New Life 03/27/2010
 
Picture
Bergkirche St. Michael at dawn
The darkness of winter is giving way to new light.  Spring has sprung in southern Germany! We were so excited the day the temperatures were above zero Celsius.  Then, when we hit “double digits”, it was another day of rejoicing!  The Rhein valley is a beautiful place in the springtime and on clear days, you can see the northern face of the Swiss Alps.  It’s truly breathtaking. 
Picture
Regan joining the belly dancing class
Changes in the weather over the past month also brought fresh opportunities.  Regan was able to participate in the German Nazarene district Frauenverwohnenwochenende, or “women’s spoiling weekend.”  Saunas, swimming, amazing three course dinners, and a four star hotel offered a relaxing time for over 90 women.  It was a chance to play her flute in worship, practice speaking German, and attempt a new skill – belly dancing!  The event provided the perfect opportunity for women from the district to invite coworkers and friends to enjoy a weekend away for rest and renewal.
Back on the campus of EuNC, we just finished co-teaching a course named Faith Development in the Local Church.  Jason has also been teaching a directed study course on Worship and continues to give direction to the student-led chapel program throughout the season of Lent.

Picture
Old Testament class in Barcelona
In the middle of this last session, Jason was able to spend a week in Barcelona, Spain teaching Old Testament.  Of his 19 students, twelve were onsite.  The rest were connected via webcam from various places in Europe including Madrid and Manchester, England!  Although the teaching hours were intense, the experience was rewarding and enriching.  Jason made many new friends and got to practice some of his VERY rusty Spanish skills.  He was also invited to preach at the Barcelona Church of the Nazarene, a growing and vibrant community of faith in the city. 
Picture
The Veaches with Igancio and Litzy
Regan and Carter flew in the second weekend to join him.  The pastors of the church and EuNC alums, Ignacio and Litzy Pesado, took the whole family on a tour of Barcelona.  We were able to visit La Sagrada Familia (church designed by architect Antonio Gaudi), La Rambla (a famous street in the city), and the Barcelona Olympic Village.  One highlight was to climb up to the Montjuic Palace at dusk.  The palace is seated high on a hill near the Mediterranean coast.  The view of the city was incredible!  Each staircase leading to the palace is beautifully landscaped and surrounded with fountains and waterfalls.  When the sun set, we joined thousands on the palace steps as the main fountain was turned on and the water began to dance, complete with colorful lights and classical music.  VIVA BARCELONA!  (For more pictures of our visit to Barcelona, click here.)
Picture
Carter Lee Veach
Carter continues to develop and change, being only a month away from his third birthday!  His hobbies still include puzzles, walking by the river, and swinging.  He has started to help the kitchen staff by clearing items off the table at lunch.  This is truly a community where everyone contributes!

As we prepare for the next few weeks, there is much to do.  After Easter break, Regan will be teaching a course on language and written expression and will continue to assist in administrative tasks. Jason will be preparing to co-teach a youth ministry course and will be preaching on Easter Sunday at the Büsingen International Church of the Nazarene and again this month at the Gottmadingen Church.  We have certainly kept busy during our time here but have loved every minute.
Picture
We are so grateful for God’s faithfulness.  He is working in the lives of these students and in His Church.  We are blessed to be able to participate in God's kingdom in this way.  To all of our friends and family:  Thank you for your love and support which makes our ministry here this year possible!

As Lent draws to an end and the journey into Holy Week begins, may we be transformed as we encounter again the glory of the crucified and risen Christ!         
                                                                     
Grace and Peace,
The Veach Family



2 Comments