Bright and Beautiful

The Beautiful Unexpected Weather

Frankfurt greeted us with sunshine. I brought sunglasses along but at the same time had qualms about the sun. Will I get a chance to wear them? You bet I did.

Yes the sun was as bright as the colour of the coach. We had the privilege of being escorted around in it.

Who could have made it possible? The pretty Esther Witt who took it upon her to organise this arrangement. She was excellent in her duty. It is SMK Seafield's privilege to have an association with her through music.

Leaving Frankfurt enroute to Heidelberg, we came across arid landscape; a result of the long winter but at the same time there were signs for a greener outlook when spring comes again soon.

We had a glimpse of the river Rhine too as the coach cruised along the autoban; Germany's great highways.

Very soon we were introduced to another side of the town when we saw the vineyards. But alas, it's the low season we were told. So everything is dry and brown. The Principal however could not help herslef but examine the plant in greater detail ...

I have never seen vineyards in this hue. Everytime I visit one, the grapes were green and succulent. It's the season again.

Where were we going? Uphill to another panaromic spot.

The other side of the river Rhine looked majestic from the peak.

Esther brought us to the famous monastery; the Abbey of St.Hildergard.

Lovely and serene, the Abby is home to 52 sisters, representing 4 generations and seven nations. They have a calling that is real between them and God. Here they carry out their duties meaningfully and in quiet disposition ; waiting upon God.

Majestically construed and constructed, it was built under the calling and vision of St Hildegard of Bingen. A prominent and fascinating figure in German history, her outspokeness saw her shaping the values and culture of the locals in tandem with godly understanding and solutions.

We read in a brochure her saying : ... Admidst the cosmos there is man. He may be small in stature but the power of his soul is immense. Whatever he achieves pervades the universe... need to be deciphered.

The architecture is immaculate; befitting the place of worship.

Here, a sister was seen carefully cleaning the pews; a chore done in great love for God,

Beautiful.

In the grounds of the monastery, we popped into a souvenir shop. It sells many local gifts and books which could be bought and given away by tourists.

Oh did this bring back memories? I used to have a set of 4 in this pattern in the kitchen bought of course from the local Malaysian IKEA ! That was 20 years ago? They are still in existence. Good taste lasts forever and ever. We see alot of IKEA here from ahnd towels to furntiture; just like those back home.

The retail business must have been created as a tent making venture; to help support the ministry. Kind and generous people support them.

In no time, we were told to leave for our next assignment...lunch in a nearby town.

Another photo for the album. Goodbye Abbey of St. Hildergard. Thank God for this privilege of this unexpected visit...it was Esther's first too.

The next appointment; lunch.