05. Nov 2025

Rückreise nach Deutschland

God loves difficult people. At the hostel in Muxia I met a Belgian, Phillipp, who was one of those unique people that God sends our way every now and then to give them a chance to hear about his loving grace. Phillipp had a very rough life growing up. He was mobbed by the kids in his neighborhood and despised by his own father. Later in life he was rejected by his wife and children... a lot of pain in the past. Phillipp claimed to have a higher than average IQ. He did know many things and liked to talk... a lot. In the course of conversation of several hours yesterday afternoon and evening and this morning while I was fixing and eating my meals, there were moments when I could share my story and explain the message of Jesus. Jesus could help him come clear with his past, but he would need to forgive those who had hurt him. This was out of question, Phillipp responded very expressively. He then wanted to know why I kept directing the course of conversation towards Jesus regardless of the issue of problem that was discussed. I said that Jesus is my inner compass who gives me the orientation I need in life. He then asked me what would happen to my compass on the moon? I knew this was a challenge and responded: "A compass from this earth would be useless on the moon, because there is no north pole on the moon. But Jesus is beyond earthly limitations. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I will always be connected and keep my orientation." Phillipp said: "I can see that you are an intelligent person. Today I have learned that an intelligent person can still have strong convictions about God and Jesus." It saddened me to see how a bruised heart could become so calloused that it is difficult for God's love and grace to bring healing to it. And yet God will continue to reach out, because he loves people whom we would consider to be difficult.

Video: My daughter Jacky and cat Mo getting ready for me to return home...

Photo 1: (Sunday, November 5th) My last picture before I left to get the bus from Muxia back to Santiago de Compostela. I was not feeling so well, woke up sweety the past three nights. Probably the constant change between wind, rain and sun the past three weeks was starting to get to me. I think my body was saying: "That's enough now! Go back home!"

Photo 2: (Monday, November 6th) This was one of the worst long distance traveling experiences I ever had. For 20 hours I rode in this bus from Santiago to Paris. The seat was very uncomfortable, I could hardly sleep, plus I was having some digestion challenges...

Photo 3: (Tuesday, November 7th) I was so glad to get off the bus, make my way to the East Paris train station and get on the train to Stuttgart and on to Munich. After a few delays I finally made it to Munich and then on to Moosburg by 6:20 pm. Astrid, Jacky and Sorin were there to pick me up. The welcome home sign being made in the video clip above, was now visible in the entry and could be seen from the street. It is so good to be home again!

Photo 4: (Wednesday, November 8th) Still recovering from the return trip, starting to slowly feel better. I am sitting on my reading chair with the Bibel on my lap. I was really looking forward to this moment.