Translated: Strawberries...Spargle...Flexibility
Berlin, Germany. That's the current adventure...the current season...the current joy.
I've only been in this city for 5 days, yet the easy charm and tranquil life I have met here have captured my heart. It's a beautiful city. The people I have had the privilege to meet and fellowship so far have beautiful hearts. God is working and moving... I am humbled to play even just a sliver of a part of His plan for Berlin!
It's been an amazing start to this journey...and I haven't been great at updating yet... So here is a quick recap of the first few days!
**Note: We are actually working with people... I just am not posting tons of pictures on here for their privacy. You will see details that make up the memories and stories of these moments with the people.**
I've only been in this city for 5 days, yet the easy charm and tranquil life I have met here have captured my heart. It's a beautiful city. The people I have had the privilege to meet and fellowship so far have beautiful hearts. God is working and moving... I am humbled to play even just a sliver of a part of His plan for Berlin!
It's been an amazing start to this journey...and I haven't been great at updating yet... So here is a quick recap of the first few days!
**Note: We are actually working with people... I just am not posting tons of pictures on here for their privacy. You will see details that make up the memories and stories of these moments with the people.**
Friday.
After a pretty sleepless flight through the night, we landed in Berlin early Friday morning...I'm not exaggerating on the early part. After landing, the team was feeling the adrenaline and ready to go. By the end of the van ride, we were beginning to feel the jet lag. Excitement was high, but eyelids were drooping. A long nap, delicious pizza, and German coffee took care of that exhaustion for all of us. More than any of those things, however, we were energized by 11 9-12 year olds who were rearing to go. These kiddos made up the R.O.C.K group in Kristi's church. They were fantastic and I was in my element. We ventured to the park, played with them, then sugared them up as I began to speak to them. It was such a privilege to discuss the value of looking at someone's heart as God does rather than to see the exterior of the person. We all have the opportunity to interact with these amazing kids during children's church on Sundays, so we are pretty happy about that!
Saturday.
Edbeeren...Spargle...Flexibilität. That's what Saturday looked like. After sleeping in a little and taking our time to get ready, we hopped on the bus for our afternoon activities. Jason and Caleb split off to do some manly, dirty, and fun team building/games with the youth group guys. From what it sounds like, they had a blast and made really great connections with the teens! Michelle, Kristi, Mallory and I grabbed some lunch and met up with the girls of the youth group for some berry picking. The plan WAS to pick berries and use them in pies later that evening.
If you've ever done ANY missions trips or ministry...you know that flexibility is key. Today was no exception!
We missed our bus stop and walked to a farm...a farm that was not the expected farm. There was no berry picking to be done. Actually, there was a pretty cool strawberry and sparkle festival going on instead. ((Spargle is white asparagus. Strange..but interesting.))
As a result, Mallory and I were able to connect with the 4 girls that were with us as we walked around the little farm, restaurants, and gardens. It was unexpected, but really fun! The girls were great and had a wonderful attitude of adventure about it all!
If you've ever done ANY missions trips or ministry...you know that flexibility is key. Today was no exception!
We missed our bus stop and walked to a farm...a farm that was not the expected farm. There was no berry picking to be done. Actually, there was a pretty cool strawberry and sparkle festival going on instead. ((Spargle is white asparagus. Strange..but interesting.))
As a result, Mallory and I were able to connect with the 4 girls that were with us as we walked around the little farm, restaurants, and gardens. It was unexpected, but really fun! The girls were great and had a wonderful attitude of adventure about it all!
These strawberry bears were EVERYWHERE just waiting for a hug.
The picture on the right is spargle. However, I kept thinking that it looked like an albino Jr. Asparagus stature. It was a little odd.
The picture on the right is spargle. However, I kept thinking that it looked like an albino Jr. Asparagus stature. It was a little odd.
The grounds were beautiful. I think all the girls loved looking at the animals there...especially the peacock!
Michelle does love her flowers! I will forever think of her overtime I see or smell Lilacs.
While figuring out Plan B, we stopped in one of the little restaurants for a drink. We ordered carbonated strawberry juice....but it had no sugar. An experience that we will probably never repeat! The Ice Cream is Spargle flavored. It was interesting on its own..but delicious with the strawberries.
The next few hours were spent with flexible attitudes as we tried to make our way back to the church to meet up with the guys. Waiting for the bus, waiting for the taxi, waiting. It could have been frustrating, but I so enjoyed spending that time getting to know the girls in the youth group and my team better! Taking advantage of every moment!
It's not a real mission trip until you have a quick sandwich of just cheese and meat...and those sandwiches always taste the best!
I was given the opportunity to share my testimony and how God has been working in my life with the group that night after a pie baking lesson. What a great experience!
I was given the opportunity to share my testimony and how God has been working in my life with the group that night after a pie baking lesson. What a great experience!
Sunday.
Before church, our team was invited to a German brunch at a wonderful woman's house! The breakfast here is typically rolls with meats, cheeses, and a variety of jams and spreads. We were able to eat a lot, laugh a lot, and sit at the table in fellowship for hours! We all loved getting to know this woman and were so thankful for her hosting us!
After brunch, we headed to Crossway for church. It was great to get to meet some of the church family and interact with the youth there! Dinner was spent getting to know them further...and was a blast!
So far, it has been a blast. The unexpected adventures are the best adventures. I am loving this city, this team, and this youth group. Thank you for all of your prayers and support so far! God is working...and I cannot wait to see Him more and more!
So far, it has been a blast. The unexpected adventures are the best adventures. I am loving this city, this team, and this youth group. Thank you for all of your prayers and support so far! God is working...and I cannot wait to see Him more and more!