Brussels Impressions

I can't believe that I am writing this from the 6th floor of an old building in Brussels, which I now call home. Never would I have imagined that this would be my life at this time, but I don't think I would trade it for anything.

Trams run loudly through the streets. Voices call to each other. Boisterous laughter fills the air. Languages from all over the world chatter back and forth in a kind of international dish - each language a spice that adds flavor to the taste. A moped goes by like an angry hornet. The night life of Brussels.

I sat on the roof this evening skyping with a friend. I was blown away by what I saw while I was up there. The city goes on and on - an unending sea of tiled roofs and tall buildings. You can sense the history of each terrace and balcony. The sun and clouds created an aura of a time not that long ago when maybe life was simpler and the need to be busy was not a thing to be concerned with. When maybe time was really like the old photographs.

The noise is unending. Some say Brussels is a spiritually dead city - that it is not ever going to change. I don't believe that. Noise means life. It's when we become silent that we die inside.

As I've wandered through Brussels the last two days, I keep asking myself what a small town Oregon girl is doing in a city like this. God must have me confused with another Katy from the States. I stand by these old buildings and monuments surrounded by people I can't understand, and I feel so small. But I know I'm not. Face after face, soul after soul walk by me. I can't help but wonder what their story is, what they have been through, what they will be. I remember that I am here to tell them my story about where I have been and what God has made me to be. I am not really all that small. I have a place here in Brussels. I have a purpose. I might not understand what my purpose is yet, but it is not to simply be another face in the crowd.

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. Make your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." Ps. 90:12-17

Melted milk chocolate on a freshly baked waffle is life changing.