just thinking...and this is what happens...

Sometimes I forget how incredibly blessed I am. I am only 22 years old and have already been to numerous places I didn't think I would see until much later in life. My family supports my decisions and are my backbone in life; my friends are there for me...whether they know it or not; and my ultimate Savior is constantly showing Himself to me in new and glorious ways....especially when I least expect it. As these past few weeks have flown by since I left my English home, my life has been transformed. I know that it's easy to imagine a transformation taking place while hoofing it around Europe, but even I didn't know the changes that could occur. I have seen more of what the world holds, its treasures and its struggles. A morning walk could lead into a realization of something more I want out of my life.
Having this week in Cannes to rest and rejuvenate has been such a blessing, especially when I wasn't even sure it was something I wanted to do. I know that my transition to Austria is going to be a little bit easier having been going going going for the past month, and knowing a few people there already will be such a help. The transition that I am beginning to wonder about is that of my return to the States. I've tried not to think about it too much, simply because I don't want to wish and worry my next few months away, but with the world and economy at the place it is, I can't help but think about the future.
I'm looking forward to the little things i've taken for granted; driving a car, late night restaurants where you can go in your sweats, downtown San Carlos...I never realized how close it really is to my parents house, a grocery store where everything you need is at your fingertips, going to the movies, coffee with friends(where I don't have to double the price to see what i'm really paying), familiar brand names, trips to San Francisco, cooking my own meals, bicycle riding, renting a movie, the US Dollar...
Strange to think that my life will revolve around such different things in a few months. I like that I have had this year to ponder what the future might hold and I love that I have gained a little bit of insight into what I would like to see myself doing. Now, let's just hope and pray that the economy will pick up and the job market will like me!

Cannes

Just as the pictures may show it, Cannes is a very well to do place. Lots of money has obviously settled here; fancy cars, ritzy hotels, very snazzy boutique style shops of all the head designers. Two of my buddies and I traveled from the cruise in Barcelona to Avignon, France yesterday and then continued on from Avignon to our connection in Marseilles to Cannes.
Our two bedroom apartment is incredible, so much more than we were expecting. A front and back deck, large living room, great kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and showers, and even a washing machine!!!
We have started to settle in and had a great starting dinner of pasta and sauce, salad, and even a fresh baguette from the corner shop. After a delicious glass of french red wine, a few of us headed out on a walk to see a bit of the sea. It's a little cooler here that I expected, but we still plan to have a good time :-)

-bonsoir-

CRUISE TIME!

After a fun filled two weeks in London, Paris, and Barcelona I boarded the Norweigan Jade cruise ship with 11 of my fellow school mates and headed off an another adventure. We are docked in Egypt right now after sailing to; Rome, Greece, and Turkey. The amount of history and culture that I have seen over the past week has been absolutely incredible. I've seen things that I only thought I would ever read about in a text book and see in photos. I cannot wait to share my experiences in more detail with all of you when I return to the states!
Our safety has been a big concern for me and I have been so thankful to God for nothing happening to us. We drove past a fellow tour bus in a major wreck yesterday on the way to Cairo, so we know how luck we are.
We are seriously enjoying the cruise lifestyle and are thankful that the weather has been somewhat pleasant. We leave Egypt today and have another day at sea before arriving in Malta, our last port city, then one more day at sea then a return to Barcelona.
Once I arrive back to the mainland, I will be sure to do a more indeapth update! Hope life on the other side of the world has been keeping everyone entertained and in good spirits!
love and joy

Endings....

I know that it has been simply forever, but my life in the UK has officially ended with my arrival at Station Gare du Nord in Paris earlier this evening. I had to say goodbye to London, one of my favorite cities, and my Dad, one of my favorite people. It was an absolute blessing to get to spend the week with him, showing him around my stomping grounds of Capernwray and the Lake District and then getting to show him around London. It made it that much harder to leave London, because it meant having to say goodbye to my Daddy whom I hadn't seen since September. But the good news is that I'll be home in THREE months and then I can see everyone again :-) I'm about to head out into the crazy city of Paris, so wish me luck and I'll be sure to be back and give an update on the last month soon!!!

au revoir

Saying Goodbye...

I really want to be home and giving those I love big hugs and kisses. We lost someone very near to us and we are all reeling from it. Please keep us and his family in your thoughts and prayers. I love you all and hold you so close to my heart.

JUSTIN!

what a blessing....Justin flew through England en route to his deployment location and after some very last minute planning I was able to see him on Tuesday and Wednesday! I only found out on Sunday where he was going to be and showed up on Tuesday morning at the train station in Carnforth and purchased my ticket. After a long morning of traveling I made it to the RAF Lakenheath base and got to wrap my arms around my big brother! We were able to hang out and catch up...I listened to his hilarioius stories of puppy Rex and all sorts of other stories! :-) Being able to talk with him in person was amazing and I had to pinch myself to make sure it wasn't a dream! Because we were on an American Air Force Base, it was just like having a quick visit back to the states; American made vehicles and American products in the exchange...Justin was such an awesome older brother and told me to grab whatever....I could have gone crazy, but had limited space to bring anything back to school, so had to be careful...but I was in a little bit of heaven! It was hard to say goodbye on Wednesday and found it really difficult to get on the train, but it was totally worth the sadness of leaving to be able to see Justin for a bit. It made me miss home and miss all of you, hope all is well and can't wait for July!

Carnforth

Today, Wednesday the 14th of Januray 2009, the 3x's a week mini-bus dropped us off in downtown Carnforth for a few hours of errand running. Katie, Hannah, and I made it through Tesco without too many distractions, then walked across the street to the Carnforth Library, this quaint littl building housing a one room library, but the amazing thing is, they have 6 computers, with FAST internet!! We decided that it would be worth it to sign up for a library card to utilize the internet :-) So, for the past 40 minutes, we have been sitting in the library, out of the cold and catching up with the rest of the world! I love the fact that today, when I have all the access I could need, I really didn't have anything TOO pressing that had to be taken care of on quicker internet...oh well, next trip! Love to you all.