Monday, December 5, 2011

Cheese, trails, and churches









I just realized that it has been almost a month since my last post.  Somehow the days seem to run away from me.  It has been an adventurous month with a lot of travel and a lot of French (of course!)

A few weeks ago I went to Gruyeres where they make lots and lots of cheese.  It was very amazing and I'm sure I ate more dairy products in one day than anyone should in a lifetime.  In the same area there is a small village along with a the Gruyeres castle that you can tour.  It was an amazing experience, especially because there were some sheep that I got to pet as well!! (if you don't know me well, you should know that I have a small sheep obsession (as does my mom!))

Many weekends we (me and the other missionary couple from SP that is here with me learning French- Zach and Jenny) go hiking in the areas surrounding Neuchatel.  Jenny likes to say that we found Rivendale (Lord of the Rings Elf Land).  I don't think any place on Earth can compare to the amount of beauty in such a small place, like Switzerland.  It is such a blessing to be able to breath in the Lord's creation and see His creative works.   As I sit and marvel and the majestic mountains and roaring waters I can only imagine how much more majestic and powerful the Lord himself must be!

Switzerland also has an unending amount of churches and cathedrals that were build over 500 years ago.  The church shown above is in Lausanne and construction began in the year 1170!!  This catholic cathedral was later taken over during the Reformation by John Calvin and remains a reformed church do this day.  The stone floor, the towering organ, and the detail in all the carvings makes you feel like you are transported back to the middle ages.  It was truly an experience!

As you can see, I am enjoying myself here in Switzerland while I have this amazing opportunity.  It is still difficult not to see family and friends, especially around the holidays.  I am being blessed with the visit of one of my best friends along with her parents in late December.  They will be staying here for a week from Dec 29-Jan 4th.  Please pray for safe travel and a time of great fellowship while they are here!

Please continue to pray that I might know the exact right time to leave Switzerland and head to Togo.  Currently, I am planning on leaving here in mid to late February.  Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Grâce et Paix


Romains 8:38-39: En effet, j'ai l'assurance que ni la mort ni la vie, ni les anges ni les dominations, ni le présent ni l'avenir, ni les puissances, ni la hauteur, ni la profondeur, ni aucune autre créature ne pourra nous séparer de l'amour de Dieu manifesté en Jésus-Christ notre Seigneur.