the melting pot, my melting point

Before I forget, I must tell you that I needed to switch the time zone on my computer to receive the correct time on my desktop, and now, the computer knows I am in Switzerland, and Blogspot is coming up in all German! I didn't know it could do that. Computers may very well take over our world. As long as they are Apples...

Yesterday afternoon and evening were interesting. Went shopping in the afternoon, to stock up on some unpackable supplies and to explore the city. Basel was officially invaded by orange, that is, Dutch soccer fans. Orange jerseys, orange clogs, orange braids; a group of people even dyed a fountain orange and were jumping around in it! It was hilarious... all of them would constantly walk one direction, towards the stadium, then stop to camp and drink, and then pick up and keep walking. 

My roommates and I found a park by the central train station to chill, have a few drinks, and play cards. We met a fun group of Russians (I heard there were 10,000 Russians here, and 150,000 Dutch...) by our park hangout. They were drinking vodka and iced tea. I haven't heard of that one, but then again, I am no liquor expert.

Later, we met up with some of Roger's friends to go to a FanZone to watch the game. One area that we tried was literally one of the most packed places I have ever been. More intense than New Years at Times Square. There were probably about 8 of us, train-like, weaving through masses of screaming sweaty people. Unable to see the game, but unable to do anything about it. Went to the edge of the Rhein, to watch the game on the giant screen above the river. It was less crowded, but still completely orange-invaded. This night was not so fun for me. I was glad to have met some of Roger's friends, one of which will be taking his place when he goes to serve in the army in July, but I just didn't know how to fit in. I frequently forget how to just be myself, relax, and make new friends. I drank way too much, and felt absolutely ashamed and sick. This was not the impression I wanted to make. I found myself drinking, thinking that would be the avenue in which we would all connect. It wasn't. I just made a fool of myself. I have been praying with all my might today that God can "rewrite" this situation for the better. I am so thankful for them, taking care of me and all. They don't even know me. They really were more like Jesus than I was, and I was the one with the "intention." Hmm...

Today is Sunday. I have yet to find a church here. Roger says there is definitely nothing like Crossroads, and I can believe that. I am going to look for some sort of church community, but today I watched the second PRIDE sermon from Crossroads. So convicting. God just keeps tearing me down. I know this is good, that I need to struggle, but I don't know how much I can handle, especially being miles away from those that I love. I have to turn to you, God. And stay there.

Took a very long walk today, all around the city, trying to plan my route to work. The tram system here is amazing—efficient and clean and timely—but for the first few weeks I want to walk, for the exercise and to get acclamated. I don't want to miss any of this cultural action. Went to McDonalds to get an iced coffee, and they don't have it here! The only thing close is an espresso shot poured over ice cream. It's ok, but I would prefer an iced hazelnut :( And there are Starbucks here, but "forgettah boutit" because a tall latte is 8 Swiss Francs. Yea, I may come back from here less of an addict, who knows.

Watched the Italy/Spain game tonight on the TV at home; Spain won in penalty kicks, and will play Russia here in Basel for the semi-finals. I am an Italia fan, duh, but the Spanish had some great energy, and it was great for them because they have not beat the Italians since 1920! Needless to say, there is more action to come. 

Roger gave me some chocolates tonight to welcome me to Switzerland. That is when it hit me how much God really does answer prayers. He took a total chance on me, and is welcoming me with open arms. How Jesus-like is that. I pray God that you use me here, somehow.

socc-cr-cr-cr-crazy

I am here. This is the first official blog post in Switzerland!

Yesterday was officially the longest day of my life, with all of the flight time lapses, but that didn't stop me from going out last night to watch the Turkey/Croatia game on the huge screen in the city center, with my roommates Roger and Katie. The city was crazy last night, after Turkey won in penalty kicks (no one wanted them to win, because they have just barely won many of their games, and have a boastful spirit about it). I heard them cheering and honking literally all night. The city is beautiful—very clean, modern and old world charm.The advertisements on bus stops are absolutely gorgeous, with roots of Swiss design gleaming through each piece; I hope their chocolate is as pure as their design. No home-printed posters about pyramid schemes, either. 

Roger took me for a tour of the city a little yesterday, which was awesome. We stopped by my design firm; it is in an old building, and feels like a total time warp. I checked their website yesterday, and saw that they updated it, and now I am even more excited to start working there! It's www.edge-group.ch. I am not at all oriented with the city yet. I went for a short run this morning, and I know the neighboring streets, but nothing extensive yet. Tomorrow is my big learning day.

The apartment is absolutely breathtaking. This is probably the nicest place I have ever stayed. I have a huge room, tons of sunlight pouring it, and a private balcony. The apartment is all hardwood. I will post a few pictures when I have time.

Tonight is the Holland/Russia game, here in Basel! I'll be back in the city center tonight to watch from the screen. The Dutch have been here since yesterday afternoon, decked out in their orange gear. There is a giant 20m high hammering man artwork piece, with a moving hammering arm, and he was draped in orange for team spirit. The maintainance crew for the tram, who usually wear orange, actually had to change the color of their uniforms for the time being, because fans were running up to them, into danger!

Off to go explore now. Cannot tell you how much I miss you all. I am learning a little German, but I do get lonely when everyone around me is speaking it. 

the "slow triangle"

The weather here is a perfect 72. The clouds are in perspective, and the vast flatness just makes the sky that much bigger. I was driving with the windows down, hair blowing madly, when the van in front of me dramatically slowed. Breaking from the cruise control, I was miffed to see the "slow triangle" on the tractor in front of us. As it turned into the next drive, I couldn't help but smile at the two boys in the cab with their father, "helping."

I have had some wonderful conversations with friends the past few days. It is awesome how God can speak through people, believers and non-believers alike. Watched Capote, which is probably one of the most moving films I have seen in a long time, that is, the parallels between Truman and Perry. Just rent it, ok? It's 1.07 at Family Video. 

I have been learning about love recently. I have been learning not to resist loving, in order to wait for an exchange, but to give it freely with no expectations. God does that every day. He doesn't wait until you're ready, but is constantly pouring His love into you. To be like God, we must love expecting nothing in return, and truly praising Him when it is an exchange. I think there is probably much more to love than we realize now.

Go outside. I am.

the hills are alive...with the itch of fire ants

I feel as though I need to write, as to assure all of my [2] readers that I am mentally stable. 

Today was great. Watched Silence of the Lambs at the ripe time of 7pm—early enough in the evening to not be scared out of my mind. Bought a book about Switzerland, Irresistible Revolution, and a small, train-size reference Bible. Started packing a bit, and I think I'll be able to fit it all into my baggage allowance. I will not overpack, I will not overpack...

I had a random thought today, of how much I would love to teach design someday. I think I would be shortchanging students if I pursued teaching after graduation, within 10 years of graduation even, but I would love to see that in the distant future, ah! I would love to be a Robin Williams-type in Dead Poets Society; I want to inspire, dig out the seeds that are inherantly planted and water them, and help the students water each other's. I want to break them free from the classroom and show them life. Yes, yes I do know that I am a mere 21. But a girl can dream, right?

The Napoleon evening was beautiful, until I realized that I was sitting in a large fire ant hill by the roses in front of our house. We have one cat and a kitten right now, and they have brought me a lot of smiles in the past few days. 

I am still struggling here, but I am starting to turn to God again. It is amazing how the seasons of your life can change so quickly.

"storm and stress" movement

As of 1:30am Thursday morning, I am back in Napoleon. 

I am enveloped in a swirling charade, and it's hard not to just sleep away my time. I like to pretend, and go along with their charades, because their is comfort in non-confrontation.  I feel like we're a Louis Vuitton trying to hide our plastic-y leather, stubborn zipper, and the fact that it was bought off of a blanket on Fifth avenue and not from the flagship store. 

No one will be real with me. And the longer I am in this charade, the more the problems scream and my will to confront them cedes. I can't be the strong Cincinnati woman, only a confused and lonely girl of 18, because that is who I was when I left Napoleon. What is my role now—a parent, a peer, a friend—and can I be that?

The thunder is crashing outside, the sky vastly dark. The windows are tear-stained. I feel so stuck. And Switzerland in less than a week seems far from real. 

an interesting crit...

Lord, you will grant us peace. 

All we have accomplished is really from you.

[Isaiah 26:12]

stuck? no.

I cling to you;

your strong right hand holds me securely.

[Psalm 63:8]