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...

This past weekend, we said our goodbyes.  Saturday evening many of our good friends were able to gather for a barbecue.  On Sunday, we had the opportunity to see old friends and speak briefly at our previous church (Christ Community), and then say goodbye to the church we've been serving for the past two years (Overland Park).  While we are excited for this new change, it was difficult to say goodbye to people we love!  Though, as one good friend has said, this is not "goodbye," it's "see you later."

On Monday morning, we left Kansas City, had a pit stop in Chicago (where Jason proudly wore his Cardinals hat), and boarded a plane for an overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland. Our travel day was thankfully uneventful however it was long and tiring.  Carter did OK on his first transcontinental flight.  Once he finally fell asleep (about 11 pm), he slept until landing.  Since then, we have begun to settle into our wonderful on-campus apartment.  We have met some other volunteers and shared a meal and conversation with the Arnolds (rector) and other staff and faculty.    

This evening, we took the car out for a spin to the neighboring city of Gaelingen, Germany.  It was the first time Jason had driven a manual transmission in several years!  Regan will be learning on the farm roads in the coming weeks (months).  We did some grocery shopping at an Aldi-like store called Lidl.  With German-English dictionary in hand, we perused the aisles of cheese, cold cuts, and chocolate which provided for a nice dinner and dessert.  Of course, Carter needed ice cream so that was included as well.  Tomorrow begins the faculty retreat where we'll prepare for the students to arrive the following week.  Until later...

This past Sunday, we announced my resignation from Overland Park Church of the Nazarene where I have been serving as associate pastor.  This is a wonderful community of faith where we have come to love so many people.  Once we got home from church, we collapsed into an exhausted, emotional heap for about 2 hours and then got back up to go finish cleaning our house and prepping it for our renters who moved in yesterday.  Change is hard...

Dear Family and Friends,
We are excited to share news of an upcoming transition in our lives! Beginning August 17th, we will be serving in volunteer ministry on the campus of European Nazarene College in Busingen, Germany.  EuNC trains and equips students to be leaders in their churches and communities.  It is affiliated with MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas.

Jason will be teaching Bible and theology courses and serve as a chapel advisor.  Regan will be teaching English and research methodologies.  She will also assist in technology.  Carter will serve as the campus two-year old.  :)

Our ministry assignment will last from August 2009 – June 2010.  God has been faithful to work out the details as we’ve prepared for this opportunity.   We trust that He will guide our steps in the year ahead.

We appreciate your prayers during this upcoming year. Please pray that God would prepare our hearts and provide for our needs. Also pray that God would bless the community we will be serving and that God would use us to further His Kingdom in Europe.

As volunteers, we are responsible to raise most of our funds.  If you would like to participate through a tax deductible donation to help cover the costs of ministry, here are two options:

1) Online giving at this website: http://web.nazarene.org/goto/veaches

2) Checks should be made out to: General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene.  Do not make them out to us, or you will not be eligible for a tax deduction.  Please include Veach/MissionCorps/Switzerland on the memo line of your check in order for the funds to go to the correct place.  All checks should be mailed to:

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

Thank you for allowing us to share this adventure with you! 

Jason, Regan, and Carter Veach