Last weekend I went to the movie theater (Kino, auf Deutsch) with some of my teammates. We went to a Kino in the Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz... a well-known area in Stadtmitte (middle of the city) where there are lots of touristy things to do and see.
We saw an American movie (auf Englisch) and although it wasn't my fave, I couldn't pass up a trip to the movies...I love movies :)
Going to the movies is such a natural thing for me... but I have learned that in Berlin, things are just a little bit different. The subtle differences between an American trip to the movies and a German Kino experience make me laugh. Its so funny to me that we can do the same things in so many different ways. The little twists and turns make me aware of my own culture and teach me that doing something in a different way does not make it wrong... just different.
I thought I'd list some of the highlights of my cultural lesson at the Kino ;o)
- You are assigned a seat in the theater when you buy your ticket. Therefore, its important to have all the members of your group present before the movie starts. (This would sure cause some problems with a lot of my friends in the US... what do you do with that person who just can't make it before the movie starts, no matter how hard they try? ;o)
- You also must sit in your assigned seat... people don't like it if you are sitting in their seat...
- There are 2 popcorn options.... neither of which includes about a gallon of warm, liquid butter, unfortunately :(
You can get "salty popcorn" which is literally just popcorn with salt... or "sweet popcorn" which is kinda like kettle corn. People love their sweet popcorn here, and although its good, its no buttery movie popcorn, thats for sure.
- Bars in the movie theater... thats a bit different...
- So when the lights go off, they show a bunch of commercials. The last commercial always advertises Magnum bars (which are these DELICIOUS ice cream bars... on a stick, usually with some kind of chocolate coating. If you ever go to Europe, get a Magnum bar... yum :o) Anyways, after the Magnum commercial, the lights come up in the theater, and a man comes around and sells Magnum bars to the people in the theater! Its actually a brilliant marketing idea... after watching that commercial, it only seems right to buy a Magnum...
After a few minutes, the lights go off again and then the previews start, followed by the movie.
- My last and favorite observation of my Berlin Kino experience was the end of the movie. You know how in America, once the movie's over, the lights come up as the credits are rolling and everyone ignores them and leaves? Well not in Berlin.
The movie ends and everyone sits there in silence while the lights remain off, reading the credits! It was so counter-intuitive to me. I normally bolt out of my seat after the movie ends... but not here. I'll have to do some investigation into why they sit there and read them. Perhaps to honor the hard work it took to make the movie? Or maybe to sit there and think about the movie a bit longer before facing reality?? Or maybe its just the way they do things?!
Whatever the reason, it made me laugh to see how uncomfortable we all were sitting there for those extra few minutes. We had nowhere to be, but it seemed like we waited forever.
I guess I'll be an expert on all the behind-the-scenes jobs of the film industry by the end of the year :o)
Hope you enjoyed my Kino experience! The next time you go to the movies, I dare you to sit in silence as the credits roll... just to try it out. And eat some buttered popcorn for me ;o)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thinking out loud...
O Blogging… its been a while.
Today was just one of those days when I did a lot of thinking. (PS – that’s one of my fave things about the U-Bahn [subway], you get lots of time to think.) Thinking’s fun… but sometimes I think too much… or on days like today, feel kinda trapped within my own head. Not really sure what I think, or why I’m thinking… (just thinking out loud here, sorry)... ;o) All that said, here’s my attempt to siphon a little bit off my brain.
Hope. Faith.
They are both so abstract, yet so essential to all that I am.
I’ve never considered myself an extremely hopeful or faith-driven person, but maybe that’s just because I never really knew what that meant.
Over the past few weeks I have talked to student after student who live with little to no faith or hope in anything but what’s in front of them… faith and hope found only in what can be done with their own hands and conceived of with their own minds.
I’m just not ok with that. I’m not ok with what’s in front of me. This can’t be all there is.
There has to be Truth. And perfection… otherwise, what’s the point? Some big, cosmic joke?
There is too much longing within me for this to be it.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” -Ecclesiastes 3:11
I need faith and hope because God has set eternity in my heart. I need faith and hope to cling to when everything around me pales in comparison to the utopia in my mind. I need faith and hope when no one can answer the questions that gnaw away at me.
A philosophy student at Humboldt told me I followed Jesus because I needed rules to follow. If he’d have let me have a word in edge-wise, I’d have told him I follow Jesus because I need answers, purpose, and meaning. I need Jesus because I cannot reach God on my own. I need Jesus because without Him, none of this makes sense.
This same student asked me before he left if I would despair if I didn’t have God. When I said “yes, I would,” he looked at me and said, “I would not.”
How tragic --- to only have this broken and ultimately, unsatisfying world. To ignore the unrelenting ache for eternity- the utter renewal and restoration of all that we are and all that we see.
I have been approached by this student on 3 different occasions at 3 different locations on campus. My pride tells me to be bothered and annoyed, but my heart is learning to be thankful for every chance I have to talk about things that matter… eternal things.
God is big enough to take care of the details and the things we don’t understand. He just simply asks us to start conversations.
Jesus, may I never be numbed to who You are and the tragedy of hopeless, faithless existence. Help me to never settle for what’s in front of me.
Today was just one of those days when I did a lot of thinking. (PS – that’s one of my fave things about the U-Bahn [subway], you get lots of time to think.) Thinking’s fun… but sometimes I think too much… or on days like today, feel kinda trapped within my own head. Not really sure what I think, or why I’m thinking… (just thinking out loud here, sorry)... ;o) All that said, here’s my attempt to siphon a little bit off my brain.
Hope. Faith.
They are both so abstract, yet so essential to all that I am.
I’ve never considered myself an extremely hopeful or faith-driven person, but maybe that’s just because I never really knew what that meant.
Over the past few weeks I have talked to student after student who live with little to no faith or hope in anything but what’s in front of them… faith and hope found only in what can be done with their own hands and conceived of with their own minds.
I’m just not ok with that. I’m not ok with what’s in front of me. This can’t be all there is.
There has to be Truth. And perfection… otherwise, what’s the point? Some big, cosmic joke?
There is too much longing within me for this to be it.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” -Ecclesiastes 3:11
I need faith and hope because God has set eternity in my heart. I need faith and hope to cling to when everything around me pales in comparison to the utopia in my mind. I need faith and hope when no one can answer the questions that gnaw away at me.
A philosophy student at Humboldt told me I followed Jesus because I needed rules to follow. If he’d have let me have a word in edge-wise, I’d have told him I follow Jesus because I need answers, purpose, and meaning. I need Jesus because I cannot reach God on my own. I need Jesus because without Him, none of this makes sense.
This same student asked me before he left if I would despair if I didn’t have God. When I said “yes, I would,” he looked at me and said, “I would not.”
How tragic --- to only have this broken and ultimately, unsatisfying world. To ignore the unrelenting ache for eternity- the utter renewal and restoration of all that we are and all that we see.
I have been approached by this student on 3 different occasions at 3 different locations on campus. My pride tells me to be bothered and annoyed, but my heart is learning to be thankful for every chance I have to talk about things that matter… eternal things.
God is big enough to take care of the details and the things we don’t understand. He just simply asks us to start conversations.
Jesus, may I never be numbed to who You are and the tragedy of hopeless, faithless existence. Help me to never settle for what’s in front of me.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Playing the fool...
I am not a fan of feeling foolish... or weak. In fact, I've spent most of my life avoiding any and all opportunities in which I could come out looking stupid.
On-going Berlin lesson #1: Get used to feeling stupid!
Reality... I will feel stupid, inadequate, and weak while living here.
I can't make small talk with the lady at the grocery store yet, but thats ok. Yes, I look like a deer in headlights everytime someone starts speaking to me in German, but thats ok... (and probably quite humorous for the other person, too ;o)
The whole metric system thing makes me feel dumb... but I'm sure my body will soon understand what 10°C feels like (50°F, for your information ;o)
People here don't think like I think... or smile at strangers in the subway... or wear sweatpants and tennis shoes... and that's ok, just different.
But I'm not here to look good or impress.
By taking away the security I normally place in my abilities, I think I will see more clearly both who God is and who I am. God, in His usual fashion, sees things completely contrary to the way that I see them.
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one can boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." 1 Corinthians 1:27-30
Lord, thanks for using weak, inadequate me. For valuing the lowly. Teach me how to humbly accept my "foolishness" and to work hard for Your glory, not mine. Show me the worth of becoming a fool for you.
On-going Berlin lesson #1: Get used to feeling stupid!
Reality... I will feel stupid, inadequate, and weak while living here.
I can't make small talk with the lady at the grocery store yet, but thats ok. Yes, I look like a deer in headlights everytime someone starts speaking to me in German, but thats ok... (and probably quite humorous for the other person, too ;o)
The whole metric system thing makes me feel dumb... but I'm sure my body will soon understand what 10°C feels like (50°F, for your information ;o)
People here don't think like I think... or smile at strangers in the subway... or wear sweatpants and tennis shoes... and that's ok, just different.
But I'm not here to look good or impress.
By taking away the security I normally place in my abilities, I think I will see more clearly both who God is and who I am. God, in His usual fashion, sees things completely contrary to the way that I see them.
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one can boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption." 1 Corinthians 1:27-30
Lord, thanks for using weak, inadequate me. For valuing the lowly. Teach me how to humbly accept my "foolishness" and to work hard for Your glory, not mine. Show me the worth of becoming a fool for you.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Here goes blogging...
I decided to give this blogging thing a try. I do love to write, so I guess this should of been a no-brainer. I think part of me worries that I'm not faithful enough to be a blogger... whatever that means ;o) But I'm all about doing new things these days I guess...
As most of you ("you" being, I guess, anyone to whom I gave this link) know, I've been living in Berlin, Germany since September 14. I am interning for the next year with Campus für Christus on college campuses here in the city. Basically, my job is to talk to students about their lives and spirituality. I get to wrestle through tough questions and share with them the hope, purpose, and freedom I have found in God through Jesus :) Sweet, I know.
I'm not selling anything, or cramming rules down anyone's throat. I'm starting conversations... signficant and eternal ones.
I'm making introductions - introducing students to the person of Jesus Christ, the One who gives my life meaning. The One who gave His life to make mine worth living. The One who stooped down to be with me (Ps. 138:6/ Isaiah 53). The One who pursues me despite my apathy, betrayals, and denials. The One who showers me with grace I have never earned and woos me with love that baffles and changes me. The One who longs for me to long for Him.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" Jeremiah 29:13
God is relevant. And He has always been there, ready to show us just how relevant He is. He is a God who wrestles (Gen. 32:22-) with us. He is a God who wants to be found.
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
I hope that you are as moved by this idea as I am.
Danke for letting me share my passion/philosophy/theology/(whatever you call it) with you.
Classes here in Berlin start October 12. There is much to be figured out and decided on in the next week and a half. I'm thankful forthose on my team (7 other Americans) who have gifts of administration and decision-making... something that I am definitely lacking ;o)
Thanks again for reading... I should probably study some German before heading to bed. (Who says you stop doing homework when you graduate?!)
Guten Nacht :)
Jesus, You are relevant in Berlin, in Germany, in this world. Demonstrate Your relevance in my life... in all of our lives. You alone are worthy. You are it.
As most of you ("you" being, I guess, anyone to whom I gave this link) know, I've been living in Berlin, Germany since September 14. I am interning for the next year with Campus für Christus on college campuses here in the city. Basically, my job is to talk to students about their lives and spirituality. I get to wrestle through tough questions and share with them the hope, purpose, and freedom I have found in God through Jesus :) Sweet, I know.
I'm not selling anything, or cramming rules down anyone's throat. I'm starting conversations... signficant and eternal ones.
I'm making introductions - introducing students to the person of Jesus Christ, the One who gives my life meaning. The One who gave His life to make mine worth living. The One who stooped down to be with me (Ps. 138:6/ Isaiah 53). The One who pursues me despite my apathy, betrayals, and denials. The One who showers me with grace I have never earned and woos me with love that baffles and changes me. The One who longs for me to long for Him.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" Jeremiah 29:13
God is relevant. And He has always been there, ready to show us just how relevant He is. He is a God who wrestles (Gen. 32:22-) with us. He is a God who wants to be found.
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
I hope that you are as moved by this idea as I am.
Danke for letting me share my passion/philosophy/theology/(whatever you call it) with you.
Classes here in Berlin start October 12. There is much to be figured out and decided on in the next week and a half. I'm thankful forthose on my team (7 other Americans) who have gifts of administration and decision-making... something that I am definitely lacking ;o)
Thanks again for reading... I should probably study some German before heading to bed. (Who says you stop doing homework when you graduate?!)
Guten Nacht :)
Jesus, You are relevant in Berlin, in Germany, in this world. Demonstrate Your relevance in my life... in all of our lives. You alone are worthy. You are it.
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