Views from the Villa

So! This last week was busy, busy, busy. I wasn't really ever home, went through a tank of gas and felt like I had a job. I don't know exactly what the job was but I was doing it!

I spent a good part of one day at this lovely facility - the Villa (aka the Middle School): Can you believe it houses approximately 300 students and teachers? The original 'Villa' was expanded underground with modern facilities such as cafeteria, theatre, science labs, art room, german classes and locker halls. The kids get plenty of exercise running up and down the big stairways to their classes/lockers.

It was Fall conference time and I'm pleased to say Rachel is enjoying her classes, her teachers are enjoying her, she's getting her homework done, in and doing her best - proud of our young lady. The students attend the conferences with parent and teachers. I loved that one teacher made a comment re: Rachel's "good character" and told her that one's character is more important in the long haul than a letter grade. Rachel is doing well in that class so it wasn't a moral boost but a reflection of Rachel's moral character. It feels good to know that the hard work in raising kids pays off when they're away from the parents and observed by others - Whew! at least for now...... :)

I was talking with my sister Kris last week and she wondered if it was pretty here. Fall. Why yes it is! She's in Southern California and they just don't get the bright Fall colors that we do in the cooler climates. So this is for you Kris, a little bit of Fall:

Across the fields from the Villa, you will find our church - left center and the bell tower has scaffolding on it's side. Can't really see the building for all the trees. We are in the chapel of what had been a large Seminary. As Europe started to change post-Cold War and Switzerland became too expensive for Seminary students, the Seminary itself was relocated to a more affordable country.

This is the main Kirche (church) in this area in the opposite direction of the Villa. It is a bit of a landmark and good for establishing ones direction.

On our way home from school:

Here's our big girl walking to the church (that's where I park when picking her up from school as there is limited parking at the Villa and the road is so narrow that we Expats are in danger of side swiping each other). It's such a pretty walk I usually arrive a couple minutes early so I can walk up and help her carry her bags. The hard days are when she has a backpack, lunch, gym bag and violin = luggage! And she does many of those days via train.

What an incredible school experience. I'm glad we've stayed here long enough for her to enjoy this part. I'll take plenty of pictures to add to the memories.