Switzerland is composed of three major divisions: French, German, and Italian.  Last year, I had the opportunity to speak for the ASI Swiss Revival Congress in Geneva.  They were kind enough to invite me to Zurich this time for joint programs between ASI Swiss and ASI Germany.  Several programs came together including the ASI Swiss Revival, ASI Germany Convention, and a public documentary film viewing titled, “Creation”.  People from various parts of the region were able to attend.  Some of the countries represented were Austria, France, Portugal, Italy, (of course, Germany), and friends came all the way from Denmark! 

We had an enjoyable time here.  Tomorrow will be my final workshop presentation after the creation film is shown to the community.

Of course, the highlight was the Sabbath meetings.  More than 15k euros were raised for various different ASI Swiss and ASI Germany projects. 

Among the highlights of the weekend part of the our trip were seeing several friends that we met last year.  Our friends Jan and Sebina had their first baby girl a couple months ago!  Manu was able to see Uncle Wayne — engineer originally from South Africa — who took us all over the place last time we were in Switzerland and gave Manu many, many coins (he kept on losing them).  He was also reunited with Esther, his little friend who speaks Portuguese, Swedish, and a tad of French and English.

Here are some highlights:

– Milano Shirt Illustration
Since we were able to take some time off to ourselves, I had great stories for sermon illustrations.  I told them how we drove to Milano, Italy — fashion capital of the world — to buy a shirt that had “Milano” written on it, but could not find one.  I did find, however, a bunch of Mickey Mouse shirts!  All that driving and mission failed!  Someone responded, if you want a Milano shirt, go to New York!  Hahaha. 

– The Worst: Italians or Americans
I’m convinced that Italians are the Amerians of Europe.  It’s rare to find anyone who speaks another language!  While we were in Italy, I was trying to show off to Judy and the kids by acting like I could understand and speak a little italiano.  But I ended up speaking, if you can imagine, spanish with an italian accent.  The people at the meetings confirmed that Italians are known to be bright, but not to learn other languages. 

– European Food
We had pasta with red sauce and pesto sauce for lunch today.  Totally vegan.  Man!  When you get good pasta — like REALLY good pasta that has been cooked PERFECTLY, you can tell the difference.  The chef at the convention (-she was Adventist) made 50 kilos of pasta and it was perfect!  Her secret?  Make it al dente, and as soon as it comes off the water, put olive oil on it so it doesn’t stick — but don’t put the oil in the water with the cooking pasta.  I’m going to try it at home.  It also helps when the ingredients are good.  All of the food here is super-fresh…straight from the farm.

– Traffic
I was trying to show the Germans that Americans can hang with keeping an on-time schedule.  Fail.  The organizers got a rental van for my family and gave us a GPS.  For last night’s meeting, we were rushing, but doing okay with time.  We were supposed to be there at 6.  But we got there at 7:30!  Traffic was horrible.  Luckily, the president of ASI Germany rolled up late as well (with his nice Audi).  This morning, however, we were late again (this time only five minutes).  And we had no excuse this time.  Sigh.  But I think they’re still our friends 🙂

Here are some pics (thanks to Judy!):

Don’t know what all of this says, but that’s how my name looks in German 🙂

ASI motto: Sharing Christ in the Marketplace or Markplatz.

Google translate this if you really want to know 🙂

The boys in Sabbath School…which was in german.  Micah had difficulty focusing and here is trying to find a reason why he needs a band aid too. 

My interview before I spoke this morning. 

Manu and Micah watching, “Janice’s Attic”, on my computer.  Their stuffed animals are just hanging.  Micah has his Bible so, just in case Daddy doesn’t pull through, he can be ready.

Manu and his Swiss miss.

We had a very good day.  But we also missed our church members at home and look forward to being there soon!