Peaks and Valleys

We've just returned from a week vacation wandering through peaks and valleys of the Swiss Alps. Over the past weeks we've experienced some figurative peaks and valleys as well, wandering through the news of Dad's cancer and Elizabeth's ins and outs of the hospital. We feel like we are getting good at living out Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." On the one hand rejoicing over God's beautiful creation and the chance to enjoy it (not everyone can just pop down to Switzerland for vacation!) and on the other grieving with those who have difficult views right now. Hope it works the other way around too and you all can rejoice with us through our vacation!
 
After celebrating the wedding of Stephan and Ina on Saturday, we caught a train Sunday morning to Beilstein where we picked up Ralf's parents car and the keys to their vacation apartment in Switzerland. Monday we drove the rest of the way to Thyon, stopping briefly at Montreux on Lake Geneva. Tuesday thru Thursday were spent exhausting every possible muscle in our body as we hiked up and down various mountains. Friday we drove up the Furka Pass - reminiscent for all you Harms' of Phantom (aka Puke) Canyon - on our way to the Thermal Baths at Vals. There we soaked every muscle in our bodies at the super chic pools designed by one of Ralf's favorite architects Peter Zumthor. Glorious weather and a complementary room upgrade helped to make up for the colds we were both suffering from.

Switzerland

Ralf asked why Switzerland is so special for Americans when we have the Rocky Mountains which are just as high as the Alps. (Pike's Peak is 14,110ft vs. the Matterhorn is 14,690ft) My answer was simple - because its in Europe! So the next time you are planning a trip over the Atlantic, just remember you've got friends in high places...6562 ft to be exact.