Falling Into Step... 09/05/2009
 Outside the 1000 year old church 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!  Group photo at the Black Forest  Fresh ice cream in Schaffhausen 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... CommentsTyler & Kimberly Anderson Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:34:24 It sounds like you guys are having a great time!! I can't imagine being able to just bring the extra money the next day! What trust!! Melissa Schaible Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:40:04 God bless you! Jennifer Cook Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:42:56 It is very exciting to hear about what you guys are doing and the fact that you are following God!! We will be praying for your family and that God blesses you abundantly! amy Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:15:54 What a blessing . I admire you for what you have done and that was listen to God. be blessed let us know if there is any way we can help. amy and carissa pence JT Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:21:30 Not only do you get to teach you get to learn at the same time. What an incredible experience this must be! Jennifer Shafer Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:24:59 It is great to hear that Carter is doing well. Some of my favorite memories when I was his age take place on the Rhine when my dad taught there. Kristen Buck Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:52:28 How exciting and what great pics. You will make so many memories and I love reading every detail. Dianne Carnell Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:33:43 What an incredible experience that your family gets to embrace!!!!! We will pray that the changes will be easy for all of you Eric Haley Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:56:24 Wow, it sounds like God is really working (as always) and it is a time of learning. It sounds like so much fun though! Enjoy it while it lasts and keep the posts coming! Hendawg Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:57:53 I love this new narrative of your life! It all seems so surreal to me the thought of living in Europe and entering into such a conglomeration of culture. It's a blessing to me to turn the pages of your blog and enter into this story with you! Thank you for taking the time to share momenta of mundane to the magnificent (seriously, the Swiss Alps!!). Ruth Wheat Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:58:23 I'm so glad to be on this journey with you guys. Such depth it is bringing to your relationship as a family and such perspective to your lives. Keep up the excellent writing!! xoxox Monica Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:00:20 Thanks for the update! Glad to hear things are (mostly) going well. One of my favorite things about my time in Europe was the slow pace. It was tough to get over that feeling that I needed to be DOING something! Enjoy it...soak it all in!! Sherry Evilsizor Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:36:56 Love the story about Frank! Kids give us so much story fodder when they are processing and learning don't they. Heather Buss Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:30:59 It is amazing what you are experiencing! Enjoy every minute. God bless:) Wanda Talcott Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:07:51 Even though I don't normally see you very often, I feel like you are just down the hall. What great experiences and memories you will take with you wherever this journey goes. God has surely gone before you. Love Carter stories! :) Deena Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:49:48 Deena Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:51:08 Great update! I miss that little guy. I love hearing about your experiences. Although our locations are so different, we are feeling similar emotions :). Ashley Gibson Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:01:01 i can't believe you left olathe i miss u so much i was angry when i found out you left. Dani E. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:57:02 Mrs. SweetTooth :) Julie Taylor Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:48:07 Beautiful post. Let me know when we can ship Meghan over for a semester! Miss you all lots! Leave a Reply | Subscribe to receive blog posts via email
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