Le Jour Vingt-Sept (Day 27)

I didn’t sleep very good. I kept dreaming that something was grabbing my shoulder/neck, and every time I felt it, I would jump, which would cause me to wake up every time. Yikes! I hate dreams like that. Also, It’s impossible to sleep lying down with a broken collarbone, so sleeping sitting up is the best I can do. Eyes popped open at 7:00 a.m. this morning, and I was ready to go for the day! Okay, I was in a lot of pain, and a bit tired, but after taking my Swiss meds, getting dressed, and eating breakfast, I knew the Lord was going to provide just enough energy for everything we were doing that day.

We had two professional company visits this morning, and it’s such a God thing that they were both in of one of our hotels (we had to split up into three hotels just one block away from each other). The first was Bucherer and the other was Johnson and Johnson. I think many people were shocked I was there that morning; I’ll admit, I kind of was too, but I have a major Fear Of Missing Out syndrome that I cannot cure, so, doped up on meds and resting my arm on a pillow, I was there…at least…somewhat there.

I’ll admit, I didn’t get a whole lot out of these visits; I don’t really remember much of what they said. As soon as they were over, I was more than ready to go back to the hotel, change, rest, and get some lunch in me! A large group of us sat outside our hotel for a long time eating our lunch, visiting, and taking in the fact that this is our LAST day in Europe; woah. If I weren’t half way out of it, I think I would have been way more sentimental and emotional. We decided the theme for the day was simply to BE! It has been so cool to watch Sydney, Allison, Kelly, and several of the boys learn this term, and I think they have all finally grasped it. There was no need to stress over schedules or stress about making sure we saw tons of historical monuments. I think it is so very important to BE in moments, because if you aren’t, and you constantly worry about that next step, then you never enjoy the moments you are in, which are made to be enjoyed.

Today, every one just…WAS! And it was beautiful. We walked around the city, saw a famous monument of a lion, walked across a famous, old bridge covered in flowers, and went to the Bucherer store, where Kelly got her a Swatch, and I got my dad a Swiss knife for Father’s Day! I don’t know if it was t he best idea to walk around in my condition today. I was sort of slow (slower than usual at least), numb, hot, and exhausted, but I wasn’t dare going to say anything. Had to keep going! When it came to about dinner time, I knew I needed a long rest. I told Kelly I thought it might be best if I took a long nap during dinner so that I could be energized for the dessert cruise that night! She agreed, and so I took a two-hour nap.

When Kelly came back to the room from dinner, I think she was in shock to find me fully dressed, hair fixed, and makeup on! I was even wearing a dress and leggings. I must say, I was pretty proud of myself. Energized for the evening and doped up once again on the meds written in German (whatever they were, they made me numb and happy), we walked downstairs and met up with the rest of the group just in time!

Like I said...

The cruise was magical. Aboard a yacht-type boat, all 78+ faculty spread out on the big, open rooftop, overlooking a gorgeous Switzerland lake that touched large cliffs and the city of Lucerne. Snow-capped mountains danced in the background and looked like a mere backdrop on our perfect, sunset boat ride. Speaking of sunset, it was probably one of the most beautiful, pink and orange sunsets I’ve ever encountered in my life, and the fact that we were in a foreign country with some of the greatest individuals I’ve ever experienced true friendship with, it made it all the more better. Below deck, they served us an endless amount of dessert. My favorite was the apple strudel..mmm…

I cannot believe this is it. I think if I would have been fully myself, my emotions and sentimental nature would have gotten the best of me that night. I would have also made sure I spoke to EVERY person and gotten a picture with them. I couldn’t help the way I felt though, and I was content sitting with the people I call family and taking pictures whenever people asked, which I am very thankful for, seeing as how Miss Picture Initiator was a little…out of it! Haha, I think people were still surprised I was even there. Are you kidding me?! This is the main reason why I waited for surgery. Europe had to be done right. Switzerland had to be ended well, and I NEEDED to be with my people! The evening was filled with thankfulness, beauty, conversations, pictures, dessert, music, friendships, and a warm, satisfied, peaceful feeling that everything in the world (at least in that moment) was right and couldn’t get any better. We were alive, had the trip of a lifetime, made lasting friendships and memories, have incredible stories, and grew in a myriad of ways as individuals. After being all thoughtful and thankful for my life and the people around me, it was time for some music and dancing. We sang the Aggie war hymn and even did the wobble! Yes, I did the wobble. Was that the best idea? Probably not, but like I said, I was numb. And I had fun doing it too.