"3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight."
Psalm 43.3-4 summarizes well our feelings after 5 days hiking in the Swiss Alps. Our base camp was a little apartment in Grindelwald Switzerland, under the imposing view of the Eiger Mountain, partner to the Jungfrau. Via gondolas, trains, and our good old hiking boots, we explored some really neat mountain villages (Murren), flowers, lakes, and a few cows and pigs to boot. God's glory certainly shines and speaks here. Each evening, the kids enjoyed swimming at a pretty spectacular neighborhood pool. "She'll be coming around the mountain" song found a few new verses along the way. To check out some mountain pictures, click here: http://picasaweb.google.com/fritzwiese/ClimbingInGrindenwaldSwitzerland
“Mountains” by Morgan Wiese
I saw mountains. I saw mountains in Switzerland and Austria. At our third hotel in my room, out of my window, I could see a very pretty view of a mountain, called the Eiger. (Editor's note: Eiger or "Ogre" is next to the Jungfrau, or "young maiden," separated by the Munk, or "monk." A little playful naming way back when.) We took a gondola up to the mountain; when we got there, it was very snowy and cloudy. So we decided to go back down and see if it would clear up later. We didn’t want to get drenched. Later, when we were going up in the gondola, we saw cows eating on the side of the mountain. One of them had a big udder! While we were riding a train, we saw cows far away, but then they were right beside us. We were excited. So another day, we took the train back, and got out to pet the mountain cows and pigs. Later in Austria, we went to eat dinner at a farm. Before dinner, we took a carriage ride. But since there was only room for 4 people, they had to tie a pony on the back. I got to ride him! Well, all for now, I have to go play. Love, Morgan
For some pictures of some sites in Austria and the Innsbruck area, click here: http://picasaweb.google.com/fritzwiese/InnsbruckArea2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Medieval City of Rothenburg, by Luke
Hey everyone from Germany,
http://picasaweb.google.com/fritzwiese/2007RothenburgQuickForWeb
Right now (June 26) we’re in Rothenburg, Germany. It’s really interesting because it is a very medieval city. It has a wall still preserved from that time and I walked around in it. I actually saw a dungeon where they torture people. One of the most interesting the things is the Glockenspiel clock. On every hour from 11-3 PM and 8-10 PM every day the clock rings and the windows open and a man drinks 3 liters of wine in one slurp. That’s a true story!! The leader of the enemy side said “we’ll burn your city unless one man can drink 3 liters of wine in one slurp!” And so one man really did it. He saved the whole town. That’s all for now, and we’re having a great time in Germany and we miss you all!!!
Your friend,
LUKE
PS from Fritz: What a fascinating town! It's a neat complement to our Martin Luther focused explorations. The oldest house in this town was built in 980. (That's right, not 1980, but 980). The house is actually called "hell" in German, and today a pretty popular pub, so when people advise you to "Go to hell," it's not a bad recommendation. Luke and I just returned from a Tour with the Night Watchman, who takes you around this medieval town during dusk, and really brings it to life with unique insight. We heard the story about how the castle gates close each evening. With the ringing of the church bells, people know they have 1 hour to get inside the walls. If they didn't make it, there was an elaborate process to prove you were truly a citizen. You had to pay a high fee to get in, and then could only do so through the "man whole," a tiny door within the mighty door of the castle gate, that was just big enough to allow 1 person through.
Other interesting facts included how 1 out of 3 people died here during the black plague:; how the town's walls prevented penetration for 500 years, until the 30 years war when one of it's own citizens accidentally blew up the gun powder supply when they were fending off attackers who really weren't interested were in the town for its strategic value, but just needed a winter's lodging after terrible autumn rains trapped them nearby; and how Rothenburg was almost destroyed by American troops pursuing Nazis at the end of the war--until a US general called his comrades off, because he knew the value of the medieval town. How? His mom had visited as a girl, and in his home growing up, he'd see the picture she hung of Rothenburg and hear fascinating stories.
It's a fairytale book city we'd suggest to anybody. Our family was able to walk a long section of the fortress wall, from gate to gate. It was a neat contrast to the story of the Berlin wall just a few days ago, and Martin Luther's appreciation of God as a mighty fortress. May we all be blessed with mighty gates and doors to our hearts--open for the gifts of the Spirit, and shut for the temptations that would pull us away with the detours that detract from God's plans for us.
Tomorrow, on to Switzerland! If you'd like check out a few pics from Rothenburg!http://picasaweb.google.com/fritzwiese/2007RothenburgQuickForWeb
http://picasaweb.google.com/fritzwiese/2007RothenburgQuickForWeb
Right now (June 26) we’re in Rothenburg, Germany. It’s really interesting because it is a very medieval city. It has a wall still preserved from that time and I walked around in it. I actually saw a dungeon where they torture people. One of the most interesting the things is the Glockenspiel clock. On every hour from 11-3 PM and 8-10 PM every day the clock rings and the windows open and a man drinks 3 liters of wine in one slurp. That’s a true story!! The leader of the enemy side said “we’ll burn your city unless one man can drink 3 liters of wine in one slurp!” And so one man really did it. He saved the whole town. That’s all for now, and we’re having a great time in Germany and we miss you all!!!
Your friend,
LUKE
PS from Fritz: What a fascinating town! It's a neat complement to our Martin Luther focused explorations. The oldest house in this town was built in 980. (That's right, not 1980, but 980). The house is actually called "hell" in German, and today a pretty popular pub, so when people advise you to "Go to hell," it's not a bad recommendation. Luke and I just returned from a Tour with the Night Watchman, who takes you around this medieval town during dusk, and really brings it to life with unique insight. We heard the story about how the castle gates close each evening. With the ringing of the church bells, people know they have 1 hour to get inside the walls. If they didn't make it, there was an elaborate process to prove you were truly a citizen. You had to pay a high fee to get in, and then could only do so through the "man whole," a tiny door within the mighty door of the castle gate, that was just big enough to allow 1 person through.
Other interesting facts included how 1 out of 3 people died here during the black plague:; how the town's walls prevented penetration for 500 years, until the 30 years war when one of it's own citizens accidentally blew up the gun powder supply when they were fending off attackers who really weren't interested were in the town for its strategic value, but just needed a winter's lodging after terrible autumn rains trapped them nearby; and how Rothenburg was almost destroyed by American troops pursuing Nazis at the end of the war--until a US general called his comrades off, because he knew the value of the medieval town. How? His mom had visited as a girl, and in his home growing up, he'd see the picture she hung of Rothenburg and hear fascinating stories.
It's a fairytale book city we'd suggest to anybody. Our family was able to walk a long section of the fortress wall, from gate to gate. It was a neat contrast to the story of the Berlin wall just a few days ago, and Martin Luther's appreciation of God as a mighty fortress. May we all be blessed with mighty gates and doors to our hearts--open for the gifts of the Spirit, and shut for the temptations that would pull us away with the detours that detract from God's plans for us.
Tomorrow, on to Switzerland! If you'd like check out a few pics from Rothenburg!http://picasaweb.google.com/fritzwiese/2007RothenburgQuickForWeb
Wonder of the Wartburg
It had to be hard for Martin Luther to hide out for a whole year away from Wittenberg after refusing to recant, and having a bounty on his head. No friends, no freedom. But the views and beauty of the castle certainly had to be inspirational and motivational, as he spent 1521-1522 using his time translating the New Testament from its original Greek into the vernacular German. What a gorgeous site and complex! Take a look at some of these pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/fritzwiese/2007WartburgCastle
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Thank you Wittenberg, Hello Wartburg Castle!
In the gospel I preached at last night’s service (Luke 8) at Wittenberg’s Town Church, Jesus’ closing charge to the healed man was “Go back to your home town and tell the people what great things God has done for you.” That’s a very appropriate charge to the Wiese family as well after a terrific week and a half in Lutherstadt Wittenberg!
We depart with new learning, energy, and memories. What an honor it was to preach the gospel and lead worship for faith pilgrims from multiple countries gathered in both the Town Church (St Mary’s), where Luther preached 2500 times, as well as the Castle Church, where Luther posted the 95 Theses and where he and Melanchthon are buried. God has blessed us with time to explore the new, interactive museums of the Luther House, the Phillip Melancthon House (author of the Augsburg Confession, known as the “Professor of Germany,” and sort of the Thomas Jefferson of the Reformation), and the Lucas Cranach House (the town artist, responsible of bringing the Reformation writings to life for the people, especially the illiterate). With artwork and artifacts right in front of your eyes, along with terrific explanations of the historical currents and confluences, there have been many epiphany moments. Luke was camera-man for me for a day and we tried to take a lot of video, along with still photos, which we hope will serve as the basis for a DVD that we can use for a course on Lutheranism at Epiphany.
We’ve made new friends from around the world, being welcomed for tours and meals by a Wittenberger named Lutz, and Luke being fascinated by the WWII and communist era stories of Walfred and Margaret. We’ve learned from Professor Paul Lutter from Luther Seminary, here for the summer studying Luther’s later Christology, plus been welcomed at the home of Jean and Steven, the co-directors of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. Each has made our trip richer.
Of course, we’ve spoken in a previous post about the other adventures: driving 128 miles per hour on the autobahn, exploring the charming island city of Worlitz, swimming at the local pool, eating out every meal (to LuAnne’s delight especially), seeing " sights of Berlin, sweating in the hotel sauna, learning bits of a foreign language and culture, and having a fantastic time as a family on new adventures.
So now it’s “Thank you and goodbye Wittenberg, on to Wartburg!” (the castle near Eisenach where Luther hid out for a year when things were too dangerous, and he translated the New Testament into vernacular German.). More to come later.
We depart with new learning, energy, and memories. What an honor it was to preach the gospel and lead worship for faith pilgrims from multiple countries gathered in both the Town Church (St Mary’s), where Luther preached 2500 times, as well as the Castle Church, where Luther posted the 95 Theses and where he and Melanchthon are buried. God has blessed us with time to explore the new, interactive museums of the Luther House, the Phillip Melancthon House (author of the Augsburg Confession, known as the “Professor of Germany,” and sort of the Thomas Jefferson of the Reformation), and the Lucas Cranach House (the town artist, responsible of bringing the Reformation writings to life for the people, especially the illiterate). With artwork and artifacts right in front of your eyes, along with terrific explanations of the historical currents and confluences, there have been many epiphany moments. Luke was camera-man for me for a day and we tried to take a lot of video, along with still photos, which we hope will serve as the basis for a DVD that we can use for a course on Lutheranism at Epiphany.
We’ve made new friends from around the world, being welcomed for tours and meals by a Wittenberger named Lutz, and Luke being fascinated by the WWII and communist era stories of Walfred and Margaret. We’ve learned from Professor Paul Lutter from Luther Seminary, here for the summer studying Luther’s later Christology, plus been welcomed at the home of Jean and Steven, the co-directors of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. Each has made our trip richer.
Of course, we’ve spoken in a previous post about the other adventures: driving 128 miles per hour on the autobahn, exploring the charming island city of Worlitz, swimming at the local pool, eating out every meal (to LuAnne’s delight especially), seeing " sights of Berlin, sweating in the hotel sauna, learning bits of a foreign language and culture, and having a fantastic time as a family on new adventures.
So now it’s “Thank you and goodbye Wittenberg, on to Wartburg!” (the castle near Eisenach where Luther hid out for a year when things were too dangerous, and he translated the New Testament into vernacular German.). More to come later.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Great Memories of Wittenberg, as of 19 June 2007
Luke, Morgan, and Fritz: going 126 miles per hour on the autobahn on our way to Berlin. Vroom.
Morgan: our overnight airplane ride from Philadelphia to Amsterdam
Luke: the public pool in Witt along with super high dive and body slide
Fritz: visiting our mission partners (Pastor Thomas Cremer, family, and Angelika Knispel) from Mecklenburg in the ancient town of Havelburg, outside and inside the Dom, constructed in 1008 AD
LuAnne: Walking to the Hundertwasser (Dr Seuss looking school) in Wittenberg with new friend, Dr Jean, who is co-director of the ELCA Wittenberg Center.
Morgan: The young ladies at the Luther Hotel befriending Morgan, giving her markers, books, and a little whale. One day they had her come into their office to play Webkinz for a little while on their computer.
Luke: Visiting the concentration camp, Sachsenhausen, north of Berlin, and learning more about WWII.
Fritz: Seeing a fox on the beautiful backroads we drove home Sunday evening after seeing our mission partners.
LuAnne: touring Berlin—Checkpoint Charlie, the Berliner Dom, the Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial and more.
Morgan: buying an Berlin Bear in Berlin airlift outfit.
Luke: seeing all the unique animals (especially Albert Einstein looking monkeys) as the Witt zoo.
Fritz: preaching the Saturday evening service in the high pulpit of the Castle Church, directly above the grave of Martin Luther. (Hopefully the sermon wasn’t too deadly J)
LuAnne: Meeting our new friends, Professor Paul Lutter from Augsburg College in MN, Lutz, and Dr Jean and Pastor Steve—spending time with them at the Thursday evening English speaking get-together and more.
Morgan: eating lots of yummy ice-cream
Luke: Having barbecue lunch at the home of a new friend, Lutz, along with his daughter, Maxie, and dog, Onja; picking strawberries and playing with Lutz’s steam engine that really worked.
LuAnne: enjoying all the German beer and wine.
Fritz: enjoying a different country and growing in our faith as a whole family, together. Learning so much about our Lutheran heritage in the homes of Martin Luther, Lucas Cranach, and Philip Melancthon, as well as the beautiful churches with artwork.
Just today: worshiping with a tour group from Ohio (many from Epiphany with Pastor Larry Hoffsis) in the chapel.
Morgan: our overnight airplane ride from Philadelphia to Amsterdam
Luke: the public pool in Witt along with super high dive and body slide
Fritz: visiting our mission partners (Pastor Thomas Cremer, family, and Angelika Knispel) from Mecklenburg in the ancient town of Havelburg, outside and inside the Dom, constructed in 1008 AD
LuAnne: Walking to the Hundertwasser (Dr Seuss looking school) in Wittenberg with new friend, Dr Jean, who is co-director of the ELCA Wittenberg Center.
Morgan: The young ladies at the Luther Hotel befriending Morgan, giving her markers, books, and a little whale. One day they had her come into their office to play Webkinz for a little while on their computer.
Luke: Visiting the concentration camp, Sachsenhausen, north of Berlin, and learning more about WWII.
Fritz: Seeing a fox on the beautiful backroads we drove home Sunday evening after seeing our mission partners.
LuAnne: touring Berlin—Checkpoint Charlie, the Berliner Dom, the Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial and more.
Morgan: buying an Berlin Bear in Berlin airlift outfit.
Luke: seeing all the unique animals (especially Albert Einstein looking monkeys) as the Witt zoo.
Fritz: preaching the Saturday evening service in the high pulpit of the Castle Church, directly above the grave of Martin Luther. (Hopefully the sermon wasn’t too deadly J)
LuAnne: Meeting our new friends, Professor Paul Lutter from Augsburg College in MN, Lutz, and Dr Jean and Pastor Steve—spending time with them at the Thursday evening English speaking get-together and more.
Morgan: eating lots of yummy ice-cream
Luke: Having barbecue lunch at the home of a new friend, Lutz, along with his daughter, Maxie, and dog, Onja; picking strawberries and playing with Lutz’s steam engine that really worked.
LuAnne: enjoying all the German beer and wine.
Fritz: enjoying a different country and growing in our faith as a whole family, together. Learning so much about our Lutheran heritage in the homes of Martin Luther, Lucas Cranach, and Philip Melancthon, as well as the beautiful churches with artwork.
Just today: worshiping with a tour group from Ohio (many from Epiphany with Pastor Larry Hoffsis) in the chapel.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Morgan's Story
From Morgan
My Trip to Germany
Written by Morgan Wiese
I went to Germany and in fact, I’m still in Germany. We are staying at a hotel. It is a really nice hotel. Our hotel room is really big. I think it’s the best hotel I’ve ever slept in. We learned a lot about Martin Luther King (editorial ha, ha). I think my family is really lucky. Do you know why I think my family is really lucky? Because we got to see the churches Martin Luther preached in. (Plus ice cream)
One church was a castle church. It was very pretty on the outside. I stood right by the spot where Martin Luther was buried. (More to come later. I need to go to bed now.)
My Trip to Germany
Written by Morgan Wiese
I went to Germany and in fact, I’m still in Germany. We are staying at a hotel. It is a really nice hotel. Our hotel room is really big. I think it’s the best hotel I’ve ever slept in. We learned a lot about Martin Luther King (editorial ha, ha). I think my family is really lucky. Do you know why I think my family is really lucky? Because we got to see the churches Martin Luther preached in. (Plus ice cream)
One church was a castle church. It was very pretty on the outside. I stood right by the spot where Martin Luther was buried. (More to come later. I need to go to bed now.)
Gutentag from Luke
Guten Tag everyone from Germany!
This is me, Luke. My family is having a great time in Germany. We had a long trip to get here, but we finally made it! We had 4 flights to get here. The first flight was from Dayton to Philadelphia, and then from Philadelphia to Amsterdam, which is in the Netherlands, also known as Holland. That flight was 8 hours long and we spent the night on that plane. On the trip the Netherlands, there was a 1 hour delay in the waiting, and when we got on the plane, there was another 2 and a half hour delay. Because of that delay, we missed our flight to Berlin, and instead had to take an extra plane down to Frankfurt, and then to Berlin. Our next flight was from Amsterdam to Frankfurt, Germany. And finally, a flight from Frankfurt to Berlin. From Berlin we rented a car and drove the rest of the way to Wittenberg, Germany, which is where we are now. By the time we got to Wittenberg, we were over 10 hours late. L
Once in Wittenberg, we came to our hotel, The Luther Hotel. It was very nice, and we slept very well. The next day, we explored the city. We had a tour, talking about many different things about Wittenberg. We learned about Martin Luther and saw where he nailed his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church. We also saw where he was buried in the Castle Church. We went to the church, St. Mary’s, where he preached many times. My dad has preached twice so far. I feel my jet lag when he does—just joking. J
Last night, an American professor of German, Dr. Jean, walked us to a very cool German High School called HundertwaBer, (pronounced HOON-durt vasser). When you see me, make sure to ask me about this school that looks like Dr. Sues designed it.
Today, my family and I went to a public swimming pool. It was awesome!!! It had a waterslide that you could go down anyway you wanted and there were 5 diving boards. One was SUPER high, 2 were pretty high, and 2 where low. I went off the SUPER high one a billion times. It was a blast!!! Hope to talk to you all soon!
Your friend,
LUKE WIESE
This is me, Luke. My family is having a great time in Germany. We had a long trip to get here, but we finally made it! We had 4 flights to get here. The first flight was from Dayton to Philadelphia, and then from Philadelphia to Amsterdam, which is in the Netherlands, also known as Holland. That flight was 8 hours long and we spent the night on that plane. On the trip the Netherlands, there was a 1 hour delay in the waiting, and when we got on the plane, there was another 2 and a half hour delay. Because of that delay, we missed our flight to Berlin, and instead had to take an extra plane down to Frankfurt, and then to Berlin. Our next flight was from Amsterdam to Frankfurt, Germany. And finally, a flight from Frankfurt to Berlin. From Berlin we rented a car and drove the rest of the way to Wittenberg, Germany, which is where we are now. By the time we got to Wittenberg, we were over 10 hours late. L
Once in Wittenberg, we came to our hotel, The Luther Hotel. It was very nice, and we slept very well. The next day, we explored the city. We had a tour, talking about many different things about Wittenberg. We learned about Martin Luther and saw where he nailed his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church. We also saw where he was buried in the Castle Church. We went to the church, St. Mary’s, where he preached many times. My dad has preached twice so far. I feel my jet lag when he does—just joking. J
Last night, an American professor of German, Dr. Jean, walked us to a very cool German High School called HundertwaBer, (pronounced HOON-durt vasser). When you see me, make sure to ask me about this school that looks like Dr. Sues designed it.
Today, my family and I went to a public swimming pool. It was awesome!!! It had a waterslide that you could go down anyway you wanted and there were 5 diving boards. One was SUPER high, 2 were pretty high, and 2 where low. I went off the SUPER high one a billion times. It was a blast!!! Hope to talk to you all soon!
Your friend,
LUKE WIESE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
