A place of refuge!

With my directions written in pen on my hand I exited the bus in Luzern. I quickly put up my umbrella and looked at my hand and then at the street signs. Not feeling so confident i quickly walked back to the bus and asked the driver, "English?". He shook his head but I showed him the blue ink written on my hand of the address. He shook his head but pointed in a direction so I thought I'd give it a go. I walked down the quiet street with the rain hitting my umbrella. I came to an intersection and saw the words, written in German but I knew what they said, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." A big relief, not lost! I had found it, church...

It is funny that everywhere I have been the last 7 days I have wondered, will someone speak English. But as I entered the doors to the church this morning I knew it didnt matter because I would be welcomed with open arms. That feeling in and of itself was worth the hour journey. I was greeted by a young couple and their children, saying hello while they are negotiating all the gear of an early morning with little ones and RAIN. I was next greeted by the Bishop's wife, which seemed so appropriate as I thought of her role of helping to gather.

I walked into a large room with chairs set up, no benches. I sat behind a mother of 3 little children and she inttroduced herself as Nadia. The prelude music was playing, "I Am A Child of God," I immediately felt the calm sweet feeling that I had come in search of. One of the little boys in front of me began to sing along to the prelude music, in German. I took a deep breathe to pause and remember the moment.
The prelude music continued as she played some primary songs. I smiled to myself as one of them had more of a polka feel to it...which seemed it fit even in this reverent setting. The congregation was a mix of young families and older people. It was very similar to my Wilford Ward. The chorister was a young woman, maybe 16, and I thought of the young sweet girls I had left in Salt Lake and a tear came to my eye. In that moment I thought how we all have talents to share no matter our age.. I noticed the Swiss sang out to every hymn, a moment of sincere reverence during the sacrament, while love abound within. These are people I can learn from.

I sat next to the Bishop's wife and her son, daughter in law and little one. A beautiful Swiss family. The Bishop's son quickly left and came back with a microphone and handed me a headset. So much for quietly blending in. Despite feeling uncomfortable I was so happy to hear the sweet testimonies of happiness, freedom in Christ, and hope of seeing loved ones again.... Being in a new place can make familiar words take on new layers within me and my new understandings brought peace, light and tears... I guess spiritual growing pains can be shown in different ways...

I noticed a spunky red haired three year old with round framed glasses the moment I came in and her voice was the last thing I heard when I left. She reminded me of my nieces and nephews that I adore urging me to, "Enjoy the journey!". She taught a powerful lesson herself. My step was a bit lighter and a lot more hopeful as I left.