simply timeless

It has arrived. Christmas. With a blink of an eye, 3 months have flown by. I find myself now at the moment in time where not being home for Christmas was a reality I would have to face. As much as I love and miss my family, I have found peace and love in the family I have made here. Instead of being sad about what I will miss, I want to choose joy for all that I have had the privilege of  being apart of and gratitude for a family and friends worth missing. I choose to embrace all the wonderful new experiences I will receive by being out of the usual. What I have found is generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, open homes and love. To those of you at home thank you for the emails, mail and even gifts, THANK YOU!!!! I miss and love you all! To those of you here , I cannot being to express my gratitude for your kindness, hugs, words of encouragement, gifts, inviting me to join in and including me. Merry Christmas! Here are a few photos A friend made me a stock

'It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do' - Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen I have found my self as of late, while sat among my new friends, taking in the reality of where I am and how I got to be here. I want someone to pinch my arm. To ensure I am not in a dream, but rather reality. Because in reality, this is not where I would have seen myself 10 years ago.  Let's be honest, even 5 years ago,  I would have found it hard to believe you, if you told me I would be where I am. Dreams and plans have a funny way of not always coming to pass in the way in which we expect them too. Each trial,broken friendship, disappointment and failure has this odd role in changing our direction in life.  In the moment those things can seem to be the most unbelievably inconvenient and devastating loss. It hits us from behind and causes us to loose our footing and question who we are and where God is leading us. I never thought I would be able to say this. But

'Oh! Do not attack me with your watch. A watch is always too fast or too slow. I cannot be dictated to by a watch.' -Mansfield Park                    -Jane Austen  One month ago I stepped onto British soil. I had no idea what to expect when I walked through the arrival gate. Leaving everything I knew behind; the comfort and peace that comes with familiarity, family, friends, my own car and independence was chucked out the window. I had to breath deep and pray it was going to be all worth it. Without a doubt I can say this decision was the right one, no matter what lack of sleep, introverted time and 'control' (not having my car :/ ) may suggest to me was a foolish decision, I know that the friends, experiences, growth in maturity and serving God this year will provide me with enough sweet to help with the bitter taste leaving home brought.  Thank you to all of you who helped me make this very difficult and amazing choice. Through your wisdom, listening ears, shoulders

Well family and friends, it has been one week of being here in the UK in intern mode.  I believe my body is almost in UK time... although mornings can be a bit difficult, lets be honest, mornings have never been my thing ;) Apparently as I arrived, so did the change of weather, rain arrived making each day changeable from moment to moment.  'Oh look, it's sunny!' 2 minutes later, down pouring. Makes for a bit of concern while walking, never knowing if you should be prepared for a sudden down pour. But I signed up for this, so no real complaining from me.... just getting adjusted to things. For example, sayings and words you should be using. I have to say, I have had to ask many time what people are saying to me, or, what exactly they have asked me to do. The words they use, so different! But then, I also have funny saying and words that they in turn need me to clarify and it has been rather amusing. I have yet to really go any where beyond the coffee shop, church and my h

Sunshine Bicycle rides Walking along the bubbling creek  Reading books out of doors A taste of spring is what I long for, my anticipation creates a restlessness that nothing else can remedy. Bring on the song of Spring.