What Keeps You Going?

With the Nelsons in Rothenburg, Germany

This past weekend we finally made it to the Euro-American Family Retreat in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. This was our third time to visit Rothenburg. For the past four years we have wanted to go to the retreat but usually are unable to make it mainly due to lack of vacation days. This year we decided to go to at least part of it. We wish we could have gone for the whole time but Collin doesn't have the extra time off since we go back to the States once a year.

The theme this year was "What Keeps You Going?" Lots of people from all over Europe attend this retreat. Mostly missionary families. Even though we are not missionaries, many things that were talked about at the retreat apply to us. Tony Coffey, who has been a missionary in Ireland for over 20 years, lead the daily Bible study. He talked about different prophets and how many felt like they were failing. Yet, God took their failures and hard times and used it for His glory. God looks at our hearts. If our hearts are in the right place that's what is most important. Again, a lot of this applied to missionaries and how many are planting churches and how slow the process can be. But even in our own lives, when we talk with unbelievers and are reaching out. It's not always an instant success. Many people will actually walk away. But the fact that we're trying and want others to be saved is what is most important. If you are a Christian, think about how thankful you are that someone shared with you the gospel. There are many people who don't know the truth and have no hope. However, if we are willing to be open and share with them, they may be changed forever, just like we were. So when asked, what keeps you going? What does? For me, I think it's knowing that after this life is over my life will continue with God in Heaven.

They provided childcare for kids 2 and up. We were uncertain if Caden would do well since he doesn't like the childcare at the military chapel but he loves Sunday school at our church. Thankfully, he did great! Here are a few things he said when we picked him up on various days: "I had fun playing with the kids," he said everyday. "We jumped on the bed, it was fun," when they stayed in one of the hotel rooms. "We played with buttons," when they did crafts one evening. No fussing or complaining at all. I was so glad. It meant Collin and I were able to enjoy the speakers.

Caden and his friend, Natalie Hutto looking at a magazine at a restaurant

The retreat was from Saturday to Wednesday. We had to leave Monday after the morning session. Several families from our church in Heidelberg attended which was great. We also go to see our friends the Nelsons who are missionaries in the Ukraine. They had planned to come stay with us Friday night before the retreat but their son, Caleb, got sick. He was throwing up a lot and we all thought it was best if they stayed in a hotel. Saturday morning he was feeling better so they came over and we took them to Heidelberg and did a tour of the castle. We love this family. They are so precious and love people and the Lord. Saturday night Olivia threw up in the car on the way to the retreat. Sunday, David was sick throwing up. Then Monday night after we got home, I started throwing up and was very sick on Tuesday. Today is Wednesday and so far Collin and Caden have not caught it. We're praying that I was the last to get it. I have not been that sick in a long time. I'm just glad it was short lived and everyone seems to be better now.

Castle grounds in Heidelberg

Sunday we took a day trip between sessions to Nuremberg. We went to the Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds. We have been wanting to go here for a while but typically run out of time off. The retreat was in Rothenburg and the Nazi Documentation Centre was an hour away. It was really neat to see and learn more about Germany's somber history, espcially with regard to WWII. Chasing a 2-year old added to the fun as he wanted to get into the exhibits or try and squeeze through small spaces where Mommy and Daddy could not fit. Needless to say, we didn't get to spend as much time as we would have liked as it is challenging keeping a bored, energetic little guy out of trouble.

Caden having fun at the documentation center

Overall we had a great weekend and wonderful fellowship. We're looking forward to Thanksgiving and spending it with friends. It is still so strange to live overseas away from family. The holidays make us even more nostalgic for home.