Edinburgh struck several of us as a spiritually dark ("dank" is actually the word that comes to mind) place. It was probably one of the most beautiful places we saw during the trip, but seemed filled with a nasty feeling.
Then we left there for Newcastle and the ferry, another experience in not-so-great vibes. It was a kind of black Friday.
So, it was with great relief that on Saturday we emerged into the daylight (and solid ground [!!!] -- although some of us were still rocking with the ship until about Tuesday) of a peaceful drive through the German countryside.
And it only got better.
Saturday afternoon we arrived at Hämelschenburg, the family castle of the Dean's friend Baron von Klencke. Dean Magnuson had a hand in introducing the baron and his U.S.-born baroness in the years after they'd served their respective terms at Harvard, Oxford, and Wellesley.
Not a bad deal, I think.
Anyhow, along with being beautiful and the home to a charming family, Hämelschenburg is also the site of Germany's oldest Protestant church. The church held a special Saturday evening worship service for us, where Dean Magnuson brought the message in German.
Singing "Ein feste Burg" in Germany's oldest Lutheran church was an incredible experience. And a reminder of the sweet kinship of the family of God, regardless of the miles and languages that divide us.
guided tour with Baroness von Klencke
castle dungeon with inmates
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