Day One

April 1

We have arrived. And our luggage - which is no short of a miracle after a fifty minute layover in Sweden.

Jet lag is one thing. Exhaustion, though, seems to be another.

I’ve always imagined myself a pretty fierce and practiced traveler. But I seem to be no match for sitting still after the intensity of the past few months. I sit. I sleep.

We are so grateful for this time to step away from the regular into a world that is quite different from our own.

I love the saying, “The farther from home you travel, the greater your perspective of home…”

I am eager to discover the paths laid down already by God’s faithfulness leading me into the next chapter of my life.

Much feels like a blank slate after so much concentrated and focused intensity. It is not only that I no longer have the honor of caring for my dear mom as I did for much of her life; but also the homeschool journey we set off on many years ago is coming to an end. Leah, our sweet youngest, is a senior this year.

Katya has moved out - independent, thriving, and eager to be married this November.

Dan is fully immersed in the world of academia. I cook and clean for little Einstein. And sometimes, if the stars align just right, I even catch a conversation with him!

And Leah, our love, is poised on the very edge of her future… eagerly awaiting medical school of some sort. Waiting to launch herself fully into her future.

Remaining still feels foreign after so much busyness recently. Yet, often, it is only in the stillness - true rest comes.

The deep, true rest of the Cross which leads us… beside the still waters, through the valley of the shadow of death, and sometimes even seats us at the table with our enemies.

His rod and his staff remain faithful for correcting and comforting us.

Surely! Surely goodness and mercy will continue to follow into the future.

We’re currently on the first leg of our little journey across Europe. Today is the little village of Sinnington - in the North York Moors.

Two aunts. Two pups. And beautiful signs of spring all around.