Dear Readers,
My apologies for the lack of posts. We have been traveling through France and we are now in Belgium and have limited internet access. I will be posting more this weekend when I return to the youth hostel, or if I find a better connection. Thanks for your prayers.
Hayden
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Entry 7 - 9/23/11
Dear Readers,
I have now been in Germany for 3 weeks and time has flown by fast. I can't believe it has been that long since I first checked into my hostel in Munich and fumbled around town trying to figure things out (my German still isn't very good, I am really thankful for universal hand signs). This semester has been so much fun so far and it still doesn't feel like I am really at school (don't know that I ever will). The past week has involved mostly finishing up papers and presentations in our Christian Worldview/Apologetics, which has been a very helpful class because of how practical it is. I have learned so much more about articulating a worldview and understanding worldviews behind other beliefs and how to interact with all sorts of religions and ideas. This might be one of the most important classes I have ever taken as it comes to better understanding how to share my faith in a way that is both loving and logical. Just the other day we were on our way back from Oktoberfest and we sat in a cabin on the train with a Chemist from Munich who was headed to Regensburg. We began a conversation with him and one of the guys in our group sustained the conversation by asking questions about life in Germany. The man was very open to sharing and we were even able to discuss a little about his view on the current state of religion. He himself claimed to be Catholic, but he also explained how most people have written off the Catholic Church because of its current state. Many of the young people don't go to church, and definitely don't talk about it. The conversation was eye opening to hear about the state of German religion and the difficulty of reaching a people who have created a dichotomy in everyday life where religion is separate from science and observable things, and they can't be brought up or compared amongst each other. We have all enjoyed Dr. Baker here teaching us, and we are sad to see him leave tomorrow. He has taught us so much. Pray that I would be bold, but kind in my travels as I encounter all sorts of people. Today we start our first independent travel week, which are basically our weeks off to travel but also to get some reading done for the next class. I'll be renting a car with two other guys and we will be doing a little tour of central Europe (Paris, Normandy, Brussels, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg). We will be staying the night in each city and will be spending three nights in Paris. It will be a rather quick trip, but our goal is to see as much as we can during the week. A gas saver car and camping are making this trip possible and extremely convenient. We will be picking up another one of the guys in our group at Brussels where he will be touring around after flying. We are getting pretty excited to see all sorts of awesome places and meet interesting people. Please pray for us, that we would not get comfortable, but that we would be passionate about our faith. Pray also, for unity as it is so important for us have each others back if we are going to be true representations of the church. Thank you so much for your prayers and I hope that this blog is a blessing to you all.
From Regensburg
Hayden
I have now been in Germany for 3 weeks and time has flown by fast. I can't believe it has been that long since I first checked into my hostel in Munich and fumbled around town trying to figure things out (my German still isn't very good, I am really thankful for universal hand signs). This semester has been so much fun so far and it still doesn't feel like I am really at school (don't know that I ever will). The past week has involved mostly finishing up papers and presentations in our Christian Worldview/Apologetics, which has been a very helpful class because of how practical it is. I have learned so much more about articulating a worldview and understanding worldviews behind other beliefs and how to interact with all sorts of religions and ideas. This might be one of the most important classes I have ever taken as it comes to better understanding how to share my faith in a way that is both loving and logical. Just the other day we were on our way back from Oktoberfest and we sat in a cabin on the train with a Chemist from Munich who was headed to Regensburg. We began a conversation with him and one of the guys in our group sustained the conversation by asking questions about life in Germany. The man was very open to sharing and we were even able to discuss a little about his view on the current state of religion. He himself claimed to be Catholic, but he also explained how most people have written off the Catholic Church because of its current state. Many of the young people don't go to church, and definitely don't talk about it. The conversation was eye opening to hear about the state of German religion and the difficulty of reaching a people who have created a dichotomy in everyday life where religion is separate from science and observable things, and they can't be brought up or compared amongst each other. We have all enjoyed Dr. Baker here teaching us, and we are sad to see him leave tomorrow. He has taught us so much. Pray that I would be bold, but kind in my travels as I encounter all sorts of people. Today we start our first independent travel week, which are basically our weeks off to travel but also to get some reading done for the next class. I'll be renting a car with two other guys and we will be doing a little tour of central Europe (Paris, Normandy, Brussels, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg). We will be staying the night in each city and will be spending three nights in Paris. It will be a rather quick trip, but our goal is to see as much as we can during the week. A gas saver car and camping are making this trip possible and extremely convenient. We will be picking up another one of the guys in our group at Brussels where he will be touring around after flying. We are getting pretty excited to see all sorts of awesome places and meet interesting people. Please pray for us, that we would not get comfortable, but that we would be passionate about our faith. Pray also, for unity as it is so important for us have each others back if we are going to be true representations of the church. Thank you so much for your prayers and I hope that this blog is a blessing to you all.
From Regensburg
Hayden
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Entry 6 - 9/18/11
Dear Readers,
Tonight we just got back from the town of Weimar in Thuringia, which is known as the "Athens of the North." We left on Friday and stayed for the weekend while we toured throughout the city. On the way to Weimar, we stopped in Flossenburg and looked at the concentration camp there. A sobering time at a silent memorial, Flossenburg was definitely an eye opener for many of us as we transitioned from school and all the fun things we had been doing in Regensburg. In Weimar we toured several homes, museums, etc. of the people that put the city on the map; including Nietzsche, Goethe, Schiller, Liszt, Herder, to name a few. Today was one of the most interesting, but saddening days. We went through the concentration camp Buchenwald, which was one of the largest, and brutal camps. It is hard to see a town known for the arts, as Weimar once was, descend to level at which Buchenwald found itself. Buchenwald was also the place where Paul Schneider was held. I recommend looking him up, as he is one of the most inspiring men I have ever read about. The way in which God used him is as a witness to all those who were suffering is absolutely astounding. Tonight we will finish up homework and prepare for a week of school before our travel week the following week. Thank you all for your prayers.
Good Night,
Hayden
Tonight we just got back from the town of Weimar in Thuringia, which is known as the "Athens of the North." We left on Friday and stayed for the weekend while we toured throughout the city. On the way to Weimar, we stopped in Flossenburg and looked at the concentration camp there. A sobering time at a silent memorial, Flossenburg was definitely an eye opener for many of us as we transitioned from school and all the fun things we had been doing in Regensburg. In Weimar we toured several homes, museums, etc. of the people that put the city on the map; including Nietzsche, Goethe, Schiller, Liszt, Herder, to name a few. Today was one of the most interesting, but saddening days. We went through the concentration camp Buchenwald, which was one of the largest, and brutal camps. It is hard to see a town known for the arts, as Weimar once was, descend to level at which Buchenwald found itself. Buchenwald was also the place where Paul Schneider was held. I recommend looking him up, as he is one of the most inspiring men I have ever read about. The way in which God used him is as a witness to all those who were suffering is absolutely astounding. Tonight we will finish up homework and prepare for a week of school before our travel week the following week. Thank you all for your prayers.
Good Night,
Hayden
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Entry 5 - 9/14/11
Dear Readers,
I am now well into my second week here in Germany, and it is starting to feel more like school each and every day. Actually, class has been interesting and we have fun with being in a small group. Right now we are going through Christian Worldview and Apologetics with Dr. Baker from Corban. It has been an awesome opportunity to to dialog about different various worldviews as well as understanding Christianity and why we believe what we believe. Last night we went down by the river to a nearby soccer field and attempted to play some soccer with the some local guys we have been getting to know. I once again realized why cleats make a big difference when playing grass, but we had fun getting to meet more Germans. Not much has happened outside of class and some trips around Regensburg the last few days, but after the next couple days of classes we will be doing a tour based on our class of some various parts of Germany including Buchenwald and Weimar. Thanks you so much for your prayers, they have been evident in our time here. Please continue to pray for us as we establish relationships with the people here. Pray that we would not only keep our focus on God, but that He would work through us with His love as we keep meeting new people.
From the middle of class,
Hayden
I am now well into my second week here in Germany, and it is starting to feel more like school each and every day. Actually, class has been interesting and we have fun with being in a small group. Right now we are going through Christian Worldview and Apologetics with Dr. Baker from Corban. It has been an awesome opportunity to to dialog about different various worldviews as well as understanding Christianity and why we believe what we believe. Last night we went down by the river to a nearby soccer field and attempted to play some soccer with the some local guys we have been getting to know. I once again realized why cleats make a big difference when playing grass, but we had fun getting to meet more Germans. Not much has happened outside of class and some trips around Regensburg the last few days, but after the next couple days of classes we will be doing a tour based on our class of some various parts of Germany including Buchenwald and Weimar. Thanks you so much for your prayers, they have been evident in our time here. Please continue to pray for us as we establish relationships with the people here. Pray that we would not only keep our focus on God, but that He would work through us with His love as we keep meeting new people.
From the middle of class,
Hayden
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Entry 4 - 9/10/11
Dear Readers,
The past few days have been quite an adventure. Wednesday was more of a catch up day, where were able to get some work done and get ready for classes before some more touring of Regensburg (accompanied by gelato). Thursday was our last day to cram all of our German geography information into our heads for a test on Friday (once again followed by touring and gelato). After the test on Friday, we went to a nearby village and climbed up through some castle ruins before taking canoes down the river back toward Regensburg. The castle ruins were awesome and had a great view of the surrounding area, and the river was very calm and an awesome way to end the day. Today, my roommate David and I went with "Coach" (Mr. Orr) and Prof. Baker down to an area called Garmisch near the Austrian border and hiked around a lake and a little bit in the Alps. The views were breathtaking and the weather was just about perfect. The rest of our group had an awesome time touring the castle Neuschwanstein and they all said it was also a great trip. I am hoping we will go by there when we head to the Swiss Alps later in the semester. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be learning about and touring around Germany. It is a beautiful country. Pray for us as we try to better our German and as we are out and about that we would represent Christ. Tomorrow it looks like we will be going to a place called "Wahalla" which is supposed to be like a German "hall of fame." But first I should probably finish my homework.
From the classroom (I am the last one in here),
Hayden
The past few days have been quite an adventure. Wednesday was more of a catch up day, where were able to get some work done and get ready for classes before some more touring of Regensburg (accompanied by gelato). Thursday was our last day to cram all of our German geography information into our heads for a test on Friday (once again followed by touring and gelato). After the test on Friday, we went to a nearby village and climbed up through some castle ruins before taking canoes down the river back toward Regensburg. The castle ruins were awesome and had a great view of the surrounding area, and the river was very calm and an awesome way to end the day. Today, my roommate David and I went with "Coach" (Mr. Orr) and Prof. Baker down to an area called Garmisch near the Austrian border and hiked around a lake and a little bit in the Alps. The views were breathtaking and the weather was just about perfect. The rest of our group had an awesome time touring the castle Neuschwanstein and they all said it was also a great trip. I am hoping we will go by there when we head to the Swiss Alps later in the semester. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be learning about and touring around Germany. It is a beautiful country. Pray for us as we try to better our German and as we are out and about that we would represent Christ. Tomorrow it looks like we will be going to a place called "Wahalla" which is supposed to be like a German "hall of fame." But first I should probably finish my homework.
From the classroom (I am the last one in here),
Hayden
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Entry 3 - 9/6/11
Dear Readers,
I believe I am now used to the time zone, but much of the credit must go to the unlimited free coffee drinks at breakfast. The weather has been absolutely beautiful with mild sunny days and a hint of cloud cover. Ironically, the terrain closely resembles the Northwest and has a very similar temperature range. We did have some rain yesterday, which created an interesting situation where several of us debated between pulling out the rain/winter clothing or to just try and make it around Regensburg without it.
Yesterday and Sunday were acclamation days with tours and shopping as we prepare for the regular schedule next week. Today we are going to tour the city some more with a more historical perspective. I was amazed at the ancient history of Regensburg and the surrounding areas, many of which are about a thousand years old. However, people/me can't help but also be excited about getting some Gelato later this afternoon.
The Germans are quite an impressive culture and people. Everything they do is done with amazing precision and attention to detail. They don't let much slide. The Bavarians (Regensburg is in Bavaria for those of you who don't know) however, are very friendly and several of them know English enough to get us to bathrooms or the youth hostel. I can't say that I don't do a little guestimating when we wander around. My roommates and I have also developed a cross-cultural sign language which has worked quite well so far. The food is delicious and is going to require some running. I think this is one of the only places where I have been excited about getting up early to run. They have great trails as they are very runner and bike friendly, not to mention the beautiful sites around town and the island we are staying on in one of the pathways of the Danube.
One of my favorite activities has been to visit with and meet Germans and other travelers coming through the hostel. I am thankful they only laugh as I butcher their language. They are usually quite friendly even though one might have to cut across a few awkward barriers since they don't just smile and wave and strangers like Americans do when they see a stranger. However, I know the more I learn and practice the language, the more I will be able to communicate with them and the more comfortable they will feel in speaking with me. Everyone here seems to know that I am an American even before I say a word. Yesterday when I was checking out the cashier just immediately spoke in English. Something gives it away. I hope that I will not only be able to ask them questions about their culture, but that this would also be a ministry opportunity. Hopefully, our group can help to show that there is more to Americans than the common perceptions of Hollywood and the Media they might expect. Pray that we would be careful yet bold as we start in with building relationships with the locals.
From Regensburg,
Hayden
I believe I am now used to the time zone, but much of the credit must go to the unlimited free coffee drinks at breakfast. The weather has been absolutely beautiful with mild sunny days and a hint of cloud cover. Ironically, the terrain closely resembles the Northwest and has a very similar temperature range. We did have some rain yesterday, which created an interesting situation where several of us debated between pulling out the rain/winter clothing or to just try and make it around Regensburg without it.
Yesterday and Sunday were acclamation days with tours and shopping as we prepare for the regular schedule next week. Today we are going to tour the city some more with a more historical perspective. I was amazed at the ancient history of Regensburg and the surrounding areas, many of which are about a thousand years old. However, people/me can't help but also be excited about getting some Gelato later this afternoon.
The Germans are quite an impressive culture and people. Everything they do is done with amazing precision and attention to detail. They don't let much slide. The Bavarians (Regensburg is in Bavaria for those of you who don't know) however, are very friendly and several of them know English enough to get us to bathrooms or the youth hostel. I can't say that I don't do a little guestimating when we wander around. My roommates and I have also developed a cross-cultural sign language which has worked quite well so far. The food is delicious and is going to require some running. I think this is one of the only places where I have been excited about getting up early to run. They have great trails as they are very runner and bike friendly, not to mention the beautiful sites around town and the island we are staying on in one of the pathways of the Danube.
One of my favorite activities has been to visit with and meet Germans and other travelers coming through the hostel. I am thankful they only laugh as I butcher their language. They are usually quite friendly even though one might have to cut across a few awkward barriers since they don't just smile and wave and strangers like Americans do when they see a stranger. However, I know the more I learn and practice the language, the more I will be able to communicate with them and the more comfortable they will feel in speaking with me. Everyone here seems to know that I am an American even before I say a word. Yesterday when I was checking out the cashier just immediately spoke in English. Something gives it away. I hope that I will not only be able to ask them questions about their culture, but that this would also be a ministry opportunity. Hopefully, our group can help to show that there is more to Americans than the common perceptions of Hollywood and the Media they might expect. Pray that we would be careful yet bold as we start in with building relationships with the locals.
From Regensburg,
Hayden
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Entry 2 - 9/3/11
Dear Readers,
It has been a quite interesting couple of days over here in Europe. Yesterday I had a layover in Amsterdam for about 7 hours and it was actually pretty fun seeing all the different people groups passing through. I landed in Munich yesterday afternoon and jumped on a train to get into town to get to my hostel. Even though I was exhausted by the time I got to my room (I somehow missed a night during my time change) I couldn't help but join in the introductions with my other roomies which represented a bunch of countries including Taiwan, Eastern United States, Germany, and I didn't catch where the other two were from as they rolled in at about 2AM. Today I have found some free WiFi and have had fun exploring around the train station as I await the arrival of the other students and Jerry Orr (the guy in charge). Then we will do some more touring before heading to Regensburg. Looks like I am going to need some major work on my German. Right now I am completely reliant on charades and English speaking Germans. So far it has worked...
Be praying for me that I stay in prayer and notice the times when God is speaking and/or prodding me to do something. It's easy to get caught up in all the excitement of foreign travel, though it has been really awesome.
From the Wombats youth hostel lobby,
Hayden
It has been a quite interesting couple of days over here in Europe. Yesterday I had a layover in Amsterdam for about 7 hours and it was actually pretty fun seeing all the different people groups passing through. I landed in Munich yesterday afternoon and jumped on a train to get into town to get to my hostel. Even though I was exhausted by the time I got to my room (I somehow missed a night during my time change) I couldn't help but join in the introductions with my other roomies which represented a bunch of countries including Taiwan, Eastern United States, Germany, and I didn't catch where the other two were from as they rolled in at about 2AM. Today I have found some free WiFi and have had fun exploring around the train station as I await the arrival of the other students and Jerry Orr (the guy in charge). Then we will do some more touring before heading to Regensburg. Looks like I am going to need some major work on my German. Right now I am completely reliant on charades and English speaking Germans. So far it has worked...
Be praying for me that I stay in prayer and notice the times when God is speaking and/or prodding me to do something. It's easy to get caught up in all the excitement of foreign travel, though it has been really awesome.
From the Wombats youth hostel lobby,
Hayden
Friday, September 2, 2011
Entry 1 - 9/2/11
I have decided to begin a blog as an easy way to keep both a log of my trip/semester and as a way to let those of you back at home know what I have been doing and what I have run into. I don't expect many people to read this as I don't want it to become some kind of a showy travel guide, but I do hope that it is a convenient way for me to update friends and family and entertain those of you who are bored of scanning Facebook posts late at night (you know who you are). Yes, I realize that this semester abroad appears to be, and mostly is, a selfish venture and will be a ton of fun. However, I hope that it will not remain a time only for my benefit, (though it will be a great opportunity to learn more about Europe during my studies), but that it would be one in which God could use me as a witness of Himself, and a source of encouragement and blessing to the other believers with me. Ultimately, I pray that during this trip I will strengthen my relationship with Him as I learn to let His Spirit live through me (Gal. 2:20). My hope is that this blog will be a blessing to all those who read it.
From across the ocean,
Hayden
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