Movie Recommendation

Slumdog Millionaire. 

Un. Real. [Thank you, Brooke.]

I hope your heart sings "Auld Lang Syne," tomorrow. I'll be the one humming over the words I don't know.

A New Perspective

A full day has passed, and my heart is still pulsating faster than normal. Yesterday, I found myself mere miles from home, but seeing the dark countryside anew... on my side in a ditch in my Honda. It's funny, how you can travel life's roads over and over, and then be forced to look from a new perspective.

Traveling down County Road S, the car conceded to the ice, fishtailed, did a 180, then spilled over sideways into the ditch. I was pummeled with my purse, CDs, my SLR, little patters of gum packets, and the uncomfortable weight of gravity. After the motion ceased, I could see smoke in the windy air, and I was hoping it was just the exhaust pipe. Looking out the windshield, I saw packed un-white snow, and hazy icedrops illuminated by headlights. I don't remember details of the conversation I had with Andrew, but I know he kept me calm in the certainly uncomfortable situation. And then, a pair of pants with reflective tape on the cuffs appeared. Shawn, a fireman on his way home from a call came to my rescue. The passenger side door was heavy and frozen shut, but with some push and pull, we opened the door. As I climbed the seats to the outside, I could hear the snow shift under the car; it sounded like glass splintering. Shawn waited with me while my parents and the sheriff came. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the bottom of my car.

Life is precious. And sometimes we don't see how precious it is until we look at it from another perspective. I am thankful for Andrew, for being there for me and keeping me calm; for Shawn, for stopping to pull me out; for the kind sheriff, who was completely understanding; for my parents, for being there immediately and helping me deal with the logistics and legalities; for the towing crew; and for God's protective hand. My car is a bit battered, but I am completely unharmed. As my dad told me, "We can deal with bent metal." I walked away, with nothing more than shock.

I think it was a jolt I needed. In all honestly, I haven't been doing much preparation for the gift that is arriving tomorrow: Jesus. Pastor Hays tonight talked about how Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Apparently, because journeys in those days were so difficult, many people didn't make it round-trip. Under their clothes, they would wear swaddling clothes, ultimately so that if they died, they would have cloth to wrap the body. A new perspective: Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger, who was prepared to die for us from the beginning. 

The shock wore off during the service tonight, and my mind was flooded with thoughts of the Crossroads accident, my scary ice-hap, and people that I love. Tears were let loose. I was broken knowing that I was spared, and I am saved.

Thank you, God. 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Life Quotes

If you're headed for a life that's only involved with making money and you hope to find satisfaction somewhere else, you're headed for a lot of trouble. And whatever replaces vodka after you're 45 is what you're going to be doing.

—Richard Avedon

Getting Ready

Bought the 13 The Musical soundtrack today, mainly because I can't get the songs out of my head. I figured if they are going to stay there, I should at least know the right words. There's a song entitled, "Getting Ready," and while listening, it hit me. 

I am ready. 

I have a job, a ticket, an apartment with a great roommate, a church, a small group, and friends to hug when I arrive. I am so incredibly blessed. 

I will be off of Facebook for this winter. I don't think it will be the easiest thing, especially with the distance, but I am somewhat excited for the challenge, and hopefully, the opportunity to be less dependent on it. Please email me if you are bored, lonely, need to vent, whatever! [lindsmeyer@gmail.com]

Quick movie recommendation: Sabrina. It is magical.

I hope you enjoy this holiday season with your family and friends.

Things I Like About Napoleon

Went to New York recently, and was fortunate enough to see 13: The Musical. A bunch of talented young people, singing about the woes of middle school. I think everyone hated seventh grade; I know I did. Girls were cutthroat, and we were all so utterly awkward. The majority of the plot happens to be set in Appleton, Indiana. Check out these lyrics to "The Lamest Place in the World."

Down the road there's a Dairy Queen

Up the block there's a Wal-Mart

There's a place you can accessorize your pets

A school, a tree, a couple of churches

And no matter how hard anybody searches

That's about as thrilling as this dumb-ass village gets

It's the lamest place in the world

But it just got a little bit better...

I couldn't help but smirk at the Napoleon irony. I think, more than ever, I am enjoying my winter break in Napoleon; it only took four years to get to this point! I have gone from downright hating it, to making cracks about it, to being depressed about it, to near acceptance. It's easy to look at the Christmas season as nostalgic, and see your life not match up to the movies. I can see myself looking into the window of a happy family on a picturesque wintry evening, like Kevin from Home Alone, seeing all the differences rather than the blessings. Our lives aren't completely choreographed, and I am thankful. I am thankful for all of the quirks, and inside jokes, and even thankful for Napoleon. Who knows if I would appreciate the opportunities I have, if I would have grown up somewhere else. Every opportunity seems exotic and special, and Napoleon is the perfect reminder of that.

Here are a few things I have thought about, since I have been here this week, things that I love about Napoleon:

—Walking into the smell of the house you grew up in

—Feeling tall at the bathroom sink

—Lipstick stains on the bedroom carpet, immortalizing fourth grade

—No expectations; wear a t-shirt and jeans, and you're one of the group.

—Driving on ground so flat, Columbus would be convinced, for miles and miles

—The broad sunsets.

—The sun on a field of morning snow.

—Dumb birds who haven't migrated at the bird feeder.

—The 40 minute drive to Toledo, perfect amount of time to sleep or think.

—Pitch. Black. Night. Who knew that a street without streetlights could be so peaceful. 

—Cats curled up ontop of recycled newspapers, purring at an opened door.

—Stumbling upon memories, people re-earthed.

—WNDH. And the harum of old people who listen to it all day.

—A bedroom closet that holds doll clothes and years-worth of craft supplies.

—Knowing all the people in line with you at the post office, and ooh-ing because you have a letter for Switzerland

—Being identified as Janet Sigg's daughter at the bank

—Never having to fill out a deposit slip

—Smiles from people at church, just happy that you're home

Home Sweet Napoleon.

A [Fine] Frenzy

When you can't explain what's going on in your head and heart, you have license to steal others' attempts. 

Stitch in your knitted brow

And you don't know how

You're gonna get out

Crushed under heavy chest

Trying to catch your breath

But it always beats you by a step, all right now

Making the best of it

Playing the hand you get

You're not alone in this

There's hope for the hopeless

There's hope for the hopeless

There's hope

Cold in a summer breeze

Yeah, you're shivering

On your bended knee

Still, when your heart is sore

And the heavens pour

Like a willow bending with the storm you'll make it

...

—A Fine Frenzy

Oh God, lead me. My compass has been demagnetized.

gingerbread town.

Had the pleasure of dining with some Milford Navs staff tonight, and my summer in Colorado was cemented.  It was awesome to be invited into their home, a place with Christmas-y garland, homemade ornaments, and a roaring fireplace. When I have a family, I would like to roast marshmallows in the fireplace and make smores. At one point in my life I thought it would be cool to have a tree that was simply pristine, that I would probably decorate with white lights and beautiful beads and bows and riduculous put-togetherness, but I think I am to that point now that I just want my tree to look like love. To be covered in stupid glitter glue ornaments made in kindergarten. To be laughable but real and true. And I want a real tree, no more pulling it out of the attic and waiting a few days for it to settle and look like a real tree. 

Drove through Mariemont  on the way home, and that place in Christmas seriously looks like it is made out of gingerbread. I felt like if I would've rolled down my civic windows there would just be laughter floating amuck, and beautiful clouds of cold breath. I wanted to sit and soak up Mariemont. 

Headed now to the DAAP show. It is the end, and I can't believe it. I want afternoons filled with dozens of coffee dates in the last two days I am here. I want to skip/ace my German exam. I want to make sure I do not write off my mind into thinking that friendships must go on hiatus until April. I want comfort in knowing that relationships in Basel will still hold strong. Oh Christmas, fill me.

my fingers are stuck together.

In an effort to escape comp-ing for a few minutes, I am relaxing and getting my keyboard gluey in the process. 

Today was the last Crossroads service in a few months. Before Crossroads, I had never looked forward to church so much; this week, I was ready to go back to church on Wednesday. It has been almost 2 years since I starting going, and I still get tingly and excited to hear God speak to me there, to hear the twang of the bass guitar and to just feel like one essential ingredient in a hearty human stew. ICF here I come. I hope that my German class will pay off a little, and I will understand a bit more of the worship songs that I am singing. I am so thankful; thank you, God.

Steph, you have really been on my mind today. I found the photo album you made me for Hello Dolly, and my heart leapt up a little. I can hear you sing like it was yesterday. You were so supportive, even when I had to dress like a frickin' cake. I miss you... and I know there are a lot of others, too. Whaddaya know... "Elegance" just came on. 

God, I want you in the forefront of my brain's filing cabinet. I want to reference you first. Thanks for dealing with me.

refusal

It's a winter wonderland outside. I'm at my computer, surrounded by packaging comps and Depression timelines... yet I am engrossed by even other thought-patterns. The devil has me right where he wants me. I refuse to overanalyze, and sink into self-dug depths of despair. I can't go back there. I can't face that brick wall again, my scratched tally marks and the graffiti of anger. 

I seek refuge in You, God. I must. I need to place my hope and trust in you.

marshall plan

It's hell week for DAAP and I am getting more sleep than I have all quarter. It's bad when you start to fizzle right when you should be your strongest. My body is just begging me to wave the white flag and loosen the chains of sleep deprivation. And when I do cave, it's just a downward slope. How can sleep be bad, you ask, but somehow it is. 

The comforter, sheets, and the blanket on my bed have been in chaotic disarray since I came back from Thanksgiving. I balled them up in the corner so I would be motivated to work (there is no more terrible chore in my life than putting a bed together). I now sleep like a cat, on a pile of dishevelment, in one unified act of rebellion and failure. 

Thought a bit over break about Christmas music, and I am still pondering. We have hymns and psalms from the beginning, and then the 1950s wave (Mel Tormé, Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing, Johnny Mathis), songs that are still played 20 times a day, 50+ years after they were first sung. How are modern artists only peppering the Christmas music scene? When we are 70, are they still going to be playing those same songs? What about all the claymation movies? Are we going to establish any new Christmas staples?

My stomach hurts. I ate too much bacon, I think.

 I now retreat to my bed, and, in the words of megan, will try to execute the marshall plan.

procrastination

Back from Thanksgiving and wishing I was back in Napoleon. I have lost passion for school, I am ready to say my goodbyes and get that hurt over with; no matter how many co-ops I go on, it is still difficult to rip away from Cincinnati.

I'm tired, I have a full night ahead of me, and I really just want to stretch out in front of a fire, watch Casablanca, and fall asleep in someone's arms. 

München

will write when it is not 4am. for now, here are some pics. love linds.

My Favorite Things...

In high school, I used to keep a jar of slips of paper on my desk. On these slips of paper were little phrases that can make you smile when you're frustrated with the complexities of life. Just some little nuances of life that are completely ordinary, but when thought of individually, they can become epic. It was a jar of distractions and of thankfulness.  

Going to Salzburg and diving into the Sound of Music world, I found it only appropriate to list a few of my favorite things. Sadly, I am not Oprah and I am not giving away SUVs, or even Julie Andrews, because I really can't carry a tune all that well either... but I did have a lot of time on trains and planes, and I think we all have some sort of gift from God in the way that we see the world. I lend you my senses...

fresh-baked bread, street musicians with passion, watching people sleep, sunrises,"San Francisco weather," lepidoptera, adjectives, run-on sentences with lots of commas, The New York Times, coffee, the warm smell of bonfires, bulky scarves, quirky jewelry, kids' choirs, cool breezes, leaf veins, the first snow, loose line drawings, the clinking of change, dutchmen's breeches, pressed pennies, fruit, blank notebooks with no lines, Toni Morrison sentences,  surreal cultures, tenebrism, crashing ritzy hotels, crayon factories, old couples, billowing cream in a cup of coffee, strong and confident women, Bruce Davidson, Horst P. Horst, Irving Penn, the gentleness of Degas, Hitchcock lighting, the Sinatra swoon, Bono, Robert Frost

open-air movies/the drive-in, the power of being behind the wheel, uncontrollable laughter, bonding, orange juice in a champagne flute, prosecco, flourished brackets, crumbling plaster, patina, text ragging, old movies with dust specks, film scores, goosebumps, peace roses, vests, snuggling, a long string of camels amongst the sand dunes, twirling my hair, the way your teeth feel after you get your braces off, when people pet my head, head-on-shoulder, popped collars, farmer's market, wearing your Sunday Best on a Tuesday, paint on good clothes, metaphors, walking barefoot, black t-shirts, a good eye lock, guys with short hair, the sound of lapping water, grace, "like a jewel in an Ethiop's ear," the warmth inside a family home on Christmas, wet typewriter ink

how eyeglasses can instantly indicate a certain decade, tousled bedhead hair, music escaping from distant windows, dancing sunlight, paper scraps, soft things, mismatched china, a long row of buttons, the & sign, gathered fabric, legs dangling from tree branches, lace, curling up into the corner of the couch, falling asleep in front of the TV, blazers with jeans, inlays, woodcarving, encores, the "reject colors" (mustard yellow, brown, olive green, burnt ochre), storytelling, musicals, the morning aire, well-loved books, Tennessee Williams, jazz spontanaeity, argyle, a child's lashes, serifs, running your fingers over braille, learning about American History, sheet music, Titanic, "the mind of him that knew her own," the way eyes flutter as they fall asleep, gelato, pounding hearts, supportive friends and family

the metamorphosis of a lit candle, Crossroads, hugs, picnics, ping-pong domination, crescendos, turtlenecks, homemade-ness, spoons, flea markets, antiques with stories, streamlined, pitchblack Napoleon nights, tufted things, astericks, icicles, "miles to go before I sleep," red velvet, seeing your breath, handmade paper with a deckle edge, paper airplanes, potted herbs, waltz, motion blurs, cathedrals at night, flocks migrating, leaf pile explosions, purring, walking barefoot, quill pens, calligraphy, ivy dangling from wrought iron, vast fields, linen, heirlooms, toes in the sand, stone skipping, dripping rain at bedtime, violin solos, the moment when the theater darkens, the click of the baton on the conductor stand, winks, a smile that travels across a room, the smell of clean laundry, gingkos, honest eyes, sequoias, love letters, floppy sunhats, obnoxiously large Audrey Hepburn glasses, silhouettes, long necks, green glass in the light, tulle, ballet form, the way the periodic table works, the way the sun is always friendly and never accusing...

Salzburg

will write when it is not 4am. here are some pics. love linds.

Wein

Ok. It is 2:10am, and again, I am attempting to stay up and await my flight back to the U.S. I guess I will be doing a bit of backtracking, talking about my trip and all. 

I decided before I even came to Switzerland that I would not leave without doing the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg, and cross that off the lifelong goal list. This trip turned into a larger excursion of Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich, but I never found a good time to take off work and do this trip. Finally, almost at the end of my stay here, I was able to work out my vacation, book a flight and some hostels, and begin this memorable journey.

Let me begin to tell you, that through all this planning, I didn't think much about the fact that I was going on this trip alone. It has just become second-nature, through co-op; if I want to go see it, I see it. I have no insecurities of being alone. But I didn't take into account that I would literally be alone for five days, traveling Europe companionless, and turning to my side to relay happiness or excitement and coming up emptyhanded. Being a backpacking traveler takes guts and a level of outgoingness that I don't know if I am really qualified for. It's fun at first, and then you start running out of distractions. Your mind starts confronting itself and the issues that are usually suppressed by music, mindless chatter, and other distractions. You meet other travelers, and you chat the same mindless chatter about where you've been and how long you're on the road, but ultimately, it's just you and the road. And a tons of strangers. At the same time, I know I could be spend this precious time in Basel with people that I love, rather than see the world, alone. 

I arrived in Vienna early in the morning, got to the hostel, and really just wanted to sleep. I got an awkward 1.5 hours of sleep from a failed attempt at staying up all night. I felt guilty, but knew if I didn't get some rest, I would have a worthless day in the city, so I took a quick nap and then headed out for some exploration. Saw St. Stephen's cathedral, and went back again at night. There is just something so moving about seeing a cathedral at night, with the candlelight and the solemn aire absent of tourists. You can really feel connected to the space.

Went to a butterfly house, which was a nice break from the old architecture that all starts to look the same after awhile, no matter how much you love it. Then to the Albertina art museum, which is in the Hapsburg Imperial Palace. There were some stunning pieces by Egon Schiele, who I've come to love from my Christie's days, Dürer, and then a huge huge exhibition on Van Gogh. It was so thorough, showed every aspect of his life, just wonderful. The gallery was situated in regular museum spaces, as well hanging in the palace rooms, so you could experience the period interiors, and enjoy the art. This museum was probably one of my favorites that I went to while in Europe this summer. The gardens outside were shady and perfect for a second nap of the day, and for a little sketching. 

At night, after doing a bit of wandering, I stumbled upon a Film Festival that was showing a 90s recording of a Tschaikovsky piece done by the Berlin Philharmonic. Really, only in Vienna would something like this appeal to a huge group of people. I really enjoyed it, because the atmosphere was great, situated between the Rathaus and the Hapsburg Theater. There were tons of food booths, and locals just enjoying the evening.

Went on a bike tour of Vienna the next day, and met a woman whose sister is a librarian in Napoleon! How crazy! 

But I am Le Tired...

A lot of things happening in my life lately, and too much thinking about the future. I try to savor each moment I have, but I can't help but thirst for more insight on to where I will be next. I don't want to wrap things up if they don't have to be. Sometimes I think of life like the boardgame Clue (funny, not the Game of Life). I just want to peek at that CONFIDENTIAL envelope in the middle. I just want to know Miss Scarlet, with the candlestick, in the Conservatory... or Lindsey, with_________, in the country of __________.

My train leaves in three hours, so I am trying to just stay up and wait it out. Perfect blogging opportunity. And time to brush up on my Sound of Music.

On Monday night, the small group came to my apartment for a little get-together. The big event was that I made Skyline dip! Woo! And people liked it! Woo! I must admit, my stomach was acting a little quirky afterwards, probably because I hadn't had it in so long. Funny thing, too, was that with this country being so famous for cheese, you cannot find a mild cheddar to save your life. And what is Skyline without the mound of cheese ontop? I tested a few cheeses, and found one that is pretty close to cheddar. It was a pretty good quality cheese. But no matter how quality, all I really wanted was some ridiculously fake calorific cheddar. We had some really great laughs. I, ironically, made another topless bar/tapas bar faux pas. I had a great discussion with Dave about my time here, and about the progression of the small group during this time. I can't explain the feeling of being used by God. I feel privileged, confused to why He would pick someone screwed up like me to be a messenger, but privileged nonetheless. He can be so mysterious.

Here we are: Chris, Lisa, Me, Lana, Mike, and Dave.

Today, I went shopping for some Euro-Pumas-but-not for my trip, and then came home to go on picnic in the park by my flat! I have wanted to go on a picnic there since the first time I saw this place. Cedric, Katie, and I had some bruschetta, fruit, and a cervelas salad. I am still getting used to the idea of calling something a salad that has absolutely no lettuce involved. We then went back to the flat and had this delicious chocolate and coconut dessert that Cedric made. I am telling you, the guys in this country know how to cook! It's great! I am still learning, but I am better off because of them. And then, I was reconnected to Seinfeld; watched "Yada Yada Yada" and "Muffin Tops." I feel like I have been unfaithful to Seinfeld, that I am having an affair with Friends, but it has been nice to have a break from the show about nothing. I was obsessed for awhile. Now it is under control.

Packed up my room tonight because I want to be able to spend my last three days in Basel, in Basel, and with the people that I love. I forgot how white this room could get. It looks as though my suitcases will close just fine. 

But will I?

Back to Sargans

It's been a lazy sunday, and I am loving every minute of it. No guilt, just soaking up the sunny rays and sipping coffee like a good girl. My goal was to begin and finish a mural, which hasn't started yet, but I will make a start before I go to bed today. It just feels so good to stop.

On Wednesday, Laura and Daniel and I had a computer party in the dining room, and Thursday, the Zermatt gang reunited to go to the "blindekuh" restaurant, about five minutes from the flat. The boys were looking sharp, so Laura and I dressed up, too, ironically, to not be seen. Yep, the "blindekuh" translates to "blind cow." The first restaurant was in Zurich, and now they are apparently all over the place. All the servers of the restaurant are blind, and the whole experience is designed to heighten your senses and help you experience the world of a blind person. As we were going through the light trap, we made a train, to arrive in a room of complete darkness, hearing some conversation and silverware clanking. I think this is when I felt the most "lost-in-translation," because they were speaking german to me, in the dark. Talk about being clueless. We felt around for our place setting, and found wine glasses, too many forks to be casual, and linen that for all we knew was tie-dye. I ordered "schwein mit pflaumen und rotwein." I can't believe I left without a single stain. As for cutting the meat, I just skipped it. I turned a gourmet meat into fair food; stabbed it with a fork, and gnawed like a barbarian... in Ann Taylor. We were in the dark for about 3 hours, and when coming out, my eyes felt like they were being stabbed. Sorry, that is graphic. But it was a lot of fun, a great new experience. Afterwards, went for drinks at Eiopso, a bar next door that is in an old warehouse. It was almost like cafeteria lunch tables, with funky dim light fixtures, and an ultra-hip bar; so many juxtapositions that could only come together in a city like Basel. Being in a warehouse like that, it kind of felt like Zoolander; I was just dying to see a walk-off.

On Friday, I went to Sam and Cat's new penthouse-warming party, plantless. It's funny to think about that whole "being an adult" thing. I just think of people in a sitcom, going to someone's new house and bringing a plant... do people do that in real life? 

Saturday was back to Sargans to see Sepp and Brigitte again, the couple that I met the second weekend or so in Switzerland. Doesn't seem that long ago, but it was. It was awesome to see them again, and cool to see Sargans went it wasn't storming. The mountains were gorgeous; no matter how many times I see them, I am still in awe. I just want to take photo after photo, but none of them capture the feeling the mountains give you: small, but enlivened. Went thrifting, and then to Bad Pfafers with Brigitte, which is famous for its pure and healthy hot spring water. People have gone to this region for hundreds of years because of its "healing" powers in the water, staying in the water for 6–7 days! It was absolutely stunning to see the cavern/gorge, where the waters cut through.

Apparently, the water takes 10.5 years to come from inside the earth to the surface; we saw water from the 90s!

Here we are, enjoying our day together...

Also, met a group of people running a printing press at the old resort at the springs. They apparently got the press from Coshocton (sp?), OHIO! How cool! They let me do a print, but I was totally not cut out for it. It was so heavy!

Walked back from the springs to the town, and encountered waterfall after waterfall. It was like we were walking in one of those moving photos that they sell in mall kiosks.

That evening, we made fondue, my first taste of it! It was awesome to have my first fondue in a Swiss family home. It felt homey and authentic. I think fondue is to the Swiss, as tomato soup and grilled cheese is to Americans. Perfect for a cold winter or rainy day. 

Afterwards, we went to church, and by chance, the leader of ICF Zurich was speaking. He is the founder of the ICF in Zurich, which also planted a group in Basel, where I go. He seems like a great person, with a great heart. The message was entitled, "Pimp my Life," a spoof on "Pimp my Ride." I didn't see how this was going to be biblically related; there is no way Jesus had big rims and a fishtank in the arm rest of his donkey. But it was cool, he explained it as "pimping" your heart and life with God, focusing on your inner life. I don't think I caught everything, as my translation was Brigitte whispering into my ear, and I still don't love the whole "pimping" analogy, but it was good to hear, and be encouraged to keep deepening my relationship with God.

Going to Austria and Germany this next week, and then before I know it, will be back in the States again to begin another quarter at UC. Doesn't time want to stop for a cup of coffee?

Take care. Love Linds.

Zer-Matterhorn

I really don't get tired of puns. Ever.

On Sunday, Cedric, Miggi, Daniel, Laura and I journeyed to the south of Switzerland to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. It's argueably the pinnacle of Switzerland...and completely saturated with Japanese tourists. There are so many Japanese tourists that all the signage is in German, English, and Japanese, and there are tons of Japanese restaurants!

After about 3 hours of sleep the night before, we all got together and took a long train ride down to Zermatt. Every time the announcer told us about the upcoming stop, she would speak in German, French, Italian (Swiss languages), Japanese (as we neared the Matterhorn), and then English. And every time, Laura would turn to me and say "This, this is for you." because we were all convinced that I was definitely the only American. Daniel asked me how many Americans I thought had ever been to the Matterhorn. I guessed 1%. I feel like Americans are not thinking of Switzerland as a top tourist destination. I don't know, I never really thought about taking a vacation to Switzerland before living here. Since we were on the early, we were surrounded by 60 year-old's hiking groups and the overambitious. We, on the other hand, were all brushing away sleep, but then when we started to travel into the more mountainous regions, we couldn't help but ooh and aah. Switzerland should be on the top of the tourist list! There were dozens of waterfalls, and rivers down below that were milky white, from the rock sediment and the sheer coldness from melted snow. I've been to the Rockies... the Alps have a sort of elegance that the Rockies lack. I think the cute little picturesque cottages tucked away help, too. 

Here is the majesty in all its glory:

We walked around the town a bit, and then headed for the mountain. Now you see, the others asked me why I was wearing sandals for the day, as we were leaving the flat, and I was sure that I would be ok, I can walk in anything. But for some reason, it did not cross my mind that we could be doing some serious, strenuous hiking. So there I was, the stupid american that was hiking up the crazy mountain in sandals, realizing I really haven't grown out of my asthma yet. But it really wasn't that bad, in the end. I was just a little dirtier than the rest, and felt even more rewarded in the end. 

On the way up, we went through the Ricola herb fields (REEEE-COL-AAAAAH!), and then decided we deserved a beer and bathroom break, and that we would stop to see this small black lake (that doesn't actually exist). Met some Austrians, and socialized a bit, before continuing up to the next gondola stop. We all agreed that we wanted to continue with the gondola. And then we stopped for lunch at another tucked-away place, and had the best Rosti I have had so far in Switzerland.

The gondola ride was gorgeous. I think this was my first time in a gondola (as I have never skiied either), besides at the Ohio State Fair, I guess, if that counts. First time up a mountain, at least. It was just stunning to see the small town get even small, and the snow masses get even larger. When we got out, it was windy and chilly (p.s. this was just at the top of the little matterhorn. I don't even know if you can go any farther without a pickaxe and a ridiculous amount of experience).

The Roomies!

The Group!

Laura and I waded in this melted snow lake, and tried to catch fish with our bare hands (so very unsuccessful). There was this random chapel up there as well. It reminded me of the small chapel/burials in New Orleans, more specifically, in the movie Double Jeopardy. I couldn't believe how lucky I was, to be up there with such great friends, and to have so much laughter and joy. The air was thin, but so pure. The only sounds were of the wind and the rushing water down below.

By the time we returned to the bottom, there was time for a quick coffee break, and then back on the train to go back to Basel. This trip was good bonding time, and good laughing time.

Once back in Basel, we had a traditional Swiss meal of racklette!
And it was so delish! There is this special hot plate contraption, where you heat cheese in your own little personal skillet, and then spice it and add meat bits and onion and garlic to your liking. And once the cheese in browned and bubbling a bit, you scrape it out onto some potatoes. It is sort of like a glorified baked potato...but so much more fun to make and eat. I don't think I have ever eaten that much cheese in my life. So. Much. Cheese. I love to prepare food with my friends here (actually, I have become a lot better cook because of these people, and the fact that Switzerland has no pre-cooked food choices, so you just have to learn). This was one of the BEST days!

Monday was low-key at work, and I headed to Liestal afterwards for Bible study. There were just four of us, but God was there, definitely. We watched one of the Nooma videos with Rob Bell, about breathing, and how breathing can be see as the name of God. This video was beyond awesome, and I would really like to get my hands on some of the DVDs. Just some good perspectives that I never thought of before. The best part of the evening was that God was telling me to talk about the "Receive" week at Crossroads last year. It was weird, because it didn't have much to do with the conversation, but I told about it anyways. Come to find out, it was exactly what needed to be said, and related with us all in an interesting way, and one member specifically. It is crazy how God can use us sometimes, and we have no idea what we are doing.

Tonight was a "clean the flat because we can't stand it anymore" night. Jamming to Amy Winehouse, I now no longer feel like an animal.

One quick sidenote before I go to bed: I am taking violin for the first time in the fall! It's official! I am so excited. I just hope I can play.

Guten nacht! —Linds 

Pasttimes, Past Time

Sitting here on the balcony, drinking up the cool peace of the evening, I am accompanied by candlelight and coffee in a clear mug. There's just something invigorating about striking a match, and the way the flames stand out against the night, growing more prominent as the sky darkens and the time passes. It only seems appropriate to be listening to "Can't Take It In" by Imogen Heap.

 

"Every hair on my body

Has got a thing for this place.

...

It couldn't be any more beautiful, I can't take it in.

...

All that I wanted. 

All that I ever needed.

All that I wonder

So beautiful."

It has been a long time. Time has passed, and life's plot has thickened; I don't want to put this book down. I am going to try to re-cap some of the instances that have occurred in the past two weeks, and hopefully not think too long and hard how time passes in the States, too. It's comfortable to think that the U.S.-ians are stagnant while I am on the move here in Europe. I don't want to miss anything. Honestly, if I had my way, I would just plop all of you here in Basel and consciously collide my worlds. Took a short nap before writing this post, and I woke up to homemade pizza. I just can't get over how blessed I am to have such a wonderful group of roommates. Roger left on Wednesday for the Netherlands for a few months. You live life with a smile on your face, and then the rug is pulled out from under you, and you're reminded of the beautiful nuances of life again; unfortunately, this awakening happens when the beauties wane or change colors, and you can't have them much longer.

Had a "blind date" with one of Mirjam's friends named Christina. It was crazy... we were both standing in Barfüsserplatz, and hadn't thought to ask what the other looked like, but after some texting, we figured out who was who. It was a really great evening, making another new friend, laughing, and being able to talk about how God has been working in our lives. It is refreshing to see what encounters God can create to revamp you.

Took a walk one night behind the bahnhof, a part of town I rarely visit. There were some really crazy shops, even a doll hospital. In the window display, there was a tray of doll eyes, and piles of doll limbs and heads. In the dark of the night, goosebumps creeped in.

Last weekend, I took some time to just relax and enjoy Basel. Funny how you forget it is summer sometimes, and THIS is the chance you have before the craziness of school again. Went to the flea market on Saturday morning, and feasted upon centuries of oldness—you could smell time. There was a signed folio of work by Jean Tinguely that I loved, but was 2,000 CHF, so it stayed there. There were boxes of clock ingredients—faces, hands, gears and straps. Antique typewriters held half-written letters, and leather bags teemed with stories to tell. Went on an organized walking tour of Basel that afternoon. I couldn't believe I wanted to do this, as I do my own little walking tour every day and don't charge myself, but I was craving the history lesson. Being a designated tourist opens your eyes again. That evening, Katie and I went to my friend Lisa's in Liestal for homemade dinner and a movie. We watched "Frühstück an den Tiffany's" — and it was even an unanimous decision! I, of course, loved it, but one of Lisa's friends did not really care for it. I think it was the American culture that caused the confusion; subtitles can't give you everything. It was awesome answering some of her questions about America on the train back to Basel.

Sunday was spent lingering over omelettes and working on some freelance work at, gasp, Starbucks. I caved, and got an iced latte. At church, we continued our study on Nehemiah, and talked about rebuilding Jerusalem, and following your vision. Nehemiah prayed for many months before asking the king's permission and support to go and rebuild. He asks for everything he needs, with confidence, knowing God will provide, because Nehemiah's plans are in Him. There was also an analogy I really liked about going "to the ends of the earth." The end of the earth is going all the way around the world to come right back to your next door neighbor. Nehemiah goes back to his roots, to help rebuild his ancestry, to bring glory to God's name.

After church, Katie and I went to see The Dark Knight... finally! I will never understand the delayed release system of Hollywood. Don't they know there are antsy people like me here in Switzerland? It was awesome, but seriously scary. Katie and I have been having dreams about the Joker, and Daniel has been using that to his full advantage to scare us! :) Guess what... there was an intermission! Yea, randomly in the middle of an action scene, the screen dimmed and a graphic soared from the side to the center exclaiming the smoke break. It was so haphazard. There was also an extremely humorous old man who worked at the theater. I think I am just going to have to relay this story in person, because I tried typing it, and it just didn't capture the full funny.

A fly just got caught in the wax of my tealight. I can only think of Jurassic Park, with that mosquito in the amber of the old man's cane. "It's in yer blood!"

This week flew by, as all of them tend to do these days. I have been sitting in cafés with kaffees, lately, reading my latest Toni Morrison treat. The descriptive sentences just seem to envelop me. I was walking by the fountain by the river, nose-in-book and oblivious to the trams and people around me when I looked up and was like, I am Belle right now. Confiserie Schiesser is my new favorite place. The interior is all dark wood, the whole place smells like warm chocolate, and they bring your drink on a small silver platter. You can't help but feel special. 

On Tuesday, we celebrated Katie's birthday and ate at a quaint little Swiss restaurant across the train tracks. Came back to the apartment for Roger's goodbye gathering. There were alot of people I knew, and a few new people to meet as well. It was such a great night of learning about other cultures, that is, painful, but good. I have been learning the value of cultural understanding while being here. It is something I don't think you can learn by just hearing stories; it takes situations to teach. Flat out, nationality stereotypes can be evil. And let me tell you, the American stereotype is a sly double-edged sword. When it comes to entertainment, people can soak you up, but mentions of politics and lifestyle burn all bridges. Black becomes ultra-black and white becomes untintable; it is forgotten that these two colors can mix and balance into grey. Frequently, somewhere in conversation I become Bush and I am personally at fault for the ruins of this world. All of us are puking out what we've been fed by our country's version of the media, searching for a common fact, searching for some sort of ultimate solution. What starts as a question in search of a true answer can become a wretched, divisive wall. But I am convinced that through this is understanding; being a hunter-gatherer of people's viewpoints and experiences broadens horizons., With this, you can begin to transcend language, heritage, or even political affiliation to remember we are all still just us, friends picked from around the world and placed in a flat to learn from each other, and become better people because of it. 

Meghan arrived on Thursday morning! It was so awesome having her here, as she passes through to her next study abroad destination. It was fun to exchange stories, and show her around this city that I love. We got to go to the Imagine festival, a world fair with lingering incense and some live indie rock music. Loved the Belgian group Balthazar, and UK's Chikinki was pretty good, too. Here is a link to hear Balthazar. Meg and I tried some fried cheese on bread that was amazing, and some Indian food that beats Krishna and Amol any day. Basel has had a lot of festivals so far this summer; it is nice to see the city come alive and overflow with people. Came home and thought that Daniel and Laura were to bed, and that Meghan would possibly leave without getting to meet them, when I found them in living room watching Monk in German. We all had some good laughs, discussing hot Egyptians, singing from the Little Mermaid, and introducing Daniel and Laura to Dane Cook. The Kool-Aid man jokes don't mean anything to people who don't know what Kool-Aid is. This part of the evening was one of my favorite memories of my time here so far.

Saturday we went to Germany and France to be with Kara for the day! Went to the Alsace region for a lovely day in quaint Kayserberg. We climbed some castle ruins to be rewarded with this gorgeous view of wine country.

Look how cute she is! :)

Was on the street and saw someone on a park bench with a sweet giveaway bag from this year's Art Basel festival in mid-June. I asked the woman where she got it, or where I could buy one, and she just GAVE it to me. I was floored. I didn't know people still did that! She literally just took out all of her stuff, put it in a neat pile next to her, and handed it to me with a smile. Wow.

Well, if you are still here reading, I congratulate you for surviving this very long post. Love you all. 

—Linds

Bern: The D.C. of Switzerland

I have a problem. 

I get sucked into Internet quicksand too easily, and see the hours dwindle away in The New York Times, the Olympics,A Adium, on Facebook, and Wiki-ing nonsense. Not to mention an unhealthy addiction to the Friends DVDs box sets. I guess what I am getting at is that I spend all day at work in front of a screen, and then come home to a screen. I use these things as a supplement, as a crutch, as a distraction. I need to scrounge my way out of this boggy sand. So. I will not be online, unless for work purposes, for the next week. And Friends, I am limiting to one episode a day, if any (yep, it was that bad). Will probably check my mail briefly. I need this.

Just came back from seeing Into the Wild at the Open Air cinema in Münsterplatz with my roommate Katie. After a rousing game of 20 questions (seriously, it was a lot of fun), and a free ice cream, we enjoying the most expensive movie I have ever been to... a whopping 19 CHF... but wow,what a moving film. Being on my own little journey right now, it has put a looking glass up onto my time here, and driven some questions into my heart that I just keep ignoring. One of the most moving parts was when Alexander Supertramp wrote between the lines in his book "Happiness only real when shared." Going into the wild to be free, only to become trapped. Rent it...very powerful.

Church on Sunday evening was sweet. The night before, I was unable to get to sleep until like 5am, so it was difficult to concentrate, but the service was awesome because we are beginning to study Nehemiah; I KNOW I have never read this book. It just sort of gets lost in the abyss of the Old Testament for me, so it is great to actually take a look at this book. We discussed society, and as Christians, how we sometimes tend to talk about society as a "them" rather than an "us." The pastor passes around a bunch of newspapers, and we read them for five minutes, and then prayed about how we could help, leave a life of comfort and looking in, and rather be involved in prayer and action. With the way I have been addicted to the news lately, I thought it was such an interesting way to open our eyes to the world in a different way. I was "reading" (in quotes because the papers were in German and I was going off cognants and online news from earlier in the week) about the Georgian-Russian-(American) conflict. It was a good thing, for as frustrated as I am with the political actions of America and the impact it has had on me here, I must associate myself with these relational problems, as do the Swiss. I cannot be a condemning outsider; we are all in the problem, and all capable of moving towards a solution. 

Sunday afternoon I took a short trip to Bern, the country's capital, which is about an hour away. It is a lot like Basel, in its small-town vibe. The arcaded walkways and quirky shops were fun to peruse, as well as the Zentrum Paul Klee, who was born here, did some work here, and later headed to Germany to work with the Blaue Reiter group and the Bauhaus. Check out this sweet thing I found in the gift shop.

There was an exhibition there about Klee's study of botanicals, but I really didn't get much out of it. This, though, was pretty cool, a theater group doing a performance ontop of the Renzo Piano structure. It was cool until it started raining.

I just thought this was picturesque.

Because the bear was the first animal hunted in the area, it became the city's "mascot" and is on the canton flag. They even have live bears as "pets" in the city.

I have never seen a river quite as blue as the one in Bern... with a lot of green in it. Saw the giant glockenspiel, where the people come out at the strike of each hour. And I saw the "White House" of the city, where the seven person board functions as their President. It is difficult to see this "board" at the same level as Bush. It just seems so small here, like it could possibly be a state government, but not over a whole country! The board members apparently catch the tram to work, and have no bodyguards whatsoever. 

Here's another picture I loved from the journey:

Well, I guess this is c-ya until next week. Take care. Love Linds.

...And All That Jazz

This week was one of the fastest, by far. The beginning of the week was rainy, pouring for two straight days. My balcony was flooded with four inches of water, with no drainage, and it still hasn't evaporated. How long does that take, anyways, to evaporate that much? I guess we'll see, or if bugs start coming, I might just take a mug and scoop it all out and throw it into the garden below.

My parents came back from Paris on Wednesday, and we took a long walk around the city, and rode the small ferry that crosses the river. These boats are so cute! They run with a pulley and the current. It is really only 5 minutes on a tiny boat, but they're fun, so I was glad to do this. Ate at Zum Schnafel, which I pass everyday going to work. It was Swiss-authentic...home-y, wood coming at you from all angles, and leaded glass "bar chandeliers." I had some veal with Rosti, best compared to hashbrowns. I love Swiss cooking! 

After Mom and Dad's departure, I decided to venture to Münchenstein, a small town in Basel-land, on Thursday. I went to the Schaulager, a building designed by Herzog and de Meuron (they are a small architecture army that has officially taken over the edificial world). 

They had a great exhibit with work by Andrea Zittel (Brooklyn) and Monika Sosnowska (Poland). The space is huge, and worked well with the large and abstract works of these women. I got to know Lynn, a security guard who works there, who was absolutely awesome. I was going into one of the Sosnowska pieces, that was actually an endless hallway that ended up going straight into the ceiling. She asked me if I could see the "end," but I thought she asked me if I could see the "hand." I went back in there for a good 10 minutes, and came out with my confused face. She was just laughing, and then I realized the misunderstanding. I think I ended up talking with her for 20 minutes, laughing about life mostly. One of the best parts was that the Katharina Fritsch "Rat King" is permanantly installed here. I learned about this in 8th grade during my research project! How awesome to see this giant (12 foot tall) piece, especially after so many years.

I had read before I went that the old Haas Type Foundry was in Münchenstein as well, aka the Birthplace of Helvetica. I remembered that I just needed to take one road and then turn left onto Gutenbergstrasse and it would be on my right. I failed to look at the distance of the walk, which I believe was actually a little over a mile away. About 10 minutes into my walk and after being passed by a five year old on a scooter, I asked an old man if Gutenbergstrasse was ahead. He spoke no English, but talked to me loudly in German, as if that would make me magically understand. I did get, though, that I needed to turn left and some point...which I already knew. He kept saying tram, but I couldn't figure out if he wanted me to take it or follow it. I said "danke," we parted, and I walked for another 10 minutes or so when I heard a yelling from the other side of the street. The old man was following me, making sure I made the turn at the right time! How sweet! I thought often WHY didn't I take the tram, especially as it was darkening, and I was passing many stops. Arrived at the old foundry and saw that it had become a kindergarten. 

I think I imagined that Max would just come out and give me a tour of the place... which doesn't even exist anymore... or at least find a job stick or a lost metal letter on the ground or something. But no. Just a lame-o kindergarten. I was a true stalker and took some pictures and looked in some windows. But I was just glad to see it. 

As I was walking away, I was attacked by a weiner dog, and his old man owner started laughing and speaking to me in German. After he realized I was American, we got to talking. He was born in France, works at Novartis, and had consistently traveled in Russia and Poland for work for 25 years. This man has quite the language talent! And he had been living in Münchenstein long enough to know people from the foundry! HOW COOL! He talked about the day that they moved out. AH! And then... he wanted to tell me a thing or two about American Politics. This was completely uncomfortable, but sincerely interesting to hear. All I could say (since he was clearly well-informed and I agreed with a lot that he had to say concerning Bushism) was "I hope you do not lump together the American people with American politics." He really wasn't concerned with what I had to say; he probably just wanted someone to talk to, and how often do you have an American roaming your streets in small town Münchenstein, anyways? But it was a great experience. I have been learning alot here about the European viewpoints of America. But that is for another day...

Friday night was the 25th Annual "Em Bebbi sy Jazz," which roughly translates as the "Basel-people's Jazz Festival," I think. The city was transformed! It hasn't been this crowded since the EuroCup. Small stages peppered the city, and there was food like you wouldn't believe. We have been having a cold spell, so I was at the festival in a t-shirt, sweater, and scarf, with jeans. It was so beautiful, seeing the nooks and crannies of the city, usually empty during the day, packed to the brim at night, lit up oh-so-romantically, and jazz music flowing from courtyard to courtyard. It was very dreamlike. I could have lived in those hours forever. There were all types of jazz, from quiet Miles Davis, to Duke, to trumpets gone wild, to Lawrence Welk, with dancing! There was one group called Ed Elastic that Laura and I saw that were phenomenal. So much energy and improv talent... they even had fireworks! 

Today, I was very lazy, capitalizing on the warm sunshine and comfort of no alarm clock. Yep, got out of bed at noon and loved it. Journeyed into the city after a delish omelette, and took some shots with my SLR. Check out this cute one!

Did a little looking and a little shopping, and sat by the river and watched the sun go down as I journaled. And good news! The hostel in Rome has my lost journal! It has been lost for two weeks now, and I sent them many emails, and the train station many emails, and got no response. Decided to break down and call the hostel... and they had it! Hopefully they will be mailing it soon.

Tired now. Tschüss.

Berl-inexplicable

Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening; wherever (whenever) you are, I am so happy you're here. I come to you from a simple Basel balcony, soaking up the fresh rain smell and drinking orange juice from the carton by candlelight. I am in a fleece right now, so it's hard to believe it's summer, and that it is quickly waning. I remember thinking, wow, it it'll be awhile until my parents arrive... it is now the middle of their European journey. One of the coolest things was that they packed a few bags for me! Mainly so that I can send some things home with them (my bag was 49.5lbs. on the way here, so it'll for sure be over on the way back), but also to restock my book supply, and to bring some American "delicacies" to my roommates here in die Schweiz. Check out these happy Swiss!  

Believe it or not, you cannot find white marshmallows here! A colored marshmallow is available in the candy store. Daniel picked some up on the way home from work, and we compared the two. I think I am still partial to the classic white. We turned off all the lights, and roasted marshmallows over candles in our dining room, holding them with corn-on-the-cob spikes. It was such an amazing time, and good bonding. Daniel said that he had only ever seen Pop-Tarts on TV. Wow. And, I must mention... we took a look at the nutrition facts... I haven't seen such high numbers in a long time. Also partook in some fluffernutter-making, watching the marshmallows grow to 5x their size in the microwave, nearing explosion. Oh, the small pleasures.

Friday, I had work off, and was able to travel to Berlin with my parents. What an awesome city! It is an oxymoron of a place, really, old and brimming with history, yet also young because of history... and its divisive destruction. In one area of the city, there are buildings with black sootmarks and patched checkered marble, where the evidence of a battered Berlin is still present, while in another area is donned by skyscrapers by signature architects trying to prove themselves... giant phallic symbols, really. 

After a quick flight, we had just a little time before our bike tour of the city, and guess where we went...

AAAH! So. Very. Awesome. This wasn't the Bauhaus building, but a fantastic museum documenting the design approach of the Bauhaus, and archiving its history that has become my present. Remember Sources second year? Remember J.A. Chewning's emphasis on the Good Design exhibition? Well, I was greeted with original documents from this, and my eyes lit up (they didn't light up like this when we had our quiz, that's for sure). A whole room of Breuer metal tubing chairs. There was early student work of grayscales and paint chips and bristol that sent shivers down my spine. Here they were, Gropius and Bill, Albers and Klee and Kandisky...all of these guys that are the Grandfathers of DAAP! We had such little time, (and let's face it, with the way I approach museums and my interest, I could have spent all day), but I am so glad I got to experience this Mecca. I literally felt like skipping down the street after seeing this. My heart was skipping, at least. 

The bike tour was awesome. I am not usually one for organized tours, but this was really great because the tour guide was young, and a history undergrad, architecture masters grad who knew his stuff. And not to mention whipping around the city by bike. It is actually embarrassing how much I had forgotten about the history of WWII and the Cold War, at one time pounded into my head with AP American History, but it was great to have someone there who could just tell it to you, and also point out the architectural details of the city. We visited the Reichstag, Brandenberg Tor, the Tiergarten, Hitler's Bunker (where Hitler took his life), what is left of the Berlin wall, Potsdamer Platz, the square where Hitler held his book burning, Checkpoint Charlie, the Hotel Adler (the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his baby)... and many other historical (or in the case of MJ, random) landmarks of the city. There was an Egyptian musuem that had a neon light sign outside of it (behind some corinthian columns, an interesting mix) that read, "All Art Has Been Contemporary." I liked that.

Modern architecture I liked by IM Pei.

One of the most moving pieces was the Eisenmann memorial for the Jewish people of the Holocaust. The blocks differ in height; they begin just peering over the ground, and as you travel further into the memorial, the ground slopes downward and the blocks grow to tower above you. It is interesting, because similarly to how Hitler took power, the blocks seem harmless and manageable at first, and then before you know it, you're trapped and alone; overcome. 

Saturday morning, we went to Sachsenhausen concentration work camp. I cannot fully talk about it on a blog; it was too graphic. I can tell you though, that I had an intense feeling of guilt, just by trodding the same ground that was once ridden by death, and still feels darkly obliterated. I felt guilty of being part of a humanity that could commit such crime against its own. I began to see how very real this part of our history is... and then remembering that haenous crimes such as these are still happening today, with no erected memorials and no guided tours, as they have not ended yet. 

Our train to Orienenberg traveled the same tracks as the prisoners' trains did. We arrived at Tower A, the highest watchtower and gates to the camp. Here, the gates read:

"Work will set you free." If only they knew "free" was the last thing they would get. We went into some original barracks, completely overwhelming. They smelled like the 40s. Do you know what I mean? My arms went numb, and my heart hurt, bleeding tears. There were small museums inside the buildings with documents and pieces found at the site. There were stories begging to be read and remembered, as not to be repeated. And then there were the drawings and paintings. I think this is when I let my lip quiver and I surrendered to emotion. Some 2o year old kid like me, with much different scenes to paint. 

The guide, who was very good, by the way, asked us to congregate in the once common room so that she could tell us some more information about the time period. She asked if everyone was comfortable. Comfortable! And if we weren't, she could get us some wooden boxes to sit on. COMFORTABLE! Nothing would make this comfortable! And I hope it wasn't, for anyone. This feeling should never be comfortable. Never.

I would love to share more with you about this experience, one-on-one. Just ask me.

Berlin was a great experience, and I am so happy that I could take this trip and recall old facts and learn more. I am not sure if I could see myself living there, but it is a city full of hope, and will most certainly be different in the next 10 years, and again 20 years. Art (and time) will rebuild this city.

On Sunday evening, I made some traditional Swiss foods for my parents, and then we went to church at ICF. The sermon this week was about Matthew 28:19, "Go and make disciples of all nations..." I cannot tell you how much the words "all nations," "global," and "around the world" scream these days in praise songs and passages. People in Switzerland are on fire for God, too. Sometimes it is hard for me to grasp the idea of time passing in the U.S. while I am here, that the Swiss and the Americans are praising God simultaneously. How Freaking Awesome! To see God's church spread like wildfire around the world, and to see opportunities arise in my life to begin to share God "with all nations." I feel this calling, to reach out to others here and beyond! Now, I have no clue as to what this really entails, and I am not going to try and decipher it too much. Sometimes I get caught up in trying to plan, and trying to see how graphic design fits into all of this, but I know that God will lead if I will let Him. So much easier said than done, but I am excited to see where He takes me next.

Guten morgen, Guten tag, Guten abend. After a liter of orange juice, laundry washed and candles extinguished, I end this post with my sincere missing of you all. I love you and so does He.

Linds.