Reflections on Germany

Germany was great, to be succinct. To be a little more elaborate, Germany showed me what I appreciate about the United States, but also what was fascinating about Germany and the culture of Germany. Germany was fascinating because of the history that could be found if you just observe your surroundings. I loved the food in Germany, such as döner and the simple German breakfast of brötchen, meats, cheeses, and cucumbers or tomatoes. I appreciated the quiet places in Berlin and around Germany, with their parks being no exception. Seeing first hand the influence of refugees on Germany was extremely interesting and thought provoking.

I also learned a lot about engineering through the statics and dynamics class. I began to see real examples of engineering at work that I could connect to my class. One of the most important things about this trip was getting to know people. I am thankful that I became friends with many of the people on the trip. I am thankful for the blessings that God has given me on this trip. Thanks to the Professors and all who made this trip so great.

The Place of Reformation

On a typical Sunday morning, I am at church by 8 AM. I do not groan or complain because I have to get up early, but I get to church ready to worship God in a similar way to how it would have been done after the Reformation in 1517 even though we have an organ, microphones, and the like today. It has been 500 years since Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Schloss Kirche and today I worshipped at that church.

Continue reading “The Place of Reformation”

The Evils of War

A few days ago, we went to the Holocaust Museum in Berlin. It was extremely tragic to hear all the stories of those who were taken to concentration camps. One room was dark in the museum. The only light in the room were lighted floor panels. On the panels were stories that were tragic. Some were stories of families broken up. Some were final goodbyes. Some stories were completely oblivious to the pain that would inevitably enter their life. These stories were not shocking, but just deeply saddening. The thing that hit me harder were the numbers on the walls. Each listed an approximate number of deaths from each country killed in concentration camps. The number of people who lost their lives over almost nothing is terrible. We must take this history and learn from it. That is the point of history. Next stop Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Continue reading “The Evils of War”

Exhaustion, Food, and Water

The past week has been exiting, hard work, and tiring. After we dropped off our bags at one of the most interesting hotels I have ever seen, we went out and started touring and getting our bearings. I was impressed with the ease of travel getting to and from our hotel to central Berlin. I had a delicious Rostbratwurst for lunch, though I probably would have thought almost anything delicious because of how hungry I was. Continue reading “Exhaustion, Food, and Water”

Better Late than Never I suppose…

As a high school junior and senior, I was excited for college. It was fun to take college tours and make comparisons. One program that stood out was Calvin’s Summer in Germany program. It was an interesting program from the description. The Summer and other aspects of Calvin, lead me to choose Calvin for college. I told myself that if I did choose Calvin, I would go to Germany no matter how hard it may be. This is one of God’s challenges that he has put in my life. Six weeks in Germany to take an engineering class and a German language and culture class with peers. After being excited and nervous for the program it begins. Continue reading “Better Late than Never I suppose…”