Then when I had to duck tail to get to my connecting flight to Amsterdam and I practically ran on the plane dripping sweat, and awkwardly squeezed in between two very tall business men....I thought- this is really happening.
Finally, as I went through customs in Amsterdam and the officer spoke to me in Dutch, I thought....woah...woah...this is really happening.
I arrived in Amsterdam yesterday morning at 10:30am, (4:30am Raleigh time) and Heather picked me up at the airport. The whole time as we were walking to the car and driving on the highway and arriving at their house I just couldn't believe that I actually went through with this. After having grace-filled and emotional talks with Heather this morning, I just realized what a fantastic opportunity this is and what unbelievable freedom I have here.
This past year (if you've read any of my previous posts you'll know it) was difficult and pretty much sucky. I've never experienced deep depression like that before where for a while it felt like there would be no relief. I remember telling someone that I just want to go to sleep and wake up 3 years from now when all the pain was gone and I would feel truly alive again.
God in His ultimate grace was by my side the whole time but it was a hard season. I realized that I had booted my body and mind and spirit into this "survival mode" where I had to be for most of this year to get the daily tasks accomplished. But coming here and not being around my typical environment and my typical people or language, I checked out of survival mode and am now finally having an oppurtunity to really unpack my year....which is a wonderful but sometimes painful task.
One hard relization I always have when I travel is that life doesn't stop. I don't become a different person outside the US, me and God are on the same page as we were 72 hours ago back in Raleigh. I can't and don't want to escape from myself in travel, I want to explore and discover new sides of Christ and myself here. Take the time to read books and be still and quiet. To meet new beautiful people and share life in a different culture.
Heather gave me a good tip- to celebrate the small victories whenever you conquer something new in a new culture.
So here are some of my victories:
I flew by myself for the first time in my life....international with multiple security check points= victory!!
Tonight Heath and I rode our bikes to the shopping center near their house= victory: I didn't get hit by a car... yay!)
I bought a shirt from H&M (nothing new there) but the lady spoke in complete Dutch (which I don't know if you've heard it but its guttural and nothing like I've ever heard before)= victory
I met some of Bella's and Heather's friends today at Bella's school= so not much of a victory but a blessing for sure.
I'm so grateful to be here and experience life here. Its such a priveledge and I'm excited to see what God stews up this summer with relationships, revelations, and some good ole fashioned Jesus lovin'.
here are some random things about The Hague I've gathered so far:
-Lots of heathly people here = they ride their bikes everywhere! I mean everywhere...its intense but really awesome.
-I love my room at the Hancock's its so wonderful to have my own little space to relax and hang out with God. Here's a pic
It has this huge window and a door that opens and the weather is so wonderful here (60's and 70's)...I absolutely love it!
another crazy thing: it stays so light here so late! here's a pic outside my room at like 10:15pm-ish
Also the Dutch love their dogs- you'll see them carrying them in the grocery store, the cafes, the shopping centers- so funny!
So those are some small things I've noticed since being here...can't wait to share more!
God is so faithful.
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