Jesus Christ is Better

"But of the Son he says,

'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,

the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore, God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

Hebrews 1v8-9

Sunday:

Last Sunday, I was able to make the Sunday morning church service at the Thomaskirche. The service was in both Latin and German, but the bulletins had English translations (which I was grateful for!). That Sunday was the last day of the Bachfest in Leipzig, and the famous Thomaschor boys choir led worship. I was in awe. I'd never heard such an elegant church choir singing to our Christ. It was truly a delight to be there, worshipping the Lord.

Monday:

After class Monday, the German tutors took us on a wandern (hiking) trip through a park in Leipzig. Here are some pictures that can explain themselves :) 

Tuesday:

After class, I went with my roommate to a grill party withs some of her friends. All of them are from different countries, and are flying home soon because their semesters are ending this week. So this was our last week to do this. It was so much fun, visiting in so many different languages, and learning lots of German in the midst.

Wednesday:

This day practically flew by, because all I did was go to class, then sleep...I slept so much and so hard. And it was one of the first days I was able to get a real full nights rest. Praise God.

Thursday:

The Lord is faithful to Love His children, and to continually remind them of that Love. I was struggling with feeling alone here, not being surrounded by the comfort of many other believers. I was just really desiring fellowship. After eating lunch, I went for a walk (which I've never done at this time) around the campus cafeteria, which is close to the central area of Leipzig, called Augustusplatz. I only had about 20 minutes before having to be back to the Mensa, to meet friends to go to the Library. But I had turned to corner by one building, and usually there are street performers, bands, singers, etc. that set up for donations along the walk way. As I was turning that corner, I saw a man, playing at his keyboard, and I didn't recognize the song, but I knew I needed to turn around and go closer. As I approached, I realized he was singing, in English, worship music to our Lord Christ!! I had not yet met, or seen, or heard believers in this city, truly proclaiming Jesus unashamedly. I was blown away by the Lord's faithfulness to provide me comfort in this way that I could truly understand. I was able to stand there for about 10 minutes, worshipping Him publicly with just a few other people. I was amazed and reminded, that Christ just calls us to obedience, and usually we do not know His true reasons for calling us to do specific things for His kingdom, but He NEVER FAILS to use that obedience! The Lord used that man's obedience to Christ that day, to remind me that Christ is better, forever. 

Friday:

TEST!! My final exam for my German class was today. I had to write an essay over Leipzig, my experiences here, and why I've chosen to learn the German language. The topics were pretty easy, so I hope that my writing was sufficient enough to pass the course. I'll find out next week, I believe. So keep that in your prayers please!

After classes were finished, we had our final grill party for our friend Ibra, who is flying home to Saudi Arabia on Monday. The party was in the park behind our dorms, just next to a beautiful pond with ducks and geese. The majority of the time, it rained. But, truly no one seemed to mind it, because we were having such a great time, playing Fußball and grilling. I will really miss my new friends!!!

(I don't have any pictures from this night just yet, but I will post them as soon as I do.)

Saturday:

Off to Dresden! My German course had scheduled a day trip to Dresden, Saturday. We left around 9am and went by train. (By the way: I'm really getting used to getting around by this wonderful public transportation!). We arrived just 2 hours later, and the first stop was to visit the Frauenkirche, which had been destroyed in WWII, but was rebuilt as a replica of the original. There were many people there, waiting in line to look through the church, but there was a wedding going on inside! So, instead of meeting back with the group, my friend Kathleen and I assumed that everyone would still be waiting to get inside the church, so we did the same. After finally touring through it (pictures below), we went back to our "meeting spot," and no one was there. So we just sat there for a while, got hungry, found a bratwurst stand, came back, sat some more...sat for a while...then I finally asked her nonchalantly:

"Kathleen, are we lost?"

She just shrugged her shoulders, taking a bite of her bratwurst, and said, "I dunno. Maybe."

Needless to say, we were. And about 1/2 hour later my professor found us and was so thankful!! It was interesting to be lost in Europe, and not even realize it :) It was certainly a lovely trip, and even in silly things like this, the Lord is faithful to keep us from worry. 

I love you all and thank you for your prayers! Here are a few prayer requests I have for the past week and next:

-It is my last week with the Uni Leipzig Sommerkurs program (I still have another week here after that, but it is just UNT after this week), and I have many things to do before it is over (projects, oral exams, etc.) Please be praying for peace and my diligence to finish my last week of this course.

-Be praying for the Lord to continue to work in His people for their salvation. I've seen His hand in so many things this week, and I am still praying for His will to be brought about in these people.

Thank you for your love and obedience to our Lord Christ, who is better than every created thing, and rules, forever, on His rightful, righteous throne!

Alles Liebe,

Carol