50 is the Round Birthday

Hey. I am exceedingly tired tonight. Sharon and I have been on the road for almost 2 weeks. After meetings in Bosnia Herzegovina, we took a few days vacation in Italy.

Touring the coliseum, the forum area, the Spanish steps, Trevi fountain occupied much of our time. We also went to the Vatican museum where we were in awe of the many works of art. Naturally, the Sistine Chapel was the highlight there. Michelangelo truly outdid himself there. There were so many things to see and take in, we were both on sensory overload.

We also went to St. Peter's where we saw the Pope. Pope Benedict, not to be confused with our own C&MA Benedict. :-) There were so many things to see and not enough time to do them all, but were were very impressed with Rome.

Next we drove to Florence, or Firenze as the Italians refer to this beautiful Tuscan city. Unfortunately, I left my small digital camera at a bus stop. Losing the camera was sad, but losing the pictures from St. Peter's was especially disappointing. Oh well. :-(

Then we traveled to Pisa where we saw the tower that leans so significantly it looks like it might fall any moment. Pisa is also a lovely city that you could spend hours getting to know more intimately. Alas, the sands were slipping through the hour glass and we had to be in Germany for an evening meeting at BFA.

The weekend was Black Forest Academy's 50th anniversary celebrations. An excellent program was scheduled for the three days. Good pictures and stories from the past were recounted with much humor. An excellent talent show by current students and staff, with a few "oldies" thrown in here and there was also very enjoyable.

Sunday morning the first pastor from the local church spoke. He is currently the President and chancellor of Baylor University in Texas. He shared timeless truths from God's word.

After a huge community meal in the gym, there was the official dedication of the latest building renovation at BFA, appropriately named the "Janz" Building after the founders of the school. During this ceremony we learned that the Germans refer to the 50th anniversary as the "round" anniversary. Why? Because it is very important and has connotations to the jubilee from the bible.

Sorry for the length of this, but have been offline for a week and want to catch up with you.

I have BFA board meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday and then we leave for Wheaton on Thursday for James' graduation on Sunday.

Thanks for your prayers.