At Home In the Castle, but Where Is My Queen?

Last Saturday I took my queen, Diane, to the airport for her trip back to the States. She left here to join her parents and sisters for their annual family reunion. During the week there was not a lot of communication between us. I know that she was busy with her family and I was tied up with preparing seminary lessons and work. You see, she does a lot of work back here, so with her gone, I needed to do my best to fill in.

So, here I wait back in the castle, awaiting the arrival of my queen in a couple days. I will be so excited to see her again.

Speaking of castles, after I dropped Diane off at the airport, I no sooner stepped into the apartment door than I received a call from Elder and Sister Mellor. They were going to go to the Burg Eltz castle. Naturally I tagged along. We took an English speaking tour. We were told that we were not allowed to take pictures inside except for the museum, so I'll share what I can in pictures.

 

We walked down a path to the castle site. This is the first castle I've seen that is not perched up on a high hill. We were told that this castle, was occupied by three separate families. It had never been stormed though it was well protected. It was used as a place to collect taxes for the use of the Rhein River, not far from it. In addition, we were told that if there was a threat that the castle would be attacked, the families negotiated rather than fought.

The inner court yard was a combination of rock walls and beautifully decorated architecture.  

Inner Court Yard

Though the trees are barely starting to bud, flowers have been planted for spring.

Spring at Burg Eltz

Inside each of the adult bedrooms there is a small room extending out from the outside wall. The room is like a tiny altar, just enough room to kneel and pray. According to the guide, the room was for prayer and worship. It was extended out in the belief that as little as possible should be between man and God when praying.

In the museum there were some interesting items.  Here are just a couple.

On the way home we saw another castle, Allceer Burgberg. There are so many castles along the Rhein.  This one will have to wait for another day.

Allceer Burgberg

Most of our department members were in England this past week to provide technical support for a special broadcast. President Nelson and Elder Holland went to England and spoke to just those members there. Back here in the Frankfurt office, we provided assistance to missionaries and members alike to view the meetings. 

The evening of the last meeting, I had a couple of phone calls come in at the last minute needing help to view the meeting by way of streaming. Even though I was at home, I was able to help them. In both cases, I was told that there are a lot of appreciable people for the assistance I rendered.,  

I recognize that it really wasn't my efforts, rather it was the wonderful technology that the Lord has blessed us with. And what makes that technology special is how it can bless the lives of so many people at once.