Very Belated First Thoughts

If I were to be honest with you, I’m on this program this summer because my internship applications fell through, but I still wanted to make this summer memorable. I’m hoping that this principle extends to others in the group as well: you don’t get to travel to Europe very day, so my wish is that this is one of those times that everyone will look back on as a good life experience some day.

As for what I can contribute to the group, hopefully the skills I’ve practiced tutoring during the year can help others with homework during the trip. My prayer is that everyone takes away something positive from the trip in some shape or form.

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”

Solemn Remembrance

Although everyone who looks back on the events of the Holocaust would describe them as an unparalleled evil, I am guessing many are similar to me in that the sheer numbers of those exterminated by the Nazi powers seems hard to grasp. The Holocaust seems to be a distant atrocity crusaded by a few men with unspeakable darkness in their hearts. That is exactly why the preservation and displaying of these acts are so important. Continue reading “Solemn Remembrance”

My Thoughts Before the Trip

After months of waiting, the day is finally here. When I was first visiting Calvin, I knew two things. First, I wanted to go to a school that would help me grow in my faith. Second, I wanted to go to a school with a strong engineering program. Now, Calvin met these criteria, but there were other schools that met these criteria. However, one thing that stood out to me at Calvin was the possibility to expand my knowledge of engineering in the context of another culture. Thus, after I made my decision to come to Calvin, I knew that I wanted to do the Summer Program in Germany. Continue reading “My Thoughts Before the Trip”

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…”

Friday’s trip to the concentration camp

I have limited internet….

 

this past Friday we took the local S bahn to Sachenhausin to visit the concentration camp. It was a sad day for most of the students and profs.

On the way there we were waiting at a train stop and I took this picture of the whole group 

If I had my computer I could turn the photo for you

When we got lunch, Toby bought some carrots, some lunch meat, and a bag of chips

Update

Greetings from Berlin.

Things are okay here in Berlin.  The students are busy with our daily activities. For the past two days the internet has been down so we have not been able to post regular updates and photos. I am on the process of grading their first test

Tomorrow we will attend the American Church in Berlin which is an english speaking congregation

We still have a prayer request:  One of our students is sick and is in a hospital. We anticipate that he will be in the hospital for several days.  His sister arrived from the USA today and his mom is traveling tonight and will arrive in Berlin tomorrow. Please pray that our LORD will give the doctors wisdom as they try to help the student get better. Please pray for the student and his family and friends that our LORD will provide peace and patience as we all wait for progress.

Shalom

Prof De Rooy

More than Engineering

I remember my first time visiting Calvin College, for the Fridays at Calvin program back in October 2015. My parents and I were scattered about the lunch with the professors, doing reconnaissance on whether this was where I would want to spend the first four years of my post-high school education (spoiler, it was). I happened to sit at the table with Professor De Rooy. He talked with me and my fellow prospective engineering students about a lot of things, from the Engineering program itself, to the careers that graduates tend to get into. One thing I remember talking about in particular, however, was this certain Summer Program in Germany, of which he spoke very highly. It sounded cool and interesting, but I was still kinda overwhelmed from the blast of college life I’d been getting over the previous 24 hours. Still, it stuck with me, and as I talked with more and more Calvin Engineering majors, past and present, I only heard good things about the Summer Program in Germany. Everyone said the same thing, that if I get the chance to go, take it. So, natürlich, when I heard about an upcoming meeting for prospective SPIG students, I made sure to be there. One thing led to another, and now I’m here on my way.

Continue reading “More than Engineering”