37- Christmas in Switzerland

The school closed for conferences during the Christmas holidays and we had to find a place to stay for the 2 1/2 week break. The young people strapped on their backpacks and with great excitement headed for the ferry or the trains that would take them out into the surrounding countries. We were stressed. There were no cell phones, no computer websites, no googling! We had no connections in western Europe. But Mr. Moore, the principal, came through for us—not the first time nor the last. He found an old folks’ home that needed a kitchen helper for the holidays—lodging and meals provided! My journaling was concise:

December 17^th 1978

He loveth righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Behold the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope in His mercy. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His Holy Name. Ps 33: 5,18,21.

We are still dazed. We are enjoying the goodness of the Lord. I do FEEL like a child of THE KING. We got off the train here in Mannedorf about 4:30pm, leaving dear Linda (our good friend from Hong Kong) in Zurich, with Brigitte also coming to this place with us. We attempted to walk in the rain: bird-like Brigitte half-running, me too, to stay under her umbrella; Dan puffing with our two suitcases with uncovered red head. Taxi! We surrendered! Mrs. Huber, so warm and full of the joy of the Lord. Instructions. Room. Very spacious and pleasant—heavy dark red pull curtains over frilly net.

Dinner—our own tale, with a sprig of evergreen on our napkin covers and cards for Mr. Lemaire and Mrs. Lemaire. I’m going to prepare a place for you.

Frau Grossenbacher, so gracious, introduced herself and her husband in very good English, then spoke with us afterward. The lady in charge of the house will speak to Dan on Monday about his duties. I will be on vacation.

And then, warm milk, fresh-cut spiced apples cooked soft, cheesy baked bread, meticulously cut green salad.

Earlier, in Zurich with Linda: She loves our loving her. She knows Zurich, has lived here. Treated us to maroni (‘baked’ chestnuts) at a booth on the street, bouillon and coffee in a café, and a rainy walk down beautiful busy flower-potted streets in quaint neighborhoods.

It’s so nice to love and give love. Dan is my sweet lover. God is the reason we will make it. God is always there to quench by reason, by right thinking on the truth, any wrong thoughts. God is always there, bigger in us than we could ever be without Him. God is the faithful, ever faithful, supplier for all of our needs. Oh, Lord, send more of Your love and goodness coming our way. Healing our past, renewing our minds. I’m so sorry for doubting Your character. This human is so base; let me live in Your goodness and ever give testimony to Your graciousness. Thank You that only two in the home speak English. Thank You for my weakened physical condition. Thank You for this separation unto Thyself. I want to be trained up in the way I should go, My Lord. Continue in Thy plan. All my love and obedience. Amen