Downtown Pankow at sunset

December 23,

I got on a tram tonight to go to our worship service and it was crowded with about 50 or more people. We were driving through the center of town and all the Christmas decorations were shining. Most people were out doing some Christmas shopping. The stores were open though that is not usually true on Sunday. I looked back at them all and thought that the chances were rather high that I was the only believer on the train. I was reminded again yesterday of how thankful I am that I know Jesus.

December 22, 

I was invited to an evening of coffee and cake with my godson and his family. He is a miracle of health and fun at almost 6. His mother was very ill during her pregnancy, spending part of it in the hospital. We spent a lot of time praying and talking. She was one of the first children's workers with whom I worked.

I was late as usual, but I was trying to get our church newsletter printed out at a copy shop before they all closed. There was a long line of people and so I was going to be an hour later than they expected me. Then I had to get back to the right bus, tram, then train and then walk. Not too easy to get there because they live on a peninsula in the middle of the river in East Berlin. I decided to pay the $20 for a taxi and went outside and threw my hand up in the air. I frantically waved at the only taxi in sight and it went on by. I was praying, "Dear Jesus, get me there soon!" And this total stranger pulled over. It was a very nice looking woman, about 50, German. She rolled down the window and asked me with a smile, "Where do you want to go?" I was totally shocked! Nobody does this in Berlin. I told her the next train station, and she said get in, and began throwing packages and papers in the back seat. I got in. I know, I can't believe it either, but I was in shock. She had to be an angel! She introduced herself, said she was a lawyer from Munich 9 hours away, and in Berlin to visit family. She had spent too many hours standing on street corners hoping a taxi would stop. When she saw me, seconds after I came out of the store, she just had to stop. I told her why I was in a rush, that I had to copy our paper for church the next day and then get to my godson's. She began to tell me about her numerous visits and stays in the US and how much she liked Americans and that she had had a good experience with Samaritan's Purse. She had organized a group of people from her firm to go to Louisiana to rebuild houses after Katrina. I was able to tell her I had acted as a volunteer with them over 30 years ago. Meanwhile her navigation system kept telling her she was past her turn, she had to turn around, etc. She just reached over and turned it off. Then she drove me all the way to the house door! It was a 20 minute drive instead of an hour. She drove totally out of her way to a dead end destination that couldn't have helped her at all! We exchanged email address and I look forward to hearing from her! Amazing! God sent me an angel. Just that morning I was feeling somewhat discouraged with everything that has been going wrong around me. I was talking to God and just said, "It would be really nice if you could just show me that you really are there and know what's going on." (I know, not too trusting.) So this is what He does: he sends me an angel in a car. I had a great visit with M. and his parents. They  talked again about what it was like growing up in Communist Berlin and the emptiness of all the answers they were given for the reason why we are here (to work for the good of the state, or worldwide communism) and what happens when we die. (there is nothing).God is so good to me. I am so thankful for you all and for Him. May God send you all angels through the year. But more than that, know  that He sends you Himself!

Well I did it again.... I was praying at team time today and asked God to give us a unit of spirity. 

Sounds almost theological doesn't it?

Here are some more  fotos: Can you put the right one with the right caption?

 

My birthday party with German friends in my new apartment. We had a great time of fellowship and fun catching up with all that has happened in the last fourteen months. They brought me what I asked for my birthday... each brought me a bag of potting soil... I planted a few dozen spring bulbs in boxes for my balcony. (They all know I am a bit 'different'). 

This is a picture from our fellowship time following the dedication of Heike and Henry's youngest child, Ari. 

Doro and I do the children's Sunday school together. She reads a Bible story and the children and very attentive. Except maybe Emma... can you find her? She is in a phase where she automatically says "no" or does the opposite. When we were out to dinner one evening I asked her mother how the children were doing. "They're all (five) doing well. Emma's having a little problem with the soviets..." "The Soviets!!!???" "Yes, the soviets." "The Soviets? How can a two year old have trouble with the Soviets?" "No Judi, not soviets; she's having trouble with disobedience."  Well, I guess my hearing is going, too. (or my mind. :))

We had a good time celebrating Thanksgiving at David and Eowyn's home. They invited about 25 English speaking Germans and Americans to participate in  the dinner and time of fellowship afterwards. David read the Thanksgiving story. 

Photos from Pankow: 

Me and my favorite bush: we're both growing though not always as expected!

Team Berlin at our Fall Retreat 2007

The family festival in the Park 

Suzanne Allers, the twins, Rachel and Rebekah Carson

The Pankow church children and their Christmas shoeboxes

We recently enjoyed the blessing of an extended worship family as one of the babies of our friends was dedicated. There was a group of over fifty adults and children present. We would love to see this every week! The fellowship time afterward was great as we enjoyed a meal and talking and the children watched a film. It was an encouraging time for our "baby" church.