June 7th - Day 6 Germany/Ethiopia 2023... Planes, Trains, and Pigeons.

Another German Guesthouse... another amazing breakfast.  We need to take notes friends.  This is a really great way to start the day!  The dining area of the guest house was quaint, cozy, and very welcoming.  Having a meal there set a wonderful tone for our day.

After we were fueled for the day we had the fabulous work of trekking back down the hill to the tram and then to the train station.  5 suitcases.  7 backpacks.  7 people.  Gravity worked in our favor this time.  It was so much easier walking the long stretch down the hill today.

Since we were a bit more relaxed and less harried we had the opportunity to talk with people more.  Siri had a lovely short conversation with an older woman at the tram platform.  She initially tried to speak in German with me and Iva.  All we could do was point to Siri!

https://www.rescue.org/

As the tram arrived at the Heidelberg Train Station we all unloaded being careful not to miss any of our luggage... or people.  The group started for the entrance, but Kåre and I were lagging behind a bit.  As we approached the entrance to the station a young woman rushes over to us speaking another language... not German and definitely not English.  Kåre and I look at each other.  That must have cued the woman to ask, "Would English be easier?"  We replied that yes it would.  Then she proceeds to tell us how happy she is that we're here, that we're safe, and that people are ready to help us with anything we need.

Kåre and I looked at each other again.  This time the woman asked, "You are refugees from Ukraine, right?"  We both giggled a bit out of the sheer predicament of what to say.  "No, we're from the US and traveling to Ethiopia," I replied.  The woman's face maintained a bright welcoming smile.  She proceeded to tell us all about the organization she volunteers with that helps refugees resettle in Germany and other parts of Europe.  Her group was in front of the train station that day asking for donations.  A lovely conversation ensued.  (Keep this moment in mind with other posts of our journey... we noticed a theme trending.)

We took the bus into the old town where the University of Heidelberg is located. Kevin, Iva, Marcella, and Siri headed toward the student center and international student offices. Kåre, Tarike, and I looked for shops and other interesting sites. In the middle of old town, an open area is set with tables, chairs, and umbrellas under a canopy of old trees.

Kåre and Tarike decided that it would be much better for me to sit with the backpacks and enjoy some coffee while they had a small adventure of their own. Honestly, I was glad for the opportunity to simply sit and absorb the atmosphere.

Half a world away Meskerem and her best friend from Ethiopia, also named Meskerem, were arriving at the airport to begin their journey to Ethiopia.  It was early in the morning for them.  However, the excitement kept them up all night.  What a joy to see these smiles as they began their adventure!

Back in Heidelberg, I sat.  I watched.  Pigeons pecked the ground searching for crumbs from the cafe's delicacies. The city buses came and went with tourists, students, and people of all ages. Tour guides had lines of visitors following them listening intently to the history of the area. The smell of coffee and the clink of cups and spoons floated on the gentle breeze blowing through the square. Lining the open space were bakeries, a Christmas shop, clothing boutiques, a student supply shop, a pizza restaurant, and a gift shop.

It is a fascinating combination of very old buildings, history, modern businesses, and people from all over.  Siri and Marcella had a wonderful visit to the university.  There is definitely some potential there.  

We all enjoyed lunch and a treat in the old city square.  The weather was beautiful, the food delicious, and the atmosphere a delight.  We had a wonderful experience exploring the old city, dreaming about future plans, and taking time to simply enjoy being present in that space.  

While we spent the afternoon in Heidelberg, Meskerem and Meskerem were headed to Washington DC.  This is the portion of their journey that gave them the most anxiety... changing planes in DC.  Cue Kevin's amazing network of people to the rescue!  We are so thankful for Rich, all he does as a volunteer at the Dulles airport, and his willingness to help out young adults that are flying internationally by themselves for the first time.  

Toward the end of the day, it was our last train to take in Germany.  Our minds were shifting gears to what awaited us in Ethiopia.  As we traveled back to Frankfurt and waited to board the overnight flight I looked back on our adventure in Germany.  It was a privilege to travel together with the girls, Kevin, and Iva.  The memories, university information, and opportunity to see Sven-Christian and Michelle will stick with all of us.  I am thankful!

At the same time, my mind raced ahead to all we looked forward to in Ethiopia.  Our dear friends, family, the clinic, giving donations, food, music, dancing, and so much more.  Even though this trip would be the fifth time Kevin and I have made this journey, there was something new.  This time we have the honor of hosting an immersion trip as part of our new non-profit, (W)HOLE in the Roof.  Kevin's mother, Iva, and our friends, Bill and Martie, will be experiencing Ethiopia for the first time.  We get to look with wonder and fresh eyes at the beauty, community, culture, and vibrancy of Ethiopia and her people.  What a joy!