Tour Leader’s Blog

This is the last blog entry for our amazing and immensely enjoyable European Heritage tour. Where does one begin to recount all the sights and insights that we have experienced on our trek through five fascinating and historic countries in Europe? We who have lived our entire lives in North America cannot possibly understand the rich heritage that is embodied in ancient cultures that have spanned thousands of years. It is in these 5 countries that we who have been privileged to enjoy, have discovered a rich perspective based on the historical stories told to us by John Ruth.

On our last full tour day we all seem to be reflective not wanting our adventure to end, but knowing that our lives in the days to come will never quite the same. We have greatly enjoyed all our visits to places where our Anabaptist ancestors lived and unfortunately were heavily persecuted. This though often strengthened our spiritual forefathers to live their lives more fully dedicated to God.

We have also seen many great natural wonders on our tours. A cog rail train ride to the 7500 foot Rothorn in the Swiss Alps. A “grand canyon” like chasm worn away by snow melt over eons of time. We have come to love the sight of German and Swiss architecture as well as the majestic peaks and valleys of the Alps.

Our tour will be complete and we will return to our respective homes tomorrow with a new viewpoint of our spiritual heritage and the fascinating cultures of our European contemporaries.

~ Jerry Schwartz