In the Land of Luther

The second part of my winter break was spent in Lutherstadt Wittenberg with my friend, Kerri. We were thankful to be able to stay with students from my Alma Mater in their flats where they are studying abroad for the semester. Kerri also studied in Wittenberg during our college years, so she was an excellent guide and travel companion. We went and visited all of the major Luther sites. Seeing the places where the Reformation started and learning more about what happened in Wittenberg was amazing. We saw the door where he hung the 95 Theses, the place where he lived with Katie, and the church where he regularly preached. It was quite the Lutheran Pilgrimage.

Having time with people I know from America was wonderful as well. Since leaving my parents at the Newark airport I haven't seen one of MY faces. Every face in my life has been new or someone I only meet once or twice. Being with people who know are mine and know my other people was amazing. As much as I cherish all of the relationships I am forming this year, these wonderful people haven't spent time with my parents and don't know me outside of this European context. They know my stories and have witnessed my growth since August, but everyone I talk about is still a mystery to them in some form or fashion. Therefore being with those who know my people was a breath of fresh air.

Kerri also came back to Cieszyn with me for a few days. She got the grand tour and experienced what my daily life was like, including sitting in on some of my classes. Having someone witness first hand what my life is like was really nice too. Now at least one person has a context for my life here. As much as I miss everyone from home, they are somehow separate from this year. Realizing this has resulted in some complicated feelings, especially because I see that some of my dearest relationships are being greatly strained by the Atlantic Ocean and I am not sure how to handle these emotions yet.

In other news, THE SNOW IS GONE! When I came back from Germany, it was all gone. This week has still be chilly, but above freezing and we've had blue skies! It's downright inspiring and it has really helped me to feel more optimistic. I hope to write more in the next few days to tell some of my other stories from the past few weeks.

Blessings,
Colleen