Sojourn en Suisse

One month of marriage behind us ! and in that time...

Two days of candle making together.

Three countries visited (US, Guadeloupe, Swiss)

Four special occasions celebrated (Christmas, New Year, Jean-Luc & Romain's birthdays).

Five French grammar books added to Elise's collection.

Six lovely downstairs neighbors (we share the house).

David and I decided long ago that before planting ourselves in Quebec for the coming two years, we would spend the first two months of our married life in Switzerland. While we don't feel called to reside here long-term (at least not now -- God knows what the future holds), we feel it is important to be here for a number of reasons.

1. Family. David's family is very close to our hearts, and our primary motivation for being Swiss-side these two months is to spend time with them and invest in those relationships.

2. Friends: Many of David's friends are here in Switzerland, and we are enjoying the opportunity to be with them before our move !

3. la Fête ! David and I have the great privilege of wearing our wedding costumes twice ! We will be having a second "wedding" celebration here on March 4th, for the many Swiss/French/European guests who were not able to come to Minnesota.

4. French: Being immersed in the native language of my husband, and the official language of my future home is a priceless gift to me ! I study independently, meet with a tutor each week, spend time with David's Grandma Nelly (whom I LOVE and who doesn't speak a word of English), and am simply surrounded by French ! This will be an incredible benefit to me when we move to Quebec, in my relationships, ministry, and for the possibility of working as a nurse.

Other benefits of our time here:

-David is working full-time as a social worker in a home for mentally-handicapped adults. This is an incredible gift to us, as our support income certainly does not cover the cost of living in this beautiful but expensive country, and He appreciates the opportunity to be a blessing in the community.

-David has been asked to preach in his church on February 19th, and we look forward to working as a team to bring a message from the heart of the Lord to that congregation !

-We are using whatever extra time we have to prepare for our move to Canada in March. Legal issues, visa considerations, housing, vehicles, and preparation and prayer for ministry are a few of the categories we are working on.

-I am going through the process to have my nursing license recognized here in Switzerland. While I will not be able to work during this stay, the permit would then be valid for life, allowing me to work here should we spend a more extended period in Switzerland in the future.

David and I are very ready to finally establish ourselves somewhere on a more permanent basis, to begin really investing in a community, and to work alongside each other in ministry ! While this time in Switzerland is truly a gift to us, we are looking forward to making our home in Quebec.We are so blessed and grateful for God's faithfulness and provision as we continue to learn what marriage means and how we can live it out for the glory of our Heavenly Father ! Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your friendship to us !

"Stop and consider God's wonders!"

Job 37:14