BACK FROM SWITZERLAND!
Oct. 11
Today, we drove off from Uttenreuth at 6:30am. Daddy had ordered a car for the drive to Switzerland, but at the shop on Monday was told that we could have a Mercedes for the same price. That was a nice surprise. Within four hours during which we encountered much fog, several tunnels, and the German autobahn without a speed limit, we were at the Austrian border. In the city of Bregenz, we tanked up the car because Uncle Peter said the gas would be cheapest there. We drove along the Bodensee(a large lake bordering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) before getting back on the autobahn. Shortly thereafter, we passed the Switzerland border, where we thought we would have to show our passports, but a man waved us through. Then, he saw Paul Stefan reading his Bible and remarked "Hallelujah!"
Soon, we entered the mountain ranges. For a couple hours, we kept our eyes open, beholding the beautiful, majestic mountains, camera handy for snapping many photos. Then came the Alps, and gradually more snow became visible. Driving along the small, winding roads, descending into the valleys, and ascending up the sides of the continuously appearing peaks, we marveled all the way. Frequently, we passed through small villages nestled in the mountains. The typical Swiss architecture presents a idyllic sight.
Between 4 and 5, we arrived in Fiesch nestled in a valley, and Georg's cousin, Wolfgang Weber, met us at the train station. We walked up the short but steep distance to the Weber's home. He and his wife, Bea, have a chalet with a lower apartment for us to stay for 3 days. The view from their house is great, overlooking the city in the valley below and the snow covered peaks on the right. We enjoyed a dinner of sauerkraut, potatoes, and bratwurst according to the recipe of the Ort butcher shop where Georg and Wolfgang both apprenticed.
Oct. 12 - Today, we drove to Binn, Imfeld, and Heiligkreutz, walked around, and stepped in a couple shops. The three kids posed for a photo in front of a bridge existing since the time of the Romans. Just before arriving back at the house, Wolfgang led us to the underground parking house. Happily, he showed us his red corvette which he keeps there.
Back at the house, Paul Stefan and Ana Marie had time to do violin practice for the wedding. Georg and Martha spent more time with Wolfgang and Bea. Later, we had raclette for dinner. It is broiled cheese with potatoes seasoned with pepper and was a popular meal for shepherds. At 7pm came the substantial news broadcast on the German tv station. At 8:15, the Germany vs. China soccer game began, so of course we gathered in front of the tv to watch. The game ended 1-0 for Germany, which pleased us. :-)
Oct. 13
Today, we walked with Wolfgang Weber, Georg’s cousin, to the cablecar station. After buying tickets, we crowded into the car with many others for the “drive” up the mountain to a very famous overlook on the largest glacier of the Alps. From 1100 to 1300 meters above sea level we went, taking in the tremendous view. At the snow covered top, we encountered the serene atmosphere and gazed out over the mountains, trees, settlements, peaks, and of course, the amazing glacier, 42 km in length. Peter wanted the adventure of walking up to a rock covered mountain from which a perhaps better view could be gained. Paul Stefan and Ana Marie consented to attend, and off the party of three trod. The walk first down and then up took quite a while, Paul Stefan and Peter had no significant trouble, but Ana Marie found the trek to be somewhat difficult and precarious, especially when the trial was nowhere to be found.
But finally, probably after an hour of climbing, the top was reached. The view was truly amazing, and the satisfaction of achievement was also gratifying. Now, we needed to get back to the three adults who had stayed behind. The trail was not found for a while, during which the descent became a bit frightening for Ana Marie. Much concentration was needed to determine the best way to climb down, since the boulders were huge, and some rocks were not secure. Eventually, we made it to the trail, and the rest of the trek went smoothly. Back at the station, Georg bought the kids drinks, to revive them from the exhausting adventure.(perhaps the boys would not agree with this statement)
After taking a couple more pictures, we took the cablecar back to the middle point station to cash in the coupons for lunch which came with our tickets. We sat overlooking the valley and enjoyed our meal. Back at the house, we finished watching a movie Wolfgang highly recommended: “Das Wunder Vom Bern.” For a somewhat recent make, it was quite good, and fun for soccer fans, as the sport was a large part of the film.
Oct. 14
On this day, we left Fiesch en route to Zürick. At about 2:00 we arrived at a home in Rüti, a suburb of the city. A lady named Joke(from Holland) who we’d not met before had agreed to host us for two nights. She served us a meal, during which we got to know a bit about her family. They lived in Pakistan before we did, serving with WEC(World Evangelism Crusade). After moving to Switzerland, her husband died in a work accident in ’99. Now two of her children are missionaries, and the two youngest are still living at home.
Shortly after eating, Paul Stefan and Ana Marie practiced their violin music for the wedding on Saturday. A little before 5:00, we walked with Joke’s son, Timo, to the church not far away. We must have made quite a sight – 6 people walking with two violins, a guitar, and a jimbay(? hand drum). The church is located in an industrial area, to which we took a shortcut through the woods. Once someone finally came to unlock the door, we set up for practice in the auditorium, lined on both sides with windows so one could see the trees outside. Martha helped a bit on the second floor with setup of tables for the reception. After a while, it became apparent that no practice for the worship time was going to happen, so we left for the walk “home.” This time, we took the route along the main street, which was significantly longer, but some exercise was very good. Back at the house, we had dinner with Joke and her daughter, Stephanie. Joke, however came later because she had to open the church once again for the flowers to be set up. She returned exhausted from all the preparations she had helped with, so it was decided that Peter and Paul Stefan would in fact be able to stay in the same room as Ana Marie(it was a very big room) so that she would not have to guide us to another accommodation place. Two more beds were arranged, and soon we all retired, tired and needing some rest before the busy day tomorrow.
Oct. 15
At 10:00, Paul Stefan and Ana Marie met the other members of the worship team at the church. We practiced the songs together, and were “set up” with the sound system. It was a new experience for us. We also played our three songs for the program. A quick walk back to the house and something to eat was followed by eager anticipation for the the bride and groom to arrive at the church. This day, we experienced a Swiss wedding, which was quite culturally informative.
The bride was Lydia, who Georg trained in eye work while in Pakistan about 12 years ago. She works in Afghanistan, and married Barry, a widower, who also works there. When we wrote her about our trip, she invited us to the wedding. How providential that we could attend! Had we not been in Europe anyway, we would not have been able to come, nor have the privilege of sharing music.
At 1:00, the party arrived, and as they walked down the aisle, PS and AM played Joyful, Joyful by Beethoven. There were some words and a prayer by a pastor, followed by the congregational worship. Then, the marriage ceremony was conducted. This was a truly beautiful time, the commitment of two committed Christians to each other. Following the ceremony, PS and AM played the Hallelujah Chorus, which PS arranged for two violins. Lydia told us later that she was so happy to hear it. It had been her wish, but she didn’t know what the final program would include. The program also included a sermon and the playing of a cd of “Our Father” by Cliff Richard. This is the singing of the Lord’s Prayer to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. For the couple’s exit, AM and PS played Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. A little over one hour after the ceremony started, everyone was invited to the reception upstairs.
There was much food, and a program for the reception. Pictures and videos of the couple and Afghanistan work were shown. Stories were told, and a clever way of supporting them as they go back to minister together was conducted. There was a typical Afghan shop set up with goods the guests had been asked to bring. The couple was asked to be there and bargain with the guests who desired to purchase. They of course had experience because that is what one has to do all the time in Afghanistan. To see their interactions was quite interesting.
At about 4:00, the party of invited quests departed in a bus and van for some unannounced adventure. The bus driver, in his Swedish German which was translated into English, described the places we saw along the way. At a restaurant in the mountains, we stopped and were told to follow Paul, Lydia’s brother. He led us to a great overview where a man stood with an Alp Horn. He played some music and then also guitar while he blew into the horn. All the notes were made solely by his mouth, since there were no buttons of any kind…impressive! The couple posed for pictures with him and even tried the horn themselves. Then, there was a group picture, and various groups posed separately with the couple. These groups were the family, Afghanistan colleagues, England friends(Barry is from England), Swedish friends, and our family got to pose as well. After about an hour, we all got back in the bus. We saw more of the countryside and finally stopped at a restaurant. Through the glass windows, we could see fancifully decorated tables. The meal of four courses – soup, salad, main dish, and dessert, was spread over 4 ½ hours, interspersed with program.
The two main planners of the day had done a fantastic job. People shared stories, music, photos from Afghanistan, and we even played a game where the couple had to figure out the disease of all the guests. Lydia discovered that all the ladies answered positively, and all the men answered negatively to the questions. We were quite tired from having been involved for about 12 hours with the wedding, and AM remarked she was almost too tired to eat. We enjoyed the fellowship with people sitting at our table. Finally, the day came to a close, and everyone was invited outside to light sparklers and a final prayer together. Then, people departed, and we said farewell. Our last picture was made at 12:06. We were glad to get to bed. But, we do have to say that the day was very enjoyable, and are glad to have been a part of such a celebration.
Oct. 16
We had breakfast with Joke and then drove off towards Germany again. We took our time, stopping in Liechtenstein for a drink at a McDonalds and buying a couple postcards. In Bregenz, we took a walk along Bodensee, snacking on some roasted chestnuts and stopping at a Kiosk for lunch. We arrived in Uttenreuth at about 6:00, and had dinner with the Staschs. The evening was filled with telling them about our week and hearing about theirs as well.
The mountain road
The Webers house
The view from Webers house
Fiesch
In front of a Roman bridge in Binn
Wolfgang and Bea
The glacier
With Lydia and Barry
Imitation Afghan shop
With a missionary to Afghanistan(left) and a lady from England(middle)
Paul Stefan talking with Lydia's cousin
