ABSS Weekend adventure

The computer is alive again. After about a week of learning more than I ever wanted to know about laptop hardware, its back. Just in time to run off to Gemeunden for the weekend. Unfortunately, in my focus on getting the computer working again and trying to keep my appointments, I forgot to "dot the i's" as they say here and I didn't work out my travel plans all the way to the retreat. I got to about 15 kilometers short of my goal and had to rework my plans. That took an extra 3 hours but I did see lots of interesting country. (this photo is a year old but it shows the retreat)


Lots of time for fellowship and of course ice cream. The weekend was full of all kinds of good food, especially spiritual food. Curt Niccum from Oklahoma Christian presented a 4 part series on what Paul says about the family in the New Testament church. Very interesting and a good study for all Christians, more than just those with kids.

The Joy of Computers

I am sad to report that the fantastic little computer that I was using before to organise my life has bit the dust. The harddrive at least is no longer among the living. Just a warning, if you buy a Dell and plan to take it anywhere, make sure that they sell that model in the country that you are going to, if not they have no parts and aren't much help. I hope to continue blog despite this technical difficulty.

Warm outside, Cold inside

Sunday night is hockey night in Leipzig. The Leipzig Blue Lions are the local fan favorite and I am catching the spirit. They play their home games in a converted convention center. The Alte Messe (old fair grounds) house many different and interesting events. The home team creamed the opposition this night by a score of 9 to 2. The atmosphere is a little different at these games, more like that of a soccer stadium. They have their own chants and songs that I feel I need to learn before I can be a true fan but I am catching on.

Of course looking the part is important too. These fellows let me take there picture in the train station. Once you put on the team schalle (scarf) you have declared your alliegence to the Lions. And then theres all the shouting and acting goofy that goes along with that.
Speaking of acting goofy, this Konrad and his pal Patrick. We met to go ice skating at the Kohlrabizirkus, which houses a theatre and the eisdom (Ice Dome). Its reknowned to be the largest ice surface in all of Germany. For 4.50€ you skate all day, we just went for 4 hours, which I think was more than enough for these two. It was great to get on my skates again, I even had the chance to teach a little bit.

Skiing in the Czech

Lots of snow in the Czech Mountains means that its time to hit the slopes.
Here is the hotel that we stayed in for 10 euro (including breakfast) about 16 dollars.
Four friends from Dresden.

words cannot describe

Out from the fog...
And then you see it...
tough to change the oil...
Yes, that is high grade black italian leather (heated too)
At least the dials will be easy to read at 200km/h...


Perhaps I should explain... no there is too much. Let me sum up.
I know this kind of thing doesn't look like "Missions" but there is a good reason. Tours are free and they are very friendly. They'll even take your picture in a car you could never afford. (92,000 Euro) Might have something with being connected to a guy who teaches English for a business school. Thanks Dwayne.
Porsche Leipzig

Just a few more pictures

This is the Koenigsbau at the Augustusplatz. This location is a traffic hub in the city center, near the University and close to all travel connections. This building on the corner is where we will have our weekly book study, the inside court of the building is a tall glass atrium with tables and chairs. We have chosen to study "Jesus unser Schicksal" or "Jesus our Destiny", a book by German author Wilhelm Busch. Further reports to come.

Next is an ICE (Inter-City-Express) train, this one came from Munich last night and dropped of two young American ladies, who had travelled to see Salzburg.
















If you look up on the building in this picture you may recognize a familar flag. If you come to visit, you should have no trouble finding my place.















This is the street where I live.