A wonderful two weeks have drawn to a close; my time in Germany has come to an end. It started in Paderborn, with a wonderful time during the Days of Encounter. This led to the visit to World Youth Day itself in Cologne with Pope Benedict. Huge crowds, incredibly crowded public transportation and masses with 1.2 million other people all resulted in an unforgettable and moving time. The thing that struck me more than any other was the atmosphere — everyone was warm and friendly, loving in the very Christian sense, and there was no shame or fear to burst into a song of praise or thanks. Catholicism was very much ‘in’ and was boldly proclaimed, not just in word, but also in deed. Colonians were amazed at how calm and peaceable all the celebrations were.
And now, tomorrow morning I depart — the time has been wonderful, but it is ending, as must all things in their season. But this ending is but a beginning of something new, as every ending is…
Looking forward to being back home, and then, a scant 10 days later, back to MIT :)
[edit: The photo is from the last evening, when we took a boat up the Rhine .. and yes, I am getting that looong overdue haircut shortly after I arrive in Michigan...]