New News and Old Olds

Bonjour! Eleven days in Belgium and all is well. At this point I am pretty comfortable being here with the Petries and knowing what is expected of me. As far as out of the house - that's a different story. It is always humbling being in a completely different culture and trying to function and communicate. I realize it would help tremendously if I knew the language, and decided it would be easier for me to learn French than for everyone in Genval to learn English. So I am going to pursue learning the language a bit more than I have been.

From here on out, my schedule is pretty much the same. I work everyday and have Tuesdays off. It hardly feels like I'm working though. It really is just being with Rebecca and taking care of her needs, and as I get to know her, it only gets better. Yesterday being Tuesday, I was off. I went to Chateau de la Hulpe, which is what the above picture is of. It is acres and acres of beeauutiiffull land and old, historical chateau (the castle looking thing) about a 10 minute bus ride from the house. As I walked through it I felt a little like I was in Narnia - it was all so gorgeous and peaceful. My feelings might have also been affected by the fact that I was reading one of the Chronicles of Narnia, but, nonetheless, it was magical. I hope to return there with a bike sometime so I can explore some more. It was good to get away and relax, read, and re-energize.

There is a lot happening and my days are often busy, and there is likewise a lot going on in my mind and heart. I'm learning practical things from Rebecca concerning gardening, birds, and cooking as she instructs me and I act as her hands. I am also continually impressed by her character and there are many traits from her it would behoove me to adopt. I am learning so much from Paul about European culture, politics, and history. I am learning what it means to be full of grace and to function in open relationship with people. I feel like the Father is opening my heart towards Him and teaching me about Himself and shedding light on things that are inside of me. It is good to have time to seek Him. I pray I use it wisely.

I am continuing to enjoy the Belgian delicacies, the beautiful weather, and the people. It is good to be here. I am grateful for the opportunity. I am trying to keep pressing in and not give into monotony or stagnancy. No, I have not yet had a waffle. Maybe next week.

Belgian Beginnings

Well, I think I'm European: tea with bread and jam for breakfast, cheese for lunch, afternoon tea time, and wine with every meal. I have now been here in Belgium for 4 days, and it has been good. This photo is of the view out the window right outside my bedroom. It is beautiful here. The Petries did an incredible job of welcoming me and helping me feel comfortable. And I overlapped a couple days with the previous caregiver, Mary Beth Kopechek, who I already knew, so that also tremendously helped with learning everything, and it has been good to be with her. Rebecca is a quadriplegic, and most of my role is being with her and caring for her. It is a lot to remember and a bit draining, but it is incredible to be with her and her husband, Paul, and get to know them. Rebecca is delightful. She is so gracious and appreciative, and very patient with me as I'm learning everything. We are already getting very close. I am amazed at her closeness to the Lord and how it enables her to embrace life and her situation positively. Her accident has completely changed her life and the life of her family, yet they have all adjusted and done what they need to to support eachother and continue on. It really is encouraging to be around people of such great faith. I'm excited that the Lord gave me the opportunity to build friendships like these.
I haven't gotten out of the house very much yet, as I'm still feeling things out and learning my position here. But from what I've seen, the town of Genval where they live, right outside of Brussels, is quite quaint and gorgeous. Over the course of my time here I will have time to get out and see a little bit more of Belgium.
I am grateful for everyone's prayers. I made it here safely and smoothly, and the transition has gone quite well and I believe a lot of it is because people have been praying.
I read this morning Psalm 16:2 " I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord, I have no good apart from you.'" And I feel like that is something I am learning to grasp, that He is my good. In the moments where I miss everyone at home, and it's hard, and I'm uncomfortable, I have to learn that He is enough; I have to know Him as "my only good." So, prayer would help in this area. Also that I would retain all the information involved in caring for Rebecca. And that God would help me be totally here, mind and heart, involved in these relationships.
This is just the beginning. I know there are good things to come.

Start

Well...this is just the start.