Freiberg - Already A Year Later

Lee Measures Himself Against Silberstadt Sign

We have just a few hours during the week when we are not serving in the Temple or being specifically involved in daily life issues - food planning and shopping, typical apartment/house clean-up, washing day (Tuesday afternoons for us) As we begin to see the last 1/3 of our mission racing towards us, we have been trying to familiarize ourselves more with this beautiful city in which we have lived for a year. Several walks around in areas we  typically quickly drive by has reminded us about exploring all around to see documented Saxon history. This tall man stands next to a typical Silberstadt Freiberg city signs are found everywhere.

Freiberg was founded as noted on some official documnets in the middle of the 12th Century. The Obermarkt is in the center of the Altstadt. There are many buildings centuries old lining the often used street parking all around this much earlier market place center. I often wonder about how great it would have been then to be a missionary talking with farmers and families as well as citizens about religion. Some of the Elders and Sisters have actually had a few opportunities to set up booths and tables to meet Freibergers. The real success, of course, for missionaries is for them to be able to bring the Gospel to the homes of members - the same as at home.

Ratskeller - "Cellar" for Great Eating/Drinking

As a main fixture in this market place, there is still the traditional Rathaus, the place for political and other business conducted for the city and for other areas close by. Of course, the Ratskeller - always a favorite restaurant for locals and visiting citizens - is located next door across the street and on the corner.    

A shield over the gate of the Rathaus dates from 1775. It dates from 1510 with fortress towers and the Meissen Lion. One of the oldest seals carries the date of 1227 and notes already the "Citizens in Freiberg." 

The Renaissance "Beautiful Bay"

There are many ancient buildings - many of them seemingly have only been resurfaced with a finish of plaster nearly like painting. Sometimes we see the remains on the sides of buildings which have been replastered - makes me ponder the strength of old brick and stone constructed walls simply made "new" looking with a plastering. Wherever we drive there are such examples. Of course, there are also some remaining building facades and trims which are beautiful! This Renaissance bay window high up on its building is a very famous one found in the Burgstrasse on the corner of the Obermarkt. It was built in 1616 for the Lindners, tradesmen and then involved in the governing of Freiberg.

Ratsapotheke - seen Unadorned

Ratsapotheke - in Color

The continuing theme - Ratsapotheke - lets you know you are still close to the center of any town. A little later in the year, the flowers are hanging from boxes at each window in gorgeous colors.

Looking down to the end of the Ratshaus with its tower only a couple of months later - now beautifully decorated for the coming Summer and Fall festivities on the Obermarkt.

Splashing Around Otto the Rich

And, of course, a last look at the Market Center. Here it is being enjoyed around the fountain center honoring Otto the Rich, a Wettin ruling family member, by a bunch of Freiberg kids and friends. A splashing, spurting step-on sort of water fun that makes me want to see our grandchildren having such fun!

Our week in the Temple this week has been focused on helping some wonderful Czech Saints. They come with many temple workers now. When we first came there were only about four workers who could help each other in the ordinances. Since then, however, each quarter when they have come, there have been more workers set apart. They are such humble, gentle and helpful people. One woman and her husband used to be the strongest helpers. The wife speaks German, English, Czech, French and Polish fluently. Now they have been joined by 32 set apart Czech temple workers.

In the Baptistry there was a wonderful family of three daughters, one was here for the first time, and one tall son. The girls were so good with each other. They were here every day at 7:30 a.m. having eaten and dressed in their Sunday best. So dependable! We were able to exchange email addresses at the end of the week. I hope we will be able to be in touch. As they were going to leave, another Senior Missionary helped us all to be in a photo together. Besides those four in the Baptistry, they have two other young boys, Adam and Jonah. When we consider how far they must come to be here for their ancestors, it really makes us thankful for the easy life with which we've been blessed. It makes it all the more important for us to know we can be of service.