The Koch family welcomed me fully and well. I felt both lonesome and fulfilled watching the sisters greet one another and enjoy each others’ company. I was fed often and to bursting – always a positive mark on my impression of places. They invited – and subsequently continued to allow – my plunking away at the ebony and ivory as we welcomed the Sabbath together with song, then continued in fellowship at Sabbath School and church the next morning (thanks to Julia for interpreting! Ask me sometime about ungeteilt).

A foot tour of Geldern with the Koch girls, then a trip to Xanten to explore Romanesque architecture and stumble upon my welcoming parade… ok, we don’t REALLY know why there was a parade of flag-waving, harmonium playing, feathered-hatted Germans in the town square, but I enjoyed it as well as if it were put on for just me (especially Amazing Grace played by the brass ensemble in unison, joined by the drum corps…powerful).

Capping off the evening with an Indian buffet couldn’t be beat. Then home again to Geldern to rest up for a flight the next day!

Once again, my world “family” grows. What lovely people to share a piece of life with!