The Wind in der Schweiz

The wind in Switzerland is calm and cool at times, and at others is wild and rainy like last night. This morning the farmers put "fresh" fertilizer on the fields, so the wind is carrying these "fresh" wafts through the open windows of the house. Ahhh, as "fresh" as it is, I really do find some comfort in the familiar smell of the fields of Switzerland.

My time here thus far has been relaxing. Spending time with my grandparents who are definitely aging, going on walks around the town, sitting in the sun eating cherries picked off my grandfather's cherry tree (the best ever), hanging up laundry in the sun to have it dry in mere hours (smelling so fresh), eating excellent Swiss bread and cheese, going to a Bible study with many international women at the International Church nearby, playing volleyball with some of Hannah's friends, playing hide-and-seek with my four year old cousin, talking with my aunt, waking up to the sounds of birds and church bells, opening the window to the view of the green valley and the mountains looming above, knitting while Hannah reads to me, and taking time to walk and talk with my dad.

Life is so different here. Much more laid back and relaxed, yet almost set in the old Swiss ways. From the architecture to the luscious greenery found everywhere; from the laid back way people eat their meals to the friendly way people greet as we pass each other on our walks; from the tiny cars everyone drives to the decorations in the houses; and from the fresh food picked every day in the garden to old fashioned ways of farming seen around this town, I love living in this culture, soaking up the freshness of every day, breathing in the wonderful fresh air all around, and relaxing in the comfort of family and familiarity.