Count Down

It is finally here . . . whether I am ready or not. This is my final week in Europe.

We have been to Riga, Latvia to see their beautiful city and breathtaking churches. The best thing that we could have done was take a guided tour and he was wonderful. It was fascinating to me that he spoke 7 languages.
One of my favorite spots in this country was the "Lover's Bridge". The locals go there on their wedding day with a lock. The lock is engraved with their names or initials and the date. They place the lock on the bridge and then throw the key into the water. I just love that! (Our tour guide said that if anyone wants a divorce they would have to dive into the water, find the correct key, and remove the lock from the bridge.)

 

Otepaa, Estonia was a charming town to visit. They do a lot of cross country skiing there. No matter where we have gone it seems there is so much history. The people here have have been very friendly and eager to share what they know about their country. Here is a church from Otepaa that was built in the 13th century.

 

I have spent most of the last month here in Tartu, Estonia. It is a beautiful and sweet town. I have been able to walk just about anywhere I need to go. (That is very strange for me.) Here is a picture of the Kissing Fountain in the town square.

 

I will have one more stop before I start my journey back to the US. I will be visiting Tallinn, Estonia this Friday before my flight on Saturday.

 

I am not sure I will know what to do with myself when I have to go back to the "real" world. I have been without a car, cell phone, hair dryer, flat iron, etc. I thought it would be more of a challenge that it really has been. I found out I really love being able to walk most everywhere I need to go and I haven't missed my cell phone ringing. The way of life here has been pretty laid back.

 

What a blessing it has been to have this experience. I am glad I am able to share some of it with you.

 

How would you do without your cell phone or car for a month?

 How about your hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener?

 

 

Europe for the month

So, here I am . . .

This is my third week in Europe. I have been enjoying all the new sights, smells, and tastes the little towns have to offer. I have met new people and made new friends. I have also taken a ton of pictures. To think that none of this would have been possible if I wouldn't have lost my job in August. The job the Lord provided at just the right time after my now ex-husband came home from Afghanistan and put me out of our home with no explination. The job I was relying on to carry me though.

It never ceases to amaze me the plans that He has for us. If we only allow Him to take the lead. He does tell us that His ways are greater than our ways. (Isaiah 55:8) That He has a plan for us, a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) That He is the God of immeasurably more. (Ephesians 3:20)

I have been blessed to have found two groups of ladies doing online Bible studies while I am here. They have been an (in)couragement to me and given me the courage to try to blog again.  I am grateful for this time without the hussle and bussle of my life in the US. Time to think and reflect, time to connect with other women from around the world, and time to spend with my fiance. Oh yes, that is a another huge blessing. A surpise I didn't see coming. No matter what our circumstances may be or appear to be our God has everything under control.