In the winter Berlin is dark and withdrawn. In the summer Berlin is alive and friendly. On Sundays Berlin is a ghost town. And in August...oh the glorious August, Beriln is dead! Everyone goes on vacation, your favorite restaurants are closed, and more importantly, the U-bahn isn't crowded.
So what did this glorious August have for me? When is Rome do as the Romans do. I also followed all the Germans and headed to vacation! I got to send a glorious week in Italy. That's the joy of living in Europe! Another country is less than a two hour flight away. Italy was a needed vacation for spiritual regrouping. In ministry they always talk about personal care and burn out. I'm FAR from burning out, ministry just got started! But I do see the importance of taking a step back. Leaving your ministry context always gives you a love for where you are. My vacation was spent with so much spiritual, personal, emotional, and physical reflection.
I encourage everyone in ministry or heading to your ministry fields to varve out time where you can see the bigger picture of why God has sent you.
Other August adventures included: Finding a flat!!! Teaching English at a youth camp. Starting a book club. Speaking more German, and Exploring my city! All is good.