Cimbing the Mountain as a Stake

On Sept. 4, 2010 - after a year of preparation - the members of our stake ascended Ebenalp together.
Those of us who weren't able to make the climb, took the cable car to the top.  The experience was the culmination of a year's worth of each person striving to overcome one major obstacle in their life.  When we gathered together at the top of Ebenalp, we sang, "Heark All Ye Nations" and the Stake President gave a prayer to re-dedicate the members of the stake to self-improvement by living the gospel more completely, and for more success in missionary work.  Fog surrounded the area for most of the morning, but after the prayer, the clouds began to break up and we were able to see beautiful mountains and valleys all around us.  

Ebenalp - The Mountain 



St.Gallen Stake members ascending Ebenalp

Gathering at the top

Receiving the message



Singing "Heark, All Ye Nations!"

Dedicating the Stake for growth as we share the gospel with others

Fog beginning to lift while distant vistas appear and a paraglider prepares to take flight



Mission Changes

We were called to serve in the "Switzerland Zürich Mission" on  May 18, 2009, under the leadership of the exixsting Mission President.

  

On July 1, 2010, the name of our Mission changed to the "Alpine German-speaking Mission, Munich", the boundaries of the previous mission were re-alligned, and we also have a different Mission President.

A Visit From Lyle and Denise

We have had a great time with Lyle and Denise.  After three very active days in the hot sun, we spent Friday evening relaxing at the apartment!

 Denise enjoying the cool evening air out on the balcony, nestled in-between the laundry and the mattresses, and reading Rick Steve's Europe!

Lyle feeling content on the couch after enjoying an ice cold Root Beer Float!

World Cup

The girls at the Center giving a big "Hoorah" on June 16 when Switzerland beat Spain.   With that "reality check" Spain is still in the running for the World Cup!

We helped supervize the children at the chapel in Zollikofen on Stake Temple Day, so parents could bring their children and attend the Temple next door.  The theme for the day was "Lehi's Journey in the Wilderness" and there was an honest to goodness Camel! The kids could lead the Camel (two of our Young Single Adults who are engaged to be married in August - pretty cool wedding announcement picture, don't you think?) around the room on a leash.  Later in the day, they all went outside for their virtual "journey" to the Promised Land.

Elder Burbidge supervising an art project during Stake Temple Day.  The Young Single Adults staffed the service project for the day.  It was a lot of fun for everyone involved!

Our home teacher (center) who has been a major leader and supporter of the Center for Young Adults), has now moved to Japan.  He and his fiance will get married in August.  We miss him already!  This is his going away 'Open House'.  He and his buddies were enjoying their last moments together after a lifetime of experiences growing up in St.Gallen.

My first attempt at making a classic Swiss Plum Tart.  It's super easy, and super yummy! 

A Visit From the Cramers

Happy Birthday Elder Burbidge

Alpauffahrt in Urnäsch

Final Zone Conference in the "Switzerland Zürich Mission" before it becomes the "Alpine German-Speaking Mission" on July 1, 2010

Weekend retreat at Mörlialp with the Young Adults

Wildflowers in our front lawn

John Deere Lawnmower

Meadow Across From Church

On our walk to the church

An Evening Barbeque at the Lake

Yummy treats at the Fair

Flower Auction at the Fair

Sister Burbidge with the Young Ladies

Elder Burbidge with the Missionaries

Horse meat for sale at the Fair

                                                     Horse meat for sale at the fair

Mixing essential oils for aromatherapy

Our friends, Heidi and Silvia, drove us to Vaduz, Liechtenstein and Meienfeld, Switzerland for some sightseeing and lunch!

Watch out!  There's a car coming!      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

The contrast between the white mountains and the blue sky was stunning. 

We visited Meienfeld, Switzerland, the setting for the story, "Heidi".  The area is known as Heidiland.

This castle overlooking the city of Vaduz is where the Prince of Liechtenstein and his family live.

Cruising the outdoor mall in sunny VaduzSoakin' in some rays!

Liechtenstein is nestled in-between beautiful snow-covered mountains, and it is usually sunny there.

Norwin in the Cuckoo Clocks

Bronze sculpture in Liechtenstein

Missionaries singing Christmas Carols at a street display in St.Gallen

Ice crystals on guy wire after a January storm

Wintertime in the Swiss Alps

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

I hadn't ever eaten chestnuts roasted on an open fire before, but they are pretty good, and especially on a cold night at the train station!

Frozen Clothes

I hung my shirts out to dry, and the next morning when Norwin went out to get them, they were stiff.

Christmas Cookies

Tammy Anderson sent the recipe and ingredients to make Christmas Cookies, and boy are they delicious!  They have peppermint candy canes, craisins, chocolate chips, oatmeal, and macadamia nuts in them. They are soooooooooooooo yummy!