The past month Switzerland has been hit with two powerful storm systems. Joaquin and Andrea swept through, hitting the Jura Mountains especially hard. Trucks were blown over, roads were closed, trees were down, and a train was even derailed when hitting a fallen tree. One gust was so hard I literally felt the Kilchzimmer center shake. Our grill, placed in what we thought was a secure position, was knocked over by the powerful winds.

Winds of change are sweeping in Switzerland as well. Although we’re not homeschooling right now, it’s always been our desire to do so after our kids had spent several years in the Swiss school system. We’ve wanted them to have a good grounding in German, which, as native-English speakers, we could never give. We also saw the necessity of homeschooling as we would have furloughs every three years. It was a very good fit. Unfortunately, Switzerland has started becoming quite aggressive towards homeschooling. While some cantons allow it, the regulations are becoming more restrictive. In some cases, a teaching degree is necessary … something neither of us have.

Other winds of change not so dramatic have been happening. We’re seeing a bit of a change in our ministry with CEF. We’re no longer working on projects reaching just the children of Europe, but that are having more of a worldwide impact. One project Brent is doing the layout for, the early reader daily devotional series Every Day with God, is one such example. It’s exciting to see materials we helped with be used throughout the entire world!