Ward Outing

In May, we celebrated Ascension Day with the ward by going on a lovely hike alongside a meandering stream, and then capped off the day by grilling lunch together in the forest. There was a great turn out, which I think is a testament to how well planned it was.  It was free, a very easy hike, and close by to where most of the members live.  Usually our ward activities are expensive, very involved, and far, far away.  We don’t go to those for obvious reasons, so it was nice to finally have an activity where we felt actually invited and wanted.

It is always so fun to spend time with our ward family in a casual setting.  I love having so much time to chat about every day things and just spend time together.  And having my kids be able to be with kids who also believe what they do.  Helps them not so feel so strange or alone, I think.

There are a few boys in our ward that are Noah’s age, and although they are friendly, I wouldn’t say they are all friends.  But only one other boy from his class was there, so it gave him a rare opportunity to have a friend, even if just for a little bit.

Along the trail, the group changed constantly. It seems like every half a kilometer I was suddenly with a different set of people.  It was so fun to have a chance to be with everyone, especially since for the past few years I have been in Young Women’s,and seem to spend all my time with the girls and the other women in the presidency.

At the end of the hike there was a large grill area, with a nice fire already going.  Well, I was towards the tail end of the group, so it was burning strong by the time I got there. 🙂 I was glad I had brought so many extra sausages as some of the missionaries needed a supplement to their lunch.  And what was left after that, we still cooked over the fire and brought home to eat later.  There is something about a sausage cooked over an open flame in the outdoors that adds a special flavor you can’t duplicate any other way.

After a nice long break, we packed up and walked back the way we had come.  It was the only way to get back to our cars! It was a warm day, but many sections of the trail were covered in shade, so it wasn’t too bad.  I think we emptied the last water bottle just before we came upon a fountain where we were able to fill them all up again.  Some of the kids were getting pretty tired towards the end, but we all made it in one piece.  I am so grateful that we have so many opportunities to enjoy nature so close to our home.  It really is amazing how gorgeous Switzerland is.