• Blog,  Random Places We Go (Photos)

    Feeling the Falls

    Photos were taken at Trümmelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.  They are considered to be the largest underground waterfalls in Europe. Growing up, I remember thinking that my tendency to be introspective was a deficiency, almost a sign of weakness.  So much so that in certain circles, especially when participating in sports, I often felt less masculine.  I had bought into the “men don’t feel, men don’t cry, men don’t show emotion” mantra.  I remember feeling like I always had to turn off my thoughts but never could.  As a result, my natural tendencies to feel and think brought about many insecurities. I am less insecure about it today, but I…

  • Blog,  Random Places We Go (Photos)

    Bern, Switzerland

    Bern, Switzerland, has been our home city for about a year.  Even though we live just outside of the city in the village of Worb, my wife Amy goes to work there every day, and it is where my kids love to walk the arcades and look in the shops.  The slow pace and beautiful architecture of the capital city of Switzerland captivate us every time we walk its century-old streets. One of my goals for this New Year is to explore a new place in Switzerland at least once a week.  Whether that is a day excursion into the Alps, exploring the many different trails and lakes, or experiencing…

  • Blog,  Random Places We Go (Photos)

    Mürren, Switzerland

      Yesterday, on a beautiful Saturday, we spent the day in Mürren, Switzerland, before a storm arrived. We explored the quaint town with snow-covered streets (for skiers to navigate) and magnificent views of the Alps. We eventually made our way up to Allmendhubel, where we had lunch, and the boys got to play on the most incredible playground ever!!! Aside from its beauty, Amy and I have enjoyed Switzerland’s pace of life. The Swiss people’s intentional emphasis on “slowing down” is reflected in the quality of life here and a distinct focus on the family. No matter where you go, there seem to be activities for families to enjoy the beautiful…

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    Kandersteg, Switzerland

    Today, I visited two places I have wanted to visit since moving to Switzerland: Kandersteg and Lake Oeschinensee. After about a 50-minute drive from our house, I arrived in Kandersteg and took the lift to the trails leading to Lake Oeschinensee. My family and I are very grateful to have experienced this adventure in Switzerland and to have seen some beautiful places. But this is near the top of my list. The combination of the majestic peaks of the Alps and the silent, serene landscape of snow and trees made this visit very spiritual. It took me out of myself and invited me into the paradox of the sheer beauty…

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    Brienz Christmas Market

    Switzerland is known for its beautiful Christmas Markets.  This is our first Christmas Season in Switzerland, and we are excited to visit many markets around the country. Here are some pictures from our first Christmas Market in  Brienz, Switzerland. “The season of Advent is like springtime in nature, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy. Advent is also meant to do this to us — to refresh us and make us healthy, to be able to receive Christ in whatever form he may come to us.” -Blessed Teresa of Calcutta   

  • Blog,  Random Places We Go (Photos)

    The Emmental

    One of the great things about exploring a new country is that you never know what you will find. I set out today to explore a part of the country called the Emmental. The Emmental is a valley in west-central Switzerland that is made up of hilly countryside and lush forests. After driving through and then up some roads that were a bit scary, I came upon some trails and a beautiful view of the Bernese Alps. I couldn’t help but be in awe of the beauty. “Nature is the art of God.” –Dante Alghieri