Where Are You From?

We have been in Belgium for six months now! It has gone so fast! One of the things that has surprised me (among other things) is that we are often asked where we are from. It's surprising to me because I feel like we stick out as Americans so much. I don't know why I feel that way, but I really do feel like there's an American flag hovering over my head when we go out. But really, a lot of people can't tell. The other day, I went into a store and asked if we could speak in English. Throughout the course of our conversation, the lady who was helping me told me that I spoke English very well. In my head I was laughing and wondering where she thought I was from?! I don't know where she thought I was from, but it seemed like such an odd comment.

The funny thing is that I feel like we totally belong here now. I can't believe that, in the short six months we've been here, I feel so at home. I know I have posted before about being nervous that we would never feel at home here. Before we left, Cole and I decided that, if we were going to feel comfortable here, we would have to be committed to making this our home. And we have worked really hard to do that...making our loft a space where we feel comfortable and at home, trying to learn the language and culture here, finding community, and making ourselves get out, explore, and become comfortable with our surroundings. In fact, I have become so comfortable here that I often forget that we are in a different country until I go out and everyone around me is speaking a different language!

I have no doubt that our ability to adjust and feel comfortable so quickly are signs that we are right where God wants us to be...that's a good feeling! Even though there are lonely and frustrating days, we are so thankful for this opportunity and the ways we have grown as individuals and as a family! We are looking forward to continuing this journey and seeing what the next six months entail!