This summer I was incredibly blessed to have my whole family visit me at various times. It was a big step for my parents – my dad’s first time leaving the country!
My younger brother David drove down from Bremen to surprise my parents.
My parents saw what life was like here in Germany. They saw BFA, met a few German neighbors at a block party (complete with Kaffee und Kuchen with the entertainment of some not-totally-sober singing of the Baden anthem), watched my orchestra’s performance of a German opera (The Magic Flute by Mozart), hiked, and relaxed at my house. We also took a trip into the Swiss Alps since I live so close.
It was really special for them to be here, both for me and for them. For them, it was a glimpse into my world here; they stepped beyond the limited portal of Skype and into the actual realm of Germany! Their presence here in my house reminded me that our relationship with God is like a Skype relationship now, but one day we will see Him face to face in His house.
A day after my parents left, I took a train up to Bremen to visit David. My older brother Erich flew in at about the same time, so the three of us were able to spend some quality sibling time together.
Erich and I traveled together from Bremen back to Kandern. It was his first time seeing my home here, though he had been to Germany twice before. We also made a little excursion into the Alps – a bit more intense hiking than what I did with my parents!
David will return to Kandern one more time before he heads back to the States. That will be the last I see of my family until Christmas.
