Living overseas is a fascinating thing in nearly every respect – historically, culturally, linguistically, logistically. You learn so much more than you ever anticipated, and you’d better learn it, because your continued viability overseas depends on you learning and following some very specific rules. Passports get you in and out of your home country. In… Continue reading International Life and the Joy of Visas
Category: History
Retreat – Day 3
The final day of our time together in Wittenberg. It’s gone quickly, but we’ve seen and experienced a great deal. Today we saw St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg, where an amazing collection of artwork is assembled, and where I trust many an impressive sermon has been delivered – we even heard one from our fearless… Continue reading Retreat – Day 3
Retreat – Day 2 (Wednesday at Wartburg)
Today was field trip day. We were up early (including breakfast) for a 3.5 hour drive from Wittenberg to Wartburg Castle. Yes, that Wartburg Castle. Where Martin Luther was taken after being ‘kidnapped’ for his own protection by Frederick the Wise. Apparently Wartburg Castle was also part of the inspiration for the famous Newschwanstein Castle… Continue reading Retreat – Day 2 (Wednesday at Wartburg)
Retreat – Day 1
We began again with breakfast at the Old Latin School. Have I mentioned that German breakfasts are THE BEST BREAKFASTS IN THE WORLD?!?!? I became convinced of this while visiting friends over 20 years ago in Ulm, and I’ve never changed my mind – or had reason to even consider changing it. Don’t get me… Continue reading Retreat – Day 1
Meetings – Day 2
We concluded our leadership meetings today. We didn’t finish everything on the agenda – ha! – but we did finish the time we had allotted to do so. More work to be done in the future, but good still has been done. Good news includes we are finishing the year almost exactly on budget target,… Continue reading Meetings – Day 2
Meetings – Day 1
It doesn’t feel like Sunday, yet it is. We had worship this morning which was very good, and normally that would help anchor my sense of time and date. But we’ve been so many places in the last nearly three months that even this is not enough to fully secure my sense of time. Breakfast… Continue reading Meetings – Day 1
In Wittenberg – I Think!
I’m a bit groggy still. The nine hour flight from Phoenix to London, and another two and a half hour flight to Berlin, then a short night’s rest before being up and headed to the train station to ride to Wittenberg has left me a bit addled in the head. More so than usual even,… Continue reading In Wittenberg – I Think!
It Is Finished
We brought our home service to a conclusion yesterday with Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona. Relatively in our old back yard of Phoenix, Crown of Life have been partnering with us since we first began in 2021, and it was a great note to conclude a fantastic home service with.… Continue reading It Is Finished
Changing Time Zones
We’ve entered the third and final phase of our on-the-road home service visits. We started in Southern California, migrated to the Pacific Northwest, and now have made our way across the country to Chicago. We’re officially a little road-weary at this point. Still happy to be on the move and sharing with congregations and friends… Continue reading Changing Time Zones
You Can’t Go Home Again
I’ve not read Thomas Wolfe’s final, posthumous novel with the above title. But I’ve known the truth in that statement in multiple ways over the course of my life. Coming to grips with the inevitability of change and transition – whether you want it or not – is a constant process. The past remains always… Continue reading You Can’t Go Home Again
The Nelson Family Indonesia 