Thoughts running through my head

It's good to know there ARE thoughts running through my head. Bart will be especially proud. Hah! My mom even asked me "so I read what you wrote in your Blog and wondered what's going on, what are you thinking about?" Now, I cannot pull anything like that out of my Blog but she's mom and I had to admit to her that "well, I've been rather reflective lately" and I just couldn't seem to write anything down. Besides posts about travel and kids on camels.

I will attempt, in my small way, to share what's been touching me, hitting me and otherwise making me think lately. These things combine to make sense to me - I don't know whether it will fully make sense to you.

You see, a short while ago I did something that has now put me in touch with people I've not had contact with in a long time. 20-25 years long time. It's a strange feeling. I'm as introverted on the computer as I can be in person so I feel a bit vulnerable in having reached out this way.

When you think of your past, especially those High School or University days, do you focus on the fun or the not so fun?

I tend to be quite critical of myself - Bart can attest to the fact I can give myself my own best beating. I have a tendency to focus on things I should have done differently/better, instead of what I did well. I worried very much about what people thought. Legalism really got in the way and I didn't understand at the time it was that (legalism)which I rebelled against. (fyi background info. on me - I went to Christian schools from Kgarten to 12th grade not knocking Christian schooling, just had some issues with certain things that would take forever to explain) Not that I rebelled very hard, but for me it was real. And through that time, I lost touch with people for various reasons. Finding it hard to turn back once the 'reasons' no longer existed.

So that is something I've been mulling over.

OK- switch gears a little. Our Bible study this year is "A Heart Like His" - a study of King David. Last week we discussed the passage in 2 Samuel where David and the Israelites are returning the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and I'll share these bits which add to my thoughts:

vs.14 - 16 "And David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouting and the sound of the trumpet. Then it happened as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul (also David's wife) looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart."
vs. 20 - 22 "But when David returned to bless his household, Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, "How the king of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!" So David said to Michal, "It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel; therefore I will celebrate before the Lord. And I will be more lightly esteemed than this and will be humble in my own eyes, but with the maids of whom you have spoken, with them I will be distinguished."

OK - so Michal tries to get King David to be ashamed of his actions but he said, forget it, I'm not out there to impress you, I'm out there to impress God. So that started us (ladies) on a discussion of how we worship God and are we inhibited in our worship because of the people around us? Is it personality? Culture? Church denomination?

Which then brought me around to those thoughts about the past. There were several blog posts that also touched me along this realm and really helped round out my thoughts. My mom said that each season of life brings new reflection and new ways of looking at life.

All of the above allows me to make a conclusion re: those thoughts: Life has led me down some wonderful roads and I am foolish to even for a moment, look back and think of the far past critically. Except for learning :). My path is my own and God has been so faithful. I am not the person I was 20 years ago and I'm ever so thankful I have grown much in that time. To reconnect with people I enjoyed from the past and have fun with it. To have friendships that are enduring and experience worship in a way that is meaningful between me and my Creator. If others are worshiping alongside - Wonderful. But my worship does not depend on them and I am not dependent on what they think about my worship. (Unless it happens to be a Sunday I'm leading worship and then it's a whole 'nother ballgame)

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14

Bart would have me put this in the "deep thoughts" category :).

Some posts I've liked this week

A well written post re: prayer: http://www.conversiondiary.com/2009/01/what-is-it-like-to-hear-answer-to.html



A well written post on avoiding "modern day Pharisee-ism" : http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-came-across-this-lengthy-quote-by.html



'pharisee-ism' isn't a word - made that one up!



And my (former DJ) bro-in-law has a thoughtful mix over at Kris & Jason (in my sidebar) - Jan. 12 post.



Last but not least is my blog friend Linds: http://lindslangdon.blogspot.com/2009/01/world-can-be-scary-place.html

I am thinking many deep thoughts lately but can't seem to write anything down - so I'll share the deep thoughts of others - Enjoy.

I took a break

I will share a few more pic's of our Oman trip later this week. I took a bit of a computer break as my Mom flew in on Sat. morning and I put her on a plane home yesterday (Tues.).

We had a great visit. It was just a visit - no skiing, mountain climbing/hiking - just shopping, eating and spending time as a family. As she's coming back in February to stay with the girls and I during Ski Week (and yes, there will be some skiing done that trip!), we had her load up at Target and Walmart for us. She checked 2 bags coming over and her own packing only took up about 25% of the space. She had only 1 bag to check going home.

I think the most popular items with the girls were the 'fruit by the foot' (which I think are nasty and just one good reason to have a limited snack selection here - go ahead and BOO me, I don't care) and the giant box of Fruit Loops. Bart and I were happy with our Crest toothpaste, stash of Dayquil capsules - and a last minute request granted: a Costco size pack of AA batteries. AA batteries run about $.85 per battery here so we were thrilled to get a big, cheap pack. It's the little things we are content with.

The girls and I watched the Inauguration together last night - very convenient with the time difference. Rachel was very interested and asked a lot of questions about Obama's speech. In particular: "Mom, when he said that kids are failing in the schools, does he mean he'll tell the teachers to give them (kids) more time to finish their tests?" Oh that it were that simple. We've had some good discussion (civil rights, freedom of speech and voting, right to disagree but still be respectful, praying for our Nation's leaders) and it has given a sense of pride and community/history to the American students at the school. They (US students) miss out on some of that by being so removed physically - we have to take the time to give them that sense of community.

So another week begins (even though it's Wed. :) and I continue to try and catch up with 2009. I know the Bloggy info. has been a bit dry lately. I am really working on how much time I spend on the computer. There are other things: laundry, photo's, bathrooms, grocery shopping (ugg), bible study, worship schedules, skiing; that are calling my name and the computer has been too compelling in the last few months. So I am setting boundaries. And learning to work better within them. Which means I need to go now.......... :)

It's all BooMama's fault

It's all BooMama's fault that I met Linds via blogging and just had to go visit with her in Engelberg yesterday. Linds is from the UK (originally South Africa) and staying with her sister (who lives in Switz.) for Christmas.

To explain a bit to the family and friends scratching their heads right now thinking I've gone off my rocker: When you visit and read a Blog, you can leave comments in the comments section. Most of you don't. You are known as "lurkers." I say that in the nicest possible way - I love my lurkers. I'll occasionally leave a comment on someone else's Blog and because our Blog is not restricted (by email subscription), a person can click on the webname that pop's up (swissfamilyolson or susan) and read our Blog. That is how Linds found our Blog (via BooMama) and how we've come to know one another. Via the Internet. A modern day PenPal.

Of course, Rachel's first response when I told her what I did with my day was: "Mom, the internet can be a dangerous place and you shouldn't be meeting strangers from places off the computer." Yeah!! The warnings and education the school IT program gives the kids is working. I then had to justify why Mom "broke the rules" yesterday.

One of the best parts of living overseas has been the International group of people I've met along the way. Learning about different cultural traditions, different lifestyles, history which was not covered in World or American history classes, different vocabulary - this is what I find enjoyable about our experience here.

And as Linds would be in Engleberg - just over an hour away - it seemed like a perfect opportunity.

So off to Engelberg I went. As you can see, we've got a bit of white stuff to satisfy any White Christmas cravings. We weren't quite sure the visit would happen due to unexpected heavy snowfall on Wed. and roads were an absolute mess. Please note the turnout - I was not driving and taking a pic at the same time. That picture comes in another post. :)

We met at Linds' sister's house. From which you have a clear view of the ski jump ramp - Engelberg will be hosting the International Ski Jump competition this weekend. For myself - I had a great time and we looked in shock when the clock read 12:50. I had to get back to school for Kendra's class party (made it back with a few minutes to spare and did not exceed the legal limit).

We drank coffee and talked politics/economy, Switzerland, a bit of S. African history, kids and travel - I felt like we could have talked all day. She is even more intelligent and humorous in person than she comes across in her Blog. With a great smile. I'll be able to imagine her voice (a soft South African accent) and expressions now when I read her Blog. Her sister visiting with us was just as entertaining and served us coffee and apple cake - Thank You M.

We had a great setting to visit in as well. Her sister's house is over-the-top in Christmas decorations (which you can see more of on Linds blog) and make a very warm environment to be in.

I'll leave it to the reader to get to know Linds more via: http://www.lindslangdon.blogspot.com/ . Although I feel I want to say more, it was thoroughly fun and at some point I loose the words to express the delight of meeting someone who lives countries away but shares many of the same values, hobbies, aches (knees!) and interests.

What a fun day and lovely experience. Thank You Linds! Hope to do it again in warmer weather as well.

Another full day scheduled. Made a to-do list for myself and hope to get it all done!

And if you find yourself in Engelberg, visit Duke's (www.dukes-restaurant.ch) for some International cuisine - little plug for Linds bro-in-law's new restaurant.

Miscellaneous Offerings

Winter Wonderland. It's been quite beautiful here with the snow. Temperatures have stayed between 28 - 38F for the last month now and any snow that falls takes a LONG time to disappear.

I can hear the IA and MN crowd scoffing now - "that's warm!"

Quite honestly, it's not been that cold for an extended period of time (and this early) since we've lived here. Which makes for a booming Ski Season in Switzerland this year (they've had some poor years) but makes me wonder if I need to stock up on more CuddleDuds (longjohns).

The difference between this cold and let's say, an IA cold, is that there's more moisture in the air here - we are on a giant lake. Damp and 32F is colder than IA when dry and 20F. We also didn't spend so much time outside in the winter in IA like we do here. But our view is better (sorry guys) so I'm not complaining. Just need to wear that long underwear.

View outside the Kichen window. Sweet birdie feet - before I swept them away.

I had to take a picture of the contents of our wonderful box from Julie. Bart got Reeses and I got Tums - he's auditing a Bank and I'm a stay-at-home-mom. I find this very funny and wonder about the state of our well-being! btw - THANK YOU JULIE!!!!! Thought I would share a Swiss meal with you all. We had our Christmas lunch for Bible study and ate Raclette.

Raclette is both a cheese and a style of meal (based on the cheese). The Raclette machines at the top of the pic have burners on the top to cook meat. Underneath the burners are individual hot trays that you put your slice of raclette cheese on. There are also little potatoes, pickles, a dill dressing and usually pearl onions to round out the ensemble.

Once the meat is cooked and cheese is melted on it's little tray, you scrape the melted cheese on top of the meat and potatoes. For the holidays, there are Raclette stands along with the Brats, Roasted chestnuts, Gluhwein and Waffle stands throughout the City. The melting cheese can get pretty smelly but it tastes good.

Factoid: Raclette is what the Grandfather made for Heidi (melted cheese on bread) in the Heidi books by Johanna Spyri. Spyri was born in a village next to ours.

This week the children made their Grittibaenz. Grittibaenz is a Christmas holiday baking tradition they've lost the actual origin/meaning of over time. It is meant to signify an old man - possibly walking. Made with a sweet dough, brushed with egg white, sprinkled with large sugar grain and raisins for eyes. In every bakery throughout German Switzerland.

Kendra's looks more like an octupus. Rachel's didn't make it home from school - she wolfed it so there is no evidence. Apparently she went so far as to make a teddy bear for hers and it was quite cute but - she was really hungry.

You just never know what you might find when you step out of the house. This balloon floated right over me and I had to run and get the camera. Good time to run a promo for Mallorca though - everyone would like a little warmer weather.

This is my first free day in about a month or so. I am enjoying it. I'm getting a lot done! I was getting VERY tired and never seemed to fully get rid of that cold. A day of rest is good.

Enjoy your day where ever you are.

Free is NOT always FREE

I was inspired by money today.

First was the refund check from the State of NY sitting in our postbox. Yeah! Addressed to us in Wadenswil, Germany? Well, at least it didn't travel to Thailand first. I think the US Post Office has issues since the zip codes here are only 4 digits long. I've even sent something to Ireland that had no zip - just a township name. Love it.

Re: the NOT FREE items. I was ordering my Christmas cards yesterday and noticed that we could get free address labels with orders in excess of 75 cards. I had already placed the cards in my 'shopping basket' and went back to do the labels.

Fortunately for our pocketbooks, I had looked at the shipping charges which were $49.99 (there was a code for free shipping but only within the US so I'd have to pay anyway - it's actually a good price believe it or not).

I finished the labels, added them to the 'basket' and went to check out. Gee, I was getting 90 free labels and only paying 5.98 for the additional ones - Why did my total look so big? Oh, WELL, it might be the $88.98 in shipping charges that I see.

I quickly removed the labels from my basket and rechecked the total - shipping back down to $49.99. So - the FREE labels were going to cost me an additional $39 to ship! For labels!

So - I will not have free labels with my Christmas Cards. I might have to use the 'mistake' ones that were sent from another company - they have Bart's name on them - and pretty pink roses with ballet slippers. He loves those labels. Really. Not.

I'll think of something. Something that won't cost $39 for a name and address!

The Election and its Impact

It is a curious phenomenon - in the US, many people are guarded about exactly who they are voting for. Especially if one thinks it might be unpopular with the person asking because we are uncomfortable with confrontation. At least I am. I've never been quick with the tongue and I need to process information - not a good candidate for the debate team.

In Switzerland - I can't speak for all of Europe - people want to know exactly who you have voted for. For Pete's sake - in some towns, they still all show up to vote in person with a raised hand! No joke. As my German teacher said "Yes, you may be the only one to cast a vote for something unpopular but your vote is respected. No one will ambush you on your walk home."

From the Democratic party primary's to the selection of Palin as McCain's running mate, US politics has been a main topic of conversation with neighbors - and for Bart with co-workers/clients. A friend from China and another from S Korea have watched with extreme interest. They have all been very involved and concerned as they watched what was happening in the US.

People are very quick to point out our (America's) problems. What they see us doing wrong. What they think we should do to make it right. Occasionally admitting they have some areas that could use a little work. It is curious also that they see the results of this election as the impetus to great change and hope for the future - because of the man. I find that to be a lot of pressure for one man. I'm also thankful that my ultimate hope rests with God and not in man.

There is no doubt that history has been made and the people have made it clear they want change. It is just interesting to see it from a different perspective. That of people not living in the US and who are affected primarily by foreign policy. Not by the daily, grassroots trickle down that will occur with such change. Their eyes glaze over a bit when I discuss health-care, immigration or religious freedom issues.

For them, it's really about what the US is going to do for the world, what the US is going to support, where the US is sticking its nose into. It is curious how the US is seen more favorably right now with Obama as President-elect. Their hopes are all tied up in a person. I certainly hope he is successful at his job. He needs our prayers. It is a difficult task he has ahead of him.

I have had very frank conversations with Swiss re: the difficulty of being in Europe during a time when the American government isn't popular. You are your country's politics to some people - regardless of personal views and beliefs.

Hmmm - wonder if the attitudes will change now? All because of an election. Or will they wait a while and see how things go first?

Finally

A Thank You to all who have served and fought for our Country.
Our thoughts are with you this Veteran's Day.

Reminding me of Blessings (including Boots)

Just in case you want to read a couple very well-written blogs re: a current trip in the Dominican Republic for Compassion International:

http://thebigmamablog.com/index.php/2008/11/06/its-a-bird-its-a-plane/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/2008/11/a_tale_of_two_houses.html

I know times are financially tough and I am not promoting these blog pieces in an effort to guilt anyone into sponsoring children if they can't afford to.

These blogs just remind me why we are sponsoring Eloisa in Mexico (Rachel's age) and Mary in Ghana (Kendra's age).

To whom we write and receive letters from. The process takes a while - for us, it can be up to 2 months for letters to be delivered. We write a letter, must post it to the US, it is then translated and then posted to S. America or Ghana. When these girls write to us - it has the additional stop of Mom's house in the US before forwarding on to us. I'm trying out the email option for quick, smaller notes (these are received in the US, translated and forwarded to the Compassion center in the local country) but really like to hand write most letters so that we can include a card or picture drawn by the girls-and it's just flat-out more personal. It also helps keep up my handwriting skills - which are deteriorating due to the computer.

Compassion works through local infrastructure - local people helping local people. They have an open financial policy - we know that our money is really used to help these children and their families. It is a non-denominational, Christian based organization striving to educate and care for children in poverty stricken countries.

It has been a great learning opportunity for Rachel and Kendra as well. As well, at school, all their fundraisers go to support Unicef and a school in Ghana - the children feel personally accountable to helping their 'classmates' in another part of the world. Especially with the Ghana school - they get pictures, letters, see what the donations have been able to do (clean water well, fence around school to keep out animals, play equipment, library books, a small bus as some kids were walking 5km to school - just over 3 miles, etc...). Efforts such as these do make a difference.

In spite of the current atmosphere of doom and gloom, these are examples of conditions we know nothing about. My poorest summer in college can't touch conditions in these countries - and conditions that do exist in our own (we have to look harder to see them but they exist). They serve to remind us how blessed we are even in times of cutting back and wondering what we can and can't afford - what we should and shouldn't spend. Most people in the world don't have those options. I'm not minimizing the difficulty many people are facing right now - just trying to say "think of your daily blessings."

And hoping that we will make a difference in someone's future.