BEYOND THE BORDERS

Wow!  Where does the time go???  I can tell it's been 3 weeks since I took these pictures only by looking back at my calendar but it sure doesn't seem like it has been that long ago.  No telling how long it's been since my previous update.  :-(

Three weeks ago Glenn and I were in Lorrach, Germany for a meeting with the other couples who provide member care in Europe.  Quite often when Glenn and I are talking with our personnel, they will ask, "Who provides member care for the two of you?"  It's a very good and caring question to ask.  THESE friends are the ones who provide member care to us and we love them.  :-)

After our meeting in Lorrach, Glenn and I needed to "hang out" for 5 days in the area before we were to head to Switzerland for a retreat (more on that later).  Glenn looked online and found a small, inexpensive apartment in a hotel in a small village in southern Germany, about 1 1/2 hour from Lorrach.  It was in the country, and it was such a tiny village that it had NO STORES or businesses of any kind.  The closest grocery store was 15 minutes away!

We had internet access so we were still able to work on emails and make calls, but we were able to take breaks in the afternoon and go for long walks on the winding paths throughout the countryside.

Our apartment is down in the heart of that valley.  We found so many gorgeous views from the various hills overlooking the valley.

It was so charming to find benches strategically placed on the various walking trails where we could "sit a spell" and soak in the sunshine and God's glory around us.  Those five days were wonderful for our souls as we absorbed the beauty of the mountains, green fields and pick fresh apples from the ground below the many apple trees along the paths.

Germany is a beautiful country.  So clean, crisp and organized.  Even their streams are neatly landscaped!

From Germany, we drove to Brunnen, Switzerland, a small resort town on a large lake for a 3 day retreat with 120 of our co-workers in Europe.  The retreat was provided totally by Corryton Church (outside Knoxville, TN) for those of us who have served overseas for a while.

We had a wonderful time!  The best part was when they gave each of us a gift bag full of cards and encouraging notes written to us by our family members, friends and two churches in Marietta that are a part of our past and our hearts.  And then, as if that wasn't enough, one of the volunteers walked up to me, gave me a big hug, and said, "... and I have a hug for you from your sister, Karin".  Tears started streaming down my face as she handed me a bag of Hershey Kisses!

We received over 115 cards and notes, and in the card from my aunt Billie, she included this photo of me from the second grade!

After the retreat ended, we had the pleasure of the company of Darrel and Kimberly for the 13 hour drive back to Budapest!  Sure made the ride back much more interesting!

On a final note, I wanted to show you a few pictures of our newest granddaughter, Nadra Grace!  I'm just a little behind in sharing the good news with you!  She and mom are doing very well!  We will get to love on her in November when we go to the U.S. for a member care meeting and conference.

And this is her big sister, Jazmine!  We can't wait to play with both of them!

We have one more trip to make into Slovakia, Ukraine and western Hungary before our trip to the U.S. so I hope to have something to write about soon!