Diakonissen

Mood: sunny
What I'm Reading: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

I was introduced to the Diakonissen Schwesters this past weekend in a picturesque retreat center operated by these German ''nuns''. The Dortmund and Düsseldorf churches combined resources to hold a women's conference here. Patterning their lives after the example of Jesus in Luke 22:27, the Diakonissen serve by operating a non-profit child care center, retirement home, riding therapy stable, and school on the grounds. Although they take no formal vows, they are expected to stay with the sisterhood for life, renounce materialism, remain single, and be obedient to their superiors.

P.S-I'm at an internet cafe at the moment and cannot upload pics, but check back later for photos of the Schade's visit, the women's retreat, and the USA vs. Germany soccer game that I am going to tonight.