WE DID IT!!

Stephen and I have been in Belgium for ONE YEAR! Can you believe it? In some ways I think it has flown by, and in others it seems like an eternity. I think it's natural to feel that way. In celebration of our anniversary here, I thought I would list a few things we have learned since moving to Europe.

• Personal space is an American thing.
• Deodorant is optional.
• You get over being homesick, but not over missing those you love!
  
• Dreaming of Ranch on fries is not normal.
• The things I miss the most about the US aren't things, but people.
• Driving a standard car in traffic is so annoying.
• Driving a car that you don't pay for is amazing.
• Cabin Fever is very real.
• Cold showers before bed make nights without A/C bearable.
• Public transport is awkward.
• Being in walking distance to the city center is awesome.
• I'm not as independent as I thought I was.
• I'm not as strong as I thought I was.
  
• I can ask for help, even in French :)
• Sitting on terraces in nice weather is something to take advantage of.
  
• Short days in the Winter are depressing.
• Long days in the Summer are incredible.
• Having Gracie over here has enriched our lives more than we admit.
• Having each other is such a blessing.
• Europe has so much to offer, and the festivals are pretty cool, too.
• You can have too many frites.
• Going to a doctor that speaks "pretty good" English is a bad idea...get references.
• As a couple, we can do anything!!!

Thank you for keeping up with us and our past year of adventures...we are so thankful for this opportunity and thank you for your prayers and encouragement along the way!