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