Cologne

It smelled fine, but it looked absolutely incredible. No joke. Seriously, it looked great. Ya do know I'm talking about the city of Cologne, Germany, not the odorant type, right?

Yeah well, anyway, it was fantastic! The trip was organized by my squadron's booster club as a Christmas shopping trip. Many cities in Germany (I don't know about the rest of Europe) have their own Christmas Market in around the center of town. But I'm afraid I went mainly to do the tourist thing. So I didn't buy many gifts. : ( But that also means that I saved money, right? : D

Here are some pictures. Mostly of the famous Cathedral. By the way, in German, it's spelled K^öln. Pronounced kinda like Koln and Kurln put together.

On the approach:

A little closer...


At the door--


Looking up:



An example of the stained glass windows=


Quite expansive, huh?


Looking toward the front of the cathedral...


Here's the proof that I was there:


The other side of this guy's sign is written in German. No, I didn't take the offer. =P


Starbuck's, McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC I can understand, but Dunkin' Donuts? Dunno. I was surprised.

Cause and Effect

Alright folks, I'll try not to be too gory in my description of how my finger achieved that horrific state so vividly displayed in those photographs.

One bright day, in the middle of the night, two dead boys got up.....WAIT A SECOND!!!

Sorry.

Wrong story.

*Cough*

[Imagine a deep, gravelly voice narrating]

Latitude: 49° 58' 0N Longitude: 6° 31' 60E Elevation: 328 meters
Monday. October 23, 2006. 0900 hours. I'd received my assignment without saying a word. I was getting 65 percent payment up-front. I decided an axe would be my tool of choice for this particular job. Being an independent operative with quite a bit of experience, I had the option to use whatever methods I thought "appropriate". Having a record of 100% termination tends to convince whoever's my employer that they should give me leeway in terms of Modus Operandi.
Well, my personal S.O.P. states that there's no excuse for leaving witnesses. But I guess that morning I didn't eat my Wheaties. Or maybe I got up on the wrong side of the bed. Do you see where this is going?.....

Maybe I should dispense with the morbid fiction-story-telling and get to the point of the matter.

It really was Monday, 23 OCT 2006. It really was 0900 hours. And the axe was intended as a prop, nothing more. I was a member of OPFOR (opposing forces) for my squadron's Combat Readiness Course, or: mobility school. The first scenario of the week-long exercise called for about five farmers to occupy the CRC students' campsite. Soon, I decided to use my axe to cut some kindling for a "simulated" campfire. I'd cut a couple of pieces already when the next stroke got too close to my left index finger and cut the tip almost all the way off. I immediately put my thumb on the wound to slow the already minimal bleeding. (actually I think I only lost a tablespoon or so) Unfortunately, I had to withdraw from the scenario. So I walked back to our OPFOR camp and they drove me to the Bitburg emergency room. They took a look at it and we pondered together whether to sew it up or just cut the flap off. Because it would fall off anyway(and has). Anyway, they went and gave me my first six stitches. And this past Thursday was the ten day mark, so I went ahead and took the stitches out. Yesterday, Saturday, the little cap of skin kind of caught on my jacket as I was putting it on. So now, the tip of my finger is somewhat bare. Here's some pictures.





Well, that's pretty much it. Many thanks to Mike McQ. for taking the photos of my finger.

My First Stitches

Hey, hey! I'm back!



Actually they were an early birthday present, having been presented on the 23rd. I thought it was pretty cool, actually. Too bad I didn't have my camera on hand at the time to record the historical event.

I had to use someone else's camera to take these shots cuz mine's being borrowed. So the pics of my place will have to wait a little bit longer.

Excuses, excuses.....

Here's some explanation for my absence:

I've had no internet at my house since I moved there. It is somewhat of an inconvenience to have to use someone else's computer, or go to the cyber cafe on base-which is where I am currently type away. So, take it as you will. I have also had no phone either. And the phone connection is necessary to get DSL internet service. The German telecommunications business has some problems, to say the least. I've been signed up for phone service for over a month, but I've had no dial tone or anything. They missed an appointment I made with them to come to my house and check it out, and they are supposed to come again this Friday. So, we'll see what happens. Maybe they'll get things rolling.

Next week I shall be unavailable to write any excuses. So here's my excuse for next week: I'm gonna be in the field again. Probably for the last time this year.

But anyway, until next time, God be with you!

And Semper Gumby! (always flexible)

"The Grand Void in Recent Months"

Ahem, ahhem. Believe it or not, it has only been two months-give or take one day-between the last time I posted and the day that Tech Support arrived. So it's not like I've been that negligent.

Grrrr. I haven't gotten internet service at my new place yet, so I'm at the Cybercafe on base. They just told me I have five minutes left, which means I have to sign off. Tchuss!

P.S. Should I post pics of my house? I've only been living there for about two weeks now.

teck support wuz heer

Hail all,

In view of the grand void that has been the Dwarrowdelf in recent months, a friend of the editor has arbitrarily decided to take in hand the temporary management of the city. Although doing so means a hostile breach of the once secure gate, the long-term result will be a more prosperous and beautiful informational thoroughfare.

Cheers!

Profile pic

I actually took that picture.

More Pictures of Switzerland

Just about all of the retreat-ers. Can you find me?

















I climbed on this huge rock next to the "death march" trail. I complied when they asked me to pose.



















Distance of the "death march". We started on the valley floor at the right, zig-zagged our way kind of straight up, with the final part being mostly flat up on the top heading left with regards to the map.


















Wiping away sweat on the "death march". I finish in 2 hrs, 15 min. With a 30 lb pack.



















Shot of a gondola from a gondola.



















Really cool shot. (Not mine of course)



















From the area of the Rodelbahn.

Photos of Trinity Reformed Church Retreat(finally)

Disclaimer: the photos displayed were not necessarily shot by me.


The Bibelschule/Gästehaus where we stayed in Beatenberg.




















The starting line of the Rodelbahn. You oughta try it.




















Yeah, you really oughta.





















Interlaken, from the paraglider.




















Looking down from the gondola that goes up to Mürren.




















A view from Mürren, Switzerland on a cloudy day.




















Look closely. A downward angled shot at Trümmelbach Falls.



















More to come!

Question:

Is it correct to say that if a book/publication/manuscript has a passage that parallels/is in harmony with a verse from the Bible, that that passage is also God's word?

Example: the Koran and the Bible. There are many verses which say pretty much the same thing; but are those verses in the Koran also God's word?

1st Thessalonians 5:21 was referenced in chapel this morning redarding this question: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." -KJV Hold fast as gospel these passages from other books?

Um...

Finally

A Sunday completely free of work!!! Praise the Lord!!! Unfortunately, today was considered a "break" day, so there were plenty of activities scheduled, but...it's the Sabbath. The Lord's holy day of rest. So, I went to chapel while there was a 5k run going on, and after lunch they played flag football. And there was another softball tournament. I guess I regret that they planned these things for Sunday instead of a weekday. I know I would have enjoyed participating.

In church, I didn't recognize any of the songs we sang. The chaplain said something about one of them being good for singing around the campfire with young people. Well,...O.K. He also said that next week we'll be looking at the Koran, because it's important to know about it in order to be better witnesses to muslims. I don't necessarily disagree with that, but what can I say? I'm not sure what I think. Is it sinful selfishness to desire simply the preaching of God's word? Maybe save the study of other things to, perhaps, a weekday bible study? I know such a thing would definitely be hard to do, seeing that at the chapel this morning, there were maybe 7 or 8 people in attendance. And there might be fewer for a weekday study.

Anyway, it's going on 10:30 pm, or 2230 hrs, so I figure I should sign off.

Oh, and please, have no doubt that I would be calling home if I could. It's just that the nearest military base on the DSN network is long distance from my folks place. Well...I guess I could get a calling card, or something. Hmmm...

Nathan out.

Mother's Day '06

I love my Mom so much. I not sure I know how else to say it. God worked wonders helping her raise the seven of us kids "alone". "Her children ariseth up and call her blessed,..." -Proverbs 31:28
I know I do, and I know my siblings do as well.

God bless you today dear Mother.

Love from your devoted son,

Nathan

I Deserve a Good Knock Upside the Head!

Yes indeed I do! It's a bit shameful to delay posting at least an update for so long. Grrr...

But anyway, some news:

I'm in Bosnia, participating in a NATO communications interoperability exercise called "Combined Endeavor". Bosnia, even with all its 750,000 to 1,000,000 anti-vehicle and anti-personnel mines is actually quite beautiful. But we haven't been allowed off base yet. That happens Tuesday for the Sarajevo cultural tour. In the meantime, until late May, I'll be working 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. Sometimes we get off work early, and I was able to go to chapel service this morning, so it's not so exhausting. Oh, and we have to walk everywhere: to work, to chow, to the Irish pub, to the cleaners, etc. But come late May, it'll be back to the daily political scene of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron. At least here in Bosnia I'm doing what I've been trained to do. For the most part.

Yeah, the chaplain's views regarding predestination and perseverance of the saints seems to be a little arminian. I think. You see, he talked about Augustine, Calvin and the scripture proofs for predestination, but he went on to say that this doctrine is "problematic". Then he mentioned a couple of passages that sound like they explain the ability of a christian to backslide to apostacy, but I don't think he quite understands them correctly. How does one go about discussing doctrine with a Lt Col?

But hey, it was good as well. I walked in, and there were four people singing from a booklet. Well, naturally I joined in. But what I didn't know was that they were the "choir" practicing for the service. And after they heard me sing, they sort of conscripted me for membership. I'm grateful for what appears to be a way to minister, however small. Yeah, it'll only be for two more Sundays, but thank God for His blessings.

An Honor and a Priviledge

Last Thursday, I was given the opportunity to sing at the Air and Space Communications Group awards ceremony. It was an honor to sing the national anthems of the United States and of Germany. Many people expressed their appreciation to me. And the individuals in charge spoke of possible opportunities in the future for me to serve in a "vocal" role. It's somewhat exciting, to say the least.

It's also kind of interesting, considering the fact that I have been singing for the "worship" portion of the singles' Thursday night Bible study at the Southside Chapel on Base. Actually, the interesting part is that the guitarist with whom I've been singing is PCSing in March. So, last Thursday, we led worship together for the last time(someone else will be taking over). But now, it seems that one opportunity to use my voice for service has been replaced by another. Now, I know nothing is coincidence, but I really never would have guessed this. I don't know for sure if more opportunities will actually come, but I thank God for any and all.

Signing off for now.

Here's Something From My Trip Back Home

I take the time today to do something I should have done a long time ago, and in person. I want to express my sincere and humble thanks to my dear sister, Sarah. I'll tell you why:

When I was returning to Germany after my time on leave, I had a 4 hour stopover at JFK International Airport which is on Long Island, NY. My sister lives on Long Island, about 15 minutes from the airport. So, we connected and I spent a couple pleasant hours with Sarah-... and her two wonderful children. I don't think I really thought about it much before, but the children, Katie and Andrew, seemed to know me pretty well. Thank you, Sarah, for picking me up at JFK and feeding me dinner, but most of all, I want to thank you for how well the two darlings know/remember me. I know it's because of your teaching them. And it restores the feeling that I'm still part of the family, no matter where I am or how long I'm gone.

For those who would like to see Katie and Andrew, go ahead and click on this link. My sister Rebekah has posted some great pictures there on her blog site.

So that's a little bit regarding my trip back home. I know I should have written more before now, but... I'll not try to excuse myself. I'll try to do better.

Mixed Feelings

Well, I got back from Washington at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday and returned to work on Friday. Disappointingly, we were told that we would have to work on Saturday and Sunday as well. You see, we're trying to prepare for an exercise, and not everything is set up yet. But since I was feeling flu-ish on Friday, they told me not to come in on Saturday. (for which I was very grateful) But it didn't really lessen the feeling of disappointment-degraded from frustration-due to being forced to work on the Lord's day. This being an exercise, I don't see how it is mission essential to keep people from the worship of God and the fellowship of the saints. Not to mention the idea of resting the seventh day. After an airplane flight halfway around the world...with no sleep...and only a day and a half recovery from jetlag. Anyway, it wasn't an unconstitutional order. But we only had to work about 3 hours today. But then, I missed the morning service. But then, I'll still be able to go to evening worship at 6 p.m.

Hmmm. I need to get ready for it.

Things aren't all bad: there will always be much to be thankful for. Such as the subject on which I ought to post: the wonderful time I had on leave back home with my family.

Coming soon.