Sankt Nikolaustag

So there are many versions of Santa Claus around the world, however Sankt Nikolaus of German tradition holds about as close as any other tradition does to the actual Saint Nicholas of Greece. St Nicholas was a 1st century greek bishop known for his kindness and generosity to the people. I guess so, since he was a bishop and a Saint. There are several legends that have evolved from alleged events of this man's life to become what the world now knows of as Santa Claus/Kris Kringle/St Nick and other variations there of. In Germany on the even of December 5th children place their boots/shoes outside front door to wake up to small gifts and candy left by Sankt Nikolaus. In fact, Sankt Nikolaus came to visit me too on this evening! (See pictures below)

Yesterday I visited Bonn to walk around the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). It was pretty awesome! At first I only saw a huge Christmas tree reminiscent of the "Riches Great Tree" (originally named) of Atlanta. These happen to be all over the place here at intersection corners, by churches, just about anywhere they can put one. Anyway as I was walking through the old town of Bonn I turned a corner in the back of the city where the Beethoven Statue is and there it was, huge and spread throughout not only the market place but down the side streets connecting to. I took many pictures and walked around enjoying the Christmas spirit of Germany!

In other news, Thanksgiving in Germany is the 1st week of October. I may have mentioned it before in an earlier post. This also means that, what I would consider the 2nd biggest holiday in the states, just happens to be another day in the German life. Although there was a kind of celebration in the air as this was the end of my 2nd course in German. I also meet with some friends to talk exclusively in German. In a combined culmination last week felt to be one the strongest weeks in my German yet! I had a few full on conversations, even if I did dominate most of the conversation limiting the vocabulary used. I am hoping that by Baseball Camp next year I will nearly be fluent at least enough to carry my own.

Other exciting information that has come together in the last few weeks:
Baseball Camp plans have been moving right along. As it looks now we are planning to have 130 kids at baseball camp with 10 teams. We also have ordered the equipment that we need for camp next year. Akadema and Reynolds and Reynolds are working hard to get things shipped out to us as soon as possible. Planning meetings have begun, posters and sign up sheets are being created and passed out! We can't wait to see it all come together! For next spring we are looking at new ways to connect with baseball campers in the winter and springs months leading up to camp! My prayer is that when my time here is complete that there will be a steady improvement and impact as a result of the Lord's work as He has placed me in this community!

Following His Call