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Newsletter, July 2004 Dear Friends, This term is drawing to a close unbelievably quickly. It doesn't seem that long ago, that I came back to Switzerland after visiting Australia to find myself amidst a new and busy term. I have enjoyed the students that have been here but as usual, the summer term tends to be especially busy with plenty of new arrivals throughout and sadly, many who only stay a short time before leaving. I think we all, workers and students alike, find it difficult saying goodbye to people. And, unfortunately, we have more goodbyes to make at the end of this term. First, of course to the students, but also to Dave and Anna who have decided to move to Oxford, Ohio in the States to have their baby. They have been on staff here for the past year and a half and this year moved into Bellevue to help Kay Stiefvater run the student chalet as well as a number of other responsibilities. They will be missed very much by workers and students and we wish them well with their new baby in December and as they settle in with a new job (Dave has taken a position as a youth worker) and a new place to live. We also say farewell to Jim and Gail Ingram who decided to leave the work here at L'Abri instead of returning after their sabbatical. They will continue living in the local area, which we are all pleased about, and Jim has taken a new job, which sees him travel to Lausanne each day. Jim and Gail worked for L'Abri for around 25-29 years, and they will be missed very much. Greg and Lisby Laughery and family, will be taking their sabbatical next term. As well as visiting friends and relatives overseas and enjoying a much deserved break, Greg has a number of writing and speaking projects during their time away from L'Abri. We also wish them a beneficial time and safe travels. They will rejoin us in 2005. Next term will be a little difficult as we will be short staffed. However, we are very appreciative of the people who are coming to help out for a short time. Karen Sandri (who has worked here before) has offered to help with meals during the term. Richard's parents, George and Laura Bradford, will be coming back for a number of weeks to help with meals, preaching and assisting with Bellevue. Their presence is always very much enjoyed and valued. A number of people will be lecturing for us including Andrew Fellows from English L'Abri, Ralph McCall, Dick Goodwin and Graham McFarlane. We will also be joined by Charlie and Marg Lyle from Canada, for a few weeks, who have offered help with 'odd jobs' such as maintenance and all those other little jobs that just don't normally get done. And, we are looking forward to a work crew from Canada who have offered to help with the electrical rewiring in Bellevue. This is an enormous task and quite expensive (one quote has put it at around 50 000 CHF), but new Swiss requirements means that it is something we cannot overlook. We are also pleased to have Brian Shaw, a present helper, join us as a short-term worker. He will live in Bellevue and help Kay there (who, by the way, is doing a marvelous job and is well loved by all the students). Brain has also been helping with the re-cataloging of our library, which is no small feat, and will also continue to help with this and other computer needs next term. But back to this present term - we have been encouraged by the help we have received over the past 2 ½ months. We are grateful to Sharisse Butler, from the United States, for the help that she has given us. She has been here most of the term and has been a wonderful presence within the community. Among many other involvements, she helped to organize an Art museum trip to see the Phillip's Collection (from the United States) in Martigny, which we all went to see together. She also organised an introductory lecture to the collection. Her husband, Oliver, will join her here shortly for a short vacation, before both of them return to complete theological studies in the States. Other guest lecturers this term were George and Eileen Diepstra. George lectured on 'Science and Theology', and Eileen gave a lecture on 'Seinfeld'. Dick Goodwin from England lectured for us on 'Change' and Campbell Hooper-Johnson from New Zealand presented some of his more recent video art. We were also treated to a cello performance and a seminar on music by Jozef Luptak who comes from Bratislava. Joseph will also join us next term for Arts Week( Arts Week will between 27th September and 2nd October). During his performance, Joseph displayed Art works form various artists which complemented his improvisation pieces for cello. We look forward to his return. Richard and Karen Bradford and their children Simon and Alexis will be visiting Canada for the summer vacation to spend time with family and friends and to attend a family reunion. Richard will also be giving some lectures at the L'Abi conference which is being held in Vancouver. And of course, the yearly 10km race up the mountain to Roc d'Orsay was entered by about 17 people for the L'Abri team and for the 5th year running, we won the 'wheel' of cheese for having the most people finish within a given time. The students who participated, enjoyed a traditional 'racclette' meal hosted by Karen and Richard. It was a well deserved meal for a bunch of very brave (and fit) people!! I received my work permit a few weeks ago, which means I can stay on and continue to work here for a longer period of time. I am relieved to be able to settle in more fully. We have had consistently around 30 students stay with us at any one time during the term and we are already full for next term. Apart from North Americans, we have had students from New Zealand, Australia, Korea, Germany, The Netherlands, England and Ireland. Many students seem to be struggling with personal issues and some are asking questions about what a 'Christian' life looks like. Some have faced extreme legalism within their Christian groups leaving them questioning if this is really what Christianity is about. Questions about prayer, God's sovereignty, and sin have also been frequent this term. So far this year, our financial situation has been much better than last year. However, we are still concerned about the cost of rewiring Bellevue. But, we are very grateful for the gifts we have received and especially for the on going support from many generous people from around the world. Summer is trying hard to make an appearance. (As a Queenslander, I don't think summer has even started to really try all that hard yet!) We have had much rain, which is good, and many cool days but every now and then the sun bursts forth and the days are beautiful. The mountains, of course are magnificent. I feel that it is such a privilege to work here and be involved in the lives of people as we all continue to ask questions and struggle with many aspects of life. But it is very special to be able to live and work within this community which embraces God's truth. We are also grateful to each of you for your support and interest in the lives of people who pass through here - some for longer and others for a few days - but each with their own backgrounds, fears and questions. Without this support this work at L'Abri would not be possible. 'To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?' regards, Karryn Goldsworthy
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