EVJF - Swiss Bachelorette!

Enterrement de vie de jeune fille

So in Switzerland, Bachelorette parties exist, but they have a weird name which when translated literally means something like "the burial of the young girl's single life". Despite the morbid name, my EVJF was a very happy occasion!

Two of my very special friends in Switzerland, Nikki and Juliana, organized a wonderful day of celebrations a couple of weeks ago. Although Nikki & Juliana were the coordinators, I know that each of the guests (and those who couldn't be there) contributed ideas and went to a lot of effort to make the day so special - and I am so grateful to each one of them for such a perfect day!

My dear friend Tiina came from London to join us, so our celebrations already started on the Friday night! On the Saturday morning Tiina and I enjoyed the morning catching up, before waiting for our pick-up around lunch time. We were driven to the "secret location" to meet all the other girls who were waiting for us up in the mountains at Col de Jaman, a very beautiful mountain pass. When we arrived, all the other girls were waiting for me and had set up a delicious pic-nic, complete with wonderful decorations and personalized water bottles!

After a delicious meal the events of the afternoon started and I had some challenges to complete. First I was decorated with some hair accessories and some "make-up" (read: red hearts and other words drawn on my face) and some things written on my legs. First we had a tug of war - which was apparently practice for when I need to steal the blankets from Chris in the middle of night! This was followed by a "hike" in my high-heels (I learnt during the day that if Chris could get rid of things in my wardrobe he would choose some of my flat shoes - he likes me in heels!) which then turned into more of a real walk once we abandoned our heels. We were blessed with lovely weather and the most beautiful scenery (Switzerland is such a gorgeous place, wow) and our walk led us to a icy cold mountain stream which I dipped my toes into! While walking, one of my friends, Hilde, made me the most beautiful flower crown.

After our walk we headed a little bit down the mountain and stopped at a rock face for the next challenge - some rock climbing! Some members of our friendship group are experienced climbers, and so they provided all the gear and the advice. I am a little scared of heights, but actually quite enjoyed the climb! Nikki had made delicious cupcakes that we enjoyed while watching each other climb, before driving back to Lausanne.

Before heading out for dinner at Maison Thai, a great Thai restaurant right on the water front, we stopped at my place to change and get ready for the night. We had time to have a drink outside on the terrace before the rain set in. Dinner was delicious, and the evening complete with lots of laughter and meaningful exchanges. Nikki had asked Chris some questions, which I had to answer like he answered, so I learnt some news things. And the girls had each prepared some words of advice and encouragement for me.

I felt so loved and encouraged by my dear friends. I have so much gratitude to the Lord for blessing me with such a rich group of friends here. Each one is so special to me, uniquely talented and courageous and such a source of inspiration to me. It was a very special day, a celebration of my "single life" and a beautiful send-off into married life!

Dr Johnston!

On May 26, 2015 - I became Dr Johnston!

My mom and dad made the trip from South Africa to be with me at this special time, and I was so grateful to have them with me! I fully recognize that I would not have made it without them - they invested so much into my education and personal growth, and were such a source of encouragement to me throughout these last few months. I was in Norway the week before for a conference, so I arrived back to my home in Lausanne after my mom and dad already arrived - it was so great to come home to them! With my darling fiancé, we spent the Sunday and Monday having some rest, enjoying some good food and doing some preparations for my defense on the Tuesday.

My defense started at 10:00, and proceeded as follows - I did a 20minute presentation in French, after which each of my jury members made questions and asked me comments. I felt quite comfortable and felt like I responded to the questions adequately. I was very touched and encouraged by the complimentary comments made by my jury members and thesis directors  - they were very kind. It was very gratifying to know my hard work had paid off! The jury members then left the room and "deliberated". They returned to the room and gave me my title! The defense was followed by an apéro that we hosted - my family and Chris were a big help with the preparations, and during my defense some of my colleagues kindly did the set up. It was a very joyous occasion! My parents kindly bought a few South African touches for the apéro - biltong, wire and bead animals, South African flags, Protea flowers made out of beads and wire, and protea flower serviettes. It was so wonderful to celebrate with my friends, colleagues and family.

That evening we had dinner with my immediate team at work, thesis directors and jury members at a great restaurant in Lausanne - it was such a happy celebration. And later in the week I had another dinner to celebrate with a wider group of colleagues. It was a very happy week of celebrations!

I moved to Switzerland 3.5 years ago to do a PhD, not really knowing what I was getting myself into, nor having any real idea of what an excellent experience it would be. I could have never known the amazing people I would met, the friends I would make, or the professional network I would build - but God knew, and He put me in the right place.  It was a long road, and at times challenging and frustrating, but mostly I loved it. I feel so blessed to have found my "thing" professionally  - something that I enjoy and matches my skills and competencies well. I don't know where it will lead, but I know that pursuing an academic career is the right thing for now.

Completing a PhD represented much more than just the academic achievement for me - it represented the successful adjustment to a new country and setting up a whole new life and home here in Switzerland, including learning a language and adjusting to a new culture.  I am proud of myself and grateful to have achieved this milestone!