how to plan...

a budget, as a u.s. american (female) living in europe:

1. substitute the make-up category with skin care products. it's all about preserving natural beauty, not covering it up. gurrrrrrlll, show-off that pretty skin of yours!

2. come to terms with the fact that a great deal of your budget will go to coffee and pastries. it's ok, you'll walk it off! coffee shops are the hub of communities, so dive in!

3. if you won't have a vehicle, go ahead and start a "new pants fund"...between the food with fewer preservatives and self-powered transportation (walking), you're going to change size.

4. sometimes you are going to need to go to the movies. honestly, it will make you feel connected with home in some way. and it's nice to hear some English, laugh a little, and relax.

5. plan to cut back on eating out, for multiple reasons. firstly, eating out over here will cost more, so it's better to save it for special times. secondly, your money will go much farther by stocking up at the grocery store and preparing homemade meals. besides, cooking will become a stress-reliever, promise!

6. purchase some earplugs...in case you, like me, end up living below a married couple ;)

7. bring along or buy a pair of hard-soled shoes; it will be the best investment you make here! hard-bottomed shoes you make the rocky world go round!

8. put some money aside to see things. it is easy to spend money on everyday purchases and clothes, but far more worthwhile to put some aside for special outings: concerts, vacations, museums, etc.

9. get a webcam or vonage phone! it makes a world of difference to be able to contact those you love.

10. try to cut back on the unnecessary purchases...europe is a great place to simplify the things in our lives, to appreciate making a lot out of a little, and to place our treasures in things that last: community, relationships, quality time, etc.

when in doubt, laugh...

so this is the secret to surviving in a foreign country...well, at least it's my secret, anyway. I wish I could express how many times a week I am confused about what exactly someone has just said to me. but rather than ask each and every time for them to repeat things, I have learned that a giggle and a smile go a long way. now, I realize this does get me into trouble on occasion. but seriously, it is a wayyyy better alternative! that way, they think I think they are funny, I can pretend I heard whatever I want, and it makes for great laughs later on (when I actually realize what they said!).

case in point: at our cafe downstairs, the owner asked my roommate and I if we were the daughters of a 27 yr. old English taxi cab driver that he knows. in confusion, we just laughed and walked out of the cafe. later on, I realized what he had said...what was I to say?! "why yes, my father did in fact give our mother conception when he was 4!" nope, no response necessary (except laughter). so the cafe staff thinks Lindsey and I are sisters, English, and biological freaks. ehhhhh, oh well :)

to have need...

today is one of those days when truth rains down. sometimes it feels painful, but I trust that God's purposes in the present come from a loving hand. today I am acknowledging that God has created me with a human need for love, community, encouragement, commitment, and faithfulness. and I am exceedingly thankful for those friends He has placed in my life which provide me with a sufficiency in the present. so today, february 15th, I am thanking Him for the gift of singleness. my contentment rests not in the changing of circumstances, but the acceptance of them. I am so thankful for this two year journey the Father has lead me on, what a blessing to be set apart for His growth in my heart and life.

a special thanks to my mom, who has proven to be the friend of a lifetime.