A Year Ago Today…
… we moved from Paris. The last year has been absolutely crazy in every way possible. Here are just some of the things/decisions/highlights of the last year.
We stayed in more than 10 DIFFERENT places in the last year. Eight of those being for at least two weeks at a time. Paris to Denver to Virginia to Portland to Sacramento to Portland to Sacramento to Southern California to Sacramento to Portland to Sacramento to Denver and back to Europe, where we stayed in Hungary for a week, Den Haag for a week, and now we are in Amsterdam and have been here for just over a week. CRAZY!!!!!
A year ago, we had made plans to move to Amsterdam after a SHORT (which turned into a year) time in the states.
Plans to Amsterdam fell through, so we decided to stay in Portland and start a cafe, something we always wanted to do.
Wrestled with God on LOTS of issues in the meantime. Finances, dreams, desires etc.
I highly considered going to hair school, but after LOTS of consideration, decided against it.
A LONG period of time not having a clue as to what we were going to do.
Visited Paris and realized our hurt was still very real, but didn’t know what to do with it.
Returned to the states to continue the wrestling match with God, while really working through some huge issues.
Knew the cafe idea was great, but it wasn’t the right timing for us as we felt God wasn’t done with us in Europe right now.
Decided to move back to Europe, specifically Amsterdam, to continue training and start being assessed for team leadership one day.
So that’s where we are now. We are super content with being here, but now there is still that wondering of what the future is going to look like. Funny how God always keeps us guessing. I guess that’s part of the adventure of following him!
Looking back on this last year is stressing me out just thinking about it! I’m glad it’s over, but wouldn’t trade it for anything! I hope the next year has just as much growth, but hopefully a little less moving around.
Maisie saying goodbye to the eiffel tower our last day in Paris
It HAS been alot of change for you this year. No wonder you’re bonding with just about any living creature you can! I’m so grateful you are where you are, though it’s so far away from here…because I know, without a doubt, that you are following God. There may be anxiety on your part, but there is also a peace…a sense of contentment that is obvious. I love you.
p.s. little maisie! so small!
Jen, this is a sweet post. What a wild year it has been for you. I loved all those in-between Portland stops, but am really happy for you that you guys get to stop and breathe for a bit. I hope I get to be here for your next Portland pit stop.
HOLY MOLY!!! When you actually put it into words, you can really see the craziness of it all. But you are right. God had/has some serious things that he needed to show you. You guys have been through so much but I think it is very safe to say that it is obvious the change that he is doing and has already done. It’s amazing to see your and Justin’s growth and willingness to do what it takes to get to where you need to go. It’s inspiring and exciting for us on the outside to see. Love you Jen! Miss you so much!
svest