Here at Last

I can't believe that I am here at last! I took a long flight from Seattle to London and was picked up by Suzie. It felt incredible to be welcomed warmly with a hug and immediately feel at home due to the offer of a Starbucks coffee. The two of us then took the tube to the northern London town of Islington where the family lives. The charming streets wind around and are lined with houses that have been there for centuries.

I then met Gennie; an energetic, funny, and absolutely lovely 17 year old who I will be living with for the next 6 months. After a good meal at a little Italian restaurant down the street I finally got some much needed sleep.

The next morning Suzie, Gennie, and I went out to a little cafe for fresh croissants and juice as we went over all of the details for our time in Brussels. Then Gennie and I were off to Brussels by train! The little that I have seen of this beautiful city has already exceeded my expectations. Our apartment is picturesque. My lovely room has a three pane window that opens to a stunning view that overlooks the city. We live just across from a luscious green park with an old Abbey on the grounds. The cobblestone streets give Brussels a feeling of richness and history that is comforting.

Percy, Gennie's puppy, is actually quite endearing (I can't believe that I am saying this). She snuggles up into my lap whenever she has a chance and follows us wherever we go in the apartment. All the shops are closed each Sunday and Gennie was shocked when I told her that most stores are open on Sundays in the States.

I think that these next months are going to be full of new experiences and I cannot wait for it all to begin!

A New Journey in Life

The past four years have changed my life. Seattle Pacific University has been a wonderful experience that has given me friendships, laughter, and a thousand unforgettable memories. I am eternally grateful for all of the opportunities that SPU has given me and will always remember those years of spontaneity, staying out late, painful hours of studying, and most of all the life-long friends that I have made.

It seems like yesterday that my parents dropped me off in my room on 5th Hill and said goodbye as I started my freshman year of college. Little did I know that the next four years were going to fly by and all of my expectations be completely exceeded!

As each chapter in my life comes to an end I am waiting with anticipation for the next chapter to begin. After much prayer and consideration I have decided to move to Brussels for the next 6 months. I will be living with a 17 year old girl who needs some companionship and support while she finishes her senior year of school and her mom is working in England. I have no idea how this experience is going to be, but I am confident that this is the direction that God has for me right now and I am eagerly waiting to see what He has in store for me!

In just 2 days I will be on my way to Brussels! My hope is that I can travel, study French, go to museums, soak up the culture, make new friendships, and become a more loving and compassionate person.

After I get back from this journey, I plan to begin working as a nurse... maybe Labor and Delivery or possibly Pediatrics. We'll see!