From classroom lectures to panel discussions and small groups, our time spent in conversation around Dr. Martin Luther King's sermons, activism in the US and in Berlin, and even his shortcomings was intriguing. I have studied the work of Dr. King since I was a little girl growing up in South Georgia, and somehow, I never knew he preached in East Berlin. Sharing stories of how our ministries are shaped and influenced by Dr. King's legacy helped me develop a deep connection with our German sisters and brothers. I have a greater awareness of their ongoing struggle for justice; and I am certain that our churches on both sides of the pond are strengthened through the pastoral bonds of this ecumenical partnership.

Three amazing things happened during my short time in Berlin. Sure, the homestay I was privileged to prior to the official events proved a wonderful way to experience the city and learn of its history, culture, and language. My hosts were incredibly vibrant and accommodating. From their home I brought to my own a new skill for making yogurt, a renewed hope in kitchen gardens, and a greater appreciation for intergenerational friendships. I learned of their involvement with a sister church in South Africa, and through this I knew an even deeper ecumenical connection with the global church. But this was just the beginning of a week long awakening.

The first standout evening was a visit to Bruga Bitzer Garden with Pastor Andreas, his wife Hieda, and fellow American Rev. Ed Dickel. Not only was the garden beautiful and peaceful, but I had a conversation with Hieda about the decline of the local bee population, and in those moments I decided to propose to my consistory that we become beekeepers. We're on a journey to grow our Creation Justice identity, and this seems like the perfect opportunity for us to embark on this agricultural and communal endeavor!

The next thing to happen was a visit to a local church in Frankfurt Oder, right on the border of Slubice, Poland. The church hosts the growing refugee community for coffee hour on Tuesday afternoons, maintains a clothing closet, and helps refugees find housing and essential homewares. I was able to sit with a group of Iranian refugees and hear their stories. Women with children and babies sat sat together and I joined in to learn a German nursery song taught by the pastor's husband. This teaches the refugees German, which they're required to learn in two years to obtain residency, and helps them learn the local culture more quickly. My faith in the goodness of humanity was restored in a single afternoon in a hot third floor sanctuary on the River Oder. Not only are these travelers wise and strong, but also humble and generous. Their stories coupled with the passion of the congregation was a ray of hope in these troubling times.

The third experience I want to share is a visit to the Chapel of Reconciliation and the Berlin Wall Memorial site. I was told before I left home that Berlin is a city of emotions. That it's a place where one feels things. I remember thinking to myself, isn't that true of any place? But after this trip, I am sure I better understand the meaning of what my friend said. The wall is etched in the DNA of Berlin. It continues to be a part of everyday conversation. People have vivid memories of which areas were "in past times" East or West Berlin. The pain of the past hovers at times; and at other times the spirit of resistance is so strong that one can only delight in its certainty.

All of these gifts I bring home to my family, my congregation, my seminary, and the encompassed ministry for which God has chosen me as partner. I pray for the continued partnership between Penn Central and the Evangelical Church of Berlin, that it be healthy and nourishing for all of those at the table and everyone within their pastoral reach. I'm looking forward to our next gathering in 2020, hosted by Penn Central Conference, and I pray that more of you can join us.