Greg Rabus launched Friedenshaus (FH) in early 2016. Its goal is to create and foster relationships and a culture of peace in our LU neighborhood through our German classes, weekly sewing group, homework assistance, outings, potlucks and many other more informal interactions. The FH website (click on English at the top) says: "The programs of FH take place in the LU Mennonite Church. The FH is a project of the regional Mennonite conference of the Rhineland-Palatinate. We are also supported by Mennonite churches in Canada. "
In the picture above Greg is addresses the crowd of about 45-50 persons at our recent potluck.
You have already read about the many languages represented in our student body. We also have new persons showing up every week. Some drop out because the long awaited official language course has found a spot for them. Depending on their schedule some continue with us on a limited basis.
This is the women's side of my class. Greg happened to have Ian along and posed behind them. Children are a wonderful icebreaker and provide an instant inter-cultural connection!
Jack's childcare is invaluable to the mothers who attend our classes. We always have one advanced class and one beginner in the upstairs room and the basement fellowship hall.
Greg and Jennifer will be leaving Germany in June and a replacement for Greg needs to be found in order for FH to continue. Above you have a glimpse of homework help every Monday evening. I think this could be vastly expanded. FH could branch out to other initiatives with more volunteers. Above is Hanna, a university student who helps with my advanced discussion class every Wedneday afternoon. It's wonderful that we have regular volunteers also from the LU Mennonite Church!
A participant baked an Arabic cake for Greg and us. Every morning and afternoon we have a coffee / tea break. We sometimes provide bought cookies and sometimes participants bring homemade baked goods from their culture.
Jack is the person in charge of coffee time and he does a great job of having the drinks ready, even with kids hanging on his pant legs, and then interacting with the adults.
Mondays women make comforters downstairs, while children get homework help upstairs (and Jack and others from the LU church work on making the new youth room in the basement). In picture above some girls came down to help connect fabric squares.
Sometimes women who are our students come to the sewing and sometimes family members show up. The LU Mennonite women learned how to make comforters (American style for MCC distribution to refugees) with the encouragement of Jennifer and Marla Langelotz, a previous volunteer. They are presently working on their 15th comforter!
Our daughter asked us to explain the FH and its work. I hope this has been helpful. Please let us know other questions.
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