Wiedersehen Neuendettelsau, Hallo Eisenach!

Dienstag, 01. Mai 2012

Heute haben wir Jahresfest gefeiert!

We experienced the annual holiday in Neuendettelsau. This allowed us to learn more about the Diakonie, and how they interact with the community. The town was active with many sights to see and things to do. People could participate in fun activities for people of all ages.

In the morning we went to church, which was my first German worship service. Knowing Lutheran liturgy well in English certainly makes it easier to follow along in worship. Much of the service focused on inclusion of all people, which ties in with the mission of the Diakonie.

In the afternoon we went to the book flea market at the library. While we were there we were lucky enough to run into a historian. He took us downstairs in the library to show us archives. It was quite a sight to see original works from Löhe’s time.

We saw a few other points of interest, including artwork as displayed in the “Lebenskreuze.” Also, we saw the sign pointing to the places where Neuendettelsau has sent missions.

Mittwoch, 02. Mai 2012

Our travels to Eisenach have led us to meet many great people. On Wednesday we took the train from Neuendettelsau to Eisenach. There was a very nice family on the last leg of the train ride. They were originally from Leipzig and coming back to visit family, and it was nice to talk with them about our travels as well as theirs.

Once we arrived in Eisenach, Heike was there to greet us. Heike is coordinating our internships. She took us to the motherhouse, where we are staying for the month. The rest of the day we had free. We walked around town, and I also met a couple of the deaconesses with which we live.

Donnerstag, 03. Mai 2012

The morning started with breakfast and chapel. At breakfast we met someone who is on a pilgrimage. I gather it is common for pilgrims to stay at the motherhouse. We also met a couple who is from The Netherlands, also from a sister city of Eisenach, like Waverly. At the chapel service people were very welcoming of guests.

Following chapel we went to city hall to discuss plans for our internships. I can tell that we are important to the community, and they appreciate our being here. I am anxious to start working with people at the Wartburg. It will be interesting to learn more about the culture, history, and how public relations functions in Germany.

In addition, we had a city tour. Stops included the St. George Church, Bach House, Luther House, and the smallest house in Germany. Tomorrow: Wartburg Castle!