After standing in line for about 30 minutes behind a guy that kept coughing ... we decided that we really didn't need to see the inside of the castle. Maybe on another day.
The trail to the side of the castle was much more enticing.
Geri and Scott are always up for an adventure.
When I looked at this tree and the struggle it has had to just stay alive, it brought up all sorts of thoughts about the struggles we have as humans. We have to have a firm foundation to be able to withstand the winds of the adversary and even the day to day decisions on our journey through life.
All along the trail, I kept noticing the beautiful flora and fauna. We joked that maybe I needed to go back to school and become a Botanist.
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In the weekly Wegweiser, a newsletter for the senior missionaries, we have a section called Weekend Wanderings. Geri did a write-up for Burg Eltz. Here is her post ... she is a very talented writer.
“As we took our last glance back at the castle over an
outcropping of rock, our botany-focused missionary friends pointed out to us
the thick roots that were nourishing the trees set in the thin soil atop the
rock. The roots had to initially battle the rock to find soil sufficient
to become grounded enough to support the growth of the vast trunk and system of
branches and leaves above ground. Later, the climbing of people young and
less young, as well as the scrambling of animals over the rock, loosened the soil
allowing the repeated rain to wash away at the trees’ life support. Though the trees still thrived above the rock we could see that the roots went
much deeper into the soil than the branches and leaves swayed above. We
discussed that a testimony of Jesus Christ is much like the picture of the
trees, rocks and roots. My testimony gained through hard-earned study,
reflection, prayer and faith must be so grounded that when others, either
purposefully or unintentionally, may walk over my faith and values and loosen
the very soil on which my testimony is grounded, I will be deeply rooted in my
knowledge of and faith in my Savior. I am working on developing the depth
of discipleship needed to withstand the rains of adversity and winds of
affliction that threaten to destroy the very root beliefs of my soul. I
want to become that steady and firm in my faith.” Geri Conlin
Is it just our warped mind, or do you get a smile on your face when you read "und gute Fahrt?"
Translation: Goodbye and have a good trip!
It was a surprise to see this little orange tree on the street.
The Weather Station ... see translation below.
Stone wet - Rain
Stone white - Snow
Stone dry - Sun
Stone wobbles - Storm
Stone invisible - Fog
Stone falling - Earthquake
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