one long Y E A R in europe

I've been reflecting a lot this last couple weeks. Earlier this month, we hit a year since we left Kansas and set off on this adventure. This last week, we hit our one-year mark since landing in Germany.
I've said {repeatedly} leaving Kansas was one of the hardest things we've had to do as a family. This picture of Caden from last year kind of sums up how all of us were feeling. Blah.

I think our first six months in Germany were perhaps one of our toughest of all time, as well. Looking back, I'm so grateful for where we are. For the holidays this year, I'd like to forget last year ever happened and have this be our re-do.

A few other thoughts I've had on this last year:

T H E N  and  N O W

We were driving on bike paths................... we now hike and walk on them and love them.
We never thought we'd learn our way around- ever................... we still use our GPS a LOT even if it's to a place just 10 minutes away.
I was especially afraid to drive.......................... we fit right in and actually like the way Germans drive- it's the Americans who are frustrating.
We had no friends................... we've been blessed with an abundance of friends who will be friends for life.
We were in culture shock................. we're learing and even enjoying the culture.
We wanted to start seeing Europe.................... between all of us, we've seen parts of eight countries {Germany, France, England, Holland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria and Croatia} and can't wait to see more.
We were living in a hotel and unsettled for months................ we're settled and enjoy our house every day.
We were really, really sad............................. we're much happier now and in a good place. That doesn't mean things are easy- some days are still really hard.

That also doesn't mean we don't miss our friends and family. We do- terribly miss everyone. But, life is good. We're ok and are going to make it.

Hopefully, the next couple years cruise by as well and we can get back to our house and life in Kansas!

In the meantime, we're trying to do and see all we can while we're here.

Up next... a mini-vacation this week for us back down to Garmisch for Thanksgiving. It's one of the most beautiful places we've been- ever. To combat the lack of family and mini-bake ovens that most of us have- it's a popular Thanksgiving spot especially for those who ski.

For us, it will be fun with friends as several families are going to be down there with us. We also hope to sneak in some ice skating and possibly a day-trip to Munich to hit the Christmas market set to open this weekend. It's less than an hour's drive from the hotel. We can't wait- everyone is so excited.

Wow, what a difference a year makes.