The Importance of Staying Connected!

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of the saints.” Ephesians 6:17-18 NIV

After the long flight from Detroit to Zurich, via Amsterdam, Al and I were groggy when the plane finally landed in Zurich. Losing six hours of sleep was difficult; and on top of that, the flight we were on from Amsterdam happened to be about ten minutes late. The director of our Switzerland tour was expecting to meet us at a designated time, but we had no way of contacting her.

The fact that Al had signed up in advance for wheelchair assistance turned out to be a very good thing. When we explained the situation to the person who showed up with a wheelchair, she offered to help us. Our “angel” used her cell phone to contact the director, helped collect the suitcases from the baggage carousel and got us through customs quickly. Paula, our director and guide, greeted us with relief and thanked the wheelchair assistant profusely for saving the day!

Later that day when the whole group met together, Paula said how much the Swiss like to be on time, hinting strongly that everyone needed to be punctual. She must have been terribly worried as the minutes passed without the Lowerys showing up!

Our first night was to be at a hotel in Lucerne, about an hour and a half away by train. Paula accompanied Al, myself and another member of the tour to the platform just as the train arrived. It stopped, loaded up more passengers, including four very grateful ones, and then sped away, right on time!

Unfortunately, we were so tired that we both fell asleep during part of the ride and missed seeing some beautiful scenery along the way. Paula was understanding and let us doze until the train reached Lucerne. Then she led us to our first hotel, home for the next three days. Once there we were able to relax and check into our room. Just before dinner time the group of sixteen members gathered for introductions and instructions. After the meal, we excused ourselves and went to bed early. Sleep came easily, for sure!

Our first look at Lucerne was from the city bus on the way to a wonderful Museum of Transport that was interactive for young and old alike. To help the group hear the docent as she led us through the expansive grounds of the museum, we were each given a “Quietvox” or “Quiet Box” to wear around our necks. “Stay connected,” was the advice from guide Paula, advice that was repeated often during the tour.

 The highlight of the museum for Al was seeing the massive bore that was used to drill a 35 mile stretch of railroad tunnel through the Alps. Mine was having the opportunity to experience what it would feel like to walk on the moon. After stepping into a harness that was attached to a track on the ceiling, I was able to take giant hops across the floor and back again. Now that was fun!

The next day, our group took a guided walk in the old part of the city with its amazing architecture, then later went by rail and cogwheel trains up Mt. Rigi. Not only did we have to stay connected to our guides by the Quiet Boxes, we also needed to stay together when walking through the town, catching trains and getting off at the right places.

 As we walked along a path on the side of Mt. Rigi, the sounds of cow bells from dairy cattle grazing contently in high alpine pastures could be heard echoing across the valley. Ahhh, Switzerland! What incredible sights and sounds!

A boat ride across beautiful Lake Lucerne ended the third day of the tour. It was also the last night there before traveling to the next city, Interlaken. Without the help of the wheelchair assistant and Paula to guide us, the quiet boxes to amplify the voices of our leaders and the vigilance of the entire group in staying together, Al and I would have been completely lost.

Staying connected…a valuable lesson to learn for all of us! May we stay connected to God and to each other daily as we navigate through life!

 

Arriving in Lucerne after a very long flight,

Guides Paula & Karen

Paula and young assistant Jasmine

We ate well! Veal sausage for lunch!

Notice the bell!