2007 Calvin & Chapel Ringers Handbell Tour
Germany and the Czech Republic
Hello Everyone,
Today is our last day, and it has been one of the best. It was also Liam's birthday. We all met this morning on a farm where a special church service was being held to bless the fields in Germany. The Germans call it "Erntebittgottesdienst." We arrived with our host families, all with fun stories to tell of our adventures the night before. Some of the Ringers and their families went out for ice cream and to play pool, other Ringers had a party given just for them, and some went to a German birthday party. Each of us grew to know and love our families in just this short time. We will remember this experience always.
After the farm service, Uli, our host and pastor of the church, took the families and the Ringers through the town of Schwäbisch Hall. We saw a house that was built 800 years ago, a church with a stunning staircase, and then we played in a river that runs through the city. Uli treated us to row boat rides and ice cream, and we all laughed and played and splashed. We then said a hard goodbye to our families in Bibersfeld and made our way to our hotel in Frankfurt.
Tonight was our farewell dinner and closing devotions. It was a special time of sharing our favorite moments and talking about where we have seen God on this trip.
The trip has been amazing and we are all so grateful. We are eager to get home and share our stories.
Once again, we all send our love,
Playtime in Bibersfeld...Ali getting a picture of Dave in the tree
Dave in the tree
Alexis on the swing
Lindsay and Jenny holding Trulli the bunny
Sharon holding Trolli, the mother of Trulli
Emily gets some air
Matt plays soccer with Leo and Uli
Matt in the tree
Audrey gets a push from Dave
Sharing some love
Armen and Leo showing us how to play "real" soccer
Charles and Rebecca get some new hats
Delan's favorite church
Matt, Liam, and Rachel relaxing with Marlena
Armen explains the art of row boating
Rob, Delan, and Kevin are not so sure about getting in the river
Rob, Delan, Katrina, and Ali are first in the row boats
Audrey the Super Rower giving a ride to Kevin, Alexis, and Rachel
Sharon, Rachel, Lindsay, and Jenny take a turn
Liam is not so sure about this
Rob, Emily, and Greg brave a boat with Armen
What's up, Drake?
Matt and Sarah say hi
Uli and Gabi, our hosts, race Drake, Liam, and Matt
Greg is such a great example
Our host families and us...we will miss them!
Charles and Rebecca with Uli and Gabi
Ali, Audrey, Emily, Lindsay, Alexis, Katrina, Kevin, and Dave at the farewell dinner
Delan, Rob, and Liam at the farewell dinner
Matt, Greg, Liam, and Drake at the farewell dinner
Sharon, Jenny, Rachel, and Sarah at the farewell dinner
Charles, Rebecca, Rachel, and Robbie at the farewell dinner
Frick and Frack at the farewell dinner