Black Forest 

From our window we see the trees
Tall and majestic
Pointing to the heavens
Snow capped and strong
In Germany we are
Black Forest
Thick with history
A thousand miles from home
Winding roads below
People gathered for people
Breaking bread together
Risking  the truth
Hearing stories of migration
Humbled by our efforts
Lifted by honest sharing
Black Forest
Reminded of our mandate
Welcome and love the stranger
Sing songs and praying prayers
God is always present
We drink from the cup of hope
Walking together at night
Being who we are
And for now as we struggle to do good
That is enough

Julius C. Trimble
Bishop of the Iowa Area UMC
USA