Why I Like Europe

So, to say I haven't written in a while is an understatement. It's been a really long time and for those of you who hang upon my every word, I know this has been difficult for you (sense the sarcasm). Throughout November and December, I had several groups from US visit and was extremely busy. It seemed that I blinked my eyes and the holidays were over. During December, our team along with the volunteers, operated a couple of booths on the Christmas Market in Brühl. We had a children's pavilion with crafts pertaining to the Christmas Story, a booth for marionette puppets and a live nativity. All three points on the market were successful in relationship building. It was wonderful to meet people in town with the potential of bringing them closer the Father in the next few months.

The holidays were a blur of activity for me with visits from very special people in my life. God richly blessed my time with them and gave me a nice break from work to spend time with those I love.

Moving on to why I like Europe. Yesterday, I went to the family of some colleagues in the area to cook and baby-sit and began noticing things I truly love about living in Europe. My friend, Dawn, had asked me to buy a few things from the market for our cooking adventure, a baguette being one of the items. So, I went to the market bakery and bought a baguette which I stuffed into my little tote to take to their home. I felt so European, like Beauty and the Beast. I looked at my little tote bag with the baguette peaking from the top and just smiled to myself...and began singing the opening song from the previously mentioned movie. Then, I started my walk to their house. As I was walking, I noticed all the others on the street walking and riding their bicycles and made another mental note of why I like Europe. Bicycles. People ride their bicycles around here no matter rain or shine, cold or warm. One can see women in skirts and boots, with their work bags stuffed in a basket behind the seat or men just out to travel from one place to another. It seems that everyone has a bike. I must admit, I hope to have one myself in the next couple of months. There is something so wonderful about pedaling around from home to the market or a friends house for a visit. This sounds much more appealing when the weather is not snowy and cold but that never stops the locals. This American girl would probably not be so dedicated.

Those are just a couple of things that stole my heart about this place. The longer I am here, the more I find to capture my affections. The warm weather brings even more people to the streets and I love seeing old couples, sipping coffee at outside cafes. And every dog that lives in Germany lingers outside, enjoying the weather and freedom from the confines of their homes. I look forward to spring and the new life it brings.

The season change from winter to spring always reminds me of the Lord bringing salvation to the world through Christ. He brought new life to a dead place. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, life began to bloom again. In a world that was gray and cold, light shown and warmth entered into the hearts of men. The trees are bare but spring will bring new growth. I'm so thankful for Christ and how He makes all things new. Through His death and resurrection, we can have life and start again, our pasts erased and a new future ahead. I praise Him again, today.

I hope to be a little more consistent in blogging this year. I am so thankful for your prayers and support. The Father is blessing me more and more each day. He is moving among the people here and making Himself known. It's exciting to be a part of His work throughout the world.