Thanksgiving in Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

[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

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

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.

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

[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

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?

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

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

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.