Holiday fun

Chocolate Lindt cars, Luzern at night, books, and a trip to Colmar France to visit a Christmas market.  The first week of Christmas break begins.  I love that first morning waking up and knowing that I'm not ruled by an alarm.  A package arrives from home and up goes the tree--- or a wall of Christmas love sent from home.  This year it is my Christmas tree. Full of light and no watering needed.  Perfect!

Santa brings Mark to Switzerland for Christmas!  Celebrate with hot chocolate and jump on a train bound for Munich.  On Christmas Eve-- instead of insomnia because of excitement of Christmas morning.... excitement that I might wake up and it has been a dream.

Stores closing and quieter streets in Munich as all was becoming peaceful and bright.  Walking through churches stopping to light a candle, staring up at ornate ceilings and wondering, cobblestone streets, truly a magical Christmas city.  This beautiful place seemed to set scene for thoughts of the true meaning....
 

New Christmas tradition Apple Strudel!



While in Munich--On a clear afternoon we took the train to the quiet little village of Dachau, then a bus ride to a place with sacred ground.  Dachau concentration camp was the first of the Nazi concentration camps opened in Germany.  Historical fiction and stories of the Holloucast are books that moved me to become an avid reader.  I walked those steps with faces and images of lives I had admired, hearts that had been broken, and spirits that would prevail!  I thought of the secrets this open space kept and a peace that there are no more here---  Now it holds a story of reverence, sadness, and remembrance.  My favorite photo was of Mark's hand- looking over the names of those who felt this pain the deepest and some who walked through the gates to freedom---  One of the phrases said often at my school is to become "internationally minded."  I left with a resolve to remember that we are all brothers and sister----  Love one Another!

With thoughts of, To Kill a Mockingbird, in my mind......  "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand.  It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.  ... Atticus was right.  One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them.  Just standing on the Radley Porch was enough.  Atticus, he was real nice--- Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them."

Trains, trains, and more trains as we made our way to the school's chalet in Wengen for an up close and personal view of one of God's masterpieces--- The Alps!

I marvel at the engineers that design a way to make it to the top-- I take a photo of the strong steel that will bring me to upward-- Our rod of iron, so to speak...   The hands that made this trail and cut through this mountain that allows me to sit in a warm comfortable train with a view. I would be freaking out but know how solid and brilliant the Swiss constructions are--- I ride with ease..  Remember Elder Maxwell "We drink from wells we did not dig."

Blessed this season for a grateful, happy heart and remembering that there were steep, tough mountains to climb to reach these beautiful moments---   I take deep breaths in this cool mountain air, full of strength and joy and remembering that there are many more climbs and views ahead.

I finish writing... listening to Mary Chapin Carpenter lyrics-- "We dwell is possibilities on New Year's Day."