Back to Lausanne

I`ve returned to Lausanne now after a full week of learning about relief work, humanitarian aid, and Medair`s mandate within that context. It`s very difficult to know how to summarize such an intense week, but to say that I have learned so much about this type of work, about myself, about living and working within a team. My head is still swirling with the information and I plan to spend the next days processing through all of it. More to come on how this might fit into my future plans!

I`m staying in Lausanne for a few days now with a friend that I met at the training, Sophie. She has been so kind & it is very refreshing to have a home to stay in rather than a hostel! Kathleen & Gavin, two others I met this past week, also stayed here last night & it has been a relaxing last day of walking, talking & processing together what we`ve experienced.

I don`t have many photos, but here are a few to enjoy of the beauty here.

a view of Lake Geneva & the French alps on the other side

Kathleen & I

Lake Geneva coast at Rolly

In Lovely Switzerland

I`m safe & sound in my backpacker`s guesthouse here in Lausanne. Overall the travels went smoothly.

As I walked through the Geneva airport this afternoon & let the fact of where I was & why settle into my jet-lagged mind, I was a bit overwhelmed. But it wasn`t that anxious overwhelmed feeling, but a good one. Like I`m finally here, after so long of hoping & praying & anticipating. Almost 2 years ago I first was introduced to this organization called Medair & now here I am, actually going to meet them & find out if a future working with them is a possibility!

I`m very thankful - for supportive friends & family, for this opportunity in a world in which I know its not the norm to be so fortunate, and for a God who believes in me and leads me with patience and love.

I probably won`t be able to update until next Saturday after the training/orientation is over - until then, ciao!

Leaving on a jet plane...

Well, the time has finally arrived! I've been thinking for months about this trip and here it is. I'm leaving Thursday afternoon for Geneva, Switzerland. My first stop is for the Medair training course, which I am excited for & a bit apprehensive of as well. I believe this is where I am to be, if only to learn & grow over this week of intense orientation to the life of a relief worker. But I do have many doubts as to how my skills and intellect can be used in this capacity - your prayers for this time are so appreciated!

I'll be in Switzerland for about a week & a half, head to Italy for another week & a half, then on to Ireland for a few days before heading back to Denver! It should be full of adventure & hopefully some direction/revelation. I'll try to keep you all posted as I go. Email & comment, as always I would love to hear from you!