DNA

Recently 23andMe sent a very surprising update. Within my DNA were traces of Swiss German ancestry. While small it left me floored that I had a blood connection to the Land of Cheese and Chocolate that became my second country. I also learned that there are even Dutch connections, which made my wife begin to laugh and say, “Wow, you’ve come home!”

Though the “Swissness” I possess was wrought through years of effort, it is a joy to know that somehow it is in my DNA. How it got there I will never know and will not try to guess, yet I accept and celebrate this small part of my roots. I especially celebrate it this Bundesfeiertag. The Swiss National holiday which honours the country’s birth.

Heart

While getting Raclette for this year’s Bundesfeier dinner, I thought about the ways that I am now a Swiss at heart. DNA alone is not enough to claim a country. And it is not enough to simply love its landscape and some customs. One must do all they can to integrate and claim it, from learning local languages to the values that it holds.

Thankfully, I have seemed to integrate well, despite the occasional blunders that expats make. Like all other countries Switzerland has its discouraging downsides and upsides that one sometimes fails to see and takes for granted. Nevertheless, the land of Cheese and Chocolate is in my heart, and I cannot wait to get back there and experience its joys. Joys like Schwiitzerdütsch and Nidelwähe from Migros, or walking along the Aare from Rupperswil to Aarau (Jo, I be en Aargauer).

Prayers

Truly, I cannot wait to be back home again, but until then I will celebrate with other Swiss abroad. This year marks the 735th birthday of Switzerland, and with my heart I keep the land and everyone there in my prayers. Here is my prayer for this year’s Bundesfeiertag:

Almighty God, like those who gathered at Rütli, and swore to stand together unafraid of human power. Thank you for the generations that kept this promise after them, and help the generations now to keep it selflessly. And no matter what our connection, be it lineage or choice, let us seek the peace of Switzerland and be agents of peace for the world. To You be the honor and glory always. Amen.