Quick trip to Baden-Baden

Delynn and I had a long weekend - not to celebrate Memorial Day, but rather to celebrate Ascension Day, which this year fell on Thursday, 21st May. Ascension was rather late this year as it is based off of the date we celebrate Easter and it is always on a Thursday. Interestingly enough, it was also Father's Day in Germany. Father's day on a Thursday you may ask, but yes, in Germany, Ascension and Father's day always fall on the same day. Unlike Mother's day, which we celebrate on the same day as in the States, Father's day changes every year.

Anyway, we had a long weekend available, but we had real trouble deciding what to do. There is so much to accomplish in the next month (yes, we fly out in one month!) that we couldn't really make a decision. I needed to be back for Sunday service as I led music worship this morning, so we didn't want to go too far. Also, next weekend, we will be travelling to Celle to visit our friends Liz and Karl, so days available to prepare, pack, sort, etc. are getting fewer and fewer.

However, we also realized that if we stayed at home in Weil am Rhein, the weekend would slip through our fingers. So, on Thursday morning, I cracked open the trusty Rick Steves book and called a few hotels to see if they had room. We finally got something on the 4th hotel - it is starting to get busy in Baden-Baden. The hotel was about 10 minutes out of town by bus, but the busses run every 10 minutes, so it was quite convenient.

We really enjoyed Baden-Baden when we went last August for our anniversary. It is a very swanky place but you can be comfortable in jeans (unless you are going to the casino where coat and tie are required). The spa there is very relaxing, the trails are soothing and the ice cream is, well creamy.



Delynn didn't know I was taking this picture, but do you see the pure joy in her smile!

On Saturday, we traveled up to the Merkur - a hill outside of town overlooking Baden-Baden and the beautiful valleys of the Schwarzwald. Baden-Baden is considered the northernmost part of the Black Forest. The rhodies were in full bloom - quite spectacular don't you think? That is Baden-Baden in the background of both pictures.

This one was taken from a tower on the top of Merkur (notice that I am holding on for dear life!)

We thank you for your prayers as we enter this final month before re-entry into the U.S. It will be another sprint and we frankly do not look forward to the leaving, especially with the additional responsibilities of closing down the school. We ask for your continued prayer support - the time goes so quickly!

Love to all.