Today was a bit heartbreaking, because we'd been hoping to continue our travels to Erfurt after taking PCR tests on Saturday. Unfortunately, we still have more positive covid cases as a group than the health department wants to allow. If we were just traveling as individuals, those who tested negative would be able to move freely, but our status as a group has added a layer of complexity. It crossed my mind that I could say the trip is over and people could go their own ways, but then -- among other reasons to stay together -- we'd miss out on the immense assistance and great hospitality of the staff at the Colleg Wittenberg who have been caring for us so diligently and so well, and who will continue to be important resources.
We really are in good hands. The food is wonderful, we get Kaffee und Kuchen in the afternoon, and the fridge stays well-stocked with water, soda, beer, and wine available on an honor system. Our challenging situation is getting the full attention of our tour operator, who's in close contact with local officials. Those who have tested positive have had mild/moderate symptoms and are recovering well.
To give some structure to our days, we've been holding morning and evening prayer over Zoom and sharing some class sessions and discussion time (also on Zoom). The group had some good time to see Wittenberg last week, so it's still lots of fun to say things like, "As we saw at the church across the street..." I'm still averaging 10,000 steps a day somehow, and playing soccer with Jonah in the courtyard has been a treat.
Honestly, it was tough to wait for results, get excited to travel today after the first results were looking good, and then have to shift gears again, but at least now we know what to expect for the next few days. Getting rest, staying healthy, and making the most of our time together are good things to focus on. Our evening prayer asks for God's hand to lead us and God's love to support us, even if we don't know exactly what comes next. As John Lennon put it, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I admit it: I'd rather follow my plans and know what comes next. But God is good this way, too. Blessings.
We really are in good hands. The food is wonderful, we get Kaffee und Kuchen in the afternoon, and the fridge stays well-stocked with water, soda, beer, and wine available on an honor system. Our challenging situation is getting the full attention of our tour operator, who's in close contact with local officials. Those who have tested positive have had mild/moderate symptoms and are recovering well.
To give some structure to our days, we've been holding morning and evening prayer over Zoom and sharing some class sessions and discussion time (also on Zoom). The group had some good time to see Wittenberg last week, so it's still lots of fun to say things like, "As we saw at the church across the street..." I'm still averaging 10,000 steps a day somehow, and playing soccer with Jonah in the courtyard has been a treat.
Honestly, it was tough to wait for results, get excited to travel today after the first results were looking good, and then have to shift gears again, but at least now we know what to expect for the next few days. Getting rest, staying healthy, and making the most of our time together are good things to focus on. Our evening prayer asks for God's hand to lead us and God's love to support us, even if we don't know exactly what comes next. As John Lennon put it, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I admit it: I'd rather follow my plans and know what comes next. But God is good this way, too. Blessings.