Hello from Geneva

I made it to Geneva! A long 13 hours on the plane, but I am here!

It is beautiful here, of course. The weather is so nice and reminds me of summertime at home. The mountains are all around and are amazing. My favorite place at Le Salesienne, my home and work, is the terrace on the third floor where my room is. It is absolutely beautiful. To the right there is France, and to the left Jet d'eau, the fountain on Lake Geneva. I hope to spend as much time there as I possibly can; until it gets cold and is snowing everywhere.

The most immediate impressions I have after the beautiful landscape, is of course the languages spoken here. Emphasis on languages...not just one language. Italian, French, I don't even know which language they are speaking, they jump back and forth, and I can't speak or understand either. But Sister MariaGrazia and other workers, Maria and Lory are so good to help me understand what is going on. I can kind of understand some things, and I am very eager to learn what I can. The sisters are very eager to learn English as well, so we can teach each other. I feel bad that they have to speak English to me because I don't know the other languages, but English is sort of becoming the universal language, so it is good for them to know English. I think I will be able to keep up and get the jist of the conversation.

I am so happy to be here. I know that God has lead me to this place. Over the last few months, and I hope will continue here, God has been my guide. He has guided me to this place and prepared me for this opportunity. He has guided me several times before I came to Geneva, but all in his plan to guide me here. I believe that he will take care of me while I am here because he has brought me here. I pray for continued guidance as I navigate and form relationships in this foreign place.

Here are a couple bible verses that have stood out to me as I understand God to be my guide and strength.

Proverbs 1:33 "but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Isaiah 58:11 "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

Arrivederci