Trying to Figure Things Out!

Living in another country is amusing and time-consuming.  Everything requires more of our time. For example, we huddle close to foreign words on the washing machine and dryer to try to figure out which setting to select for our clothes and how much detergent to measure out.  We are so close to the words, we think they will speak to us in English or they will magically be translated into English or some suffix or prefix will give us a clue.
 Moving ahead, we pour in liquid soap and watch as a solid wall of white bubbles form against the front-load window.  We can select a cold, warm or boiling-water wash.  If we punch in the wrong setting, our clothes could wash for up to two hours!  Never in our two lives combined during this present time on earth, have we been that dirty! 

Depending upon the wash cycle selected, our clothes will end their experience at a blurring 1400 RPM spin speed, an accelerated velocity the likes of which we have neither seen nor heard!  Our clothes are literally a blur on the other side of the little glass door. If you have ever flown, the embarking rotational speed actually sounds like the moment of take off when loud jets roar passengers into space.  At first, we expected the washer door to fly off or sparks to fly or our clothes to be threadless.   But the internal suspension and shock system of the Miele machine keeps the machine balanced and grounded.  When the door pops open, the laundry is as dry as wet can miraculously be!  

On to the dryer. The Meile dryer holds laundry hostage for up to two hours. They tumble and tumble, and then stop.  Reverse. Tumble and tumble and then stop.  The machine determines when your clothes are dry and don't even think about trying to layer on another cycle.  They are dry.  The machine said so.  Take them out, thank you!



Who smokes anyway?  But if you do here, the cigarette of your choice is only a short stretch over your head of cabbage lying on the conveyor belt.  4.05 Euros is equal to $5.31 cents.

Thank goodness for artwork!  On each package of fresh meat is the picture of what we are buying.  We haven't seen a picture of a mule or horse yet!


We actually have a dishwasher in our apartment!  Due to the heavy amount of calcium in the water here, before each wash, we have to sprinkle salt pellets into this round cavity. We add one detergent pellet and our dishes sparkle one hour later.  The dishwasher is a Juno and is better than mine in Arizona!

Driving to the Zurich airport

Several times a week, we drive 45 minutes from where we live to the Zurich airport to either deliver or pick up missionaries or Regional staff.  First time out, alone, we just prayed that we would find our way.  We did!  Now, we like it when we are asked to make this run.  Conversation to or from the airport is always about what is going on with the church international.  This is our reward.

These are just a few of the things that we have to figure out here.  But, what nice challenges to have. The laundry room is located below us.  The supermarket is only a 5K away, the dishwasher offers us more time in the evenings, and the airport never changes its location.  And, we live in a small community where everyone helps the newcomers. With these assignments come the challenges, but God provides the people with the answers!

Keep Looking Up!
J:m and L:nda

Wait for Still Waters

"...He leadeth me beside still waters..."

 "He leadeth me beside still waters..."  Our assignment this year has delivered us to a very tiny village that sits along a narrow, meandering road that runs parallel to the Rhein River, the longest river in Europe. It originates in the Swiss Alps, is 766 miles long and wanders through Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands before exiting into the North Sea.
Early in the morning, we cross the meandering road and walk along the Rhein. It is still and reflects an embankment of trees or small mountains beyond it.  There is not a ripple or swirl or a current in it. And birds serenade it.

Then, mid-morning the strong currents begin to wake up the lazy river, and it becomes more active, transporting pleasure crafts and sightseeing boats and ducks and swans downstream.



However,  
Just a few miles further downstream, the personality of the river changes: its currents are furious and powerful, strong enough to drown the fittest swimmer.  This river personifies opposing characteristics: calm, quiet, passive or  passionate, busy, and aggressive.
In a peculiar kind of way, we like the lessons that the personalities of this river bring to our mind.  When it demonstrates the latter attributes, it is very productive in that it creates a time-tested necessity:
powerful electricity!
The former attributes offer a tranquil invitation, "Walk with me a little further."

All of us stroll beside a river like this - of busyness and craziness then tranquility and laziness.   When we encounter turbulence, look for power, electricity, and opportunities.  The tumblings of life always pass, and they always leave a spiritual truth for us to dig out and live out.
In the same way, still waters, too, come our way.  Wait for still waters; they will come. This is when God invites us to "...walk with me a little further."  This becomes our down-time, the processing time needed during recovery.

We love the Rhein River (second only to the Mighty Mississippi).  There is so much life in it and on it. It both energizes and soothes.  It mesmerizes and makes us want to stay longer. This week, we have walked beside still waters.

These two blog writers pray that you have walked beside still waters this week and that you know where to find the One who is able to always "...lead beside still waters..." (Psalm 23)  If you have a friend who is 'looking for still waters,' please share this blog. 

Keep looking up!
J:m and L:nda