First a video from yesterday. The Tauziehen (Tug of War).

https://youtu.be/x6yoiKTANWI?si=dLkqoLp6W9IVT-bn

We woke this morning early to attend a pre-mass parade. All of the former military men (what we would call Veterans) from nearby villages marched in front of the village square. FYI: Veteran in Germany is exclusive to those that saw combat.

https://youtu.be/mIZLoe5hUYo?si=cLei6DU-wswgFPFq

We all followed the men into the tent and attended the mass. Familiar parts were the Apostle’s Creed and Lord’s Prayer as well as the tunes of some of the songs. I caught every fifth word which made any further familiarity challenging.

After the mass there were several honoraries presenting speeches as well as interludes by the traditional German band.

We were served a beer (of course) and all three of us chose Schweinebraten to eat which was excellent and filling.

https://youtu.be/6xumwvikA50?si=PTxDyMtWNKlbCmbm

We said our goodbyes to Edger and Adelgunde and Wolfgang (Der Jagermeister) and headed home for some needed down time.

Allison here

These last couple of days have been absolutely wonderful. We have had time to rest and recover.

Heike and Gerhard and their daughters Lisa and Theresa have shown us the best of Germany. Sharing their love of family, community, and God has made our visit and trip one that we will be talking about for years to come.

Nadine here

Ditto on the praise of Heika’s and Gerhard’s hospitality and their daughters.  Very kind and gracious.  Tomorrow Heika returns to her normal job for a break from her job as a “pilgrim caretaker”.  Thank you Heika!

We’ll miss your Camino stories Gerhard and the love you have for Camino!

I’m honored to have met you!