Briannaelizabeth’s Weblog

Today was my first day of language school in Brussels. I was so nervous because of how difficult Spanish was for me to learn. I thought I would be the only one in the class that only knew colors and numbers and that the day would end with everyone pointing and laughing. Well, there was laughing involved, but it was all in jest: ) The professor had us draw our country and put and X over where we live. Apparently my depiction of the United States was closely resembling a giraffe. O well, I am here to learn French not win poster contests.

The professor was really cool and the other students are really rad. It is fun to have such diverse cultures in one room. I did get lost on the trams coming home from school, but that was expected. I always get lost and I have dealt with that. All in all, it was a great day. I still have not taken any pictures…they will come soon I promise.

This has been a very LONG day! I left good ol’ CA at 8am Monday morning and it is now 6pm on Tuesday  in Belgium and I’m still awake! I slept a few hours on the plane and I just woke up from a small (yet delightful) nap. Everything here looks the same, just different. The drivers are crazy and the weather is very cold. I went grocery shopping today and there was horse meat in the fridge for purchase. Mmm yummy? The family I am staying with is very kind and I should be in my own apartment by the first of the month. Well, that’s all for now, I going to a spring musical thing at their daughter’s school in Waterloo. Wasn’t there a battle there or something?

Five days till I fly out to the land of mussels, chocolate, beer, and waffles.  As I prepare for the trip I face a few challenges. First of all, how do you fit 2 years worth of life into 2 suitcases? Some of my friends overseas managed 1 suitcase…apparently I am more girly than I thought. 

My second challenge is not so much present now…it is just a dark cloud reminding me of what is yet to come: language school. I have tried to no avail to learn simple French words and phrases. My 8 years of Spanish education has ruined me. I say all French words with a Spanish accent. And if I cannot remember the French word, I say it in Spanish (Let’s hope the Belgian people understand Frenspanglish).

Third challenge is getting emotionally, physically, and most importantly spiritually ready for my journey. I think about saying goodbye to my parents and to Beth and I just cannot picture it. I thought rehearsing it in my mind would make it easier once I actually do it, but I think I just haven’t let go yet. I feel sorry for the poor person that gets assigned to sit by me in the plane…they are in for a real treat: ) 

My dreams have been so weird this week. They have not made any real sense, and 2 of them were starring Bob Saget. What does this mean, I wonder?

As for my physical state, I have been walking everyday to get my body used to it. Two years with no car….so weird, but I imagine great for my calf muscles!

Spiritually, the last few months have been rough. I would go back and forth with the Lord about why He allowed such a  delay on my visa. One day I would say “Lord Your will in Your time” the next day I would be like , “Anytime now God”. Through ups and downs He proved faithful to me. I believe He was waiting for me to really ask. Asking Him with faith that He can and will do it. And He did! Now I am trying to get through a devotional called “God’s Heart For The Nations” alongside my normal time with God. It has been brilliantly preparing me for the task, and to give my heart a new lens in which to see the world.

Thank you for your prayers for me during this time. Please pray for my family as I go, and pray for me to let go.

THE DAY HAS FINALLY COME! MY VISA IS IN MY POSSESTION AND I WILL FIND OUT MY FLIGHT DATES ON MONDAY! THANK YOU FOR PRAYERS!