less than a month…
I can’t even believe it, a month left! Well, less than a month left. I decided I’m not going to count down the exact days left because then I don’t think I could sleep at night! I would just be too excited! Four months ago I was kicking myself for even signing up for this. Why did I want to leave my family and friends for 4 months? Why did I want to leave SLO?? My friends will be the first to tell you how I did not want to go, I don’t even remember sleeping the night before. I don’t think I’ve ever been more scared in my life. Of the unknown, of the new environment, of being alone. But what once was a regretful decision became the best decision I have ever made. It is hard to even write down all that I have learn and experienced in the past 3 months, about myself, my relationship with Christ, my interests, dreams, and the world. The world seems less huge and unknown. Europe seems less scary, unmanageable, and different. I was writing down all of the places I have been and was overwhelmed! I have been to London, Oxford, Copenhagen, Prague, Oslo, Paris, Salzburg, Munich, and now Dublin! I have been to pretty much all of the major cities in Europe!! Wow!
But even through all my adventures I ran into moments where I just longed to be home. I have a greater appreciation for my family, friends, the sun, living in America! Living in Europe, I was stripped of the constant comfort of the familiar. Stripped of the constant communication with friends and family, where you can call them when you want to and they won’t be sleeping because of the time difference! But it has only been growth for me that has come out of this experience. I have learned to trust in the Lord daily, to trust that He will provide, and He does! I’m beginning to see the Lord’s purpose in me being abroad, my life verse here has been Psalm 32:8: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” Before I left for Europe, I did not believe that leaving America was the best pathway for my life, but I’m beginning to see that it definitely was! I would not trade this experience for anything! I feel more confident in who I am, a greater idea of what it means to trust in the Lord fully, a new love and appreciation for home. I was reading my blog before I came, and I said how I wished I would become a strong independent woman. It sounds so cheesy. But having to figure out public transportation, make new friends, survive in a place where people do not speak your language you learn independence! I always thought that I was a pretty independent person, but being here I have learned how dependent I am on people. Not that dependence is a bad thing at all, because I believe the greatest gift God has given us is community, but I have learned that I don’t mind being alone and that I can take care of myself just fine!
I haven’t even begun to write down everything I have learned being abroad. But I just want to let you know how much I miss all of you! I still have more exciting adventures waiting for me, a trip to Dublin to see my best friend, sister and brother in law!!, a day trip to a German Christmas market, and spending the Christmas season in Copenhagen with my dear friends that I have made here. I know that when I get home there will be needed trips to New York, Minnesota, and Seattle 
I hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving! It is weird to be missing out on such a major holiday at home, but I can not wait to spend Thanksgiving day with Amanda, my sister and brother I’m sorry about the lack of blog posts! I will try and blog about both Dublin and my wonderful vacation with my parents in Copenhagen and Paris when I get back! We had such a fun time, it’s going to be hard to put all of our fun into words! Love you mom and dad! Check back soon! Love, Brittany
