Glauberg - Celtic Museum

 We knew that a new COVID-19 set of restrictions would be coming again soon so Joanne and I took off for this small community not far from Frankfurt to visit this museum.  It was a beautiful Fall day and the museum was fascinating. We were so amazed by the fact that the museum was dedicated to the Celtic people who lived near this site 2,500 years ago, around 500 BC.

In 1988 an amateur historian flew an airplane over this area and saw what he thought was evidence of old burial mounds in the farm fields below.  Over time this area was examined by archeologists and three old graves of Celtic princes were discovered.  The graves had not been looted for their valuables which happened quite often.

This drawing attempts to illustrate what the pre-burial scene may have looked like.
The Celts believed that mistletoe had mystical properties and the headdress worn by the prince is thought to purposely resemble mistletoe.  You can see below the remnants of the shield, necklace, sword and other artifacts from his grave.

Large sandstone statues of this prince were made and buried with him.
It quite accurately depicts the belongings found with his remains.

This solid gold necklace was found in place with this prince's skeleton.

The large burial mound that was reconstructed to look as it would have appeared in 500 BC.

We took a stroll amidst the farmland surrounding the burial mound. A wonderful Fall day.

Plastic replicas of the sandstone sculpture were on display outside the museum.

Zone Conference - Covid Style

The Area Presidency was being extra cautious as the days counted down to our Zone Conference. Restrictions in Germany were tighter so there was more concern over meeting together. First, the luncheon was cancelled (grab-and-go only), then a group picture wasn't allowed. There was concern that the quartet wouldn't be able to sing, even with social distancing. We were so glad we were able to meet together as a zone. The last zone conference we had was in January.

Sister Karen Anderson gave a wonderful spiritual thought comparing the way bamboo grass intertwines together as it grows to withstand the winds and storms that might come to us as senior missionaries. We  are stronger as we pull together to become a force for good to help the work of the Lord go forth and support one another.

Elder Massimo De Feo was our speaker and he gave us some great advice. He said as senior missionaries we can heal souls. We have demonstrated our faith by accepting a call to serve and he expressed his gratitude for each of us. 

He taught us about Hidden Blessings.

1. Vicarious blessings to our family, D&C 118:3. He will provide for our families. We are planting seeds of faith for many generations, in their hearts and very souls because we chose to serve the Lord. 

2.  Increasing or multiplying blessings. We can never repay our spiritual debt to the Lord. 2 Kings 4:7

Put your offer on the alter and the Lord will bless you. Enjoy your multiple blessings.

3. Transforming blessings. He talked directly to the sisters and said sometimes it's hard to find your role as a missionary. Your fears and weaknesses can be transformed into spiritual knowledge. Ether 12:27; D&C 103:19-20. Exercise your faith and do things that will help you.

4.  Getting to know aspects of the inner soul of our companion. We are being prepared for Eternity as we have a greater feeling of unity. Jacob 1:5. Because of faith ... we know of Christ and His kingdom.

He said the Lord knows you and He is in the details of our lives.

Sister and Elder De Feo, S/E Anderson; E/S Tidwell

Dave and me                       E/S Jenks                        E/S Allcott                   E/S Ballard

 E/S Hicken                     E/S Meservy                    S/E Selvage                  S/E Sandberg

"We Need Thee Every Hour" was sung by the social distancing men's quartet.

Three couples were able to join us via Zoom from London. They are in quarantine for two weeks before coming to Frankfurt. (Top right: the Boams, Bottom left: the Richards and the Seaders (who didn't have their camera on.)

Normally we would enjoy socializing at a luncheon after the conference. Instead, we ordered entrées from a local Italian restaurant with extras added by the committee. Grab-and-Go!

Karen made these amazing caramel apples as our dessert.

Michelstadt and Steinbach

 

Jim and Tomi Tidwell, the new executive secretary and assistant to the Area Presidency, had recently arrived in Frankfurt, so we hosted them on an outing. They are a delightful couple.

This is the unique Rathaus that dates back to the 16th century. A Rathaus is German for City Hall.

We went through this little archway and found a wonderful garden

with benches inviting us to stay a while. 

Fairy tale characters adorned this cute little toy store.

We hopped in the car and headed down the road to check out Steinbach.

We missed the sign that said NO Pictures, Private Residence. Whoops.

How would you like to live in a place like this?

Butzbach & Bad Vilbel

From Butzbach we drove to Bad Vilbel.

Bad Vilbel is a spa town in Hesse, Germany, famous for its many mineral water springs.

Since the end of May 2007, the reconstruction of a Roman mosaic can be admired in a glass pavilion in the spa park of Bad Vilbel. The showpiece of ancient mosaic art is the only one found in Hessian soil. It is one of the most beautiful in Germany. Pictured are sea creatures, grotesque hybrids and real animals that gather around the sea god Oceanus. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)