Two Years

 I sit in my living room, the clicking of the keys the loudest noise right now. It's been a full week. Thursday was the Psalms and Sisters, young women's group, with about 16 women filling my living room. Friday was unofficial "Friday dinner" with 16 young adults filling said living room, the last ones peeling off only around 2AM. Saturday was scheduled rest day, but included a phone call with my dear Boston friend, a walk around the city centre with a dear Lux friend, and ended with tea at my Lux best friend's apartment. Sunday has included church, lunch out with the young adults, tea + cake at my house this afternoon for the group, and a simple dinner for the last remaining girl. 

This is not unlike a lot of other weekends here. My house is often filled, and I'm glad for that. It can be exhausting, for sure, but my heart is so full. I'm doing what I believe I have been called to do, and I'm living in that strength. 

Last night, I scrolled on my phone the pictures from the last 12 months in Luxembourg. I feel so happy and settled here, and like I truly belong. But so much of that is due to the people here. Mainly from the church, the local university, and a few close colleagues. There were pictures on the balcony, walking through Luxembourg City in every season, baby showers, birthday parties, random game nights together. There were hikes in the north, south, east, and west of Luxembourg. There were visits to castles and the valleys, dungeons and rivers. There have been so many meals shared in this house. Some fancy and planned, like Easter and Thanksgiving; but many unplanned. Impromptu Sunday tea and cake, leading into dinner; many random weekend evenings gathering for pizzas, or whatever was on sale at the Delahaize. 

My tray of treats is piled high at present, with a corked wine bottle next to it. People always bring drinks and snacks to my house, and it's lovely to receive their contributions, and as was the case today- share it with new people in subsequent days as well. 

At the door hangs my coat, and foldable rain jacket, a necesary staple in this country. Yesterday I finally planted some tulip bulbs in pots on the porch, to see if they'll hang on to life as the four gifted plants inside the house are somehow managing to do. 

The guest room bed has seen so many sleepers on it since we built it; from last-minute guests due to delayed/cancelled trains, naps on a Sunday afternoon, or pre-scheduled guests who want to do something late in the evening in the city- it's serving it's purpose well. 

Now I hear the bus driving by. It took some getting used too, but I can navigate my way well on the transit here. I have timed splits to catch my preferred bus every morning, at two different stops; some mornings, I take my 2nd choice bus line, having memorized that schedule as well. I know the splits to the airport, and don't bother with my phone navigation to many places I frequent here in Luxembourg. This past week, I also used a car, and navigated my way around as well. 

Not every day is hunky dory perfection. There is plenty that is so hard, and I struggle with (as I think about a missed medication dose, as I need to travel 2 hours away to get a refilled prescription). But that's not to dwell on at this moment. Today is about being here; managing life, and not just surviving but thriving at the moment. 

Tomorrow I'll be with my beloved truck. Tonight, my boss has arrived in Luxembourg. The man who took a chance to hire me and give me this opportunity of a lifetime, and has supported me in everyway since that Friday night when he texted me I had the job. I'll see students from the first ever class I taught, as well as the last. I'll show off my truck to our partners, and my friends. I've made dinner reservations at restaurants I enjoy, and emailed people a list of my favorite things. 

I remember the day I arrived- pouring rain, as I would come to learn is the norm. I was too jet lagged to manage to open the door or remember the code, so I somehow managed to call someone in the UK to give me the instructions that finally got me inside my temporary housing. Once I got my bearings, I went across the street to the gas station market, and bought a few things to cook for dinner. It was the start of an incredible adventure that I'm so grateful to be continuing.