*ecky: *rian, are you able to move really heavy boxes and furniture?
*rian: Yeah sure, when and where should I be?
*ecky:
I need to pick up some donations in Germany from churches and private
donors, we leave on Sunday for a two day non-stop drive, a day or two
of collections and a two day trip back home.
*rian: ……Mishto! (“Cool” in Romanian).
So
just like that, Mike (the squad leader who used to be a personal
trainer) and I found ourselves sitting in a giant moving van on our way
to a small German border town called Unterwossen. Although we only
came out of the car to use the bathroom (which cost $!) and eat
sandwich meat out of the back of the van, we had the opportunity to see
some beautiful scenery. I remember the other time I came to Europe
that Austria was absolutely gorgeous. Once again, it did not
disappoint and I Mike and I spent hours driving through the rolling
green hills with towering mountains off in the distance. I even had
the chance to go running in the middle of the night when we stopped to
sleep at a Hungarian’s home.
Today, we earned our schnitzel.
We loaded probably the equivalent of 2 tons worth of furniture,
clothes, bicycles, televisions and random household goods into a 50
foot long truck. At one point, we had to bring several couches, desks,
and wardrobes down an antique-looking, winding, narrow staircase for
four flights. The staircase looked more like it belonged in a child’s
playhouse than in the building, but we did our best not to destroy it
too much. Thankfully, nobody died as we attempted to use every last
body part (I preferred using my face), to balance the heavy
awkwardly-shaped furniture one painful step at a time.
Its
been a fun experience however, and I’ve had the opportunity to laugh
with plenty of non-English speaking Germans as we tried to coordinate
our movement down the stairs with grunts and groans. I’ve been
enjoying spending time with Mike and having an older guy pour into me
and offer me wisdom.
your pretty typical picture of Mike. He has a rare muscular disorder
that has left some lasting deformities. Once you get over the physical
obstacles, however, hes a really nice guy.)
would have thought I’d have the chance to drive along the Autobahn
(speed limit of 130km–not sure where the no speed limit myth came
from), eat a brat with red cabbage, and speak in goofy German accents
during my ministry in Romania.
