Ben and I had the opportunity to visit some old family friends of the Landry clan–Jonas and Lavinia Körfer–in Steinen, Germany. The Körfers and the Landrys have known each other for quite some time; in fact, Jonas spent a semester abroad during high school with the Landry family in Boston. It was such a joy to watch the boys reconnect, and to meet both Jonas and Lavinia myself, and see what life is like in southern Germany. Jonas and Lavinia were incredibly kind and generous hosts — we are so grateful for the time we got to spend with them.
We all enjoyed sharing stories and exchanging ideas and opinions on just about everything — especially the boys.There was plenty of patriotism around the table on both sides, and it was great to discuss and reflect on ways to better ourselves and our countries. Jonas and Lavinia showed us around Colmar, France, and even took us on a beautiful day hike through the forests of Switzerland — one of my favorite days of the trip! Ben and I also made some trips on our own to Basel, the closest city to us in Switzerland as well as to Zurich.
We also got to experience the German custom of warm lunches and simple, yet delicious, evening meals of bread, meats, and cheeses — plus the ever-present Nutella, a must in every German home.
Overall, our time with them was full of conversation and laughter. It was both encouraging and inspiring to see a young married Christian couple who make serving in their church and opening their home to others such a priority. We felt truly blessed to be on the receiving end of their hospitality.
Thank you, Jonas and Lavinia, for your warmth, generosity, and beautiful example of Christlike service — to us and to each other.
Billy and Bobby Go Abroad 
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