Next Stop: Sweden

Fasten your seat-belts cuz we're heading to Sweden!

Both Ryan and I recently signed a contract to play basketball in Sweden. 

I know RYan will do great just like he always does, but as for me, I haven't fully put my head around the thought of playing seriously again. To be honest, it makes me extremely nervous. And to be even more honest, it brings about many fears. But one thing God has taught me through this lifestyle is that being comfortable is not what grows a follower of Christ. These last two years God has stretched me out of my comfort zone more than any other point in my life. Each new place we go we have to discover a new city, find a new church, make new friends, learn our way around a new grocery store and figure out a new culture or way of life.  I hate change, yet somehow it's the story of my life and I LOVE it. 

In my "uncomfortableness" I've learned that my only comfort is in Christ no matter where I am in the world. His Word is the same in Sweden as it is in America and that's all I need. So why do I fear? I think God chose this lifestyle for me for exactly that reason: To humble myself and not fear men and teach me to trust in His grace and promises.

"What is my only comfort in life and death? That I am not my own, but belong, both body and soul, to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ."

I now have a new opportunity to use basketball - something so comfortable to me - to stretch me in my walk with the Lord as I meet new players and face new challenges on and off the court. Both Ryan and I are thankful for the new set of open doors we might have to share the gospel in a place where the Word of God is lacking. 

We will keep you updated with our Swede Story upon our arrival in Sweden around September. Until then I will probably lay low for the summer months in terms of blogging.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers!

A Small Island Spectacle

This past month we had the privilege of both of our parents visiting us. They were much needed visits after our spells of missing home. Let me just say what a HUGE blessing it is to have two families that are such an encouragement to us in this lifestyle, are readily willing to visit and share our experiences in each place, and take advantage of seeing all that God has made by traveling and visiting places around the world.

Both visits were jam packed with things to see and places to go. Each time we saw a new place in England we were amazed at how we could see God use man to display His glory in different ways. It was exciting to see what God allowed man to build throughout the history of the world. We also began to see that although man's works seem great and mighty and have lasted for hundreds or even thousands of years, they are still insignificant to the great and mighty works of Christ.  For "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings;" and "How great are His signs and how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and His dominion is from generation to generation" (Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:3). 

Because this post is long over due, I'm going to combine many of the events that we saw with both sets of parents and show you our favorite photos from all the field-trips we went on:)

One of the first stops was Lincoln Cathedral

Next, are some sights of Cambridge University

We made our way up to Edinburgh, Scotland for Ryan's 24th Bday and had a wonderful Italian dinner. After our yummy dinner we walked the Royal Mile up to the castle. Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities at night (and during the day!)

As we headed back south, we drove through the Lake District; the perfect, quiet getaway.

Wales is where we spent my 24th Bday...

One of our favorite places we visited was Bath; a very old Roman town.

Stonehenge was next on the list....

A quick stop in Nottingham...

Salisbury Cathedral is one of the more beautiful Cathedrals in England

Shakespeare's Town: Stratford upon Avon

 
 

Of course and England trip isn't complete without seeing London.

Big Ben and all it's splendor

 
 

Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace and London Bridge

Piccadilly Square

There is so much to see in England and these pictures are only a small glimpse to what it has to offer:)

We absolutely loved having our families visit us and see where we live here in England. Remember our house is always open we love visitors!