Diary: 4/21/2002

Dear friends and family:

Given the amount of things to be done, this was a remarkably slow week for us, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Leon spent a large part of his time training Martin, his replacement. This went amazingly well, and they covered a great deal of ground in a short period. Of course, in the name of being a supportive team member and helping Martin to find his way around the area, Leon had to accompany him to dinner on several occasions!

Martin, who lives in England and travels to Switzerland each week for work, had some trouble getting out of the house. His youngest son, Charlie, didn't want to see Dad go. So this is what Martin said:
Also I have convinced Charlie that I work in a chocolate factory and make the chocolate (he is like his mum a little sensitive) so each time I go away he gets upset.

But spinning the yarn about the chocolate and the fact that if I don't go to work then no children would get any sweets as a result of that he seems more happy for me to go and the fact we watched Charlie and the chocolate factory about 10 times yesterday goes without saying.

Plus I told him that you are chief oompa loompa and we have to stay in touch so the chocolate flows all the time.

Aside from that, it was pack pack pack. There was also a chance to sell a few more of the Swiss things, so that the house is looking emptier and emptier every moment.

For Debbie and the Wild Kid Posse, it was a pretty regular week. The girls continued to settle in and get down to business at school, Joram continued to find new ways to get into trouble, and Debbie continued to negotiate with contractors, get plans rolling for the move into the house, and to make sure all her old shopping haunts were up to snuff.

Our friends, both in Switzerland and America, continue to be the blessing of our lives. Leon is well-fed and occupied in those quieter moments, and Debbie has found support in her moments of need. And for this we are deeply grateful.

This coming week should be exciting, as the house is packed and loaded on a boat. Leon then goes to a small apartment in Vevey, and will need to find some other activities to fill the empty hours (besides working, of course). This will hopefully yeild some interesting stories for you.

Love,
Debbie, Leon, Heather, Isabelle, and Joram