Living for the Weekends.

This idea of "living for the weekends" is a concept many of us have been struggling with/coming to terms with here in Brussels. The weekends offer exciting visits to new cities, as we are packing more travel into four short months than most people get to do in life time - such a blessing. Still while these weekends are incredible, it leaves the weeks incredibly busy. Sometimes it seems like we are just holding on, trying to push through the week in anxious preparation for the weekend travel that lies ahead. In part, this is natural. After all, when you are traveling to a new city every weekend, of course you are going to be anxious and excited. But this phenomenon is also making me freak out a little bit, because as we near the half way point in our trip I'm afraid I haven't gotten to know this crazy, cold, confusing, and culturally blended city well enough. This is when I have to remind myself that I'm not just visiting this city for a few days, packing in as many museums and as much of the local food as I can (like I do on all the weekend visits), I am living here. And I know my life and my routine here well.

So maybe knowing this city is different than I thought. It's simple things like enjoying my morning oatmeal and coffee before heading off to parliament or sitting around the apartment in our conference chairs and catching up with my roommates.  It's knowing my path to work, grocery shopping on Monday mornings, and dining at our favorite local pub. It's learning about the people, whether that be by talking with my co-workers about life in Bulgaria as they broke away from Communism or through spotting fashion trends on the street (like the hip girl in her oxford pumps and lime green umbrella or the trendy guy in a skinny suit, thick glasses, and pointed shoes). It's g-chatting with Sara Beth at work, meeting up with friends in the parliament sandwich shop, and waiting for my door to buzz so I can make the trek to VeCo with Cameron and Cole. It's becoming aware of the city and the world around me as I develop opinions on the EU and get a firsthand look at the debt crisis unfolding around me. It's learning about how faithful God is.

So in the midst of feeling overwhelmed by time slipping away, I'm learning to look around while I'm waiting at the crosswalk, to smile, and to soak in every second I have here.

On that note, it's off to finish a paper, pack, and head to bed because before I know it tomorrow morning will roll around and then it's off  to the land of tea & crumpets, William & Kate, and most importantly a reunion with Julie Jarriel & Olivia LeCompte - yes, I am going to London!
#BESTWEEKENDOFOURLIVES