After a (thankfully) uneventful flight across the Atlantic, we were greeted at the Dresden airport in dramatic fashion. As we stepped out of the building, we were met with the sweet strains of “Ein’ Feste Berg is Unser Gott” (“A Mighty Fortress is Our God”) wafting across the air. Before us stood Pastor Rehr, one of his daughters, and another member of the congregation (brass instruments in hand), ready to give us a hearty German welcome. Martin Luther would have been proud.
Since our arrival, there has been a whirlwind of activity. We have been busy from the time we wake up until the time when we finally reach our pillows again. Some of it has been quite good: for instance, we moved into our apartment a week ahead of schedule, we got to play fussball (soccer) with our new German friends, and we have managed to collect almost everything we need to get settled here. Some of it has been quite frustrating: we have had more than enough of German bureaucracy in our attempts to secure visas. We have gotten to see lots of the city of Dresden. The Rehrs have shown us around some, we have explored a bit on our own, and we have poked into every other corner of town in our errands. I think that I will enjoy living here. Dresden is a very complicated city, and I don’t think that I can sum it up without many more words and many more experiences.
One of the best parts of my time in Dresden has been the kindness and hospitality of the Rehr family. They have welcomed us in as one of their own, even though it must be maddening to listen to our mangled German. Thankfully, Pastor Rehr speaks far more English than he lets on. Before I arrived, he had me convinced that he spoke virtually no English, but now I realize that he knows more of my language than I do of his. The Rehr family has fed us, taught us German, showed us around, played with us, and helped us through the maze of understanding a new place. Without them, we would be utterly lost.
I have received my first duty as vicar, albeit a small one. This Sunday I will read the lessons in church. I am excited to be a part of leading worship from the first week, and I hope that I don’t mispronounce anything significant. Thankfully, the epistle is taken from 1st John, which may have the simplest language in the entire Bible. Actually, I am beginning to appreciate the beauty of John’s writing through my experiences in German. John uses very simple words to convey rich and profound meanings. And I have only simple words in my German vocabulary, and I am learning very slowly how to squeeze every last bit of usefulness out of them.
Here’s just a couple more stories before sleep overtakes me. Last night we visited a couple, who are members of the congregation. Their cousin and his wife were visiting them from America. It was a very interesting, polyglot conversation around the table, as everything was said in various mixtures of English and German. Even though communication was sometimes bizarre, we all got along splendidly, and we appreciated their warmth and hospitality. Tonight, we played fussball with the Rehrs, another member of the congregation, and a few children that we met at the field. I only embarrassed myself a little with my lack of soccer skills. As I told them, I play soccer like I speak German. Krista was more impressive, scoring a goal and playing fairly competently.
More will be coming soon. At first, this blog will be mostly anecdotal, as I am getting settled and then attending language school. As I begin to take on more duties, I will focus on what work I have been doing in the church here. Thanks for reading!
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