On the Stirrings of Heart and Senses

Though Truth and Falsehood be
Near twins, yet Truth a little elder is.
Be busy to seek her; believe me this:
He's not of none, nor worst, that seeks the best.
To adore, or scorn an image, or protest,
May all be bad. Doubt wisely; in strange way
To stand inquiring right is not to stray;
To sleep or run wrong is.  On a huge hill,
Craggd and steep, Truth stands, and he that will
Reach her, about must and about must go,
And what the hill's suddenness resists, win so.
Yet strive so, that before age, death's twilight,
Thy soul rest, for none can work in that night.
To will implies delay; therefore now do.
Hard deeds that body's pains; hard knowledge too,
The mind's eneavours reach; and mysteries
Are like the sun, dazzling, yet plain to all eyes...

(an excerpt from: Seek True Religion! by John Donne)

     Clinking forks and plates sound outside my kitchen window each night, coupled with the waft of Bolognese sauces and crusty bread from the Italian restaurant across the street.  The well of red wine at the local Migros (grocery store) is far from running dry, and the past two weeks of time spent in a small town called Pully have enlivened my senses.  Sight has been blessed with glimpses of Lac Leman, backdrops of vineyards dotted with cottages, and clouds that mingle with mountain tops.  A three-time kiss on cheeks keeps with Swiss tradition at greetings for afternoon tea and Scottish shortbread.  I have arrived and been blessed with warm welcome into the communities of the Scots Kirk and Christ Church of Lausanne, Switzerland. 

     Two years ago, the program of PTS students to two of Lausanne's English-speaking congregations began.  The specificities of this program include a youth ministry focus.  I am working closely with Melvyn Wood, pastor at Scots Kirk, and Adele Kelham, priest of Christ Church.  The youth range from young to old, and there are traditionally two programs: one for 'Tweens (9-12 year olds) and one for Teens (13-17 years old).  Those who came before me have blazed the trail and laid foundations of fellowship and trust.  I am thankful for their hard work, and ready to work on trust-building and faith explorations during my time here. 

     In a place of great abundance and beauty, ministry provides new and different roles and challenges.  I have been granted my wish of a shot at full-time ministry, even if only for a year.  Just days after my arrival, my mentor stated that "...ministry is a way of life...", and his words ring true as I juggle moments of program planning with rock-jumping into Lac Leman behind one of my 'tween girls.  It is a blessing to have the time and resources to plan 'tween, teen, family and individual events for a youth program!

     The personal growth that this year promises also contains its ups and downs.  On my first Sunday, I gave the children's message.  We talked about Matthew 18:20, and the importance of gathering to worship as a community.  I spoke briefly of the opposite of that, mentioning that each night around 10pm is when I feel lonely  (The Swiss don't like noise after 9 or 10pm...no laundry machines, no taking out your garbage, no recycling your bottles, no loud music...).  It seems that at 10pm, I allow myself to think the most about people and places I miss.  Though I know that 10pm gives me a chance to dwell on the blessings I am experiencing and have, I cannot help but feel more whole when I am seeking community.  It is in community where I have a chance to love and to be loved, be it a hard or easy task.  After I mentioned my 10pm perils, one family sent me an SMS (the equivalent of a text message in the USA) at 10pm, letting me know that they were thinking of me.  Truly, I am blessed here! 

Nevertheless, I hold the images, sounds, tastes, touches and smells of those communities I've been part of with me as I walk the steep hills of Pully.  I hope to keep those communities informed of the ministries of Scots Kirk and Christ Church, with stories and occasional pictures through this blog.   I send three Swiss kisses to all of you!  If anyone would like to get in touch with me via snail mail, my address is:

Abigail Visco.............Avenue de Lavaux 1.............1009 Pully...............Switzerland

Bonjour!

Comments

[- kp -]

Welcome, Miss Visco, to typepad! I'm glad you've already written an update for us, and look forward to hearing more about your adventures. Remember as you keep your feet upon the road that our God is the God of calling out, sustaining, and leading us down dark paths that often seem dangerous and futile. But he is leading us nevertheless.

Be in God's care, and remember to pray for us as we pray for you!

- kp -

[Scotty]

Glorious, Scottie (36.5)!

Peace,
Scotty

[Karen Fiala]

Hey Abby ~
I just talked to Jill, who gave me your "blog" info for me to view your pictures and see what's been going on with you since you left Doylestown. Looks like you have been very busy having lots of fun and seeing unbelievable sights that will be surrounding you for the next year. We are all so very jealous. We want to be there with you!! Wouldn't THAT be fun!!!!!! Over the next few days I will peruse your blog pages in more detail to find out more of your goings-on. Yeah for YOU!!!!!!
All our love,
Karen and Steve

[Jason]

Miss Visco ,

I must state that you are a fascinating person . May Jesus bless you !