Blessings

I have officially been in Denmark for one week. I feel like I have already been here for so long, but at the same time, everything is still so new and I still feel so alone. I have met so many people and seen so many things in this past week. I have eaten food, I have taken pictures, I have slept, and tried to sleep, I have read, I have journaled, I have prayed. God has blessed me in so many ways.

I am continually amazed at how easy it has been to fit into my host family. It was not difficult for me to figure out the layout of Copenhagen, and while I have certainly gotten lost, I have always been able to find my way eventually. People have been so gracious when I am lost. I have been able to meet new people without fear. I came to this country knowing two girls, and now I know and recognize so many faces. While I am still trying to figure out my friend groups, every passing day gets better.

This last week when I was at my lowest point, the very next day God turned that around and I discovered that there was a women's Bible study that meets weekly. My silly fear that I would not be able to connect with a Christian ministry here is just not true. Today, I had the opportunity to visit a church with some girls from the same Bible study. While I do not think I will make this church my home for the next four months, it was so encouraging to worship with fellow believers again. As I have been surrounded by Christians my entire life, it is a very stark contrast being surrounded by the world even for a short week. God is truly teaching me to rely on him in this time. It is difficult, I must say. But so worth it, I know.

This experience is also teaching me to appreciate so many little things. Long, hot showers. Being able to understand people wherever I go. Wearing sweats in public. Reliable internet. Dryers. Smiling. Hugs. Being loud and silly. Warm weather (even 40's would be great right now).

At the same time though, I would never exchange this opportunity for any of these things. When else would I have such an opportunity to live with a family in Denmark, of all places? To play with Danish kids in a daycare. Or more precisely, to play with Danish kids in a daycare where they go and hang out in the forest instead of a school! To see such beautiful, old buildings every day on my way to school. Swans swimming in the channels. Eating chocolate pretty much everyday. Exploring Hamlet's castle. Worshiping God in an old Lutheran church with people from all over the world. Appreciate the fact that Denmark just won the Handball finals. To live in the happiest place on earth. What more could I want at this moment that God has given me?

So many blessings. Just one week. So many more are ahead of me, I am sure.