Finding Shelter in Switzerland

It is sad to leave Switzerland after two weeks of community, exploration and being filled and refreshed with God’s presence. The countryside and country proper are both wonders of God’s hands, enriched by the colourful works of millennia of humans.

Playing with Cole and Adam was great! We played Risk, ping pong, basketball with creative trick shots, an obstacle course game, a mystery game, an improvised version of pictionary, american football, a guessing game called “Who’s in the Hammock?”, and more and more and more. As it often goes, I didn’t realize just how good playing with them was until we were leaving. I also enjoyed the conversations I had with people at L’ Abri. Some were insightful, others intellectually stimulating, and many were just fun. I learned a lot of people’s favourite colours, most notably: Gold underwater, as it sparkles in the sun; Black — which is a new one for me to hear, and Violet, which came from a man from Georgia in the Southern United States. I learned a lot about myself, and how to relate to others.

What a treat it would be to go back.

— Donovan 

WESTON:  L'Abri was a wonderful place and the people there were awesome.  I hope to be going back sometime in the future.

from the old village in Gruyere

It was really fun to go and see Chateau du Chillon and Vevey and see the cheese factory.

Here I am in Vevey on the waterfront with Charlie Chaplin, a hero of mine.

This is Cole in the Chateau du Chillon standing like a statue. 

 We had a lot of fun playing with Cole and Adam and talking about good books, especially Harry Potter.

I really enjoying being at L'Abri.

DAVID: Adventures near L’Abri

I enjoyed walks and hikes. There are beautiful paths near L’Abri, and we also took longer hikes from the village of Sololex


 and on a telecabine (gondola) ride at a ski peak called Les Champs

Driving our little VW Polo on the switchbacks, and on a few occasions on the autobahn (Donovan says he was amazed when we went over160km/h). It was nimble and quick!

The two weeks at L’Abri were full of the spirit of God’s kindness and a call to gather new information, engage in rigorous dialogue, and listen to my heart’s fears and desires. The staff and students were open and engaging. 

I loved hearing about lives lived in Bosnia, Spain, Singapore, the southern U.S., the midwest U.S., California, Russia, England, the Netherlands—I’m sure there were more.

We lived in a cozy apartment on the bottom floor of a chalet called Melezes. The home was the residence of Francis and Edith Schaeffer, the founders of L’Abri. Our neighbours above were the Friedrich family, who we had learned some about from our friends in Rosebud. The parents David and Anna are tutors who offered us support and friendship, and their sons Cole and Adam became fast friends with Donovan and Weston.

Getting to offer a lecture called “A Cry of the Heart” and getting to facilitate an evening of exchanging True Stories were exciting ways to offer some of my work, and to learn. I got to spend time learning more about the Psalms including their structure and how praise and lamentation are the two most common bases of the need to utter expressions that are a combination of song, poetry and prayer.

Listening to other lectures and sermons gave much to consider and meditate on.

Being inside the chalets, especially Le Chesalet, confirmed my love of wood interiors, and a prayer that I might one day live in a house that is similar, if not the same.

The majestic view of the surrounding mountains and the open valley below. In the first few days there was a lot of fog, dense and yet pleasant, and then most of our days had sun and a misty haze. The scope of the place inspires hushed awe.

Jeany: L'Abri is wonderful. Water to a thirsty soul.  Kindred spirits living in community.  Good food shared in the making and the taking.  All in a GORGEOUS MAJESTIC and inspiring setting.  The mountains wrap around us with such grandeur, they surprise me with each clear viewing.  --Did they just grow higher when I wasn't looking?