Last Sunday, I went to church and the only thing I understood was a word play Claudia did on gabe (gift) and aufgabe (task). I was able to get more out of that sermon then most of the ones I understand because the whole time I thought about what they mean. I find it especially pertinent to my year here. I have been blessed with an amazing gift an extraordinary opportunity, but I must remember I have a task and a job here.
After church I went to Martin Luther University in Halle with a student from the congregation and she showed me around and introduced me to all of her housemates. Most of the students I met are studying theology and it was fascinating hearing their testimonies. It is a constant battle being a Christian in E. Germany. Many of them are the only Christians in their family and are constantly ridiculed by their peers. Very eye opening to me because in the US it is difficult not to be Christian. Scott is trying to get a Bible study started so I will get to head out there with him at least every week.
Band practice on Monday… they met for the first time this year and are working on some new covers. One of them being, “For the Moments I Feel Fain” by Reliant K which is sweet because that song was a stepping stone for me five years ago.
I started my first German lesson with my tutor. She is Russian and very sweet. I made the mistake of asking for more homework then she assigned and got it! So, I have been working a lot on my German.
We have Jegend Geminde (youth group) every Tuesday evening with the high school age kids. It is a little different each time. This week we had a good discussion about passive and aggressive responses and I of coarse shook it up and advocated the idea for the need to respond aggressively if, the situation warrants it. Jesus was no wimp and didn’t let people walk on him. Let me know if you would like to discuss further…
Today, we are having our first website design meeting. We are trying to decide who we are going to make sites for. I am kind of in charge and need to see what all they know and what I need to teach.
You are probably wondering who Scott and Claudia are by now… they are the two super rad pastors I am working for and currently living with. They are married, both ELCA (Lutheran) pastors from the US and fluent in German, English and a few other languages. Claudia was born here in E. Germany. I am staying with them on there flat until we find a permanent place for me to go. There is a possibility that I may be able to move into a small room downtown for free, but that hasn’t worked out yet.
If I can’t get into that flat I will move into a section of an old Augustinian monastery where Martin Luther lived. The church refuses to put me there because of the condition, but I think it is awesome. Who wouldn’t want to live and study in the very room that Luther did! The only issue is that it has been pretty untouched since Luther lived there. A few additions where put in place under the former DDR: a hot water heater you have to light manually, a few electric lights and a heater that you pour oil in by hand. So, some money and time would have to be put into it.
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” –Hebrews 12:7
Keep it real, -Taylor
After church I went to Martin Luther University in Halle with a student from the congregation and she showed me around and introduced me to all of her housemates. Most of the students I met are studying theology and it was fascinating hearing their testimonies. It is a constant battle being a Christian in E. Germany. Many of them are the only Christians in their family and are constantly ridiculed by their peers. Very eye opening to me because in the US it is difficult not to be Christian. Scott is trying to get a Bible study started so I will get to head out there with him at least every week.
Band practice on Monday… they met for the first time this year and are working on some new covers. One of them being, “For the Moments I Feel Fain” by Reliant K which is sweet because that song was a stepping stone for me five years ago.
I started my first German lesson with my tutor. She is Russian and very sweet. I made the mistake of asking for more homework then she assigned and got it! So, I have been working a lot on my German.
We have Jegend Geminde (youth group) every Tuesday evening with the high school age kids. It is a little different each time. This week we had a good discussion about passive and aggressive responses and I of coarse shook it up and advocated the idea for the need to respond aggressively if, the situation warrants it. Jesus was no wimp and didn’t let people walk on him. Let me know if you would like to discuss further…
Today, we are having our first website design meeting. We are trying to decide who we are going to make sites for. I am kind of in charge and need to see what all they know and what I need to teach.
You are probably wondering who Scott and Claudia are by now… they are the two super rad pastors I am working for and currently living with. They are married, both ELCA (Lutheran) pastors from the US and fluent in German, English and a few other languages. Claudia was born here in E. Germany. I am staying with them on there flat until we find a permanent place for me to go. There is a possibility that I may be able to move into a small room downtown for free, but that hasn’t worked out yet.
If I can’t get into that flat I will move into a section of an old Augustinian monastery where Martin Luther lived. The church refuses to put me there because of the condition, but I think it is awesome. Who wouldn’t want to live and study in the very room that Luther did! The only issue is that it has been pretty untouched since Luther lived there. A few additions where put in place under the former DDR: a hot water heater you have to light manually, a few electric lights and a heater that you pour oil in by hand. So, some money and time would have to be put into it.
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” –Hebrews 12:7
Keep it real, -Taylor
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