Sweeter than Swiss Chocolate

Trains are my new favorite way to travel.

Growing up, my Grandpa had a their basement set up with dozens of model remote control trains. There was a sign over the stairs that said “to the trains” and it was always a treat when we would get to visit them in Ohio and play with the trains. Sometimes, Grandpa would even let us control the speed (never too fast) and we could let the trains explore the countryside of whatever land we had created.

These last few days in Switzerland, Elise and I took trains all over the country and saw explored the natural playground that Switzerland has to offer. We would sit facing each other and break the social norm of not talking on the train, all of this while watching the beautiful countryside of Switzerland zoom by like a fast action film.

I need to brag on my friend Elise here for just a second – and let me tell you, this girl is incredible. She is the embodiment of the phrase “work hard, play hard,” and has a love for and knowledge of the Lord like you would not believe. The word that keeps coming to my mind when I think of her is “trabajadora,” which is Spanish for hard worker, but also has the connotation of being skilled and dedicated as well. Elise has the desire achieve excellence, and works tirelessly to ensure that all projects she is a part of are completed to the best of her ability. I do not have enough words to express all of the great qualities about Elise, but Duke is lucky to have you, and America is very glad to have you back.

Liechtenstein

Ever heard of this country? Me either. But on Wednesday afternoon, Elise proposed that we go for the afternoon, and a short train ride later we were hopping country borders.

I, thinking we were just going to tour the capital, wore my “city ‘sploring” clothes into this small country. Turns out, we ended up going for a hike up to the princely dwelling (that is its actual name), and then decided to just keep hiking. The view from some other castle ruins on top of the mountain was breath taking, and I am storing these mental pictures for a rainy day. We also think we saw the prince on top of the princely dwelling smoking a cigarette, but he did not wave or invite us in for tea. Some prince.

Deep Talks about Life, Love, and the Lord

One thing I very much appreciate about Elise is her desire to have deep conversations. Another thing I really appreciate is having deep conversations while visiting a pretty place. A brief overview of some of the topics discussed over the week:

• Sustainable company practices

• The millennial generation’s desire to have their lives be impactful, rather than just profitable

• The existence of evil spirits in our everyday life and how they influence others

• Life lesson’s learned while serving in other countries

• The cultural differences between Swiss German and Swiss French people

• The future

• Controversial theological practices

• What Madeline is going to do this summer

And the places we visited

Hill side view of St. Gallen

Rhine Falls, Zurich

Castle Ruins in Lichtenstein

Switzerland, the land of neutrality, chocolate, and mountain ranges. From being greeted in the streets by strangers, to the fun conversations with Irish friends at the bar, to climbing the mountains, I know I needed this trip here. In my four months traveling I have experienced, learned, and felt more than I ever have before, but being in Switzerland reminded me that I need to work on shaping how these characteristics are going to influence the person that I will be when I return to the States in four short sleeps.

I am arriving in Italy with lost luggage, a messed up Sim card, the taste of too much sugar in my mouth and a smile on my face. I may only have three days, but heck, that’s 4,320 minutes. Seems like quite a lot of time for an adventure to me.

Thank you for all of your prayers as I finish my journey. It has been one heck of a ride, and I would not have been able to do it without the amazing support from my family and friends back home.

S/o to my girl Emma for turning 21. So sorry I missed it Emstar, but I’m bringing you a lovely gift so get ready.

Peace and Blessings.