When you move overseas, almost everything changes– at least it felt like that for us. Things you might have previously done for dates, may no longer be an option. That’s why I brainstormed ideas, asked other expats their thoughts, and made a go-to-date-list.
Since it’s the end of January, I’ve taken some time to process the month and plan for the next. I thought about favorite verses, adventures, foods, books, creativity, and my January tending list.
Vision Board–a place for happy photos, reminders, quotes, or words to give us a little nudge when we forget what matters. Here’s why I created one for 2020.
The month before my husband and I were engaged, I was decorating my apartment with my roommate at the time. I realized that I didn’t have any sort of Advent calendar to help me celebrate the days leading up to Christmas. I wanted it to be something that reflected me, something that would last, and that I could take overseas.
These are the top fifteen things on my 2019 Gratitude & Growth list as I have reflected on this past year.
I love organization, if you can’t already tell, and I also love pretty things. Which is why I put thought into my language notebooks even before I actually moved overseas and began learning a foreign language. I definitely could have purchased a notebook here and I’m sure it would have all worked out. But… a moleskin quality notebook with paper that is मोटा (thick or fat) would have been a tossup to even find and if found where I live now, would have been more expensive due to import fees. Thus, I brought moleskins and happy writing utensils from the States.
Everyone has a different journey with learning another language. For a few people, it comes quite easily and quickly yet, for the rest of us, it’s a struggle. A battle in your mind and a battle to fight against lies. I’ll be honest with you– it has been / is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done.
Honestly, I haven’t written a ton about learning another language because it has been rough. I haven’t known what to write about because there have been so many ups and downs, so many moments I questioned if I’ll ever get it or if I’ll ever be truly comfortable with the language. But the best part is that there is grace–grace in the Father and grace we can give ourselves. I am making progress and striving to be faithful with what I’ve been given. Here are some things I’ve learned and what is helping me in this process.
When we moved overseas a year ago, I quickly realized I would be spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I wanted it to be a place that was functional and life-giving, which for me, usually means lots of color mixed with earthy textures and of course, organization. Since there is often the potential for guests, I also wanted everything in the kitchen to have a place and be easy for others to find what they need. Here’s a peak into my life in the kitchen.
If we don’t write down our values or plan to prioritize them, we can easily forget what actually gives us joy and life. For this reason, we chose to enjoy the great outdoors for my birthday weekend and we happened to meet a pretty adorable kid too.
