March: One last Powder day and saying Goodbye to Lauren

So, we had our fill of the Mediterranean-like sun, italian cuisine, and paddle-boating and it was time to head back to Geneva. We still had another week at our friend's apartment. Although I only teach 12 hours a week, Lauren and I tend to stay very busy during the week and time always flies. We took advantage of our huge apartment (our friend left town and left us his apt and car keys) and had friends over for dinner numerous times during the week. It was Lauren's last week in Europe, so we wanted to spend as much time as possible with all of our friends both in Geneva and here in France.

As soon as the weekend came, a POWDER DAYZ was in order. Lauren and I took off as soon as I got off of work on Thursday night and headed to a chalet in Gryon, Switzerland. We finally arrived after driving through some pretty bad snowy conditions. But we made it and went to bed early as we had planned so that we'd be well-rested and ready to get in 2 full days of skiing in.

This was our first time skiing in the Swiss Alps and although we prefer the French alps, the scenery here was beautiful and the runs were fun. On saturday, we met up with two friends and spent the day skiing with them. We headed back to Geneva that evening and met up with a big group of friends and a bar called Cafe des Arts where we drank Belgian beer and said some goodbyes to Lauren.

I've said this before but it really is amazing how blessed Lauren and I have been here in St. Julien/Geneva. We have met so many wonderful friends who I know I will keep in touch with for many years to come. Lauren and I have created so many memories and we are both changed because of the people that God has placed in our lives here and because of the experiences we have shared. Lauren left on the 16th of March and it has not been the same without her here. I am so proud of her for being willing to spend 6 months in Europe. I have learned so much from her and I have seen her grow so much, in so many ways. It takes a really courageous person to up and quit your job and leave the comfort and security of home- and move to another country just so you can learn about the world and be changed. I know that we will talk about this experience for the rest of our lives and that these experiences will go with us wherever we go. I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God.