London Introductions
Before coming abroad, I predicted what my biggest challenges would be. I projected things like social anxiety and academics, the big things; but those are far from my mind at this point. I have met maybe 20 new people in the past 3 days, and I can feel myself building relationships with all of them. It only takes a few trips to get accustomed to public transport, which was a big worry before I left. Classes start tomorrow, and I am beyond excited. It seems that I am finally doing what I came here to do, study literature in the home of some of the most famous writers in history. Those are the big things.
It’s the little things that are more difficult. It is impossible to do enough research to be prepared for everything. I’ve certainly had some moments of confusion when I didn’t know what to do. Who knew that the grocery store checkout has a section for baskets and a section for carts? Or that practically every store closes at 5 or 6? Not me. I don’t want to stick out as a foreigner, but it is inevitable. I am comforted by the fact that London has many foreigners. The locals are used to it. An underrated skill that I think everyone should have is the ability to ask questions without worrying about how they will look. When I don’t know the answer to something, I really have nothing to lose and everything to gain by asking.
At the end of my experience, I will know it was worth it if I had fun. I am sure it will be something I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. Even in the first 3 days, it has been a whirlwind of new friends and new experiences. My 5 flatmates are all study abroad students, and we hit it off right away. We have eaten amazing food, seen amazing sights, and enjoyed taking on one of the most culturally rich cities in the world as our personal playground. I am beginning to think that I should have been a bit more ambitious in my definition of success.
I will now create a new definition. I want to be challenged. I want to fail; not a class, that’s a bit too far, but I want to feel that I have not succeeded at something. When I told my flatmates that I had just turned 19, they remarked that I was brave. I was taken aback. I don’t feel brave. I moved to a new city for a semester by myself for 5 months. What’s brave about that? The possibility. It could go perfectly with not even a little hiccup. However, more than likely, something will go wrong. I might feel like I can’t do it, or like I want to go back to when everything was easier. The brave thing is continuing after that point. That is where growth happens. After I conquer this experience, I feel that I will be able to do anything.
Week Seven
This last week we didn’t have school on Thursday or Friday; Germany was celebrating the 30th anniversary of their reunification. There was a something akin to a little carnival at the Brandenburg Gate. They had dozens of stands selling food, three or four stages performing music, and a ferris wheel opposite of the gate. It was packed and loud, but I’m glad I was able to go and see it.
Today I was blessed to be able to attend Paul Gerhardt Gemeinde again for church. WELS, to my knowledge, has no congregations here, but our sister synod, the ELFK, does. Paul Gerhardt Gemeinde is a congregation within the ELFK and has been serving me here in Germany for the majority of my stay. During the services we use the same hymnals as we did in professor Danell’s Luther German course, so it wasn’t completely foreign to me. In addition to the services, a Bible study is held there most Thursdays. Both church and the Bible study have also introduced me to some pleasant people. It has been wonderful to hear the Word and receive the sacrament, despite being so far away from home.
By the next time I post, midterms will be finished here.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers.
God bless your day.
Caleb Raasch
September
Hello from Germany!
About six weeks ago I arrived here in Berlin for a semester of school at Freie Universität Berlin. Up until now, I’ve been busying myself with my studies and with the occasional traveling. The acclimation to the time change was surprisingly easy and getting used to the culture has been going well too.
The above image is of my host family’s home. They have been wonderful, not only providing for and taking care of me, but also helping me improve my German.
Tonight I had the opportunity through the FU-BEST program to attend the Berlin Philharmonic. (The concert hall is shown above.) It was a lovely experience, getting to listen to the final chorus from Carmina Burana among other pieces.
I’m signing off here for now, but I hope to post much more frequently.
Please keep me in your prayers.
God bless your day.
Caleb Raasch
28 hours in Paris
Just like any other college student during reading week, my friends and I decided to spend a week traveling to five different countries instead of studying for exams. First stop was Paris, France with one of my good friends. Although we were a little nervous going to the city with protests happening, Paris was stunning in every way possible. We fell in love with the gorgeous Palace of Versailles before heading to the Eiffel Tower. After Rachel and I toured both locations for some time, we saw the Louvre, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and enjoyed a baguette by the river. We did all this before we headed back to the Eiffel Tower to view it once it was all lit up. And yes, I cried because it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Paris was a great start to our week of travels.
