Finally posting some pictures...

Delynn and I are feeling a bit more normal - it was just in time for a day retreat with the church yesterday. We are glad to be feeling better. We had a talent show at school this week and a quick trip to Basel to look for a sweater for Delynn (alas, no joy). However, since it has been a few weeks since I have posted pictures, I thought it would be nice.

We will start with the RIA Talent Show

The Preschool enthusiastically present a
song to the gathered masses
(okay, mostly parents and staff...)

One of our international students writes in her native lanuage -
Can you guess from where she comes?

Three Cheers for the RIA Lions!!
One of our weekly clubs is cheerleading -
they are a bit more expressive than the chess club.

One of our students surprised us with his really excellent drumming skills. He has been playing for about 7 years (since he was three years old) and was truly gifted.
(Notice the hearing protection?)

During a quick trip to Basel, we wanted to stop again at the Münster for some quiet moments. The cathedral has a great sense of peace within.

The Basler Münster choir - the area behind the alter is wonderfully ornate.

Finally, our Day Away, a retreat aptly entitled "Food for the Journey", took place in a retreat center just across the border in Chrishona, Switzerland. It was a beautiful day in a beautiful setting. We sensed God's nearness in many ways. Chrishona was founded nearly two hundred years ago to teach theological principles to local craftsmen - it is now a theological school and retreat center.

For our afternoon break, we went on a walk. In Germany, a two-hour walk in the country is just the ticket on a beautiful winter's day. We took the shortcut back after just an hour... We crossed the German-Swiss border at several points.
Above is a border stone (Do you see the engraved bear?); below is the more conventional marker.

Doesn't Delynn look refreshed? Hope she has her passport...