Cambridge

When I was back in England, I got to go punting in Cambridge. It's a lot harder than it looks, but nevertheless, I would highly recommend the experience. :)

Austria...

is really beautiful, in case you didn't know. :)

Inside an ice cave!

Five months!

In Budapest, Hungary

I left Kansas City exactly five months ago today. I am still loving it. I am not so overwhelmed anymore with all the details and uncertainty, but instead I am amazed with God's enduring faithfulness. 

Too cute not to post

Some adorable Romanian kids

Part of the group at the music camp

A month in Romania

Our group practicing hard at the music camp in Campina, Romania.

My friend Ruxi and I

Everyone loved to hear the harp!

This older gentleman liked the harp, too. :)

Several families invited the group of music teachers to have dinner in their home. By the way, Romanian food is really, really good!

At another family's home in Bucharest.

Arnah, an American missionary who I met in Romania. I was so blessed to meet such a "kindred spirit," and we had some wonderful fellowship and ministry together.

What have I been up to in The Netherlands?

For the last three weeks, I have been in Kruiningen, The Netherlands, which is in Zeeland, the most southwestern province. I have been visiting my second cousin and his family. Some of the things I've been doing:

Helping with website and editing projects for the ministry with which my relatives work.

Lots of cooking and baking, and I've learned some new ethnic recipes, which I am excited to take home with me.

Seeing lots of beautiful scenery!

Bryony and I

We made, wrapped, and decorated over a hundred of these brownies for the town fair. 

I think these are the best brownies I have ever eaten! Moist, dense, and just a little crispy on the outside. Is your mouth watering yet???

I finally found a practical use for these origami butterflies that I like to make.

I've been trying lots of new foods lately, and I thought tell you about one of my favorites!  These are Speculaas, which are crispy cookies that are a little sweet and made with delicious spices, such as nutmeg and ginger. They remind me a little of gingerbread cookies, but much better. There is also a Speculoos spread, which tastes the same but looks like peanut butter.  Personally, I think beats Nutella any day, because it's not as sweet. No offense to any Nutella lovers out there. :)

Can you tell I am loving it here? :)

Picturesque-ness in The Netherlands

The church next to the building where I am staying

Journal entry from 8/24

I am learning to appreciate the process of living, instead of just wishing I could fast-forward to the end result.

That's what life is-- a process and journey of learning and growing, and getting to know my Creator in a more true way.

It takes a lot of time and work, but much of the richness is in its unfolding.

The tide comes in right up to the buildings in Bosham, England.

A lovely footpath in Greatham, England.

Guess where I've been!

Before I headed off to The Netherlands a few weeks ago, I spent one whirlwind day in a very famous city.   From the pictures, it shouldn't be to difficult to tell which one I mean. :)

Note to self:  one day is hardly long enough to experience anything, especially such a bustling and diverse metropolis. Rumor has it that there is plenty more to see, including a lovely palace. Oh well, I think I did pretty well for one day. 

A certain famous bridge, which bears the name of the city. 

The fountains at Trafalgar Square

A very well-know clock tower

Westminister Abbey
The highlight of the day was Evensong at 5:00 pm.

One of the "back doors" of Westminister Abbey

A varied assortment of photos

A table that I set for lunch at L'Abri

Self-explanatory :)

Romsey Abbey

Deep in discussion at breakfast

Choir practice