A Walk to Barenloch

On a sunny afternoon, I decided to walk down to the lake. I had been there Saturday with the grandchildren and wanted to go again and explore it a little more.

I started at the “I Am Risen” fountain on the corner of our street and the main road in front of a little florist shop. (Yes, that was the name of the fountain!) Anyway, I strolled through the lovely streets decorated with bowers of flowers and ivy was growing everywhere. I soon got to the Barenloch and took some pictures of it.

 It was a peaceful scene. I need that because I felt turmoil within. Was I supposed to be a substitute teacher again? My head ached with a migraine and I rubbed my temples but I refused to slow down.  Please, Lord, I prayed, show me what to do.

Then, I heard children playing and I climbed up the hill along one of the hiking trails. When I got to where the children were, I realized they were speaking English so that was odd. I strolled back down the hill and by a guy naked from the waist up sitting in a field of daisies, drinking from a bottle with a towel on his head. I steered clear around him.

Then, I looked up and heard laughter again. I saw the children walking in a line with two women adults with them along the path. I waved and smiled and said hello to the last one. She responded In German and I said: “But I speak English.”

“Oh, I didn’t know! Hi!

“Hi! Are you and these kids on a camping trip?”

“No. I am a sub teacher and these are my students. We are just taking a hike.”

“Like a field trip”

“Yeah, like a field trip.”

As they continued to hike, I followed them around the lake.

“So, I want to be a sub teacher too.”

“Yeah, they need them. I am leaving after this year; getting shipped out to Poland actually.”

“That’s rough, isn’t it? To adjust to another country?”

“Actually, we are excited about it.”

“Wow. I like your attitude! And, what school did you say you are from?”

“Oh, Landstule Elementary. It’s an American military school.”

We rounded the corner and chatted a few more minutes about her and the school.

Then I asked: “Where are you going?”

“Back to the school. We’re hiking there and it may take another hour.”

I gracefully backed out at that point and turned back. Just then I turned around a bend and saw a large crucifix in a grotto and thanked Jesus for dying on the cross not only for the sins of the whole world, but for mine.

Also, I thank Him for giving me direction. I will go for the substitute teacher opening and pray He will make a way for me.

I made my way back down the mountain to the lake and from there headed on back.

Back through the bowers of flowers, the quaint, ivy-bestowed houses to the “I Am Risen” fountain in front of the floral shop.

He really IS risen!

Then I returned home thanking Him for the answer.