It's always right about this time of year that I really miss the experiences I had studying abroad in Switzerland. I made great friends, learned a whole lot about myself, and truly realized what my relationship with God is- sure, we're His sons and daughters, but He is also our Friend. Even when I didn't know any of my classmates, I knew I wasn't alone.

My love for running also developed in that small Swiss town. There wasn't a gym, and I had to fit into my wedding dress when I returned back to the States, so I had to do something! While exercising, I would always smell the chimney smoke in the brisk winter air, and even now that scent drops me right back to those days. In the mornings, I'd often run past two very old men speed-walking. Sometimes on my way to the barn now, I pass two elderly American men, walking down the path to get some exercise. Maybe Americans and Europeans aren't completely different after all?

I miss…

Our big yellow villa.

Our street, the palm trees, the old church, and an elementary school.

Taking the train and admiring Les Alpes out the window.

Italian & Swiss-Italian cuisine.

And real gelato (Nutella flavor, stracciatella, after eight… mmm!)

I guess I'll just have to visit in my dreams, until we can go back again someday!