Ich bin Zahnpaste [Swiss Life 2007-08]

Looking Back

2010-05-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've been back in America for quite some time, hence the halting of the blogs relating to my Swiss life.

A year after I left, I went back to Switzerland as an au pair, this time living in the French part. The blog for that is here.

If you're new to the blog and curious as to what my life was like, here's a few stories from my life abroad.

Fasnacht Review
First Day of School
Standard Day
Train Station Social Experiment
Rotex Weekend: Gridelwald
Love to Bike
Skiing
Sherlock Is Dead
Delightfulness In a Day
First Day With My Third Host Family

There's not much reason as to why I chose those blog entries. Mainly what caught my eye in 2010.

So...

2009-01-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

This was a long day ago.
Many a day.
It was ago.
As in… not recently.

...so our tour bus got attacked by a band of angry hippos in Italy so we got stranded so we stood on a dock so it was nice so the water was moving so we were all exchange student so I ate a pizza so I couldn’t go home so I bought a postcard...

Castle

2009-01-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

I admit it, I like castles...

[forwards]

2009-01-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess there are a mere 5 or so months of school left.

It feels kind of weird.

I mainly wish that all the rites of passage and traditions could be skip.

I don’t need the big graduation, I don’t need the Senior prom, I don’t need Senior party.

I’m ready to move on.

In Just a Day

2008-11-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

How much
is my school
able to give
to kids in Africa
in just one day?

(when all I do is talk to a handful of people and hold out my jar with a cause)

Today, at school, I decided to see how much my classmates would be willing to, and able to give.

I admit, I had low expectations. My goal was $5 in change or so.

The day started with two cakes. I brought them to first period. Set them up on a table. And from there, anyone could take a piece. Anyone. And, if they wanted to, they could give some change or whatever to the kids in Africa.

My goal for period one was $2.

The first person to donate reached that goal -- thanks Collin.

Anyways, from there, it was simple as holding out the jar and asking. And people obliged. I never got a no, unless they didn't have money.

Quarters.
Nickles.
Pennies.
Dimes.
Dollar Bills.

Inglemoor, you guys are awesome.

And in one day, $38.65 was raised.

We're raising money for Anaka Secondary School in Uganda.

We're not just looking for a temporary solution. We're working with Schools for Schools, realizing that for them to have a brighter future, we need to invest in their education.

Anyways, I'll be out again tommorow with the same jar.

The money has already been sent to Invisible Children.

Go to s4s.invisiblechildren.com for more information.

Thirty eight dollars and sixty five cents doesn't seem like a lot over here, but we'll make a difference.

(Update: The next day, $40 was raised)

[free taco day]

2008-10-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today was, is, Free Taco day at Taco Bell.

" Baseball and taco fans alike can get their free taco by simply visiting a participating Taco Bell restaurant on Tuesday, October 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time). No purchase is required; one taco per customer."

I didn't even know I liked the place... until I tried a taco today.

It was delicious. Lecker. So warming.

Me and Sarah headed out there today after school. Ended up seeing Julia, Nick, Emily, Marie, peoples.
We all wanted free tacos.

You should go get one. You still have two hours left.

And what? What is this beautiful occasion? Free tacos?

It has all and everything and most things to do with the World Series going on right now. When Jason Bartlet stole second base, he stole free tacos for America!

" "When I was running back out to the field for defense after the fifth inning, I was told that Taco Bell was going to give everyone in America a free taco," said Bartlett. "The first thing that crossed my mind was all of my buddies back home in California who are probably on their way to Taco Bell that very minute. It's pretty cool. I'm sure I'm going to get more than a few text messages from my friends thanking me for winning them a taco, I guess."

I think we have a new national hero on our hands.

"My Favourite Things Right Now"

2008-08-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

Blog inspired by Leeland

My Favourite Things Right Now

Instruments that sounds like accordians (melodicas, harmonicas)
Rice in plastic tubs
Bed Sheets
Random music from the Seattle region
Kitchen timers
Orange socks
Masking tape
Curling
Annoying music makers (kazoos, nose flutes, etc.)
Helping without getting cash in return
Reading crappy books in one night
Re-Con
Biking
Making plans
Oatmeal

Clothes Lines

2008-08-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

[Devin busking in Seattle]

"Am I doomed for a life of realizing that I am never going to be as ready as I always thought I would be?"

"Regardless, I have come to the understanding that life is pure procrastination...never really knowing the choices you are going to make or the topics you are going to write about until it comes down to crunch time and then you are forced to make a decision that you never have really decided on."

"Anyone else who reads this, I would love to know your opinions on the matter...plus it is always entertaining to find out who reads this crap haha."

-Rachel Kuenzi-

Hmmmm.
Hmmmm.
Hmmmm.

Make me think why don't you.

First, I will almost always read other people's "crap" as I dish it out like no other. I love recording my thoughts to look back on later and laugh at, reminenice, or hold onto.

I am going to put this out there... not sure if it is related to what Rachel said, but it is indeed inspired by it. Simply my reflections. Not answers. Personal interpretation.

"Am I doomed for a life of realizing that I am never going to be as ready as I always thought I would be?"

I think it is the other way around.

You are doomed for life thinking that you are never ready enough and holding back and waiting till you think you are ready.

Not ready to leave home.
Not ready for that job.
Not ready to actually throw yourself out into the world and see what you can do when you get away from the tini little micro society we call high school which is barely anything compared to the real world.

*interjection*

We just gotta go out there.
Throw ourselfs on the line.
See what happens.

I never really think I'm ready for anything.

But what do I have to loose in this life?

Nothing.

The only thing I don't want to loose is self respect.

" I have come to the understanding that life is pure procrastination...never really knowing the choices you are going to make..." "... until it comes down to crunch time and then you are forced to make a decision that you never have really decided on."

Thinking.
That I am.

"Life is pure procrastication."

I think almost the entire time, we know what the decision will be, what we will choose. From the beginning, we know. Subconsciously.

But we have been raised to "make good decisions" and essentially ignore that tugging feeling in our stomach, heart, some vital organ.

Our minds are unbelieveable in what they are capable of doing.

But we still throw ourselfs into the pros and cons of matters, weighing the benifits, only to come to the decision we already knew.

A Night Under the Stars

2008-08-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

The Kitchen Cubboards and the Perseids Meteor Shower

Back home.
Constricted.
Trapped.

Meteor Shower? Sounds like a plan.

So me, Sarah, and Brent headed out to check out the stars that night and perhaps see a few fly through the sky, well, meteors, flying, through the sky.

Space.

About to head up when *bang* we called Kiku! And she came with us.

We had a melodica, two guitars, nose flute, and kazoo... ready to go.

Stopped at Taco Time, loaded up on Mexi Fries.
Oh so good.
Greasy goodness.
Babies hate music.

And we drove.
And drove.
And drove.

40 miles there.

Where is there? Why, we went to Rattlesnake Lake, by Rattlesnake Ridge, by North Bend.

We got there and the parking lot was full. The park was closed. The lot park was full. So we parked anyways. Stocked up on blankets, tarps, food, essentials, and headed into the park.

Set up camp. Tarps underneath. Nest on top.

And then the night began.

Wow.

God's creation.

I was totally in awe. Out there, the lights of the world were blocked out, only stuff up there was worth our attention. Meteors flew.

Oh yes, they flew.

"I think it's peaking guys."
"It's peaking."
"Stop ruining my night vision."

*schriek*
Night vistors, our friends, the mice.

Fruit loops in the lake.
Watering the lake.

Sick on sugar.

Gummy Bears/Beef Jerkey/Fruit Bars/Chips/Fruit Loop Necklaces/Bagels

Yes, we could survive in the wilderness.

At one point, we heard a sharp scream from Kiku.
A mouse had invaded, between her and Brent.
Brave little mouse.
Would not go away.
Would not go away.
Would not go away.
That was not pleasing to us.

So we took the food back.

Yes. It was an amazing night. I mean, not that much can beet getting out there, in no where, with your friends. Just realaxing. Not having to do anything. See what is up in the sky.

And we are seriously missing a lot of stars from here in the suburbs. The light polution deletes a bunch of stars up there.

Thanks you guys.
For an awesome night.
I enjoyed it.

Dove? Wo?

2008-08-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

What is happening to the bloggings?

I tend to do it on Facebook.

Get one.

Add me.

Rotary 5030

2008-07-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

Gabby
USA--Ecuador
2008

[seattlesunset]

We got to see everyone again.
I got to see everyone again.

(except for Miss Kenzie...)

Guess it was great.

I want to meet up with a lot of you again. Keep my sanity.

Jacob
USA -- Spain

Gabby
USA --Ecuador
2008

Guess it is official.
I am now home.
In America.
But at least we have a lovely skyline to photographize.

Day At the Kuhlmans [fotoessay]

2008-07-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is best viewed on Facebook....

Wellah, I am working on transisting into the USA way of life, and was totally blessed when I had an invitation to visit the Big Rock Ranch, home of the Kuhlman family, for a lovely morning with Mrs. Kuhlman (Nancy!) and Sir James.

I like it.

It was one of the first times in America that I felt really happy and sort of free.

They live in, well, Snohomish. Pretty much the country. And from their house they can see two mountain ranges along with the respected volcano, Mt. St. Rainier.

It was just a refreshing, renewing time.

Mrs. Kuhlman... llama fields? Jes. I think so.

I was able to talk to Nancy about life in general, hear about life on the ranch, and do, well, stuff.

She made an amazing (aka epic) stack of Swedish Pancakes to enjoy, which we did. Complete with fresh blueberries me and James had just picked together. Mmm…. Soo good! Along with yoghurt, powdered whipped cream, strawberries, and butter.

We even drove down to the “river,” ok, so the not so flowing creek down at the end of the property. On the way back, James got to drive.

James.

Mr. Sir James. We play Uno together.

James is one of the most amazing kids I know, seriously. He is 7 years old, I believe, and pretty much always filled with ideas, energy, and is just one cool guy.

Anyways, he drove us through the hay fields in crazy circles to the tune of “Ob La Dee.” Defintily something I will not forget.

Photo by James.

Nancy talking to the llamas... cause they be awesome.

Llamas! And they have llamas! They were so sweet and fuzzy and big and they had cool feet. I liked them.

He told me to make a llama face... here it is.

They all had personalities and such, which I found pretty sweet. You could see it just from beeing with them for a couple minutes.

So thanks Nancy for having me! It was an amazing day and I will be taking you up on that offer and coming back again soon. Thanks and God Bless!

And...

2008-07-14T22:34:00.001-07:00

I would like to appoligize for my over negativeness.

Yes... I guess I am greatful to back. Seeing my family again is great. Friends are happy.

It is just a difficult time right now... and I don't understand it.

I am scared to go to high school....

Maybe I could... join the circus. Circus Kniee or somethng brilliant like that.

Culture SHOCK... Wha?

2008-07-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

Am I better yet? Appitite back? No. I have not eaten a single thing from my kitchen or at home yet.

Yesterday I managed to consume half and enchilada... today I got in a small chicken sandwhich and part of a Jamba Juice. But I don't feel like eating.

Anyways...

Today I went to the mall for the first time.

My best friend Sarah works at Jamba Juice. She is amazing.

Anyways, she had around a 4 hours shift so I was left to do as I pleased during this time...

OH MY FEETNESS!

It was, well, a bit of a shake up for me.

What is with this nation?

What is with the namebrands Abercrombie and Hollister??? WHAT IS SPECIAL? I did not understand that... are they a status symbol for something? There is no expression in them. Plain white shirts with a name splashed on the front.

Short shorts.... are they shorts?

It was so artifificial.

I hated it!

So... gah. Just like the freakin steryotypes we have. Obese or Barbie. Take your pick.

I felt physically sick, light headed, dizzy, stomach ache... and I went to the car and slept a bit.

It was just overwelming.
To much.

I did not like it.

I do not like it.

I want to go back to where the cows roam free.

8 comments

Alice Brandt (East Senior High School) wrote
at 7:30am on July 12th, 2008

aw maggie i miss u im sorry i never got to see again here

Natasha Garner (Switzerland) wrote
at 8:23am on July 12th, 2008

MAGGIE!!! I miss you!!! Wouldn't be lovely if we could have all stayed here another year...

Emily Lynch (Trinity Western) wrote
at 9:45am on July 12th, 2008

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made EVERYTHING beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from begining to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in al their toils- this is a gift of God. I know that EVERYTHING God does will endure forever, nothing can be added to it and nothing can be taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him."
Ecclesiasties 3:1-14

Chloe Dauwalder (Lone Peak High School) wrote
at 11:11am on July 12th, 2008

maggie dearest! i miss you! and our adventures and all the time that we spent together in the best country in the world. we WILL be back there one day, but for now live in the moment and do the best you can.

as my best swiss friend told me: "yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift...thats why its called the present"

Kyly Hawk (North Little Rock High West) wrote at 6:02am yesterday MAGGIE! that;s aweful! I'm sorry you fell like that. I hope it gets better

Melodie Noyes (Seattle, WA) wrote
at 9:15am yesterday

Hey Maggie, I feel like that a lot, too, and I haven't even been out of the country. Sometimes I wish the Lord would just pick me up and move me to Africa or something so that I could be removed from this hedonistic culture that we live in, but He has called me to be faithful to Him here first. It's hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and we're pretty rich--face it. I think we become pretty apathetic to life here. Everything's so convenient and expendable. .....I'll get off my soapbox now. Glad you're back safe and sound. Maybe you could get away to the country or something. Go work on a farm like your cousin Dustin.

Nicole Pflugfelder (Eastern High School) wrote at 6:24pm yesterday Maggie ,I feel exactly the same its such a horrible feeling but just surround yourself with people you love. nicole

Daniel Baskin (Pacific Lutheran) wrote at 8:09pm yesterday I've never even met you yet, so at least I'll get to meet you.

And So it Ends... OVER!

2008-07-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Gah... I am home.

[maggieinseattleagain]

The trip here pretty much was, eh, lame. I have never cried so much in such a little amount of time. I cried when we went up, when we went down, and when I watched Home Alone 3....

A little package of emotional unstableness.

Nelly was there the entire time.

Now it is 12:30 at night in Seattle... and I haven't really really slept for a good, or bad, 28 hours or so.

Anyways, nothing is more horrible than feeling like you are being wripped from your home. But I guess things are chill now. I am home.

I will be trying to respond to wall posts and messages soon... but for now, bed bed bed.

Last Week... Last Day... A Wet Wreck

2008-07-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am a wreck.

A total wreck.

I have cried multipul times for the past, eh, 5 days or so... and it, uh, it is lame.

I was told crying makes you stronger. I could be a weight lifter soon.

I got really, dangerously close to my friends this year...

But my Swiss friends... they meant the world to me. It is hard to explain the relationship I had with them. Like back home, I always had my parents there for me. But they were like my family. I loved my host famlies, but I was always changing. These people... they were always there for me.

I wasn't just a bystander in our class. People in the class told me that I truly was a part of the class and that it wouldnt be the same at all without me... and I think I believe them. I participated. We hung out after school. Train rides. Bike rides. Walks.

These were my friends.

And a year is more than enough time to get attatched to someone.

And every day I have to say good bye... and it is killing me. I do not like it.

Last night I had to say good bye to Julia.

At first I was ok, but she was crying. But then I said, "I don't want to go through that door." so she said she would coem wtih me. And we walked through her door... and then I cried and couldn't stop. These are the tears that you can't stop from coming and that make you shake and feel awful.

I feel horrible...

And now a bit better.

I am for the last time in my school today. I did a presentation, in English, about, well, me and my life and America. It was pretty lame. i didn't have the pictures so I had to make up a bunch of crap. Worst part was when the gum fell out of my mouth onto the floor. But whatever... I will never see these people ever again.

I want this to stop. time to stop. Or to go home this second and skip the good byes... but I have to say good bye. Prepare to go home. But it is so hard...

Schauspielhause Zürich Schülertheatertreffen

2008-06-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

So... we had another fesitval pertaining to the lovely art of theater.

Theater.

oh Theater....

Theater in antther language is einfach something anders...

Let's see... what to say?

Ought I to talk about the Street Parade next door?

Or sleeping in the bombshelter and playing Mafia (Werewolf in German...) until 2:00 in the morning?

Or about how me and Moritz and Helena went some evening to some random place and consumed beverages of fruit?

That was a nice evening.

Maggie Questions.

Not really sure what to say... there were a lot of brilliant plays.

The two favourites would have to be Krabat from Luzern (it was in Swiss German close to the Obwalden dialect so I could understand it well) and Much Ado About Nothing from a group from Basel filled with so many ingenious moments that I felt like pulling out a pad and paper and taking note of them but realizing I would miss something if I did.

I was mainly impressed by the builidng that this festival was held in...

An old werehouse thingy... suited up to be a theater. Huge empty rooms. Crazy stages... such as one entirely furry and blood stained for Clockwork Orange.

I am not really sure what I feel like telling you guys... go read about TAG, I felt inspired to write about it.

And that was...

Schauspielhause Zürich Schülertheatertreffen

Feet Of Holiness

2008-06-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

My feet are weirding me out...

Anyways... today, I sit.

And *INTERJECTION* low and behold... I have some 2 weeks läft.

I wasn't going to do the countdown, but I hear it enought from my friends.

Gah.

Anyways.... I have been thinking lately about... AGES!

Yeah. Time. Age. How freakin stupid it is.

We have birthdays, that is cool.

But what the age you are given is supposed to pertain to your personality and development.

I was talking to some other exchangers. We talked about first impressions (they are funny).

And for me... every single one had something to do with me being small, cute, and, "How old is that girl and where did she come from? Did we pick her up along the way?"

Haha.. I guess it didn't help that I was carrying around George.

Anyways... I have no problem with those impressions... it's what I give off and how I have been treated. Always the little one.

But then I laugh when I think, HA! I am 18 in some 3 months.

18.

I don't look like it, or act like it... sometimes I think like it though.

Why are ages thrust upon us with ways we are supposed to be.

And why is just enjoying life sometimes consider juvinille?

Switzerland... you be awesome.

Photos from [swimnopoopnobyenomusicstorm]

2008-06-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

[b a t h i n g]

Anywhere you go in this area (Oh Oh Obwalden, oh how schön du bist), you are near water. For me, it is just a 7 minute bike ride or so to the beautiful lake on a hot day. It is a 5 minute walk from the school.

Therefore, in the middle of the day, when it is time to eat, we can go swimming. I have not yet cause I have no idea where my swimiming clothes are, but I can go wading. And my friends just go and jump in and cool off in the middle of the day.a

Imagine that in Inglemoor. Say it was right on Lake Washington, and the water was cleaner. And the second the bell rang for lunch (which is 1 hour and 20 minutes long) you could run, jump in the lake. Swim around with everyone. Lay on the grass (that has no bird poop in it) and relax. Do whatever with your friends. And then, just pull on your clothes and head back to math class or whatever.

These last days, wow, ,going by so fast.

This is my last, last 5 days with my friends for some 2 years or until I come back. I will not see some of them for a long time. Some, never again, ever. Ever. I find that lame.

Today was the last music class. We had crousants and chocolate milk and gingerbread and talked about stuff. Then the teacher showed us old movies from the first class which were hilarious as they all danced. There were pictures too… my classmates have changed a lot.

Are good byes really important? Why do we need to mark the time we say good bye when it is the middle stuff that matters. I left the exchange gathering early that morning without really saying good byes… and I know now that I won’t see a lot of those people ever ever ever again. Never ever. And I didn’t say a good good bye. Anyways, but did I need to? Does that make it easier? I try not to think about it.

The weather has been crazy lately. Soo hot after a week of cold rainyness. Warm. Sunny. And then, people were swimming one moment in the sea and then in a 5 minute period there was a downpour complete with thunder. I like it. Just a bit wet.

I guess that is life now.

Established

2008-06-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

So…. Ellie came over today, and it was today that I realized how much I know this village… or that they know me.

It was time to wrap up our time together, so me and Ellie went to grab our bikes from the bike rack. As we left our destination we saw Christoph waiting to cross the bridge. So talked to him for a moment. We got on the bikes and then we saw three girls. I knew 2 of them but all three knew me. Ages? 8 to 10 years old.

Then we rode our bikes, going the long way by the school. “Maggie!” I turned to see Jana and Marion and 5 seconds later, Fabian as well. Ages? I am guessing 14 to 16 years old…

We arrived at the train station, I didn’t know anyone. But after Ellie got on the train, I went to the bike rack and realized I knew all of the people there. Judith. Stefanie. I was talking to them. Beat. And then there was Timon (Happy 18th Birthday Timon!). And Nicole. And then Maya came a minute later on her bike. There was one person I did not know, but she was with Nicole (21 or so years old, I know her from the kitchen in the school) so I went and met her as well. Her name is Cornelia. New Friend. As I was talking to them, Moritz went by on the bike. I drove Stefanie’s bike with her behind me. Moritz was going quite slow, so we caught up with him, rode a bit. Dropped off Stefanie. I said good bye to Moritz (doubt I will ever see him again…) and then walked home. And on the way home, 5 minute walk, from the 4th story of some appartments Tamara yelled out, “Maggie!”

So… in this short trip from the school, to home, to the train station… maybe 25 minute time span… I saw…

Christoph
Three Girls Younger Who Knew Me
Jana
Marion
Fabian
Fabian’s Friend
Judith
Stefanie
Timon
Nicole
Cornelia (met her)
Moritz
Tamara

And that is in our little village… goodness… I feel more rooted here. Like I belong here. The people know me here. From 8 years, to 12, to 16, to 18, to 21… and I could talk to any of them. Goodness, this life is good. I think I will keep it forever and not leave this place. I feel loved here.

Hay Day

2008-06-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

(view from my back porch)
Today is Hay Day… not officially, but somehow, all the farmers seemed to get the message.

I could safely say that 50% of the land in my town is hay, well, fields that is. When I go bike riding, I am surrounded by, well, hay, and farmers... cause they rock and sweat.

The grass was getting long. The rain kept coming, which is lame for the farmers cause then they can’t cut the hay when it was wet.

Finally today they cut it around 8:00 in the morning, let it dry all day, and finally started to gather it up at 1:00 or so after it had dried out in the sun.

I find it epic how all the farmers seem to know this.

As I rode my bike, I started to keep track of the number of tractors I saw… I gave up at 30… yes, I give up easily.

Anyways. The have some pretty hard core contraptions to cut this grass.

Of course they need one to cut it… but then another one comes and sweeps the grass into neat rows.

Then one more machine comes. It drives right over the grass and then gathers it up in a rolling machine till there is just a giant roll of grass. Then the giant tootsie roll of hay is rolled onto the next machine that wraps the roll up in plastic around and around and around.

It is quite hardcore.

Until it looks like a marshmallow, that when I stand by it, perhaps comes up between my shoulders and waist.

On the end of the day, all the fields are dotted with these giant marshmallows…

But I love just riding my bike through. Watching all the farmers, the farmers’ wives, the farmers’ children, working together on this project.

I live in a farming village… and I love it.

Saturday

2008-06-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

I am coming to my countdown now... dang, it's pretty lame.

Let's see... last Saturday, I avoided filling up till I realized it was leer... oh dear. So I had to fill it up.

I ended up competing in my very first, and last Swiss Shooting Competition.

Yep.

I was in the adult catagory as we wore crazy jackets, head bands with eye patches, and shot 22s at targets that moved in a motion that reminded me of starwars.

The jackets hold your arms riged so you can't move them... the eye patch lets you keep the other eye open.

Anyways, I am proud to say I competed and got 41 out of 50 points... not enough to win, but it was a start.

I went with my neighbor, Tamara, she is pretty ninajish...

Then I went to a car wash and helped with a bunch of little girls.

That was cool.

What I want for my last weeks is for life to be like always.. and I want to be with my Swiss friends.

So I loved the little kids and we rocked the world together...

And then I hung out with Maya and Eliane and we went to my house.

Then me and my host famliy went out to eat and my host dad orded 32 CHF Schnitzell... and I did too.. AH!

and the I walked to Elianes and we looked at baby photos of her and watched a bit of the match and I checked my email.

Well.. that is life.

It is full and joyful.

Normal and spiffy.

And I love it.

How can I leave this place? How? THIS IS MY HOME!

Sorry... just a little rant.

I mean, I love you guys, I love the USA, but a year is a long time in many aspects to get settled in... but then again too short in the sense that I have to leave already.

Yes, I am excited to see my friends again, but how can I say good bye to the people I have met here?

Sigh...

I love being able to just right my bike though Giswil, through the fields, the woods, across the brooke, by the church... just fresh air. Not too much traffic, maybe a few tractors, and I know soo many people in this small town. I can just hop on the bike and find a friend.

Life here is so carefree... like something from a book... something I don't feel like ever forgetting.

And then I will go back to America. Stress. Homework. Hills. Yellow Busses. School. All of the cliches...

Gah.

I guess that is life.

TAG Theater Festival

2008-06-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say.

It is over.

This year I was a participant of the TAG (Theater am Gymnasium) Theater Festival 2008 in the Kanti Zug.

I’ve blogged about theater in Switzerland before.

I do enjoy it… especially the people aspect of it.

This was a festival of around 12 different theater groups.

It lasted 4 days, Wednesday to Saturday.

Thursday:

I arrived a day late, on Thursday morning, at 9:00 to see the courtyard of the Kantonsschule Zug filled with a huge mass of students running around as if in a war. Kids were on the ground, groaning in pain, while others screamed in triumph. You would never see such things except in a festival of this sort. I quickly disposed of my luggage and joined the group in a huge circle where we did theater tai chi and stood in a circle humming in unison till our hums turned to yells.

And this was my life for the next two nights and days.

We then headed at 9:45 to the Guthirt Hall for the first play of the day, Jean-Pierre Venguere de Clingrad…. Yes, it was in French. It was a more or less mondern take on the old tale of Douki Outo (no idea how to spell that). In this case, the main character was into Star Wars. I understood enough throuh words like, “la force,” “princess Leah,” “Obi On Canobi,” and “*french words that sounds like ‘may the force be with vou.” That’s the brilliancy of this weekend. We had Italian plays, French plays, German plays, and yes, even plays in English. I found the production pretty good. Some of the actors were not totally in the role, well, they were, but they over played it to the point of it being to unrealistic, but who am I to judge. I do so enjoy watching French speaking people pretend to be gangsters though…

After that came 1913 by some school with the word Montana in the name. This show was bilingual, in English and German. I, personally, enjoyed it. However the fact that they did not understand most of it led many of my friends to not find it all that good. 90% percent of the text was taken from newspapers and so forth in 1913 and it followed the life of Marie and the events leading to her death in 1913. It was confusing at points, but acting in a language other than your mother tongue is quite difficult, I know that first hand. I found many of them focusing on the language rather than the acting. In the middle, groups of people left which I found horrible. Leaving in the middle of the play is the simplest way of saying, “your play sucks and I don’t find it worth my time to sit down and simply watch it.” At the end, we learned that the two times they played it that day were the only times they would ever perform it. Ever. And it was obvious they went to quite a lot of work for it. Only twice, and for an audience who didn’t fully appreciate it.

Zmittag. Lunch. For the festival, we all received meal tickets to be redeemed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The system worked quite well and the food was ok… and almost always eaten outside. All of our free time was spent outside on benches or going for walks.

After lunch we split into group for work for the workshops. I signed up for… something that had to do with setting a scene with music. Through this I was able to meet more people, including three students from the Italian part of Switzerland… hence, two of them didn’t speak German so our teacher and another student translated everything. One of the students was bilingual so that helped. We played noise games where we would just sit for 10 minutes in pairs and take turns making noises with out mouth, fingers, clothes, and the floor. Other games were your typical theater games such as “Bippidy Bippidy Bah.” Well, I enjoyed it.

Then came “Soaped Up,” someone, or a group from Maturaarbeit Zug wrote and produced this play for their Matura, which is the IHS equivalent of the Senior Project. I have to admit, I was impressed with their production. It was a play with the format of a typical soap operah filled with the cliches we see played out over and over on the television. From the best friend sleeping with the other friend’s girlfriend, to the awkward trio, to the hairdresser that one of the leads goes to for moral support, to the cheesy commercials. They prefilmed an intro and commercials which were played at the beginning and various intervals of the film, specifically at those cliffhanger moments.

What these students created was a play that was tailored to what students of today want to see. Although I enjoyed doing my school’s performance of Medea, it was just too heavy for most of the student body. Students want to see interaction between people of the oppisite sex, they want to see other people in awkward situations, they want to laugh. This was something that could even keep my 15 year old host sister plugged the entire time, which says quite a bit. It was witty and filled with characters you couldn’t help but like… or loath. Even the ending was great, or brilliant, not sure which, perhaps both. So, for a students production, I was impressed. They did a lot of things right and it would be great to see them take it a step further than the TAG festival, who knows, maybe they are…

Dinner was a huge square of pizza.

Then two friends and I headed off to look for the Zuggersee or whatever it’s name is. Anyways, there was a lake somewhere and we were determined to find it. We ended walking behind part of the cast of Soaped Up until we reached the station. We made our ways to the lake. It was, well, beautiful. Sunset. Sunset. I do like sunsets. But my camera, oh where could it be? That I did not know. But then I rememeber I had left it on a bench at the festival, crap. Not by my friends, just on a bench. So we headed back. Passed the Soaped Up cast as they headed to the lake and asked, “Heading back already?” which in fact, we were. I was ok with waiting a bit longer, but having my camera back in my hand always gives me a peace of mind.

We got back, searched, inquired, searched. And did not find it. I was not too depressed, as I figured it had to show up, it always does. But if it doesn’t, mainly I was worried because then I would have no camera for the Eurotour. Finally, feeling defeated I prepared to call my parents and ask them to pray, I had already done so myself. But I headed back to my friends who were chatting with some random guy… when he pulled my camera out of his bag. Well, that made my day. I had my camera back.

So we headed back to the lake, a 20 or so minutes walk, and took a multitude of pictures. Two girls headed back but my friend stayed by the lake with me and we walked around, took pictures, and once again, passed the Soaped Up cast.

Zug. Zug is a pretty big town. Ok, city. Completely different from Obwalden, my kanton. And I am greatful that I am in Obwalden. Right now, right next to our house is a field… filled with cows. I see green hills and snow capped mountains. Blue skies. It is open. Zug was too, well, I didn’t see a charm in it. It was pretty much a city and just that. Sure, I guess it had some sort of character, but I saw nothing that separated it apart from the other great cities in Switzerland.

The school building was not to my liking. It was all concrete and structured. The views revealed nothing. I missed my school here in Switzerland. From the windows you can see mountains and grass. It isn’t very big, but some parts are old and have a lot of charm to them. Other parts are new and modern. A mix of everything. A small student body. I would feel lost in Zug. And as some of the Obwaldeners complained, it seemed like everybody in Zug, well, looked perfect, put together. A bit artificial. I am Maggie and I live near farmers! I like that.

We headed to our sleeping quarters… a bomb shelter, as usual. Those bomb shelters really are a great idea and really useful. There was a security man on duty the entire night so the doors were left open and we were free to stay out as late as we wanted. To my surprise, they had a theater group in every room… boys and girls sleeping together. I mean, it was ok. I just have never really been in a situation where they have organized it so. Yes, we are like a family. But it was just a bit, well, different. I admit, I moved to a place where I was sleeping next to girls. No problems with guys, I just don’t like sleeping by them…

May 23rd and 36 Exchangers

2008-05-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

So… I finally got home from EuroTour on May 23rd. I woke up at 8:00 the next day realizing I had to get Miss Nelly a dress she had lent me and needed that night.

9:06 on the train.
10:00 on the train to Bern.

I met her at 11:03 in Bern, returned the dress, and learned that Taylor and his mother and sister, real family, were coming bald. With an empty day ahead of me, I decided to join them on their excursion to see the bears and other sights of Bern.

I bought a binder for my EuroTour memeories book.

At around 11:18 they arrived along with Alice.

We headed out and spent the next 2 or 3 hours checking out Bern. Conversations included hot cocoa, solar panels, EuroTour, organs, baby socks, and other things of important nature.

It was raining. I was lacking a jacket.

We headed to a café and were treated to something of something sort by Miss. Taylors Mom… Michelle? Thank you Taylor’s Mom.

In this café, there just so happened to be around 4 other exchange students.

Exchange Student Tally: 7

We drank, some smoked, discussed enlightening things. Another exchangie came.

Then we headed to the station to pick up more students… I believe after that we had 14 students total, but 2 had left. So that day I had seen 16 students so far…

We went to the top of the station. Drank beverages such as ice tea. Watched a dude do magic tricks which were trickily amazing.

I was quite amused when the police came to talk to me. Sitting on the steps, just 2 steps away from me and two others were other kids drinking vodka and smoking. Yet we were on the platform, and it was with us the police wanted to speak with. We were not in the play area, but apparently it was just for kids, and we were breaking some rules. We were just sitting under a tree… two steps away it was ok to drink and smoke, but a couple feet away and you were in trouble. So we moved. Checked out pics. Took pics.

Pee break on Gleis 5.

More tea.

They were going to head to some place, I honestly was not interested and the day seemed to be going slowly so I jumped on a train to Olten, which would then take me to Luzern. While on this train to Olten, I began to speak with Jorge, figured out he was on a train to Olten too and was going one stop further to Aargau. Well, why not? So I stayed on the train to Aargau and ended up meeting with some 10 other exchange students, the majority were latinos.

The latinos rock.

Students rode bikes around. I printed pictures. We went and got kebabs. Came back. Waited for people. Headed to Mr. Pickwicks and got coke and ice tea with lemons in. Just hung out.

I really enjoyed that evening. Just chillin, I guess you could say. Hanging out. Basking in the glow of a group of exchange students. I believe there were 18 of us there? I learned quite a bit of Spanish from the Ramiro and enjoyed bashing my head trying to remember certain words.

We took pictures.

I wore Miguel’s host dad’s jacket from Bolivia and fell in love with it.

On the train ride had us Patrick, Paz, and Jaxon. So we all had a good hour ride home together which I guess was enjoyable.

30 minutes in the Luzern Bahnhof.

Ride home part way with Jaxon.

We met a friend of his and discussed Nidwalden, which I just so happen to loath.

He got off.

I arrived in Giswil around 1:15.

In bed by 2:00.

So yeah, that was one lovely day.

In total I was with three different groups of exchange students, around 36 total in one day… not bad eh?

Venice?

2008-05-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

Well... I feel like blogging, and I can.

We just finished our meal.. it was, er, interesting. Half of us actually finished it. But the cream covered cream puff completely made it complete.

Yes, the exchangers invaded the lovely city of Venice once again... taking it by storm and doing the unordinary.

We started in the tourist ary of this Marks platz... not sure the name. Anyways, there are a bajillion pijiogns.

Then someone asked me if I wanted to go check out those places that aren't touristy.... that was already my intentions and hopes of the day, so of course I said yes.

And that is essentially who my day was spent with.

Chloe, Chrystie, Taylor, and Travis.

We mounted walls, climbed fences, window grates.. anything. The majority of the time was in tiny alley ways... some so small your shoulders practically touched the walls.

We wanted to go where we were not to go... and did go to great lengths to achieve that.

I enjoyed the lingustic university... we ended up some 4 stories up and were able to overlook the entire city....

And then we made it to a lithograph shop, or somethying like that.. and bought somie snazzy postcards that really captured the Venice we had came to know... the real Venice. Not the tourist venice... Venice. Venice....

Finaly we split up into two groups... me with the ladies, naturally. And we got on a gondolla.

That was soemthing I will never regret spending my money on, that gondala ride.

The man sang to us. Just going down the canals.. like in the movies.

Nothing could beat that feeling of bliss....

Anyways, so Venice rocked my socks. I loved it. Really did. And it is defintily something that I was not dissapointed in...

We are about to go for a walk on the beach...

EuroTour Update

2008-05-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

OK, so I only have a bit of time to update you guys.

But currently I would be located in Italy.. specifically a town in the near from Venice.

We have been at this for 7 days now... not bad eh.

51 of us, traveling around a on a bus.

We have invaced Vienna and Klaggenfuhrt in Austria and the rest of the week, till the 23rd will be in Italy.

Really, it is quite brilliant and like nothing i have ever done before. With so much time together, we are getting, well, really close. The conversations are moving from the future to our past. Yeah. Gelling. Sure we have our cliques, but life goes on.

Currently, we are right by the ocean, ready to swim... but there is a thunder and ilghtning making that not so probable.

I bet a lot of people want to shoot me ror writing this... but I feel a bit selfish at the moment.

Yeah... morgen we go to Venice... apparently a cafe can cost 12 Euros for one cup...

Random Little Tid Bizt

2008-05-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

Tagged by Andrea DeBrino!
(Thanks Andrea, you make me smile... cause you do. And my mom sent me the newspaper clipping, and you were in it... Fun Raisers or something like that :P)

Ook..... I have not much so time to do this, I have no computer at the moment.

However...

--------------------------

Here's how you play.

Once you've been tagged, you have to write a blog/note with 10 weird, random things, facts, habits, goals, or anything about yourself. At the end, you choose 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them to be tagged. Don't forget to leave them a comment ("You're It!") and to read your blog/note. You can't tag the person who tagged you. Since you can't tag me back, let me know when you've posted your blog so I can see your answers.
---------------------------------

1. I go on walks wearing bright clothes in the afternoon to see old people and try and make them smile by saying hello in Switzerland. Cause the old people are always walking... and they are not smiling. And I think old people that smile are SO CUTE! So I put on a huge grin and send my loving greetings to them.

2. In the last year I have learned to like tomatoes, nuts, potatoes, and ahem, beer. Not that I drink beer :P But in America, I loathed the above, and now I find them acceptable.

3. I find one of the most amazing things in life is when a little child sleeps in my arms. Wow. An entire life at rest, peaceful, trusting... and it keeps me warm.

4. I LOVE peeling sunburns... it doens't even have to be mine. I just peel it.. better than oranges!

5. A habit of mine... eh. Have I one? My habit would be... well, I get in song ruts. And can listen to a song over and over... once I listened to "My Shiny Teeth and Me" 31 times in one day...

6. Carrot Salat rocks!

7. I think it would rock if my future was not just a photographer.. but a book binder in England! I would really enjoy binding books for a living.. I think.

8. Mr. French guy at the comix festival... I will never forget you. But you willl DIE some day. You made me laugh... ahahhaaha.. you had a French accent.

9. A wish... I really want to go on a rubber boat on Sarner See, er, Lake before I go home.. better yet, sleep on the rubber boat.. mwmahah.

10. I don't really want to go back to IHS because of the so boxiness of it. It stinks. I mean, there are all these groups, and I feel like I am forced to stay in one. Heck. In Switzerland I could speak with anyone. The popular folks, the geeeks, the theater nerds (whom I love :P), jocks, it doesn't matter! I can just talk to whoever. But in America, wow, it is so different. I want to get to know more people, but they are so freakin judgemental! So, i guess it is the same here in Switzerland, and it is just the fact that I am a exchange student that allows me to do such things, but I want life to keep going on like that. I want to go and talk to whoever and whenever just because I want to get to know them.

10 people to tag eh? I ought to tell you why I tagged you, but due to limited time on the computer, make up a reason. Such as Jesse and Nate and Emily, its cause you wear converse.

Jenny
Caitie
Sarah
Jorge
Sergio
Emily
Nate
Jesse
Barbara
Ian

Paragliding in the House and Barefoot in the Snow

2008-05-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 7, 2008 at 6:23am

After a late night of yodeling yesterday, I let myself sleep in till 9:00, and stay in bed till 10:00 or so. My I felt lazy, but it felt good. And the rest of the family was still in bed as well.

I looked out the window, and BANG, there was snow. It was snowing! Snowing! Right now… in April. I thought for sure my snowy days in Switzerland were over. And they were big, huge, heavy flakes.

I figured that they had already eaten and was ready to prepare myself breakfast when I saw a full, but clean dishwasher. So I unloaded it. Then the hostmom came in and started to make breakfast, guess I wasn’t late after all.

She made up a fantastic omlette for us all. And we also had Zopf, as usual, with raspberry jam! I love raspberry jam!

After breakfast, the host dad asked who wanted to go in the snow. I would have, but I left all my snow gear at the last house. But was surprised when all the kids and the dad started to roll up their pants and grab their jackets… but no shoes. I don’t know if it is normal for them or something, but soon I found myself doing laps outside in a snowy field barefoot… all of us were. The little Felix lasted a good 30 seconds before Peter had to carry him back in the house. After running in a circle, we would run back in and warm our feet up on a towel. The two oldest kids did the run again. They said it is good for your feet to go from warm to cold to warm to cold… hmmm. I find this family quite awesome.

Then we had a football, well, füssball match. Not in the snow. No. Table football. Me and the two oldest against the dad and Felix. Sadly, we lost the first round but by the second we had warmed up and won. So that was some more family time. That is one thing I like, Sundays are for families.

It wasn’t long before the kids made it up to my room again and asked if I wanted to play. Well sure, I am game for anything. But it ended up being a shooting game. Normally I would go for it but I believe the mom is trying to discourage that. So I died… and stayed dead till we played Uno. The little 3 year old Felix won his share. Then we played shoots and ladders and a sort of snake game. I dunno. But it was cool. Just me and my three host siblings playing together on the floor for the morning.

I gave the kids reign over my camera and we climbed a bit on the wall until the host dad came up and joined us. Then things really got fun. He would instruct them where and how to climb and they worked out pathways.

My host dad used to do paragliding, or still does, not really any more. Anyways, the paraglide you have sort of a hammock swing backpack thing. So we hooked that up to the ceiling with climbing ropes and made a snazzy swing in our hallway. For the next hour or so we swung, twisted, climbed, and just had a blast. So that was cool… and unordinary and like nothing I have ever done with a host family.

This family is not like the other host families. Totally different environment. And it takes just a minute to get used to eating breakfast as a little guy runs around the house with a huge drum banging it, and the other one a cow bell clanging it as loud as it goes.

And here I am now. Looking out the window. Typing my days away to remember forever. My hair is wet. I have a green towel around my shoulders. It is 7:59 at night, the kids should be in bed for now. Tomorrow school begins again after a two week break. Jorge changes host families tomorrow. The lower third of my view is grassy fields, all the snow has melted. Every once in a while a person walks by. In the middle, the mountains and hills tower over our small village. Everything up there is dusted with snow. Fog obscures some parts, but the peak is still visible. There are a few patches of lightness in the sky. And then, the top third is just sky. Grey, but beautiful. And I hear outside my bedroom door the little Felix babbling away, and outside the river carrying on.

9:05 --> Off to go pack my bag for school tomorrow and the sleep for 9 hours.

And that’s life.

Period.

The First Day With the New Famlilie

2008-05-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 7:30 to little feet on hard wooden floors and the shrieks of my little host brother, Felix. Pain? Joy? Didn’t matter, I was awake. I stayed in bed a good 30 minutes more before getting ready for a day of who knows what.

Breakfast here is different, but good. I had a granola, nut, and banana mix with milk and, as usual, chocolate milk. I have to have the chocolate milk, yes, every morning.

After breakfast, I played with the kids a bit. The host mom isn’t into toy guns, but one somehow made it into the house, so that provided a good 30 minutes of entertainment as I died over and over again, shouting, “NEIN!” the entire time. We made it up to my room a couple times where we settled down when they found my iPod. This family has no electronic things for the boys to play with, except the stereo, so they were quite interested. I gave them free reign to explore that little thing of wonderfulness. WE ended up listening to Relient K, closing my blinds, and creating a disco setting with different kids manning different spot lights and one “dancing” in the middle.

Discovering the iPod.

Dance Party

Then I got on the floor and we started taking jumping pics. They would jump off m y blue couch onto my comforter, and I tried to capture them at the peak. The hardest was Felix, as he didn’t really jump, he fell. So that gave a good 1 second to capture him and try and make it look like he was flying.

I then asked Lisa for a mini concert. Lisa plays the violin quite nicely with great intonation. However, a concert was not physically impossible with two brothers doing all they could to stop it. It was insane! They would grab the violin, or turn the page of the music, or play the recorder, or jump on the bed, or whatever they could. That lasted a good 20 minutes. Finally I got to hear one song and it was worth the effort of getting the concert in the first place.

The hostrent kindly asked us to go to the grocery store to pick up the fixings for one of my favorite Swiss meals, Älpler Magronen… so fine! Ah! So good! We all hopped on our bikes and rode the 2 minute trip (with the Felix it was more so 4 or 5) to our local grocers. There, we proceeded to maneuver in the shop trying to decode the hostmom’s bidding. We couldn’t figure out the cheese and ended up with Parmesan. So the Älper Magronen was more Italian than normal. Then the apples and bananas. A kilo each? So we proceeded to weigh out different apples, bananas, and lemons for the hey of it.

Shopping with 4 kids (including me) in Luzern? Definitely.
Berchtolds in Luzern

So, well, we all went shopping in Luzern. Vrenni needed a picture book about water, anything with water, and a music book too. So we all bundled up, hopped on the fast train, and made our way towards that lovely old town. On the train ride, the ticket man came. He asked Felix if he had a ticket. Naturally he was joking as at the age of Felix, no ticket is necessary. And Felix giggled, laughed, shook his head, and said, “Nein.” Then the old man reached into his pocket and pulled out a “play ticket” for Felix and the rest of the kids.

I was just starting to see how the Swiss really can be. Normally I am just a teenager to them, or with exchange students, so service isn’t top notch. They don’t really go out of their way to help us. But with a host mom and little kids, things change.

In the pharmacy, each kid was treated to a little plastic toy when the host mom bought some “wellness tea.”

In the Lackerli Haus, we each got a sample of that amazing stuff. It is like gingerbread, but quite different. It originates, I believe, from the Basel region in Switzerland.

Then we went to “Lollipop,” a bit quaint, but well stocked candy shop in the heart of the old city. There, Vrenni let us each pick out two gummy candies! I felt honored, cause gummy candies are amazing, I am beginning to find. I ended up with a gummy frog and this stick filled with raspberry crème stuff… no idea what, but it tasted good. I also learned to eat a gummy like the Swiss, suck on it. I normally chew and bite through, but when I saw that my host sister had barely made a dent in hers, yet was tasting it, I was stoked to try this new method.

Then we went to Bachman’s, the big bakery in Switzerland that can be found almost anywhere. There we were once again allowed to pick something out. I got what the siblings got, this big bread roll filled with chunks of chocolate. And it was amazing! And I loved it! And it made my tastebuds happy!

Schoggibrot... it has some Swiss name, I forget it though.

So yeah, going out with the host family was quite the enjoyable experience.

We had quite the simple, but lovely dinner. Typical Swiss dinner… bread, meat, cheese. But to my surprise there was cream cheese, Philadelphia cream cheese, on the table. Just like in America. You would think with so many cheeses, cream cheese would be normal here, but they only have Philadelphia. And that lead to a long discussion between me and my hostmom about bagels. She was in America for a while and really enjoyed the bagels.

Then she went away to a orchestra practice and I was left in charge, the Chief. It is quite the honor to be chief… except for the responsiblities that come with it. I was to put the kid’s down to bed. After listening to some jolly children’s music, including “Lollypop” in German, the mighty fight began!

No, not fight. Struggle! Go to bed! Nah, not so easy. So yeah, that was an interesting experience I think that I will have many times in this family. Am I their sister or their babysitter. Luckily we have family in town, a walks away, so I will not be always obligated to watch themm when I already have plans in store.

After they were in bed, I showered, unpacked a bit, and pretty much had a relaxing evening without computer or tv.

The new host family, naturally I have small fears about being a babysitter all the time, but I have a feeling that will work out. They seem like a great host family full of snazzy people.

I always think that at the beginning, but so far, every family has gone, overall, well.

A New Host Familie

2008-04-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

A new host family, a new town… a fast train!

My new host family, as all of them have been, is wonderful. From what I can tell it will be a good 3 months. But I am guessing 3 months will be the perfect time with them. I still the oldest reigning over 3 younger siblings.

Lisa - Age 9

Max - Age 6

Felix - Age 3

And then I have my two hostparents Vrenni (Franny) and Peter.

I have not met my host father yet, well, since I moved in, but the host mom is great. She will speak her mind, likes bagels, and is fun to be around. Lisa is one sweet older/little sister, plays the violin, and likes the color red. Max is the rebel of the family, is good at climbing, and has selective hearing when you tell him to go to bed. Felix is the baby of the family, prone to accidents, and as opinionated as any other three-year-old.

This house, well, I would say it is huge! It is quite large... they just built it recently. And I think the highlight for me is my room. To get the room in the first place, I have to walk across a mat, while there is a huge climbing wall right out side my door. Then my room is quite large. Like an apartment. Spacious. High ceilings. All natural wood all over. And a bathroom connected to the room, my own bathroom, with a shower and a orange and green color scheme. I have a large window looking to the mountains and right, right next to our yard is the Dreiwässer Fluss… the Three Water, um, stream. I know Fluss and what it is, but not the translation to English. Anyway, it is quite lovely, quite blue, quite moving, and quite loud… so at night I get to hear it. Pretty much a babbling brook on steroids. And there are the walking paths through some fields also spreading out beyond the Fluss, and so I can do people watching even more.

Part of my room. The door leads to the lovely bathroom..

The fast train! Going from Luzern (the main station that I need to go to get anywhere) to Giswil travels two trains. A fast train and a slow train. The slow train stops in every little village along the way. I used to live in Sachseln, so with that, I could only take the slow train. Therefore requiring 42 minutes for every trip to Luzern. But now, well, I can take the fast or the slow train. As I am in one of the few selected villages along the fast train route. The fast train makes 4 or so stops. So now, it takes me a mere 20 to 25 minutes. It is quite the party. And now I take the train to school each day, with a refreshing view of Lake Sarnen the entire way.

They do speak Swiss German here, but by now that is no problem. I won’t say I understand every word that comes out of their mouths (the same goes for High German), but almost all… or at least enough to get the idee.

One Word

2008-04-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

One word:

Crap!

I am at it again! Changing the host families. In, eh, 4 hours or so?

"Time keeps ticking away... tick tick ticking away!"

I really miss those British Crumpets from Trader Joes!

Anways, yeah, I am changing, at least I am not nervous.

I have mixed feelings about changing. I know it is time. And things with this family are going swell. Me and my hostmom did picture stuff together last night.

When you leave a host familiy, well, when I leave, I can only hope that I am leaving on a good note, a good impression. That they will, in fact, miss having me being in their home all the time.

They just had a baby lamb! It is SO tiny! They might name it, well, Maggie! I find that a very nice name for a baby sheep.

So yeah, I best be go packing.

So embarressing, first thing your new host famiy sees of you is your 7 million loaded bags that you have accquired in the past, eh, 8 months or so.

98 days.

98 days.

"Don't stress too much about how much time you have otherwise you will spend all your time worrying! :)"
-Margaret Shipe -

98 freakin' short days.

I will be ready to come home.

"I'm not saying to forget about the future, but think about what you're missing out on. The opportunities, the people you can met, the relationships you can have, and the knowledge you can gain. Go out there and live life."
-Andrea DeBrino -

It seemed that she [Andrea] was writing more on the topic of the distant future, college and such, at least that was moreorless the topic of the note. But it applies to these next 98 days as well... I think. Yeah, I think. Thinking is good.

I have to quit thinking about how I barely have any time left here.. or I won't be able to enjoy it.

Time will keep coming, so I best get moving (literally), enjoy myself. Defnitily live life.

I mean, that is why I am here right? To live life. When the Swiss school interviewed me on why I am here, I said just that, "To live life."

I have no regrets coming here.

No second thoughts.

I wouldn't change my life for anything else.

I love riding my bicycle along the blue clear waters and zwischen the mountains!

I am one happy camper.

Computer Situation

2008-04-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now into the last third of my exchange. Crazy eh? And I am typing on an American keyboard which is driving my poor fingers insane as they finally have mastered the German.

I have changed host families and you won *searches for apostrophe*’ t be hearing from me as much lately as they have no (NO) computer. None at all. Which is ok with me. Good for me… but a bit of an inconvenience while I need it not just for blogging and photos, but to keep in contact with Rotary, Inglemoor, and family. So yeah, I will have to work that one out. For now I am using a dandy laptop from my dear father in America, it is a bit old, I am afraid it will break someday, but it definitely is a blessing and does the trick.

So, to keep in contact and keep the blogs coming, I will be making blog packets on CD’s for when I do get on the computer. Then I merely have to *edit copy edit paste* it into blogger.com and a blog will be up within minutes. Pictures also will be pre-edited and ready to be published.

I guess that is my technology update for now.

Jodeling conzert and Klosters

2008-04-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get around Switzerland as much as possible… and made it to Klosters the other day. I only went there for the name. And had a good, um, 5 minutes before heading home. But it is for the train ride that I travel, not the ending place. Although I guess a bit more time would have been nice. It is in Graubunden, Eastern Switzerland.

Then, I was to be in the home by 5:00 as we had a dandy jodeling conzert.

It was sort of a meal and show deal, and my host mom was in the show. The entire concert was a compilation of different songs written by this dead man, who just so happens to be my great host uncle. So he was a composer and wrote the hymn and other classics for Nidwalden, the other half of my canton, Unterwalden. I live in Obwalden (and we are the best! I have been taught to have a loathing for the Nidwaldeners).

It was a great evening, just listening to the Swiss culture music of their heritage. What I find great is how a tiny little region, a city the size of Kenmore, can whip up quite the choir. They are really into community and stuff here and have pride in their heritage. I find that awesome.

In the middle came the Tombola. Like the Swiss lotery. For 10 CHF (which is practially 10 dollars due to our failing dollar) you become 11 ticket role tubes. They are mass produced, I think in Alpnach, and are tiny colored pieces of paper rolled up and stapled on the ends. On both sides, it is peforated so you can easily rip of the ends and see what the paper says.

The majority say, “Danke, Merci, Grazie, Thank You.” Which is the polite way of saying, “You just wasted a freakin’ dollar for this piece of paper and are just a looser!” However, every once in a while you encounter one with a secret message…. A number! You go to this booth where you match the number to a prize with the matching number. Overall there were around 150 prizes you could win. So lots of loosing and a bit of winning. It was quite addictive. My host family ended up spending a good, or bad 50 franks on this game and ended up with the following:
A clothes brush (for me)
A huge amazing cow bell (Max)
Towels (Max)
A blanket with those little tag thingys that babies like to play with (Lisa)
Free Caffee with schnapps (Me, and yes, it tasted quite good)
And those were our winnings. The bell was defnitly the highlight.

This concert went until 11:15 or so at night, so naturally the two youngest fell asleep. The middle child, Max, was on his mother’s lap, sleeping, when she had to go play the violin again. So I took her place. Barely anything beats a sleeping child in your lap. You can’t help but love the kid. Just breathing, who knows what is going on in their little head. That made me feel warm inside, sleeping Max.

After the concert, the afterparty began. A talented youth band of two accordions and a double bass took the stage… and I was quite impressed. These kid’s play to entertain. I was almost in awe, just watching their fingers fly over the keys… even the bassist was moving to play a different bass note every second. He wasn’t taking the one-note-a-measure road. Nope.

And pretty soon the old people got up and danced. Even the birthday lady, she was 94 years old to the date, got up and danced. She loves dancing.

And that was my second full day with the new host family.

60 KM

2008-03-31T01:09:00.001-07:00

So yesterday...

We had the "1st Communion" thing in the church.. I have never seen the church so packed. Not my church. The church of my host family. Anways, that was cool as all the kids were dressed in white robes and there was hard core music (with one epic organist).

And then we drove home.

It was a beauitful day!

Warm, blue skies, sun shinning, one that made me just want to get out of the house.... for a while.

So I hopped on my bike and just rode and rode and rode.

"Where are you going?" my host dad inquired.
"I don't know... I never know." was my reply.

I had no idea... I just knew I was riding my bicycle.

I started out towards Sarnen and just kept going. Till my eyes caught a hold of one of the Veloland signs, those marroon signs that will get you anywhere by bike (the yellow signs are the wanderwegs, and you can literally get anywhere with them).

Anways, it said, "Luzern" and I though, "I like Luzern" so off I went following it.

I went from sign to sign following the roads and the paths and the trails. I was almost always by a body of water with a scenic mountain backround. Naturally I took pictures... but they are not up yet.

It was brilliant! I reached Alpnach Dorf and there was a match going on at FC Alpnach. I knew some of the guys playing and stayed around just to watch and cool off a bit.

I just kept riding... it felt so good.

And finally I reached Luzern and turned around and came back.

In Luzern, there was a bikeing sign that said, "30 km to Sarnen."

I live beyond Sarnen, in Sachseln, so I doubled that as I rode to Luzern and back, and got 60 km... that is around 38 miles.

Not bad eh?

(considering when I went out, I wasn't intending to do anything)

Frogs Don't Belong in Boxes

2008-03-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Lately I find myself slipping into daydreams about going home.

What it will be like...

I find myself asking the same questions that I asked about Switzerland before I came here.

Will I fit in?
Will they accept me?
Will I find a friend?

Haha.. sounds lame, I admit, but what can you expect? I have left you all for a year and things have happend. I've changed and there are going to be some aspects of me you will just have to adjust to.

I don't feel like being forced and

conformed into the cliques

and cliches of Inglemoor!

It [Âmerican High Schools, such as IHS]are too much like a film, looking back. Too many genres, groups, they promote a school of acceptance but after coming to Switzerland, the school doesn't seem as ideal as it was.

Don't get me wrong. I am proud to be a Viking and am happy to return, but there are some things (that is an exageration, a lot of things) that I will miss. I know Inglemoor is a great school, probably one of the best. However...

Switzerland was one of the first times I got a fresh start in my teen years with a group of people. I already know who I am and want to be, and I got to be that in Switzerland. What can I say, I am a bit socially awkward, but in Switzerland and with the exchangers, that was ok! That was me! And I was special. I was the American. I was the Magic Frog! I totally feel accepted here in Switzerland. I don't feel stupid here. I don't feel like I am being judged.

Sigh. America. America. America. Judgemental. Tiny boxes. Sufficating.

Sorry if you can't follow my train of thought here..... it is still unclear in my brain as well.

The Love Theme to Romeo and Juliet

2008-03-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went to the piano recital of a fellow friend of mine.

It is quite interesting to go to those things, some of the people you would have never guessed played the piano were there playing, well, the piano.

One of which was the Elias. He is in my friend Nicole’s class.

Not only did he play beautifully… he almost made me cry. I don’t cry.

It wasn’t really his playing, as nice as it was, but the song he played.

The love theme to Romeo and Juliet, also known as, “A Time for Us.”

If you heard a couple bars, you would know it.

I don’t cry here (except when I have to buy toothbrushes)… but music always hits that one, um, thing in me. String? Note? Chord? It is music. That is what my family does, we make music.

So when he got up to that piano and started to play that song, I thought of my mom. She plays that song (and if she doesn’t, well, then, I was just being sentimental for nothing, although didn’t Sarah, Thomas, and Emily play it in the 9th grade???). And so the entire freakin’ song all I could do is focus on not crying, which was quite difficult.

How could I not miss my mom through that song?

It is one of those songs that can make you cry just the way it moves, even if it has no sentimental connotations for you.

Anyways… that was my evening.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dHyR4ZzA2R0$

Going Home When?

2008-03-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

I rode from the snow covered field in the picture up the hill to my house..

and got this view. It had just snowed.. sigh. Life is beautiful eh?

Duration calculation results:

From and including: Freitag, 14. März 2008
To, but not including : Mittwoch, 9. Juli 2008

117 days

Or 3 months, 25 days excluding the end date.

Alternative time units

117 days can be converted to one of these units:
10.108.800 seconds
168.480 minutes
2808 hours
16 weeks (rounded down)

Yep.. I coming home on the 9th of July.

King Philip II of Spain bans foreign Dutch students.

2008-03-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

March 4, 08
1570 - King Philip II of Spain bans foreign Dutch students.

What is going on in my life? What??

Eh. Let`s see there.

Theatre has been taking over on overdrive... performances all the time. One thing I think I don't like is that the play we created, well, they had us perform it for the entire (ENTIRE) school.. during school time. And kid's who don't want to see a tradgedy play can be the worst audience.

What are you supposed to do when they are whispering in the front row? Yes. Ignore them. But then you, meaning I, tend to get a bit more self concious.

Coni and I... faces?

Coni, one snazzy amazing Swiss friend, got a GA! And I am stoked. I can finally see Switzerland with someone from the land... and work on my German.

We went to Thalwil and then hopped on a train to Hourgen or something.. and then hopped (boing!) on a boat on the Zürisee (Lake Zurich?). It was just an hour of what to me, is bliss. Just realaxing. Not having to do anything...

Hit isch Coni mit miär ufem Zürisee ga schiff fahrä.

Approaching Rapperswil.. such a sweet town.

And finally we got off in Rapperswil. Rapperswil is a quaint, decent sized town filled with history, culture, and great architechture. Worth exploring for a good one or two hours.. depending on if the shops are open.

We just went there for a short walk before heading home on the Voralpen Express.

Overall, a good day.

Jorge.. being awesome.

Yesterday, went to Jorges.

We decided to go for a bikeride to Giswil.. which ended up being a bike ride around the entire lake we both live on.

Map of Lake Sarnen...

Only a little over and hour.. and we both agreed that we need to do it again.

Just in that small period of time, we biked along the gorgeous blue Sarnersee with the mountais towering in the background. The rode through a semi quaint town. Coasted through a wooded area to be rewarded with a sweeping view of the area... and what I have come to consider a home.

Not many pictures from that trip.. to busy riding.

And overnight.. from blue skies, we no have a ton (TON!) of snow.. well, quite a bit. And it is still coming. Today I am heading to an International Film Festival.. should be grand.

View of some random place on the train ride home from Rapperswil with Coni.

I don't know how to improve this year. I am loving life.

Taking the time to explore.

Seeing what there is to see.

Getting out of the house.. even if it is just to go around the lake.

Yeah.. I am not ready for this year to end yet.

Lemonade

2008-02-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

Life gave me lemonade and I can't imagine why
Born on a sunny day, beneath a tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I'm a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade
Thanks for the lemonade!
-Chris Rice-

Inspired? Of course, I am Maggie.
And beside me, my favourite Swissish Nederlander... Romy.

I am still totally digging life and how things are going.

You know.. well, nothing eventful.

I love Fasnacht. But life is not Fasnacht.

Life is going to school and talking to friends... well, on a shallow Maggie level, not that I am shallow.

Lately... my life has been theatre, all the time. Pretty crazy stuff.

GAH! Medea.

Tommorow gives the premier.. I should be nervous, but I don`t have it in me to be nervous. I will go out there and try and do my best, I am no actor, but I enjoy it.

Lately, let`s see.. the other day I hung out with Roswita and Helena. We just walked around, checked out Vögele or something, a shoe store, Migros, did a round of photos in the photo booth, went down by the water and sang and played the pan pipes.

Pan Pipes?

Yes! Pan Pipes are amazing!

Let`s see.. here are some pics from a theatre walk:

Stephanie and the blue wall...

Oh lay?
Stephanie and Jana, Jorge`s host sister.

Jump. Stephanie. Jump.

So I guess that was our theatre walk.. just enjoiyng the sun, we never see it on stage.

The other day, eh, went home with Jorge`s host sister for some orange punch and ended up talking to Jorge for a while about life in general. Poor guy has been sick for a while.

After Salsa Course...

Lately, a few of us exchangers have found a way to fill up our Wednesday evenings. Salsa. We found a great deal for a 6 week course in Luzern.

It is better than I thought it would be. We make a lot of progress. I figured Jorge couldn`t learn anything (Mr. Salsa Ninja) but I guess there is always something to learn in the dance world.

Currently it is me, Jorge, Patrick, Chris, and Paz. That`s right.. the guys out number the girls. And I just so happen to be a minority! A girl and American. That feels refreshing.

So the course is for 1.5 hours. The teacher mixes things up so we get to integrate with the Swiss people.

I just like getting out there and moving. I could be horrible at it... but I can get the steps down and rhythms without too much difficulty. Naturally it takes effort... but it is quite amusing and even more so, fun.

After the course, we have to way some 30 minutes or more before the right train comes, so we tend to just hang out at McDonalds or what not.

And that is life for me lately... theatre, salsa, walks, hanging out.. life.

Patrick... being a, er, tourist. Bus ride home from Salsa.

My Plan For Tomorrow

2008-02-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

I picked a random kanton in Switzerland an am off to explore it tomorrow!

Schaffhausen in the kanton pretty much most Northern, and almost completely surrounded by Germany.

The capital is, well, Schaffhausen (no surprise there).

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schaffhausen_%28canton%29)

Then it is off to the only German city in Switzerland... how is that possible? Poor Büsingen is totally German, but it is seperated from the motherland by a strip of land and Dörflingen. The smallest the strip gets is 1 KM.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%BCsingen)

So that will be a 24 minute bus ride to check out that town... hope they take my GA :P

I also want to check out Stein am Rhein, a 24 minute train ride away from the city... it is supposed to be beautiful.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stein_am_Rhein)

Just a mini adventure.. and a good excuse to take a million pictures.

Explanation and map of Büsingen and how it works.

Stein am Rhein

The town Schaffhausen.

Büsingen

Stay tuned for my own version of these towns and how I interpretted them and took them in through my camera...

The Toothbrush Incident

2008-02-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

I write about the good times.. time to write about a time that was not so good.. and how I dealed with it and how God is awesome.

I like to change my tooth brush every 3 months. Simple eh? When I first came to my host family, I figured it was time to get a new one. They even gave me one. It was pink and soft and oh so lovely.

But three months passed and my dear toothbrush looked like it was shoved into my mouth every day and pushed around... it was. That plaque fighting machine was loosing speed... and I didn`t want my teeth to pay for it.

So finally... I got up the nerve to ask my host mom for another toothbrush. I don`t ask for much. Just a tooth brush.

She told me it would be better if I bought it myself.

Ok... I know this must have been an overreaction, a toothbrush right? But I cried. I cried into my pillow. Not long, not hard, but I felt homesick. I mean, my real mom would.

It was not the fact that I could not have a toothbrush.. it was the concept behind it. The thought. Host families... we are told they will treat us like family. They should. And my mom buys me my toothbrushes.

I am in no way trying to put down my host family. They are wonderful and I am greatful for them. I have no problem if they find this on the internet and read it. I mean.. they give me everything. What is wrong with saying no to a toothbrush? I am the one who was too sensitive.

But in my head were the thoughts... am I not worth it to them? I try to be the best host daughter. Going out of my way to help out how I can. Trying to not be a burden. What am I doing wrong that would make them not want to spend money for a toothbrush for me.

But I knew God was there... goodness yes.

And then I thought some more. Well.. my host parents do buy me lots of stuff. My host mom buys me bananas because she knows I love them. She bought me lots of stuff for my throat. And my very own bag of cough drops. They do care. And I shaped up a bit more.

My mind even drifted to how I hadn`t cried in forever, was doing great... and that I knew somehow God needed me to go through this. He would follow through. I would learn something through this.

And then I realized I still needed that toothbrush. But I was in a better mood, I did my mood shift there on my pillow and was back to normal soon. But that toothbrush. So I decided to totally turn it into a fun event. Something that I could enjoy. I would call it... "Maggie Goes To the Store and Buys the Most Amazing Toothbrush Ever."

Sounds good huh?

Anyways... I left my room when my host mother confronted me... toothbrush in hand. She asked if it would work. I must have looked pretty weird.. like she had given me the moon. But to me, it was the world. It was a toothbrush... for my very own. She cared!

And you know what?

It was even orange.

Rotex Weekend: Grindelwald

2008-02-18T05:29:00.001-08:00

Well.. we went to Grindelwald.
(pics by Kyly Hawk cause mine are not uploaded yet)

Grindelwald.. no idea where it is. Kind of, in Switzerland? It is South of where I live now and near Interlaken, a majorish (for Swiss standards) tourist place-

It was a Rotex weekend (meaning it was run by Swiss young adults who used to be exchange students.

The day started with hopping (not literally) on the train at a quarter to 9 and waving good bye to Jorge as he missed the train. Luckily my host mom was in the near and was able to give him a lift to the next stop.

We got on the train in Giswil that went direct to Interlaken, around 1.5 hours. We were greeted by various other exchangers that were already there including the new Australian representatives (Chris and Eliza).

Interlaken --> Grindelwald

Grindelwald, wow. It was pretty amazing acutally. I mean, the Swiss totally take their amazing country for granted. It never gets old. Going around the bend in the tracks to get a wonderbeautiful view of a city in the basen of a series of mountains. And everything covered in snow. Blue sky day. And with trains, life is always besster.

We even had the pleasure of sleeping in a bomb shelter. Bomb shelter. Those are actually pretty snazzy places, you can cram a lot of people into one room as they have the triple decker bunk beds. All you need is a sleeping bag and you are set to go.

Rotex gave us time to explore the city, go ice skaitng, or swimming. That is one thing I like about Rotary. They tend to give you time to explore and realize that since we are exchange studnets, well, we tend to be a bit more free spirited (wrong word choice) and like to, well, we can get around on our own. We are used to it by now.

A quick trip to Coop, tryingo on hats in tourist places, and then me and Alice went to the park. In the park they had this epic disk. It was like a giant black CD on a platform that could freely rotate and rome up and down. I am totally explaining this wrong, but just trust me... it was worthy of my time.

Ice Skating came next. One again, worth remembering, nothing really too eventful. Ice Hockey? Goodness yes. Making C`s. Sore feet... but it was enjoyable. Just laid back time to do whatever.

Back to the shelter.

Hung out.
Music.
Talking.
Singing?
Picture seeing.

Dinner --> Spaghettis with a whole lot of noodles.

Oodles of noodles.

Then clean up, me and 4 others cleaned the dishes... and Mr. Soap Man Okan got soap on me... and I got soap on him. And once again, more music. Yeah... that was pretty much dishes.

Actvities.

Rotex weekends are never without some sort of game to entertain our evenings.

In this evening, we had a series of games that the two teams competed against.

The two teams? Lahm vrs. the Running Maggies.

Needless to say, I was on the Running Maggies.
And I did not come up with that name... but I do approve.

Game One: Gummi Bär toss with spoons from one player to the other`s mouth. My team, with Sergio and Jorge playing together, won against Sydney and Breanne.... cause we be ninjas. And I think guys in general practice that stuff in their free time.

Game Two: My turn to try and play. Apple in a bowl of water... bite around the edge ina full path. Problem is.. my jaw. I have a jaw condition where when I open my mouth wide (to, to example, eat an apfel) it get`s locked there. So I spent half my time trying to close my locked open mouth. The other team one.

Game Three: Milk Cartons in hands in the Jesus position, arms out. Nelly won verses our teams rep, Chrystie.

Game Four: The newbies got to play, Nicole verses Jackson. They had to first find a candy in water.. and then search for 6 in a huge bowl of flour. It was horrible, messy... as they had to search through the flour with their tongues. A pic is needed here...

Game Five: Gargling with water and having the team guess what song. Sogns on the playlist inculded Umbrella, Cucaracha, Seven Nation Army, Let It Be, and Jingle Bells.

Game Five: Of course clothes would have to be shed sometime during the evening... we were required to equip a team member with enough clothes to get them through a winter in the Artic. Whoever had the most cltohes on them won. Yes... pants, shirts, bras, shoes, socks, and scarfs were shed.

And in the long run... Running Maggie won. Which pleased me.

Then we went through a walk at night with torches before getting some international desserts.

We think Rotex takes us out for walks so late to get us tired so we stay in bed that night and don`t try to go out on our own... it worked.

The desserts were amazing!

Sleep.

Woke up at 7:45 by Mr. Soap Man banging pans throughout the bedroom... yeah, I was a happy camper.

Then sledding!

We went sledding twice... go up, 12 CHF for a sled. Head down. Wait for over and hour. Go up. Eat lunch. Sled down.

Sledding down the first time... that was done with Natasha. The entire way we kept passing each other. "ON YOUR LEFT!!" "OK, I am really passing you now." "Stay to your RIGHT!" and so forht... and hand signals when needed.

Sledding the second time... haha... that was epic. First minute, crashed into a pole. 10 people passed me. Verflixt! Then I had to catch up.. but with the training on the Frutt, I was able to do that and slowly move up to catch up with the leads. Not the first, but up in the top 6. Then the silly bus came so we were slow behind it.

We were to follow the Rotex man, the soap guy again, down the whole way.. but yeah, that was pretty much a suggestion, I think. We just headed down and people passed me, I passed them. Then me and Natasha did a harcore slam into the wall... and that was lame. So to catch up, a shortcut was requierd.

Mr. Soap Man Okan was 100 meters ahead taking the curve, and we went straight... it was steep and got the most speed of the entire sled run. I guess that way is not the real way :P And we went crazy fast, got off the path, sledded back on.. and needless to say we caught up with him. In the long run, who knows what place got who. It all depends on what you consdier the end. Perhaps I was 5th? Oh well.. doesn`t really matter. Cause it was fun, epic, and ninja worthy. And I defintily had a faster pulse when I finished.

Train ride home.. normal stuff for the exchagners. Music. Talking. Just enjoying the company of each other? That sounds cheesy, but I did enjoy it. For the train ride home I bought a kids magazine, I normally do. Cause they always come wtih really cool toys. This one had a tripple action suction cup gun.

Oh yes... I totally lost my voice this weekend. Could barely talk at all and it was aboslutley horribly awful. Gah. I got home and my host sister was in hysterics for a minute or more over the state of my voice. I still haven`t found it.

Future Life...

2008-02-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have been giving my future life some thought.. and really want to skip my last year of high school and get on with things. (I won`t though.. sigh)

What to do?

I have way to many inspirations.

First off.. photography (God... if it is your will, I want my life to involve photography.). My life has cenetered around it since 8th grade or so.. and I have not ceased to, well, love it. Every day, photography. I want to do that for my life!

Massage thearpy. I want this to be a back up.. for now. Just on a whim, thought of that. Dad, you said that is what you thought I should do. I will need something to do if phtography doesn`t work out. But I guess if it is God`s will, it will :P But why not? It would be great for gifts too :P

College.

I want to study abroad (ok Mom?)

Not some crazy prestigous collge. What about a community college abroad. I admit my mind is set on the UK.. Scotland? Sure, why not. I got roots there (McCleod :P) I have been into my waybackthenhertiagewhereicamefrom thingy for some time. Asky my lovely grandma (she has facebook now!). Anyways, I couldn`t I live there?

I tried the abroad in another language experience. It was great. But I am ready for English.

I don`t want to do something all that academic.. English majors? Psch. I am not really arsty.. I don`t know. Communications?

I want a life that I can totally look back on and with no regrets.

There is so much to do! And I am already realizing how short life is.

But then, after all this, I feel guiltiy. I mean, God already has a plan for me. I need to trust him. And what is a life it isn`t spent surving him. But yeah, I want to use my photorgpahy for him some how.. in Scotland. Is that possible?

And then again, I have some 2 years to get it ALL straightened out.. cough.

Skiing In The Alps... Like Always

2008-01-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I totally take this for granted.

I learned to ski in the Alps... and am able to go up there and ski any weekday or weekend that I choose. It is so simple. So near. I am so ready!

We went up to the Frutt again for skiing this weekend.

Once again, a horrible night of sleep, or lack of, due to the high elevation.

I woke up, looked out the window, and was delighted to see that there were not too many people there this day... that is quite rare. So I was pumped. Ready to go! I wanted to ski!

After a wonderful breakfast, typical Swiss breakfast, I got geared up, waited for my host sister, and off we went to the kids and Maggie hill!

I am able to do the next hill already, but since my host parents were not with us, we stuck to the other hill. This was so I could become more sure of myself in certain technique areas. Always making curves. Always in the knee. Posture. Speed. Control.

It was wonderful! It is starting to feel, well, normal. I can now walk quite quickly with the skiis on, and when I fall, I am able to hop right back up.

It was such a warm day! I would have prefered to go without my jacket, but I stuck with the jacket shell, a pullover, and a longsleeved shirt. No scarf though. And jacket open most fo the day.

Even though we were on the little hill, three people came to join us. That tells you a lot about my sister. Those people would not normally come to that hill at their level, but since she was there, two guys and a girl came and joined us.

What meant a lot, a lot, to me is that my host sister, my sister, always stuck by me. Through it all. I mean, these were her friends... yet she was with me. When one of the guys asked to go up the hill with her, she said she was going up with me. She would wait for me as I slowly curved my way down the slopes. I don`t know if she knows how much that meant to me. I mean, already she was sacrificing a wonderful skiing day. She is able to do any hill on the Frutt, and yet she had to slowly go up and down the easiest hill with the exchange student. Yet she didn`t complain. We talked a bit. And just enjoyed the day.

Later, they (the others) decided to move on to some more advanced hills. And invited us to go. I didn`t feel ready and told her so. So she said good bye and proceeded to go to the lift, I followed. And one of the guys came and pulled her back towards the group. The other one got me.. and, well, I hit him with my sticks to the approval of the rest. I didn`t feel like getting pulled around. Bang. Bang. Not too hard. And we proceeded to go towards the lift and get pulled back. Finally we made it. But the thing is.. she was still there with me. Going up and down. Easy going. Never harsh. I was quite pleased. Yep. She didn`t make me feel like a burden.

I am happy here.

And I can imagine me when I go back to America and ski, well... I have been so spoiled. I learned to ski in one of the best places in the entire world. And what will skiing be like in Washington? Can it compare? Who knows.

Today was so gorgeous...

(behind is in the near
from where I ski)

I Want To Ride My Bicycle

2008-01-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

"I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like"
-Queen-

Those little moments that make me laugh out loud, shreik, and speak random German phrases trying to express my joy.

One of my favourite things to do.. is go home from theatre.

I tend to go home with two girls, Leah and Jana, who are both some 2 or 3 years younger than me.. which is perfect.

It varies each time we go home.

Today I had no bike and was wary to walk home as I had already walked the entire afternoon and suffered through two hours of "movement" and interpretive dancing and slinking with Elda.

I had a headache.
I was tired.
I wanted to go home.

And so we did the thing that comes natural.. I rode on their bikes, with them.... on the bike.

If you don`t have bikes as your main source of transportation, you would be completely clueless as to how many ways you can ride a bike with two people on it.

We tried it three, or four, ways.

Me behind Jana, on the same sadle. Sitting half on it and half in her basket. After a couple minutes, however, this proved to not be the best option.
Me on the bike pedaling and Leah behind on the rack. See in this photo the basket on the back? Remove the basket and bang! you have another seat.

The downside is the entire time you are on the back, you must must must keep your legs out.. with no support. So it is quite tiring.. but on you go! Just hold on to the person in front when you go over the bumps.
Eventually.. we changed positions. I took the back, Leah the front, and on we go. She was so determined to get me up that hill! Even when I offered to walk. We were only a 2 minutes walk from where they would put me down, so I got off.
Jana removed her basket to prepare for me.. I was ready to walk and ran off with the basket and blinking light. And then, Leah came, offered me a ride, and I hopped on and we rode off with Jana screaming for her basket.
We got to my rode, hopped off... and I stole Jana`s bicycle, rode through a parking lot, climbed up some stairs with the bike, and came down the hill to see them again.

The entire time was, excuse the horrible overused phrase coming up, full of laughter. It was though! Laughter, screams, more laughing. And singing. And whatever.

And I was thinking, do I seriously belong here? I do! I feel like this is my home. And that made me happy. Happy as ever. And I thanked them a bajillion times and text messages followed.

[eliane romy maggie]

I belong.

I am so thankful.

[i like life]

It`s Just Another Day

2008-01-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

"It`s just another day..."
-Paul McCartney-

I like uneventful days.

And trying to turn them into something blog worthy...

(but still wondering who would read this, uh... Unsinn)

Yesterday:

No host mom... means I get to eat at school which means I got to walk to school!
Walked to school.. realized that I can totally have worship sessions every morning. This was the second one. Throw on that iPod, get into the woods... and goodness we have a good God! I felt quite happy as I walked through the schools entrance doors into...
German classe. And I pulled out my smelly tiny little taped up yellow book. A little book with old German words that are not in my dictionary. Hence, the time was spent writing in my agenda about the day before.
Geography test! These are the best.. just write down some random answers and get full marks. The teacher appreciates that I just give it a go.. which I do. But, well, I have no idea what the weather map for today is in Switzerland. So I drew a wonderful map showing the temperatures in Antartica. Hope she doesn`t verfy that with the internet. Then we watched that Global Warmings vid by Al Gore... happy to say I understood parts of it.
No Italien.. hence, two hours in the computer lab, ahem.. working? Nah, Facebook instead.
Lunch... Wow! The cafeteria here always whips out restaurant quality food. Today, some sort of fine tender chicken in a sauce along with rissotto or something like that. The meat sort of melted in the mouth. And they have toothpicks on each table!
Theatre. I guess I said my lines right? I really am coming to like the director, he is so sweet.. and old. And totally into what he is doing. And we all love people wîth passion.
Read. Heavenly Man. Check it out! Amazing book and really encouraging to my faith.. and convicting.
Dinner.. same old same old. Still trying to get the courage to eat the slimy creamy cheese stuff. I like it sharp.
50 First Dates. Yep. Watched it.. with my host dad. I think he has good taste in movies.. or he was just watching whatever was on the TV that night. I think it was the later.

So.. that is just a glimpse into a normal same old same old day in my life.

But know what.. it never gets old. I am still blown away by the beauty each day as I walk along the water front staring at the mountains raised up tall across the lake. Covered in snow. The rolling hills. The perfection.

(snapshot from my walk home yesterday)

Fasnacht!

2008-01-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

(click here for more pics)

Fasnacht.

How to describe it? A whole lot of fun? Like Mardi Grass… but Swiss Style (which includes a 16 year old legal drinking that everyone ignores).

Well.. I went to Fasnacht last night and really enjoyed myself.

Fasnacht… like Halloween clothing wise. Everyone was dressed up. We had people dressed as lumberjacks, traditional Swiss, cats, tourists, lots of teenage guys in onsie fuzzy animal suits, cows, guys with long blond wigs braided, guys as nuns, guys as girls, girls as girls, Ricola, cheese, Flava’ from MTV, and anything else crazy that they could whip up. Quite popular were faces painted black and brown and black afro wigs.

I got the train at 9:44 at night to begin my journey. Already on the train were friends Romy, Elianne, Adrianna, Maja, and another Maggie. That was the group for the night. We arrived in the next town, Sarnen to catch the shuttle bus to Kerns.

The thing is… they aren’t as worried about being politically correct or offending someone of another culture. I saw a lot of people dressed as people from Africa or Muslims (from painting the skin complete brown to the traditional garb). For example at the bahnhof (train station) there were a group of 8 or so teens in blue jumpsuits with orange vests. All were painted brown. Had black Afro wigs. And a additional piece of clothing I will not list here. And a nametag saying they were with Uganda Airlines, Air Traffic Controllers, along with some sort of name that could be associated with Africa. Wrong or not. We got to talk to a few of them. They turned out to be the group that stood out most at Fasnacht.. the loudest, and everywhere all the time. Making themselves known. It was apparent that when they were at the train station, they had already had a lot to drink.

It took three tries to get to Kerns… a lot of people and the shuttle buses only had so much room. But that gave more time to talk and meet people and so forth.

Finally we got on the shuttle and took the 6 minute or so bus ride to Kerns.

We arrived..and immediately my ears will filled with the pounding distinctive “Guuggenmusiq” music that is only played at Fasnacht. (it is spelled different in almost every part of Switzerland.. but that is the Central Schweiz way)

It would put any high school band to shame… not that it is skilled, it is hard to describe. It is lively.. the people are totally dressed up in crazy clothes, dancing as they play. Moving. Having a blast. Playing how they want. It is amazing. Like a marching band, they do march.. but better. It has a drumline and everything. I will try to get some vids up so you can hear it or see it. Anyways.. I love the Inglemoor band, but this makes them look dead.

They took new takes on the Beatles and Andrew Lloyd Webber and other Swiss classics. The rhythm is other than that of typical music. It pulsed and played the entire night. Just ringing on. So loud. Over powering. And this is music you dance to. Or jump. Or move. Or whatever.. which we needed to do, it was quite cold.

I was hooked.

Anyways.. we arrived and pretty much the entire night consisted of wandering around, grabbing drinks *coughRivellacough* meeting people, searching for people, dancing, hanging out in the pub, heading to the tents, and just taking in everything.

See, they took pretty much the major part of the city, fenced it off, and turned it into a giant party central. Imagine them doing that in Seattle! And everyone was wasted… yeah. Not the coolest part. But people were safe. I was right by a fight when it started and it was broken up within 10 seconds (literally) by the security walking around. I also saw medics there. There were three of them walking a totally out of it man to a place to rest I guess. He could barely walk.

So there was the darker sides I am not used to, but it was a happy night.

At times overwhelming.. but overall I was quite the happy girl.

At one point I saw a kid I knew, year older, as he walked towards me and shouted, “Molly!” I thought he was about to talk to me, but he said that so I looked away. He was like, “Molly!” and I said, “Who is Molly?” Apparently, that is my new name Molly.

The night was over at 2:00 for me and my friends. My friend’s mom drove me home, quite nice. And I realized what a state I was in.

I was covered in confetti leaving a trail to my bedroom.

And my socks were soaking.. but not because it was snowing or raining. It was beer. My socks were soaked through with beer. Gross eh? And my shoes were worse.

My pants were soiled to the knee with who knows what kind of alcohol and dirt and grime.

All my clothes smelled heavily of smoke.

Welcome to Switzerland.

But I really did enjoy that night, just making memories with my friends.

It was, well, amazing... and nothing beats a night of Swiss culture.

Christmas Days

2007-12-24T03:41:00.000-08:00

Thursday:

Rotary Meeting... or Christmas Dinner. Anyways. We hung out outside a bit. Talked in German a lot. Enjoyed, well, tried to enjoy Marronni (chestnuts).

Went inside and went insane with Jorge and Jessica... ahhaa, yeah.

Lots of pics.. lots.

We went home early cause it was 10:00, we had school the next day, and they still hadn`t even served the cheese!

Friday:

It was Christmas Day in the school! Little did I know that it would be a happy happy day for me. Ok, I could have guessed. But never would I guess that I would get so many gifts! My school friends are soo good to me. I am so blessed.

One gift goes back to a "inside joke".. or handshake, involving whipped cream.

So I got a can of whipped cream.. and went to town.

My entire class got photos with it, mouths filled... and I even got my school principal :D I filled his mouth till it came out and onto the ground.. I didn`t get in trouble, thank goodness.

After school I went with Jessica to upload pics.. it was the last time I really got to hang out with her... sad. I am going to miss her so much. I only met her in August and poof, she is gone! I only get to see her once more.. and that is in the airport.

Well.. something happened that night, I have no idea what. I think I felt sick.

Oh yes!

Anita, my old host sister came over. And that was amazing. She came and we made Christmas music together. Well, it wasn`t the same as playing with, say, Mom, Dad, or Amanda... but it was quite quite nice.

Anyways.. I think that was my day.

Saturday:

I had it all planned out... Saren for Migros and then Luzern for Photos.. ahha, yeah right.

Jorge wanted to pick up his board in Engelberg (that is quite high up in the middle of no where).

Two hours?

Try four.

But it was none the less epic. I never got around to buying any of the gifts.. but that matters not.

Jorge, you be epic.

We went to Engelberg.. and from there, thîngs were interesting. We had no idea where to go.. Titlis Sport, yes, but where be that place? No one knows.

No laughing at the name "Titlis" it is the name of a mountain.. yes, I know you think it is funny...

Anyways... we finally found the place, got Jorge a free snowboard for the season (I love Rotary).. and headed down the mountain.

Got on the next train home.. walked up the hill for 15 minutes...

And settled down for a nice large portion of fondue with the family.

Sigh.. fondue is soo happy.

That night.. Jessica had a going away party.

Naturally, I went... to Giswil!

Giswil, what an awesome town.

Essentially it was a class party + a few exchange students.

At first, I was a complete dork and read a book.. until I was invited to play a drinking game...

(note.. with orange juice, I love orange juice.. we both love orange juice don`t we Jorge?)

And so yeah... that game was.. interesting? Involved laughing, noses, bending, left hands, and blowing cards... yeah.

It was so freakin smokey.. my hair now still smells like smoke, and I have washed it thoroughly in the shower for 5 minutes.. whoa is me. And yeah, my eyes were watering.

In Switzerland they have these fireworky thingys with no fire.. just toys.

So we got that.. and that was quite exciting. I got a noise maker.. and went insane with it.

Then Ramiro and Matthias came.. and they are happy people.

11:06.. time to go home, last train.

Went home.. and slept. Oh ho how lovely.

Sunday:

No church.. what to do?

Familie Bucher is amazing... like a family to me and I could not get through the year without them and Eveline. Defiantly not.

So they had me and Eveline over and that made me super happy.

We had an amazing breakfast lunch thing.. epic. With eggs, bacon, beans, cheese stars, eggs, and even butter shaped like a sheep!

After that.. (here comes my favourite part) we made music.. cause music makes everyone happy.

There were three of us playing. Me on the cello, Emmanuel on guitar, and Eveline on piano.

And I think it sounded nice.

And everyone sang....

And did I mention I was super happy? Very happy.

Not sad.
Not sad.
Not sad.
Happy.

After that we read a wonderful Christian story and then talked about it, reflected on it.. had a discussion (in English) and that was refreshing.

We prayed! Together!

And talked some more.

Went for a beautiful amazingly amazing walk... wow! Frost is on everything.. it looks like a dream. Like magic.. but what can I say? It`s Switzerland.

Came home... and... my host family, we decorated the Christmas Tree!

We have one of those trees without a single child made ornament.. all was gold and silver and light. It is quite pretty though.

Skiing: The Three Day Adventure

2007-12-16T07:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is true. I can ski now.

Literally ski.

Beautfiul isn`t it?

Well, I thought so.

So how was my weekend? Details Maggie, details!

We went up to the Frutt (yes, like the food, Fruit, pronouced the same same way) where my host family has a vacation house. It is an amazing little snowy area and perfect for skiing.. so I am told. And after my experience there, I would have to agree.

To get up there you need a some 25 minute car ride and then 20 minutes up the mountain with a bahn (lift sort of thing). So when you get up there, no cars!

There. Our house is in that group of houses.

I slep in the same room as Gina, it has four bunk beds.. whoo hoo?

Let`s see.. sleeping at a high altitude is tough. I thought it was just me. The next morning they asked how I had slept. My automatic responses was, "Gut." and then they commented on how lots of people have trouble sleeping so high.. and then I admited that I was awake many times during the night.

The next day we were up and going at 9:00. Breakfast was normal.. and then time to put on all the ski gear.

I am soo blessed in Switzerland. So blessed. I haven`t had to spend a cent this year for skiing. My host family surprised me and for Christmas bought me a ski pass! Oh my goodnesss! Those things are, well, not cheap. And I was so greatful. They hoped that I would like skiing (thank goodness I did). And my old host family took care of the clothes and acutal ski aspect. I guess they rented skiis for me! And they are orange and new and perfect. And I love them. Hhehe. My jacket from home works quite well with everything so I am good to go.

Skiing

I think the hardest part of skiing for me is putting on the skiis themself. But I finally got it done. We live sort of on a slope. So after I had my stuff on, they told me to go. Just go. And I was thinking.. er.. I have no idea what to do. So I moved forward and BANG I went down (the hill). And didn`t fall.

No falling for Maggie!

And walking.. that is also a challenge. I was sooo slow at first. I think I still am slow, but oh well. I am Maggie!

I started with a tiny hill.. you hold a rope to go up the hill. Up and up. It is slow.

And I went down the hill.. no falling.

Next? I learned to stop. Well, they tried to teach me to stop, I still need to work on that.

Within an hour I had gone down several times stopping and learned to curve and so forth.

No falling. (haha, can you tell I am proud of that)

Finally.. the big hill! The BIRD HILL!!! AHH!

It was quite, big and, um, steep.

It is for beginners.. but it honestly is quite large and big for a person like me.

To go up you have to sort of sit on a upside down "T". One person on each side. It is quite lovely. I went up with my host dad.

OH! One thing. I am so blessed. BOTH of my parents used to be ski instructors so they knew just just just how to teach me.

We went up and up and up the mountain hill thingy... and then we were at the top.

I forget exactly what happened... but I started to go down.. really fast. Just straight down. Haha.. that was amusing. I couldn`t stop or anything I was going so fast. Finally, I saw that the super duper steep part was coming and I needed to stop, so I made my self fall. My first time down the hill and I just went for it straight down.

I fell.

BANG.. and I was shaking after that, but ok. Cause it was cool!

I love hearing my host family tell that story to other people. It always makes us laugh going back to the time when Maggie went down the hill for the first time.

SCHWOOM!

After that, we took is slowly.

Within 2 hours I could say that I was able to ski.. cause I could!

I could go down the hill making only a couple of stops and making "S"`s the entire way. When you do it all curvey, you go slower.

Ok... they told me that I learned fast.. and I think I did. Who knows? But I can say that I did not find it hard at all. Yes sir, I sound conceited. Sorry. But it came to me quite quickly. You just sort of... go.

But the good thing is that I enjoyed it! So that ski pass will not go to waste.

Sledding.

Never before have I actually had to do anything when sledding. I started to worry though when they told me I needed my helmet.

And I needed to steer.

We went down the entire mountain.. it was like a dream!

It is this really nice path with lots and lots of swerves and so forth.. all down hill.

It was all through the snowy woods.

And as we came around the corner, we could look down to the valley which was a sea of fog.. and the sun set behind it. Like I said, it was a dream!

And so for 35 minutes, it was just pure bliss going down hill.. but it was kind of freaky at times.

And the beauty of it? You take the bahn back up. The lift. So I didn`t have to walk up hill once with my sled.

It was a sledders dream. 35 minutes down hill and no long walk back up. We went down the entire big mountain thingy...

Host Family

I really really am enjoying my host family. Family Hinter was wonderful and no complaints there. But I feel like I really fit with this family. I love it when my host dad tells people I am his daughter. I love laughing all the time with my host sister. It just works! I don`t know how to explain it. But skiing with my host mom and seeing her smiling when I get something right. They are just amazing. And I have no complaints or issues. Well, it is only the first week. But still... I feel more like a sister with Gina than before. I mean, before was amazing! But here it is more sister like. You just have to trust me or try to understand.. haha, yeah.

And I met my host cousin. Gina, him (John Lukas.. spelling?), and I all hung out last night after we went out to a restaurant. Just a easy going night. It is nice having a cousin again.

Next Day

In short.. after a couple hours I was able to go down the entire slope without stopping once.. just going going going.

I was sooooo happy... ahah, yeah.

And Jorge came up too! So I got to see him. First it was through my house`s window. Natasha was teaching him how to snowboard.

And I saw a guy from my school. It is cool to be able to walk in some random place and see a face you know... even if it is hiden behind a bunch of snow gear.

Well

That is my weekend in short!

I am so happy.. happy I can ski now and happy with my host family.

I feel like I belong.

New Host Family: Update

2007-12-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Family Wigger.

How is it going so far?

Honestly... wonderfully.

Yes, I know that it always seems amazing at the beginning. So I can only pray it goes well this long... but it seems like I will have a wonderful three months here.

Anyways, I arrived to see my new bedroom... I love it! It is adorable.. haha, yeah. It has an amoire thingy and the colours are sweet.

I will get pictures up as soon as possible!

What have I done since I moved in?

Unpacked. Thank goodness they gave me lots of space for all 2 suitcases and three large bags full of stuff... plus my cello.
Cello Concert. My first one here. Quite.. happy.
Ate Dinner. Bread and cheese and butter as usual.
Listened to Harry Potter (the 7th) book on tape
Watched TV with the HostFolks. I heard Wicked outside of my bedroom and sprinted out to see Wicked (the German Version!!!) on TV! I was wearing my Wicked shirt and had fun telling them that my shirt was what was on TV. Later on the show there was a kid who could identify any of 60 different golf ball brands with his mouth! It was weird. And then a guy who could identify any of his 18 cows by name by just hearing them eat apples. Later, Mika came on the show. I think I found a new favourite TV show that is worth my time. Mimi the cat came and sat on my lap for much of that time and made my lap warm.. she is sweet, but bites.
Ate breakfast. I was not alone though. Half my family, well, the animal half, was there the entire time just watching me eat. Kind of weird honestly. I tried to tell them to go away, but they speak better German than I. So I ate standing up at the kitchen bar sort of thing that isnt a bar.
Went to church.
Made Christmas cookies with my host mom! The Swiss go ALL out for Christmas cookies. On THIS weekend, all the moms in Switzerland get baking with not just one kind, but who knows how many types of cookies. So far it is the middle of the day and my host mom has made some 3 or 4 different types. I loved helping her bake! It felt happy.
Watched skiing on TV with Gina.
Read Globbi with Gina.
Discussed photography with my host mom and looked at her work.

I really feel like I will have a good time here... once I get the computer to read my camera`s memory card. Anyways, it is like a warm house. Home. Not house, home. Much better word.

Who knows what could happen in the next 3 months? But they only speak German to me.. so that`s good. And it seems like they really all work together and so forth.

Naturally I am still praying over everything, but I think God has blessed me once again with a great host family.

About the Wiggers:

Two parents and a 15 or 16 or so year old daugther named Gina.
Two (sweeeeet) Dogs: Barsa and Arif (not sure about the spellings)
One Cat: Mimi (she has only 3 legs)

Haha.. yeah. So thank you all who have already prayed for me! I know that God`s hand really was in the picking of my host families. I feel so blessed.

Moving On

2007-12-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

What is with me and getting sick as I have to pack?

Remember back in August? The 2nd? My Dad`s birthday. Anyways... I had strep and a temperature. Click Here.

Well... tomarrow I leave at 10:30 in the morning to go to family Wigger.

And I am sick.

Today, I woke up miserable. But I was absent last Friday so I figured it was time to get myself to school. My principal personally checks on me when I am absent. I think he thinks that I was in Luzern or something.. but I was in bed. Grr. Anyways.

The first half of the day was, as my favourite man would say, crap. I was dizzy, headache, runny nose, sneezing, sleeping, coughing. But I could walk! Thank goodness my host mom drove me to school and back.

I decided it wasn`t worth it to go back to school in the afternoon. My classmates had been telling me that I ought to be home in bed.

Anyways... my last lunch with family Hinter? Quite nice. Some sort of cheese and egg thingy... not sure exactly. They call it cheesecake, but that is just a direct translation.

I stayed home and didn`t get out of bed till we ate fondue at 6:30.

5 and a half hours of sleeping and resting... while listening to Harry Potter (the 7th) book on tape which I have on my iPod. Every time I am sick, I listen to that and I normally get well rested and end of sleeping. But it keeps me from being on computer or reading or mucking around.

My last dinner was super! I felt horrible... but it was ok. We had fondue!

It wasn`t really eventful... but I enjoyed it. Just realizing how I have finally come to fit into this family. Not perfect fit.. but I will, honestly, miss them. I gave them all their gifts from Seattle and they acted perfectly. They made me feel good. Haha, yeah. I wasn`t sure if they would like them, but they all gave me hugs.. and Philipp even shook my hand! (I gave him a CD of music from Seattle like Jimmy Hendrix, Foo Fighters, and even, yes, Blake Lewis)

After dinner Philipp brought down his CD player and sang for all of us.. it was amusing. That kid really is amazing. He had to sing because he dropped his bread in the fondue pot. Hehe. Sometimes you have to drink a glass of white wine for that, but with the Hinters, not so. So Philipp went all out.

I have been packing now for around two hours and am pretty much finished. I realized I have too much stuff. Can`t wait to send some home in January.

But I have been blessed. God put me in the right place. And I belive that my next home can be just as good... with God by my side. I`m trusting him. And if it doesn`t go well, well, I can just learn to depend on God more and I know that I have people here and back home that will help me go through this.

Thank you for your encouragement!

Photos from Samichlaus Tag are here: http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12205&l=8eed3&id=504513649

On yet another note... Christmas is coming and I have a new address!

I have been told that Christmas can really be the worst time of the year for any exchange student... THE WORST! And I know I can get through this! But would love encouragement from you guys... it means sooo much to me. And it only takes some 5 minutes to make my day... and 90 cents. And if you can`t pay that, go see my parents.

Margaret Hubert c/o Familie Wigger

Bruochli

6072 Sachseln

Switzerland

That is it! So simple eh?

I feel horrible begging... but I will write back to you! What can I say? I am a pathetic exchange student and love getting stuff in the mail. I tend to carry around postcards with me wherever I go and read them over and over and over... haha, so desperate.

Well!

Enjoy the weekend!

Pray for me!! That is the best thing you could ever do!

By this time tommorow, I will be living with a new family.

I love you all!

4 Months Eh? Moving On. Empty.

2007-12-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally am packing my bags. It seems like just a couple of days ago I was packing for Switzerland. It honestly hasn’t seemed like 4 months. Time goes by so fast… too fast. I want it to stop, slow down.

This has been an amazing first part of my exchange year. The perfect start for me. In such little time, I have somehow managed to adapt to a new culture, make friends that I will have for the rest of my life, and even learn to live with a new family.

But here is a good thing.. I am leaving my host family when things are going well. I really feel good here. Really do. I have been so blessed to get landed with the Hinter family. We had a couple rough spots.. but could I expect it to be perfect? And it was those times that got us here. I think it was necessary to go through that so we could move on. In examining myself at that time, I think I grew too. Like today, in coming home I was able to just hang out in the kitchen with my host mom talking. And she and my host dad and I all looked at the pictures I had printed. I cant say I am one hundred percent comfortable in their home… but it was more than liveable, I enjoyed it. And glad that as I pack, I honestly only have happy thoughts. Not once has, “Thank God I am leaving this family.. finally!” crossed my mind.

Today my host brother was watching TV, so I joined him. And all of a sudden, he asked what I wanted to watch. If I wanted to change the channel. That meant so much to me. I don’t know how to explain it. But if you knew my host brother you would understand. He is a sweet kid, but I didn’t expect him to treat me like that at the end of our time. I thought things would get worse but instead, it is ok. I mean, we don’t really talk a lot and I am sure he doesn’t mind me leaving, but we are doing fine.

Yep. The Hinter family. So long to them. They were a really good first host family for me. They gave me a solid foundation to base my exchange year on.

And now, I have to move on, literally, whether I want to or not. And you know what? God has something in mind for me in the next host family too. So I am excited to see what he has in store. Who knows? I admit I am a bit nervous, but not a lot. I am expecting the worst and hoping for the best. That way, I can not be disappointed and unprepared.

Well.. my room is a utter mess now, things everywhere. But in 48 hours it will be empty.

Empty.

But my life is… full?

(by the way, this is a fun post to read.. my last one before leaving for Switzerland)

The Swing of Things

2007-11-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

Life lately...

One of my new favourite things to do is stream my favourite Seattle radio to Switzerland.

Spirit1053.com

It is easy to find the streaming button.

Now I have so much Chritmas music!

Here, Christmas music isn`t really a big thing. There aren`t even 10% of the songs we have in Englisch. Quite sad actually. A huge part of my Christmas life is, well, musik. So I stream the music and it makes me happier.

Today was quite laid back.

In the school aspect, today is my "late day." That merely means I get to sleep in longer every Wednesday because I have the first class free.

Well, I went to class to find out that I had two more hours free. The teacher was sick. And when the teacher isn`t there, they just let you do whatever.

Next I went to Englisch which is always culturally interesting for me. In fact today we were discussing cultural differences between Americans and Europe.

Biology... well, the teacher is quite nice. But nothing eventful.

Lunch was Alpler Magronen! Ask anyone in Switzerland I know, that is my favourite food here! It is like cheese and noodles on steroids. And my host mom grills up some garlic to go on top and that really tastes good.

History.

I got to open and close our history presentations.

That was fun.

I was told I could say whatever, so I practiced with some random crap and was told. "Yes Maggie, all of it. The more you talk the less we have to talk." Naturally that was said originally in German.

Anyways... I spoke like I would. Whatever I wanted to say...

"One photo is one, and one is two!"

"One photo has the king. The king is fat."

In the end, I ended up wishing them a beautiful vacation... goes back to the Ukulele Band Days.

Then there was the entire cofusion of languages (nach verses nacht and ohr verses eier)...

After that, some of the girls in my class said some stuff that made me super duper happy and settled.

I don`t feel like typign it here.. but trust me, it stil makes me smile...

And realize that God totally knows what he is doing with me! He knows where I belong.

A little look into what happened:

*group looks at poster that says nachhilfe or something like that.. really means tutoring but I didn`t know that"

Maggie: Nachhilfe? Night help?

*laughing*

Person: Not night.. after...

Maggie: OooOhhh... not Night Help

*talking and explaining.. then talking about what night help would be*

Person: Bring bring. Maggie... I need help with this night.

Maggie: Well, first you must close your eggs...

That there was the problem, I confused the word for eyes and eggs... which made the whol conversation take another turn... and you can imagine the rest of what we talked about.

I guess you had to be there. But we were laughing quite quite hard. And keep talking about shutting those eggs.

Also.. the conversation was in German, not English, to the translation is a bit iffy.

Today Jorge and I hung out.

Just one of those times where you don`t really have to do anything.. so all goes well. Just sort of relaxing.

We went to the Weienachmarkt (Christmas Market) in Sarnen.. that was cool, but soo cold.

There were some 100 booths (I checked online) with all sorts of Swiss stuff... hats, scarfs, lots of gift items and home decor.

It was outdoor and so cold.

What was cool is how they shut down all the major streets in the city for this market. It was really snazzy. All festive and crowded. Everyone was there.

There was a live nativity with a choir singing, "Aint no mountain high enough.." and real sheep that come from my school.

Then we went to a church and then to a trampoline.

Jumped.

Jumped.

Jumped.

That`s life there. Jumping to Hakuna Matata, Bare Neccessities, and You Gotta Friend in Me while jumping.. life doesn`t get much better. You know me. I like the simple stuff. That`s what makes me happy.

We watched some Teen Girl Squad... cause they are cool.

Anyways.. that is life.

Life is just going on... better than ever.

I could not ask for anything more, I truly couldnt.

I have been blessed.

Thanksgiving in Switzerland

2007-11-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving went quite better than I thought it would.

First thing... the Swiss naturally don`t even acknowledge the day. Why should they? But for me, it has been an important day to me. A family day. And, well... there was no family this year.

First class I had was Italien, and that was probably the saddest part of my day.. perhaps I almost cried? No. Not really. I just sat there.

But then I went to the next class to be almost knocked over with a big hug from Connie. And she had made me a Happy Thanksgiving card! That made so amazingly happy. I had this stupid Maggie grin on my face I was so happy.

From there, the day was quite better.

It was a Thursday... so I got out of school earlier than normal.

We had lunch at my host grandparents.

Then I went to Nicoles.

That girl went all out for Thanksgiving.

I was there while she prepared some of the food, but I can`t really say I made it. Neigh. I stirred a couple items... ah! Gravey and Macaroni and Cheese.

On her thanksgiving menue was...

Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Pie, Deviled Eggs, Stuffing, and something else?

Anyways.. cooking in Switzerland is not easy. The food turned out amazing though. I was quite impressed.

To cook the ham we had to go to my house cause we had no more room in her oven.

But how to cook it? Frau Bucher saved us there...

And I got my Thanksgiving hug from Mrs. Bucher also. I don`t think I could have made it through the day without that. You all know me... hugs are pretty essentail to life.

And Iate with Nicole and her family and that was pretty awesome.

Nicole is another exchange student from America living in my town.

Anyways.. the eating was interesting.. and interesting conversations.

I even got to call home and talk to my entire family! and Emily L. too cause she had no family for Thanksgiving either. And that made me feel goood.

And that was Thanksgiving in Switzerland.

Instant Smiles Guaranteed

2007-11-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

I remember back when I was 9 or so.

The African Childrens Choir came to my church.

It was amazing... touching.

Those kids, wow.

They sing with their soul.. no shame. Just singing out.

And I found them on YouTube.

Found that I remember this song from when they came.

They sing with happiness... they like what they do.

I remember how three of them even came to stay at my house! That was so cool! The smallest of the choir stayed with us. I remember Aunt Peace (their guardean) came too from a really hard place to say. I could find it on a map though. They were just joyful kids. They loved chai tea and oranges.

Just watch this video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5jXxnr-FzQU

And smile...

These kids are beautiful to watch.

(www.africanchildrenschoir.com/)

Well... I My Head Was Right

2007-11-09T03:38:00.000-08:00

Today, I was translating a paper, minding my own business when....

Teacher: Maggie
Maggie: *translates paper happily*
Teacher: Maggie
Maggie: AIDS!?

(note: I do pay attention in class. But they were reading out loud the same paper and I, well, understand at a slower pace)

I guess I misheard him.

Anyways... he was just smiling about something. Sort of a smile? And I looked, and my class was looking at me.

I thought they were talking about America again.

Then he said that magic word.

"Schnee"

A HUGE grin spread over my face, I looked out... and just sort of stared.

Then I went to the window, opened it (it had already been open half the morning, one more minute woldn`t hurt) and stuck my hand out. Staring. Smiling like an idiot... itwas just too excited.

Snow!

And it stopped.

Then in my special German class, we got more snow! More than ever.

Huge flakes!

I was soo happy.

And it stopped before I could touch it.

Grr.

On the entire bike ride home, I blasted Christmas songs from my pocket.

The problem with me and snow is that:

Snow = Christmas

No doubt about it.

You can`t have it snow till around Christmas time... or Valentines day.

Anyways.. all of a sudden my entire mind is thinking about Christmas and singing the songs.

This could be a long two months...

Excerpt from My Journal - March 28, 2007

2007-11-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

Here is an excerpt from my journal.

I wrote it on March 28, 2007.

Funny thing is I randomly pulled out my journal on the same day that this entry refers to (October 28, 2007). Ok, so I looked at it one day early. But it was so random. What are the chances of seeing this.

Enjoy a look into my, er, personal thoughts.

So it`s pretty cheesy, but whatever. Still kind of fun to read right after I wrote it.

I meant to put it up the day of.. but my host sister had the computer. So here it is a bit late.

There are so many questions I have about my exchange.

Funny how in some 7 months (October 28, 2007) I will be able to look and read this article and see my questions. My wonders. I`ll realize that I had nothing to worry about. That I am so unprepared. Or that my worries are true.

I wonder about my future host family. Will they accept me for who I am? I ahve so many awkward ways and insecurities. I like to play my music loudish and jump. I like to express myself. I hope they let me alone in the house occasionally, so I can do this.

What about school? I`ve never gone to a school where I am all alone. Will they like that funny little American girl with horrible German? I`ve heard that no matter where you go, you can always find a friend.. but it`ll be a unique friendship.

Will I have any host brothers or sisters? Will they like me? Tlak to me? Help me? Reject me? Be annoyed by me?

Will I get my own personal space? I need space. Space to relax. Space to be me.

Everyday, it seems I encounter situations where I find items I need to remember to bring. I`ll probably start a list soon. How can I bring my entire life with me to Europe? I can`t. I need to let my old life go. I need to move on. To grow. To change.

God,
Be with me this next year and for all my life. I pray that I will rely on you for my strength. I want to be like you. Show me your will for my life. I trust you.

Maggie Hubert

Happy Headache

2007-11-08T10:35:00.001-08:00

I heard it might snow tomarrow.

I am excited [into oblivions].

(really really really excited... maybe a bit too excited)

I have had a headache for some *looks at watch* five hours.

Finally I figured it was time to take some action... besides resting.

Told my host mom.

She smiled...

Apparently.. having a headache means a change in the weather is coming or something.

So here I am.. my very own weatherman.

My head is like the weatherforcaster.. it knows when snow is coming.

How cool is that?

Photos from today are here:

http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9977&l=b0a4e&id=504513649

GLOW 2007

2007-11-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

[G L O W 2 0 0 7]

No Shame.

I admit, I am currently morning the loss of CCBY (my life revolved around you) but God is really using this year. I think a lot about what this year is is not being dependent on other people for my faith. Not being dependent on the weekly sermon to fire me up or fellow Christians.

Cause my faith is between me and Christ. That relationship there. And I think this year is cool cause it is becoming more so that. Where I don`t have someone checking up on me weekly.
Well, I do... sort of. But no sermon I can completely understand.

(I write this all out because it gets confusing in my head... and it feels good to finally step back and look at what is happening)

Glow 2007.

It was a pretty amazing weekend.

(naturally I miss CCBY especially... jumping for Jesus, the after glow, crying our eyes out, really feeling the presence of the Lord, fired up for Christ).

A general overview of the weekend... and skip to the end if you want to read about, well, what I think God is showing me. Ok, what he IS showing me.

I went up to the weekend with Ruth, Emmanuel, and Eveline in Ruth`s car... we went to Murtun or something like that. I forget, honestly, as usual. Swiss names are quite difficult for me to remember.

Obwalden.Freiburg.Safenwil.

Anyways...

On the way up, listened to some Christian music and that was refreshing beyond belief. And the fact I had someone else singing with me made it all the better.

We reached the FEG Murton church, parked, went out for a bagette sandwhich lunch, met up with two other folks whose names I can not spell who go to my church as well and we headed back.

It was really well put together, the weekend.

Quite a bit of down time, but I liked that. Time to just hang out.

The opened with some amazing worship. I loved it.. I really did. Reminded me of home a bit. A band called Narroway from Thun. They sang both English, German, and Swiss German songs. And often, I knew the German songs... just the English version.

They sang some of our favourites (History Maker... wow, I almost cried to that one, "we sing glory, honour, power and strength to the Lord", "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord") and I got some new favourites. (Click here.. and wait to hear a bit of You Shine). I will get up some sounds clips.. I recorded a bit so you guys could hear.

And the messages were of course all in German... so I had a difficult time there. But it was still worth my time. I think I misunderstood a few times... a lot. Especially when I thought he was talking about "flying tuna fish".

And they had something called the Idea Market... and that was pretty much a bunch of boothes and so forth where you could discus ways to bring others to Christ or ministries for Christ at school, sports, missions, and so forht.

My favourite was the missions.. they had a girl from England there representing OM. It was so refreshing to talk to her. I am going to visit her soon in Zurich. Rosie! She has been here for pretty much two years.

It made me realize that God could have a lot of plans for me that I haven`t even thought of. She is here on missions to Switzerland... not exactly the first place you would think of going for a missions trip. I am looking into that now. Who knows what God has in store.

Lets see...

We slept in a bomb shelter underneath a school... and that made me smile.. a lot. Although I was a bit, er, anxious sleeping after I was warned that the mattresses were... dirty? So yeah, I defnitly was in my sleeping bag that night.. and George (my monkey) wore an extra shirt to keep him clean. I think I fell asleep around 1:15.. but who knows.

Now what was God showing me there...

I honestly don`t know if it was just me or if God was speaking to me... but here is what happened.

We were singing and I got a hug and then sat on the ground. That is how I am used to worshiping God, either standing or on the ground hugging my knees or something.

Anyways.

The entire weekend I had sort of felt, well, distant from God. And it was really scary. Like I saw him there but I couldn`t reach him. And I know, draw near to God and he will draw to you, but something wasn`t working. I was even scared. I tried to figure out what the boundaries were.. something keeping me from him. And slowly began to work things through and pray. Sins. And even forgetting to trust in him with my future more.

And then there I was on the ground. And I stated to think of CCBY and family. And I pictured myself hugging people (Mom, Dad, Ian, Jenny, Caitie, Emily, Sarah and so forth). And, well, it wasn`t working. I couldn`t hug them. They disapeared or something. It was like hugging air. And so I cried.

And then, I turned around (in my mind) and there behind me was God. Shining. Smiling. Right beside me. Behind me. Dressed in white. So gentle. (before, I had been trying to go to a God in front of me and he was really far away).

And, well, stuff happened.

He pulled me onto his lap (I stopped crying then) and he wrapped his arms around me.

And he told me I am his little girl and he will be with me through this year. Always right beside me.

And then... we danced.

We ran around dancing, having fun, laughing, together. Reminding me he is not just a serious God... he is a God of joy! And so that was amazing. Just dancing with the Father. Him looking down on me with this amazing loving face. Well.. his face wasn`t clear. But you could just feel it.

And he wants me to be a light for him. Smiling. Joyful. I can`t really discribe, explain it.

We were in a big open whiteness sort of room...

And yeah.

I don`t know if it is bad for me to post this. Am I supposed to keep stuff like this to myself? I just never want to forget it... ever. Ever. Did I make it up? Was it all in my head and me wanting to see that or was God.. well. I don`t know. I am really confused. Did I make that up? Was it just me? Was it God. Wonderign... But also so joyful. I mean, God is with me! That is SO cool. I am not alone! I am not alone!

He has given me an amazing church family to watch out for me this year.. and another one back home who is praying for me every step of the way.

God is soo good.

God is so good.

God is so good.

And things get rough... but that cool guy up there is looking down on me.

Yep.

That was pretty much my weekend.

Ooohyes, the ride home.

We listened to some, er, interesting music. Not sure how to describe it. Well.. there is one word for it.

Swiss.

I admit it grew on me... a bit.

Something about a wild rabbit?

And OoooooOOooOOOh Cathy? in the country?

Yeah.

I enjoyed my time a LOT though in the car.

(Emmanuel... you drive fast... I think? I just converted in the KM to Miles... and no wonder the car made cool noises...)

Anyways, Eveline had some Christian CDs and wow. That could have been the highlight of my weekend right there. It was sooo cool hearing Christian music being played really loud. And not singing on my own. Having someone else there to share in the excitement of each song. Goodness, it was like each song was a present. Just going to Switzerland in fall. Those are the memories I want to, well, remember.

Until later...

Margaret
(not Maggie)

Analysis on the Brilliancy of the Swiss School System

2007-10-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

In America, we have high school drop outs.

The drop outs are those kids who just don`t fit the mold of going through some 3 years of high school. Sure some of them are those crazy druggy kids, but there are a lot of brilliant kids that leave high school... or stay in it and do horribly as it just isn`t there thing.

America.

We are trying to fit all kids up to the age of 18 into a single mold... high school.

But with such a variety of teens, shouldn`t there be an alternitive in which they can still be successfull at life and not be dubbed failures for life?

In America, we have plenty of kids who just don`t have the will to keep going and doing hours of random sciences and math that won`t help them in the career they wish to pursue. Yet, it can be difficult for them to pursue the career of their choice without going through those 3 or 4 years of random studies.

This is where Switzerland gets brilliant.

Switzerland has an alternative.

Once you finish elementary school, you have to pick what level of education you want. Either you go to a school that is pretty much like a giant IB or AP school... or you can go to another school with studies at a level that is less intense.

What are the reults of the two schools? What happens? Where do you go from there?

Well.. you can only go to college if you pick the "smart" school. In America, it seems that college is essential to make a good living... yet that is not so in Switzerland. You can only do some 3 years of secondary education and make a fine living.

If you pick the lower option, you go to three years of "high school" and then, from there, you start a 3 year apprenticeship. With this, you go to school maybe 1 day a week... and in the meantime you learn a trade.

This is perfect for all those hands on learners or the students who just want to get started in life. Those kids who just don`t see the need to study the books much longer.

I think that system is brilliant. Students are not forced to continue in a busy high school education that will not help them further their education much. And even though they can`t go to college, it is no big deal.

But naturally there are flaws in the system that I have come to dislike.

In Inglemoor and America, you can pick your classes. In Switzerland you have no choice... you have a grade level (like Freshman or Senior) and each grade level has a set of classes that go with it. One class is up to you, but the rest are set in stone.

The pro? Well, it makes scheduling a whole lot easier.

The cons? You can`t move ahead or struggle. Everyone must move at the same pace. While some kids may be strong in a language and weak in math, they are all forced to remain at the same level. I see brilliant students in math finish quickly while other struggle with every thing the teacher says. Wouldn`t it be nicer to put them in different classes? Let the slow one go at an easier pace and the other learn as much as they can. We all have our strengths and weeknesses, and in this aspect, the Swiss are trying to fit all the students at the upper high school into one mold.

There are entirely other things I could write about comparing Swiss and American schooling (such as the number of classes, school hours, and going home for lunch) but I have a year to write about that.

What have I learned?

To every system there will always be something negative. And both systems have a lot to offer. As an American coming to the Swiss school, I find it a bit, well, constricting not having any choices. But for the Swiss, they know nothing else. They don`t think of a school where you can learn at different levels and speeds. It`s a bit more mechanical. Yet it works.

What are your thoughts on the Swiss school system? American? another system?

Note: When writing this, I am generalizing all of Switzerland... but honestly I write of Obwalden school system. I am sure there are other systems. Perhaps some have other choices? But this is the system I know.

Rotex Weekend

2007-10-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Quote from Nelly:

"in summary: SEVERUS SNAPE!! real chocolate chip cookies, not being able to open windows without being yelled at, trampoline of death, vertical spooning, maggies incredible HILARIOUS stories, random hiking, good conversations, seeing everyone again, and just getting away! it was fuhhhh reaking cold tho!"

Yep... so true.

This weekend I had a rotary weekend, well, rotex.

It was amazing.

I went from Sarnen to Luzern and met up with people. And we went to Bern. Ramiro got in a sleeping bag and sang the worm song he wrote. It was crazy. Double decker train. And then we met up with the Bern kids and we headed to some random town.

Our train hit a person.... we were quite late because of that.

We arrived, it was cold, and we were in teams.

My team`s name was the, well, Granny Maggies.

I can tell, you are impressed.

It consisted of Fernando, Jorge, Jayme, and Liam.

We pretty much... did not dominate.

We went inside.

Lots of hanging out.

We ate lots of Amarettes cookies.

And then there was the bed issue. There was no no no room for everyone. So we had a bed made for some 8 or 9 people... I think we had 13 of us on it? I was quite warm that night.

Each group had to come up with an activity for the night. Games ranged from murder dance parties to human knots to charades to snazzy skits with Severous Snape (as Miss Nelly mentioned above).

And we sat around some more... and there was this crazy bench thingy with fire under it so it was quite quite quite warm.

And we had Alpermagronnen for dinner.

We all brought desserts.

And we all had fun on the trampoline.

Later that night everyoone was in bed, but I was not tired. So some of us went up to the guys rooms. And all of a sudden I went on this story mode. No details there.

Next day, woke up, ate, made sandwhiches, went for a hike, it was excessively cold.

Good times though, just talking with everyone about everything. Really refreshing.

And then we went home.

A rotex person drove me, Jorge, and Jessica home so we got home in around 1.5 hours instead of 3 hours.

That was my weekend.

Pics are here:

http://hs.facebook.com/album.php?aid=8311&l=49a46&id=504513649

Pity Party for Maggie? Nay. What God is showing me.

2007-10-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

I had a really really rough time the other day.

I could go into details... but I already wrote that blog.

I wrote my "pity for Maggie" such blog and don`t intend to post it.

Cause who wants to hear that crap?

Some friends and even my real Mom have helped me out and I am back on track.

But why not tell you what God is showing me and what I have gotten from this.

Last night, after I said good bye to my mom on IM, I started to cry and then pray.

And here is what I have gotten...

This is only just the beginning for me. I am going to be pressed from all sides like never before. I have a feeling that what I experienced was only a little part of the pain that I may feel here. There is going to be so much more. There are going to be many nights where I go to bed crying.

(I admit I am a bit scared)

And hence, I need to have God with me every moment.

I need to check my every action with him.

I need to put on my armor each day and head out with a smile on my face.

I gotta face each day

And God will be with me every moment.

I need to really humble myself. Just listen to others words and not defend myself. I need to put myself in a position of humility.

Humility.

I was raised in a society quiet different from that.

I am here to learn humility.

I think.

-----

Side note: Allison.. what is your email address??

A Afternoon and Evening with the Buchers

2007-10-08T02:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday.

Went to church.

After church, had an invitation to eat with the Buchers.

It was refreshing more than you could believe.

The Buchers - amazing Christian family who is fluent in English.

Their two daughters walked home with me from the church to their house. They live 2 minutes from me, walking.

We had fajitas!

I drank apple juice... well tried to. In the end I threw up a bit in my cup from choking with laughter.

We played the Game of Life, in German.
(iwon)

I just had an amazing wonderful time... I loved it. Yep.

My Lemon Tart... they put the whipped cream on for me :P

Luzern Fair... Mayssssa?

2007-10-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, the 6th, I met up with Kyly and Becca in Luzern.

There were pirates, well, people just dressed like them, invading the bahnhof!

(My favourite song, a version of it, just came on the radio!)

Anyways... we walked outside and BANG there was a ferris wheel and the swing ride.

They went on the swing ride.

Kyly`s shoes came off and almost hit an old lady.

There was this crazy guy on the ride, well, a kid, and he sat there with his head on his hand in a bored position. He even yawned.

Gotta love them Swiss folks.

And I went to lunch for some random man`s 50th birthday.

Happy Birthday Man!

Interlaken... and Youth Group

2007-10-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

Friday.

In the morning, afternoon, I went to Interlaken with Becca, Kristen, and Amarette.

My goodness.

Mainly we were on the train all day. A couple hours there and back.

We took the Golden Rails Panoramic or something like that trail through the Brunig pass and up and around to Interlaken.

We got there and defnitly did a Migros run. Food is essential to live. I packed to sandwhiches and hence was able to purchase some chocolate and chippy like thingys for the group.

We searched and asked for a park... and found one. It was amazingly epically just a field.

I ate chocolate.

That was a weeeee bit crazy after that chocolate and it took quite some time to calm down :P

On the train ride home, I cried a bit. I listened to the Rainbow Connection. My Dad sings that song.... and I thought I heard him for a moment as I listened. But I wasn`t sad sad. Just crying. And then I could laugh and cry. And my friends said it was a bit scary. Hehe...

Sorry about the lack of fotos... I am trying to be quick on the computer.

After that was youth group... one of my favourite times of the entire week! Probably the highlight.

Emmanuel led worship... and a lot of the songs were in English! Or had an English verison! I was quite the happy camper.

Also.. wow. I love my church. The youth group leader and her sister, they handed me something.... for my birthday, they got me my very own GERMAN BIBLE! WFJOWJFIFW.

Wow.

I was happy into oblivions.

The message was on Ecclesiastes 7 or something... and all in Swiss German. Natanja helped me a bit with the trannslations as her brother spoke out the message.

Then we played Werewolf.. aka, Mafia. And I forgot how to play. But through their facial expressions, I understood most of it in Swiss German and the rest they explain in English.

I was a dorf... dorfer? Well, that is a villager in German.

Nach Basel

2007-10-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

All the AFSers were headed to Basel... so naturally I had to impose mysefl upon them.

Me and Kristen and Amarette (Rotary Representatives :P) Joined us to head to the more so Northwestern Area of Switzerland.

Basel... sounds like an herb eh?

Bahhh-Sellll

That`s right! Say it out loud. You know you want to.

Anyways, we had around a 1.5 hour, I think, hour train ride to our lovely town of Basel.

Lots of pics.

You all know me.. so naturally I will be vain and put up pics of myself. But trust me, I have hundreds more. Cause that is just how life lives...

See Mom? I am still as normal as ever.

We arrived in Basel... it was one sweeeet train ride. So beatiful!

And I was quite sick that entire day and felt like crap.

Anyways... Amarette, of Bernish areas, met up with us there.

We decided to catch a tram.

While the AFS folks bought tickets, I was amused with the pigeons.

And we went to the Market Platz.

I really can not pull off sunglasses.. I felt like a bug.

Bern is the best place for shopping.

Me and Amarette and Kristen went to a Kebab place (where else?) for lunch and ate by the Rine.. Rhyme, Rhyne. I don`t know how to spell it.

Then we took a ninja cool boat ride across the water where we saw the AFS kids again.

The boat dude sang for me!

And then we went shopping, of course, and I wish I had more money. Sigh. What a life. So many clothes. I found many items.. I ended up buying one shirt.

They picked out this shirt for me to try on.. sadly, it was not in my stupid stupid budget. But I don't think it would have kept me warm this winter. So I had to take a picture of it and let that be enough for me.

Happy?

And we hung out at some fountain for a while.

It was overall a wonderful day... I should write more but it is 2:50 at night. I normally go to bed at 10:00... but tonight I am blogging a bit to get that out of the way way way. Cause it is in my head and I must get it out. For me. For you. For my foot.

First Swiss Sleepover

2007-10-04T17:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I hung out with Madlen.

She is a girl from my church and very sweet.

We met in Giswil.

Her house is an amazing storybook house! Over 100 years old!

And they have 4000 chickens and lots of cows.

And it felt like a very loving home.

I loved it there.

I got to eat grapes straight off the vine!

They invited me for dinner... it was soo good. Afterwards we read the Bible. And then I was invited to spend the night. So I did. And so that evening me and her sister and brother played a crazy cool Swiss card game.

And they gave me a toothbrush.

And pajamas.

And her mom said I looked like one of her daughters.. that made me smile.

And then we slept.

And now I am cover in at least 20 (I wish I was exagerating) bug bites... but it was so worth it.

I loved it!

In the morning, I was invited for lunch but had to go home.

But inivted to come back.

That was an amazing night. So simple... yet that is what I neeed in my life right now.

Whoo Hoo for Hiking?

2007-10-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

I went on a Rotary Weekend.

It was a bunch of Rotary people and me and Jessica.

Lots and lots of hiking.

I ate lots of food, it was good.

I enjoyed talking with Jessica.

We went to the beginning of the Rhine.

I ate chocolate.

Jessica busted her ankle and mine wasn`t exactly keen itself... so we made quite the pair.

Conform, Confirm, Connect

2007-09-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally feel like I am with it... well, know what I am doing in a sense that I have a reutine developed.

This day in history... last year on this day, it was Sunday and Chris and Lexi held a gathering slash party and we pretty much had an epic time and I talked to the crazy druggie guy who asked me for Rittalin. And I called the waitress Marsha and so forth. Quite epic I thinks.

I think I look the same...

[i was cold... looks like I am posing]

Another shout out session to Hannah Russel (epic present!), Sarah Wyler (more presents!!), and Kristen (perfect`!)... goodness I feel loved. And just a random shout out to Whit cause he sent me a really encouraging note with exactly what I needed at the moment.

Anyways, right now in school we are doing project week, but my host brother wants to play some random war game on the computer and I wish to stay on his good side. Anyways, for project week I have my group... and then I have my group that is not my group but is a group which I am in which is not one of which I am a member.. crane fly!

That`s pretty much life.

This weekend went hiiking with Rotary in the mountains, it was beautiful.

Friday night had youth group which was really good for me.

Pingu.
George.
Felix.

Yep... that`s life.

Happy Birthday To me.. Swiss Style

2007-09-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me?

God really is faithful.

Emily recently reminded me to let God, let Jesus be my expectations, and then I won`t be disappointed.

He never fails does he?

Last night I decided that for my birthday, I wanted a sunny day.. not hot, just sunny. To day was absolutely perfect. I sang, “God is So Good” on my bike as I rode to school after lunch.

Anyways, in the morning, I had a lovely card from my sister on my plate! Already, my day was turning out good.

Even though my host brother refused to acknowledge my birthday after the blatant prodding of my host parents. It just made me laugh. They were like, “It`s Maggie`s birthday…” and he would just read the paper. And then they would say, “Aren`t you going to wish her a happy birthday?” and he gave me a blank stare. It didn`t phase me a bit. Honestly.

Anyways, it was time to head to school.

It was cold.

I walked into school and my entire class was there as we had a later start today. And pretty soon, they were all giving me hugs. Yep. I got sooo many hugs and happy birthdays. One at a time, they each gave me a hug. I was on a natural high. And I was no longer cold.

And then Romy pulled out a bag… for me!

My class is amazing, really they are.

So anyways, the bag was a huge epic Migros Budget bag with Migros Budget written all over it.. I was happy already… excessively happy.

And I look inside.. and there was so much stuff! And almost everything had a connection to me or what they knew about me.

First was Swiss chocolate… a bajillion chocolate frogs and a candy bar that would put the King Sized Hershey Bars to shame.

And then, the first day I met my class, one of the girls, Conie, had these Dancers. They are a chip cracker puff thingy and amazing. And I loved them. And was awe when I tasted them. And so there was a bag of that.

They also know that everyday, I eat a Knopper. It is like a hazelnut wafer cookie thing. I love them. And so they had two of those.

And then the nonfood items…

In Switzerland, the kids in elementary have to write with fountain pens. And it carries on later. So they all have these amazing pens.

I looked into buying one once, but didn`t have the money. They aren`t cheap.

And I love to use theirs. They are fun to use.. jep. And the best part is the MagicStick.. it literally erases the pen. It is amazing and like nothing I have ever seen. It leaves no trace. And so quite often, I use their MagicSticks and pens and make things disappear.

In my bag was my very own pen.

It was red with clouds and an angel and perfect.

And there was my very own MagicStick with the “Super Pirat” on it.

By the time I got to that, I was all smiles and practically speechless.. all I could say was “Danke!”

And On top of that, there was a cell phone case with “Migros Budget” all over it.. and it is perfect for my phone.

And there was a card, and each of the students had signed it.

I was soo touched, cause each of them, literally each of them, even the guys, had chipped in to help buy this for me. Each of them were amazing. I felt soo happy. Just yesterday I saw them collecting money, everyone was giving one girl money. I asked what it was for. I was told some random answer and naturally believed them. I could see that they needed money from everyone as there was a list, and pretty much they all had paid. I had no idea it would be for me today! They went to all that work… for me!?

A card, for me!?

My very own pen!

I was just sort of in a daze, a bit too happy.

I was kinda sad about my birthday, a couple weeks ago, honestly, that it wouldn’t be like at home. But God has my life in his hand and never fails to amaze me.

I went home for lunch and there was a place set all pretty for me with a green napkin.

We had wonderful Magronen.. or something like that, and freshly made apple sauce (apfel musse).

Then I got my present, or parcel, from my host family.

Once again, I was practically speechless.

They had gotten me my first Swiss Watch… and it was perfect for me!

It was a Swatch, I love their watches, with plaid and red on it.

And it is super cool.

And I adore it!

It matches my pencil case.

Natural High

And then I got to open my presents and packages from the mail.

My friends and family are amazing.

The cards made me laugh, the presents made ms laugh, I was just so happy.

You guys mean the world to me.

And from my real family, I even got a DVD they made.. it made me cry and laugh. Just when they make eye contact with the camera and talk to me, I cry. And then I laugh, cause my family is the greatest ever. And it was hilarious. And great. And I love it. And it is the bestest thing ever.

And my brother wrote me a song!!!! And Ashley did too! And life is epic!

[picbyjennyporter]

And Jenny painted me pictures and made me a scarf and such!

And my parents sent me soap and my Dad`s CD (I love it!) and a pin (already on my jacket!) and chapstick (it has a weird name but tastest good)!

And Sarah sent me a CD of amazingness and iTunes gift card and two hilarous cards!

And my grandparents sent me cards and such!

And I had a card from Rachel and Emily!

Shout outs to my family, Jenny, Sarah, Emily L, Rachel, my grandparents, and the youth group for everything.

Yep.

I think my hostmom made me a birthday cake, not quite sure.

All I know is she baked a cake this morning.

But I guess it was not for me, as it was half eaten when I saw it next.

And I never got a piece.

And that made me sad.

No cake for my birthday… why is it on the counter, she doesn`t make cakes just because, if not for my birthday? Or am I just self absorbed to think that a cake could be for me if it is baked on my birthday.

But they ate it without me.

So I admit I am confused.

But I am absoltuey thrilled and happy.

And I got a super happy call from Kristen! She is a snazzy person I tell you and I was just dancing with bliss of the day.

That is pretty much my birthday life. More about what happened in the afternoon later, but this is the birthday blog with only birthday things

And thank you EVERYONE for your birthday wishes by email, MySpace, Facebook, and wherever.

I read each of them and they all mean so much to me and I love you guys!

That`s my life!

That`s my birthday!

Relax... Gemeindewochenende

2007-09-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

I had my first church weekend... I loved it.

Simple and full of fellowship with other Christians.

The Buchers, my neighbors, were kind enough to drive me.

They are like the equivilant of the Lynches... well, not even close, but they are the closest we have here.

I woke up late and little time to get ready.

And when I got in their car, they promised me an English morning.

And I loved it.

They went to England for 5 years, and are hence near fluent in the language, and went their for Christian purposes and agree with the CCB teachings.

God is so good.

Anyways, I will have to keep this brief, as I feel like sleeping.

We drove up and arrived early.

And there was this random wildish pig, tiny black thing, just hanging around in the parking lot. Defnitly a cool thing. I petted it a couple times.

The weekend, we went hiking a bit and we ate.

And where we ate, there was a fire.

I roatsted to big sausages.. they were so good.

And I had good bread.

And we made snake bread... which is where you wrap the dough around a stick and roast it till it is perfect. And yes, it does indeed get perfect.

And we hiked to an amazing waterfall and walked around.

And walked through a field where there were cows and one of hte guys from the church stood in the middle of the field playing the accordian.

And we used a outhouse.. and it was quite clean... but stinken.

We went to the hotel after that and I loved my room. It was simple, but the view was amazing.

[myview]

I love my life.

Anyways... the food at the hotel was fantastic. Something with pasta balls.. I have no idea. The desert was rather disgusting though and I had to stomach my way through it. There was egg in the soup.

That night we had worship and games.

The games varied from eating a giant choclate ball loaded with marshmallow cremem in it and wrapped with no hands (I wasn`t half bad at that) to singing.

My favourite was where they had a woman from each team teach the man to knit one row. It was hilaroius seeing the men there with their needles and concentrating so hard.

And most of the kids slep in a bomb sheleter.

We hung out in the hotel for a while.

The elevator is amazing. It is like just a normal door, and it isn`t all that safe, yet it is. And it is the tiniest elevator I have ever been in... and the quickest too.

The next day we went to the Salvation Army church.. that was soo cool!

They have uniforms and a full brass band like no other. I really enjoyed mysefl.

But had to work so hard to stay awake, literally, if my eyes were open, I could not focus them, no matter how hard I tried.. and trust me, I tried.

And then most of the church went hiking, but some of us youth stayed home.

We went to a park and played volley ball and went on a crazy carrosell swing and just hung out.. relaxing, fellowship.. it really was a blast.

And then we went home.

We went on a super long bridge, by foot, cause it was soo cool. Dad, you would have loved it.

And that was my weekend.

Friday in Luzern with the Girls

2007-09-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

[pic by amarette]

Friday was quite refreshing.

It was me, Amarette, Beccca, and Kristen.

A lot of the day involved helping out English speaking tourists.

We heard some English, I was urged to go approach them. So I said... rawther loudly, "Does anyone here speak English?" to which they turned their heads.

And naturally, all doors were then open wide for a conversation.

Funny thing about being in a foreign country. Just having language as a common thing automatically connects you in multipul ways.

They came from Australia and were on vacataion. Just arrived today. We told them, as we tell everyone, who we are and yes, we really are here for a year and will miss our family.

And the topic got to Tim Tams somehow...

And I have eaten them. But one of the ladies asked if I had really eaten one.. the right way. Which just so happend to be quite complex with holes and hot drinks.

And she was amazingly epic and mentioned causally how she would/could send me some as I hadn`t had it proper.. I dunno if she was serious.. but I naturally jumped onto that. I do love those Tim Tams. And she now has my address and blog address.

And when they come, I shall share them with some folks for a Tim Tam Time of Tissues!

That wonderful lady could be reading this.. hopefully so!

I am horrible at names.

But they were quite a loverly bunch of folks, I enjoyed speaking to them.

It was Amarettes first time in Luzern so we tried to get her to some of the important sights.

The Old City.
The Lion.
The Churches.
The Water Tower.
The Chappel Bridge.
The Water Front.
The. The.
The.

And naturally, we got a wee bit sidetracked along the way.

We were heading to the Lion Monument when some latino looking boys, around the age of 10 or so, called out to us. Trying to get some girls? Um. No.

But there was a park.. and I do love a good park. And so did everyone else.

We ended up hanging out there for some.. um.. I dunno. Quite the while.

We just swang. bounced. and played soccer.

The boys from earlier were there and had a old, deflated, grey soccer balll.. it was perfekt.

I wouldn`t have wanted it any other way.

[my best attempt at being a ganster... sigh]

[I just wasn`t cut out for looking cool.. hehe]

We listened to music... lots of it.

Hillsong, Chris Rice, Chris Tomlin, Brittany Spears, Backstreet Boys, Christmas Music, Michael Bublè.

And eventually it was time to move on...

And we went to the Lion Monument.

And were approached by some tourists.. and they spoke English. We ended up talking with tme for a good while. They were on a, um, Sabatical? With the Baptist church. They were really pleasent to talk to and I found it quite refreshing. We walked around a bit with them, showed them how to get the the water tower. I felt so bad, as they had just lost their camera.. with all 600 pictures of their trip, just a few days before. The man even ended up being a Rotarian. And they may be reading this blog as well. Ooh, and they were from South Carolina.. which made me think of the Wilkersons.

And we had Kebabs after that, they were amazingly good... as usual. I do love a good Kebab.

Baaaaa.

And then we walked along the water front, and there was a band playing some traditional music.

So we danced our way around the waterfront... and I was laughing and smiling and it just felt good. No guilt. No thoughts of anything else. Just pure bliss.

This is what exchange is about.

This is how you can make a Maggie happy.

The Swing of Things

2007-09-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been at this school for so much longer than I really have...

I won`t say I really am apart of the group yet.. but it is good.

Today, my class did something that made me smile so much... I wish they knew how much it meant to me.

What they did was....

Well, on our wall, we have a small poster listing birthdays. And they wrote mine in! And I was with some other folks, and they called me over.. which alone made me happy.

And they were all standing there, smiling.

And pointed.

And I saw it.

And, wow, if only you knew how good it felt... the fact that they even knew the day!

What Does a Swiss School Look Like?

2007-09-12T12:07:00.001-07:00

This will be a couple part series as I come to collect pics of various areas of my school.

Overall, the school has three differnt types of building.

There is the old school... it is, well, old. It has columns and pillars and soooo many steps! I am on the fourth floor for my English and Italian language classes.

It is like something from a movie.

And within it is also my art classroom... it is amazing.

Like a ballroom... and the door is wooden and big. I dunno... I like it.

And there are all these tables.

OOHHH.. and the chairs are swivil chairs! with wheels! So you can scoot around and spin and go up and down!

Next we have the room where I do Italian and English.

It is right across the hallway. And yes, there are more swivil chairs.. without wheels.

I got those pics when I had to go back to the classroom to get my dictionary. And there are vids at the end of this so you can really see what it is like.

Anyways.. that is the old building.

We also have the new buildings. Which are two story tall boxes that are black and reddish.

So there are four of those.

And on top of that... we have the other school building.

It was flooded a while back, and so we only use the top story for classrooms. The bottom has the sort of commons hang out room.

I go there during breaks and free period.

There is a kiosk there where you can buy food.

And there is a brand new cafeteria! They never had a cafeteria until a week ago. Never ever! Everyone always had to go home or to Migros to eat. And it looks kind of like a restaurant, I think.

And the best part is the colours.

The whole building and interior is filled with crazy shades of loud orange, yellow, and blue.

Eh?

Yeah.

More pics will come soon...

My First Day of REAL School

2007-09-11T03:50:00.001-07:00

My school is amazing (?)

Anyways... today I rode my bike to school at, um, 7:00. Not bad eh? I left early to meet Jorge at the train station and we walked to school together.

Mr. Maileh (however you spell his name) met us at the office and handed us our "timetables"... er, schedules.

Our school is crazy cool, I explain it another blog.

But we went into the flooded school, well, it had been flooded, to look for my class. It was alll orange! The school, I mean. And we couldn`t find them cause they were testing. When you do a test, you go into another room. And so I got a free period.

But first we walked Jorge to his class acrosst the street in this amazing (!!!!) building that looks like it is from the movies with pillars and columns and such and it was a lonnnng way up to the third or fourth floor by foot. The classrooms inside are modern, but the outside, it looks old. They call it the old school or something like that.

And so I had free time.

And Jessica found me.

And we talked.

And I read a English book I got at the library.

And I went to my next class, Geography.

Geography lasted for some two periods.. and it was really really boring. And it makes me wonder how I will get through this school year? It`s crazy not knowing what they are saying all the time.

Italian was a bit bettter.

Yes, I am learning Italian.. or trying to.

Italian is very simliar to Spanish (luck Jorge can actually understand it).... but it is hard to make the connections because I have to translate things a lot.

English --> German --> Italian

Italian --> German --> English

All the time.. cept when there are pictures or I understand the Italian.

But I now am so confused.

What is German? Italian? English? Spanish?

Talk about a brain overload.

And so we went to Italian and we did a computer program.. but I was so confused. But the people are kind and helpful to me.

I could never tell what was German and Italian.. but we conversed a bit in Italianisch asking people if they had items (Hai la Vespa? Ce`llo) or something like that. Anyways, the teacher talked to me realllly fast, and I just kept saying "si" "si" "si" and we all laughed at that... I had no idea what I was agreeing to. But he would say, "Gut!" or "No." Gotta love life.

And then I biked home for lunch.. where I am right now.

Yep... that is prettty much it. I will try and get some pics up soon!

Next I have Chemistry (grrr) and then art (grrr).

This will not be an easy year... haha, I will definitly start to drink coffee.

First Day of "School" School

2007-09-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

My first day of schoool had no school at all.

We went hiking!

Which is perfeckt, cause I got to meet everyone.

Ok, High Cap kids and Pace kids, only you will be able to understand this. Maybe some Christian School Kids.

Anyways, this class has been together since Kindergarten, give or take a few people. And hence, everyone is freinds. Everyone is included. Its cool. I`m told that it isn`t always.. sometimes there are groups within the class. But in my class, they are all friends... and I can`t sense any friction: they know each other so well.

I have 13 girls.

And 2 guys.

Alright, I admit I am a bit disapointed about thast one little factor.

We took the train up to Brunnig pass and hiked back down to Giswil. A 2 hour hike we made last 4 hours as we stopped at churches and ate by the lake.

It was beautiful just walking through the hills and mountains and by the lake.

And there are random fountains everywhere.. and you can drink from them! Not drinking fountains, just sort of fountains.

And the public bathroom was as clean as my host familie`s bathroom!

And I tried to say, "Those are huge fish" but they started to laugh.. I guess I said I wanted to kiss the fish.. oops!

So, yeah, they were pretty inclusive.

My ankle didn`t do so good.

The teacher drove me almost all the way home :P

It was pretty grand. Can`t wait for tomarrow.

No idea what it will be like.

But I am so greatful I got to know my classmates ahead of time in this kind of enviroment.

Well... How Be Dat Schule?

2007-08-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

School is 1\3 of the way done.. and I have mixed feelings.

I can`t imagine life any other way.

I have my routine now and, well, I like it.

I go to school, hang out before school, do school, eat lunch in a tiny wooden room, and hang out with my friends afterwards... how could anything else compare?

Sure the teacher may be interesting at times... but I`ve got the exchangers don`t I?

I have a lot to say... so I`m going to do it through pictures and such... kk? Yep.

Our teacher took us out sight seeing. We sall (what has happened to mein Englisch?) all the classics sights of Luzern and took a few pics...

Me and Jorge went on a boat trip...the views were amazing!

We went to a mirror maze and a museum about when Switzerland and the ice age and some gardens stuff...

At school... we love to sing... all the time. The teacher is getting driven crazy. In class we sing HSM and any other song that comes to mind (Everything by Michael Buble) and out of class... well, Hey There Delilah and London Underground dominate...

In lunch... wehave soo many stupid bees. Today, we saw at least 10 of them so my class headed over to the church step`s to eat.

I have my mini speakers and Jorge brought some.. so we listen to musik.. a lot.

Here, they have notecards for vocab that are, well, half size and brilliant!

I love getting mail :P

I`m afraid I`m starting to take my dear life for granted now... and the scenery, well, it lamost never gets old, but I`m used to it now.

I have so many moments to blog... but I guess that`s all for now.

I`ll leave you with a little song...

BBQs and Baptisms

2007-08-31T07:09:00.001-07:00

I went to church again.

This time it was in the evening at the beach.. it was a BBQ and Baptism!

I love seeing people get baptised... it makes me soo happy.

And I loved it.

Just talking to people... meeting people.

Sabiene picked me up right in front of Emmanuel`s house.. and Mr. Peter!

That whole family is quite epic.

I didn`t bring any food... but you could easily compare this family to the Lynches. That speaks volumes about them doesn`t it?

Well.. they had plenty plenty to feed me a few other people. I feel more comfortable trying out my German here.

Anyways, I was disapointed to find that there is only youth group once a week... and I felt like I would die with nothing going on Friday night.

And on the train the next day, I found Madlen! She`s an epic person who I can safely say is one of my first Swiss friends.

(a ladybug baloon just went pasty my window and is flying over the lake)

Anyways, we arranged to get together today.. this Friday, at 6:00. Eveline may come and Madlen invited other people. We get to meet at the church. I am SO excited! Who knows how it will go? Even if it is just Madlen and I, I`m sure we`ll have a great time. She takes the train from Giswil to Lucern everyday, but only on Mondays and Tuesday does she ride the same time as me.

Gotta love life...

My Pitiful Foot Adventure... Gotta Love Them Ankles.. and X-Rays

2007-08-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well, Mom, Dad, glad we have that emergency fund.

And... nothing serious has happened.

Many of you might know already, well, maybe not, but anyways, I have a weak ankle . my right one.

And before I left for here, I had just twisted it some 3 weeks before. Something that made it get bigger for a long time.

I was walking, um, to a speacial place :P and we were talking. I could go into details. But let`s just say I had a person on my back, stepped wrong, and it felt very wrong.

It hurt worse than normal.. well, it always hurts. And within minutes it was really swollen.

Hehe.

And so we walked around, still, for a while.

Sergio and Kyly were epic and carried me a bit.. they can be my heroes now.

We went to a restaurant for a small lemony drink... well, so I could rest my foot. I got some ice for my foot.

And I had to hobble around dear old Luzern for a while and back to the bahnhof (train station).

I called Brigette to pick me up, but we had some confussion so I ended up having to walk a ways to Ruedi`s work.

And right away Brigette took me to the doctor... although I`m not sure I needed to.

And they did an xray... and of course it wasn`t broken.

But I got cremè and pills and stuff.. they really work well... I guess, at taking away the pain.

And the next day, poof, I was on crutches. Gah. I should have used them longer then I did. But my arms got tired.

And that was on, um, Monday I hurt myself.

Today, I finally walked to the bahnhoff this week, I felt a bit better...

And today, during school, we were doing some random thing and I had to stand up to see and reach stuff. And, well, I wasn`t doing anything stupid.. have no idea how it happened, but GRRR it got retwisted.

And once again, it is bloated, bruised, and really really sore.

Goodness that is a bit annoying... I guess it`s back to the crutches for me.

Adventure to Youth Group for the First Time

2007-08-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

God is so good.

Really, he is.

If you`ve been reading these blogs, you might have read about the lovely party adventure and how afterward I was invited to a church.

And how I went to church.... and then I decided to go to the youth group.

My host family and I went out for pizza... it was quite good. And I even ordered in German... hehehe. Anyways, the pizza had chicken, mushrooms, ham, garlic, and lots of cheesy goodness covering it. I must have smelled like garlic the rest of the night.

And then I ventured along by foot. Hark! Where could this church be?

I found it with ease.

And walked in.

And *interjection* knew no one. But that was ok. I found some random people and they told me where to go.

I walked into a comfortable sized room with couches and chairs and there were some 5 people in it.

Well... this is what exchange is about isn`t it? Just throwing yourself in and see if you float.

"Ich heisse Maggie. Ich komme aus America. Ich wohnne in Sachseln.. ummm.. Eveline? She told me she would be here. Umm.."

And I was told that someone in there spoke English, it was Emmanuel. He had a British accent as a result of living in the UK for some 5 years. Anyways, I sat down with the peoples and spoke in broken German.

But German!!!

Ahh.. I am so excited. I am able to say stuff in German now.. make conversation. And get through what I want to say. It might be so wrong, but they understand! And I am so willing to speak. Even in front of 12 people.. heck, I gotta try sometime don`t I?

Then Eveline came in.

And we all moved downstairs.

The message was good, I`m sure... but I couldn`t really understand it, honestly. Oh well. It`ll take time. And then aferwards we all just hung out. Emmanuel showed slides from when he went on a mission trip to some place... Moldova? Um, it is near Russia? Who knows. Well, he does. And we all talked a bit more. And I just went out there, a bit forward if you ask me, and asked for a ride home. It was getting late and my host mom could drive me... but it was getting a bit too late and I wanted to stay till the end end end. The leader`s names are Sabine and Sonja... I think. Yeah, I`m pretty sure.

It feels so good at that church. I feel very comfortable. I like the people. The enviroment. And it`s a good place to make friends eh? Afterwards, to say good bye, I got to get and give hugs. Gooodnesss that felt so good, I really have missed hugs a lot. And I got lots of them. And I loved it. Loved it.

Sabine and Sonja drove me, Nathanja and Emmanuel home. Sabine and Sonja live a bit further into Sachseln or soemthing, but Nathanja (I think) and Emmanuel live right right below me... well, a bit down the street. But it was close enough that I just walked home from their home.

God really does have a plan for me.

Maggie

How Be School.. and After as Well

2007-08-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

I`m finally getting used to my new life.

Each day I wake up, get dressed, eat at a nicely set table, and head out for a 15 or so minute walk to the train station.

I think it is fun to say you take the train to school... but many kids here do that daily. Anyways, I take the train to Luzern each day... and that`s around a 40 minute train ride. With Jorge, it goes by faster... but with the Nun I sat by today, well, it seemed like a wee bit more. I am happy to say that I can navigate my way home with ease now each day and feel comfortable. Soon I may try and expand my adventures a bit further. Soon, Jorge and I plan on taking the boat across Luzern to Alpnach and taking the train home from there.

[train station in Luzern]

They have divided us into our different classes, the upper and the lower level. I am in the upper.. which is a slight problem. Normally I would be fine, but in this class we have students who have done German before, such as Rusty who has done some 4 years of German. So there he is talking to the teacher, practically fluent, and bored stiff as we (specifically I) stumble over the basics of telling time and counting to 100.

The joy that comes from the class is the exchangers. Of course we can mix things up. And when there is a ball in the middle of the table, what else are you supposed to do with it? Hmm.

We work, well, not too hard. But we have a test each day and homework each night. And then we have those pointless assignements. Currently I am working on a large poster about Washington State... I got a couple Starbucks brochures to cut out and place on a map I have of Washington. It should work out ok.

Anyways, the pace is ok for me. I talk fine when I am relaxed, but I get a bit tense in class and forget all I know. If I could just sit back and calm down a bit more, I think that I would do better.

I get to school some 30 minutes early each day.. in fact, most of us are there early. And then we just hang out and chat and listen to music and so forth.

At lunch, we head to a side room. We all ususally have pretty small lunches. I always have bread with a special cheese spread that I tried and fell in love with and salami or ham. It`s quite good. And usually I have a drink on top of that... perhaps Rivella? Today at lunc, inside, two girls got stung by bees.

Being cooped up in a small room together for some 4 hours each day does develop a slight bond... well, who am I kidding? It`s only been 3 days, but still we get to know each other.

After school is when the fun begins. We have all hung out every single day so far after school. It usually consists of terroizing the city of Luzern and seeing what we can find. Yesterday we went to Migros, H&M (to pick out certain special items for someone :P), and a special Kebab place. Maybe someday I will tell you about the door :P

Today we decided to head out for a movie. Rush Hour 3. We split up for a while. I was with one group for a while and we headed to the water... but they really had no plan so I wandered through Luzern to Migros where I found the other group. We went to an English book shop and a 4 story Musik shop and even Clairs.... I really don`t like that shop, but it was all worth the while when I got this pic:

The movie was hilarious and I loved it. They have an intermission and everything! But it is so expensive. Luckily it was in English this time with German and French and whatever subtitles... like so:

(btw - Mom, I got a postcard from you yesterday.. THANK YOU! So I have the debit card. Ja. Danke. And tell Dad that they pay one flat fee each month for the internet.. no matter how much they use it)

First Day of School... How Epic?

2007-08-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day of school.

I woke up early.

And got dressed.

And walked to the train station with my host mother.

And we got on the train... and presto, there was no Jorge.

And he had taken the Fast train (like the 522 Express... it doesn`t stop at every stop)$

And we arrived.

And Jorge saw a dead kitten in Giswil.

And all of the exchangers met.

And we went for a walk with our teacher.

And we went to the school house.. it`s kinda freaky looking.

And we went into the basement.

And we took a test.

And we were divided into groups.

And we laughed when the Canadian said "Pasta."

And we learned stuff that I learned from the book already.

And we had a break... and that was fun.

And we learned more stuff I knew from the book.

And we had lunch... and that was fun.

And we learned the names of office supplies.

And we filled out a survey.

And we sang the alphabet.

And we said good bye.

And we divided into two groups... those who spoke Spanish and those English.... it wasn`t organized by the school. This was after school. And we went to hang out. And I was with the Espanol group because I was sticking with Jorge because we go home on the same train. And anyways.. they spoke Spanish.

And we searched for a vending machine with lighters.

And we looked for Migros... and they asked every single person on the street where Migros was.

And we wandered around Luzern.

And there were stupid swans.

And we walked.

And we got on some bus... because a girl said it took us to Migros. And it might of... but I got off... because I didn`t feel like getting on some random bus without being sure. And Jorge came with me.

And we checked when our train came.

And we went to Starbucks.

And it was raining hard as we walked there.

And it smelled absolutely awful as we walked there.

And we ordered our drinks... my bill came to around 10 American Dollars... sigh.

And we drank at some table.

And we stopped by a book stop and I got a little ABC book.

And we rode home...and practiced our German and listened to various genres of music.

And I got off the train.

And it was raining really hard.

And I walked home in the rain.

And I liked it.

And I came home.

And there was a letter from my mom which made me absolutely happy!

And I hung out in my room all day listening to Harry Potter.

And I studied German.

And I worked on my agenda.

And I cleaned my room... as always.

And I ate dinner.

And I did more HP.

And me and my sister danced for 30 minutes... cause we`re cool like that.

And now I am here.

The End.

It actually was grand. I really enjoyed meeting and laughing with new people. But I feel like I ought to go to bed now... it is 9:45 or so.

Thank You God

2007-08-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

Well.. if any of you went to church with me in the States, you may remember me praying for a church family in Switzerland.

I got here, and all my host family could find was Protestant of Catholic... I could have done either, but wasn`t excited.

I mean, they`re ok... but so different from America.

If you read my last blog, it mentioned running into a girl named Evelin at the party last night. And somehow I got invited to her church.

It is Free Evangelical something.. um, Church. The initials are FEG.

You can read their core beliefs here.

To me, it seems to line up with what we believe.

So I decided to go today.. even with only some 6 hours of sleep. It was definitly worth it.

We biked to Sarnen and met Evelin.

Then we walked to the church.... they don`t own their own building.

There were little kids dressed up in bed sheets and in a room that had been transformed into a tent with sheets draped from the ceiling and mats on the floor. I liked the church already.

It`s a lot more mellow than CCB... calm. I dunno.

I miss CCB... but this church is great and a blessing to have this next year.

Eveline said she went to a church in Minnisota for a year on her exchange and so she is new to this church. She understands what church for me was like... which I really appreciated. She even wore a ring for the True Love Waits movement... just like me! I thank God that we found her last night.

The church sang songs... including, Amazing Love.

The sermon was good... from what I can tell. I brought my English Bible and Anita translated a short part.

The general message today was about how we need to be a player, not just a fan up in the stands.

I couldn`t understand really anything...

But from what I was told.. it seems to line up with what we believe and they do use scripture from the Bible.

Hehe... I am soooo happy.

I heard of a youth group and asked Eveline about it. She`s new to the church so she didn`t know and hadn`t really been to it yet. So we went to ask someone and found the pastor. He offered to pick me up and drive me there! But then we realized that the church had two youth groups... one at their daughter church and one in Sarnen, so I can bike to it.

I enjoy this church already and can`t wait to meet more people. God really did have a plan for me when I came here. He knew which family I should be with and that I would meet her at the party last night. Maybe he has another church in store... but for now, this seems perfect.

They said that this is one of the few churches that isn`t governmentally funded in the area.. and so it`s pretty small. The rest of the churches get money from the government. Anyways, I wouldn`t have found this church without him.

This Friday, I go to youth group!

Nine thirty and F - E - G!

Um.. Party?

2007-08-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

Well... I could just keep this short.

But the real culture shock came last night... I went to my first party.

I had no idea what to expect. I honestly thought it was going to be at someones house and maybe 50 people or so.

I

was

so

wrong.

We left the house at 9:30 to arrive around 10:00 at the party... and it was huge. Well, I thought it was huge.

[before it got too crowded]

They took a school and put up gates around it. Within the gates are different areas where different things are. Such as dancing, heavy beat music, and yodeling.

Yes.

Over in one corner, there was a live band with accordians and yodeling.

In that one section, there were adults... but everywhere else were teens pretty much.

The Swiss (think they) know how to party.

This is the abridged version of tonight... as this is open for the whole world to see.
I was good the entire night. I was offered alcohol and ciggaretes (however you spell that) and said no to every offer. When I danced, I danced the salsa...

Anyways, it was very confusing.

[early in the night]

First you pay and you get a wrist band. There were security officers everywhere... I`m not entirely sure what they were doing.

We found some of Anita`s friends and hung out for a while. Well... that was the entire night.

I met a lot of people...

[hallo]

Then we found Jessica from South Africa and her friend Kiera (or something like that) from England. And we pretty much were with them the rest of the night.

[twofolks]

I`m not sure how to describe the enviroment. There are people everywhere. You keep getting run into.

[imagine this.. but all over]

(lots of descriptions were here)

So many people.

I felt kind of tense in the enviroment. I didn`t know what was going to happen next.

I am starting to reconize people now and them me. And that makes me quite happy.

[dancing]

We went to the dancing room.

So many people.

With every step you take, you bump into some 5 others.

I don`t get the concept of getting drunk and why anyone would want to do it.

Anita left to go to the bathroom.

I lost her.

She lost me.

I had Jessica and Kiera... but no Anita. And I needed to get home soon. It was 1:45.

[drei]

I stood alone surrounded by *insert adjective here* teens.

People ran into me.

I didn`t know where Anita was.

I just stood there, taking it in.

I really did enjoy myself that night and had a good time.. it was just different.

I wasn`t in my element.

[alone]

Luckily I found Michelle.

Michelle is a really sweet girl who I had met earlier today... and everytime I see her she smiles. Hehe, I like that. I ran into her a couple times that night.

I asked her if she had Anita`s cell number.

She did.

I made contact with Anita.

But what`s cool is God can work in any situation... any situation at all... even a crazy party.

As we waited for the shuttle bus home, we ran into Evelin. Anita and Evelin.

I pull out my iPod and listen to Chris Rice...

Then the bus came.

It`s really a van that feels like a jail car.

Everyone crams in.

So many people.

And we talked to Evelin.

People always look at us weird when we speak English.

And somehow church came up.

And somehow, I don`t even know how, we got to which church she goes to.

And she invited me.

And I was so excited to go the next day, today.

It wasn`t Catholic or Protestant.

She had gone to church in America for a year, and she said it was more like the churches in America.

And I am so greatful to God.

There were 100`s of teens there that night... but God let it be that me and Anita would seperate so we would leave 45 minutes later than planned just to run into Evelin.

Evelin is one of the sweetest girls I have met here. Really, I wish you all could meet her.

God has a plan.

And even at a party... he can provide what I have been craving so much. A good church family.

I love how he works.
(Side note to any Rotarian who might read this: I didn`t break a D or come to close to doing so. I was safe at all times as there were many adults everywhere that I could have gone to. I wasn`t in danger... yay for life. I start school tomarrow)

2 Samuel 22:3-7

2007-08-18T11:10:00.001-07:00

Last night I went to a birthday party.

It was around a 20 minute walk there.

I met my second host family along the way.

It was up in the woods.. there`s a snazzy little gathering place.

The entire walk, I practiced saying this birthday greeting...

Very nice people.

Very nice.

I enjoyed myself.

They didn`t mind my horrible German and laughed along with me as I tried to make myself understood.

Around 5 of them had been exchange students before, so they understood.

One even went to Roosevelt High School of Seattle.

The food was good.

Some people smoked illegal drugs.

There was no alcohol.

And we walked home.

And I went straight to bed.

And woke up at 3:00 AM.

I was hot and had a horrible stomach ache.

I felt sick.

I felt nauseated.

I changed into lighter clothes.

I was sure I was going to throw up.

I almost woke up my host parents... but decided not to.

Then, I did all I could do. I knew I couldn`t fall back asleep, so I opened up my Bible.

We don`t just call him the Comforter for nothing...

I opened it randomly to 2 Samuel 22:3-7.

I read it over and over and over.... espeically verse 7.

"In my distress I called to the Lord:

I called out to my God.

From his temple he heard my voice;

My cry came to his ears."

Over and over and over I said it.

I prayed it.

I was comforted to know that he would be there with me when I really needed him and that he was with me through this entire year.

I didn`t have my mom or dad to comfort me over here when I was sick... but he did. I fell asleep with my Bible on my pillow and my head right beside it.

God really is the best Comforter... although I would have given anything to get a hug from my mom at that moment. I felt so alone. So miserable.

In the morning I slept in till 12:00.

I`m still a bit on the edge... but I`m drinking a lot of water.

FC Sachseln - 20 Jahres

2007-08-18T10:15:00.001-07:00

Today was our local Soccer Club`s (Football Club) 20th year anniversary.

Such a jolly celebration with food and a tournament.

I met nice people.

The song, "Evertime We Touch," played four times in a period of 4 hours.. it got kind of old.

But it`s been a good year for the club. They got a new "club" witha a kitchen and stuff, two new fields, and new "trainers"... aka jerseys.

I tryed out taking some action shots and was pretty pleased with the results...

Harry Potter und der Orden des Phönix

2007-08-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Chya.

Harry Potter in German is.. um.. interesting.

Today, Anita, Philipp, and I went to some town right right right next to Luzern... and we went to go see Harry Potter.

They got me my tickets... which would have been around 13 in American Dollars. Anyways, they had gift certificates. How lovely eh? I was greatful.

And we watched the movie.

And I laughed so much... because of the voices.

You see, they have to do voice overs of course because people here want it in their native language.

Harry`s voice is high high high.. well, I thought so. I dunno, I like the British voice ten times better. This voice just didn`t fit. It sounded to young. Like he was a girlish boy or something. Well... I might be exagerating a wee bit too much... but it wasn`t of my liking.

Hermione sounded like a pretty small kid.. .or at least someone like me. Not the character she is. Not knowing. Just to high.

But Kingsly Shaklebolt was good.

I dunno... wants you know the voices, it`s hard to hear them any other way. I guess Ron was ok... he was a bit more deep. I liked this Cho`s voice better personally.

And they said "super" a lot - just like they do in the language. Super. Super Super.

But I enjoyed it quite a bit... yep.

OOH.. and they have an intermission in the middle where you can go and buy popcorn. It was pretty nice... I guess.

Tchuss,

Maggie

Snap Schnap Snap Snap

2007-08-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hmmm....

I broke my first D today, I`m sorry. But it was controlled and so I feel free to tell the whole world including the Rotarians back home and my grandparents.

Tonight we had a "picnic" with the Rotarians.

It was raining so so so so so hard... and the picnic was in a mystery location.

We met at Hotel Belvouir with empty picnic baskets and then the men filled them up while the ladies went to another room for small glasses of wine... or in my case, orange juice.

Then we got on a huge tall tour bus to go to a mystery location... which was just Giswil, only a 13 or so minute drive.

We drove into the woods and then hiked... it was amusing watching everyone hike with an umbrella.

So much for a picnic... it was really a house that was all schnazzed up and with soup and drinks... lots of drinks.

Seriously, if I had dranken all the alcohol they had offered me tonight, I would be soo wasted.

But instead, I had around 4 cups of mineral water.

"Wine?"

"Nein danke."

I was also offered coffee... oh good, I thought, that`s good. And they brought me a huge bowl cup thingy filled with something that didn`t look like coffee. Then I was told it was alcohol.. err. So I gave it to the lady next to me. But she said I should try some. Just a bit.

So I had a bit.

Yay for Rotarians?

Did I like it?

Well... let`s just say I like Rivella more.

I could have dranken more... but it wasn`t something that I was absolutely in love with.

It was some sort of Swiss Schnaps... I guess.

I`m not going to claim to know what I drank or the level of alcohol. But I know it was some sort of Schnappppps.

I also said no to the whiskey...

So yes, I have now broken a D... if you want to get all technical.

Don`t worry... I don`t plan on drinking any more any time soon. And that amount was so tiny... compared to all the, er, happy adults around me. It`s a cultural thing. With my host mother and Rotarians.

Haha.. and all those drinking teens out there would think this pathetic. But honestly, I don`t feel like I`m missing out on life by not drinking. And I don`t plan to do much of it in my life in the future. Wouldn`t a headache and throwing up be a pretty clear message from your body that it doesn`t like something. Hey, that`s what happens when you get food poisening... seems like this could be on the same page. I think I`ll stick with Rivella.

What can I say? I`m Maggie. I don`t need an excuse.

A Fleet of Postkarten

2007-08-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

[apictureformymother]

I just sent out some 7 letters and postkarten today... I wonder who they could be for?

But I lack a lot of addresses. I..m not going to beg you for your address... it..s only so YOU can get some mail, but I would appreciate getting some more addressess.

Do not assume I have your address! I have a few from church... but it doesn..t hurt to send me yours... right?

It costs me around 3 American dollars to send each of you a postcard..... so a response would be nice. I can..t make you write back. But it wold definitly make my day. Even just a postcard saying "Hey Maggie.. you are orange."

Postcards are good, I put them on my wall.

Letters are good, I put them in a book.

Margaret Hubert
Birkenweg 21
6072 Sachseln
Switzerland

With the postage normally coming to .90 cents for a normal letter or postcard.

So send me your address.... now.
(And your birthday toooo :P)

Danke,

Maggie