Finding Friends and Memories in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen

From Lucerne we drove to God’s country. Interlaken was the first place John lived when he was a missionary here 50 years ago. Imagine living here! The scenery as we drove was spectacular.

After passing Brienz on the end of the Brienzersee, we found the little town called Ringgenberg where a lady John knew 50 years ago lived. Her name was Frau Hedwig Rubin. She boarded missionaries here. John kept in touch with her for many years, before losing contact. We looked all over for her lake-side chalet and finally found it with the help of neighbors who told us that Frau Rubin died about 5 years ago. But her 2 children (who were teenagers when John knew them) were still here.

It was a sweet reunion after 50 years to still be remembered by Christof. His sister, Maria, worked in town and we went to find her too.

There needs to be a special word for relationships formed during missionary service. It’s different than other relationships. There is something deeper and more enduring about it, even after 50 years. It was sweet to see.

Next we found the home where John and his companion, Elder Scott Calder lived. They stayed in the upper floor here and out of their window, they overlooked the canal that runs between the 2 large lakes. In the distance they saw Jungfrau, the famous mountain peak.

Here is the path John walked every day from their missionary home.

We spent a couple of hours driving around town as John remembered his time here. It was fun to see through the eyes of his memories.

We looked for the building where they used to meet for church, not sure any more which it was.

Then we drove on down the valley to Lauterbrunnen, driving as far as the road took us until we had to turn back. We were surrounded by earthy farms and the smell of clean manure and cows. Cowbells rang everywhere we went. It was magical. It was heavenly, just heavenly.