Met up with my friend Alan, who is a Los Angeles native now living in Dusseldorf, Germany. He and I have worked together in the past with the ‘Urban Poets’ from Mosiac L.A.’s performance Arts ministry.
As a representative and ambassador of Edge and Tlc International, I was there to encourage and participate in the church community, make contacts, revisit longtime friends of the Caligiuri’s, and observe. I had little idea of what I was in store for…
I came to observe the community of Mosaik Dusseldorf, but rather, became part of it. I was sucked in. It was like being handed a hammer and hardhat, and given a gentle push when, before I knew it, something beautiful was being created on stage and in workshops. Before 2 weeks were over, I designed with Alan a logo for the upcoming series on relationships, painted a live art piece during a Sunday morning service, taught two exciting improv workshops for the community of nearly twenty people, and performed my first solo improv show for nearly fifty people. I was terrified and excited all at the same time. I also rehearsed and performed for the Easter service.
I stayed with Alan on the bottom floor of an apartment complex. Every floor housed someone with a smiling face that would stop and say “Hallo” after meeting in the stairwell. I would later share a cake and coffee with each of them at some point in my stay. The well-embraced coffee culture seemed to be the excuse for many conversations and kindled relationships. I was falling in love with these people, the ease in their smiles and the lights in their eyes; it wasn’t hard to.
Mosaik Düsseldorf is a wonderful community full of love, light, and laughter. My time there was an absolute joy. Thanks to all for welcoming me in.
My adventure continued as Alan journeyed with me to Freiburg to visit the Schwendeman’s. One day, we found ourselves at the top of a mountain looking over the vastness of landscapes, four countries in our view on this beautiful day. We could see the Alps in Austria, Switzerland from the Black Forest, and looking in the other direction, the hills of France. Any other day, we may not have been able to see such a sight, not knowing that three weeks later ash from a volcano would have blocked our view. It was a gift from God, the Creator of all this.
I am still processing my time in Germany. Looking back over it, I feel as though I was on an express train of adventures going from one stop to the next, from the Dom in Collonge to the Castles near the Black Forest. In reflection, Germany has left me with much to think about, much to be thankful for, and much to hope for.
