A Breather

Deone was in my Sunday school class years ago in PE. We have known each other since 1994 and last week she came from Arisaig for a visit. What a great week we had.

Well, we chatted like sisters about boyfriends, parents, religion, church...purposes and destiny...and many more things.

Deone was set on cooking and eating healthely, so we bought some decent food and shared delicious meals every night. She is a great cook, by the way, even the breakfast deals are cool. So...that is from where this increased appetite comes...I just want to eat all I can and see since she has left.

She left yesterday...after we walked down the mountain and missed the bus, because I didnt have smaal change...ai. But then took another connection to Brunnen, from where she took the train to Zürich.

On Friday, we explored Lake Lucerne. Someone gave us a ticket for the lake...so we went all over, stopped in Brunnen for some sightseeing and then onwards again to Flüelen, where we unfortunately couldn't get off anymore. What and excellent way to take pics and spend time.

Josephine was really keen on dancing on Friday, but we opted on a quite eve at home, packing and chatting.

I was challenged by the Rigi mountain on Thursday. I must admit, being fit in PE with even surfaces doesn't mean elevated fitness at all. But we made it to Rigi Kaltbad, had some croissants, were still intreaged by all the chapels and then walked down briskly...since you just can't do a slow hike downhill.

On Monday we were surprised by rain, but ventured into Lucerne anyway, where me met Josephine and ended up shopping- not just window shopping. We also went for a quick, brief visit to Lugano...we thought we would have more time there, but due to traffic and slow goes, it's quite difficult to manage 134km in less than 2 hours.

This week was great breather and quality time spent...and amazing how time flies. I should be up and packing in about 4 weeks time...

Great News

I get a visitor tomorrow!! Yeah! Deone Loots is coming all the way from Scotland...and we'll be having loads of fun this coming week. There is some snow on the mountains on the moment and it is raining.

The Blatters (Sue and Sürü) are on vacation next week as well, and I'll just keep the office running a bit, while hopefully climbing the Rigi at long last, and do a boat trip, and go to an art exibit. Wow!!!! Well, I will keep you posted to what is happening here. To all great weekend!

In all honest truth

Sunday and yesterday were by far the 2 most stretching days, since I am in Switzerland...Saturday, I was on a complete high, intoxicated by the Word and God's love and promises, when Sunday came...

It was quite. I felt homeless and completely homesick...and I had a crave to be with my people...

I just lost control and cried my eyes out until I couldn't anymore...but, I took the ship to Lucerne and met up with Josephine a Kenian friend of mine for some coffee at Starbucks: a place I haven't been to since my time in Taiwan. She also goes with me to the international Church of Lucerne, and it was uplifting to chat with her. She is actually a medical doctor, but study German here in Lucerne now. She also blessed me with a bunch of beautiful apples...and it reminded me of the scripture...Ps 17:8...'You have kept me as the apple of your eye...'

To top that, Sürü and Sue decided to bless me with some extra funds...and I knew...Phil 4:19 ...'My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.'

And when I took the boat back to Weggis this morning, it was quite. We were only 2 on the boat. I had a coffee and I had 50' to take some advice from Paul from 2 Corinthians...and I realized that I have to get my mind obedient to Christ in all circumstances, but that He is strong when I am weak.

So, I can relax again...

Mad(about)cow

I love cows. Actually the truth is, I am crazy about cows. And I think every farmer's daughter would understand what I mean.

Yesterday I went down to Weggis and the annual 'Viehausstellung' was well under way on the school's parking area. It was ten o'clock. Cows were lined up for the judges and everyone was already drinking something more than just tea...also understandable. It was freezing again.

Ons thing which is really true about Switzerland is the bells around the cows necks. Each bell has a different sound and when there are about 10 cows out on the pasture, the bells make a beautiful melodious sound.

Well, enough about cows now. Today is Sunday...and I still have to find a bed to sleep in for tonight. I might be going to Lucerne and stay there for the week in Sürü's flat since there is no space available here. It would be great to catch up with some friends and have a change of scenery.

Otherwise time is really flying, 9 weeks to go. I might even get a break next week and hope to travel to Germany to visit my Au-pair family. So... hold your thumbs...that I can use the car and have the whole week free. Since it is Jorma's (my Godchild) birthday, I would love to join them for a short visit.

Seven Days of Silence

Jeanette (a friend from PE) and I decided to do a 7-day fast which ended yesterday and that's why I was silent for 7 days...it was just an awesome time to think, meditate on the Word and to focus.

It is also great stand at the Crossroads and consider the path behind and the road ahead.

Well, 3 things that stood out this past week were...WORSHIP no matter what, SERVE no matter what and GOD LOVES YOU no matter what!

And I think John Wesley has said it well... 'do all the good u can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as u ever can.'

Olaf (friend from 1993 from Hemslingen in Germany) sent me a mail last week questioned my time and 'career path' here in Weggis, I answered '...ich spreche Deutsch jeden Tag (irgendwas was ich am besten kann), ich arbeite mit Menschen (kann ich auch gut), ich bin flexibel und kann anpassen, ich liebe es zu reisen (jetzt habe ich mal wieder eine Moeglichkeit), ich helfe meinen Freunden gerne wenn sie Krisen haben,... ich bin ein Mensch...und nicht einen beruflichen Weg...und ich moechte gerne noch mein eigenes Geschaeft...aber vielleicht ist die Zeit noch nicht gerade reif...'

All in all man is no career path, but here to serve and see what happens next.

Well, the sun is out again and I rejoice because of that. Have a great week too!!

To see things more clearly...

It seems as if the rain has cleared after 3 days and I can finally see the snow on the mountains more clearly: breathtaking.

I went to my favourite church, International Church of Lucerne, yesterday again...and met 2 girls. Kirrilee is from Australia and is working on a farm just outside of Lucerne. Josephine is from Kenia and is studying German here. Since we all live sooooo far out, we will probably only meet on Sundays even though we all need fellowship during the week. But, to be able to see them again, is something to look forward to. I have made 2 friends. Yeah!!

O yes, and on the cermon...guess what, the pastor preached on the salt of the earth...wow, God always confirms what we need to hear.

We were off to a slow start today. Suru and Sue are both a little worn-out and my working space wasn't mine...so I hang around and at some stage decided that it was time for my weekly shopping...so I hopped into the car and went to Migros in Weggis. I bought fruit, chocolates, pasta and pesto...and then one place which always becomes one of my favourite stops in a new town is the post office. I bought stamps for work and transfered money for my own little webcam that I bought on ebay...Hurray!!! So its easy to skype and see me...well obviously as soon as that little, bit of technical support has arrived.

I can honestly say...God is at work in my heart and life and I love Him for just that.

Saved to Serve!

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matthew 5:13

ehrmmm...wow, wow, wow! And now I have to confess my spirit of pride. Despite how things are going, I am still saved to serve. And people around us are in need, and perhaps that is exactly why God has placed us in a specific place, at a specific time for a specific purpose. Even when it may be a little uncomfortable and not according to our plans. We are here, currently to meet specific needs until God reveals His Masterplan. And I need to unwind, '...be still...and know that I'm God...' as Godfrey Birtill sings. Because God is doing the miracle even if it feels as if we are just dawdling along.

I am reading the 'Canvas of Love...Reflection on a Rembrandt' by Henri J. M. Nouwen which is about the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15: 11-32)...and I know that God is the place of complete surrender and complete trust. (paraphrased from the German...)

It is raining and pouring today, I cannot go out...and I must confess that I would rather have hiked the Harkerville Trail this weekend with Wessel, Dawi, Amore, Adri, Natalie, Kelvin and others...but now I have time to be still...and wait...

Dream until your dream moves you!

'Move
Move as in a dream, till the dream
moves you

Move till the move dreams you
Leap, vault and tumble
with a wink at fate and a
kiss

at danger
Soar!
into a bottomless sky
because gravity
is just another law meant to be
broken

dauntless
restless
Beheld, yet never meant to be
held
Spin out of reach
till the dream of you
moves us.'

V.R.

For the King of Fools who died in Switzerlnad, 1992

The Cirque du Soleil book caught my eye...this is awesome...I can feel the movement...similar to what Suru does. Visit his website...www.mark-und-bein.ch to see what we do...

Have a great weekend!

Chocolathon...

Yesterday I ran down and then up the mountain for a slab of red Lindt (Wessel's favourite) chocolate. Can you believe it?...

Today...now...I am going to do the mountain again. But this time, I need a divine meeting with someone. Pray with me as I prayerwalk this property and meet others.

Getting out!

On Friday I decided that it was some time for exercise so I walked down the mountain, through Weggis where I then at the other end of town found the swimming pool. I didn't really feel like swimming then anymore, but decided to dive in and do a few laps. Only a few.

On Saturday morning I felt like exploring Lucerne and went to browse through all the little shops and look at the fashion. It still feels like summer here, and I am so tempted to buy some new items, but time and again I am reminded of the scripture...and why do you worry about clothes?...so I then walk on and dream on. I found a little vintage second hand shop, though, and a beautiful ring from Barcelona immediately caught my eye. Pity that Ceridwyn is not here. She would have loved that shop as well.

At the end of July Ellenor organised a conference in PE: Jewish Routes of our Christian Faith...that is where I met Juan. He runs Beit Tehilah (Hebrew prayer house) not too far away from me. So I caught a train and then a bus to Seelisberg Dorf. When I arrived there I felt like cake and coffee (very German) and Juan and I dropped in at the hotel across the road for the most delicious apple cake and great coffee. We immediately clicked. He could have been my younger brother... Two other South Africans: Johan and Lize, also stayed over. They are living in Belgium at the moment. We had a few good laughs, went for beers and hot chocolate and they were so kind to drop me off at the International Church of Lucerne on Sunday morning.

Boy, am I glad I went there...at first I cried and then I had peace. I just realized never to underestimate the power of fellowship.

On Sunday night Wessel and I had time to connect and I really appreciate the skype innovation thing.

Things are going well here. Suru had a performance on Saturday in Bern and left for Thun yesterday again for a possible event in November in Basel. I have fixed the Alcatel costumes and cleaned out the office and am working on labels for our filing...

I also found a great book: 'Elementar Pantomime' with basic exercises and movements for mime...I try to figure them out and practice them daily.

I desperately needed to read a book last week and found The Shack in a store in Lucerne...My stomach was in a knot all the way while reading...I finished it on Sunday night. And I can really recommend this brilliant peace of work. Another great book has been published and will be released at a men's breakfast in PE: Men of Honor. Drummond Robinson wrote it, and after the excellence of Lindah Robinson's Women of Peace course...I am convinced that this would be great for all our men out there.

Well this is all for now...

To still be more impressed with God than with your circumstances...

I was reminded of Floyd McClung's words last night.

And then I read 1 Cor 2:9 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.'

And I grasped the concept of INDESTRUCTIBLE JOY!

View from our house over the Vierwaldstättersee/ Lake Lucerne.

Lord, I trust you to pave out my way!

Yesterday was quite challenging. I have embarked on this new journey and into my calling with many expectations. I have also been very lazy to dwell in Christ's presence the past few days and was almost discouraged. But as soon as I started reading Joshua, I realized I did not inquire from the Lord (9:14) and no wonder one could be distracted. So I was on track again with ...do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous because I will never leave you nor forsake you...

And then I realized that I have been spoilt rotten by spending an awesome August in friends' company and I have been well loved. Now, that I am suddenly here all alone by myself, I know that it is just God and I, and I need to focus- lesson 1.

I also learned that things do not always go the way you have expected- so lesson 2: have a little patience, Elna. Things are happening. Wait and see.

And then, the 3rd lesson- a lesson of humility...never say...I will never do this or that again, because perhaps that is exactly what you need to do to get to the next step on the journey.

and then I came to the conclusion...I have to trust that this is where the Lord wants me now- so deal with it.

2 Thess 3:5 'May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.'

Well done, Liewe Jesus!

This story starts with my sister Isabel's boy, Adriaan, in Taiwan. They went to Kenting, a beach town in the southern part of the island. When she asked him who made the ocean, he replied: 'Another uncle I don't know.' When she answered: 'No Adriaan, it was Jesus', he replied...'Well done, Liewe Jesus.'

At the moment that is what I can say as well. Well done for a safe trip, a divine connection and a beautiful, quite place on the Rigi Mountain in the Lucerne area.

After an 8 hour flight to Dubai, I watched the travellers walking around with puffy eyes and slouching steps, when I suddenly realized that is me too. And as soon as sat down, I immediately fell asleep. I woke up in time to catch the next flight to Zuerich about 3 hours later.

Suru fetched me from Rotkreuz, with the train connection about an hour later. So I arrived 'home' shortly before five and we still had a look around at a few things: my room, the Lodge, the Gruppenhaus and I saw Sue (Suru's wife).

CH falls in the same time zone as South Africa and at the moment (8pm) it only turns dark now. I went for a quick walk this evening after Suru and I went to drop Sue off in Lucerne and had some 'Panache' or beer shandy on the Reuss river close to the Chapel bridge. The beer was cold and lekker. But, I think I might still be little jet lagged and I instantaneously felt a laziness overcoming me. I opted for a cappu afterwards to set me straight again. It is still summer here. People wear short sleeves and pants and as soon as the sun is out, everyone is out, drink coffee under umbrellas next to coffee shops.

Suru and I discussed our dreams and callings and many more things. It was a great time to connect and just catch up on things and to see what needs to be done next.

I have noticed that everything is very dog friendly here. Dogs follow their owners into shops and centres. What I have enjoyed today was walking into a bookstore, a thing Europeans love. It's definitely a culture thing...And one doesn't need to buy anything.

Everyone here speaks Swizz German which is quite different from Hoch Deutsch. I can understand a bit, when of course I concentrate a lot. At the moment I stick with what I know, but soon, I think, I will also enjoy taking the shorter cuts of the language. I also use a German computer keyboard. Ai, the Z and Y's are in different places and all the compuer instructions are in German too. But, at the moment, I cope fine.

O yes, and there is space here. So whoever wants to visit, friends, please do so. I would love to have you here.