Light in the Darkness

Well, the day is coming up that I dread here in Berlin. Don't worry it is not Christmas, or even Christmas Eve, or even the day after Christmas. Some might even be thinking New Years Eve or New Years Day, but you are all wrong! The day is December 21st. The question is, does anyone have a clue as to why that might be? Winter Solstice, the longest, darkest day of the year in Berlin. Sunrise on the 21st will be at 8:15 and sunset at 15:54 (3:54 pm) and when you are in a city that is cloudy most of the time that means that it is still dark at 8:30 am and is dark outside at 15:30pm. It is pretty depressing. How depressing? let me tell you about it.

It was really noticeable when we changed the clocks and it was suddenly dark at 16:00 (4pm for you americans). I could tell that my attitude was negative and that I was slightly depressed. I mean how could you not be when you are traveling back from your language tutor at 15:30, it is raining and it feels like it is 18:00 (6pm). What happens then, is that you eat dinner earlier because you think that it is later than what it actually is. After dinner you get the kids ready for bed because you are so tired since it has been dark out for what seems like six hours. Only to realize once you have the kids ready for bed, that they still have an hour and a half before it is actually bedtime (7pm). What is even sadder is when you decide yourself to go to bed after putting the kids to bed because your body thinks that it is a lot later since it has been dark for so long. This takes awhile to get use to and is something that I was not prepared for whatsoever before coming to Berlin. (Side Comment: the good thing is that in the summer the opposite occurs and the day is forever long.)

One does not recognize the need for light until one recognizes that they are surrounded by darkness. That was the struggle that we had making the move here, not only in the sense of there being less actual light. Walking around Berlin in the winter when everything is dead, dark and cold, is when I think the reality of Berlin comes out the most, which can be quite depressing which does not help things out at all.

So then the question comes, where is the part about the light in the darkness? What I find ironic in this city of darkness that there is a craving for light. In the winter you see Christmas markets lit up almost as bright as the Las Vegas Strip. You see Christmas Stars in most apartment windows or at least some kind of decorative light. People purchase advent wreaths with candles on them to create light in the darkness and obviously purchase Christmas trees which too are decorated with lights. However the lights and candles will eventually die out without fulfilling the cravings.

John 8:12

¹²When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 1:3-5

³Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴In him was life, and that life was the light of men. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood^{a]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]} it.

Personally, I am so glad that through the dark winter months, I have the light of Christ that gives me light, strength and hope. Christ is the light that satisfies that craving and will never die out. I am thankful that this light of Christ will give me hope not only through these dark winter months but also through the dark and challenging times through my entire life.

24

So for our anniversary back on 27th October (8 years) I was trying to figure out what would be a really good surprise for Stephanie. Usually every year we follow the traditional gift recommendation and creatively come up with something together and spend around 20 Euros. This year I decided to take matters into my own hands and do something a little out of the box. As most of you know our life with three small kids and work is always a little hectic, which means that we have not had much time together, alone; besides after 7pm when the kids are in bed, but even then we either have meetings, work, or are just to exhausted and go to bed sadly shortly after. After checking with some good friends, I decided to surprise Stephanie with a 24 hour date.

24 hours, no kids, no schedule, no tasks, no morning wake up from a 14 month old, and 3 & 5 year old at 7 am. What would life be like? Stephanie had no idea where we were headed, just that we were not sleeping in our apartment. I really wanted to head to Dresden for one of the most beautiful and largest Christmas Markets, however the train tickets were a little too much and we would have spent more time on a train (almost 3 hours each way) then I would have liked. So instead we headed to Potsdam, a small little town where the kings had their palaces outside of Berlin (Berlin's equivalent of Versaille), which also had a very nice Weihnachtsmarkt. (Palaces are not pictures)

We headed out around 2pm and on the way we got our traditional Double D (Dunkin' Donuts) and coffee. Which is a very special treat for us! Our only objectives (so I guess there were some) were to walk around the Christmas Market, have a nice dinner, hit up the sauna and sleep in. All 'objectives' were accomplished. But something even more important was accomplished. On our way, as we drank our coffee and ate our donuts, I set aside one rule, no discussions about kids or about work. As we live a life where all of our worlds intertwine into one small one, where our family life mixes with our personal life which mixes with our work life, especially since Stephanie and I work together. However the rule would stay set. This was probably one of the biggest blessings and surprisingly not as big of a challenge as I expected.

I cannot begin to describe what an amazing time we had together. As Stephanie put it, "it is as if we are teenagers and we are disobeying our parents!" It was more then just not having the kids with us, it was also being able to put aside a big part of our world (work and kids) that consumes us, our conversations, our time together, and our thoughts and energy, to put all that on hold in order to focus on something that we have not been able to focus on in awhile, us, Stephanie & I. Not that we sat down and discussed our relationship and where we were as a couple, but we were able to just talk about life, like we were dating again, but not having ask the what do you like and not like questions. For me it was like getting back at our first year of marriage, or for that matter even our days dating in college.

The setting was perfect, as you can see by the pictures. We were were able to do things we love to do together, that we usually are not able to do. To be able to explore the Christmas Market, to enjoy the atmosphere there and to hold each others hand as we strolled along the street listening to Christmas music. To be up as late as we wanted knowing that there was nothing that was forcing us out of bed the next morning. To sit in a cafe drinking a cup of coffee looking out the window as the people passed by under the street lamps decorated for the season. Stephanie and I just looked at each other and smiled. That smile to one another said so much. We truly are so blessed; our marriage, our children, our friends and family, and a 'work' that is just part of our lives and who we are.

I am reminded this Advent Season about how every blessing is truly a gift, and that every gift comes from God, which includes His son whose birth we celebrate this season.

James 1:16-18

¹⁶Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. ¹⁷Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Picture Descriptions:

1) Looking toward the Naurner Tor in the Hollaendisches Viertel in Potsdam.

2) Brandenburger Strasse looking toward Brandenburger Tor in Potsdam

3) A Sweettooths heaven, A sweet stand at the Potsdam Weihnachtsmarkt

4) Nauener Tor in Potsdam

5) B & W Nauener Tor, taken outside or our hotel

6) Brandenburger Strasse in Potsdam looking towards St. Peter & Paul Kirche

Thanksgiving 2009

I think that our Thanksgiving Family Picture pretty much accurately depicts our Thanksgiving this past year, madness. One thing about living overseas is that our organization allows us to take off work for the holidays in the country we live in, but we don't get American holidays off. This means that Thanksgiving Day is a normal work day for us. My day started off early making a Green Bean Casserole before our normal work day began. From then on it pretty much went non stop till set up at 4:30 for our 6pm dinner. This year we celebrated Thanksgiving with the two small groups from our small church plant. Also invited was the English Conversation course from the Family Center. In total we had 28 people who celebrated with us.

It is always really strange celebrating an American holiday in a foreign country and even stranger celebrating it with a group that is mostly not American. Not only is there no day off, no Macy's Thanksgiving Parade or American Football, but the culture that goes with the celebration of Thanksgiving is also just not there. It was a joy to be able to share some of our traditions with our german friends here but after celebrating Thanksgiving last year with family in the US, it just was not the same. It made me realize there are just some things that you cannot duplicate. You can make the Turkey, mashed potatoes and even the green bean casserole, however you cannot make a culture or create one that is basically only understood in the US. I am one not to get too sentimental about things that I miss in the US, but this year I realized that Thanksgiving is one of them. Next year I think we just need to figure out what does Thanksgiving mean to us overseas. We have been able to figure that out for Christmas, however Christmas is a holiday that is recognized in Germany which makes it a little easier. We will keep you posted, check back next year!

The Wall Came Down...

...and another wall went up. On November 9th 1989 the wall that once surrounded west Berlin, which created a divided city, began to be torn down. Piece by piece people began to chip away at a wall that for some created fear, pain, suffering and separation. Each piece that fell and each gate that was opened was a piece of their world that they knew (East Berlin) being taken away. In the evening of 9. November what was shown on TV was much celebration and jubilation and tears of joy. What was often not shown were the tears of fear. Fear of what this would mean for those who have come to know and accept the country that they had been living in for forty years. A country, although only separated by a 3.6 meter (8.1 ft.) high wall, was as different as what the U.S.S.R. and the U.S. were in the 80's. The news reporters did not show or interview the people in the east who went to the check point only to stand there and not cross to the other side. As time passed, especially a year later when the country was officially unified, it became more apparent what the fall of the wall meant. It meant unemployment soaring in the old east due to factories being closed because of not being needed by western industrialization. It meant homelessness soaring due to no social housing and people starving and freezing. It really meant a country that once existed would never exist anymore and the citizens of the old German Democratic Republic would never be able to go "home" again. They were now in a foreign land and by some, not welcomed. Since living here I have had conversations with people who have expressed the emotions above.

Although the wall came down there are walls that are continuing to go up all around the city. There is the wall of frustration that some in the west have with the amount of money that has been spent investing in the east and therefore taken away from the west. I just saw an interview with someone on TV who said they would never celebrate the falling of the wall do to the 'problems' that it has caused. There are trust walls that have been built, not trusting in the government (at a completely higher level then in the US), not trusting in acquaintances and sometimes even family members or friends, due to the spying that took place during communist reign. The wall that has affected us the most is the wall that has been built between this city and God. Construction of this wall was started in the DDR (German Democratic Republic) by basically removing the church and religion, instead making government the religion. As one wall came down the other only got higher. It amazes me how I can stand in this open free city yet feel so imprisoned. How so many people can answer my questions to them about God by saying "What God? There is no God."

The jubilation that I saw on the TV as I watched the celebration and old clips from '89 caused me to have a range of emotions. Tears of joy because due to the wall coming down our family is allowed to now live in the old eastern section of Berlin, a city we have come to love and call home. It has allowed us to be able to work in a small church plant in its infant stages. It has allowed me to build relationships with so many Germans that we hold dear to our hearts and now call family. We also see first hand the restoration that has been brought to this city because of the wall coming down. After twenty years, we see a city that is still coming together, that is still being rebuilt. But also of sadness, knowing what destruction was done to the church here in Berlin not only during the communist years but also during the Hitler years (which could be a whole other post). That although many of the churches still stand, many stand as museums. There are bookstores who do not sell the Bible because the owner doesn't believe it is true, yet they are ok selling fiction books. We live in a city where we sometimes feel that we are not accepted and seriously outcasted because we are Christians. It is a sad truth.

There is a lack of hope here. Most often we hear that people see a hope in us that they have not seen before. Many thought that the fall of the wall would bring new hope to people, but that has not entirely held true. It is our desire that the hope we have in Jesus Christ, would also be the hope for the hopeless in this city. That this hope would bring full restoration and unity to this once war-torn, divided city of Berlin.

Picture Descriptions:

1) 1989 at the Brandenburg Gate

2) Brandenburg Gate with Domino Blocks to re-do the falling of the Wall on the 20th Anniversary of the fall

3) Another view of the Domino's looking from Reichstag (Capital Building) to the Brandenburg Gate.

...and Baby turns 1

So I think I now know what they mean when they say the youngest will always be the baby. That is because our baby Hanna just turned one. Which means in reality she is no longer a baby but now a toddler. However there is something inside that holds on to that baby, something that breaks the heart as you see her getting bigger. It is kind of wierd to think that there will no longer be any more babies in our household (at least not that we are planning on). Which will make Hanna always be our baby.

Not much has really been written on the blog about this crazy kid. Stephanie and I were thinking with having such an extrovert of a daughter with Grace and the spunk of Caleb that our third would be more reserved and sort of just quietly observe her older siblings. That is not the case whatsoever. Hanna is just as rambunctious as her siblings and she is the trouble maker at night trying to get Caleb and Grace to play with her, instigating them on.

She is the one who pounces on Caleb as he quietly tries to play cars by himself on the floor and also the one who tries to add her own creative genius to the pieces of artwork that Grace works so hard to create for us. Hanna is the one who thinks that the world is a stage and also simultaneously one big playground for her to explore. Yet allows Grace to pick her up and carry her where ever she pleases and looks at her big brother with such love it melts your heart. As she get ready to take off walking any day now, alls I have to say is watch out world!

If I had to give one adjective to describe her it would be joy, for that is what she brings into the lives of all she meets. We thank you Lord for our baby, the blessing that she is to us and to so many!

To see more pictures from her birthday, click here.

4 Years On.....

I have been thinking about this blog for some time now, and I keep on ending up empty handed. I think that I am wanting to be too philosophical, too deep or perhaps even too spiritual about this blog. So instead of doing any of that and over processing, I am just going to write my thoughts as they go through me head.

4 years on.....two more kids, a new apartment, a new ministry and a life I would have never imagined. If you would have told me four years ago that I would be sitting here doing what I am doing I would have never have believed you. It is pretty much insane how much God has blessed us over the past four years. So much so it truly moves Stephanie and I every time we begin to talk about it. Words of thanks cannot begin to do justice to Him for what He has done and is doing. Instead we just offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). This however does not mean that there has not been any struggles.

To be honest with you, it was just about three weeks ago when I had some pretty serious questions go through my head. The typical human questions, why am I here? Am I really doing what God wants me to be doing? Or am I just doing ministry because I want to, instead of being called to it. Of course it is always not easy to ask these questions let alone to answer them. One thing that Stephanie and I promised to each other is that we would not just stay in Berlin because we like it here, or because we were scared to go back to the US, or because we did not know what else we would do. Instead we only want to be here in Berlin if the passion was still alive if the calling was still strong. And the only way you can really know that is true is by seriously asking yourself and of course God those questions above. We have come to realize that routine or settling is not an option, because when we do it is then that we begin to rely more on ourselves and less on God.

What came out of me asking those questions? A realization of how much I still struggle with identity. As much as I want to see my complete identity in Christ instead of the things I do, the things that I have accomplished, it is a struggle I continue to have. God continues to bring me to places in my life to show me that I have grown in this area and that I do not seek approval as much as I have before. But that I still have a lot more to grow in order to be comfortable with the fact that I do not need to prove anything to God, He loves me no matter what I accomplish, or for that matter, what I do not accomplish (Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 5:7-9). If it be 4 years that we are here or 40. The one thing that I am still certain is, is that God wants us to be here in Berlin, our love for this city and the people/friends here has not lessened in 4 years, but only has grown stronger. And it is through being here that God is revealing these things to me.

That is what the past four years is about, God's revelation to Stephanie and I about His goodness, His provision, but most importantly about His love. His love to "discipline" us, to grow us closer to Him (Hebrews 12). On one side I would love to write to say that the past four years has not been with out tears, without pain, without struggle. But I know if that was the case I would not have been able to have the joys, the experience of the realness of our God and Saviour who hears our cries and answers our prayers. I am learning to truly be able to "Rejoice Always" (Philippians 4:4) for I know that He has good things in store for those He loves even when I do not fully understand it (Romans 8:28-29).

This is just a small short blog of what God has shown me about myself the past four years and has worked in me. I could write several more pages about how I have seen God work in and through Stephanie, my children, our friends here in Berlin and in the US, our team, our church plant here in Berlin, and our neighborhood here in Berlin. I could go on and on......God is so good all the time. I thank God for all those who have enabled us to be here the past four years and who enable us to stay here!

Picture Descriptions:

1) August 2005: right before moving to Berlin (who is this couple?)

2) October 2006: beginning of year 2 in Berlin with 2 children

3) August 2007: first visit back to US after 2 years in Berlin

4) August 2008: first HMA, beginning of year 3 with three children (see belly)

5) August 2009: 4 years on......just a couple of changes.

God's Creation: The Mountains

So for the past year I have had this s
trong desire to go to the mountains, really really tall mountains and I had no idea where this feeling was coming from. After reading Psalm 23-25, 134-139 during my morning devotions while sitting in our rental apartment in Bayern (german alps), this is what came to mind.

You see most of my life these days is in the big city (third largest city in Europe) with tall buildings (man's creation). One can have the feeling that these buildings are overpowering you. Like I mentioned above man made these buildings so in reality sometimes it really feels like man is overpowering me, especially when one takes into account the culture of city life and of Berlin. Don't get me wrong I know that God has ultimate control in power, I am just speaking of feelings that I have had recently coming back to the city after being in the US for 8 months (which is distinctively different).

I think I wanted tall mountains (God's creation) to remind me and to give me the feeling of smallness, of God creation overpowering me, so in essence God overpowering me in a physical way. Especially since man has never built a taller building (Dubai 818 meters) taller then the highest mountain (Everest 8,848 meters), there is no comparison of the strength of man to the strength of God. It is an overwhelming overpowering feeling to be under God's control instead of man, it is a feeling of comfort instead of fear. That is a feeling that I love to have! I am so thankful that God granted us the opportunity to go experience this, to see His beauty in His creation and be cuddled up next to Him inside His amazing creation.

Psalm 24:1-2

¹ The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; ² for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

Psalm 136:1-9

¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. ² Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.³ Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.⁴ to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.⁵ who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.⁶ who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.⁷ who made the great lights— His love endures forever.⁸ the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. ⁹ the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.

Bayern Vacation

We were originally thinking about taking vacation in the middle of September, but after a busy (to put it lightly) couple of months since being back, Stephanie decided that she would like to go sooner then later. After searching for hours online for a vacation rental apartment, they are often cheaper then hotels (and you get a kitchen, family room and two bedrooms!) we finally found one that was available in our price range. We had part of the first floor of this house.

We really wanted this vacation to be relaxing without a ton of sightseeing so that we could unwind, so we found a place away from it all, but easy access if we wanted to see some 'sights'. Our home for the week would be outside of Reit im Winkl which is a small town right on the border with Austria in the southeastern side in the German Alps. It is about 800km away which took about 8 hours in the car to get there (with breaks). The town is incredibly kid friendly, they have free stroller rental for guests and a children's program two days of the week.

Day One: It was a beautiful day upon arrival (around 11:30 am after leaving Berlin at 3:30 am) so we decided to head to a lake for some swimming. We packed a lunch and headed out. It was incredibly beautiful and relaxing just being in nature and playing with the kids. Hanna is definitely a water baby!

Day Two: Weather was touch and go for the week and it was actually sunny in the morning so we decided to head to the top of a mountain (Kampenwand 1,669 meter). We took the cable car to the top, in which I was more nervous then the kids. Up top it was partly overcast, but we still had an amazing view of the alps and of Chiemsee. The nice thing was there were some great hiking paths that we are able to hike with the kids, they did an amazing job! After hiking from one side to the other we took a break and had a beer. Although I could have been disappointed by the clouds God gave me the grace to be overjoyed by the time with the kids and Stephanie.

Day 3: Since it was rainy where we were, we decided to head out to another part of the country. We had promised Grace that we would go to Cinderella's Castle, or what is better known as Schloss Neuschwanstein. As our 2 1/2 drive turned into 3 and then 4 and then 5 hours I was really questioning my judgement in going there. Between the rain and construction, delays were all over. However upon arrival, the sky cleared and the gray clouds made way from beautiful blue skies. As we turned the corner and saw the castle, the giggles and joy that were on both Grace and Caleb's faces made the long drive well worth it. The castle was absolutely phenominal, it is hard to believe it is only 1/3 the way finished. Fortunately it was only a 2 3/4 hour drive on the way back.

Day 4: After being in the car for so long the day before, we stayed inside and had a relaxing morning just being together. During naptime for Caleb and Hanna, I took Grace out to do some exploring with daddy. We found a brook that we were able to hike around in in our boots and build a 'bridge' out of the rocks. She got a kick of throwing rocks into the water that splashed daddy. Unfortunately after throwing a rather large rock she slipped and fell in and got completely soaked. We headed back to the house to get the rest of the fam to head out to the park and for a small hike.

Day 5: After a day of relaxation we decided to do another short car trip, this time to Salzburg. The trip was an hour long drive along the B305 which is the Germany's Alps Street (bad translation but you get the idea). It was a gorgeous drive! Salzburg is an amazingly small old town. We spent the day mostly just wandering around the old streets, checking out the old buildings and visiting the local bakery and butcher for lunch. Of course finding a nice cafe in the afternoon for coffee and applestrudel. Some of our favorites there were the buildings from the 1200's, the catacombs in the side of a mountain and the musicians that seemed to be around every corner. As you can see in the picture, Caleb particularly enjoyed them with ice cream.

Day 6: Since it would be our last full day, we decided to head out for another hike while the sky was still clear. Unfortunately this hike was not as 'successful' as the first two. I think the week had finally gotten to the kids and they were pretty exhausted. Although it was quite short, the scenery was definitely incredible. After everyone took a nap we headed to the local indoor pool, which was free to guests, and had huge glass windows with views of the mountains that allowed us to feel like we were outside. Everyone had a blast. Grace particularly enjoyed the song I taught her for dandelions, "momma had a baby and its head popped off", as she sings in the picture above while hiking.

Day 7: In the morning we decided to walk around Reit im Winkl a short bit before heading back to Berlin.

This is one place that I probably could have stayed at least another week. It was so relaxing and beautiful. There were plently of options to hike, to do things with the kids, go on short daytrips, or just hang around our apartment. So much so that we definitely were not able to see/do it all. Although there was a free child care program two days of the week we did not take advantage of it because we truly had such an amazing time with the kids and they were so incredibly well behaved. We truly are blessed!

To see more pictures of our time there, click here, then select Bayern Vacation to view pictures in that folder.

English Camp 2009

We have English Camp every year. It is almost as normal for English Camp to occur as it is for the flowers to bud in the springtime or seeing the first snow of winter (at least in Ohio). There is something beautiful to the natural order of things, but it can also be somewhat unsettling. The unsettling part of camp is that it is becoming routine and it’s taking longer to recognize the amazing gift that it truly is. I had my “i’’s dotted and “t”s crossed (thanks mostly to my intern) and everything seemed pretty much in order.

I always remind my returning tutors to come expecting something different because is never the same, since that has definitely been the case for me over the past couple years. I think I try to lower their expectations (as well as mine) so they don’t end up disappointed. That’s when I am reminded that we worship a huge God in whom we could never have high enough expectations for. God is most likely disappointed in the “low” expectations we have of Him.

This year God surpassed my expectations in the amount of peace and grace that He gave me to deal with the challenges that came to pass. Nine members of the US team were told that they may have been infected with swine flu on their flight, Berlin teammates got sick, half of Berlin’s public transportation shut down, and rain wiped out the games during the parent day. Sometimes I really wanted to just laugh, especially the night of the demonstrations in front of the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag.

Through these "challenges" that at least appear so to man, are really not for the God we worship. The group that might have been infected with swine flu were let through to their next flight as the worker at the airport said that he was amazed that they could go on. However again this is not to big or to amazing for our God. Despite some Berlin teammates being sick others stepped up took on more responsibility and it went almost unnoticed (although we missed them) that they were not there. Unfortunately the public transportation never did start working, however God showed me that He not only gives me patience but to others as well, and I was able to see that patience in so many those that I was with. Although rain wiped the games out, God showed me that "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" Proverbs 19:21, which is a good thing. Because of the rain it forced us indoors into tight quarter to eat, which is where intimate conversation took place. It was such a blessing that is rained. And lastly, the demonstrations really just showed me that God does have a sense of humor and sometimes we just need to laugh.

However, through it all God always gave me the peace and grace I needed. The struggles were worth it just to hear the stories of individuals on the US team about how their lives had been affected by their experience here in Berlin, the opportunities they had to share the love of Christ with their students and how through it all they had been drawn closer to God. This is one of the things that I love about English Camp, He draws those closer to Him so that they may draw others also to Him. Also, to see one of the students who on the first day of camp had no interest in being there and then on the last day laughing and giggling with her new friends, was truly a gift from God. These are only a few of the many examples of our great and awesome God who was at work during English Camp 2009.

Picture Descriptions:

# 1: Students and Staff of English Camp 2009

#2: Team dinner at home home and a time of worship afterwards

#3: Stephanie and the Space Cadets (Music team for camp including Stephanie's sister and our intern)

#4: Stephanie as room captain on Family Day

Hochzeit beim Standesamt (German Wedding)

About a month and a half ago I was talking to my best friend here in Berlin, he asked me if I had plans for July 3rd. Thinking he wanted to have a July 4th picnic or something I told him that it was a long way off so I did not know for sure, but at this point it was open. He then asked if I would be his Trauzeuge (best man )at his wedding. I then quickly responded by telling him that I am definitely free and that I would be definitely there. When I was asked I was truly truly honored and humbled. To think that the guy that I had met on the playground just two years prior would ask me to be his best man. And to be in a country, where to get married is against the norm and to have two close friends make the decision to get married I could not have been more excited.

Shortly after my phone call I realized that I was going to be a best man at a wedding in a culture that I do not know. A short panic came over me and I thought to myself, what do I do now? Did it mean that I had to have a bachelor party? Give a wedding speech, in German? What do I wear? Too many thoughts. I continued to ask how I could help, but was always told he had it under control. Until the night before the wedding. He called me up to ask one favor, if we could use our camcorder since he was having trouble with his. I responded with a quick yes, unknowing the affects that it would have. That night I had a nightmare that I forgot the camera and then got kicked out of the wedding and was told that the friendship was over and that he never wanted to see me again, it was quick tragic.

The wedding was a Hochzeit beim Standesamt (Wedding at City Hall), which I think are more common then Church weddings here in Germany. Of Which also I had never experienced in the US. Stephanie and I were to meet them at their apartment and we would drive together to the Amt to meet some of the other family there. In total there was only 17, which included them, Hanna and their 3 children. It was a very close intimate affair that Stephanie and I had the honor to be part of. His family, which I had only met his mother and father once, treated my family like we part of theirs. We are so thankful for their openess and the love they showed us.

I must admit that I thought the four of us (the couple and the two Trauzeugen) would go in a room, we would all sign a piece of paper and then it would be over after 5 minutes or so. That was not the case. Although we did first go into a small office (the four of us) in which there we papers filled out and signed and took about ten minutes or so. At first I did think after that session it was over, however the amt women then did say we were to go into the next room. It was here that the ceremony would take place. The room was a nicer room then what one would expect at an "Amt", somewhat like a small chapel. The ceremony, which was done by a city official was quit nice which included a small thought by her, giving of the rings and the signing of the marriage certificate. It was a lot nicer then what I would have expected. The emotion and love that the couple showed was beautiful and the tears of happiness that flowed from their eyes were shared by many. As we headed outside we were surprised to see a log between two sawhorses. It is tradition in Germany that the couple saw through the log together, to see how well they work together as a couple. The couple was surprised by his uncle who set it up for them, however did an incredible job working together to saw through it quickly, which you should be expected after six years of being together and three kids.

After the wedding we headed to a restaurant for a buffet. Spontaneously outside the restaurant the Oma (grandma) pulled out a boombox and played music for the couple to dance with. It was amazing to see the absolute joy in their faces as they danced on the sidewalk to the music. It was a time to hang out, eat and just enjoy being together. The restaurant had a bavarian style and the food was quite delicious. We were there for five hours just hanging out, eating, and enjoying conversatoin with one another. Throughout that time gifts were opened and I finally got the nerve to do my speech. That is right I gave a speech. I must be honest though, I did write it out (in German), just because I know that my nerves would probably get the best of me. The couple was much appreciative and I was able to make it through it without any tears.

The day was filled with many wonderful memories for Stephanie and I, memories that we will carry on for us for many years to come. God has truly blessed me with an incredible friend here in Berlin, for whom I am incredibly thankful for. Not only did God bless me with a friend but God also blessed us all by bringing his whole family in relationship with ours.

Caleb's 3rd Birthday

Well since Caleb has just begun Kita he really has no friends yet in school, so we were wondering what we could do for him for his birthday. We tried to think of what he would really enjoy doing. Then I remembered that this past winter Caleb saw his first model train and he LOVED it and probably could have stared at it for hours. It just so happens that down the street from us in the mall is a huge model train exhibit of the city of Berlin and birthday boys get in for free. I asked my teammate if he would be interested in going with his twin son's (of which are Caleb's age) and make a boy's day out of it.

I picked up Caleb early from school so that we could have our boy's day together. I made sure that it was after the time that they celebrated his birthday at school. He was really excited about his big special birthday day with daddy. All us boy's went to McDonalds together and Caleb got his favorite, Chicky nuggets and fries, I even let him have sprite to drink.

Afterward we headed to LOXX which is where the train exhibit was. Of course, you need to go through the gift shop to enter and to exit. As soon as we entered I really think that Caleb's jaw drop, he ran up and started staring at the trains and pointing out each one that went by. He kept informing me of how fast they went. I kept on having to encourage him to go check out other places in the exhibit, or I think he would have stayed in one place the whole time. The boys kept hearing a plane take off so they wanted to check that out. Across the way they had an airport where a plane would take off into the clouds and then land, they thought is was the coolest thing.

It was a really special time for me because I honestly do not spend as much one on one time with Caleb as I should. For some reason when we do one on one time Stephanie takes Caleb and I take Grace, it is just the way that it has been done. However with this trip to the train exhibit I have realized how much I miss just spending time with Caleb alone. It is so funny how different kids act when their younger or older siblings are not around. He truly is an absolute joy and gift from God. I am blessed for the three years that God has gifted me with him and I look forward to seeing him grow up to be a man of God.

A Princess's 5th Birthday

Who would have thought that five years would go so quickly? As a parent of small children you hear often, enjoy these years they grow up quickly. With the whining, the diapers, the sleepless nights and the fighting it is sometimes really hard to enjoy these years, especially as the bags under my eyes get bigger. However as I now look at my baby girl who is not so much my baby girl anymore, I begin to understand more and more the advice that was given to me.

The spilled juice, the stains in the carpet, the clothes that are ruined, the neighbors who have been disturbed beyond what they deserve, and of course the battle marks that have scared everyone.

All of the above is well worth every second as I look on my daughter who is turning into an amazing young girl of whom I am so proud. Although it has taken me awhile to learn, and in some ways still learning, is to actually enjoy all those things above, as much as they bother and frustrate me. There will come a day that I will be begging my kids to jump on me, to hang on me and of course to pull my arm out of socket, but they won't because they will be too old, it will be too uncool. There will be the day that I will ask them, can I please put you in bed like a rocket ship and they will respond that they are no longer 5 years old. Or I will beg them to cuddle beside me for me to read a book to them before bed and instead they will be begging for 10 more minutes on the internet instead to keep up with their friends on facebook. I must continue to challenge myself to cherish these times, no matter how exhausted I am. I am truly blessed, not only for my five year old princess, but for every one of my blessings from God!

Psalm 127:3 (New International Version)

³ Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from Him.

Here is a quick review of Grace's Birthday:

We woke up to a little girl who informed us whose birthday it was, as if we forgot "Today is my Birthday! I am FIVE!" Next she opened up her gifts, which were of the theme Ballerina. She got ballet lessons from mom and dad, a tutu and tights from Nannie and Opa, and ballet shoes from Mammaw and Grandpa. I really think she was about to explode out of happiness. At Kita she got to celebrate with her class and eat ice cream. We picked her and five other girls up from school for her birthday party.

This year she decided she wanted a Princess Tea Party, no boys allowed, but of course Caleb who was the one prince and fortunately daddy who was THE KING! We got back to our house for the girls to change into their princess dresses for the tea party and cake time. After cake time we had craft time in which they made their own princes rings and princess crowns. Of course they had to try on each others princess dresses. We then headed to the park, so that some of the energy could be let out. Let me tell you it was quite a sight Stephanie and I walking six five year olds, a two year old and a 9 month old to the park. We were asked at one point if they were all ours. Afterward we came back to our place for another change of princess gowns and for dinner. It was an exhausting day but our little girl was in her own little kingdom. She went to bed exhausted and happy and began looking forward to next year.

Picture Descriptions:

1) Grace finding out that she will be going to ballet lessons

2) Coming back from the park with way too many kids, out of control!

3) Our Lil' Princess

4) The Tea Party....

Hamburg Fahrradtour (part I)

A couple of months ago I got together with one of the guys from my guys group to spend some time with him after returning to Berlin. At the end of our time together he asked me if I would be interested in doing a bike trip with him at the end of May. I asked him the two most important questions, where to and when. When he responded "Hamburg" I about fell on the ground only later to find out that we would actually be going to Neumuenster, which is even farther north. The reason for the trip was to watch his mom play in a the German Blind Soccer League tournament (see part II). I asked him if I were not to go who would go with him, and he said he would go by himself. For me that was not an option, since the parent side of me came out and I knew it was important for me to go with him. Plus I had been wanting to do a bike trip and wanting to see his mom play soccer for some time now.

Since I was in language school I told him that I could not miss more then three days of school, so we made a deal that we would take the train part of the way and then would bike the rest. Also since we would be biking through Hamburg, I wanted to check it out since I had never been there. The other deal was that we could only speak german the entire time and that he would have to correct my mistakes. Lastly, since I was pretty busy at the time I told him he had to organize everything and that I would trust him and go along for the ride. My wife was more then understanding and was even supportive of my decision to go with him (I have an amazing wife).

We left after my class on a Wednesday afternoon and took the train a bit of the ways there. That evening we spent 3+ hours on our bikes. The bike paths and bike maps that they have here are amazing and greatly helped us out. Plus, he did a great job organizing the trip. The path took us along the Elbe River, which used to be the border between East and West Germany. Along the way we passed multiple watchtowers that the Stasi used to guard the Elbe from those who tried to cross to "freedom". It was humbling and amazing to see, especially since it seemed at times that there was nothing around besides these watchtowers. We were able to climb up one that is now used as a lookout point. It was crazy to think about what it was used for as I stood up there. Although it was windy (really windy), I was greatful that it did not rain. We passed through small quaint towns that we thought sometimes really had not one living creature in them since they were so quiet.

I had heard nothing but good things about Hamburg and was excited to experience it first hand. It was a nice, clean, pretty city (from what I experienced) and had a ton of water and canals (it's a port city). We went to the Hamburg port and all along the bank one could see nothing but cranes for the cargo. It was amazing to think that our stuff had gone through that maze twice and somehow arrived at our door. We did not have much time there, but would definitely recommend it as a visit. One surprise was that it was a lot hillier then I would have expected. One definitely notices it after several days on a bike.

Our last day was our longest on the bikes at one time. All the way from Hamburg to Neumuenster in one day, a total of 90+KM (about 56 miles). My legs could definitely feel it at the end of this trip. In total, we traveled 212 Km (131 miles). The forceful headwind did not help my legs either. We arrived in Neumuenster and tried to find the zoo, where the camping area (cabins) for the tournament was.

Picture Descriptions:

1) Along the Elbe, watchtower in center right of picture

2) The Pension where we stayed the night (our bikes are in the front of the building)

3) Believe it or not this is a trains stop we found along the way

4) The old main shipping center of Hamburg (can you count all the cranes in the background?)

Hamburg Fahrradtour (Part II)

(continued from part 1) Once we arrived at the camping grounds after three days of riding our bikes I was asked if I wanted a beer and at that point I could not have been more ready for one. This first night was the arrival of all the teams. It was really cool to see the community that they had with one another, although they are all on different teams (the next day paying against one another). There was a neat sense of family that was there.

I think it is good every once in awhile to feel a part of the minority. Although our family is in the minority in Berlin, 1) since we are Americans 2) since we are not native german speakers and 3) since we are Christians. However that has just become a way of life for us. At the camp I definitely felt in the minority and I say that not in a negative way. My first real encounter with blindness has been with the guy in my guys group and his family (his mom is completely blind). Being at the tournament, participating in the community and seeing how they cared and helped one another out was humbling. I personally played soccer with two blind teenage boys and let me tell you, I did not have to take it easy on them, instead I kept asking them to take it easy on me!

At the tournament there were people of all ages playing together, encouraging one another. One could sense that although they all had the desire to win, that was not what the tournament was all about. That could be shown by the excitement to get to the evening activities. Unfortunately I had to leave to get back to my wife and kids so I missed out on the evening. The focus of the evening was celebrating being together not just the winning team but everyone grilling out and eating and enjoying each others presence. I feel truly honored that I was able to participate in this weekend with this guy and his family. I was able to enter into a culture that I had not ever experienced and have been changed because of it.

Picture Descriptions:

1) Hamburg

2) Blind Football (soccer) Tournament

First Family Bike Ride

We will call it an adventure is what we will title it! We had planned on doing it two days prior, however rain postponed our big day out. When the weather is nice we like to get outside and get out of our neighborhood. Since we all now have bikes that we can ride (well Hanna can now officially go in the bike seat) we decided to to go for small trip together.

To not overdue it too much, we rode our bikes to the train station and then took the train to the park we wanted to ride our bikes around. For awhile we had been wanting to visit Treptower Park which was laid out in the 1860's, however due to miscellaneous reasons we had not been able to get there. Before going to the park we decided to head to what they say is the last standing watchtower in Berlin. I had seen pictures of it, but since we were going to be in the area, thought we could swing by it. Not realizing it was quite a way out of our ways, especially when our little buddy boo was on a laufrad (walking bike). It was pretty cool to see, but still felt a little bad for Caleb. As we headed to the park the kids were starving, so we kept on telling them it was only a little further to where we wanted to picnic. Their legs held strug and they persevered.

We picnicked at the memorial in the park. The (very large) memorial is to commemorate the 20,000 Soviet soldiers that died during the taking of Berlin from April to May in 1945, 5,000 which lie on the grounds. The memorial opened only four short years after the war ended, they used marble from Hitlers chancellory. On top mausoleum that is on the hill has a 11 meter statue of a soldier rescuing a child with his sword on a smashed swastika. The kids really enjoyed rolling down the large hill. Upon exiting the memorial area we found out that we were not suppose to be sitting on the grass or eating in the area, woops.

After leaving the memorial we headed to Archenhold Sternwarte, which is an old observatory dating back to 1896. This is still the longest refracting telescope in the world! It was here also that Einstein gave his first presentation on the Theory of Relativity on 2. June 1915. At this point Stephanie had to really pee and Caleb needed a break, so we headed across the street to the beer garden, because daddy could really use a beer and Grace really needed ice cream. And what did Hanna need? A NAP! And to top it all off there was even a slide for the kids to play on. Here at this beer garden is a dance hall that was built in 1822 in classic Schinkel style. From here you can see the first bridge built in Germany out of steel in 1916.

After our break, we started to head back to the train station to head home. The kids (and Stephanie) did a great job. It was a beautiful day and was a heck of a lot of fun. It was sort of a test run, and I would say it is something that we will definitely continue to do in the future. To see more pictures you can go to our May album on shutterfly by clicking here.

Picture Descriptions:

1) Family at the watchtower

2) Soviet Memorial

3) Archenhold Sternwarte

4) Kids eating ice cream in front of slide

5) Stephanie reading book while drinking her beer (nope that beer is mine), she has the coffee while Hanna takes her nap while still in her bike seat.