One year!

 I'm sitting at my kitchen table, built with literal blood and sweat (no tears, because it's in the house). It's 1:19AM, but as tired as I am, I'm feeling very reflective and my fingers are twitching to write. So here we are. 

One year ago, I landed in Luxembourg for this grand new adventure. In the pouring rain, and so jetlagged I forgot my instructions to open the doors to my temporary apartment. I remember settling in, and walking across the street to the gas station grocery for a few things for dinner, then YouTubing to figure out how to turn on the induction stove. It's been a long and hard and rewarding and exciting 366 days since then. 

This morning I bravely faced my first blood draw and lab here in Luxembourg, and navigate those accompanying challenges. I got my insulin supplies the day before, and hopefully my new pump next week. I also met a friend for coffee. She came slightly before me, and in some of our darker days, we decided that we would celebrate our one-year milestones in Luxembourg. She came with a beautiful bag of gifts, and it was a sweet time of reflecting on our challenges and triumphs here in Luxembourg.

This afternoon was spent in my annual review with my boss. I'm beyond grateful to work for a truly good human, and it was nice to review my year here professionally as well. That has also presented numerous challenges, as I have had to learn new cultures, office politics, new communication styles, and much more. However, I couldn't be happier in what I am doing, as well as who I get to do it with. 

This evening was spent with my community. We had a Friday night dinner, where I got to hold one of my favorite babies; after dinner, one of my friends suggested a walk, as the weather was simply gorgeous. We walked through some of the historical area, and I was happy to point out my favorite places and views to my colleague new to Luxembourg. The night ended with a group of us chatting at the church, before heading to the host couples for games well past midnight. 

I wish I had a list of my top lessons or achievements from this past year and my goals for the next year. This year has been HARD. It has been exhausting. It has been filled with so many wonderful people and memories and experiences, but they all come at a personal cost. I'm living a beautiful life, but it is not the life I ever dreamed of or wanted to have. 

Tonight I survey my house. The sprinkler and drinkware collections on the shelves, my Legos on the ledge. The flowers from a new friend in the center of my coffee table. The hum of the dishwasher and the growl of the washing machine. The tray sent from Daniel, filled with chocolates from Poland, USA, and Germany. 

I'm not sure what I want for this next year. For more energy and not to be tired is a given. I want to deepen the relationships I'm building, and prioritize myself more. I want to lean into the moments of rest, and strive for contentment. The only thing I know is this new year is also going to be hard. Perhaps in different ways, but it will be just as exhausting and heavy and rewarding and joyous as this past one. 

A big thank you to those who read my blog, and have checked-in or messaged or supported me on this journey. I'm grateful for the village that surrounds me.