Joy in the Journey

Ahh... how hard it is to do "youth ministry" in Western Europe.  I know what you are thinking...

ARE YOU JOKING!? You're right...

What an amazing privilege to have the Black Forest Academy High School Retreat in the Swiss Alps! 



Lenk, Switzerland (location of the BFA high school retreat)



My group giving each other a "group hug" after the talk about loving one another. 



Early Sunday morning before the sun peaked over the mountains.



A great weekend with these wonderful 9th graders. 

Rick was going to go as well but his cold got the better of him and it was decided his fever and cough should stay back in Kandern.  Kaylin and Lauren already had fun overnights planned with friends so they kept those plans to give Rick some much needed rest at home.  (Even Charlie (our dog) had a sleepover for the weekend at the Middle School dorm.)  


The students and staff were challenged to take their faith seriously during the weekend.  The speaker and worship band were visiting from North Carolina.  I was thankful for their hearts that cared sincerely for the struggles these students face as many live away from their families nine months out of the year.  They seemed to have a genuine concern to speak truth into their lives about the topics of God's forgiveness, love, suffering and how we can use what talents the Lord has given us for a good purpose.


I had the privilege of sleeping in the same room as my small group. (smile)  I thought I might have a hard time sleeping (especially since I was on a top bunk) but it was probably the easiest room of teenagers I have ever stayed with for an overnight.  What a relief and blessing! 


Thank you for your prayers and concern about my time with my small group.  I was so thankful they were so focused on what was being shared for the weekend.   If you are praying for them, THANK YOU! 


At the end of next week, we will have a two week Spring break.  How wonderful to look forward to time together as a family.  We also are looking forward to our wonderful friends, Gary and Leigh Wilkins coming from OH to visit us in Germany for a few days.  There is usually much laughter when we are together and for this we are grateful. 


Rick said with the nice weather we have been experiencing the students want every class outside.  This can be tricky to keep their concentration when they would rather be sitting by the stream next to the school.   We know the students will enjoy their breaks as well to recuperate from a busy semester.  Many will spend the first week going on missions/service trips around Europe and Africa.   Please pray for our nephew, Anthony who is headed to Tanzania with a group from BFA for a week. 


Today there is the "Spring" Market in our town square.  I can just taste the waffles.  Yummy!  It's such a delightful time when you can buy your garden supplies, socks and kitchen utensils all at the same vendor.   I love the quaintness of the markets in our town.  I need to go look for the local honey vendor (to help with Kaylin's allergies) and they usually have a person that is selling spices.  I still struggle with knowing all the German words for spices but thankfully many times they are in see-thru bags. 


Next week another "mom" and I are in charge of the "Staff Appreciation" week at the Middle School.  Each day we have something planned to prayerfully help the staff be encouraged and feel appreciated for all they do to help our children learn not just educationally but also spiritually.  They are a wonderful group of people! 


Tonight, another mom and I will be at a dorm to help with dinner and homework.  The dorm staff there have a meeting tonight so we will be the "subs".  Praying I don't look too ignorant if  a student asks for help with Math, English or any other subject for that matter. 


What a "joy in the journey" as each day is new to see how God would desire for our family to serve and be part of what He is doing in Kandern, Germany. 

Schonen Tag!  (Have a nice day!)   Ich hoffe freude heute haben!  ( I think that's how you say, "I hope you have joy today!")   

Tchuss!  (Bye!)