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Dear Freinds and Family, I must appologize for my long silence. Since I spent three weeks here at Labri, there's not too much youve missed. But I'm getting ahead of myself.... I stayed in Luzern a number of days waiting for the rain to stop. It was very determined. I had made up my mind to go anyhow, when I met an interesting Australian girl, Kendra, who was going the same direction the next day. We took the train over the beautiful passes from Luzern to Interlakken, which is the American frat-party of Switzerland, and hitched from there to Stechelburg, where we took the funicular straight up the cliff to the tiny town of Gimmelwald. Gimmelwald is spectacular. Its a tiny town of probably 35 permanent inhabitants clinging to the edge of a cliff. Across the clear air of the valley rise snow-covered mountains. Crashing waterfalls slowly melt away blue-tinged glaciers. Everything in Gimmelwald is at a 35 degree angle. You just have to go there. We stayed at the Mountain Hostel, which has been discovered by tourism, but not so much until just recently. Of all the places I've ever been, Gimmelwald is the most beautiful. I almost bought one of the Hostle T-shirts which says "If heaven's not what it's cracked up to be, take me back to Gimmelwald." I spent a night in my tent in Interlakken, which was disappointing after Gimmelwald. I didn't really want to afford any of the many offered sports such as paragliding and canyoning. I had hoped to go through Sion, in southern Switzerland, but my ride, which was difficult to get, and who gave me my last chance to speak German and a pastry, was going to Berne. I don't like Berne. The hostel was a long way from where I was dropped off, and for the first time, I was a bit worried for my safety. I just hadn't expected the dirt and grafitti here in clean Switzerland. The hostel was ok... down by the river... but still felt like a dive. I met a nice Christian couple there, and we innertubed down the river and actually had an enjoyable time. I still don't like Berne, but I'm more comfortable there now. I camped a couple nights in an excellent cheap campground right by the river where I managed to lose my towel (again!). I also broke down and bought a very nifty salt/pepper shaker and a small camping pot for cooking. I wasn't sure how long it would take to get to L'abri, so I left with a few days to spare, and after a terrible 3-hour ordeal trying to get a ride out of Berne, I finally reached the beautiful town of Vevey, on Lake Leman (Geneva). This part of Switzerland speaks French, and it was a bit of a shock to have to start over at zero again. The entire attitude is different as well, with what seems to be a bit of vivacity and life permeating things. Ive finally lost the greyness of Germany. A couple days in Vevey, and it was finally the 15th, when I was expected at L'abri... so up the mountain I went. L'abri is a collection of chalets just above the tiny mountain town of Huemoz (pronounced way-moh!). I came here hoping to learn how to live... or more specifically how to make decisions. My tutorials and studies led me to the fact that no set of rules will suffice... law is impossible. The only way to work universally is to love God and man to the greatest extent possible, use your mind as a tool for your love, and when you come to the end of your logic, trust God. He is working to sanctify us through all our decisions, and is really there. We spent half our day working and the other half studying. I would feel a bit monastic, except for the fact that at least half the students here are female. I became very good friends with one girl in particular, Anne, from Virginia. Everyone here is great, however. All thinkers, open to any idea, and willing to have a good time. It's been a very good experience being here... so much so that I extended my stay by one week. And so I am leaving today. The weather is typical. We began the morning IN a cloud, but I see blue sky here and there once in a while. I hope the weather gets nicer as I head south. I don't want to leave, being so comfortable, and having made so many friends, but I know I must. I plan to head toward Italy. Within no more than two days I hope to see the sun set over the Mediterranean. I am never without need of your prayers. I have had trials here and know they will continue as I go. I know that Italy is a bit "rougher" than the countries I've been in, and I will have to deal with another language as well. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. I hope to write again soon. I appreciate your encouragements... In His hands, -Dustin |