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.

Beautiful Weather

The past few days have been wonderful . . . to feel alive and have energy. I have been able to keep things straight in my mind and have energy to take care of the things I have had to let go.

My foster pup Emmitt went to his new home today. What a blessing for us both . . . to see him be able to have a happy family to call his own and to know I had a part in getting him well enough to be happy.

It is going to be a full week. Looking forward to time away with my cousin this weekend. A long girls weekend! What a special time for the both of us to catch up and have some down time.

Another Day

It seems that it has been such a long week already, but it is only Tuesday. There is so much left to do this week and I am praying for the strength to make it through. I have been trying to scale back my commitments and find more time to rest . . . not that the medications are giving me much choice. I look forward to the day of being well and having the proper amount of energy to make it through the day. What a couldn't accomplish with a day of a clear mind, balance, and energy.

Peaceful Moments

At the moment I am trying to learn to be at peace with where ever I am at this time. I am blessed to have some time of quiet alone time the past few days. Time to rest, pray, and think. Although I am frustrated that I will not be able to be a part of a special family time tomorrow in Pa. I am trying to make the smart decision to stay put instead of driving there not knowing if my body will hold up and allow me to get home.
I have started a new regiment of treatments to help me get back up on my feet. It seems we have worked our way through a layer . . . so I am ready to tackle the next one. I am hoping that in two weeks I will be up and ready to enjoy a long weekend away with my cousin. I feel so blessed to have reconnected with her and her family.

Many Thoughts

I have a lot of feelings and thoughts running through me at the moment. Happy, sad, blessed, frustrated . . . It is strange how they can all happen at the same time. I am happy and blessed to have my husband that cares for me so deeply, also to have the privilege of watching my younger sister grow into a responsible young woman. Sad and frustrated that my body will not cooperate and feel better. I am so tired of being sick and tired. This illness has outstayed it's welcome . . . it has been 20 years.
For once I want to be able to plan to do normal daily activities without having to gauge how I might be feeling or prepare by resting up several days ahead of time. As of now I just continue to take the days as they come and pray. I know that I am at this place in my life at this time for a reason . . . I will believe and rest in that.

Something New

I figured it was time that I caught up and figured out how to blog. I am looking forward to seeing what this means of communication holds in store. I am someone that loves the Lord Jesus Christ, my family, and my dogs.
I thrive on learning what I can about rescue, the breeds I love, and natural ways of making my pets and family feel better.