Our First Fourteen

We made it to the top of Pike's Peak today! It is our first "Fourteen." (A Fourteen is a summit over 14,000 feet.) It was C-O-L-D! It was 30 degrees, with a 15 degree wind chill. The wind was 25mph, but I know the gusts had to be over 40mph. When we first got up there, it was snowing! Uphill! As I looked down over one side of the summit, the wind was blowing snow directly up at me! And remember -- it's July 31!
We got to the summit of Pike's Peak (left) via the Cog Railway (right). It was a long, steep ride up the mountain - with an average grade of 16 degrees, and a maximum of 26 degrees. But it was easier than trying to drive the switchback road to the summit.

Our time with the counselor this morning was very good, and one thing we talked about is "savoring the moment," and embracing the joy. So, I'm doing just that, as you can see in the photo below.

Mid-Life Moment

Today we spent time doing our "homework" for our counseling, so we didn't venture too far from our hotel. But afterward, we went on a "cheap date" to one of our favorite haunts. But, more for my own mid-life crisis, we also went to Ferrari of Denver.

It's a Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley, Lotus dealership, and I got to sit in a Ferrari! (I didn't even ask about taking it for a test drive.)

The other photos are of a Lotus and a Lamborghini (with another Ferrari in the background). Enjoy! (I did!)

Garden of the Gods

After another good session with the counselor in the morning, Karin and I headed south to Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods. We were in and out of buildings and the car, avoiding the occasional rain (including a couple of thunderstorms). We did get a brief glimpse of Pike's Peak (right behind us in the photo above) while at the Garden of the Gods. We hope to go up Pike's Peak on Friday, when the weather is supposed to be nicer and the sky clearer.
After enjoying the beauty of the Garden of the Gods, and the changing colors of the sky (which made for some nice photos), we headed through Manitou Springs to the Old Colorado City, a few blocks with nice art galleries and craft shops and restaurants, etc. In spite of the rain, it was a great day.

Tomorrow we plan to have a quieter day, including an afternoon appointment with the counselor.

The Mountains At Last!

Karin and I have been pleased with our counselor for the Quiet Waters Intensive. We are talking about some good and important things. It's good for us to have a "25-year tune-up," and I would recommend to anyone that counseling can be a very good option -- especially if you begin to have marriage trouble... don't wait! Get help right away while the issues are small. Anyway, we are having some good, productive conversations.

Karin has been longing to get to the mountains (she's never been to the mountains before), so today, after our counseling session, we headed to the mountains. We went to Morrison, CO, and we got a tour of Dinosaur Ridge. We got to see and touch dinosaur bones and footprints from millions of years ago (above). We also went from there to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater (below). The red rocks are some magnificent rock formations protruding from the earth. Among the rocks, the CCC built an amphitheater (completed in 1941), where concerts are held all summer long. The season begins with an Easter sunrise service, which would be exceptionally beautiful, I'm sure.

From there we drove on part of the "Lariat Loop," through Kitridge and Evergreen, along some winding mountain roads, through rocky, craggy, valleys, and through evergreen forests. It was beautiful, and Karin enjoyed the trip.

On the way home, we drove past a little shop where I might be able to resolve any mid-life crisis I may be having! :-)

The weather has been good -- cloudy and cool, but only a few sprinkles of rain. The forecast is the same for the next two days -- the weekend looks sunny and warm. God has provided!

Coors Field

We arrived in Denver on Saturday so that we can participate in a two week Quiet Waters Counseling Intensive. The Counseling Intensive is 20 hours of counseling, intended to provide a place for renewal and transformational growth and change for pastor and spouse. We hope it will be a time to renew my sense of calling and passion for ministry, and a time to renew and strengthen our marriage. Our 25th anniversary will come in August, so this will be a kind of "25-year tune-up" for our marriage, and a "17-year tune-up" for my pastoral ministry.

But before the Counseling Intensive begins on Monday, Karin and I got to go to a Colorado Rockies baseball game at Coors Field - the Rockies beat the San Francisco Giants, 4-2. That's one of the baseball fields I haven't seen before, and we enjoyed the game and the field. The weather reports called for scattered thunderstorms, but other than a few sprinkles, the weather was dry. God provided again.

In addition to the Counseling Intensive, during the next two weeks here in Denver, Karin and I hope to spend some of our free time by hiking and touring some sites -- Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, Pike's Peak, etc.

Germany - Part 2 - Berlin

On our last full day in Germany, the Schünemanns took us to Berlin, where, on the next morning, we would catch our flight back to the U.S. Wilhelm drove us, and it was our first time on the Autobahn. Wilhelm cruised at 210 kph (125 mph) for part of the trip.

Our first stop was in Potsdam, to see some beautiful gardens and castles (left). This was the site of the Potsdam Conference, with Truman, Stalin, and Churchill deciding the post-war fate of Germany. After a quick walk through parts of the grand gardens, we headed for Berlin, where we got a view of the enormous new train station, and then walked past the Chancellery (right), where Chancellor Angela Merkel lives and works – similar in some respects to our White House – on our way to the Reichstag (below).
The Reichstag, or the Bundestag as it is more correctly called today, is the house of the German Bundestag or Parliament. The building was originally opened in 1894, and was destroyed by fire in 1933. It was entirely rebuilt, leaving only the original facades, and adding a beautiful globe on top. We ventured to the top of the globe for a beautiful view of Berlin, and then had coffee and dessert in the restaurant located there.
It was moving to walk so easily across what had been the Berlin Wall, seeing some sections that have been preserved, and walking without fear or concern through the streets of the former East Berlin. Again we saw some noteworthy sites, including the Berlin Cathedral (above) and the Holocaust Memorial (below). The memorial was quite moving, walking into the depths where you are overwhelmed and disoriented by the stele, and then walking back up and out into East Berlin once again.
We walked through the Brandenburg Gate (below) on our way into and out of East Berlin. Memories of the people gathered there as the Berlin Wall came down flooded back. And the history – two World Wars, the Holocaust, the Communist state, the Wall, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” “Mr. Gorbachev, tear this wall down,” all the bombs dropped, the people killed, the buildings destroyed… and rebuilt – was overwhelming.

“They will build houses and dwell in them;

they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit….

The wolf and the lamb will feed together,

and the lion will eat straw like the ox,

but dust will be the serpent’s food.

They will neither harm nor destroy

on all my holy mountain,

says the LORD. -- Isaiah 65

Germany - Part I

After a fortnight in Scotland, I flew with Karin to Germany. We arrived in Frankfurt, where we stayed at the… Hotel Hamburger Hof!! We arrived late in the evening, and were a bit tired, and our book about Germany informed us that within a few blocks of our hotel (conveniently nestled by the main train station) was the red light district and an area filled with drug addicts. The guide book said that the red light district would be an interesting tourist visit(!), but we decided to skip it. Instead, the next morning, before boarding a train for Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), we visited the Römerberg, where we saw some Roman ruins and visited the Kaiserdom Cathedral – St. Bartholomew’s, where the Holy Roman Emperors were crowned (below).

We were met at the Hildesheim train station by Wilhelm and Johannes Schünemann. We spent the next few days with the Schünemanns, following a wonderful program that they had prepared for us. We visited the places where traditionally decorated table linens are stamped and dyed (Einbeck), where traditional pottery is made and glazed (Fredelsloh), and where fine porcelain is made (Fürstenberg). Another day led to visits to Hameln (remember the Pied Piper of Hamelin?) where we saw beautifully restored half-timbered houses (below). So much of the beauty of German cities were destroyed in the war. Some has been rebuilt, some has been made new. Seeing these sites made me think of another reason to pray for peace – not only because of the death and devastation, but because modern warfare kills civilians and destroys the beauty that people have created.

We had the joy of visiting a lot of cathedrals, abbeys, and churches. We saw a lot of different styles and got to climb to the top of some church towers, including Hamelin’s cathedral (left) and Hildesheim’s St. Andrew’s Church (right).
Hildesheim’s St. Mary's Cathedral has some remarkable features including a beautiful bronze door, a beautiful New Jerusalem, with 24 gates, descending over the altar (left), and a 1000-year old rose bush that survived the bombing in March 1945, when most of the Cathedral was destroyed (right).

We also had time for some fun. I was able to check off one item from my “bucket list” – I got to play tennis on a red clay court! I don’t think Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer have anything to worry about from Wilhelm, Gerd, or me (left). We also enjoyed a lot of delicious food, including a fine venison dinner from a deer Wilhelm had shot just two weeks before (right).

Scotland Photos

Hi Everyone,

I've got the new photos downloaded from the camera, so now it's time to share a few of the pictures. First, two from Iona Abbey, on the Isle of Iona in Scotland.

The photo on the left is of the Iona Abbey, with the oldest portions of the walls dating to the 13th century. The large section on the right is the Abbey Church, where we had our worship at 9:00am and 9:00pm each day. The larger section to the left includes the refectory, where we ate our meals together. Behind the refectory on the far left is the Abbott's House, where we had dorms, and where I slept with 5 other pastors (who sometimes snored antiphonally!). Between the refectory and the Abbey Church is a small chapel, St. Columba's Shrine, which is one of the oldest sections of the Abbey, with the stones in the lower section dating back to the 9th century. The photo on the right is of the Abbey Church, viewed from just inside the front door. In the foreground is the baptismal font, with a section of chairs behind it. The far end of the Abbey Church has the altar, with the choir seating in front of it.

There were many other ancient ruins on the island,and a number of standing crosses. The cross on the left is St. Martin's cross, the oldest on the island, dating to between AD 750-800. The photo on the right is of the ruins of the Iona Nunnery, which was built around 1200. It has not been restored.

While at Iona, we made a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa. On the left is a view that includes Fingal's Cave (on the right) and shows the basalt columns that are found only here and at Giant's Causeway in Ireland. On the right is a puffin, the small bird that finds protection from their mortal enemies, the seagulls, at the feet of people -- perhaps a parable of our protection from our enemies at the feet of God.

One of the most impressive parts of the trip to Scotland was worshiping in St. Giles' Cathedral (Church of Scotland) in Edinburgh on Sunday morning. The building was magnificent, and the worship was beautiful. It was a high liturgy with the Edinburgh University Chamber Choir singing and the Lord's Supper celebrated. It moved me deeply.

And finally, a few fun items -- first, a photo of yours truly in front of the gate to Edinburgh Castle. And second, a bagpiper -- what could be more appropriate to end the photos of Scotland?

Back In Pella

Sorry about a lack of posts from Germany, but I didn't have much access to a computer to do any posting. Karin and I are now back in Pella for a few days before we fly to Denver for the Quiet Waters Counseling Intensive.

Our time in Germany was wonderful -- we saw a lot of great sites and had a fantastic time with the Schuenemanns. I hope to get some photos from Europe posted between now and Friday, so be sure to check back!

The Fortnight Is Over

My fortnight in Scotland is over. It was remarkably dry - we had a few showers while Karin and I were in Edinburgh, otherwise there was no rain to speak of. We had a wonderful time seeing the city.

Our flight to Frankfurt was uneventful, and getting around with my little German has been a fun adventure so far. Tomorrow we leave on the train to visit Wilhelm's family until Monday morning, when we fly home. We are looking forward to seeing Germany, and to seeing Wilhelm and his family.

GoMA in Glasgow

I found a computer with access in the Library at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Glasgow. I returned here from Iona yesterday. We have had amazingly beautiful weather for the whole time. Thanks be to God.

The week at Iona was very renewing. I enjoyed building community, working side by side with wonderful people, and having time to pray and reflect as I walked about a harshly beautiful island with extraordinary old buildings from early Celtic Christianity. I discovered a lot about myself, about God, and about community. I also was surprised how deeply alone I felt when I arrived in Glasgow. Even though I was having a "wee walk" through the downtown streets with thousands of other people, I missed the community I had on Iona, and I missed Karin and my family. I felt alone, in an "in-between" sort of place.

Karin should be in the air as I write this. I will shortly be going to check out of the hotel and take the shuttle to Edinburgh, so I can get checked into our hotel there and then go "collect" Karin at the airport. I am looking forward to being with her and sharing the sights and sounds and food and culture of Scotland and Germany together.

Puffins!

We had a wonderful trip to Staffa yesterday. The captain of the boat said it might be "a wee bit splashy" on the way out, and we got drenched. Good thing I had my "waterproofs" -- waterproof jacket and over-trousers. It was the first time I've used them. The weather has been wonderful -- no rain to speak of.

Staffa was magnificent. The basalt columns and Fingal's Cave (which inspired Mendelssohn) were fantastic. And the puffins were delightful! They love people because people scare away the seagulls, their main predator. So when people gather on the top of the cliffs (where the puffin nests are), and wait patiently, the puffins will gather on the cliffs, often only a few feet away! They are adorable and make a wonderful cooing sound which reminded me of the contented sound some people make after a good meal. But their finding protection from their enemies at the feet of people reminded me how we find protection from our enemies at the feet of God -- "deliver me from the evil one..."

Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving Iona and heading to Glasgow, and then on to meet Karin in Edinburgh. I can't wait to see her again!

Service of Prayers for Healing

I attended the service of prayers for healing, and it was a blessing to have been there. It is not "charismatic," as some might expect from such a service. Rather, it was what it's name says. We prayed for healing -- body, mind, spirit, relationships, peace, and end of strife. I submitted names of some family and congregation members, and they were prayed for during the service, and there was an opportunity to go forward for prayers -- offered by the whole community -- for whatever anonymous need the person felt. You could go forward for yourself, for someone else, for some need in the world -- and it was anonymous. The congregation together prayed that God would heal whatever was causing harm. It was quite moving.

Today we will be taking a boat trip to the island of Staffa to see the puffins and Fingal's Cave, a remarkable geological formation that inspired Mendelson to write some beautiful music. Hopefully the weather will be such that there isn't much seasickness!

Pilgrimage Day

Today I went on a reflective pilgrimage around the Isle of Iona. It was a time of prayer and reflection as we examined various sites of historical and religious significance on the island. It was a wonderful experience, and a beautiful day to enjoy it!

Last night I attended a ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee), which is the Scottish version of a barn dance or square dance. It was a lot of fun. A lot of this week has been about living in community, enjoying the gifts and differences of others, and sharing our unity in Christ -- a good thing for the Church to do. We don't have to agree on everything, but we can still love and trust one another.

Tonight is a service of prayer for healing -- to pray for healing physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally; and to pray for healing of the nations, and so on. I've especially been looking forward to this service, as I think there will be ways to incorporate this sort of service back home at Pella I.

Report from Iona

I'm here in Iona! I know it's been a few days since I've been able to check in, but there is a hotel on the island that has some terminals for rent with Internet access.

The journey here was a delight. It was fun to spend some time in Edinburgh and Glasgow before the long journey -- eating cullen skink, riding a double-decker bus, listening to a bagpiper, and watching the Andy Murray-Andy Roddick tennis match in a pub in Glasgow. It was a great time.

The journey was long -- it took almost 8 hours to get from my hotel in Glasgow to the isle of Iona, including two bus rides (one on a one-lane road across the isle of Mull, which was quite exciting!) and two ferry rides. But the travel was uneventful.

The isle of Iona has a harsh beauty. Rocky outcroppings with green pasture land, and full of old ruins of various types. I'm staying in a room in the Abbot's House, adjoining the Abbey, with six other men, all clergy, four from the US, one from Canada, and one from England. There are about 50 residents staying here this week, I think, and they are from a variety of nations. It's a wonderful thing to live in community with such a diverse group. We don't all agree on a lot of things, but we all live together in community, in harmony. What the church is supposed to be, right?

The worship here has been very simple. Services are at 9am and 9pm each day, with themes for the evening times of worship. Last night was a time of quiet worship, tonight will be a service focusing on justice and peace.

The island is a beautiful place to explore, and I hope to go on an "off-road" pilgrimage tomorrow to see and learn about some of the sights.

There is also a lot of time to rest, to pray, to read, to walk, to nap, and to wonder at the determination of St. Columba and the other monks who established this place.

I don't have the ability to download my photos to the computer in the hotel, so pictures will have to wait. But know that I am here safely, and that all is well.

Almost Gone

I'm sitting in a Caribou Coffee in St. Paul waiting to leave this evening. This is my test to see if I can post from a wi-fi site. Hopefully it will work and my next post will be from Europe. I'm excited to go. Next post from Scotland, I hope!