California, invited me to a free photography class at the university where she's taking her Tuscan cooking classes! So matt and I cleaned up, ate, and are heading to that in a bit...
It's been exciting and relaxing, a fantastic day! But we are sad to leave our friends... in any case, take care!
Blessings,
John
Anyways, this morning we said goodbye to the rest of the group and then began our 18 day journey! Matt had to send some stuff via post so that was our first stop, then it was off to the train station where we caught the train to Pisa...
There really isn't anything to Pisa aside from the tower haha, but it was fun! We took a few pictures and then bought some sandwiches and were on our way... when we got to the train station however, we learned our first lesson of european train travel: make sure you're reading the departure board and not the arrival!!! haha, it was funny, we got there, realized that the train left in a minute so we ran to the track, boarded, and thought we made it when the conductor asked us where we were going... when we told him Lucca, he laughed and pointed to the next track. As we sprinted down and under the platform and up the next, we watched the train pull away! But it was alright, they ran every half hour, it's nice not being on a tight schedule!
Anyways, we got to Lucca and it was wonderful! A beautiful medival city, surrounded by the old city wall... really, another one of those places where words can't describe.. we walked around, saw a few of the piazza's, visited the Duomo, and then walked around the city on the wall, getting to the station with time to spare to catch our train... oh, and did I mention Gelato in the famous circular Piazza in the middle of the town? Another great thing about Italy... Matt and I decided we need to come back!
On the train ride home, listening to Wailin' Jenney's and Nickel Creek, I got to thinking, that this is absolutely the most relaxed I've been as far back as I can remember... no schedules to meet, to deadlines to be ware of, no one to answer too, and with my Eurail pass I can go virtually anywhere I want! I can just sit and enjoy my time without thinking about anything, it's wonderful...
Anyways, we got back into Florence and then checked back into the hostel... then Cheryl, who I met a few nights ago, from Southern California, invited me to a free photography class at the university where she's taking her Tuscan cooking classes! So matt and I cleaned up, ate, and are heading to that in a bit...
It's been exciting and relaxing, a fantastic day! But we are sad to leave our friends... in any case, take care!
Blessings,
John
Monday, May 31, 2010
A quick post tonight from Florence...
Today was great! Took a day trip to Siena, saw some beautiful sights! Lots to tell, but as I've said before, no words or pictures scan describe the cathedrals, towers, and winding streets... loving Tuscany!
We got back into Florence late in the afternoon, so Matt and I, accompanied by Adam, Rudy, and Alex, headed to the train station to check the train schedule for tomorrow. We got some souvenirs, some food, and then headed back to the hostel to get ready to head out in the morning.
Ended up that most of us were back up on the rooftop, it was a fantastic night! We sat around and talked, shared memories, told jokes, and listened to Travis tell a fantastic story! It was a great time, we're going to miss each other! Lots of great memories have been made these past few weeks, we've all gotten really close... It's going to be sad tomorrow when Matt and I depart from everyone, but it'll be exciting at the same time!
In any case, we say farewell to the group in the morning as we head to Pisa and Lucca for the day... Wishing them all safe travels on Tuesday and Wednesday!
Blessings,
John
We got back into Florence late in the afternoon, so Matt and I, accompanied by Adam, Rudy, and Alex, headed to the train station to check the train schedule for tomorrow. We got some souvenirs, some food, and then headed back to the hostel to get ready to head out in the morning.
Ended up that most of us were back up on the rooftop, it was a fantastic night! We sat around and talked, shared memories, told jokes, and listened to Travis tell a fantastic story! It was a great time, we're going to miss each other! Lots of great memories have been made these past few weeks, we've all gotten really close... It's going to be sad tomorrow when Matt and I depart from everyone, but it'll be exciting at the same time!
In any case, we say farewell to the group in the morning as we head to Pisa and Lucca for the day... Wishing them all safe travels on Tuesday and Wednesday!
Blessings,
John
Sunday, May 30, 2010
A late night in Florence, Italy
Well, it seems as if I've reached the point in my journey where the internet becomes much less accessible than it has been while with the Choir... and I also have to pay for it :) So I apologize for the lack of updates the past few days, but I'm sure you all understand that blogging isn't necessarily my top priority while backpacking through Europe :)
Wow, a lot has happened since Wengen! On thursday we headed to Langnau, where we performed at the oldest continuous mennonite church in the world! We were very well received as they have hosted Hesston Choirs many times in the past. Once again I ate way too much food and then we performed what would be our final concert as a group, and for the sophomores, our final concert as Hesston students... It was mixed emotions, very sad, yet at the same time, I'm ready for the next stage in life, a new adventure... We'll see what the future holds before I get too caught up in the past..
Thursday night was also my last home stay as a Hesston student... and it was great! Rudy and I stayed out in the Swiss countryside on an old farmstead atop a hill, it was beautiful! Our hosts, Christof and Lydie, had each spent time in North America through MCC's work exchange program (our equivalent is InterMeno), so we had lots to talk about! Then we got up early to take a tour of the farm and see the small operation they had, direct delivery to the cheese factory!
Then we headed off to Italy! Milan was our first stop, with not a whole lot going on the first night, but Saturday morning we loaded the bus and then took a walking tour of the city, the biggest highlight for me being the Duomo, or Cathedral, which was constructed over a period of more than 500 years, beginning in the 15th Century... it was magnificent!
Later saturday evening we headed out to Florence, in the Tuscan region! The drive was beautiful, entering into the rolling hills, glad no one's showing signs of motion sickness! :) That night, after some free time, we saw the opera La Bohem (Rent is based off of this work) at an Anglican Church... it was a very intimate setting, but their voices were beautiful!
Wow, I guess that was just last night... anyhow, we got up this morning at a pretty leisurely pace, it was nice for a change! We saw Michelangelo's David, the Duomo here in Florence, and the Santa Croce church, the final resting place of persons such as Leonardo DaVinci, Dante Alegrehtti, Machiavelli, Marconi, and even Galileo Galilee! Another fantastic day trip... We then had a lot of free time, some of which was spent browsing the vendors (the endless amount of vendors!), and then many of us headed back to the Hostel, stopping for Gelatto of course...
Back at the Hostel before dinner some took naps, others played cards, caught up on journaling, swam, or played pool... it was relaxing after a day in the sun! After dinner, we all somehow found our way up to the rooftop of the Hostel (Disclaimer: there's a rooftop cafe, we weren't breaking any rules, this time haha)... after taking a bunch of funny pictures, somehow we started to sing a few songs, and then it turned into us performing for ourselves the music we have prepared and performed over the past 8 weeks... it was sung with the most emotion and was probably the most moving time of singing we have shared thus far... These are the memories we will keep forever... singing for ourselves at twilight, at what seemed like the top of Italy... it was beautiful...
Well, the other day Matt and I bought our train tickets... mine was a 4 country 10 day travel pass... and it just hit me, WOW, I STILL HAVE A MONTH LEFT AND I WILL BE IN SIX COUNTRIES COUNTING MY TIME IN INDIA!!! It's just weird... but the flipside for matt and I is that the day is nearing where we have to say goodbye to our friends. We've really had a fantastic time together... there have been no fights, no real drama, and we're all getting along and bonding together! I think that everyone would say the same, it has been a fantastic group to be with.
But in any case... it's past 2:30am here, and I've got a full day tomorrow, so I'd best join my roomates in getting some sleep!
Blessings,
John
Wow, a lot has happened since Wengen! On thursday we headed to Langnau, where we performed at the oldest continuous mennonite church in the world! We were very well received as they have hosted Hesston Choirs many times in the past. Once again I ate way too much food and then we performed what would be our final concert as a group, and for the sophomores, our final concert as Hesston students... It was mixed emotions, very sad, yet at the same time, I'm ready for the next stage in life, a new adventure... We'll see what the future holds before I get too caught up in the past..
Thursday night was also my last home stay as a Hesston student... and it was great! Rudy and I stayed out in the Swiss countryside on an old farmstead atop a hill, it was beautiful! Our hosts, Christof and Lydie, had each spent time in North America through MCC's work exchange program (our equivalent is InterMeno), so we had lots to talk about! Then we got up early to take a tour of the farm and see the small operation they had, direct delivery to the cheese factory!
Then we headed off to Italy! Milan was our first stop, with not a whole lot going on the first night, but Saturday morning we loaded the bus and then took a walking tour of the city, the biggest highlight for me being the Duomo, or Cathedral, which was constructed over a period of more than 500 years, beginning in the 15th Century... it was magnificent!
Later saturday evening we headed out to Florence, in the Tuscan region! The drive was beautiful, entering into the rolling hills, glad no one's showing signs of motion sickness! :) That night, after some free time, we saw the opera La Bohem (Rent is based off of this work) at an Anglican Church... it was a very intimate setting, but their voices were beautiful!
Wow, I guess that was just last night... anyhow, we got up this morning at a pretty leisurely pace, it was nice for a change! We saw Michelangelo's David, the Duomo here in Florence, and the Santa Croce church, the final resting place of persons such as Leonardo DaVinci, Dante Alegrehtti, Machiavelli, Marconi, and even Galileo Galilee! Another fantastic day trip... We then had a lot of free time, some of which was spent browsing the vendors (the endless amount of vendors!), and then many of us headed back to the Hostel, stopping for Gelatto of course...
Back at the Hostel before dinner some took naps, others played cards, caught up on journaling, swam, or played pool... it was relaxing after a day in the sun! After dinner, we all somehow found our way up to the rooftop of the Hostel (Disclaimer: there's a rooftop cafe, we weren't breaking any rules, this time haha)... after taking a bunch of funny pictures, somehow we started to sing a few songs, and then it turned into us performing for ourselves the music we have prepared and performed over the past 8 weeks... it was sung with the most emotion and was probably the most moving time of singing we have shared thus far... These are the memories we will keep forever... singing for ourselves at twilight, at what seemed like the top of Italy... it was beautiful...
Well, the other day Matt and I bought our train tickets... mine was a 4 country 10 day travel pass... and it just hit me, WOW, I STILL HAVE A MONTH LEFT AND I WILL BE IN SIX COUNTRIES COUNTING MY TIME IN INDIA!!! It's just weird... but the flipside for matt and I is that the day is nearing where we have to say goodbye to our friends. We've really had a fantastic time together... there have been no fights, no real drama, and we're all getting along and bonding together! I think that everyone would say the same, it has been a fantastic group to be with.
But in any case... it's past 2:30am here, and I've got a full day tomorrow, so I'd best join my roomates in getting some sleep!
Blessings,
John
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A quick post from Wengen!!!
Well, internet ain't cheap here in the Alps, so unfortunately this will have to be short, but I'll try to squeeze in the details!
Monday's time in Zurich was very meaningful on so many levels... visiting the Anabaptist history sites such as the site of Felix Manz's drowning, the well near the believed location of the first baptisms by George Blourach (sp), Conrad Grehbil, and Felix Manz, and even the monument to Ulrich Zwingli, who's strong message of the Word inspired the three Anabaptist leaders to move forward.
Following our time in Zurich (also including time at the Grossmunster, another highlight of mine!), we checked into our hotel to take a quick break, and then went out into the country to visit an old Anabaptist secret worship space. We hiked up a bit back into the hills and found the cave tucked in behind a waterfall... here we all joined in a communion service led by Ken, including song and prayer... it was the most moving experience on tour for me yet, and I think the same for many others as well... Wish I had time to say more, but it was a very spiritual day for me.
Then Tuesday morning we departed for the Alps! Our bus took us as far as Interlochen, and then we caught a cog train up the mountain to the town of Wengen, it is beautiful! Some took off right away on long hikes, while most of us chilled around town and the hotel for the afternoon... But after dinner, Matt, Anna, and I went out for a sunset hike, it was beautiful!
Today was pretty chill too... same kind of moazying morning, and then a big group of us went to the spot the three of us went last night and ate lunch... Then a smaller group went further up after that, it was around a 2 and a half hour hike, beautiful! I can't begin to explain how beautiful it was... But anyways...
Tomorrow we head out around noon, and then in the evening we've got our last concert! This will be my last concert as a Hesston Student... starting to hit me, we'll see how everyone holds up :) But then we're off to Italy and before we know it, Matt and I will be on our own!
Sorry again for the short update, doesn't really do the past few days justice... but feel free to email me with any questions!
Blessings,
John
Monday's time in Zurich was very meaningful on so many levels... visiting the Anabaptist history sites such as the site of Felix Manz's drowning, the well near the believed location of the first baptisms by George Blourach (sp), Conrad Grehbil, and Felix Manz, and even the monument to Ulrich Zwingli, who's strong message of the Word inspired the three Anabaptist leaders to move forward.
Following our time in Zurich (also including time at the Grossmunster, another highlight of mine!), we checked into our hotel to take a quick break, and then went out into the country to visit an old Anabaptist secret worship space. We hiked up a bit back into the hills and found the cave tucked in behind a waterfall... here we all joined in a communion service led by Ken, including song and prayer... it was the most moving experience on tour for me yet, and I think the same for many others as well... Wish I had time to say more, but it was a very spiritual day for me.
Then Tuesday morning we departed for the Alps! Our bus took us as far as Interlochen, and then we caught a cog train up the mountain to the town of Wengen, it is beautiful! Some took off right away on long hikes, while most of us chilled around town and the hotel for the afternoon... But after dinner, Matt, Anna, and I went out for a sunset hike, it was beautiful!
Today was pretty chill too... same kind of moazying morning, and then a big group of us went to the spot the three of us went last night and ate lunch... Then a smaller group went further up after that, it was around a 2 and a half hour hike, beautiful! I can't begin to explain how beautiful it was... But anyways...
Tomorrow we head out around noon, and then in the evening we've got our last concert! This will be my last concert as a Hesston Student... starting to hit me, we'll see how everyone holds up :) But then we're off to Italy and before we know it, Matt and I will be on our own!
Sorry again for the short update, doesn't really do the past few days justice... but feel free to email me with any questions!
Blessings,
John
Sunday, May 23, 2010
From the beautiful Moron, Switzerland
This morning was beautiful! But I knew that I didn't want to have to say goodbye again... but more of the sappy stuff later...
We actually got to sleep in a little while, as our 9:30 meeting time was much later than usual, pretty nice for a change! The morning's service was wonderful! Everything was translated for us, which was nice, and we sung a few songs in German too! During the beginning of the service, Matt spoke a bit on what it means to be a Christian in America, and talked about how really being a Christian is something bigger than geographical location... He and I had been discussing this earlier on the bus... about how Peter's experience with Cornelius in Acts 10 and Galations 3:28 have really begun to take a new meaning... but yeah, more of that later...
Anyways, following the service there was a meal for all of us, which was good to share with one another! More fantastic fellowship with persons from other cultures... I thought especially on pentecost it was special to work with the language barrier... but maybe that's just the PK in me... ;)
After lunch, we had to say our goodbyes, not only to our wonderful hosts in Ettenheim, but to our friends from Espelkamp, Tabea, Tabea, Leo, and Tobias, who drove all the way down to see us again! I will miss everyone in Ettenheim and hope to return again someday! But it was even harder to say goodbye to our "groupies" for a second time... Many lasting friendships have been built in Germany...
Then it was a 2 and a half, turned into 3, turned into 4 hour bus ride to Moron, Switzerland... :) Between the border crossing and a little bit of bus trouble (fixed!), it took a little longer than normal... But the scenery was beautiful! I can't wait to go to Wengen on Tuesday!!!
We arrived in Moron, a regular stop for the European Chorale, around 5 and after a short rehersal were served a fabulous meal (of which I ate way to much of course...) consisting of salad, rice, a sweet curry (mom, gotta get the recipe), and then strawberries, rhubarb, and creme puffs for dessert! The concert was packed! Over 250 people had to have been there in the sanctuary, which was crazy because there weren't near that many houses around! It was once again very well recieved... so much in fact that we recieved not one, but two calls for an encore! Then it was once again off to host families for the night...
Matt and I (go figure, I guess they weren't thinking clearly when they made that pairing haha) are staying with Pierre Burkholder and his family... It has been a great night! This is a French speaking household as Pierre met his wife in Hati while on MCC, their two children were also born there. We shared some fabulous cheese that is so good it has to be scraped a certain way to fully enjoy it... I cannot remember the french name, but the translation is quite literally, "head of the monk," and to quote matt, "It melted in my mouth."
But now it's time for bed... but I guess a few reflections before hand:
Like I said, in my devotions I have been thinking a lot lately about how relationships across cultures, borders, and boundries are not only good, but necessary for worldwide community... I used to think that simply making connections and trying to understand was enough, but I've learned that it is much more than this... Don't worry, there's no sermon coming, but I would encourage you to take a look at Acts 10 and Galations 3:28... What does it mean for you? Matt challenged the congregation this morning that there was no German or American, Choir Member or Audience, Host or Guest... Where are the boundaries? As I look around, I'm saddened to see how easily they are recognizeable... Keep making those relationships that cross boundries, for the stronger our ties are, the weaker the things that seperate us... That's the real message of Pentecost I think...
Anyways, food for thought... maybe too much like a sermon, I blame dad... or thank him :)
Blessings,
John
(Oh, and since Matt is making fun of the content of my posts, I have a special addition: May 23rd, my beard and chest hair are still far superior to Matt's weak sauce attempt at manhood... :P )
We actually got to sleep in a little while, as our 9:30 meeting time was much later than usual, pretty nice for a change! The morning's service was wonderful! Everything was translated for us, which was nice, and we sung a few songs in German too! During the beginning of the service, Matt spoke a bit on what it means to be a Christian in America, and talked about how really being a Christian is something bigger than geographical location... He and I had been discussing this earlier on the bus... about how Peter's experience with Cornelius in Acts 10 and Galations 3:28 have really begun to take a new meaning... but yeah, more of that later...
Anyways, following the service there was a meal for all of us, which was good to share with one another! More fantastic fellowship with persons from other cultures... I thought especially on pentecost it was special to work with the language barrier... but maybe that's just the PK in me... ;)
After lunch, we had to say our goodbyes, not only to our wonderful hosts in Ettenheim, but to our friends from Espelkamp, Tabea, Tabea, Leo, and Tobias, who drove all the way down to see us again! I will miss everyone in Ettenheim and hope to return again someday! But it was even harder to say goodbye to our "groupies" for a second time... Many lasting friendships have been built in Germany...
Then it was a 2 and a half, turned into 3, turned into 4 hour bus ride to Moron, Switzerland... :) Between the border crossing and a little bit of bus trouble (fixed!), it took a little longer than normal... But the scenery was beautiful! I can't wait to go to Wengen on Tuesday!!!
We arrived in Moron, a regular stop for the European Chorale, around 5 and after a short rehersal were served a fabulous meal (of which I ate way to much of course...) consisting of salad, rice, a sweet curry (mom, gotta get the recipe), and then strawberries, rhubarb, and creme puffs for dessert! The concert was packed! Over 250 people had to have been there in the sanctuary, which was crazy because there weren't near that many houses around! It was once again very well recieved... so much in fact that we recieved not one, but two calls for an encore! Then it was once again off to host families for the night...
Matt and I (go figure, I guess they weren't thinking clearly when they made that pairing haha) are staying with Pierre Burkholder and his family... It has been a great night! This is a French speaking household as Pierre met his wife in Hati while on MCC, their two children were also born there. We shared some fabulous cheese that is so good it has to be scraped a certain way to fully enjoy it... I cannot remember the french name, but the translation is quite literally, "head of the monk," and to quote matt, "It melted in my mouth."
But now it's time for bed... but I guess a few reflections before hand:
Like I said, in my devotions I have been thinking a lot lately about how relationships across cultures, borders, and boundries are not only good, but necessary for worldwide community... I used to think that simply making connections and trying to understand was enough, but I've learned that it is much more than this... Don't worry, there's no sermon coming, but I would encourage you to take a look at Acts 10 and Galations 3:28... What does it mean for you? Matt challenged the congregation this morning that there was no German or American, Choir Member or Audience, Host or Guest... Where are the boundaries? As I look around, I'm saddened to see how easily they are recognizeable... Keep making those relationships that cross boundries, for the stronger our ties are, the weaker the things that seperate us... That's the real message of Pentecost I think...
Anyways, food for thought... maybe too much like a sermon, I blame dad... or thank him :)
Blessings,
John
(Oh, and since Matt is making fun of the content of my posts, I have a special addition: May 23rd, my beard and chest hair are still far superior to Matt's weak sauce attempt at manhood... :P )
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Last night in Ettenheim...
Woke up this morning to sunshine!!! It was a beautiful day, such a relief from the past few weeks! It was calm, clear, and sunny... haven't had that combination since I moved to Kansas!!! :P
We had a great suprise this morning! Our friends from Espelkamp had driven all the way down yesterday to suprise us! They walked into the sanctuary and we all greeted one another again, thought we'd never see them! They once again spent the day with us, and then attended our concert, their 3rd! They've joined our friends from Haarlem as die hard fans! We love the support!
Anyways, today we spent time in Strasbourg, visiting the cathedral, watching the famous astronomical clock turn at noon, visited the shops, and took a boat ride on the canal designed by Pilgram Marpeck... it was a great day! (to sum it all up pretty short... it's also been a long day...)
Then, after the boat ride, we headed back to Ettenheim for a meal and our final concert in Germany... the concert went well! The space was packed full, even a news reporter :), and the audeince was very appreciative.
But like I said... it's been a long day, and the sun helped to drain us of energy... We are singing in the church service again in the morning, and then heading to Switzerland for our final two concerts! So it's off to bed for me.
Keep the choir in your prayers... some members have begun to feel the strain of tour extra hard and are becomming a bit sick; but we're still doing alright!
Blessings and goodnight from
We had a great suprise this morning! Our friends from Espelkamp had driven all the way down yesterday to suprise us! They walked into the sanctuary and we all greeted one another again, thought we'd never see them! They once again spent the day with us, and then attended our concert, their 3rd! They've joined our friends from Haarlem as die hard fans! We love the support!
Anyways, today we spent time in Strasbourg, visiting the cathedral, watching the famous astronomical clock turn at noon, visited the shops, and took a boat ride on the canal designed by Pilgram Marpeck... it was a great day! (to sum it all up pretty short... it's also been a long day...)
Then, after the boat ride, we headed back to Ettenheim for a meal and our final concert in Germany... the concert went well! The space was packed full, even a news reporter :), and the audeince was very appreciative.
But like I said... it's been a long day, and the sun helped to drain us of energy... We are singing in the church service again in the morning, and then heading to Switzerland for our final two concerts! So it's off to bed for me.
Keep the choir in your prayers... some members have begun to feel the strain of tour extra hard and are becomming a bit sick; but we're still doing alright!
Blessings and goodnight from
Friday, May 21, 2010
From Ettenheim, Germany
Tonight I'm staying in paradise... but I'll talk about the day first :)
This morning we woke up at the hotel for a great breakfast and then loaded up the bus for Bingen, where we were planning on catching a boat to cruize the Rhine River... The drive was beautiful! We arrived in Bingen about 10 min late for the boat we had planned on, but no worries! Another was only a half an hour behind...
Today was beautiful! We sat out on the open deck of the boat for most of the trip, took in the beautiful hills, vinyards, towns, and castles along the way... I cannot describe how beautiful it was! (Again, sorry about the pictures, I'll make them available as soon as I can!) About an hour and a half into our 2 and a half hour tour, a few of us went into the cabin for a bit of lunch and cards (of course Matt and I won the Euchre game!)... I had spargal soup! Spargal is white asparigus (sp), and the season here is regulated by the government! It is wonderful if you ever get the chance to try some!
In any case, once the tour ended, we had some time to roam a few shops in the town along the shore while we waited for Rene to come with the bus, a beautiful little place on the river! The drive out was even more beautiful than the drive in! Tight winding roads, beautiful hills, trees, fields, vinyards! It was amazing... Melina says it reminds her of some parts of Pennsylvania, but better :). In any case, we then had a 3 hour drive, which took longer due to traffic jams along the way, but we got to Ettenheim around 5:30 and met our hosts, who are actually from the Baptist church in town...
I'm staying with Rainer and Ilse, they live out in a village outside of town, it is beautiful here! We had a barbeque for dinner, then talked for awhile before Ilse called her sister (next door) and Kayci and Rachael joined Clayton and I for a walk up to the highest point in the village... a hill covered in private vinyards with a lookout on the top... it was amazing! We watched the sun set over the Rhine River Valley, and then enjoyed the long walk back by the light of the moon, it was a perfect night!
Now it's time for bed though... getting to the church early in the morning so we can spend the day in Strasburg. It's looking to be a fun day!
Thanks again for the prayers, we're having a blast! Couldn't have asked for a better way to relax after a couple long days of travel!
Blessings,
John
This morning we woke up at the hotel for a great breakfast and then loaded up the bus for Bingen, where we were planning on catching a boat to cruize the Rhine River... The drive was beautiful! We arrived in Bingen about 10 min late for the boat we had planned on, but no worries! Another was only a half an hour behind...
Today was beautiful! We sat out on the open deck of the boat for most of the trip, took in the beautiful hills, vinyards, towns, and castles along the way... I cannot describe how beautiful it was! (Again, sorry about the pictures, I'll make them available as soon as I can!) About an hour and a half into our 2 and a half hour tour, a few of us went into the cabin for a bit of lunch and cards (of course Matt and I won the Euchre game!)... I had spargal soup! Spargal is white asparigus (sp), and the season here is regulated by the government! It is wonderful if you ever get the chance to try some!
In any case, once the tour ended, we had some time to roam a few shops in the town along the shore while we waited for Rene to come with the bus, a beautiful little place on the river! The drive out was even more beautiful than the drive in! Tight winding roads, beautiful hills, trees, fields, vinyards! It was amazing... Melina says it reminds her of some parts of Pennsylvania, but better :). In any case, we then had a 3 hour drive, which took longer due to traffic jams along the way, but we got to Ettenheim around 5:30 and met our hosts, who are actually from the Baptist church in town...
I'm staying with Rainer and Ilse, they live out in a village outside of town, it is beautiful here! We had a barbeque for dinner, then talked for awhile before Ilse called her sister (next door) and Kayci and Rachael joined Clayton and I for a walk up to the highest point in the village... a hill covered in private vinyards with a lookout on the top... it was amazing! We watched the sun set over the Rhine River Valley, and then enjoyed the long walk back by the light of the moon, it was a perfect night!
Now it's time for bed though... getting to the church early in the morning so we can spend the day in Strasburg. It's looking to be a fun day!
Thanks again for the prayers, we're having a blast! Couldn't have asked for a better way to relax after a couple long days of travel!
Blessings,
John
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Etap in Mainz
This morning we all rolled out of bed just in time for our 5 hour bus ride to Mainz, Germany, where we first stopped so Bradley could pick up a rental car and then on to our Etap Hotel in the business district of town... We then hurried on to the church in Ingelheim, a beautiful castle church built into the city wall, first commissioned and funded by Charlemange in 775.
As our very talented bus driver Rene piloted us through the tight winding city streets, we came upon the beautiful church, but we couldn't drive up to it! It ended up that Hans Jurgen, the bus driver for the tours in the 80s and 90s, led us around the back side where there was a larger parking space at the top of a hill... Not only was the old city architecture beautiful, but we were surrounded by the rolling hills and fertile lands of the Rhine River valley... it was gorgeous even in the rainy weather!
We had pulled in around 5, a little later than planned, but without panic because the concert was scheduled for 8... but we found that in order to better accommodate our drive back to Mains after the concert, the church had publicized a 7pm concert, so we put it into overdrive :). After getting our stuff into the church and s short rehearsal, we broke for supper at around 6, and then had to meet in a back room, changed, by 6:40... so there was a little hustle involved haha
The space was beautiful to sing in though, and probably the oldest church I'll ever sing in... the space we sang in was finished in the 14th century (but the guys changed in a 12th century baptism room... kinda cool). We sang to a very small audience, under 50, but very receptive and appreciative! Many said that they were sad more people from the community didn't come out to hear us. For the intermission, Ken performed an organ piece, an arrangement of 606 by Hans, who composed it in a bus on a tour outside of Vienna in 1990, it was great that he got to play it for Hans in Hans' church where he is the choirmaster. A great concert!
After a tour of the grounds and information on the inside of the building, it was back in the bus for our 20 min. drive back to the Hotel... we're all settled into our rooms now and hetting ready for bed!
Tomorrow is the Rhine River Cruise! Pray for good weather, it's been pretty crappy for the past few days so hopefully it clears up!
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, we're still having fun despite the weather! (and still getting along fairly well too! haha)
Goodnight!
John
As our very talented bus driver Rene piloted us through the tight winding city streets, we came upon the beautiful church, but we couldn't drive up to it! It ended up that Hans Jurgen, the bus driver for the tours in the 80s and 90s, led us around the back side where there was a larger parking space at the top of a hill... Not only was the old city architecture beautiful, but we were surrounded by the rolling hills and fertile lands of the Rhine River valley... it was gorgeous even in the rainy weather!
We had pulled in around 5, a little later than planned, but without panic because the concert was scheduled for 8... but we found that in order to better accommodate our drive back to Mains after the concert, the church had publicized a 7pm concert, so we put it into overdrive :). After getting our stuff into the church and s short rehearsal, we broke for supper at around 6, and then had to meet in a back room, changed, by 6:40... so there was a little hustle involved haha
The space was beautiful to sing in though, and probably the oldest church I'll ever sing in... the space we sang in was finished in the 14th century (but the guys changed in a 12th century baptism room... kinda cool). We sang to a very small audience, under 50, but very receptive and appreciative! Many said that they were sad more people from the community didn't come out to hear us. For the intermission, Ken performed an organ piece, an arrangement of 606 by Hans, who composed it in a bus on a tour outside of Vienna in 1990, it was great that he got to play it for Hans in Hans' church where he is the choirmaster. A great concert!
After a tour of the grounds and information on the inside of the building, it was back in the bus for our 20 min. drive back to the Hotel... we're all settled into our rooms now and hetting ready for bed!
Tomorrow is the Rhine River Cruise! Pray for good weather, it's been pretty crappy for the past few days so hopefully it clears up!
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, we're still having fun despite the weather! (and still getting along fairly well too! haha)
Goodnight!
John
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Another late night in Leipzig...
This morning we all woke up to a dreary day... it was raining, then misting, and then back and forth all day long... no fun at all, kinda set a dark mood over the whole thing... But in any case, the tour of the city was still on! So with Ken as our guide we headed out to see a couple of churches and museums... a packed day!
our first destination was the St. Nicholas Church, one of two primary places that Bach was employed to compose music for... we also learned that it was one of the primary locations of social change during the peaceful revolution that brought about the fall of Eastern Germany... They really put Micah 4 into practice, a good example for us... We got to sing here as well as in the St. Thomas Church, it was amazing! Other events of the day included the Bach Museum, the Museum of the New Leipzig School (contemporary art, very good), and dinner together as a group at the traditional Saxon restaurant we went to last night, another good meal!
Sorry this got short and choppy... a little less than what I would like to give you all, but I'm tired, heck, everyone's tired, and it's been a long, rainy day...
Tomorrow morning we hit the road for a little over 5 hours, heading south to the Rhine Valley for a concert in the evening... a long day, hopefully we'll feel rested for the big night! The Concert is in a castle church, great acoustics, but not affiliated with the mennonite church at all... don't really know what to expect for an audience really... but it should be fun! A hotel tomorrow night, and then to host homes for another two nights!
Hopefully the weather gets better for us the rest of the trip... I'm done with cold and dreary... Keep us in your prayers! Sorry again for bein pretty short, but I'm sure you'll understand...
Off to bed! Hope everything's going well state-side!
Blessings,
John
our first destination was the St. Nicholas Church, one of two primary places that Bach was employed to compose music for... we also learned that it was one of the primary locations of social change during the peaceful revolution that brought about the fall of Eastern Germany... They really put Micah 4 into practice, a good example for us... We got to sing here as well as in the St. Thomas Church, it was amazing! Other events of the day included the Bach Museum, the Museum of the New Leipzig School (contemporary art, very good), and dinner together as a group at the traditional Saxon restaurant we went to last night, another good meal!
Sorry this got short and choppy... a little less than what I would like to give you all, but I'm tired, heck, everyone's tired, and it's been a long, rainy day...
Tomorrow morning we hit the road for a little over 5 hours, heading south to the Rhine Valley for a concert in the evening... a long day, hopefully we'll feel rested for the big night! The Concert is in a castle church, great acoustics, but not affiliated with the mennonite church at all... don't really know what to expect for an audience really... but it should be fun! A hotel tomorrow night, and then to host homes for another two nights!
Hopefully the weather gets better for us the rest of the trip... I'm done with cold and dreary... Keep us in your prayers! Sorry again for bein pretty short, but I'm sure you'll understand...
Off to bed! Hope everything's going well state-side!
Blessings,
John
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Quick Post From Leipzig...
Good evening!
It's gettin kinda late here, so I'll keep it short, but I do get to sleep in a little bit in the morning!
Monday was a lot of fun, we did some sightseeing that ended up being mostly driving around and shopping in the rain, but it was fun! We had some members of the Espelkamp Mennonite youth group join us, Tabea, Tabea, Tobias, and Leo, it was a lot of fun! The concert was once again well recieved, so impressed by the audiences here... it was a smaller church, but we ate outside on the deck and it was beautiful! Thanks to all who helped!
This morning was another one of those bittersweet goodbyes... I was talking with a few friends, and it's hard, because we're all so much looking forward to the rest of the trip, but at the same time, we keep meeting new friends and don't feel like we've spent as much time with them as we'd like to before leaving again... So I said goodbye to the Enns family, Henry & Lisa, and their sons Christopher, Mike, and John. Had a great time with them too! We shared lots of stories and talked late into the night, seems to be a reoccurance with me... :) I am continiously impressed with the overwhelming hospitality and graciousness of our hosts and audiences here in Europe, and the Enns family was no exception...
So after leaving the church, we made our way to the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp, a 2 hr drive from Espelkamp. Most spent this time catching up on journaling or sleeping, but some were just enjoying the beautiful German countryside... and I have to say, the Canola fields are beautiful!!! I was of the journaling crew, but as we got closer to our destination, I kept getting caught up in what was ahead of us, and what it was going to mean... I began to feel a little bit of apprehension, and when bradley gave the wake-up call to nappers at 15 km away, my mind was racing...
Upon arrival at the camp, we were pretty much turned loose by Ken and Bardley to roam about the memorial museum and grounds at our own leisure, meeting back in the bus by 12:30... while I wish we had more time, I was very glad for the time to go through alone... The museum was very moving, a little much at some points with the graphic pictures, but the stories were amazing... I also learned much more that the history books tend to leave out, the brutality, the prisoners of war, and so much more... I didn't know what to think a lot of the time, and I think now that that was ok, it was a mixture of disbelief, anger, and helplessness... I had taken my camera in, wearing it around my neck, but not once in the hour and a half could I bring myself to take off the lens cap, it seemed as if nothing could capture the emotions that I felt, it was strange... but a very moving experience, and I was very appreciative of the assignment Bradley and Ken had for us to do back in the bus.
The first hour and a half of the 3 hour bus ride to Leipzig was deemed as quiet time by our fearless leaders, another thing to be thankful for, because it gave me time to process my experiences, go over the questions, and journal about the morning's visit... then I also had to think, this beautiful countryside that I am driving through, this was the site of war... so many places we'll visit have felt first hand the tragedy of war twice within the last century... here in Leipzig for instance, rebuilding is still happening... speaking of our journey, we also passed the old checkpoint between east and west germany, no man's land... another chilling reminder of the recent history. I also realized that my dad and grandparents were on this same tour here, and would've had to go through this checkpoint... hmm...
Anyways, we arrived at our Hostel to find that our reservations weren't there! after a little bit of problem solving, we got a little less desireable room situation, but it all worked out fine... we got a short orientation tour of the city from Ken, and then were off to dinner and an evening on our own! A group of us ate traditional Saxon food at a famous resturant that I can't seem to remember it's name... just know that it ended in Keller, and it's famous for being mentioned in literature... anyways, it was amazing!
The rest of the evening consisted of window shopping, actual shopping (how do you correctly notate the difference here???), getting train info for after tour, and ice cream! Then it was back to the Hostel for the evening where we journaled and hung out, mostly playing cards and contacting friends back home...
Well, it's off to bed! A sightseeing day in Leipzig lays ahead of me! Hope this post finds you all well...
Blessings,
John
It's gettin kinda late here, so I'll keep it short, but I do get to sleep in a little bit in the morning!
Monday was a lot of fun, we did some sightseeing that ended up being mostly driving around and shopping in the rain, but it was fun! We had some members of the Espelkamp Mennonite youth group join us, Tabea, Tabea, Tobias, and Leo, it was a lot of fun! The concert was once again well recieved, so impressed by the audiences here... it was a smaller church, but we ate outside on the deck and it was beautiful! Thanks to all who helped!
This morning was another one of those bittersweet goodbyes... I was talking with a few friends, and it's hard, because we're all so much looking forward to the rest of the trip, but at the same time, we keep meeting new friends and don't feel like we've spent as much time with them as we'd like to before leaving again... So I said goodbye to the Enns family, Henry & Lisa, and their sons Christopher, Mike, and John. Had a great time with them too! We shared lots of stories and talked late into the night, seems to be a reoccurance with me... :) I am continiously impressed with the overwhelming hospitality and graciousness of our hosts and audiences here in Europe, and the Enns family was no exception...
So after leaving the church, we made our way to the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp, a 2 hr drive from Espelkamp. Most spent this time catching up on journaling or sleeping, but some were just enjoying the beautiful German countryside... and I have to say, the Canola fields are beautiful!!! I was of the journaling crew, but as we got closer to our destination, I kept getting caught up in what was ahead of us, and what it was going to mean... I began to feel a little bit of apprehension, and when bradley gave the wake-up call to nappers at 15 km away, my mind was racing...
Upon arrival at the camp, we were pretty much turned loose by Ken and Bardley to roam about the memorial museum and grounds at our own leisure, meeting back in the bus by 12:30... while I wish we had more time, I was very glad for the time to go through alone... The museum was very moving, a little much at some points with the graphic pictures, but the stories were amazing... I also learned much more that the history books tend to leave out, the brutality, the prisoners of war, and so much more... I didn't know what to think a lot of the time, and I think now that that was ok, it was a mixture of disbelief, anger, and helplessness... I had taken my camera in, wearing it around my neck, but not once in the hour and a half could I bring myself to take off the lens cap, it seemed as if nothing could capture the emotions that I felt, it was strange... but a very moving experience, and I was very appreciative of the assignment Bradley and Ken had for us to do back in the bus.
The first hour and a half of the 3 hour bus ride to Leipzig was deemed as quiet time by our fearless leaders, another thing to be thankful for, because it gave me time to process my experiences, go over the questions, and journal about the morning's visit... then I also had to think, this beautiful countryside that I am driving through, this was the site of war... so many places we'll visit have felt first hand the tragedy of war twice within the last century... here in Leipzig for instance, rebuilding is still happening... speaking of our journey, we also passed the old checkpoint between east and west germany, no man's land... another chilling reminder of the recent history. I also realized that my dad and grandparents were on this same tour here, and would've had to go through this checkpoint... hmm...
Anyways, we arrived at our Hostel to find that our reservations weren't there! after a little bit of problem solving, we got a little less desireable room situation, but it all worked out fine... we got a short orientation tour of the city from Ken, and then were off to dinner and an evening on our own! A group of us ate traditional Saxon food at a famous resturant that I can't seem to remember it's name... just know that it ended in Keller, and it's famous for being mentioned in literature... anyways, it was amazing!
The rest of the evening consisted of window shopping, actual shopping (how do you correctly notate the difference here???), getting train info for after tour, and ice cream! Then it was back to the Hostel for the evening where we journaled and hung out, mostly playing cards and contacting friends back home...
Well, it's off to bed! A sightseeing day in Leipzig lays ahead of me! Hope this post finds you all well...
Blessings,
John
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Greetings from Germany!!!
Well, first of all, excuse any grammatical errors or blatent shortcuts because the layout of this keyboard is seriously hurting my typing accuracy and speed... it'll probably be shorter too, mostly due to frustration haha
As we departed Joure this morning following the morning's worship service (where we sang a few pieces towards the end, including Loch Lomond by request of the congregation... probably the first it has ever been used in worship!!! they said it gave them the "chickenskin," which we got a kick out of too... now that I think about it, goosebumps is pretty funny too... haha) we were all in agreement that we were very pleasantly suprised and encouraged by the dutch hospitality, and it will be missed!!! Many fond memories made there, and it seems like we've been gone a lot longer than last Tuesday!!!
The concert tonight in Espelkampf was again very well recieved, and an audience of over 200! Our biggest so far, we've usually been bringing in numbers closer to 75 or so, it was great! Evening with the hosts tonight, staying in the suburbs, a completely different environment from Holland, but it's nice... Having great conversation, I think Chad and I may have the only family where all speak fluent english... and they have 3 boys! and, interestingly enough, they're Canadian! thought that was kind of funny :)
Off for sightseeing tomorrow morning early, and it's about time for yours truly to get some sleep, a change from the last few nights... I'll keep making an effort to stay updated! I just posted pictures on my nikon website, not very many because I haven't even looked at them all! But enough to begin to give you a little idea of who, what, and where! the link is below, hope it works to see them! (And I've just realized that my grad photos are still on this card!)
I guess adam was finally able to get the group's blog started, but feel free to keep following along here! He has to wait until he gets it back from the different members of the group before he can post anything, so this will probably be more current.
Thank you for the thougts and prayers! Hope all is well with you, feel free to comment, or get in touch with me via email. Until next time!
Blessings,
John
Oh, and just figured out that I'll have to do photos another way... I'll keep you posted, sorry!!! Probably have something tomorrow....
As we departed Joure this morning following the morning's worship service (where we sang a few pieces towards the end, including Loch Lomond by request of the congregation... probably the first it has ever been used in worship!!! they said it gave them the "chickenskin," which we got a kick out of too... now that I think about it, goosebumps is pretty funny too... haha) we were all in agreement that we were very pleasantly suprised and encouraged by the dutch hospitality, and it will be missed!!! Many fond memories made there, and it seems like we've been gone a lot longer than last Tuesday!!!
The concert tonight in Espelkampf was again very well recieved, and an audience of over 200! Our biggest so far, we've usually been bringing in numbers closer to 75 or so, it was great! Evening with the hosts tonight, staying in the suburbs, a completely different environment from Holland, but it's nice... Having great conversation, I think Chad and I may have the only family where all speak fluent english... and they have 3 boys! and, interestingly enough, they're Canadian! thought that was kind of funny :)
Off for sightseeing tomorrow morning early, and it's about time for yours truly to get some sleep, a change from the last few nights... I'll keep making an effort to stay updated! I just posted pictures on my nikon website, not very many because I haven't even looked at them all! But enough to begin to give you a little idea of who, what, and where! the link is below, hope it works to see them! (And I've just realized that my grad photos are still on this card!)
I guess adam was finally able to get the group's blog started, but feel free to keep following along here! He has to wait until he gets it back from the different members of the group before he can post anything, so this will probably be more current.
Thank you for the thougts and prayers! Hope all is well with you, feel free to comment, or get in touch with me via email. Until next time!
Blessings,
John
Oh, and just figured out that I'll have to do photos another way... I'll keep you posted, sorry!!! Probably have something tomorrow....
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Another fun night in Holland!!!
Our concert last night here in Joure was once again very well recieved, so much fun singing for such appreciative audiences!!! Two European concerts and both have ended with encore pieces!!!
A lot of people came over to our host's home after the concert for tea, coffee, treats (including vla, pronounced fla, stroupwaffles, salami, and cheese!!!), and fun conversation! Having lots of fun meeting and talking with so many different people! Conversation went late and then some of us guys stayed up late and hung out more with our host brothers, great times!
Woke up on my own pretty early this morning, well, 7:30am is pretty early considering I went to bed at 4 haha, to a quiet house... it was good to have time to myself for devotions and to catch up on my journaling.
I had a few thoughts during my devotions... as we were visiting some significant Menno Simons sites yesterday, like we will visit many significant Annabaptist history sites this tour, Bradley mentioned that it was sort of a faith pilgrimmage for us, getting to know some of the roots of our faith. I was thinking that for me, it is going to be not only the places of historical significance, but also the people I'm meeting along the journey that will make these next few weeks a great pilgrimmage, one that builds my faith and spiritual foundations...
Anyways, maybe deeper thoughts than any of you care to read about :) but I guess it's just as easy for you to close the window! haha, take care
blessings,
John
A lot of people came over to our host's home after the concert for tea, coffee, treats (including vla, pronounced fla, stroupwaffles, salami, and cheese!!!), and fun conversation! Having lots of fun meeting and talking with so many different people! Conversation went late and then some of us guys stayed up late and hung out more with our host brothers, great times!
Woke up on my own pretty early this morning, well, 7:30am is pretty early considering I went to bed at 4 haha, to a quiet house... it was good to have time to myself for devotions and to catch up on my journaling.
I had a few thoughts during my devotions... as we were visiting some significant Menno Simons sites yesterday, like we will visit many significant Annabaptist history sites this tour, Bradley mentioned that it was sort of a faith pilgrimmage for us, getting to know some of the roots of our faith. I was thinking that for me, it is going to be not only the places of historical significance, but also the people I'm meeting along the journey that will make these next few weeks a great pilgrimmage, one that builds my faith and spiritual foundations...
Anyways, maybe deeper thoughts than any of you care to read about :) but I guess it's just as easy for you to close the window! haha, take care
blessings,
John
Friday, May 14, 2010
A quick post from Friesland...
Arrived in Friesland this afternoon, thought Jon would appreciate this :)
Thought I would give a quick update! We are eating soon and then have a concert in the evening back at the church... having lots of fun! A beautiful drive this morning and afternoon, visited some Mennonite historical sites including the hometown of Menno Simons, and the church where he was a priest before joining the reform movement. A good experinece!
Last night's lack of sleep caught up with me this afternoon... had to take a nap in the bus and it still took a bit of a walk before I was alert again for warm-ups :) But that's the youth in me right?
Well, off to dinner and then a concert! Will hopefully post some pictures tonight or tomorrow...
Blessings,
John
(Oh, and I am realizing that I am beginning to talk and type as if I am always talking to people for whom English is a second, third, or fourth language... so my apologies for possibly sounding like an idiot myself at times, I sure feel like it! haha)
Thought I would give a quick update! We are eating soon and then have a concert in the evening back at the church... having lots of fun! A beautiful drive this morning and afternoon, visited some Mennonite historical sites including the hometown of Menno Simons, and the church where he was a priest before joining the reform movement. A good experinece!
Last night's lack of sleep caught up with me this afternoon... had to take a nap in the bus and it still took a bit of a walk before I was alert again for warm-ups :) But that's the youth in me right?
Well, off to dinner and then a concert! Will hopefully post some pictures tonight or tomorrow...
Blessings,
John
(Oh, and I am realizing that I am beginning to talk and type as if I am always talking to people for whom English is a second, third, or fourth language... so my apologies for possibly sounding like an idiot myself at times, I sure feel like it! haha)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Last Day in Haarlem...
Well, first of all, it's late, so this will be short :)
Have had an amazing time in Haarlem! When I have time later I will add photos to this post, but it's off to bed soon for me!
This morning we went to a museum in Amsterdam, and then hung out downtown where Matt and I bought some bread and cheese for lunch in true frugle mennonite fashion! :) Then we made out way back to the churh in Haarlem for a rehearsal before our afternoon concert, it was very well recieved! We got a standing ovation and sang 606 with some members of the congregation for an unexpected encore performance, what a fun time!
Then we all went to the beach for a picnic and time to relax, but it was cold! Some people played soccer, others played in the water, dumb if you ask me, and others took pictures!
After that, some of us hung out together to celebrate our last night in Haarlem with some of the younger persons from the church, Klaas, Anna-Marian, and Michel... Then Rudy and I walked back to our host parents around 11pm, at which point we had more conversation, including pictures and story-telling! Rudy went to bed about 45 min ago, and here I am, typing away after talking late into the night with Rob about life and theology, there are very few topics we haven't covered yet! :)
Have had a fantastic experience in Haarlem, maybe I will make it back in my time after India! Hope all is well in the States!
Blessings,
John
Have had an amazing time in Haarlem! When I have time later I will add photos to this post, but it's off to bed soon for me!
This morning we went to a museum in Amsterdam, and then hung out downtown where Matt and I bought some bread and cheese for lunch in true frugle mennonite fashion! :) Then we made out way back to the churh in Haarlem for a rehearsal before our afternoon concert, it was very well recieved! We got a standing ovation and sang 606 with some members of the congregation for an unexpected encore performance, what a fun time!
Then we all went to the beach for a picnic and time to relax, but it was cold! Some people played soccer, others played in the water, dumb if you ask me, and others took pictures!
After that, some of us hung out together to celebrate our last night in Haarlem with some of the younger persons from the church, Klaas, Anna-Marian, and Michel... Then Rudy and I walked back to our host parents around 11pm, at which point we had more conversation, including pictures and story-telling! Rudy went to bed about 45 min ago, and here I am, typing away after talking late into the night with Rob about life and theology, there are very few topics we haven't covered yet! :)
Have had a fantastic experience in Haarlem, maybe I will make it back in my time after India! Hope all is well in the States!
Blessings,
John
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Arrival in Holland!
After a fun adventure in Chicago and a close call in the O'hare airport with Melina and Kayci, we just made it to our flight and were on our way... While I was seated in the very back of the plane, unlike the rest the group, (not to mention the other passengers) I had the luxury of an isle seat with no one on my left side either! It turned out to be a fairly comfortable flight, landing in Amsterdam a little behind schedule at 9:30 this morning...
Right away we went to the Anne Frank house and museum, a very eye-opening experience, to think that 8 people were in hiding there for 23 months is mind boggling, and most definitely humbling. After a quick bite to eat (I chose a small sandwich shop, yum!!!) we were back on the bus and headed to an outdoor museum. This museum had exhibits on wooden shoe making, pottery, jewelery, and the highlight for most of us, CHEESE!!! It was wonderful! With samples and all!!! It was all I could do to not buy a wheel, but tryin to get into conservation of money mode :) Speaking of which... I never called my debit card company to alert them of my travels... maybe I should get on that...
After our time at the museum, it was time to go to the churh in Haarlem and meet up with our hosts, Rudy and I were placed together for the next two nights with the most charming, hospitable couple, they're wonderful! The language has been a bit of a barrier, but between Rob's (our host) broken English and Rudy's knowledge of German, similar to Dutch, we're geting along just fine! Had some great conversation and time to enjoy music together before dinner, and then DINNER!!! It was fantastic! Four courses, all of them homemade and delicious, or "lecker" as we were taught to say... After stuffing ourselves, I plopped down on the ouch for a bit to watch some football (soccer for us Americans) while Rudy caught up with facebook... Now he's in bed and I'm up typing!!!
It's been a long and eventful day, have had a lot of fun already and it's only day 1!! Looking forward to some more sightseeing tomorrow and then our first concert in the afternoon! It will be sad to leave Rob and Maria Friday morning, but hopefully we will keep in touch!
Let me know what all you'd like to hear about my time here, should be able to post again tomorrow night as well... But it's off to bed for me! Been up for who knows how long, no real sleep on the plane this time, hopefully that doesn't stay true for the rest of my time over here :)
Blessings,
John
Right away we went to the Anne Frank house and museum, a very eye-opening experience, to think that 8 people were in hiding there for 23 months is mind boggling, and most definitely humbling. After a quick bite to eat (I chose a small sandwich shop, yum!!!) we were back on the bus and headed to an outdoor museum. This museum had exhibits on wooden shoe making, pottery, jewelery, and the highlight for most of us, CHEESE!!! It was wonderful! With samples and all!!! It was all I could do to not buy a wheel, but tryin to get into conservation of money mode :) Speaking of which... I never called my debit card company to alert them of my travels... maybe I should get on that...
After our time at the museum, it was time to go to the churh in Haarlem and meet up with our hosts, Rudy and I were placed together for the next two nights with the most charming, hospitable couple, they're wonderful! The language has been a bit of a barrier, but between Rob's (our host) broken English and Rudy's knowledge of German, similar to Dutch, we're geting along just fine! Had some great conversation and time to enjoy music together before dinner, and then DINNER!!! It was fantastic! Four courses, all of them homemade and delicious, or "lecker" as we were taught to say... After stuffing ourselves, I plopped down on the ouch for a bit to watch some football (soccer for us Americans) while Rudy caught up with facebook... Now he's in bed and I'm up typing!!!
It's been a long and eventful day, have had a lot of fun already and it's only day 1!! Looking forward to some more sightseeing tomorrow and then our first concert in the afternoon! It will be sad to leave Rob and Maria Friday morning, but hopefully we will keep in touch!
Let me know what all you'd like to hear about my time here, should be able to post again tomorrow night as well... But it's off to bed for me! Been up for who knows how long, no real sleep on the plane this time, hopefully that doesn't stay true for the rest of my time over here :)
Blessings,
John
Monday, May 10, 2010
The first leg...
Well, this isn't a very exciting trip I can assure you of that... Driving from Hesston to Goshen has been pretty uneventful, aside from the horrendous amount of construction on I-80 and depressing weather the entire way... but that's Indiana for you right?
So I write this from the car, inside Indiana state lines, heading to Grandma and Grandpa's for the night and then off to Chicago later in the morning! Hasn't quite hit me yet that I'm leaving tomorrow evening for Europe, don't know why, but I'm sure it'll hit me soon enough! :)
I'll try to keep this updated as best I can, not sure how much I'll have access to the internet, but would love to hear from you!
Would appreciate your prayers as I travel over the next 7-8 weeks, and for the group as well as we all meet in Chicago tomorrow (minus my partner in crime, Matt, who thinks he can fly out of Detroit...) and travel together for the next 3 and a half weeks.
Blessings,
John
So I write this from the car, inside Indiana state lines, heading to Grandma and Grandpa's for the night and then off to Chicago later in the morning! Hasn't quite hit me yet that I'm leaving tomorrow evening for Europe, don't know why, but I'm sure it'll hit me soon enough! :)
I'll try to keep this updated as best I can, not sure how much I'll have access to the internet, but would love to hear from you!
Would appreciate your prayers as I travel over the next 7-8 weeks, and for the group as well as we all meet in Chicago tomorrow (minus my partner in crime, Matt, who thinks he can fly out of Detroit...) and travel together for the next 3 and a half weeks.
Blessings,
John
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