A lot has happened since our last entry!  April began with the celebration of Christ's resurrection and the beginning of the Easter season.  Because it was Spring break, the campus was quiet.  Some students went home, others had internships, and several took a ministry trip to Moncalieri, Italy.  You can read more about their trip here.  We stayed around during the weekend as Jason was asked to preach Easter Sunday at the Büsingen Church.  After worship, we hosted a lunch for the students and faculty who remained on campus as well as a few other friends and colleagues.

With the remaining break days, we decided to take a quick trip to Montreux, Switzerland which is situated on the shore of Lake Geneva near the French border.  The region is known as the Swiss Riviera and is truly beautiful.  You can read more about the trip here at Jason's personal blog .

No doubt most of you heard about the cloud of volcanic ash from the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano that made its way from Iceland to Continental Europe during the middle of the month.  It shut down air travel in much of Europe for several days, including Zürich International.  We joked a bit saying that we believed the Smoke Monster had gotten off of the island (Those of you who watch LOST will know what we mean!).  It did delay the work of a few people connected to the work of the college, but things seem to be back to normal now.

The last few weeks have brought warmer days with a mixture of cloudy, rainy days and bright, sunny days.  This has helped the trees and flowers come into full bloom.  We have taken several walks in the evenings on the trail that leads up into the forest behind the village.  There is a small farm behind the college that has cows, horses, donkeys, and even a couple of camels.  That's right, camels!  We have also taken advantage of the mild weather by having picnics on the bank of the Rhine.  Carter has loved feeding the ducks and swans.

Regan has been working hard to prepare for her upcoming class, Language and Written Expression.  She will teach a two-week session beginning in mid-May.  In addition to teaching responsibilities, she has also continued to work with the academic dean and the rest of the faculty in outcomes assessment.

Jason led a coaching group (small groups of students who meet once a week to explore particular topics) during April on pastoral rites and rituals.  The group explored some of the theological and practical issues surrounding baptism, communion, weddings, etc.  Jason also had a chance to preach the at the Gottmadingen Church.  During May, he has been working with another lecturer in giving leadership to a youth ministry course.  He accompanied a group of students on a field trip to Amsterdam, Holland and Gelnhausen, Germany to visit churches and observe their youth and family ministries.  He drove the van the whole way and logged more than 1800 kilometers (1100 miles)!

Finally, Carter is continuing to grow and change every day.  He has developed a routine here on campus.  His highlights include:  coffee break each morning with the students, lunch in the cafeteria, afternoon naps, trips to the slide and swings, Legos, books, and evening walks.  He loves to pray with us each evening before bed and always wants to pray for "three students."  Perhaps the biggest news in Carter's world is that he turned three years old on May 4th!  We celebrated with a birthday party in our apartment.  Some of the girls dressed up as clowns and surprised Carter!

It's been amazing to watch this group of students develop throughout the course of a year.  There are so many stories of God's guidance and shaping work in their lives.  We are enriched by the opportunity to journey with them as they develop their identity and life direction.  Their hearts are sensitive to justice, the poor, loving those who are different, and leading communities of faith.  What a privilege it is to be part of this time of their lives!

We continue to feel so grateful for the prayers and support of our friends and family which has allowed us to be engaged in ministry here in Europe during this year.  Thank you!

May God give you his peace!
The Veach Family