A small cart on the road contains pumpkins for sale.  The leaves on the trees are showing signs of turning.  The apples are almost ripe for picking and there is a crispness in the air each evening.   Fall is settling into the Rhine valley.  And with Fall, comes change. 

Change is something that is on our hearts and minds a lot these days.  It was just five weeks ago that we packed up (or sold) all of our belongings, left two full-time jobs, our families and friends, our home, and our culture in order to begin this journey.  We moved from the KC metro in the middle of the U.S. to a small village in Switzerland.  We have gone from pastoral ministry to the academic setting...from elementary school to college.  From packed schedules to a slower pace...Talk about change!

Since our last post, students have arrived on campus from all over the world and classes have begun.  Regan is tutoring a student in English and working with curriculum development and assessment.  Jason is lecturing and serving as chaplain.  We have enjoyed getting to know the students and staff and have developed some good friendships.

We are adjusting to small town life.  For example, today we walked along the Rhine and visited the local bakery for some fresh bread.  When we didn't have enough change to cover the bill, the store owner simply said not to worry and to bring it next time.  When Regan and Carter walked back with the change, she explained to Carter that Swiss money is called Francs.  Upon leaving the store, Carter said, "Danke (thanks in German) Frank!"  Close enough.   

All this to say, we fallen into a new routine and it's good.  That's not to say it has been easy.  Change never is.  There have been moments of frustration and confusion.  But even in those times, we have felt at peace, confident of God's presence with us.  Until next time...