Seeing God

Mood: a bit weary, feel like I'm a mixture of a kid waiting to open a present combined with the patience of an old lady (obviously hard to explain. sorry, I don't fully understand myself)
Stage notes: Max Lucado's film 'Hermie' is playing in German

It is late, and I cannot find the words to describe my day. (This is how my log began as I was writing last night. A few minutes after this sentance was typed, I sat on the couch and fell asleep next to Pia.) The BBQ on Friday night went well. Several friends of the Bonnets came and they seemed to have a good time.

On Saturday I went to the Museum für Angewandte Kunst with an acquaintance from English conversation group. I really enjoyed the exhibit. They showed an extensive collection of (primarily American) concert posters and LP covers from the 1930's to the present. There was an amazing amount of religious and political symbolism that was unique to America and required explaination. Who would ever have thought that I would be the expert at an exhibit titled 'Graphik der Popmusik'? It was amusing to note that people came up to me to ask questions when they realized that I was American.

Later that night I went to a cathedral where mass is held in English. I was hoping to run into a classmate. Although my classmate did not come, an older German woman began a conversation with me. I introduced myself as Brandi, and she explained that when one meets, only a last name is given. Despite the faux pas, it turned into a several hour tour of places in Köln that have significance for the Dominican order. She took me to where the first Dominican convent was and gave me an abbreviated history of Aquinas, Dominic, Augustine, and Albertus Magnus. They seem to have been amazing men and I really enjoyed learning more about them. We also talked quite a bit about God in our lives today. The quote that I left the evening with was, 'In this life one must know God in order to continue being surprised'. She recommended a book for me to read and offered her contact information. I hope that we are able to speak again someday.

This is a picture of the tomb of Albertus Magnus. He was a prominent Dominican and founded the University in Köln. It is in a small basement chapel of a Dominican monastary in the city. It is usually empty, except for the occasional tourist, and I often come here when I am looking for a quiet place to pray.