Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving in Berlin

GIVING THANKS
Any day is a good for reflecting on God's goodness to man but it is a little extra special today as people meet with family and dear friends and give God thanks.
I was reminded of Ps. 8 where David wrote about the magnificence of God, but yet He cares for us, we are special to God. It is very humbling.

As Lucy and I think about this past year, how incredible it has been, we are so grateful to our heavenly Father for all of His blessings. He has brought us so far. Again, David comes to mind in 2 Sam.7:18, "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that Thou hast brought me this far?" Two years ago this reality wasn't even on our radar, but here we are in Berlin, Germany.

Yes, we miss family and friends. We'd love to be there to see our parents, children and grandchildren. But God's word is clear, following His will is not an easy road. We thank God that our family and friends understand why we are absent. We are looking to the eternal perspective. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

TURKEY IN BERLIN
Thanksgiving is not a holiday recognized in Germany. We did see that a restaurant or two advertised a T'Day Dinner. There must be enough Americans around to make it worthwhile.
BUT, we will not be without turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, or any of that good stuff!!!!!
Rock Berlin is hosting a turkey dinner this evening with all the trimmings, mmmm! And if that isn't enough, Lucy and I will participate in an outreach turkey dinner Friday evening hosted by one of the members at RB. Christina is having a dinner for her co-workers and some of the people in her apartment building. The only thing missing besides you all will be American football! Oh well, can't have everything. Pray that hearts will be touched for Christ.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

A Very Full Week

It's been a week since we blogged (is that a real verb?) (sounds like a German dance).

At the end of last week we attended our first birthday party in Berlin. One of the wives from RB (Rock/Berlin) turned 30 and that's a good reason for a big bash. We played games and were able to meet more of the saints at the party. Instead of a birthday cake there was an ice cream bar. No complaints from us:) Germans love to meet to talk and eat.

After getting to bed around 1:30a.m. we arose Saturday morning in time to help one of the single woman at RB move into a new apartment. Lucy and I thought we were in good shape, but we were WRONG! There weren't many items - they all fit in a small truck. But, in Germany, apartments don't come with built-in closets so you have to buy a Schrank (closet). We were able to take the doors off and move the schrank in 3 big sections.

Another lesson, when counting floors in an apartment building you don't count the first level as 1st Floor. So when someone moves from the 3rd floor it's really the 4th. And when they say they are moving to the 4th floor, it's actually the 5th. Also, no elevators, only winding staircases.

The move only took two hours, but my legs were like rubber bands. I can wait another week before I join the gym. Lucy's legs are still sore.

The saints didn't want us to be bored (or rest too much) so they planned a Welcome Party for us after the Saturday service. There was, again, great food and desserts! And more new faces.

The woman that turned 30 and had the great birthday party found the time to make us the beautiful Welcome sign. Thank you Stephi.
















We started becoming legal this week - we registered with the local authorities, so they know we are here and where we live. Another RB member, Flo Deppe, is working on our residency permit and on the application for a bank account. Then appointments have to be made in both cases. It good be a couple of weeks yet. Plus, I'll need a work visa, which will take a few months.


RB is preparing to say good-bye to three families that are heading back to the states over the next three months. The first, the Shafers, have been here for five years. They have been tremendous examples of servants for God. They have helped Germans come to the faith and to grow in their faith. And, of course, there will be a party for them Saturday after the service. Also, a brunch and the opportunity to move furniture that they aren't taking. We will benefit by receiving a few pieces of furniture. They only live on the 4th floor (5th) and we live on the the 1st (2nd). Plus we have a decent sized elevator:) I'll mention the other families in later blogs.

My cousins, Ralf and Peter Schlesiger, did not make the church service, but came on Sunday.
Ralf has been to the states often, but I haven't seen Peter in over 38 years. We had a great time roaming east and west Berlin by foot and double-decker bus. Lucy found a pool hall where we shared some laughs (because we stink at pool). We spent some time talking about the church in Germany and listened to what turned them away from church. They are interested in visiting RB sometime in the future. They live in Hamburg, my birthplace, which is a 3 hour train ride for us. It took them the same amount of time by car too. It was special visiting with family in Germany and sharing what great things God has done for us, Lk.8:39.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

The Second Week is Under Way

We have turned the corner on the first week in Berlin and are a couple of days into our second week. When people have asked how it feels being in Berlin, our answer has been, "let's wait until the second week because we've been here three separate times of one week each." Well, now we have to answer the question - it's incredible realizing where we are and how God brought us here.

We continue enjoying new experiences. Both of us now have been in Bible studies with others of our gender. Lucy attended an international women's study today. It was all in English, although Lucy has begun language instruction.
And last night we were part of a conversation group that consisted of English only and German only speakers, believers and a non-believer, employed and unemployed, with 4 countries represented.





Yesterday we found a very well-equipped music store which was near a great place to buy a bockwurst and broetchen (here's an opportunity to do some internet research:)
We have also experienced sore and tired feet and achy leg muscles (esp. our shins). We walk a lot every day so we can eat plenty of German pastry and not get fat! (it sounds good in my mind)
There are trams (Lucy rode alone for the first time today:) and buses and trains for traveling, but we can enjoy the neighborhood more by walking. On the other hand, it has rained almost every day.
Tonight is another mentoring opportunity for Dieter with a new believer.
There is a 30th birthday party for one of the leaders wives on Friday. It will be a dress up occasion. Birthdays a big celebrations here so there will probably be a lot of food:)
We are expecting one of Dieters cousins to attend the church service on Saturday, PTL.
One of the main goals for next week is to become official in Berlin. We'll keep you posted.
The Germanators are on our minds and hearts. We wouldn't be here without you.

Monday, November 5, 2007

First Weekend in Berlin

The Rock/Berlin church has services on Saturdays at 6 p.m. This past Saturday saw approximately 40+ people sitting on sofas (the service is advertised as the Sofa Service) and other living room furniture as worship music began the service. The song list included ones in German and English.
Most of the congregation can speak some English, and all but two spoke German. Several of the folks came from other countries. The message was presented in German this week. Translation into English was available for the two that needed it. Other weeks when Pastor Dave teaches in English, someone translates into German.
The people were very friendly and hung out afterwards to fellowship. Twice a month the church offers a potluck meal after the service and a snack on the other weeks. Often they will show a movie for entertainment when the meal is over.
We helped clean up after the meal. A Baptist church rents the space on Sundays, so we must leave the place in good shape. Cleanup includes sweeping and mopping and dishes. They never use paper plates, but fortunately they have a good dishwasher.
We were done with everything around 10p.m. and then went with a few people to a cafe for a snack and to talk. It was just after midnight when we arrived home.

Sunday morning found us at the home of an American couple, the Shafers, that have been here since 2002 but are headed back to the states to live. We were invited for brunch and to meet a missionary with Campus Crusade. Claudia is a German who attended The Rock for a while before God called her into ministry. So even though the Rock is a young church they have already sent someone into fulltime ministry.
Another reason for the brunch was to look at the Shafers furniture for anything we could use. The missionaries pass their possessions to others as needed.

Today was a pretty peaceful day. We spent some time traveling on the tram and saw a little of West Berlin and went grocery shopping. Being the capital of Germany, Berlin is a city of almost 4 million people, so there is a lot to see and do.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Becoming Official in Berlin

We have learned that before we can open a bank account, purchase a cell phone, join a gym, have the utilities put into our name, or do anything official we need to register with the local authorities. That's how the they keep track of everyone, citizens and non-citizens.

But before we can register with the authorities we need to prove we have a place to live and that we are gainfully employed. We are currently gathering the paperwork to make registration possible.
I guess you cannot just show up in Germany and live happily everafter:)

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Arrival

We arrived in Berlin on Oct. 30, 2007 to a smiling group of faces. Each person was needed to help with our luggage. Try shrinking your possessions down from a 3 bedroom house with garage to a 1 bedroom apartment with a 10 x 6 storage unit down to 3 large suitcases, 1 guitar, and 4 carryons. Quite a change. We rode a bus and train with all the luggage to the apartment.

The weather has been cool, in the 50's during the day, with very little sunshine. The sun did shine on Wed., our first full day here. We were given credit for the rays:)

The evening we arrived Dieter attended a mens Bible study at the church. On Wed, we were part of an operations meeting for some of the church leaders. It was good getting right to work.

We are thrilled to be here and look forward to doing the work God has for us.