This past Sunday I had the opportunity to go with my roommate to Szczecin, a larger city in Poland. Our friend invited us to come and spend the day with her. What a wonderful experience. During the past few months I have been surrounded by newness. Though I have become used to the way things work here, they are not all normal for me. Going to Szczecin, I was able to experience some things that reminded me of home.
One of the things that reminded me the most of home, was a trip to Starbucks. It seems simple right?! Well I have not had Starbucks in at least three months. Walking into the store, I felt like I was at home. The menu looked practically the same as the menu at home, and I was able to do everything ALL BY MYSELF. It was seriously an amazing feeling. As the day continued, we did more things that felt like home. I was so comfortable.
It is so crazy how refreshing it can be to experience something familiar. But I think if we want to truly grow, we must spend some time away from what we know and love. Looking back to that day, I realize that I am thankfully for being pushed out of my comfort zone. This evening I was listening to the song "Oceans" by Hillsong. There is a part that says "Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior." I used to sing this song as a prayer. Asking God to take me somewhere that I could never go on my own, somewhere unknown, but somewhere that would strengthen my relationship with Him. Well here I am, in a "random" country, where I never would have ended up without Him. And yes, I am in pretty deep. BUT, with Him I can be comfortable in this new land.
Not only did Sunday remind me of home, but so did the presence of Thanksgiving. I knew that it was going to be different this year, but I did not realize how different. To keep Thanksgiving alive in Poland, I decided that I would teach my students about the holiday. This was a great learning experience for me as well. The first Thanksgiving was monumental. The pilgrims had been having some seriously difficult times, and thanks to the Native Americans they were able to survive. Mentally I had been telling myself that I wouldn't be celebrating Thanksgiving this year, but this is because I had forgotten what it is all about. Although I do love Thanksgiving food, this is a time that is about giving thanks. For cherishing what and who we have in our lives. Although I was away form my family on this special day, I was able to Skype them. I was also able to spend a lot of time thinking about what I am thankful for. Because Thursday is an extremely busy day for me, I was unable to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal. However, my roommate and myself took the time to have a special meal at a nearby restaurant. It was not the same, but for this year it will do.
Although home is thousands of miles away, it is ALWAYS close to my heart. I am here because God called me and I answered. This too can be my home.
One of the things that reminded me the most of home, was a trip to Starbucks. It seems simple right?! Well I have not had Starbucks in at least three months. Walking into the store, I felt like I was at home. The menu looked practically the same as the menu at home, and I was able to do everything ALL BY MYSELF. It was seriously an amazing feeling. As the day continued, we did more things that felt like home. I was so comfortable.
It is so crazy how refreshing it can be to experience something familiar. But I think if we want to truly grow, we must spend some time away from what we know and love. Looking back to that day, I realize that I am thankfully for being pushed out of my comfort zone. This evening I was listening to the song "Oceans" by Hillsong. There is a part that says "Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior." I used to sing this song as a prayer. Asking God to take me somewhere that I could never go on my own, somewhere unknown, but somewhere that would strengthen my relationship with Him. Well here I am, in a "random" country, where I never would have ended up without Him. And yes, I am in pretty deep. BUT, with Him I can be comfortable in this new land.
Not only did Sunday remind me of home, but so did the presence of Thanksgiving. I knew that it was going to be different this year, but I did not realize how different. To keep Thanksgiving alive in Poland, I decided that I would teach my students about the holiday. This was a great learning experience for me as well. The first Thanksgiving was monumental. The pilgrims had been having some seriously difficult times, and thanks to the Native Americans they were able to survive. Mentally I had been telling myself that I wouldn't be celebrating Thanksgiving this year, but this is because I had forgotten what it is all about. Although I do love Thanksgiving food, this is a time that is about giving thanks. For cherishing what and who we have in our lives. Although I was away form my family on this special day, I was able to Skype them. I was also able to spend a lot of time thinking about what I am thankful for. Because Thursday is an extremely busy day for me, I was unable to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal. However, my roommate and myself took the time to have a special meal at a nearby restaurant. It was not the same, but for this year it will do.
Although home is thousands of miles away, it is ALWAYS close to my heart. I am here because God called me and I answered. This too can be my home.