dwindling.

it may sound silly, but chocolate yogurt is my new weakness. I thought it might be like pudding at first, but I quickly found that chocolate yogurt is a completely separate entity in itself. Chocolate yogurt is the perfect blend of that tart yogurt taste that I love, and rich swiss chocolate powder that creates fudge like ripples. The best part is the bottom, where the fudge is the most dominant. I have an addiction. Not serious, but it may create issue when I come home and do not have a Lid'l five minutes down the road that can supply for all of my chocolate yogurt-needs. in other news, spring is here. Although we had a very tardy snow flurry this morning, the trees and flowers are poking out their heads to wave hello. I do hope they hurry and come before Easter, so that we can have a colorful party for Him. A new session has begun, and I am thoroughly enjoying my Johannine Literature class. We are deep into the study of John's gospel presently, and I feel like every session is an opportunity to get to know Jesus better. I love that. Every class should feel that way. We've begun a walking club. Every afternoon, we head out to explore the fields and river banks and tiny villages that are nestled in this sweet little corner of Switzerland. Yesterday, we found some beautiful trails that wove through the pastures and into the forests. Even though the wind was strong, it was surprisingly warm. I am excited about my next adventure which will begin any moment now. I thank you for your prayers and thoughts and encouragement. The days are dwindling now, and it seems almost unreal that home is just over a month away. Until then, I will do my very best to live a deliberate and love-filled life - not missing any opportunities for adventure or relationship. I do love you all, and look forward to May. Peace.

a very happy un-birthday.

well, yesterday was my birthday (and sort of today, I guess). It started with a phone call from my mom and Mexican friends at far too early of an hour on a Saturday morning. However, it was wonderful to see all of them. A few moments after hanging up, I heard little footsteps in the hallway. The door opened, and Sara appeared with a miniature chocolate cake and candles. She sang a birthday song, and then we moved to the kitchen for breakfast. Carlita, Cesy, Signe, Sara and I sat around the table laughing and eating delicious French toast. I received a lovely red apron, with a white cross (Swiss flag) from Brady and Victor, and spent the afternoon welcoming spring with the girls on the river. We sat and read, did homework and even watched a hot air balloon. How delightful. We played with the swans, and walked in the sunshine. In the evening, we had a delicious pasta-dinner, a surprise made by Sara and the girls for Brady and I. We spent the rest of the night walking through the village, listening and watching the colorful Fasnacht parties, and singing on our beloved dock. Late last night, the best surprise of all came along. Around one in the morning, my room filled with singing girls and candles. Cesy had made tiramisu from scratch, and we all sat around with spoons. It was gone in minutes. In all, it was the most lovely birthday. I received many cards and calls from those that I love, and made memories with new friends. I heard the birthday song in eight different languages, and wore a light t-shirt while sitting by the river. I saw a hot air balloon, and danced under the stars with girlfriends. I will cherish the memories, and the beautiful friends that were here to make them with me.