What's been going down...
A hot date
In the last newsletter I mentioned that our jazz band would be playing our first concert in June. After many long hours of practice and refinement we were ready for what was hopefully the first of a series of similar concerts. The primary goal of these concerts is to build relationships with and witness to our neighbors through music. What better time to kick it off than the start of summer? You may recall that Europe experienced a heatwave in late June. As it turned out, we had unintentionally scheduled the concert for the hottest day of the year. As we set up our equipment outside in the 42°C (108°F) heat, I considered cancelling and calling it quits. Why bother? No one is going to come in this extreme weather. Thankfully the entirety of our hosts' backyard remained shady due to the surrounding tall buildings. Even still, it was brutally hot.
During set-up we ran into numerous technical problems which left me more uneasy. These weren't small issues, these were show-stoppers if they weren't resolved, such as speaker cables and the drummer both gone missing. Despite all the madness, God was in our midst. Though not a large turnout, way more people than I expected came and stayed for the whole event. We all had fun and enjoyed some great conversations with the guests.
This is my favorite part
My highlight for the summer, as always, was serving at English Camp with Neues Leben. Once again, I filled the role of Co-Leader of Spiritual Development using my skills and experience to encourage and support the lovely, volunteer staff, many of whom were former campers. Two in particular had even been in my small group in past years. Like last year, it was inspiring to see the months of planning culminate in such a great week. This year I co-led a small group with another "regular" staff who has served for a few years now. We mentored a group of young men (most of them are already 18) whom I have watched grow up over the last five years. I treasure those moments when they allow themselves to be emotionally vulnerable and share from the heart, or God reveals himself in a new way.
Sadly, part way through camp, a few staff were struck with sickness, me included. We all pushed through, but I did miss some activities. I'm sure I will get another chance to chase campers in an inflatable dinosaur costume. There are too many fantastic stories to share here, such as Karaoke Night, secretly orchestrating pranks, and numerous decisions made to follow Christ. Luckily, our media team put together an amazing recap video.
https://youtu.be/9l-mSVoG3Z8?si=vXGfomOzkuKHQaEO
Reflection
Lately I have found myself contemplating the future amongst other things. My days are bookended by long quiet(ish) walks with Lupo, so my brain has plenty of time to ponder. One day while bouldering with some of my best friends, I shared the realization that I had been living in the same apartment longer than any other in my adult life. For nearly five years I haven't changed residence. It had not occurred to me until I saw my move-in date on a letter from my landlord informing me that my rent will be increasing. One friend related that he too has been at his current abode longer than any other. "You've settled," he told me with a smile. And he is right. I like where God has me and don't imagine moving any time soon. I have also worked for GEM longer than any other employer and hope to continue doing the work to which God has called me.
That being said my job description could change ext year. I have been investigating switching my focus to GEM-K. This would mean working with them more frequently throughout the year instead of just the two camps. I would become an official member of the GEM-K staff, and it would become my primary ministry. Multiple conversations have been had, but nothing is certain yet.
