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Weather, Writing, and Truth
As the emerging clouds roll in here in Switzerland, they threaten the last glimpse of sunlight and your plans for the day. And yet, just as the clouds move in and the rain comes down, the sun can reappear just as quickly, and with it, unexpected opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The weather in Switzerland is unpredictable. The surrounding Alps can both hold in and prevent weather patterns from emerging, which results in drastic changes. (A few of us even refer to the weather as being schizophrenic) On the one hand, the ever-changing weather can create fluctuating landscape portraits. This is why you can take a picture from the same…
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A “Religious” Walk Home
One night, while walking home from my small Swiss village of Worb, I had an intense “religious” experience. This experience prompted childhood memories of my past and gave my present-day desires and future longings a place and time to be experienced. The pathway home was lit only by the full moon’s reflective light, which reminded me of walking down a dark Pennsylvania road as a boy, wanting nothing more than to know who I was in relation to this big world. At the same time, the dark Swiss countryside was calling me to be present not only to my desires of today but also to my cravings for what is…
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Stockhorn
A beautiful day on the Stockhorn, a mountain peak in the Swiss Alps.
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The Bridge
The first step, that very first step So hard but filled with such emotion Our feelings propel us to act They propel us to move So we step We walk Yet, the more that we walk Our feelings fail us They die We are exposed Our inner most identities cry out Our daily activities no longer hide our desires We are left with simply ourselves We are on the journey Our anxiety builds So we look left, we look right We look for anything to save us We even look behind us But our past can’t help us now We are on the journey Our bodies ache Our thoughts run…
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To Change or Not To Change
There was a moment when it hit me. Deep down, I knew it would never be the same again. Although things looked identical, my relationship with them had somehow changed. My friends were still there, yet my connection to them differed in ways I could not explain. I was an 18-year-old young man and home for the first time after leaving high school, and I was confronted with the reality that I had changed. And this scared me. On the one hand, this community has brought me comfort and security; now, it no longer gives me the same feelings. On the other hand, the thought of me changing made me…
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One Year Later
One year ago, we moved across the globe to Switzerland and began a new chapter in our lives. It feels like just yesterday that we put our belongings on a boat, said our goodbyes, and boarded a plane to a new country with a one-way ticket. It certainly has been a great adventure thus far. Here are ten quick observations and thoughts on our first year in Switzerland: Amy and I are amazed at the overwhelming beauty that this country has to offer. It seems that no matter where we go, either into the mountains or walking the streets of a new city or village, the scenic landscapes captivate us…
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Blausee, Switzerland
A walk in Nature walks the soul back home -Mary Davis The magical Blasusee, Switzerland.
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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…
