• Blog

    A Beautiful Closure

    There was a moment. Dawn. The birth of a new day. It was the 8th day of our visit back to Switzerland and the first rays of sunlight illuminated the mountain peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, or the “big three” as we like to call them. I arose early and walked outside at 6:15 AM to catch a glimpse of the sights and sounds that I missed both in my dreams and in my conscious thoughts since we moved back to the States. As I began to walk the narrow paths and streets of Mürren, Switzerland I rediscovered that deep sense of awe that had struck me so many…

  • Blog,  Random Places We Go (Photos)

    A Quick Day Trip to Luzern, Switzerland

    With one sick child at home over the weekend and the other not wanting to leave the house because he only wanted to ride his bike, I decided to take a quick day trip to Luzern, Switzerland.  After missing the 8 am bus to our village, I began the journey on foot down the hill to catch the train. One of the great aspects of living in Switzerland is its proximity to neighboring European countries and the size of the country itself.  Living relatively in the middle of the country in Bern allows you to virtually go to many different cities, mountains, or excursions within a short time frame.  Whether…

  • Blog,  Random Places We Go (Photos)

    Tissot Peak Walk, Glacier 3000

    I have never been a thrill seeker, but I am completely drawn to Switzerland’s many mountain adventures and excursions.  Maybe I trust the “Swiss Made” persona, or perhaps I am getting older, and I am gradually letting go of fears and inhibitions.  Either way, the Tissot Peak Walk was something I wanted to do for months. I took the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Les Diablerets, Switzerland, a mountain village in the heart of the Vaud Alps.   On this beautiful, clear early morning, I was met with a stunning sunrise and a lovely view of the descending moon over the Alps.  (I had to stop so many times to take pictures that…

  • Blog

    Man vs. Nature

    There is something innate about humans; when we face nature, we believe we can conquer it.  We think we can win.  Maybe it is ego.  Perhaps it is just human nature or more of a “guy” thing.   Or perhaps it is the result of the “first fall.” Nevertheless, time and time again, when we confront nature in its purest form, we soon realize that we can never conquer that which is unmovable. Unconquerable.  That which is undefeated. This is where I have found grace time and time again. And it is also why I continue to confront it. The humility that comes from challenging something that can’t be conquered unveils…

  • 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…

  • Blog,  Random Places We Go (Photos)

    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…