My first post in this, hopefully, on-going series was about food. This time I'd like to focus on something a little deeper - blessings and challenges as far as life experiences/opportunities.
Some of the greatest blessings for me living and serving in Europe are:
*Learning another language (can also be a frustration, but I know in my heart it's a blessing!)
*Seeing the boys learn world history, where countries are located, and about different cultures
*Trying new foods (hence my other post!)
*Seeing beautiful art and architecture
*Visiting castles and other historical landmarks
*Attending festivals and historical re-enactments
*Visiting new cities/places
*Visiting museums and cultural displays
*Learning about holidays/special days and their traditions
*Being surrounded by a greater appreciation for music and musical ability
*Attending folk and classical concerts
*Enjoying Christmas markets
*Getting to know new people
*Working, learning, growing together as a family (we're one of the few who really understands what each other is going through!)
*Seeing people come to Christ or show an interest in learning about Him or the Bible
*Helping people learn/improve English
*Knowing we're serving in the place God has called us
Some of the greatest challenges for me living and serving in Europe are:
*Not seeing our family and friends regularly
*Missing out on special events like weddings, get-togethers, birthdays, special church programs
*Celebrating holidays separated from family
*Losing touch with people we care about (not necessarily anyone's fault - it just happens)
*Having limited opportunities to have the boys involved in things they would probably take part in in the States (or often not knowing HOW to get them involved in different things and/or not having the time to add one more thing to our schedule)
*Not knowing how to act and what to say (or even how to say it!) in all of life's different situations
*Not being able to say good-bye to dying loved ones (I lost one grandfather 9 months after our arrival and another just 5 months later.)
*Missing out on AWANA, VBS, Sunday School (for the boys)
*Learning another language (boy, it takes a lot of time over the long-haul and sometimes it's hard to see/measure progress)
*Not having family at the boys' birthday parties
*Leaving my ladies' Bible study group behind
*Not being home when Jason's brother and family are in the States for the summer
*Having limited opportunities to speak in English (this especially burdens me for the boys b/c we are often the only people with whom they can speak in English or we are the only good models they have)
*Knowing the time "lost" with others can never be gotten back
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