No one to thank but God

There are no words to describe the adventure I've been on the last four months. I've been scared, excited, nervous, anxious, and completely filled with God's love. My time here is coming to an end and I have genuinely loved every second of my time in Europe. Through all the emotions, I have learned so much about myself and the vast world that I live in. I am small, especially after seeing the great masterpieces such as the Sistene Chapel, the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, or Big Ben. I am small to the people who rush by me everyday. I am small compared to the ocean that separates my family from me. I am small to the beauty and serenity of Oxford. I am not small in God's eyes. He loves me for my mistakes, poor judgements, and flaws. He sees me as a woman of God who constantly strives to be more like him. I am a woman who wants nothing more than to do God's will and live a life that is pleasing to him. I've encountered obsticles not only this semester as I have lived in a foreign country, but my entire life. Through all the heart aches and temptations I have no one to thank but my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the trials I have faced, because my relationship with God has grown significantly. God has significantly blessed my life this semester. He has shown me that he not only loves me, but the entire world around me. He has shown me that I can be a light to other people, showing God's love and forgiving in all circumstances. I will remember my study abroad experience for the rest of my life. I will never forget the places I've travled, the breath-taking masterpieces I have seen, the friendships I've developed, the romance of Paris, or the walk down city-center Oxford. My pictures will be life-time treasures. My memories will keep the joy of Oxford in my heart. Thank you God for providing my parents the means to support my life-changing experience. Thank you mom and dad for having the courage and the faith to send me over-seas, not knowing if I would make it back. Thank you Oxford for changing my life.

Memories of Paris

Paris... the most romantic city

I can definitely say that I was not prepared for my weekend in Paris. I was not prepared to be completely swept off my feet by the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, the strong friendship and bond the group formed, the laughs that came out of everyone, the smiles that lit up our faces, or the romance that filled my heart. On the bus, I first saw the top of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. A giant smiled covered my face from ear to ear and goose bumps took over my body. As the bus drove closer and closer, my heart beated faster and faster. That night, a grou of us wandered the streets of Paris down St. Germain street. I found The Deux Magots cafe that my parents took a picture in front of when they visited back in August. The next day started off with an early visit to the Louvre. The Mona Lisa was great, but the glass pyramid was my favorite. Once again, I couldn't believe that I was standing in front of such a famous structure. Oh, how blessed I am. After, my group grabbed lunch and we had a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. Then, Ryker took me to see the Arc de Triumph. The Arc was stunning! I loved finally seeing it! Ryker knew how much I wanted a picture in front of The Deux Magots cafe, so we took the subway to the cafe and I got my picture! Next, our entire group went up to the top of the Eiffel Tower! We went at the perfect time.. 7:30. We watched the sun set as we looked down on the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. Just as the sun set, Ryker kissed me. Yes, on top of the Eiffel Tower. Not many people get to say that. Then the two of us took a boat cruise along the Siene River.. gorgeous. The next day our group got the once in a lifetime chance to go to church AT NOTRE DOME!!! The organ was loud, incredible and sent chills down my spine. Another picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower occured after church, followed by a visit to Montmare distric with the Moulin Rouge. Sancre Clur was next on the agenda and then we went back to the hostel to get ready for the Fat Tire Bike Tour. I was so stoked about this bike tour, because I took one in Barcelona and loved it. The bike tour, besides the Eiffel Tower, was my favorite part of Paris. The whole group was together, laughing and having a terrific time. A couple crashes occured, along with me running my bike into a tree.. no big deal. I had the best chocolate ice cream ever, rode down the streets of Paris, and experienced the best weekend of Paris with the best people in the world. My favorite part, a moment that I will never forget, is when we entered the Louvre. As we crossed through the entrance, the surrounding buildings literally glistened in the night's sky. A man sat alone playing his cello, which sent a magical sound around us. As we turned the corner, the glass pryamid glowed so brightly. This was magical. Being the only ones around the glass pyramid, listening to the sounds of the cello, and taking pictures with my friends was perfect. I honestly did not want to leave. Unfortunately, the next morning we left Paris. As the bus drove away from the city, a tear fell from my eye. I left a bit of my heart in Paris. I will never forget the memories I made and the romantic and exciting moments that happened. Paris was the perfect trip to end the most amazing semester of my life.

So Far

language barriers? yes
wierd food? yes
do i stand out in the crowd? yes
am i so thankful for all the current trouble in Greece b/c the Euro is closer to the dollar? YES
mastering the art of airports and security? yes
learning not to smile at strangers? yes
learning to guard my backpack with my life? yes
ready to put on a swimsuit? yes (and i did)
learning to check my room # before trying to enter? yes (story)
was my first time to see the moon and stars in Cinque Terre, Italy? yes
having to walk outside to get to every plane? yes (oh Ryan Air)
thankful for McDonalds? yes

having the time of my life and experiencing traveling, learning and growing around the world? YES.
This has been a semester of a lifetime

One day soon

I know my God has you picked out for me
and you will be all I will ever need.
Just like I pick off the petals of a daisy,
I can only guess who you are.
I cannot wait until you get on your knee
and ask me to be yours forever.
Watching sunsets
taking walks
dancing in the hallway
playing cards
tickle fights
are the little things that mean the most to me.
We will have eternity in each other's arms,
but until then I have to wait and see...

Easter in England

As I spend my Easter in Oxford, England I can't help but think of how blessed I am. Last night as I was laying in bed, I heard the angelic sounds of a choir outside my window. I jumped out of bed and opened the window. To my surprise, I saw a group of people gathered around a nearby church. Each person held a lit candle and worshiped the Lord. I left my window open and the gorgeous singing drifted me to sleep. I woke up with the most peaceful sensation. I pulled the curtains open and the yellow daises I bought the night before shined in the sunlight. As I gazed out the window I thought of last night when I heard the beautiful singing. Even though I'm not in Amarillo, TX, it is so comforting to know that I can worship my Lord no matter where I am. This Easter I am in Oxford, England. Next Easter, who knows where I will be. But one thing is for sure I will be worshiping my Lord and giving him the love and adoration he deserves. Happy Easter to you, wherever you are.