Close to people | Stories from Bethel
The scent of cinnamon and lots of glitter
The first delicate snowflakes float down from the sky. As if someone had specially ordered them - just in time for Advent crafts at the Bethel centre in Siegen. Green garlands hang in the large common room, lovingly decorated with baubles, hearts and golden bells. Crispy speculoos smell of cinnamon and orange, and there are Christmas figures made of cardboard on the table. Christmas trees, snow crystals, reindeer. Anja Glimm looks at the selection with shining eyes and can hardly decide what she wants to decorate her room with. She simply loves anything that glitters. Like most of the 25 people with disabilities who are cared for at the centre, the 46-year-old looks forward to the Advent season every year.
"The atmosphere here is very special. We bake biscuits, watch Christmas films and drink punch," says Anne Schlich-Reimann, employee for the daytime activities. "And we read the Christmas story aloud, illustrating it with pictures, very vividly and in easy language. So that everyone understands why we celebrate Christmas," she says.
The large group is now sitting together at the table. Some get started straight away, others are still hesitant. "Choose what you like best," the Bethel employee encourages the people. "Look! Look Anne! I'll take the angel here," shouts one woman. "And I'll take the church!", shouts someone from opposite. Two men colouring a picture talk about their last visit to the Italian restaurant. "That was nice - but the pizza was really hot - hoho." Everyone has to laugh. The atmosphere is good, and the regular outings organised by Bethel staff and volunteers contribute to this - not just to the pizzeria, but also to mini golf, the ice cream parlour or a Christmas market.
Anja Glimm is happy to do everything. Just like her friend Nicole Krone, who also lives in the Bethel home. The two women have known each other for a long time. They visit each other in their rooms. They do handicrafts. Listen to pop songs. And they watch television. When it comes to the programme, however, they have to make compromises. Because "Nici", as everyone calls her, prefers to watch children's programmes. Anja Glimm prefers "Lets dance". But that doesn't spoil their friendship. Even now, they sit harmoniously next to each other at the table. One is colouring. The other is gluing. They are looking forward to Christmas together.
Text: Heike Lepkojis | Photos: Christian Weische
This story simply told
Anja Glimm lives in a Bethel home in Siegen. The 46-year-old loves Christmas. She decorates her room festively and enjoys the Advent season - preferably together with her friend Nicole Krone.
