I cannot leave this continent yet -- how about Turkey!

So, Sylvia and I decided to combine this Luther study time with a brief vacation in Turkey.

More on this fabulous time later!
But how about a delicious breakfast!

Time to Leave but who are these Mini Me Wannabes?

Luther can be found throughout Wittenberg. Go visit and soon!
Maybe you will spot the Martin Luther Minis.

Monday into the country

After Monday's class we headed out away from Wittenberg to visit a rural parish, Seyda. Such friendly people, so welcoming. It reminded me of my own early pastoral service at congregations in South Texas -- can you say Nordheim, Runge, Westhoff, Lindenau? This church was actually in existence in the time of Martin Luther, and was one visited prior to the introduction of the Small Catechism.

Even inside furnishings were so antique and yet so full of Gospel proclamation.

Sunday Go to Meeting then Go to Torgau

On Sunday, I worshiped for the second time in the main town church, where Luther preached most often in his lifetime. And what an amazing altar to view and receive communion before.

Then after lunch we headed for Torgau, assisting a local church in copying the whole Bible a sentence a person for 2013. The old castle stands firm, and here is where Luther's wife, Katie died. The women in our group gathered around her ancient grave marker.

Weekend to Wartburg and elsewhere

For the weekend, we took a break from classes and Wittenberg to explore other Luther sites.
So, it was off to the Wartburg Castle. On the way we stopped for a real German meal.

The Chilean told me I was not really trying!

Now we had the energy to climb up to the Wartburg!

Great display of artifacts.

Slippery going down hill as the ice began forming again, but I purchased some beautiful hand-painted eggs, depicting the castle and Luther's seal.