Time Flies! Halfway through my semester in Holland

I've been in Holland for about two months, half of the semester. It's hard to believe bc so much has happened, yet time seems to be going so fast! Thankfully, now I feel like this is home. I'm really comfortable with my host family as they've made such an effort to include me in their family. I've gotten used to public transportation and riding my bike in zwolle and the Netherlands. I've only been in a car three times in the past two months, quite the switch from life in America. It's refreshing spending so much time outside especially with the beautiful 50 and 60 degree weather this week. One of my favorite parts of the day is running around the lake right before sunset, the sky is beautiful as the sun peaks through the clouds and reflects off the water. These moments have been comfdorting/reassuring as they remind me of the presence of God in my life no matter how far away I am from normalcy, convenience, and home comforts.

One thing I always enjoy is when people ask me a question in Dutch, I really feel like a local (until I have to respond that I only know English). In Italy someone told me I had Dutch eyes, a good thing I'm hoping. My travels around Europe so far have shown me that I do look Dutch compared to the other ethnicities...which I love :) still the most difficult part is the language barrier, while most people speak English well, the tv news and newspapers are in Dutch and labels in the grocery stores- I spent almost an hour in the store one night before I cooked for my family bc I couldn't figure out what things were.

This semester is a good transitory time, While I'm living with a family, I still have a lot of independence in choices and travels. I'm without the direct influence of family and roommates yet have support here. It's been interesting to reflect on how this has affected me. I look forward to devotions more than I ever have, just having my quite time. I'm challenged much more to stay in contact with friends and family from back home. I recognize small conveniences and things I miss from home. Being here has made me so thankful for my life in America, yet has opened up my eyes to the opportunities and possibilities in the rest of the world - I think I've got the travel bug!