Feburary Break

Vacation came and went...and it was wonderful, extremely cold, but wonderful. I started break in the city of Lyon, France. It was more modern than Montpellier, but it still had its share of history. We ventured to the traboulles in the old section of the city. This is where the French resistance met during WWII to hold secret meetings. The traboulles are just small pathways underground that lead to scarey storage places below the street. We went down one and it was creepy and dusty and dark. But then we imagined the French meeting here, not knowing if they would be found by the Germans, and still having the courage to fight against evil. It was really cool to step foot where they did. The city is still home to resistance movements. That day we witnessed a protest rally of muslims who were protesting a derogatory cartoon that was run in several french newspapers that mocked their religion. Young and old marched down the street to protest the racism they face everyday. It was sad knowing that they must struggle against these prejudices everyday, but it was cool to see them stand up for what they believe in. How many people in America bash christians and God EVERYDAY and we do nothing about it? We just shrug our shoulders and pretend like we're just like everyone else. Why don't we stand up for what we believe?? Why are God and Jesus not as imporant to us as Allah is to these muslims?

After Lyon, we went to Dijon, France. It was a small city with a quaint atmosphere. Unfortunately, we were there on a Sunday and nothing was open. We went to the big catholic church there, and it was a low key service. There again was a huge and beautiful building that was practically empty (of both bodies and spirit). So that was sad, like the last church service I went to in Montpellier. After church we wondered around in the bitter cold. It was so cold in fact that we spent to rest of the day going from restaurant to restaurant just to avoid being outside. We got to meet Christina's friend from home, Bo. I asked if he knew the slogan "Bo knows" and he did, but he didn't know who it originated from. So I gave him a mini lesson in Auburn football...haha.


We left Dijon on an overnight bus to Munich. It was a long long ride but we eventually made it to yet another cold city. Munich was cold, but it was so cool. I loved the atmosphere and the buildings. Fortunatly for us it was Mardi Gras so we saw lots of costumes and food and music stands. That night we ventured to the Hobrahouse (sp?), the most famous beer hall in Germany, recommended by my parents. It was quite the experience. Ladies in old dress, a band playing german music, and of course mugs swaying back and forth. The mugs were so big, that all four of us split one, just to see what all the fuss was about. For beer, I guess Germany makes some of the best, but I can't say I was a fan. Maybe thats just me. We were there mainly to watch the crowd, and that provided us with a lot of entertainment.

The next day was Mardi Gras and we decided to take a trip to the famous concentration camp, Dachau. It was one of the first ones opened in the 1930's for Hitlers political opponents. It was the only one to stay open from its opening to the end of WWII. When you first arrive at the camp, you see the inscription on the gate that all of the prisoners must have read apon their arrival. In english it says, "work brings freedom." That is what they were told. This was a "work and social improvement camp" when in fact it was a torture, experimental, death camp. At times, over 80, o00 people were forced to live in this camp when it was made to hold 6000 max. The cells were dirty and small, and people were forced into solidary confinement whenever the commanding soldiers wanted them to. We even stepped foot into the shower room, which was actually a gas chamber that killed thosands of people. There were fake shower heads to trick the prisoners into thinking nothing bad was going to happen. After being gased, they were taken to the crematorium where their bodies were burned.
The most touching story I read was about the Jevohas Witnesses who amidst their struggles banded together and never lost faith. Everyday they praised God for his goodness. The other prisoners were angered and jealous of thier high spirits. They gave food to thier fellow prisoners even when they themselves were no more than skin and bones. It was an example that puts me to shame. Which of my problems even approachs their struggle? And still I complain and get angry with God while those persecuted so cruely were still praising Him! It makes my faith seem fake and selfish at best.

Through all of our travels, we never once had a problem. God's hand was over us all the time, keeping us safe and happy. So thank God for his protection and blessings. And I am so thankful to even have had the chance to see more of his creation like He made possible for me to do. I still have to tell you about Belgium, but I'm out of time. I love you all!