My Heart Is Full

It's 9 o'clock in the morning in Akron, NY and I'm already eating chocolate covered marzipan. I justify this indulgence by telling myself it is really 3 o'clock in the afternoon in Germany. Having arrived home only yesterday, my mind and body still think it's almost tea and sweets time. I'm hoping to delude myself in this manner for many days to come, as this is a fabulous way to start the day.

After 2 weeks in Germany, it was proven to me that good, loving people live everywhere.

On Thursday, May 4th, my interpreter, the Pope and me were leaving North Germany for Hamburg by train. We received a call from Onkle Thomas and Tante Marlis of Flensburg that they wished to travel down to the train station to wave goodbye to us. A 50 minute drive just to wave goodbye from the train platform. How adorable.

We met at the station with time to spare before the train departed. They handed us gift wrapped chocolate and we sat and talked for awhile. Then to my great delight, Onkel Thomas opened a case he brought and took out his red accordian. He strapped it on and started playing. Everyone around us on the platform was amazed. I burst into tears.

3 songs and much applause later, our train arrived. We hugged, said many thank yous, and climbed onboard. When we had our seats, Onkel Thomas played one more song standing in front of the train window. I couldn't stop crying. What a magnificent gesture.

Germany is beautiful. I was priviledged to see a deeper level of its beauty through the people I just happen to be related to. I saw the reality of how people live by being welcomed into so many homes. Although they could stand to buy larger bathtowels and use fabric softener more liberally, the energy of love is palpable. My heart is full.