I just returned from Berlin a couple of days ago - 21 hours from door to door! (There is a good connecting flight with Northwest through Amsterdam, though. It avoids London and Paris - which is a great mercy.)
The time in Germany was EXCELLENT - The German friends of Philosophia and Haus Nazareth are really stepping up to the plate. They have committed themselves to raising the funds for the first phase of remodeling to be completed by the end of December!
A key prayer request in regard to this: the bank has indicated a willingness to approve an increase to the mortgage based upon the rise of property values in Berlin, but there has to be approval by an inspector. Please pray that this will go through without any hitches!

Exciting news: there is an amazing openness to the idea and vision of Haus Nazareth among both believers and “not-yet” believers in Berlin. One of the latest manifestations of this is “Concert in the Garden”. This is the story: a world-class cellist who became aquainted with the Ploners and Haus Nazareth decided to organize a benefit concert for the project. One thing led to another and now 12 of the leading cellists in the Berlin Philharmonic and other world-class orchestras are holding a benefit performance in the garden on September 23rd! Please pray for good weather!

Ann and I are very anxious to get relocated permanently back to Berlin as soon as possible - we are planning on moving in early January.

One key to this will be the finances for the loans and mortgage payments due by December 31st. More on that later!